There was half a stele in Black Dragon Pool of the Miaojiang Five Poisons... It seemed Song Chengxi had comprehended the peerless Cold Toad Art by studying that half of a Heavenly Book Stele.
The meaning behind the old man who had blocked his path was clear now, too.
He must have had some connection to the one in Pengxuan Grotto-Heaven on Mount Tai, enough to let Cao Jinxing go inside and take a look...
So that was it.
"Thank you for your guidance, Senior."
Cao Jinxing thanked him earnestly.
"No need to be polite."
The old Taoist shook his head. "These are merely a few elusive secrets. Once your cultivation rises a little higher, you'll naturally encounter them. I see you took a fifth-floor token. Your eldest brother agreed to let you in?"
"Yes."
Cao Jinxing picked up the fifth-floor catalog on the table and leafed through it, unsure where to begin. "I already have enough martial arts, and I'm not short of weapons. Do you have any advice, Senior?"
"Hmm..."
The old Taoist paused, looking a little hesitant.
"Please speak freely, Senior."
Seeing a chance, Cao Jinxing said, "You've guarded the Secret Vault for so long, you must know everything on the fifth floor like the back of your hand. My knowledge is limited, and this opportunity is hard to come by. Whatever suggestions you have, please tell me. I trust you wouldn't harm me."
"..."
Hearing his utterly sincere words, the old Taoist sighed repeatedly. "What a shame. What a shame..." The more he dealt with Cao Jinxing, the more he regretted Dragon-Tiger Mountain's loss.
This young man had both outstanding character and talent. Such a promising prospect had joined the Pacification Commission, leaving him no way to poach him even if he wanted to!
Had he