Jiang Yi lowered his Flame Light and gathered in its fiery rays, landing halfway up the mountain as the rules required.
He planted his feet steadily on a broad forecourt, and a magnificent hall built against the mountainside came into view.
It had double eaves and nine roof ridges, with beast ornaments swallowing the ridge ends. Beneath them hung a gilded plaque bearing the words "Ultimate Merit Academy" in bold, vigorous strokes, its imposing presence pressing down on him.
"Certainly much grander than Qigong Court."
Jiang Yi gave it a cursory glance. The vermilion doors were studded with bronze nails, and two ferocious beast statues cast from heavy iron crouched beside them, each over ten feet tall.
Their claws rested on embroidered balls, and spiritual light shone in their eyes. As though possessed of souls, they stared fixedly at the newcomer.
"Disciple Jiang Yi, here to receive my assignment with the Merit Oversight Court."
He waved the jade command token Zhou Fu had bestowed on him twice. The two beast statues immediately withdrew their gazes, becoming lifeless objects once more.
"It seems there really aren't many Inner Peaks disciples who can come here."
Jiang Yi found the Ultimate Merit Academy exceptionally quiet, unlike Qigong Court, where people frequently came and went.
He suddenly recalled a "fortuitous encounter" the Heavenly Book had once revealed.
The seventh-grade cultivation method chiefly practiced by the Sect Master's lineage, the Cloud-Walking Rain-Generating True Spirit Art, was stored here.
Back then, he had sighed that he might never have a chance in his lifetime to approach such a restricted place. Now, he had stepped inside himself.
"People's fortunes truly do change with the times. One shouldn't rush to conclusions."
Jiang Yi walked slowly through the entrance. Golden pillars stood like a forest within the great hall,