After getting dressed, Lingyun set off toward the library located at the eastern end. Along the way, people looked at him strangely, wondering about his unusual attire.
Observing these stares, he merely smiled while fanning himself, exuding a noble aura—and the impression of a troublesome person at first glance—and keeping the curious at a distance.
After fifty minutes, he arrived at a large five-story building. The surface was made of something blue, unknown to Lingyun.
'Ice Library... or Crystal Library?'
He wondered ironically, then took a deep breath. In the next instant, he stepped inside. The place was filled with books of various colors, sizes, and basic knowledge.
Something he didn't care about. With a bored expression on his face, he walked toward the stairs, which were protected by a barrier formation. The only way to unlock it was with spirit stones.
One hundred per hour—the price of the second floor.
It was quite expensive. Lingyun frowned but paid. He had money. After paying, the barrier before him dissolved. He then climbed to the second floor, which was practically the same as the first—shelves filled with books scattered around the area, all related to cultivation knowledge.
This tempted him. As a task disciple, he had no knowledge beyond the basics. So this was a good opportunity for him.
Stopping on the second floor, Lingyun delved deeper, studying cultivation thoroughly. After two hours, he learned new things.
The second realm was called the True Realm, where the goal was to transform Spiritual Energy into True Essence, condensing it within the human body.
The third was called the Spiritual Realm, where the True Essence was fused with the human body. At this stage, it was possible to fly through the skies.
After that, there was no more information—because it wasn't necessary. In the Low Lands, the third main realm was the highest.
'The immortal path truly is incredible... a true struggle to transcend human limitations.'
Lingyun's eyes sparkled after this revelation, and in the next moment, he moved up to the next floor, which cost five hundred low-grade spirit stones.
This new cost made him even more bitter—but he paid anyway. Upon reaching the third layer, he saw people. It was the first time he had seen anyone since entering.
This surprised him and made him look at them. The figures were two women—one dressed in black armor, holding a spear, and the other with the temperament of a battle angel.
'Who is she?'
Lingyun had never seen anyone like her—especially with such unusual white hair and golden eyes. She also wore armor, but hers was entirely silver.
'Strange... what's someone like her doing here? In such a desolate place?'
He pondered but came to no conclusion. In the end, he paid them no more attention and moved on to the fourth floor. The price was one thousand low-grade stones. After paying, he vanished.
And reappeared in a new place. But this time, it wasn't knowledge—it was techniques of various categories: Cultivation, Combat, Weapons, Planting, Puppetry, Alchemy, Refining.
"????"
Lingyun blinked, confused. 'Isn't this supposed to be a library?'
He raised his eyebrows and then looked at the receptionist—a beautiful woman who, upon seeing his gaze, smiled seductively and walked toward him.
"Do you need anything, young master?" she whispered flirtatiously.
Lingyun said nothing, merely casting a disdainful look at her from the corner of his eyes.
'Money... with it, things are simple.'
He understood this basic ethic—but still felt disgust toward people like her—those who, in reality, would be the first to stab you in the back, focused only on personal gain.
The person in front of him was a prime example. If she found out his true situation, she would be the first to spread rumors about a wealthy task disciple. From there, endless problems would follow. Even the sect itself would become a dangerous place. Elder Lu was a prime example of that.
'I'm taking too many risks. A single mistake and I'm dead. But I have no choice... I need to do this to continue on the immortal path. If I hide and don't spend the only thing I have—money—I'll never become strong. I'll always be stuck at the third level! Someone without talent like me either goes all in—or accepts fate.'
Lingyun chose the first option. With a flick of his fan, he entered acting mode. "I need you to come with me. Are you up for it?"
"Yes. Does the young master wish to go somewhere?"
"Is that important right now? I have a beauty in front of me. Why would I think of anything else?" Lingyun smiled—and at the same time, let his eyes travel down the woman's body.
'I never thought I'd act like those spoiled rich brats.'
He laughed at himself and looked at the woman, who was blushing. Instinctively, Lingyun's disdain grew.
"If the young master wants a more intimate conversation—I don't think this is a good place. The back area is better for a calmer talk, don't you agree?"
The woman averted her gaze. Deep down, she was a snake. From the moment she saw him enter, she planned to seduce him. There weren't many who had that much money. Only youths from powerful families. Even without seeing his face behind the mask—it didn't matter.
"That sounds like an offer... but this young master is in trouble right now. My father promised me a great reward if I reach the damn fourth level of the human realm! But my damn talent is limiting me! You work in a library. Do you know any way to break this cursed limit?" Lingyun's eyes were bloodshot.
The woman, hearing this, wasn't surprised—but her eyes shone even brighter. It seemed the answer was just right. This youth really was from a great family—and his talent was trash! But who cared, when he had status? Even if inferior—it was enough to live a prosperous life.
"Come with me, young master, to the fifth floor. Can the young master pay?"
"Money is not a problem. If you help me well—I can pay you. Want to earn spirit stones for free... or something else?" Lingyun asked, touching her shoulder.
"I don't want money from the young master. If he can kill my loneliness—this little one will be happy enough." She responded like a pitiful person.
'This woman...'
Lingyun rolled his eyes but said nothing, letting her dream.
"Let's go!" he said, grabbing her hand and heading toward the fifth floor.
As the two vanished—a woman in white appeared on the fourth floor, materializing like a ghost. And after looking up, she disappeared.