The trip was shorter than I expected.
But I suppose it makes sense, keeping martial arts close to the martial hall.
Instructor Han leads me through a side corridor, with guards positioned on both sides.
To my surprise, they both give Han a respectful bow.
Their eyes land on me only for a brief moment, before Han signals them not to.
Good job, Han. Keep looking at the floor.
My gaze falls onto the giant gate covered in seals and ornaments.
This extravagance puts the training hall's gate to shame.
Finally... The library. I've had to go through so much just to get here...
A few seals flare as one guard presses a token to the surface.
''You may go in.''
...
I raise an eyebrow at Han.
''...?''
''Oh, my apologies, Young Master.''
With a swift motion, Han steps forward and pushes the gates open for me.
Satisfied, I give him a brief nod.
Good. I'm not touching any doors today. Learned my lesson, thank you.
As I enter, I can't help but admire the interior.
Rows upon rows of shelves stretch out before me, laden with scrolls, bound tomes, and jade slips neatly arranged by discipline.
No attendants in sight. Good. I prefer it that way.
The footsteps behind me fade. I turn around and see Han bowing respectfully to me.
''Young Master, I will stay outside and ensure no one bothers you.''
I nod once as the heavy doors close with a muffled thud behind me.
Alone, at last.
I stroll down the nearest aisle, hands clasped behind my back like I own the place. Which, technically, I kind of do. Or well, will do.
The labeling is quite nice. Movement techniques, spear techniques, fist techniques...
Hmm?
A slim, unassuming scroll catches my attention.
''Silent Pulse Breathing.''
Sounds intriguing. Let's see.
''A Qi control technique. Suppresses presence, masks fluctuations. Perfect for infiltration and subterfuge.''
Say less.
I tuck the technique under my arm and continue browsing.
A few steps later, a flashy crimson scroll catches my eye.
''Ninefold Thunder Collapse.''
Looks amazing. Sounds amazing. Needs lightning affinity.
I've got… fear. Yeah, no.
Next shelf, a crimson manual with chains around it.
''Bloodflame Rebirth Art.''
Regrows limbs after they've been cut off.
''…''
How about something that will prevent the limbs from being cut off...?
Sigh.
You have plenty of time, take it easy.
A few minutes later, I spot a weird, leathery manual tucked between two nicely decorated books.
This looks a little out of place, doesn't it?
''Thousand Faces Arts.''
Disguise, aura alteration, shifting height, weight, even apparent age.
This is what I'm talking about.
If I could find a movement technique that fits me now, that'd be great.
Half an hour later...
Are you serious?
Why are there so many of them?
And why do almost all of them require lightning affinity?!
Just as I'm about to lose my mind, I spot a plain, unmarked scroll shoved between two flashy techniques.
''Shadowless Step.''
No lightning. No fire. Just pure, silent movement.
Finally. Something that doesn't expect me to shoot sparks out of my ass.
I'll be taking this.
Three techniques. Three problems for anyone trying to figure me out.
Frustration aside, I'm more than satisfied.
Let's take a look at them.
I find a clear table in the corner of the library and bring out the three techniques.
Silent Pulse Breathing, I choose you.
The moment I unroll it, I'm hit with diagrams of meridian routes so tiny they look like a three-year-old painted it.
I miss internet... What even is this...
Sigh.
Forget it. The sooner I start, the better.
I position myself as the manual says, cross-legged, eyes closed, focusing on sending my Qi from one meridian to another.
''?''
That was easy. Now, it's purely just memorization.
System did say that my body was adjusted for maximum Qi control, but to think it was to this level.
''I'm impressed, system.''
Let's hit the iron while it's hot.
''Thousand Faces Arts.''
Even with control, this one seems quite complicated. Shifting aura isn't a problem, but all these physical changes...
I can't even open the doors like a normal person. This one will take some practice.
Two hours later...
I give up. I can manage altering my posture, but changing height, weight, and age...
Whatever, cloak will do just fine for now.
Finally, Shadowless Step.
The scroll says to match breath and movement until they're one seamless rhythm. Then, cushion the landing with Qi.
I begin practicing. Step by step, the distance I can cover without sound increases. But there seems to be a fine line between speed and silence.
''Interesting. This technique seems... flexible.''
These three… they'll do nicely.
But one more external art wouldn't hurt.
Preferably one that would keep my limbs intact.
Yeah, I don't want to return for limb regrowing art later...
I drift between the shelves again, looking for a suitable technique.
''Iron Skin, Stone Wall Fist, Ocean Shell Barrier...?''
Trash, all trash. I don't have time to endure years of self-hurting.
Then, I begin to hear voices from beyond the library gates.
A woman's voice...? She's sharp...
''I said, open the gate.''
And domineering...
Too bad, Han won't let you in while I'm in here.
I continue browsing the shelves when suddenly, I hear gasps.
''That… emblem…''
The nervousness in their voice is obvious.
''I said, let me in.''
A moment later, the heavy seals click open without further argument. Immediately followed by footsteps, directly coming towards me.
''You.''
One gloved finger points directly at my chest.
''Escort me. Now. And fetch the most skilled man in this place to join us. I have business that will not wait.''
...
Who is this b*tch?
.
.
.
.
[STATUS]
[Name: Han Ye]
[Age: 18]
[Cultivation: Tremor Initiate - Late Stage ▸ Qi Gathering Stage 10 ▸ +]
[Fear Points: 27]
[Techniques: Shadowless Step, Thousand Faces Arts (incomplete), Silent Pulse Breathing]
Authors note: If you're enjoying the novel so far, please add it to your collections! Every single one goes a long way. Honest review will be even better! Gravemind is peacing out~