Time flew by, and fourteen years had passed.
Inside a study hall at Jiabei Academy, shelves lined the walls, filled with cultivation manuals—eight bookshelves in all, arranged in two neat rows.
By now, Qin Fen had grown into a handsome young man, his brows carrying a natural arrogance. He stood before a shelf, carefully selecting manuals suitable for himself. After much thought, he finally chose three: Burning Heaven Art, Windshadow Escape, and Mysterious Origin Body Protection Skill.
Just as he turned toward the door to leave, he noticed two figures in the corner with their backs to him.
One sat cross-legged, absorbed in a manual, surrounded by towering stacks of books. His broad back and sturdy build set him apart from ordinary people. This was none other than Liefeng.
Beside him was a boy of about eight, clutching a manual, watching Liefeng flip through books at startling speed. Each time he finished one, he tossed it onto the stack, then pulled another from the shelves. The boy's eyes were full of admiration.
He couldn't hold back his curiosity and asked, "Second Senior Brother, you're reading so fast. Can you really understand and remember what's inside?"
Still focused on the text, Liefeng replied, "Only the gist of it."
"Ah?" The boy blinked, puzzled. "If you can't really take it in, then isn't reading so many just a waste of time?"
Liefeng closed the manual he had just finished and was about to answer when Qin Fen stepped forward, cutting in with a mocking tone: "Junior Brother, that's what they call 'biting off more than you can chew.'"
The boy stood and turned. "First Senior Brother, you've already chosen your manuals?"
Qin Fen ignored his question and spoke loftily: "A person's strength doesn't depend on how many techniques he knows, but on how many he masters. Even if you learn a hundred, what use is it if none are perfected? In battle, they may produce some unexpected tricks, but their power will be greatly diminished. That is the price of being broad but not deep. Junior Brother, make sure you don't repeat that mistake."
The boy was a little confused—Qin Fen rarely offered him guidance, and usually seemed distant. Yet, for whatever reason, he still bowed and said, "Thank you, Senior Brother, for your advice."
In truth, Qin Fen's words were meant for Liefeng, not the younger boy. Liefeng could hear the ridicule beneath them, but he paid no mind, only turning his head slightly.
Seeing no reaction, Qin Fen pressed on. "Junior Brother, the Headmaster gave us only one hour to choose our manuals. More than half that time has already passed. Have you made your choice?"
Liefeng answered calmly, "Thank you for the reminder, Senior Brother. I have already found what I wanted. But I've left the shelves in disarray, so I'll tidy up before leaving. If you've finished, you may go ahead—I won't keep you."
"You'd better," Qin Fen muttered, then turned and walked out.
The younger boy said to Liefeng, "Second Senior Brother, should I help you?"
Though Liefeng treated Qin Fen with cool indifference, his tone softened toward the little one. "No need. You go on ahead too."
"Alright, I'll go first then."
Outside the study hall stood Chang Qingzi. At that moment, another elder approached. Though his hair was fully white, his steps were light and his bearing strong, his refined clothing and scholarly air lending him dignity. This was Headmaster Li of Jiabei Academy.
Jiabei Academy had been established by the imperial court to cultivate talent for the empire. Every year, countless young cultivators sought admission through its exams. While cultivators were plentiful across the Grand Qi Empire, their quality varied, so the court invested heavily in the Academy to sift out the best.
With state sponsorship, the Academy provided excellent resources. Graduates would be officially appointed by the court—guaranteed a secure future. Competition to enter was fierce, and the struggle within was even harsher. Resources were limited: one more share for someone else meant one less for you. Despite strict Academy rules forbidding students from harming one another, accidents outside the Academy were beyond its control.
Those who failed to enter became wanderers—rogue cultivators. Though they possessed spiritual roots and the qualification to train, they lacked the Academy's resources. The court had considered this and allowed the Academy to open its manual halls to rogues—for a price. They could borrow techniques, but not copy or take them out; they had to study within a set time before returning them.
Though the halls looked plain, the collections were vast, guarded deep within the Academy. Without authorization from senior staff, no one could enter.
Chang Qingzi greeted Headmaster Li with respect. "Many thanks, Headmaster, for granting my disciples this chance to select techniques."
"There's no need for thanks," Li replied warmly. "We are old friends. It's only natural you'd wish to prepare your disciples for the Central Continent's Secret Realm next month. How are their selections?"
At that moment Qin Fen and the younger boy emerged. Chang Qingzi introduced them: "This is my eldest disciple, Qin Fen. And this is my third disciple, Zhao Dun. Pay your respects to the Headmaster."
Both bowed deeply. Headmaster Li studied them, clearly pleased. He turned to Chang Qingzi. "Your eldest is a fine-looking young man. Already at the late Third Realm at such a young age—not bad at all. May I see what techniques you've chosen?"
Qin Fen, pleased by the praise, eagerly handed over his manuals. "Please, Headmaster, have a look."
Li nodded approvingly. "Your choices are clear and well-aimed. Burning Heaven Art focuses on offense. As Chang Qingzi's disciple, you must possess a Fire Root, making this especially apt. Windshadow Escape is a movement art, while Mysterious Origin Body Protection Skill is defensive. A well-balanced selection."
Then his eyes fell on Zhao Dun's manual, Returning Origin Breathing Technique, a fundamental breathing exercise to improve cultivation speed. Smiling, he said, "Your cultivation is still shallow, only at the early First Realm. This technique will strengthen your foundation and greatly benefit your progress."
Turning back to Chang Qingzi, he laughed. "I had worried your disciples might not choose well, but clearly my fears were unfounded."
The two elders exchanged smiles.
Chang Qingzi asked Zhao Dun, "And your Second Senior Brother?"
"He left the shelves in a mess and is tidying them now, but I think he'll be out soon."
Indeed, before long, Liefeng emerged.
As he drew closer, Headmaster Li's expression shifted from surprise to delight.
At twenty-four, Liefeng stood tall and powerfully built, his imposing presence far beyond ordinary men.
Headmaster Li exclaimed, "Daoist, this is your second disciple?"
"Yes," Chang Qingzi replied. "This is my second disciple, Liefeng. Liefeng, this is Headmaster Li."
Liefeng bowed. "Greetings, Headmaster Li."
Li quickly reached out, smiling warmly. "No need for such formality. Let me have a good look at you."
He studied Liefeng closely, then sighed in admiration to Chang Qingzi. "Your disciple has the bearing of one favored by the heavens. His future achievements will surely be boundless. If not for the fact that he has long been your disciple, I would be tempted to steal him away for myself."
The remark drew laughter from all, though Qin Fen stood stiffly, hands on his hips, his face dark with resentment.
Headmaster Li then turned to Liefeng. "May I see what technique you selected? I am most curious."
Given Liefeng's extraordinary presence, Li had high expectations. But when he saw the title of the manual, he froze.
For the name of the technique was The Essence-Devouring Demonic Scripture.