Chapter 72: Chapter 72
"This kid, just like before, enjoys showing off his quick tongue—but how long can he keep it up?" Elden sneered, watching Ethan’s retreating figure as if considering a pesky insect.
A master of a peak had no need to concern himself with juniors such as this. So, with a flick of his sleeve, he let the matter slide from his mind.
Ethan strode out of Sky Hall into the crisp mountain air, feet landing softly on the winding stone path. That brief audience had left him with more than disappointment.
He’d weighed telling Elden about Ashen’s real identity, but Elden’s demeanor and cold stance made it clear: They were not the same kind of people. Telling him would have been a wasted breath.
Ashen, after all, wasn’t just another elder—he was one of the six true powers of Azure Sky Peak, a figure just beneath the peak master himself. If a demon could infiltrate so deeply, even manipulate Azure Origin Dao Sect’s core ranks, what was to say the corruption didn’t spread even further? What if—however unlikely—even Elden belonged to the demon clan? Ethan allowed his mind to wander.
If Elden and others were compromised, the entire first peak could be under demonic control already. The thought was extravagant—almost absurd—but Ethan knew never to underestimate infiltration or betrayal. The unthinkable was, after all, the favorite game of demons.
So Ethan resolved: Such a dangerous secret could only be entrusted to those truly above suspicion—Mr. Burn, or perhaps the all-seeing elders of the Demon Sealing Cave.
And if not them, then the indomitable Empress herself. Surely, even a sect leader couldn’t be a demon cultivator... right? If it ever proved otherwise, reality would collapse beyond even the reach of the most extravagant novels.
Leaving Azure Sky Peak behind, Ethan began to wait for the approaching martial arts competition.
He was in no rush to return to his temporary residence.
Instead, his feet carried him toward Silent Soul Peak. There, on its serene mountaintop, the grand library towered—a repository of ancient wisdom. He sought knowledge of ancient body cultivation, hoping for records that might advance his own path.
He entered the broad square at Silent Soul Peak, marbled pavement shining beneath the noon sun.
Lost in thought, Ethan’s gaze caught a young man in blue cloth, sword at his side, moving with curiously deliberate steps, always planting his feet squarely on each stone slab and never upon the cracks between them.
Interesting. With his Heaven-Piercing Mind Eyes, Ethan discreetly probed the man out of habit. Instantly, a dense wind-element aura burst forth, condensing into the shape of a lion’s head that snapped at Ethan’s senses.
Boom!
Shock surged through Ethan.
Tribulation Transcendence! He’d been examining what seemed an ordinary youth—yet this man’s hidden cultivation reached the heavens.
Startled, Ethan hurriedly withdrew his mind. The blue-robed young man glanced back, a razor-sharp light flickering in his gaze before fading. He showed no hostility, and continued on his way as if nothing had happened.
"Weird," Ethan mused, "He noticed the probe... and didn’t care?" He puzzled over it but found no answer and left it alone, heading for the library doors.
Few disciples wandered the way; the crowd was sparse compared to the more popular Treasure Pavilion nearby.
Most cultivators chased after immediate rewards; few bothered with books unless driven by specific needs. Only particular seekers—like Ethan today—came searching for knowledge.
Why go to the library when your master can teach you.
Inside, the scent of old paper and ink welcomed him.
The library itself was simple, defended only by slim layers of formation. It needed no guards; its true protector was the only one present—a tiny old man drowsing behind the counter, face like a wilted chrysanthemum, white hair as wild as clouds.
Hearing footsteps, the old man stretched, yawned, and blinked sleepily at Ethan.
"Who disturbs my rest?" he grumbled.
"Treasure Pavilion is right next door—why bother with my library? Are you one of those rare sorts who likes reading?" He scratched his head as Ethan approached.
Ethan’s eyes narrowed in curiosity. Using his Heaven-Piercing Mind Eyes, he quietly examined the old librarian. What he saw nearly made his heart stop.
Thunder—unimaginable power flickered just beneath the surface, swirling in spiritual lightning.
The depth of this aura was unending, like a bottomless abyss. This frail elder was far stronger than the sword-carrying youth earlier—this was a true Mahayana realm giant, one whose power could rival Mr. Burn and Lyralei.
F**k.
Ethan immediately shut his mind’s eye. With such power sitting here, no heavy defense spell was ever needed.
The old man chuckled, reading the awkward silence.
"Young people these days—whether it’s courtesy or rudeness, probing your elders is a dangerous habit." He gave Ethan a small, understanding smile.
"Still, at your age, your mental strength is nothing short of impressive. Physical cultivator, but your mind has potential."
He nodded thoughtfully. "I know what you’re here for—physical cultivation techniques are all in the east corner of the third floor. Go and have a look."
Grateful, Ethan bowed. "Thank you, senior."
"Wait," the old man interrupted, scratching his head.
"Regulations are regulations. Show me your disciple token before you wander my shelves."
Ethan’s heart skipped.
He’d come straight here, forgetting to claim a disciple token from Azure Sky Peak, and Elden had taken back the Jade Pendant. He had nothing to prove his status.
The old man’s eyes twinkled.
"Nothing to say, eh? Don’t tell me I’ve caught a spy today. Well, at least the library’s got some excitement."
He began stretching, joints cracking as lightning-like power coiled beneath his skin.
"The disciple was simply in a hurry, forgot to collect the token," Ethan replied.
"I’m a new disciple from Azure Sky Peak—it may not seem like much, but I truly belong here."
"That may be, but I can’t let just anyone roam these halls, can I?" the old man said with good-natured stubbornness.
"No disciple token means no entry. For safety, maybe I should detain you and have you questioned back at Azure Sky Peak..."
Ethan acted quickly. Reaching into his robe, he produced a shimmering object—purple and mysterious.
"Senior, please wait!"
A/N:
Extra Chapters
100 power stones - 1 Extra Chapters
200 power stones - 2 Extra Chapters
Capsule - 1 Extra Chapters
Massage Chair - 3 Extra Chapters
Luxury Car - 5 Extra Chapters
Magic Castle - 15 Extra Chapters