Just like Lin Beisheng, Xu Zimo’s grandfather Lin Juemie also doted on the body’s original owner, spoiling him, in fact.
“I just happen to need to see Father too. Let’s go together,” Xu Zimo said.
“Who wants to go with you? You go your way, we’ll go ours,” Ye Xuan snorted coldly.
“Little sister,” Ye Kai looked at Xu Zimo helplessly.
“It’s fine,” Xu Zimo shook his head slightly and walked ahead alone.
Watching Xu Zimo’s back as he left, Ye Kai turned to Ye Xuan and smiled, “You don’t really hate him anymore, do you?”
“I hate him to death,” Ye Xuan said coldly, keeping her face stiff.
“Then why were you so anxious to ask about him when he came back badly injured?” Ye Kai asked, laughing.
Ye Xuan’s face turned red. She quickly said, “I just wanted to know if he was dead or not. If he died, I’d be thrilled. Who would’ve thought he’d be so hard to kill.”
Ye Kai shook his head with a smile. “I’ve seen hatred turn to love before, but this might be the first time I’ve seen love born from hate.”
“Brother, what nonsense are you talking about?!” Ye Xuan’s face turned red to her ears, and she sped up her pace.
…
Because of its steep terrain, Grand Heaven Mountain only had three roads leading up the mountain.
Xu Zimo chose the central one, that led directly to the summit.
White mist floated around him, and under his feet were white jade steps carved with fallen flowers.
He walked at a steady pace, mostly to avoid revealing his true strength.
On the way, many people greeted him.
Although the disciples of Grand Heaven Mountain didn’t like the original Lin Qiu much, because of Lin Beisheng and Lin Juemie, they at least kept things polite on the surface.
They’d only call him a “waste” behind his back.
But disciples from the other eight peaks didn’t bother to hide their disdain. Since they weren’t under Lin Beisheng’s authority, they often mocked him openly, and Lin Beisheng couldn’t intervene in these minor disputes.
Xu Zimo continued up the road. Grand palaces of all styles lined the path.
After more than half an hour, he reached the top of the mountain.
There, several massive halls stood, some majestic and ornate, others intimidating and awe-inspiring.
Very few disciples roamed this area; most were core disciples.
Xu Zimo headed straight for the central hall where matters were discussed.
Inside, Lin Beisheng sat at the front, reading through reports on the desk before him.
This was the first time Xu Zimo really looked at this body’s father.
He wore white robes, had thick eyebrows and big eyes, a strong build, and dark stubble around his mouth.
His long hair was tied into a topknot, and his eyes were usually serious and deep.
Only when he saw Xu Zimo did a hint of a smile appear.
“Dad,” Xu Zimo called out.
“Qiu’er, why are you out of bed? You should be resting,” Lin Beisheng looked up in surprise.
“I got tired of lying around. I just wanted to stretch my legs,” Xu Zimo replied with a smile.
“Until we find out who tried to kill you, don’t leave Grand Heaven Mountain. It’s safer here,” Lin Beisheng nodded.
“Dad, I want to go to the Scripture Repository,” Xu Zimo said.
“The Scripture Repository? Why?” Lin Beisheng asked, puzzled.
Normally, people went there to read.
But Lin Beisheng knew his son too well, he had no interest in reading.
“I just... want to read a few books,” Xu Zimo replied.
“Huh? You… why would you suddenly want to do that?” Lin Beisheng studied him with disbelief.
“I had some thoughts while I was unconscious and nearly dead. I felt I shouldn’t waste my life anymore, so I want to read a bit,” Xu Zimo smiled.
“Good! Good! Reading is good!” Lin Beisheng clapped excitedly and quickly pulled out a token from his storage ring.
“Here, take this. It’s my identity token. With it, you can go anywhere in Grand Heaven Mountain.”
“Thanks, Dad,” Xu Zimo accepted the token with a smile.
After chatting for a while, he took his leave.
The Scripture Repository was located at the base of Grand Heaven Mountain, so inner and outer disciples could access it easily.
As Xu Zimo left, Lin Beisheng waved his hand.
A ripple appeared in the air, and a dark shadow emerged silently.
“Follow Qiu’er. That token is too important. Don’t show yourself unless he tries to enter the forbidden area,” Lin Beisheng said calmly.
“Then why give it to him?” the shadow asked in a flat voice.
“Because I feel like it,” Lin Beisheng grinned and went back to reading.
…
In Grand Heaven Mountain, disciples didn’t trade with spirit crystals but with merit points.
You earned them by completing tasks, offering rare herbs, or useful beast materials.
The Scripture Repository had three floors. Anyone could enter the first floor with contribution points.
Access to the second and third floors required status.
At the foot of Grand Heaven Mountain, four key buildings stood in each direction:
The Scripture Repository, Martial Tower, Armory, and Alchemy Tower.
These were the core facilities of Grand Heaven Mountain.
Xu Zimo arrived at the southern Scripture Repository.
The large building stood on flat land. Its dark walls were etched with ancient runes, giving it a solemn, ancient vibe.
In front stood a massive old tree.
Its trunk was so thick it would take dozens of people to wrap their arms around it. Its thick branches and lush leaves created deep shade.
Under the tree, an old man lay on a recliner, enjoying a book.
Xu Zimo entered through the wide black doors but didn’t go upstairs. He started browsing the first floor.
Eventually, he found a book titled Chronicles of the World’s Eras.
He picked a quiet corner, sat down, and began reading carefully.
…
The Eternal Lands are divided into four regions: east, south, west, and north.
In size, it is much smaller than the Primordial Heartlands.
Its power structure is also different.
There are no imperial lineages or immortal sects here. The highest powers are called God Sects, followed by Empyrean Sects and Imperial Sects.
Any force below Imperial Sect level isn’t even worth mentioning.
Xu Zimo focused on the cultivation system of this world.
It also involved unlocking meridian gates, but the names were different:
Expansion Meridian, Wheel Meridian, Genesis Palace, Celestial Image, World Paragon, Fusion Heaven, Grand Empyrean, and Godly Monarch.
Godly Monarch was equivalent to the God Meridian Realm of the Primordial Heartlands.
What surprised Xu Zimo the most was that this world had no concept of Heaven’s Will.
There were no Grand Emperors or Arcane Immortals here.