Book 1- The Start of Cultivation Chapter 14: Public Library

Danger Level: Two-Star Mission

Issuer: Nirvana Pavilion

Objective: Go to the Sleeping Giant Mountain outskirts, near Darkwood City. There, you will search for Spirit Ginseng. You need to find at least two.

Dangers: The Spirit Ginseng is usually guarded by the one-eyed mole, a one-star beast.

Rewards: 100 contribution points and 5 Low-Grade Qi Replenishing Pills.

Xue San was awed by the amazing things cultivators could do. Even passing information directly into his mind was possible.

He stood, the cool evening air filling his lungs. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but tonight, beneath the whispering leaves and the emerging stars, he felt ready to embrace whatever fate had in store.

"In two days you will have to find food for yourself again, Fluffy" Xue San said with smile on his face.

Xue San decided to use the next two days to visit the Public Library and browse through its books, hoping to find any useful information—perhaps something about his strange cultivation base.

The Public Library for outer sect disciples was a grand building of aged timber and stone. Its exterior featured traditional curved roofs adorned with subtle carvings. Inside, rows of wooden shelves held scrolls and books containing all sort of knowledge. Soft lantern light cast a warm glow over low tables where disciples studied. The atmosphere was quiet and contemplative, fostering a sense of reverence among those who sought knowledge.

The main door was guarded by two middle-aged men wearing black robes like the one Xue San had, except the symbol on their robes was a shield with two swords crossed over it.

Xue San knew they were members of the Aegis Hall, specifically the outer sect branch of the Aegis Hall.

The Aegis Hall was the main fighting force of the sect; they were in charge of its defense and led the charge when the sect went to war.

As Xue San approached the door, one of them said, "Five contribution points for one hour. You're allowed to browse all the books on the first and second floors. The third floor is ten contribution points to access. You are not allowed to take any books outside. If you exceed the one-hour mark, contribution points will be automatically deducted from your token until you exit, or you run out of contribution points."

He thought for a moment. "I would like to access the first two floors, please."

"Very well, pass your token here," the man pointed to a formation on the left side of the door.

Xue San did as instructed, his token glowed for a moment. He stored it in his robe and stepped inside. The first floor of the Public Library was filled with rows upon rows of books and parchments. Xue San noticed a few disciples reading in silence, but they were like drops of water in a bucket compared to the vastness of the first floor.

He decided to look for books that discussed cultivation and history. After spending thirty fruitless minutes, he found nothing useful and decided to move to the second floor. Although slightly smaller than the first, there were still plenty of books to peruse.

As he was scanning the shelves, Xue San felt his token tremble. "Has it already been one hour?" he thought, surprised at how quickly time had passed. Ignoring the additional five contribution points that would be deducted, he continued his search.

He had already spent twenty contribution points and was about to give up when he finally found a book that answered some of his questions. It was titled The Dance of the Ancient Ones. The author was someone named Jiang Peizhi, but what surprised Xue San was the first sentence of the book.

"This work belongs to the famous historian and cultivator Grandmaster Ma Xiaoli. He was renowned more than a thousand years ago until one day he disappeared. This work was completed thanks to some notes that his descendants found, and using my knowledge of history, I have completed it. Unfortunately, many consider this a work of fiction and not an actual history book."

The first part of the book, apparently compiled from Grandmaster Ma Xiaoli's notes, told an amazing story that sounded more like legend than reality.

It recounted how Grandmaster Ma Xiaoli explored ancient ruins that existed even before the formation of the Sleeping Giant Mountain. It was a time when cultivation was common practice when finding someone without a cultivation base was harder than finding a qilin horn or a phoenix feather.

According to Grandmaster Ma Xiaoli's findings, and with some additions from Jiang Peizhi, the standards of cultivation we have today were considered complete and utter trash; what we consider a standard core for the Qi Condensation Stage was something even the average person possessed.

In those ancient times, god-like beings reigned supreme over the land. Legends whispered that they drew their immense power from primordial entities that vanished at the end of the Second Epoch—or perhaps even from the elusive First Epoch, an era when humans were nothing more than prey for other races.

Their descendants inherited superior bloodlines. It was as if they were born for a singular purpose: to cultivate. These individuals possessed unparalleled aptitude and power compared to the masses.

Once they began their cultivation journey, nothing could stand in their way.

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

"Many dismiss Grandmaster Ma Xiaoli's accounts as mere myth," the text elaborated, "but we have documented cases of individuals awakening special powers after beginning cultivation, and even instances of people displaying extraordinary traits before they start, like the power to control beasts, having astounding physical strength, or even being able to read people's memories. There was even a case of one person reaching the 9th stage of the Qi Condensation Realm in a week.

Unfortunately, none have reached the Foundation Establishment Realm. Inevitably, they all succumb to madness, becoming like true beasts.

"However, there is a silver lining: these individuals are invaluable resources for cultivation; they can be utilized as raw material..."

Xue San felt a chill crawl down his spine as he read these words. "What do they mean by 'used as raw material'?" he wondered. The mention of madness didn't unsettle him—he felt no different—but the notion of being reduced to raw material made his blood run cold. He continued reading.

"These individuals are precious resources for cultivation; they can be harvested as raw material, much like magical beasts. The Spirit Cauldron Sect has succeeded in extracting their bloodlines and using them to concoct what is known as the 'God-Birthing Pill.' It is rumored that at least half of the core disciples of the major sects and the royal family have consumed one of these pills to enhance their talent for cultivation."

Xue San's whole body was drenched in cold sweat after he finished reading. Now he had the answer. Maybe he was a descendant of some powerful cultivator, and that's why he had the core he did. But this news didn't make him happy at all. Instead, he felt like a piece of juicy meat thrown into a pack of starving wolves.

If before he felt like he had a cool secret that one day he could use to dazzle all those who looked down on him, now he realized that the moment he showed even the slightest signs of abnormality, not only he but his entire family might be targeted for their blood and bodies.

He put the book back and tried to act as normal as possible, but his heart pounded so hard that it threatened to burst from his chest.

Leaving the Public Library, he retreated to his hidden spot in the forest. He was truly frightened now, even contemplating leaving the sect, but he discarded that option immediately.

Even if he left, there was no guarantee that someone wouldn't discover his secret. His only option was to get stronger—so strong that even if someone found out about him, no one would dare to touch him or his family.

He had to think carefully. If what he read was true, then someone like him, coming from a humble background, wouldn't be allowed to develop freely. Most likely, he would be used as material to concoct the God Birthing Pill.

Even after pondering for some time, he didn't know what to do. But one thing was certain: accepting that second mission was fortunate. He could stay out of the sect longer; who knew, maybe he could find a solution outside, or he could go into hiding and pretend he had died.

With nothing more to do, Xue San decided to cultivate. Even after all this time, he was still only at the Second Stage of the Qi Condensation Realm. But although he was anxious to become stronger, he didn't dare to use the Mid-Grade Qi Replenishing Pills to raise his cultivation too quickly; even if he was capable of that now, the risks outweighed the benefits.

Two days later, Xue San arrived at the Minor Dragon Hall, determined not to be late. As always, the hall was a hive of activity—people bustling in and out, regardless of the hour.

He hadn't waited long before Li Shi approached him. "Hello there, Brother Xue San."

"Brother Li Shi," Xue San replied, clasping his hands in greeting. "Sorry to keep you waiting."

"Don't worry, Junior Brother. We only arrived a few minutes ago ourselves. Come, let me introduce you to the rest of the party."

"Certainly."

Li Shi led him through the throng to meet the others.

"Senior Sister Meng, this is the person I mentioned—Xue San. He accepted my invitation to join us on this mission." Li Shi wore a slightly sheepish smile as he introduced Xue San to the group.

"Hello, everyone. I look forward to learning from you all during this mission." Xue San bowed respectfully to his fellow disciples.

"You mean the only one who agreed to join us," one of the young men muttered under his breath.

The group comprised two other young men besides Li Shi, and two young women.

"Haha, pay no mind to them, Junior Brother Xue San," Li Shi said with a chuckle. "These two are Jin Xiang and Jin Daiyu—they're brothers who joined the sect at the same time as me. This is our Junior Sister Ren Xiang. And finally, the leader of our group, the esteemed Senior Sister Meng Xi."

"Hmph, Li Shi, that's enough," Meng Xi interjected in a commanding tone. "Let's get registered for the mission." She was an unassuming woman, the kind who could blend into any crowd, with shoulder-length brown hair and a slender frame. Yet her eyes were a deep, penetrating blue—the darkest hue of the sea.

"Li Shi, are you sure about his abilities?" Jin Xiang, the elder of the two brothers, asked skeptically.

"Big Brother, please," his younger brother admonished.

Xue San remained unfazed; after all, he was a newcomer to their group.

After registering for the mission, Xue San reviewed its details as they made their way to the designated meeting place.

Danger Level: Three-Star Mission

Issuer: Ma Wei, Head Merchant of the Blue Moon Group

Objective: Escort Head Merchant Ma Wei to Darkwood City, nestled at the foot of Giant Sleeping Mountain. Ensure his safe and unharmed arrival.

Dangers: Bandit activity has increased in the area, with reports of cultivators among their ranks. The highest confirmed cultivation level is the 5th stage of the Qi Condensation Stage.

Rewards: 500 contribution points per person; one High-Grade Qi Replenishing Pill for the mission leader; two Mid-Grade Qi Replenishing Pill to each party member

Xue San pondered the generous rewards. Are the bandit groups truly that dangerous? he mused silently.

They walked for some time until they met Ma Wei, the Head Merchant of the Blue Moon Group.

The Blue Moon Group was a vast merchant organization spanning the entire Soul Saint Kingdom. With branches in every major citys and towns, and partnerships with even the three great sects, it was no wonder that escorting Ma Wei came with such lucrative rewards. The position of Head Merchant was equivalent to that of an Inner Sect Elder—a testament to his influence.

Ma Wei was a rotund man in his early forties, his girth accentuated by opulent blue robes crafted from the finest materials. The sleeves were exquisitely embroidered with the lunar phases, from new moon to full moon—a symbol of his status in the Blue Moon Group..

"Hahaha! Friends from the Sword Soaring Sect, I am honored to be in your capable hands for this journey," Ma Wei boomed, his double chin wobbling as he beamed at them.

"Sir Ma Wei, I am Meng Xi, and I will be overseeing your safe passage to Darkwood City," Meng Xi replied, clasping her hands respectfully.

"Excellent, excellent! I've heard much about Lady Meng Xi—one of the outer sect's rising stars."

After exchanging pleasantries, Ma Wei continued, "I've arranged for three additional carriages for your use during the journey. There are a total of twenty people traveling with me this time, including my five personal guards. We can depart immediately."

"Understood." Meng Xi turned to her team. "Jin Xiang and Jin Daiyu, you'll take one carriage. Ren Xiang and I will take another. Li Shi and Xue San, you'll share the last. When we make camp, we'll patrol in pairs at night. Is that clear?" Her voice brooked no dissent.

"Yes!" they responded in unison.

Xue San did not yet realize that this mission would become a pivotal turning point in his life as a cultivator. In the years to come, he would ponder whether he might have achieved his current standing had he not undertaken this crucial task today.