The moment Nisheng Sanchong's limitations were overcome, Zuo Ruotong would have no reason to risk his life pursuing an unobtainable path. The very thought of suicide would become meaningless.
Realization dawning, Zhang Chulan chuckled and produced a silver coin from thin air. Etched with mysterious symbols, it pulsed with latent power—a resurrection token.
"Seems I was overcomplicating things," Zhang Chulan admitted, tossing the coin to Lu Jin. "Consider this thanks for your insight."
Lu Jin fumbled to catch the precious artifact, examining it reverently before securing it within his robes. "Young man! You shouldn't treat something so valuable so carelessly! What if it broke?"
Zhang Chulan resisted the urge to roll his eyes. The tokens were virtually indestructible, and he had plenty to spare. After learning from the group chat administrator about their relative abundance, he'd come to view them as resources—precious, but not irreplaceable.
Exchanging one for a top-tier ally like Zuo Ruotong? More than worth it.
"Chulan, words cannot express... This debt shall not be forgotten. Need arises, and I shall answer." Lu Jin's voice thickened with emotion.
"Don't mention it," Zhang Chulan waved him off. "And don't worry—I won't hesitate to call in that favor."
The atmosphere in the pavilion warmed considerably as plans took shape between the newly allied factions.
Meanwhile, in the treatment chamber...
Tian Jinzhong lay exhausted amidst sweat-soaked bedding, gazing in wonder at his fully regenerated limbs. Though pale and slightly undersized compared to his torso, they pulsed with healthy vitality.
A booming laugh erupted from his chest—decades of pent-up joy unleashed.
The door burst open as Rongshan rushed in, his own laughter joining Tian Jinzhong's upon seeing the miracle.
Wu Tong quietly packed his instruments, allowing them their moment. Only when their euphoria subsided did he speak:
"Elder Tian must refrain from walking for several days while his new limbs strengthen. Gradual rehabilitation will be necessary—decades of disuse require retraining."
Rongshan nodded solemnly. "I'll ensure he follows your instructions. And... thank you, truly."
With a final nod, Wu Tong departed.
Gently, Rongshan lifted his still-fragile master, carefully settling him into a wheelchair for the journey to the baths.
Three Days Later - Dragon Tiger Mountain Archives
"The Qian and Kun form the gateway to change, the parents of all hexagrams. Kan and Li define the framework, turning the wheel's axle..."
Wu Tong's recitation of the Zhouyi Cantongqi ceased abruptly as Wisdom King's voice echoed in his mind:
[Analysis complete]
"Report," Wu Tong commanded mentally.
[Affirmative] came the emotionless reply. [After seventy-two hours of continuous computation:]
[1. Complete decryption of this world's cultivation restriction arrays achieved]
[2. Through All-Encompassing Wisdom, 93.7% of protected knowledge successfully archived]
The floodgates opened. Like a dam bursting, categorized information cascaded through Wu Tong's consciousness:
Martial Arts & Cultivation:
Wudang: Taiji True Explanation, Feng Hou Qimen
Dragon Tiger Mountain: Eight Divine Daoist Mantras, Five Thunder Orthodox Method
Quanzhen: Internal Alchemy Techniques, Song of the Great Dao
Esoteric Scriptures:
Buddhist: Earth Store Bodhisattva Fundamental Vows Sutra, Heart Sutra
Daoist: Zhouyi Cantongqi, Daodejing, Three Caverns Canon
Scientific & Technological:
Architectural schematics of seismic detectors and curved-shaft plows
Mechanical diagrams spanning ancient mortise-tenon joints to modern combustion engines
Cultural Database:
Literary classics spanning millennia
Culinary arts from imperial banquet dishes to... postpartum sow care?
Even, inexplicably, 108 hairstyling techniques from one "Tony Teacher"
Wu Tong's shoulders shook with silent laughter. The archives contained not just cultivation secrets, but the sum total of human knowledge in this world. With this treasure trove, he could single-handedly elevate a primitive civilization to modern standards.
Three days prior, immediately after Tian Jinzhong's treatment, the Heavenly Master had honored his promise. Wu Tong gained unrestricted access to the mountain's archives—privilege he'd exploited to the fullest.
Bringing only a bedroll, he'd taken up residence among the ancient texts. For the first twenty-four hours, Wisdom King dedicated all processing power to deciphering the restriction arrays. By dawn, every protective ward had been mathematically dismantled.
The next day saw a systematic looting of every sect's most guarded secrets. Even with decryption keys, some arrays proved frustratingly complex—modified over generations into unique configurations. Yet none could withstand Wisdom King's relentless analysis.
Now, standing amidst shelves that had unknowingly surrendered their treasures, Wu Tong smiled. This world's entire cultural heritage—its triumphs, follies, and deepest mysteries—now resided within him.
The ultimate heist had succeeded.