Chapter Five: The Hall of Books
After the first training was over, Elder Zhang Yun led the disciples through stone passages carved into the mountain. The walls were engraved with statues of ancient cultivators, their hands reaching toward the sky. Each step inside the passageway made the atmosphere more awe-inspiring, as if the mountain itself was breathing.
They finally arrived at a great hall, its massive bronze door engraved with nine interlocking circles, symbolizing the Nine Meridians. When the Elder opened the door, a cool air filled with calming spiritual energy flowed from inside.
Before them were long rows of stone shelves, each shelf filled with carefully arranged books.
The Elder said in his solemn voice, "Here, disciples, your true journey begins. This hall is for beginners, and it contains basic techniques to help you open the Nine Meridians one by one. Remember: the correct technique may determine how quickly you cultivate, but it is your determination that determines whether you reach the end."
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The assistants came forward, distributing a small booklet to each student. It was titled "The First Foundations of the Nine Meridians."
Some students from noble families received additional smiles from the assistants, and even had recommendations for more advanced side references.
The external students, like Ling Yu, received a simple copy, copied on rough paper, the letters almost fading.
As Ling Yu took his booklet, he paid no attention to the jeers of those beside him. Instead, he felt something else... The stone book he had hidden in his chest shook lightly, as if its symbols responded to what was in the booklet.
> "Will... he reveal a different method for opening the meridians?"
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They all sat in the hall, and the elder began to explain:
- "Each of the nine meridians requires a special technique for channeling energy within it. The booklet describes the three basic methods: circular breathing, gathering the spirit in the heart, and blasting the inner barrier. Use whichever suits you best."
One of the noble disciples raised his hand and said arrogantly, "Elder, these methods are very primitive. In our family, we already possess superior techniques."
The elder smiled coldly, "Even the tallest towers are built on a solid foundation. If you neglect the foundation... you won't survive the first storm."
Silence fell.
As for Ling Yu, he held the booklet in one hand and the faint pulse of the stone book in the other. In his heart, he began to realize that his fate would not be built on these books alone... but on his own hidden secret, which no one knew anything about.