"This explains the requirements to access a given floor—but how does one actually acquire the knowledge and techniques stored within them?"
"For general knowledge, it's fairly straightforward. As long as you have access to the floor where that knowledge is kept, you are free to read it without any cost. However, books within the 'knowledge category' cannot be removed from the premises. They must be read within the designated section of the Scripture Pavilion."
"There is another option, though. If you wish to take a knowledge-based book outside the Pavilion, you may do so by spending contribution points. The exact number depends on the book's value. This allows you to either rent or outright purchase the book."
"As for cultivation techniques, the system is more restrictive. First and foremost, just like with knowledge, you must have access to the appropriate floor where the technique is located. However, unlike knowledge, every cultivation technique requires a payment in contribution points."
"The number of contribution points required will vary significantly based on the floor the technique is found on. Higher floors naturally house more powerful and rare techniques, and the price reflects that."
"Additionally, the cost in contribution points depends on whether you wish to rent the technique or buy it permanently. And in the case of renting, the duration for which you wish to keep it will also influence the cost."
"All these variables—floor level, rent or purchase, duration—come together to determine how many contribution points will be needed."
"And as for what contribution points actually are, I assume you've already heard about them. They're a form of internal currency earned by contributing to the sect. This includes completing missions, delivering valuable information, accomplishing deeds that benefit the sect, and many other actions. As long as your efforts aid the sect in some meaningful way, contribution points will be awarded."
With these final words, the Great Elder's explanation came to a close just as the group of six arrived before a beautifully constructed pagoda. It was nestled within a serene and picturesque natural setting, with no other soul in sight.
Without exchanging further words, they descended from the sky and landed gently before making their way into the building.
As they stepped through the entrance, Mikael was immediately struck by the sheer scale of the interior. His eyes moved slowly across the numerous rows of wooden bookshelves filled to the brim with books surrounding them, and he quickly realized that the inside was far larger than the exterior had suggested—by a wide margin. 'Some sort of spatial formation that expands the internal dimensions beyond the external shell?' he wondered.
The next moment, Great Elder Jianhai's voice pulled him out of his musings. "As your 'recruitment bonus', each of you has the opportunity to 'purchase' five cultivation techniques from the fourth floor for free. So take your time to think carefully about which techniques you truly want and trust your instincts—don't waste this precious opportunity!"
He continued, "Also, there's no need to force yourselves into picking one technique from each category just to be well-rounded. I possess a large number of cultivation techniques in my personal collection that you'll be able to browse through in due time. So let your instincts guide you and choose the ones that truly resonate with you."
Following their master's words, they all stepped into the Scripture Pavilion with clear intent, each moving forward in pursuit of their own 'destiny'. To make the most efficient use of their time, they split up immediately—it was pointless to stay together, as searching separately would yield faster results. Because of that, Mikael and the girls each headed off in different directions.
The only exception to this pattern was Great Elder Jianhai, who remained by the entrance, quietly observing from beside an empty counter. And Hua Lianyu, who was 'quietly'—not really, since she was constantly chatting and radiating her usual lively energy—followed him while they exchanged words.
The two of them quickly ascended the staircase to reach the fourth floor. Each time Mikael climbed to a new level, he felt something subtle brush over him, like an invisible presence scanning him. He assumed it was part of the building's formation, confirming that he was authorized to access each floor. It made sense—after all, aside from his group, he hadn't seen a single person inside.
And for a place that was supposedly under heavy protection, the building being completely empty and seemingly 'unguarded' felt oddly out of place. However, if the defense relied entirely on a formation, then the absence of 'guard' made sense—the formation itself was the security, an unseen yet ever-present guardian.
In this way, Mikael and Hua Lianyu stepped onto the fourth floor. Immediately, Mikael noticed a sharp contrast with the lower levels. The first floor had been vast, its towering bookshelves packed tightly with Cultivation Technique books, giving the impression that it held hundreds of thousands of tomes. In comparison, the fourth floor was significantly smaller, and its shelves far less populated. The spacing between each book was wider, deliberate—even reverent. Unlike the crowded chaos of the lower floor, every Cultivation Technique here seemed to possess a presence of its own.
It was clear from just a glance that the techniques on this floor were on another level. Every single book here radiated value, both in aura and arrangement. They weren't just techniques—they were treasures, each placed with care, as though they were rare artifacts rather than mere manuals.
While walking through the quiet aisles, and after answering yet another of Lianyu's endless string of curious questions, Mikael finally turned to her and asked, "Lian'er, didn't Master say that Core Disciples are only permitted up to the third floor? I get that I've been granted some special privileges… but you…"
"Oh, that…" Lianyu replied with a teasing grin, lightly skipping around him. "Being the personal disciple of a Great Elder does come with certain privileges, you know, my cute junior brother."
'Cute!' Mikael felt as though he had just taken a critical hit. 'I'm not cute—I'm manly!' he inwardly grumbled, though his face betrayed none of his thoughts.
Leaning closer to him, Lianyu lowered her voice like a conspirator about to share a great secret. She glanced left and right, ensuring no one was nearby to overhear, before whispering, "To tell the truth, I'm not technically supposed to be here. I only have authorized access up to the third floor. But I have a little something on me that lets me slip past the automatic scanning barrier on the fourth floor. The catch is, if I so much as touch a book, I'll be detected instantly—so I have to be super duper careful!"
"You won't report me, right, junior brother?" she added with a mischievous wink.
Mikael couldn't help but let out a quiet chuckle at her antics. A faint smile tugged at his lips as he replied, "Don't worry, I won't report you. I wouldn't want my Second Senior Sister to get into trouble."
Lian'er gave him a serious nod, though her eyes still sparkled with mischief. Then, without a word, she extended her pinky toward him. "Pinky promise?"
Mikael blinked, momentarily dumbfounded. For a couple of seconds, he just stared at her in disbelief—before bursting into laughter. "Hahahahaha!"
Lianyu watched him with an unimpressed look, tapping her arm in mock irritation. Still, the small smile forming at the edge of her lips betrayed her amusement. "Are you finished?"
"Sorry, sorry, Second Senior Sister. I couldn't help it."
At the mention of "Second Senior Sister," Lian'er's expression immediately softened. She extended her pinky again, this time silently and with a more sincere look.
Mikael mirrored the gesture, and together they sealed the promise with a pinky swear. After that, the two of them continued their casual conversation, walking side by side through the towering forest of bookshelves toward the section that held Cultivation Methods—the area that most intrigued Mikael.
Soon enough, they arrived. Mikael's gaze drifted across the rows of ancient books, scanning the various titles. There were many names that meant little to him, such as Heavenflow Meridian Scripture, Ninefold Essence Convergence Manual, and Celestial Root Harmonization Method.
There were countless other Cultivation Methods as well, most of them bearing majestic or awe-inspiring names. But honestly, Mikael wasn't particularly impressed. He understood all too well that creators often chose names designed to sound imposing and grandiose—more for effect than substance. And for him, such theatrics had little value.
He reached out and picked up the Heavenflow Meridian Scripture, opening it and beginning to read. However, he quickly realized that only the introductory section was legible—everything that followed appeared blurred and incomprehensible to him, as though hidden behind a layer of mist. It didn't take him long to figure out that this was a protective mechanism meant to prevent disciples from freely accessing the full contents of the Cultivation Methods without proper authorization.
This is what he managed to glean:
{Heavenflow Meridian Scripture
Introduction: A refined and highly adaptable cultivation method favored by Core Disciples seeking balanced growth. The Heavenflow Meridian Scripture emphasizes the natural circulation of Qi through all major and minor meridians, enhancing both internal harmony and absorption efficiency. Its unique flow pattern mimics the paths of celestial rivers, allowing cultivators to refine multiple types of elemental Qi with ease. Known for its stable progression and low risk of backlash, it is ideal for those pursuing versatile advancement without compromising long-term potential.}
Mikael shook his head, clearly dissatisfied. While the technique seemed solid and well-rounded, it didn't strike him as exceptional, nor did it align with the more refined or unique traits he was seeking.
Returning the book to its place on the shelf, he resumed his search, wandering further through the towering bookcases with Lian'er beside him. From time to time, she would offer a comment or bit of advice as he flipped through one Cultivation Method after another.
After an extended search, he finally came across a method that piqued his interest more strongly than the others.
{Sun-Moon Unity Technique
Introduction: A foundational cultivation method rooted in the internal cultivation of yin and yang Qi through synchronization with lunar and solar cycles. Rather than fusing the two forces into one, this technique focuses on developing them in parallel—drawing upon the sun for yang energy and the moon for yin. It forms a stable, dual-channeled Qi system that promotes steady growth, strong energy output, and inherent adaptability between offensive and defensive applications.}
He took the deceptively thin manual in hand. Due to the protective formation inscribed on the book, placing it into his storage ring was impossible, so he simply kept hold of it. With Lianyu trailing behind him, the two continued to converse casually as they wandered further into the Cultivation Methods section.
Eventually, Mikael's gaze settled on yet another technique that sparked his curiosity.
{Elemental Unity Path
Introduction: A primary cultivation method designed to establish a firm foundation through the reconciliation of conflicting elemental forces and techniques. It enables a cultivator to progress by integrating diverse attributes into a single stable form, resulting in highly adaptive Qi. While the method is notoriously difficult due to the precision required in energy manipulation, those who succeed are rewarded with an exceptionally flexible and resilient cultivation base—capable of harmonizing with a broad range of combat styles and energy types.}
Once more, Mikael picked up the book and held it alongside the first, seemingly ready to continue browsing. However, just as he was about to move on, Lian'er, who had been quietly following his selections, finally spoke.
"Junior Brother Mikael, why are you picking up another Cultivation Method—especially one that looks so similar to the first? Wouldn't it make more sense to grab a sword technique instead?"
She asked while pointing to the longsword strapped to his waist. "Or if you're set on taking multiple Cultivation Methods, at least choose ones that are more varied. Something focused on the body or the spirit would be far better, no?" she added, tilting her head in curious puzzlement.
"I have my reasons for my actions," he replied simply, his voice calm and composed. A subtle, well-concealed flame of ambition briefly flickered in his eyes, though it remained hidden from Lian'er's view.
Lianyu waited, clearly expecting him to elaborate further. When it became obvious he wouldn't, she let out a huff and exclaimed, "Keep your little secret then! I'm not even curious, hmm!" she pouted, folding her arms with exaggerated indignation.
"In that case, I'll go pay a visit to my new junior sisters. Maybe they won't keep secrets from me," she added with another dramatic huff before turning on her heel and walking away.
As she made her way down the aisle, she cast a discreet glance over her shoulder, clearly hoping he'd stop her. But to her dismay, Mikael merely watched her leave in silence, unmoved.
Noticing his lack of reaction, her previous mock anger quickly faded. Realizing that leaving like that would feel too abrupt—too rude—she turned back and waved with a smile. "Bye bye, Junior Brother. I'm off to see the junior sisters."
Mikael returned the wave, and once she vanished into the labyrinthine corridors lined with towering bookshelves, he quietly shook his head.
'This new "Senior Sister" of mine really is something else… The least I can say is that spending time around her certainly won't be boring,' he thought, mild amusement flickering in his gaze.
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