These weren't things that could be altered or moved on a whim. It involved the high-level games and inter-departmental power struggles of Sect politics.
In short, barring any surprises, this tradition of copying books during lectures would remain a custom for every generation of Celestial Spirit Sect disciples when they first entered the Outer Sect and attended public classes.
It had been so in the past, it was so now, and it would continue to be so in the future.
Although Zhang Deming was grumbling internally, he didn't mind copying books if it saved him Contribution Points.
Besides, it was less than ten thousand characters. With his lightning-fast writing speed, it wasn't some monumental undertaking.
Time flew, and soon it was noon. By the time the morning lecture ended, Zhang Deming had already copied a good portion of the book, all while managing to listen in on parts of the class.
"Alright, that's all for this morning's class.
For those who find it inconvenient to travel back and forth, please head to the main dining hall for your meal.
After lunch, there will be a one-hour break before class resumes.
This afternoon, I will explain in detail how to begin, how to comprehend, and how to get a feel for the Agility Technique.
I will dissect the Agility Technique from every angle, doing my best to help you achieve a deeper understanding of it.
Class dismissed!"
A bell rang right as the lecturer finished speaking. As expected of a veteran, his timing was impeccable, ending the class right on the dot.
Instantly, the great hall erupted in noise. Some chatted in small groups, others dashed for the dining hall, while a few kept their heads down, determined to grind out the rest of the copying.
"First time here?"
Just as Zhang Deming stood up, a voice came from beside him.
Zhang Deming turned to see another Outer Disciple, also in his twenties. The man was looking at the notebook in Zhang Deming's hands as he spoke.
Zhang Deming held up his manuscript. "Yeah, first time," he said. "Just paying my respects to tradition, you know?"
"Heh, yeah," the young man laughed. "Copying books the moment you enter. It's a real pain-in-the-ass tradition."
"I'm Zhang Deming, by the way. Ten years in the Sect," Zhang Deming said.
"Greetings, Junior Brother Zhang. I'm Xue Su, thirteen years in the Sect," Xue Su replied.
"Are you heading to the dining hall, Senior Brother Xue, or...?"
"I live pretty far from here, so I've got no choice but to grab a bite at the main dining hall. What about you, Junior Brother Zhang?"
"Heh, same here. Shall we?"
Xue Su nodded with a smile. "Sounds good."
The two of them then gathered their belongings as they headed out.
Zhang Deming started up a conversation. "Senior Brother Xue, how long have you been in the Little Hui Peak Outer Sect?"
Xue Su replied, "It's rather embarrassing, but my Talent is lacking. It took me eight years just to squeeze into the Outer Sect. I was lucky enough to be assigned to Little Hui Peak.
Who would have thought I'd end up just muddling along here for five years.
Aside from my entry-level Heart Eye Numerology, I've been trying to grasp the Agility Technique for five years now. I've attended lectures with every instructor and senior brother, but I still haven't got a single clue."
"If you're embarrassed about eight years, Senior Brother Xue, then shouldn't I go hang myself for taking ten?" Zhang Deming said with a self-deprecating laugh.
"Haha, you're a funny one, Junior Brother Zhang," Xue Su chuckled.
"Senior Brother Xue, you entered with Heart Eye Numerology. Are you pursuing the path of an Array Master?" Zhang Deming asked.
"An Array Master? Hah, I don't even qualify as a gofer," Xue Su said, but the trace of pride in his voice was hard to hide.
Among the Miscellaneous Arts of today, the Array Dao and Artifact Dao were flourishing. The Array Dao in particular was compatible with the vast majority of other paths within the Miscellaneous Arts.
And Heart Eye Numerology was the Entry-Level Magical Technique for the Array Artifact Dao, one of the most difficult to cultivate among all the Basic Magical Techniques.
It was only natural for him to be a little proud.
Zhang Deming smiled. "Senior Brother Xue, you shouldn't sell yourself short. Heart Eye Numerology is one of the most difficult Basic Techniques to cultivate. The fact that you mastered it in eight years shows your Talent is anything but ordinary.
I imagine that after five years of poring over the Agility Technique, you must be just a step away from mastering it."
"You're exaggerating, Junior Brother Zhang. However, it's true I've made some gains with the Agility Technique.
But as for when I'll finally master it... that will depend on luck," Xue Su said with a faint hint of pride.
"I can see you're full of confidence, Senior Brother Xue. The day you master the Technique is close at hand. I'll be waiting to hear your good news."
"Then I'll thank you for your auspicious words, Junior Brother Zhang!
Oh, by the way, I've collected a lot of notes over the past five years.
I see you're struggling with the copying, and as it happens, I have several manuscripts left behind by other senior brothers.
They even have plenty of annotations. I've already fully grasped this copy, so it's no longer useful to me. Allow me to pass it on to you, Junior Brother Zhang."
With a faint smile, Xue Su took out a tattered, old, thread-bound book.
"Oh, I couldn't possibly," Zhang Deming said, even as he reached out and took the book.
'This afternoon, I'll check it for mistakes and omissions. If there aren't any, it'll save me a ton of copying time.'
'Guess all that flattery paid off.'
"It's nothing. I have several more, all left behind by senior brothers who were promoted and no longer needed them.
By the way, Junior Brother Zhang, what was your entry-level Skill?" Xue Su asked.
Zhang Deming gave a wry smile. "I don't have your kind of Talent, Senior Brother Xue. I took the most common path, that of a Spirit Farmer. It took me a full ten years to enter the Outer Sect, and only then with the Little Cloud Rain Skill."
Seeing this, Xue Su said, "You shouldn't put yourself down either, Junior Brother Zhang. Becoming a successful Spirit Farmer is also a promising... pa—"
Just as Zhang Deming and Xue Su were walking and talking, having just left the vicinity of the Dharma Transmission Hall, a group of three people suddenly blocked their path, interrupting their conversation.
"You're Zhang Deming? The new Spirit Medicine Farmer from the small medicine garden at Qingyou Pool?"
Upon seeing the trio, Xue Su's pupils contracted. He instantly swallowed the words he was about to say and took a small step back.
Zhang Deming looked up at the three men. "Yes, I am. May I ask if you need something, Senior Brother?"
"Mm, as a matter of fact, there is something I'd like to chat with you about, Junior Brother," said Lu Ze, the leader of the trio.
Zhang Deming's expression was neutral. "Go ahead, Senior Brother. I'm listening."
"That place, Qingyou Pool, is too remote and desolate. I don't think it's a suitable post for you, Junior Brother. It must be exhausting running back and forth without the Agility Technique," Lu Ze said, staring at Zhang Deming.
Zhang Deming looked at him and said, "Thank you for your concern, Senior Brother, but you're talking to the wrong person. Regarding assignments, you need to speak with Luh Jingsun, Senior Brother Luh.
He's the one in charge of assignments to Qingyou Pool. It's not my decision to make.
If you're truly concerned about my well-being, then by all means, go speak to Senior Brother Luh about it. Go ahead and plead my case."
"You'd better fucking apply for a transfer your—" one of Lu Ze's hot-tempered lackeys blurted out from behind him.
Before he could finish, Lu Ze raised a hand to silence him.
Lu Ze looked at Zhang Deming. "Junior Brother Zhang, there are some people it's best not to rely on.
Be careful. You may have the good fortune to get something, but not the fate to enjoy it.
You don't look to be in the best of health, Junior Brother. Not quite suited for all that running around.
After all, these public lectures can go on for years. It would be a shame if you exhausted yourself to the point of illness."
Zhang Deming raised an eyebrow at Lu Ze. "Is that supposed to be advice, Senior Brother, or a threat?"