Snapping out of his reminisce, Zhang Wei arose from his seat and strolled towards the exit of the vast arena.

Whilst leaving, he took one last gander around the place which was brimming with life what seemed like moments ago, only to see a completely desolate setting.

Rows of empty benches and chairs that had seated passionate viewers.

The spacious grand stage which had hosted a variety of vigorous battles had not even a speck of dust on it.

And the shallow silence which was the only thing that filled the gaping emptiness of the place.

Looking at it like this, the arena had an eerie beauty to it, however, Zhang Wei did not have the luxury to enjoy it for longer than a few moments as he suddenly burst into full speed and rushed towards the exit.

Shit!

Looks like I'm going to get another earful off that bastard for making him wait!

But it's not my fault, I was just walking down memory lane!

As Zhang Wei rushed his way outside a large wooden gateway, that had a sign saying 'exit' on it, he spotted a dashing young man with black hair and striking blue eyes leaning backwards on the side of the gateway with his arms crossed.

The young man was wearing a light blue robe that enhanced his aesthetic even more as well as a huge frown on his face which oozed discontentment and irritation.

Upon seeing Zhang Wei's face, his eyebrows furiously twitched and he instantly said with dissatisfaction evident in his tone,

"You sure took your goddamn time, dumbass Zhang!

"Was it because you were awed by that incredible fight that you've already read like five times, or was it because our great hero that decided to disappear for like four years has returned to possibly save our pitiful asses?!

"Either way, I'm still going to nag you to death for being an irresponsible bastard!

"With this attitude, how are you planning on getting through these death flags?!

"If you are intending on going down into the deep trenches of the underworld, don't drag me with you!

"And do you really think..."

As Fan Lin began unrelentingly berating Zhang Wei for his tardiness, the man himself just stood there, kept quiet, and let his mind drift off to think about other things.

Hahhhhh, to think in the past this guy was a polite little bastard who'd try his best to not speak harshly even when he didn't agree with something.

However now, just a few years later, he's a ruthless little fucker who holds nothing back and scolds me on a daily basis!

It really is true that times of crisis change people!

"...if you keep this shit up I'll tell Brother Teng to raid your storage room and eat everything of value!"

After Fan Lin ended his lecture with that last line, he let out a long sigh and said,

"Moving on, I'm sure you know as well as me that we need to rush to the library and get ahold of that broken ancient technique which Lin Fan will be returning soon!

"Furthermore, over this small timeframe of peace, we need to carefully test the limits on how much we can dabble our hands into this so-called 'fate' and what we can and can't do with the protagonist.

"Let's hurry up and go then!"

After saying his piece, Fan Lin took the lead and began walking hastily towards the sect's library.

The frown earlier seemed to be gone as new emotions of joy and anticipation could be seen from his speedy pace and the small upward curve of his lips.

Seeing him like that, Zhang Wei shook his head and smiled to himself.

I'll overlook your rudeness this time for the bigger picture!

After all, today is the day we can bear the fruit of our efforts, as well as the day...

...I can harvest all the seeds I'd planted.

Zhang Wei then quickly caught up to Fan Lin and they both made their way towards the library in haste whilst chatting along the way.

...

A sect's foundation, regardless of whether they are the biggest of behemoths or the most minuscule of midgets, is made up of two major factors- both of which factors are synergetic in nature.

Firstly... people.

Those who carry on the name, the legacy, and whatever else, allowing the sect to actually be a sect.

A sect without a single member is merely a remnant of the past.

Secondly... the heritage itself.

The equipment, techniques, and wisdom that is passed down to those that are called sect disciples, in order for them to further refine it and enrich the said heritage.

A sect without a heritage is not a sect.

It's merely a coalition of people with similar goals in mind.

So with these two key factors in mind, it is naturally imperative that the sect library, which holds a significant part of the heritage, is a place of utmost importance.

The appearance of the Azure Profound Sect's library was one which was neither too grand nor too destitute.

Just kind of... average.

It was shaped like a pavilion, and upon entering it you'd see a small counter which had the librarian stationed behind it, alongside an entire floor of bookshelves containing a variety of books.

The books on the first floor were open to all disciples, regardless of status.

However, this changed when you scaled up the building through the stairway towards the second floor.

This second floor was open to inner disciples only and contained much more of the Azure Profound Sect's legacy.

Finally, the third floor was only available to elders and prime disciples- who were the highest rung of disciples.

As a matter of course, Zhang Wei and Fan Lin were only allowed on the first floor where only basic and foundational scriptures could be found.

On average, many young disciples after choosing their first few combat techniques and cultivation methods disdained returning to look through the first floor as they, as you would expect, would rather be doing practical activities.

It was common knowledge within the various circles in the outer sect that after choosing your cultivation path and corresponding techniques, the information on other paths' foundational knowledge would just taint your own dao, and that it was just generally better to focus on practising.

As for the historical notes and general knowledge books?

Pfffft!

What idiot would spend time looking over that stupid shit instead of getting cooler and stronger through cultivation?

Zhang Wei and Lin Fan were such idiots.

You see, Fan Lin's 'book of fate' stated in chapter thirty-two that...

The mature protagonist, who always aspired to be erudite and knowledgeable, decided to stay behind inside the library after choosing his technique- Whilst all the other simpletons around him instantly scurried off.

He then carefully flipped through a few ancient-looking books and unexpectedly a page fell out from one of them!

As the protagonist picked up and checked out this rogue piece of paper, the spirit of an expert who resided within him and guided him suddenly cried out with shock and glee!

After all, they had just stumbled across an unbelievably fantastical and mind-blowing ancient technique!

...

Aware of this happening, Zhang Wei and Fan Lin spent a mind-numbing amount of time skimming through as many dust collectors within the maze of bookshelves to see if they could replicate such a miracle.

Sadly, they did not.

But they did gain something though!

...The ridicule of the young temporary librarian that managed the library on behalf of the old and mysterious head librarian- who suspiciously was not present at all after that one time Lin Fan was within the place.

But now was a chance to turn all that around!

By gaining hold of that technique, they'd at least be able to gain something from that damn library!

As both boys entered the library, they witnessed an oddly familiar scene.

In their view, a conversation between the mysterious old librarian and a dashing young man was ensuing across a counter.

The boy had a worn and torn book in his hands and seemed to be explaining something with great interest, mean whilst the old man had a satisfied smirk on his face whilst he was caressing his white beard.

After a few moments, the old man said something along the lines of,

'If you are able to reach the 'Truth Within Chiliad Thoughts', come see me.'

Afterwards, the old man took the book from the boy's hands, placed it on the counter table, then sat back down on a stool and closed his eyes as if he were snoozing.

Noticing that the conversation was over and that he had completed his goal of returning the book, Lin Fan promptly walked towards the exit, right past the two eavesdroppers as if he did not even notice their existence, and left while seemingly muttering to himself,

"To think such a figure existed in secrecy, are you really sure he is that strong and that you aren't just going senile?"

Both Zhang Wei and Fan Lin, after a moment of grimacing due to being treated like air, walked up to the counter with great strides.

Before the both of them could catch their composure and get a hold of the old tome, the ancient and musky voice of the old man spoke up and said cryptically,

"Though flames burn blindingly within the hollow darkness, the moths that bask within its brightness, at best, remain as merely accomplished insects nonetheless.

"But at worst, their ever-glorious ambitions will reduce them to eternal ashes."

Hearing the old librarian's mystical words that seemed to hold great meaning behind them, both boys pondered for a few moments before they both spoke up and simultaneously said,

"We'd like to take out this book that is on the countertop!"

Hearing such words come out of their mouths, the old man opened his eyes once more and looked at them deeply.

One of his eyebrows slightly twitched and a small frown was on his face as he thought to himself,

Do these juniors really not know what I meant, or are they playing dumb?

After a few moments of silence, the old man shook his head resignedly and mumbled,

"looks like some juniors truly do not know the immensity of heaven and earth and the laws of not chewing more than one can swallow.

"Back in my day, these sorts of principles were hammered into us."

He then said clearly to them,

"You can take it out for a week, then one of you must return it otherwise disciplinary actions will be taken place for both of you.

"I wish you luck."

The old man, after saying his bit, closed his eyes again and ignored the two boys that were breathing heavily from excitement.

Zhang Wei then quickly took the book, and they both walked out with light footsteps as if a burden that had been weighing them down was suddenly removed from their shoulders.

It was strange.

Why had both the boys ignored the advice of an obviously very strong hidden powerhouse?

Did they really not understand the meaning behind his words?

Of course not!

Both boys were relatively smart and witty, and both had read a decent amount of xianxia to get the gist of what the old man was saying.

But upon hearing his words, both of them scoffed and thought to themselves something that would make the old man's eyes widen to the size of saucers!

Suck my ass, old man!

Insect?

Your mother, father, dog and ancestors are insects!

With my system/book of fate, I'll surely be able to do what you deem is not possible!

...

After they left the library they scurried back to Zhang Wei's residence, which was within closer proximity than Fan Lin's, and after entering they swiftly opened the book and greedily scanned through its contents.

The sound of pages being flipped was the only noise that could be heard within the room, except for the occasional gasp or another form of audible shock- Which stands testament to how incredible the knowledge contained within was, as it's to be noted that both boys generally knew what secrets were contained within even before opening the book.

Now, what was this unfathomable technique you may ask?

It was unnamed.

Lame?

Yeah, but it's usually the low-key things in xianxia that make bring the biggest surprises.

Following that trend, this one technique would be enough to cover up a major plot hole found in many standard Chinese cultivation novels.

Ever wondered why even though the main character was always very young compared to almost all the enemies he faces, he still completely stomps them in comprehension and combat awareness?

Have you always glossed over the fact that the main character can always do ungodly amounts of calculations and schemes within the span of a few moments?

Look no further as this tome, given that you've cultivated it to a high enough level, will boost all mental facilities to an outrageous degree!

This scripture only holds the first couple of stages of the technique, however, the book also glosses over some of the later stages and the powers one can receive by reaching the higher realms!

It's even said that the hypothetical endpoint of the technique grants one the ability to think till eternity within a singular moment!

Yes, the epitome of this thing grants you pseudo-immortality!

As they both finished reading, Zhang Wei and Fan Lin stared at each other for a bit in silence.

Only for a bit though, as soon they both nodded and they each clenched one of their fists and swung their arm up and down, seemingly in rhythm with each of the words they shouted.

"Rock, paper, scissors...shoot!"

The instant they both said 'shoot', both boys' fists unclenched.

One boy had two fingers poking out whilst the rest of his fingers were bunched together, meanwhile, the other boy's fingers were completely spread open revealing a full palm.

"Shit!

"Zhang Wei, you cheating bastard!

"I'm sure you were using that skill you gained all those years back to win!

"Let's go best of three, you chicken!"

"Fan Lin, you fucker!

"You were the one who adamantly begged for us to do one round, and now you're switching up like this?!

"And how dare you spout such bullshit!

"You know as well as I do, that in this scenario where the profits and losses are completely equal, my technique would never give me a hunch!

"Plus, even if it did, do you think I can go through all three options within an instant and decide which one is the most optimal?!"

"...Fuck!"

From this, it could be determined that Zhang Wei was the victor in that game of rock, paper, and scissors.

The premise of the bet was to determine which of the two would get to cultivate and memorise the technique first.

"Three days, eleven hours, and fifty-nine minutes, after that timer ticks to zero I'm busting in here and grabbing it no matter whether you are breaking through or taking a shit!"

After saying that, he stormed out of the residence.

After Fan Lin left, Zhang Wei had a smile plastered on his face as he instantly shifted his focus on towards the book and enthusiastically immersed himself in its contents.

...

Within a large courtyard of a similar appearance to Zhang Wei's, a particularly bloated young man could be seen walking side by side with an incredibly striking man of similar age.

They were both walking around the garden of the residence, happily while chatting and laughing as old friends would do after not seeing one another for a prolonged period of time.

The bigger boy, who had outer disciple robes on with a foolish smile on his face, said in an inquisitive manner,

"Brother Lin, I wonder if you've seen or heard of any of the Top Ten Lists?"

Upon hearing the words of his large-boned friend, Lin Fan squinted his eyes and looked at his friend with curiosity, and repeated in a questioning tone,

"Top Ten... Lists?"

Hearing the confusion in his sworn brother's voice, Bao Wei's eyes lit up and he fervently began to explain,

"Yeah, no one accurately knows how it came about, as there are mountains of rumours surrounding its origins, but one day on the sect's task board a wooden board carved with a list of ten names and heading of 'Outer Sect's Heroic Battle Rankings' appeared.

"As more and more disciples saw the board, many became curious and started to challenge those on the board to disprove what was on it!

"An outburst of fights took place, however, mysteriously none were able to replace any of the rankings!"

Bao Wei paused, took a deep breath, and then continued,

"If that was all, then it wouldn't be so surprising.

"After all, naming a bunch of strong people isn't that big of a deal.

"But it doesn't stop there!

"Not long later, another list popped up!

"Upon seeing this one, many people instantly scoffed.

"Why?

"Because it was named the 'Top Ten Heavenly Beauties List'!

"Many insistently argued that beauty was subjective and that even though topics like strength and cultivation level could be ranked, something like attractiveness couldn't!

"Call me, and everyone else, surprised when a few deadbeat outer sect disciples with nothing but time on their hands did an anonymous poll on it, and the results ended up matching exactly what the list had said!"

...