Chapter 38: Library

Cultivation Methods had a clear split between Internal and External cultivators, however, for skills it was different.

Internal Cultivators had a slight advantage when it came to the learning and use of skills as they could also use most of the skills that External Cultivators could use by wielding their energy to fortify their bodies and use the skill, which would although be weaker, still allowed them to be versatile and use them.

Whereas it was almost impossible for External Cultivators to use any of the skills that were available to Internal Cultivators that were extremely rare and mysterious and could only be used by those that had a Soul Spirit that is suitable in terms of application and element.

Soul Spirits were a very mysterious addition to cultivators that most were unsure of the way it was formed and the reason for its formation, but it was an obvious advantage for cultivators to have and not only granted them an ability but also access to more skills and methods that require the elemental affinity.

For Internal Cultivators the Soul Spirit is activated and sustained using the energy stored within the meridians and dantian, and similarly, External Cultivators activate and sustain their Soul Spirit using the energy within their External Body.

Making them both feel different types of fatigues with Internal Cultivators suffering from more strain and feeling drained, which may even take them to the point of collapse, and External Cultivators would feel tired and sluggish physically and may also reach the point of losing consciousness.

Ivan led the, 50 or so, excited students towards the academy library that was within the centre of the academy.

It took them almost an hour of jogging to reach it, which just went to show the sheer size of the academy, and the entire time they were heading towards the large building that could be seen from most places within the academy, with its tall structure.

Damian along with the rest of the students were extremely excited and looking forwards to the opportunity to gain a skill and a method, but knew how rare and valuable they were and was curious to how they would be acquired.

As they reached the gate, that was at the wall that surrounded the library and was heavily guarded, they entered the area belonging to the library and stood in a group under the instruction of Ivan.

"Before we enter there are some rules about the academy. Skills and Methods are rare and few, so the original copy of each of the skills and methods are hidden. However. subpar copies have been made of almost all of the skills and methods, to the best of the ability of the elders after learning them, and can be accessed through jade slips.

Jade slips are made through a process that requires extreme control and mental ability and are when senior cultivators engrave knowledge, skills and or methods onto jade slips that store it and allow it to be accessed by others that stream their energy into it." explained Ivan.

"Any skill you choose must be allowed by the librarian that is also the great elder of the academy and you must show him complete respect if you want to keep your lives. The great elder is on par with the principle of the academy and has complete control of the library, so be careful what you do and don't even think of attempting to steal anything," warned Ivan.

Ivan's words imbued fear and wariness into all the students, who were beginning to learn the laws of cultivation.

Survival of the fittest and the strong have the most power.

"I don't have clearance to enter, so from here on out you enter alone and you will be lead to the floor of F Rank Skills that you can choose from" stated Ivan as he stood to the side and pointed towards the entrance of the large building.

All of the students, despite their nervousness, caused from what they had heard from the librarian, couldn't suppress their excitement and all rushed towards the entrance and rushed inside.

"Halt" ordered a voice, as they all felt under immense pressure and stopped.

"What class are you" enquired a voice with an authoritative tone.

"Th...the class under Ivan" stuttered a student.

"You must be new students that have the opportunity to pick new skills" mumbled the voice as he revealed himself from the room he was in behind the front office.

He was a seemingly weak, small old man, that was supporting his body with a walking stick and had a long white beard.

All the students were shocked by his appearance and instinctively underestimated him because of his appearance, but kept their respect, remembering the warning that Ivan gave them.

"Head down the corridor and stay on the first floor, to choose an F rank skill that you will run by me, then I will lead you to where you can get a cultivation method" stated the old man, allowing them to leave.

All the students with permission to leave, rushed towards the direction that the librarian pointed towards, as they pushed past each other, hoping to get the first pick of the skills, leaving Damian still stood there.

While the others were rushing away, Damian who was about to join them suddenly halted by a sudden voice within his mind.

[Before you leave, be respectful to the librarian that will be a big help to you in the future as the strongest cultivator that you have come across so far] advised Utsusu.

Damian who had complete trust in Utsusu and headed his warnings and advise, stopped the urge to rush towards the skills and stood still.

"Why are you still there here child" inquired the librarian, baffled by the child that didn't rush towards the skills.

"I waited to pay my respects to my senior" stated Damian respectfully as he bowed to the old man.

The old man was shocked by the boy's actions and began to chuckle as he stroked his beard.

"You are an interesting boy aren't you" observed the old man as he looked closely at Damian's glowing yellow eyes.

"Now run along kid, go and get yourself a good skill," remarked the old man.

"Yes senior" affirmed Damian as he ran off in the direction that the rest of the students ran in.