Chapter 294: I Want It All

Chapter 294: I Want It All

The cart slowly approaches one of the massive, vertical floating discs, as if there is some danger that we cant see. Or perhaps, navigating some unseen path that seems to require Ling to still have her face scrunched so.

And the closer we get to one, easily larger than a house, the more wary I feel.

It thrums. It pulses. Echoes.

The hairs on back and neck rise, reminding me of my place here. Contained. Subdued.

Something in me rises against it. And I draw my eyes over to the runic scriptures coiled around its circumference.

But my eyes and mind feel like they are being seared and I suddenly hear Ling yell out, despite being at the helm.

Dont look at the scripts or formations! None of us here can handle the residual qi left over by the creators of them. Even the elders have trouble after some time of reading them.

Residual qi? Are you telling me that the people that made this couldnt clean up their qi after making something?

No, it is more of a measure of how powerful the formations that create it is. Considering that even the large protective defense formation surrounding the sect didnt cause issues for me, it might be a difference in iteration and purpose as well.

The massive formations in the sect, while strong, are not nearly as powerful as the ones in here. Adding to that, there seemed to be additional layers of formation on top of the ones in the sect, obscuring their presence. I suspect that was a major part of why the residual qi on it was not an issue.

Perhaps there will be areas in the sect where this will be more of an issue.

But despite my rational thoughts and analysis, theres still an existing issue.

My anxiety rises the closer we go to it.

Mao raises her hand to the center of the hemisphere, motioning a single finger to her left. Causing a new property of the disc to emerge.

A circular line parts and separates a fourth into the radius of the large disc. Showing a disc within the disc.

Before our eyes, the interior disc turns, revealing a new space within. Even more surprisingly, the cart moves with the turn at the exact pace. Making me think it isnt the cart thats moving, but the space itself. Inside this larger disc I can see countless bluish lines, thrumming and shining, giving me the barest insights into the formations contained within these wonders.

And the moment all of this happens, the anxiety suddenly disappears. Making me wonder if it was an intentional part of the design, to keep those who arent librarians away.

And as we pass the threshold, the orientation changes from horizontal to vertical. Like we walked through a door, but ended up climbing up from the ground instead.

The second after I speak, Mao and her sister blur a bit. Nothing that a normal person or even someone at my level would notice, but easily found with my abilities.

Wait a second. Are they communicating with their other twin pair? The white-haired twins?

They could be using the connection between these girls and the other twins as a communication medium.

just like the Patriarch was doing with his personal servant in the secured area.

Very true, but then we should talk about what you actually want. Its hard not to notice that you havent gone to any of the core disciple areas. Which does makes sense, considering your current method is doing well for you.

So, that leaves a quite a few other options for you, like converting that privilege into merits. Since you wouldnt be able to share a method with your group, of course. Of course, helping us to gain the pearls with valuable information would help the sect and gain you merits.

Confirming my thoughts, is that she responds almost immediately after they stop blurring. Not only that, but theres a subtle change in how Ling speaks. She still sounds normal, but theres a slight feeling that shes just communicating something over to me and then back to someone else. Not only by how shes saying it, but the content of her words, as well.

Thats good to hear. So, it sounds to me I should tell your group what Im looking for and you can tell me what I need to tell you to get it?

Another pause.

Thats correct.

Time for the pitch.

I want the records for the dangerous and faulty cultivation techniques and records.

Theres another pause, but one unlike the others.

Both Mao and Ling look at me, confused. It appears they havent communicated this over yet.

Mao speaks up.

Im sorry if Im wrong, but you realize that you have unrestricted access to those already? Especially, as a core disciple, even if you took one of those trash methods sp

Not just what I can find, Mao.

Everything.