The reason this stone tablet stands here is to test whether the disciples of the Xuan Lei Sect meet the required standards, and the most direct mark of achieving the status of a Three-Star Thunderer is leaving a half-inch deep fist imprint on this stone tablet.
Under the gaze of the two onlookers, Sun Zhe's fist struck the stone tablet without any hesitation, and to their astonishment, Sun Zhe's fist actually left a clear imprint on the hard stone, with a depth clearly exceeding half an inch.
"Three-Star Thunderer..."
Looking at the scene before them in disbelief, the two Black-Clad Guards standing nearby displayed expressions of shock. Sun Zhe had only recently joined the Xuan Lei Sect for just three months, yet his strength had already reached the level of a Three-Star Thunderer. Such rapid progress was enough to leave them astounded.
"I wonder if you two senior brothers think Sun Zhe is qualified to enter the library?" Casually shaking his slightly numb right hand, Sun Zhe slowly walked up to the two and asked lightly. Now that Sun Zhe's cultivation had reached the level of a Three-Star Thunderer, combined with his robust physique, even a Four-Star Thunderer's strength might not surpass his. Leaving a half-inch deep fist imprint on this stone tablet was not a difficult task for him.
Upon hearing what seemed to be a hint of sarcasm in Sun Zhe's words, the guard on the right suddenly turned pale. He had not expected that a newcomer like Sun Zhe would possess such terrifying strength as a Three-Star Thunderer.
"You've qualified, young man. Go ahead!"
At that moment, an extremely faint voice suddenly reached their ears. The sound seemed ethereal, making it impossible to discern its source; it felt both near and far. However, to Sun Zhe's ears, it resonated like thunder. The two Black-Clad Guards immediately changed their expressions upon hearing this voice, their previously arrogant demeanor vanishing completely as they revealed utmost respect.
After looking around for some time without seeing anyone, Sun Zhe quickly realized that the owner of this voice must also be one of the guardians of the library, and that person's strength was undoubtedly terrifying, possibly reaching the formidable realms of Thunder Master or even Thunder Sovereign. Sun Zhe knew that with his Spiritual Power, he would never have been able to detect that person unless they chose to reveal themselves.
"Thank you, senior." Slightly bowing his head, Sun Zhe no longer hesitated and walked directly toward the pavilion ahead.
Not long after Sun Zhe left, a White-Clad Middle-Aged Man slowly revealed himself from where Sun Zhe had just stood. With slightly graying hair and hands clasped behind his back, he watched Sun Zhe depart with eyes sparkling with appreciation.
"The cultivation of a Three-Star Thunderer is close to that of a Four-Star Thunderer... Not bad, not bad. This time, the Outer Sect has indeed recruited a good seedling. By next year's Inner Sect Competition, the Outer Sect won't have to suffer embarrassment like in previous years."
"Disciple pays respects to Elder Han." Upon seeing the White-Clad Middle-Aged Man reveal himself, the two Black-Clad Guards who had initially obstructed Sun Zhe trembled in their expressions and immediately knelt down on the ground, whispering in greeting. The white attire was indeed a symbol of Elder Lei.
"You two are doing quite well; it seems you've become increasingly arrogant over these past few days. Tomorrow go to the Punishment Hall for six months of training before returning." With a flick of his sleeve, the White-Clad Middle-Aged Man's figure vanished once more, leaving behind two individuals with bitter expressions.
But all of this was unknown to Sun Zhe.
Standing before the attic of the library, Sun Zhe stopped and took out the token that symbolized his identity from his clothing, extending it forward. Immediately, a white light curtain lit up ahead, merging with the blood-red square token. The light curtain began to flicker brightly, followed by a deep rumbling sound, and a one-person-sized light gate appeared in front of Sun Zhe.
Without hesitation, Sun Zhe stepped through the grand door.
Inside and outside the door seemed to be two completely different spaces. After stepping through the door, the scene before Sun Zhe changed dramatically; an extremely spacious quiet room appeared in his view. Inside the quiet room were rows of purple birch wood bookshelves, each filled with various books and scrolls. Some of these books and scrolls were covered with layers of faint Light Barriers, seemingly for protection.
The library had three floors, and this was the first floor. Sun Zhe glanced around and noticed that there were not many people on the first floor—only seven or eight individuals, each focused on their own scrolls and books, completely unaware of Sun Zhe's arrival.
"Where is your proof?"
At that moment, a cold voice suddenly rang out. Sun Zhe then noticed a middle-aged man sitting at a corner on the left responsible for registration. He was also dressed as a disciple of the Xuan Lei Sect and asked Sun Zhe for his credentials.
"I am a newly admitted disciple who has met the sect's requirements and have come here to choose two Martial Arts as per regulations." After saying this, Sun Zhe presented his identification again.
"Alright, after you choose your two Martial Arts, come back here to register. Remember, you can only take them based on your own abilities, and you can only select from this first floor of the library," said the middle-aged man with a slightly surprised glance at Sun Zhe but maintaining his tone.
"Thank you, Senior Brother." With that, Sun Zhe walked toward the rows of bookshelves.
The first floor of this library had an abundance of scrolls covering various topics. Most were about continental knowledge, cultivation basics, and rare treasures related to monsters; these books had no restrictions and were available for anyone to read freely. However, there were significantly fewer scrolls on cultivation techniques and combat Martial Arts, each protected by defensive prohibitions.
According to Elder Li's explanation, cultivation techniques and Martial Arts were divided into three ranks: Human Rank, Earth Rank, and Heaven Rank. Each rank was further subdivided into four levels: low-grade, mid-grade, high-grade, and supreme-grade. In total, there were twelve levels of classification for techniques and Martial Arts. Generally speaking, the higher the rank of a technique or Martial Art, the greater its power; however, they were also increasingly precious.
Martial Arts was a special technique that utilized spiritual power. A good Martial Art could exponentially enhance a Cultivator's strength; challenging opponents beyond one's level was not impossible either. This was precisely why Sun Zhe was eager to practice Martial Arts—after all, powerful cultivation required advanced Martial Arts to be effectively utilized.
"Perhaps there are some high-quality Human Rank Martial Arts in this first layer..." With a self-deprecating smile, although Sun Zhe also desired Earth Rank and higher Human-Grade Martial Techniques, such precious items were merely a distant thought for him now. With his current strength, even if he possessed them, they would only be a burden, and might even bring about his own demise.
"The Thunderclap Sword Technique, a Human-Grade Mid-Tier Martial Technique, utilizes Thunder Power to unleash attacks like the roar of thunder. This sword technique is not only astonishingly fast but also possesses formidable attack power."
"The Black Ape Heavy Staff, a low-quality Human Rank Martial Art, evolved from the habits of the black ape. Its staff techniques are broad and powerful, and when mastered deeply, it grants the user unmatched bravery, making it suitable for heavy weapon cultivators."
"The Whirlwind Triple Leg, a high-quality Human Rank Martial Art, features an extremely powerful leg technique. Once mastered, it allows the user to unleash three leg shadows, making it difficult for opponents to defend against."
...
As Sun Zhe looked at the descriptions of these Martial Arts, his eyes couldn't help but redden. If it weren't for the limitation of two techniques, he would have wanted to take them all out of the Light Barrier to browse through.
Just as Sun Zhe was hesitating, a brownish-yellow scroll appeared before his eyes, instantly brightening them.
"Mighty Fist"
Without any hesitation, Sun Zhe reached directly into the Light Barrier with his right hand.
Comment 0 Comment Count