Chapter 261: Arrive First And Take The Lead (I)

"Young Master Zhao, the Library Pavilion is just ahead. The pavilion is divided into the Inner Pavilion and the Outer Pavilion. The techniques in the Inner Pavilion cannot be taken outside, so I can only bring you to select from the Outer Pavilion," Li Mengqi said as she pointed toward the attic ahead.

"Understood. Being able to obtain even a single true technique is enough for me. If I had to search for one myself, it would require considerable effort," Lin Zheyu said with a smile.

He had originally intended to hide within Wuling City and rely on the Primordial Origin Technique {Modified} to slowly raise his strength to the limit of his blood qi. After breaking through to the Marrow Refining realm, he planned to head to Wu'an City to join the Bull Demon Sect or select another suitable sect. Unexpectedly, fate shifted, and meeting Li Mengqi had brought him this new opportunity.

"You flatter us. With your martial cultivation talent, joining any sect would be an easy matter," Li Mengqi said with a gentle shake of her head.

The two arrived at the Library Pavilion. Outside, an unremarkable old man sat in the shade, sipping tea and leisurely reading. He was clearly the expert tasked with guarding the pavilion. Lin Zheyu glanced curiously at the book in the old man's hands and happened to catch some of its contents. His expression turned strange. The book contained illustrations. Though uncolored, they were drawn with exquisite detail. At once, the dignified expert image he had imagined collapsed in his mind.

"Greetings, Elder Wang. I wish to bring Young Master Zhao into the Outer Pavilion to select a true technique. I request your permission," said Li Mengqi as she bowed respectfully.

"

Ah

, Mengqi. It has been a long time since you visited. Even when you are free, you never come to see this old man," Elder Wang replied, closing his book and smiling with squinted eyes.

The old man appeared completely ordinary, with no aura leaking from his body. He looked like a well-maintained, non-martial elder. Had he not been sitting outside the Library Pavilion, drinking tea and reading at leisure, Lin Zheyu would have mistaken him for an ordinary civilian.

"I have come several times, but you happened to be absent each time," Li Mengqi replied.

Several elderly experts took turns guarding the Library Pavilion. Elder Wang was just one of them. When Li Mengqi had come previously, he happened to be off duty.

"That is quite unfortunate. It has been a while, little girl, and your strength has improved nicely. Keep working hard and strive to reach the Force Transformation realm soon," Elder Wang said with a cheerful smile.

"Yes, Elder Wang," Li Mengqi replied. It was clear she held deep respect for him.

"Greetings, Senior. I am Zhao Hao." Seeing Elder Wang look in his direction, Lin Zheyu stepped forward and saluted. He did not elaborate further, only giving his alias.

"So, this is the martial artist you recruited. Let me take a look at him." Elder Wang chuckled and examined Lin Zheyu from head to toe, his eyes sharp as blades. Being scrutinized like that made Lin Zheyu extremely uncomfortable. It was as if the old man could see through him entirely.

What level of strength does this elder possess? Can he see through my Tortoise Breath Grand Method disguise?

Lin Zheyu felt a trace of nervousness.

He was operating the Tortoise Breath Grand Method at full strength to conceal his blood qi aura. So far, even martial artists at the peak of the Marrow Refining realm or those who had condensed a trace of true strength could not see through his perfected disguise. Though the elder before him did not pierce it instantly, the sense he gave off was unfathomably deep.

He guessed that Elder Wang was likely a Force Transformation realm expert. As for being a Grandmaster realm expert, there was a slight possibility, but not a strong one. The Li Family was powerful, but not to the extent of assigning a Grandmaster realm expert to guard the Library Pavilion.

"

Oh.

Seven qualitative changes to your blood qi, eh? A fine martial cultivation talent, and no worse than Mengqi's. Boy, your appearance is disguised, isn't it? Restore your original face and let this old man see it."

Elder Wang's eyes were razor sharp. Despite not releasing any aura or momentum, his tone carried a sense of authority that could not be refused.

Lin Zheyu stiffened inwardly. As expected, he had been seen through. Elder Wang not only recognized that his blood qi had undergone seven qualitative changes, but also discerned that his appearance was disguised.

However, it seemed Elder Wang could not determine his true martial cultivation realm. The difference between the Marrow Refining realm and the Blood Qi realm lay in abundant vitality and a strong physique, which were traits Lin Zheyu also possessed. Despite Elder Wang's sharp insight, he still could not tell whether Lin Zheyu was a Marrow Refining realm martial artist just by sight.

Lin Zheyu fell silent for a moment before shaking his head.

"My apologies."

If he revealed his true appearance, with the Li Family's influence, they could easily follow the trail and uncover his real identity. Once they learned his true age and years of martial practice, it would cause trouble.

"The Li Family's Library Pavilion is not a place just anyone can enter. If you hide your head and tail like this, you cannot be permitted inside," Elder Wang said calmly.

Lin Zheyu glanced at Li Mengqi, taken aback by the unexpected situation. He was certain that both Li Mengqi and Li Mengxi had already guessed that he was using a disguise. The fact that they brought him here meant they were not concerned unless they intended to use this moment to unearth his true background.

"Elder Wang, please stop teasing. Young Master Zhao is my lifesaver, not a recruit of the Li Family. This true technique is a reward I promised him," Li Mengqi explained with a helpless expression.

"I am only helping you keep an eye out. You are too simple-minded. People outside are unpredictable. If you are not careful, you will be deceived," Elder Wang replied lightly.

Major families and sects enforced strict control over techniques and martial resources. Independent martial artists were not cut off from the martial path, but without joining a power, even geniuses eventually faded into mediocrity. After five qualitative changes of blood qi, advanced techniques and true intent diagrams were nearly impossible for ordinary people to obtain. Thus, when Elder Wang saw a genius who had undergone seven changes appearing to request a true technique from the Li Family, his first reaction was suspicion.

"Elder Wang, Young Master Zhao saved me by coincidence. We have already checked his identity and found no issues," said Li Mengqi, shaking her head firmly.

Hearing this, Elder Wang waved his hand with a smile and said, "Very well, go in. Boy, I don't care who you are nor why you approached Mengqi, but if I discover you harbor ill intent...

hmph

." Elder Wang narrowed his eyes at Lin Zheyu and gave a cold sneer.

"Please rest assured, senior. I have no ill will toward Miss Mengqi. I am only staying temporarily because I offended the Tang Family, and they placed a bounty on me with Soulcall Tower. I had no choice but to seek refuge here. In half a year, once the bounty expires, I will leave on my own," replied Lin Zheyu as he cupped his fists respectfully.

"Alright, go on. I was discourteous earlier, but please do not mind it," Elder Wang said with a small smile.

"You speak too heavily, senior. I can understand your actions," Lin Zheyu replied.

"Young Master Zhao, please follow me," Li Mengqi said softly.

Lin Zheyu followed behind Li Mengqi, pushed open the door, and entered the Library Pavilion. Elder Wang watched his departing figure with curiosity, an amused expression appearing on his face.

He carries traces of having trained in many techniques—leg techniques, fist techniques, and even what seems like saber techniques. Truly a messy mixture. Not only that, but he also cultivated a truncated version of the Tortoise Breath Technique to Perfection. Someone who practices such a limited version is unlikely to come from a major power.

Perhaps he is a descendant of a fallen esteemed family, which is why he possesses only Blood Qi realm techniques. Otherwise, no matter how high his talent, breaking through seven blood qi transformations would be nearly impossible. Still, their family likely has no strong martial artists left, or they would never allow him to waste time training so many techniques.

What an interesting little fellow. His vitality is abundant, his skin is smooth, and his aura is vigorous. He shouldn't be very old. For someone without backing to train in this many techniques and still achieve seven qualitative changes... his talent is frightening. If his temperament is decent as well, Mengqi may truly have found a treasure this time.

Elder Wang shook his head with a smile. He had only allowed Lin Zheyu inside after observing all these details. In the brief moment they interacted, he had seen through many of Lin Zheyu's secrets. If Lin Zheyu had known, he would likely have broken out in a cold sweat.

After the two entered, Elder Wang picked up his book again, leisurely flipped through its pages, and occasionally made clicking sounds of appreciation as he read with great interest.