He picked up the two seeds and used his aura gently to accelerate the growth. It will now sprout and grow incredibly quick as soon as he plants it. It will then break out of the soil and present its green sprouts within two days.
Chu Li soon discovered that this batch was exceptionally long. Their speed of growth is much faster than the usual rate; at least double the rate. A month has been shortened to ten days, and ten days shortened to a blink of an eye.
A white fog, thin as silk had engulfed the huge lake. Almost like a dream.
Su Ru then appeared with a pleasant aroma coming from her. She gracefully stood in front of the Moonlight Orchid parterre. She smiled and looked at Chu Li.
"My, have you completed the task?"
Chu Li pointed towards the six jade boxes on the stone table.
"That's rather fast. Why is that so?" Su Ru asked.
"Practice makes one perfect, I suppose." Chu Li replied.
"The appeal on being rank six conjures a strong determination within me. I would even risk my life for it."
"Attaining a rank six is indeed worth the fight. For now, proceed to the middle floor of the library. You may find some interesting information that awaits you."
Su Ru said.
"Understood." Chu Li nodded and smiled.
The fourth floor of the Tower of Wisdom is called the 'floor of the unique scripture'. Stored within it are treasured book that has been damaged from withstanding the test of time and against the elements. They hold stories of long-forgotten secrets that are written in unique characters where average folks are not able to decipher them.
"Chief, may I enter the Hall of Martial Arts?"
"The Hall..?" Su Ru was startled by the sudden request.
"You still haven't not given up on martial arts?"
Chu Li smiled.
"You may, obviously. You are rank six after all, therefore, you are entitled to even obtain the finest of all skill manuals."
"However, you'll still need to build a strong foundation for achieving the higher level arts." Su Ru said, regrettably.
In comparison, there is no difference between learning the martial arts or to acquire a new skill. It is almost as similar to how algebra is learned. If you lack the foundation for mathematics, reading advanced books on the subject would only serve to confuse you. It would feel as if you are entering a hold different dimension just to proceed.
"There's always another way, isn't there?"
"Uh….some of the manuscripts are better left untouched for your current level."
"Well, you have now peaked my curiosity."
"The rank system is most generally used in the Public House. Once you achieve rank six, you may are given access to the Scripture of God's Boundary. The manual is indeed important, but you cannot be trained without sufficient sources."
Chu Li nodded.
Learning martial arts is the same to him as studying medicine during his previous life. It requires a good teacher, lots of practice, and diligent observational skills. Reading medical books are not enough to become a good doctor.
"Chu Li, I believe you are a clever a person. You don't need excessive advice from me, but I feel the need to warn you. Do not train without completing your foundation!"
"Much appreciated, Chief."
Su Ru sighed. "…oh Chu Li." Su Ru smiled and shook her head; she felt as if Chu Li would not heed her advice.
——
The Hall of Martial Arts is a tower made of pure bronze.
The training field is massive in size. The ground is red from the soil's unique properties. Hundreds of people are seen training over it, giving the area a lively and crowded atmosphere.
Chu Li had come to the hall alone as Lee Yue was worried about the safety of the Moonlight Orchids. He chose to stay on the island to care for them as a precautionary step.
As he approached the main gate of the hall, a sandalwood divider blocked the way. Two gorgeous women in lake green gowns were behind it. They welcomed him in a demurred manner.
Chu Li proceeded to present his waist tag. The ladies were taken aback as it was rare to see someone as young as Chu Li to reach the sixth-ranked for his age. They then in return gave him a bronze medal.
Upon inspection, Chu Li could see that the medal had the emblem of four white clouds.
The two ladies guided him to the upper quarters in a polite fashion.
Soon enough Chu Li reached the highest floor; the fourth floor. He was met with two middle-aged protectors that were guarding in front of the entryway. They glanced at Chu Li's waist tag as he passed by.
The two protectors were a rank nine.
Chu Li considered this as a checkpoint. No one dares to break through this place even if the perpetrators were two ranked nine Scribes. If you were caught, the individual would forever be denied access inside the tower.
The fourth floor had a cold and quiet atmosphere.
There were many people looking through the huge collection of books neatly arranged on their shelves. Unlike the lower floors that were filled with books, the fourth floor had only five large shelves containing about a hundred books each.
The books here are not allowed to be taken out of the floor. Copying down content from the books are also prohibited in the library. The only choice is to memorize the content or return to reread them if you had forgotten. The second and third floors are always crowded while the fourth floor is usually occupied with only five people in it, creating a fitting atmosphere for the library.
Chu Li then looked through all the manuals from a shelf. All of them were either about passive abilities or martial arts from the Scripture of God's Boundary.
He went through every single page as he read. Within a day, he had memorized half the books from a shelf he had picked. He planned on memorizing every single detail of the manuals within five days.
——
He returned the last manual into the rack and let out a good stretch. When he had stepped out of the library, Chu Li had learned every single book from the highest floor. He wished to return to decide what to practice later on.
He then left the hall and walked through the field. Suddenly he was stopped halfway to his destination.
Zhuo Feiyang who was wearing a long blue shirt sneered at Chu Li. Standing beside him was Zhao Ying who was merely looking at them.
Chu Li appeared worried. He looked at Zhuo Feiyang.
"What are you doing here, you scumbag?" Zhuo Feiyang scoffed.
Chu Li paid no heed. He gave him a glance and continued to walk.
Zhuo Feiyang had made it through rank seven with confidence. He can now surely take his revenge on him.
"Chu Li! Aren't you incredibly scared!?" Zhuo Feiyang said.
"I am scared!" said Chu Li with a nod.
"I'm scared of such a shameful person. I may not be able to defeat you, but I can still avoid you!"
"One more match!"
"Don't think too highly of yourself. You are merely a scumbag that can't even practice the martial arts!"
"Do you think I would actually fight you just from your whims?"
He shook his head
"Zhuo Feiyang, if you have this much free time why don't you go home and practice. Stop embarrassing yourself and degrade your image as a genius."
Zhuo Feiyang's face turned absolutely sour. He clenched his teeth, knowing that he would lose to Chu Li in a verbal fight. He would have to force Chu Li to surrender. He grabbed the pole of a banner and threw it towards him.
"Catch!"
The pole acted like a weapon as it traveled fast directly to Chu Li.
Chu Li caught it with his hand. He smiled and shook his head.
"I decline!"
"Chu Li! You are a coward!" said Zhuo Feiyang with rage.
"You don't deserve to be called a man!"
"You don't have the right to judge me Zhuo Feiyang, whether I deserve it or not. That's right, don't you remember our last bet? You're now my protector!"
Zhuo Feiyang laughed loudly.
Chu Li continued to stare.
Zhuo Feiyang then stopped in the middle of his laugh.
"Chu Li, are you a fool? Me? Acting as your Protector?"
"You made the bet and you lost. Now you have pay up. Are you that unwilling to admit it?" Chu Li provoked.
"Even if I did, the Public House would not approve of it!" Zhuo Feiyang smiled in delight.
"You want me to be your Protector..? Do you actually think you deserve it? I'm a ranked seven Protector!"
"So you are unwilling to admit it?" Chu Li replied and conjured a smile.
Zhuo Feiyang's smile faded after hearing that response.
"Talk to me when you finally reach the sixth rank. I will admit it, but I never said when."
"So if I become the sixth rank, you will be my Protector?"
"Of course I would. Only if you achieve rank six." Zhuo Feiyang laughed.
"But you will have to wait twenty years for that to happen. By then, I would already have already reached the third or fourth ranks. You don't even deserve to be my Scribe!"
Chu Li shook his head.
"Thus Chu Li, you're only a scum who kneels under me! Ha! Hahaha!" Zhuo Feiyang laughed hysterically.
Chu Li assessed him from head to toe.
Zhuo Feiyang felt uncomfortable.
"What? Unwilling to agree? Then let's fight!" He shouted.
"No, stay away."
Chu Li shook his head.
"If you will not moving, I will raise a fist."
"Don't you feel embarrassed, Chu Li?" Zhuo Feiyang asked.
"And you're not?" Chu Li smiled.
He walked forward as he said it and knocked back Zhuo Feiyang.
Zhuo Feiyang took a step back.
"You scoundrel! I'll let you off just for today!"
Chu Li smiled. He shook his head and left.
Zhao Ying frowned and told Zhuo Feiyang to just let him be. "Zhao Ying! The bastard does not deserve pity. He is a wolf! You have to eliminate him before he eliminates you!"
"Chu Li can't train his inner strength. As you are so good at it, it will be unfair!"
Zhuo Feiyang looked at the back of Chu Li and shook his head.
"Come on, let's just practice" Zhao Ying sighed.
Zhuo Feiyang frowned and became silent.
"Zhuo Feiyang?" said Zhao Ying as she calmed down for a bit.
However, Zhuo Feiyang was somewhere else as he pondered.
"Brother Zhuo Feiyang!" shouted Zhao Ying.
Zhao Ying likes neither Zhuo Feiyang nor Chu Li. She is only a kind-hearted maiden who does not want Chu Li to be bullied. Chu Li is still not in up to their league, he will only suffer if he fights.
"I always feel like Chu Li has always something up his sleeves as he waits for me. It's not good!" said Zhuo Feiyang as he looked up.
"Zhuo Feiyang, you really are so narrow-minded. I can't accept that you are a man!" Zhao Ying mocked.
"My intuition is always right. There's never been a mistake! It has saved my life several times!"
Zhuo Feiyang shook his head.
Zhao Ying left.
Chu Li stood with his hands behind him. The wind from the lake caressed his face as he walks by. He should fulfill Zhuo Feiyang's wish for revenge, but he cannot do it in the presence of Zhao Ying. After all, he might lose the third time because of a trifle thing.
It all mattered. He needed to lay low to make sure no one paid any attention to him.
Challengers have the right to choose the location of their battle. Based on his personality, Zhuo Feiyang will definitely choose the martial arts hall for a spectacle.
Chu Li returned to the East Garden and wrote two invitations. He wanted Lee Yue to help him send them.
Lee Yue noticed the invitation and looked at Chu Li.
Chu Li smiled.
"Thank you, Lee Yue."
"What are you doing? Challenging Zhuo Feiyang again?" asked Lee Yue.
Chu Li smiled and nodded.
"It's fine. I bet he'll accept the challenge in a heartbeat."
Lee Yue shook his head.
"You sure you can do this?"
"I'll know after I try it."
"Isn't it too risky?" Lee Yue sounded worried all of a sudden.
"He is now the seventh rank!"
"Losing is normal. It'll be fine."
"Ha...You truly are ambitious!"
Lee Yue shook his head. He then left with the invitation cards.
He picked up the two seeds and used his aura gently to accelerate the growth. It will now sprout and grow incredibly quick as soon as he plants it. It will then break out of the soil and present its green sprouts within two days.
Chu Li soon discovered that this batch was exceptionally long. Their speed of growth is much faster than the usual rate; at least double the rate. A month has been shortened to ten days, and ten days shortened to a blink of an eye.
A white fog, thin as silk had engulfed the huge lake. Almost like a dream.
Su Ru then appeared with a pleasant aroma coming from her. She gracefully stood in front of the Moonlight Orchid parterre. She smiled and looked at Chu Li.
"My, have you completed the task?"
Chu Li pointed towards the six jade boxes on the stone table.
"That's rather fast. Why is that so?" Su Ru asked.
"Practice makes one perfect, I suppose." Chu Li replied.
"The appeal on being rank six conjures a strong determination within me. I would even risk my life for it."
"Attaining a rank six is indeed worth the fight. For now, proceed to the middle floor of the library. You may find some interesting information that awaits you."
Su Ru said.
"Understood." Chu Li nodded and smiled.
The fourth floor of the Tower of Wisdom is called the 'floor of the unique scripture'. Stored within it are treasured book that has been damaged from withstanding the test of time and against the elements. They hold stories of long-forgotten secrets that are written in unique characters where average folks are not able to decipher them.
"Chief, may I enter the Hall of Martial Arts?"
"The Hall..?" Su Ru was startled by the sudden request.
"You still haven't not given up on martial arts?"
Chu Li smiled.
"You may, obviously. You are rank six after all, therefore, you are entitled to even obtain the finest of all skill manuals."
"However, you'll still need to build a strong foundation for achieving the higher level arts." Su Ru said, regrettably.
In comparison, there is no difference between learning the martial arts or to acquire a new skill. It is almost as similar to how algebra is learned. If you lack the foundation for mathematics, reading advanced books on the subject would only serve to confuse you. It would feel as if you are entering a hold different dimension just to proceed.
"There's always another way, isn't there?"
"Uh….some of the manuscripts are better left untouched for your current level."
"Well, you have now peaked my curiosity."
"The rank system is most generally used in the Public House. Once you achieve rank six, you may are given access to the Scripture of God's Boundary. The manual is indeed important, but you cannot be trained without sufficient sources."
Chu Li nodded.
Learning martial arts is the same to him as studying medicine during his previous life. It requires a good teacher, lots of practice, and diligent observational skills. Reading medical books are not enough to become a good doctor.
"Chu Li, I believe you are a clever a person. You don't need excessive advice from me, but I feel the need to warn you. Do not train without completing your foundation!"
"Much appreciated, Chief."
Su Ru sighed. "…oh Chu Li." Su Ru smiled and shook her head; she felt as if Chu Li would not heed her advice.
——
The Hall of Martial Arts is a tower made of pure bronze.
The training field is massive in size. The ground is red from the soil's unique properties. Hundreds of people are seen training over it, giving the area a lively and crowded atmosphere.
Chu Li had come to the hall alone as Lee Yue was worried about the safety of the Moonlight Orchids. He chose to stay on the island to care for them as a precautionary step.
As he approached the main gate of the hall, a sandalwood divider blocked the way. Two gorgeous women in lake green gowns were behind it. They welcomed him in a demurred manner.
Chu Li proceeded to present his waist tag. The ladies were taken aback as it was rare to see someone as young as Chu Li to reach the sixth-ranked for his age. They then in return gave him a bronze medal.
Upon inspection, Chu Li could see that the medal had the emblem of four white clouds.
The two ladies guided him to the upper quarters in a polite fashion.
Soon enough Chu Li reached the highest floor; the fourth floor. He was met with two middle-aged protectors that were guarding in front of the entryway. They glanced at Chu Li's waist tag as he passed by.
The two protectors were a rank nine.
Chu Li considered this as a checkpoint. No one dares to break through this place even if the perpetrators were two ranked nine Scribes. If you were caught, the individual would forever be denied access inside the tower.
The fourth floor had a cold and quiet atmosphere.
There were many people looking through the huge collection of books neatly arranged on their shelves. Unlike the lower floors that were filled with books, the fourth floor had only five large shelves containing about a hundred books each.
The books here are not allowed to be taken out of the floor. Copying down content from the books are also prohibited in the library. The only choice is to memorize the content or return to reread them if you had forgotten. The second and third floors are always crowded while the fourth floor is usually occupied with only five people in it, creating a fitting atmosphere for the library.
Chu Li then looked through all the manuals from a shelf. All of them were either about passive abilities or martial arts from the Scripture of God's Boundary.
He went through every single page as he read. Within a day, he had memorized half the books from a shelf he had picked. He planned on memorizing every single detail of the manuals within five days.
——
He returned the last manual into the rack and let out a good stretch. When he had stepped out of the library, Chu Li had learned every single book from the highest floor. He wished to return to decide what to practice later on.
He then left the hall and walked through the field. Suddenly he was stopped halfway to his destination.
Zhuo Feiyang who was wearing a long blue shirt sneered at Chu Li. Standing beside him was Zhao Ying who was merely looking at them.
Chu Li appeared worried. He looked at Zhuo Feiyang.
"What are you doing here, you scumbag?" Zhuo Feiyang scoffed.
Chu Li paid no heed. He gave him a glance and continued to walk.
Zhuo Feiyang had made it through rank seven with confidence. He can now surely take his revenge on him.
"Chu Li! Aren't you incredibly scared!?" Zhuo Feiyang said.
"I am scared!" said Chu Li with a nod.
"I'm scared of such a shameful person. I may not be able to defeat you, but I can still avoid you!"
"One more match!"
"Don't think too highly of yourself. You are merely a scumbag that can't even practice the martial arts!"
"Do you think I would actually fight you just from your whims?"
He shook his head
"Zhuo Feiyang, if you have this much free time why don't you go home and practice. Stop embarrassing yourself and degrade your image as a genius."
Zhuo Feiyang's face turned absolutely sour. He clenched his teeth, knowing that he would lose to Chu Li in a verbal fight. He would have to force Chu Li to surrender. He grabbed the pole of a banner and threw it towards him.
"Catch!"
The pole acted like a weapon as it traveled fast directly to Chu Li.
Chu Li caught it with his hand. He smiled and shook his head.
"I decline!"
"Chu Li! You are a coward!" said Zhuo Feiyang with rage.
"You don't deserve to be called a man!"
"You don't have the right to judge me Zhuo Feiyang, whether I deserve it or not. That's right, don't you remember our last bet? You're now my protector!"
Zhuo Feiyang laughed loudly.
Chu Li continued to stare.
Zhuo Feiyang then stopped in the middle of his laugh.
"Chu Li, are you a fool? Me? Acting as your Protector?"
"You made the bet and you lost. Now you have pay up. Are you that unwilling to admit it?" Chu Li provoked.
"Even if I did, the Public House would not approve of it!" Zhuo Feiyang smiled in delight.
"You want me to be your Protector..? Do you actually think you deserve it? I'm a ranked seven Protector!"
"So you are unwilling to admit it?" Chu Li replied and conjured a smile.
Zhuo Feiyang's smile faded after hearing that response.
"Talk to me when you finally reach the sixth rank. I will admit it, but I never said when."
"So if I become the sixth rank, you will be my Protector?"
"Of course I would. Only if you achieve rank six." Zhuo Feiyang laughed.
"But you will have to wait twenty years for that to happen. By then, I would already have already reached the third or fourth ranks. You don't even deserve to be my Scribe!"
Chu Li shook his head.
"Thus Chu Li, you're only a scum who kneels under me! Ha! Hahaha!" Zhuo Feiyang laughed hysterically.
Chu Li assessed him from head to toe.
Zhuo Feiyang felt uncomfortable.
"What? Unwilling to agree? Then let's fight!" He shouted.
"No, stay away."
Chu Li shook his head.
"If you will not moving, I will raise a fist."
"Don't you feel embarrassed, Chu Li?" Zhuo Feiyang asked.
"And you're not?" Chu Li smiled.
He walked forward as he said it and knocked back Zhuo Feiyang.
Zhuo Feiyang took a step back.
"You scoundrel! I'll let you off just for today!"
Chu Li smiled. He shook his head and left.
Zhao Ying frowned and told Zhuo Feiyang to just let him be. "Zhao Ying! The bastard does not deserve pity. He is a wolf! You have to eliminate him before he eliminates you!"
"Chu Li can't train his inner strength. As you are so good at it, it will be unfair!"
Zhuo Feiyang looked at the back of Chu Li and shook his head.
"Come on, let's just practice" Zhao Ying sighed.
Zhuo Feiyang frowned and became silent.
"Zhuo Feiyang?" said Zhao Ying as she calmed down for a bit.
However, Zhuo Feiyang was somewhere else as he pondered.
"Brother Zhuo Feiyang!" shouted Zhao Ying.
Zhao Ying likes neither Zhuo Feiyang nor Chu Li. She is only a kind-hearted maiden who does not want Chu Li to be bullied. Chu Li is still not in up to their league, he will only suffer if he fights.
"I always feel like Chu Li has always something up his sleeves as he waits for me. It's not good!" said Zhuo Feiyang as he looked up.
"Zhuo Feiyang, you really are so narrow-minded. I can't accept that you are a man!" Zhao Ying mocked.
"My intuition is always right. There's never been a mistake! It has saved my life several times!"
Zhuo Feiyang shook his head.
Zhao Ying left.
Chu Li stood with his hands behind him. The wind from the lake caressed his face as he walks by. He should fulfill Zhuo Feiyang's wish for revenge, but he cannot do it in the presence of Zhao Ying. After all, he might lose the third time because of a trifle thing.
It all mattered. He needed to lay low to make sure no one paid any attention to him.
Challengers have the right to choose the location of their battle. Based on his personality, Zhuo Feiyang will definitely choose the martial arts hall for a spectacle.
Chu Li returned to the East Garden and wrote two invitations. He wanted Lee Yue to help him send them.
Lee Yue noticed the invitation and looked at Chu Li.
Chu Li smiled.
"Thank you, Lee Yue."
"What are you doing? Challenging Zhuo Feiyang again?" asked Lee Yue.
Chu Li smiled and nodded.
"It's fine. I bet he'll accept the challenge in a heartbeat."
Lee Yue shook his head.
"You sure you can do this?"
"I'll know after I try it."
"Isn't it too risky?" Lee Yue sounded worried all of a sudden.
"He is now the seventh rank!"
"Losing is normal. It'll be fine."
"Ha...You truly are ambitious!"
Lee Yue shook his head. He then left with the invitation cards.
