C56 He Signed at the Compendium Pavilion. Heavenly Eye

Jiang Su was roused from sleep by the system's mechanical voice the next morning.

Dawn had broken, and Sword Wing Peak lay in utter tranquility.

A new mission had been issued.

Check-in location: First Devil Sect's Compendium Pavilion

Time Limit: None

Rewards: Spirit Forging Arts, five Sky Heart Grass, Heavenly Eye (usable once daily)

As Jiang Su dressed, he pondered the significance of these rewards.

The Spirit Forging Arts was an exceptionally potent technique, capable of altering or strengthening a cultivator's spiritual root—the very cornerstone of their power. Its utility was undeniable.

Should Jiang Su encounter a friend with a less-than-ideal spiritual root, this technique might prove invaluable. However, Wang Tian had no need for it.

Jiang Su couldn't shake the feeling that the system's rewards were setting the stage for something greater, though he lacked proof.

For now, his only option was to carry out the system's task.

With the Heavenly Eye, he could uncover all the hidden spaces within the Cultivation World, pinpointing the locations of Secret Realm treasures. It also allowed him to discern the concealed potential of fellow cultivators, ensuring that true talent did not go unnoticed.

Slipping out quietly, Jiang Su left Wang Tian and Little Kylin undisturbed.

"System, guide me to the Compendium Pavilion."

Instantly, a map materialized in his mind, marked with a green line charting the path from Sword Wing Peak to the Compendium Pavilion.

The early hour was a blessing; the road was free from the usual throngs of female cultivators.

Jiang Su realized for the first time just how expansive this road was.

The Compendium Pavilion stood on an open plain three hundred meters from the Carefree Pavilion, its structure soaring skyward.

The words "Compendium Pavilion" were inscribed powerfully on its signboard.

"Eldest Senior Brother has arrived! Is he here for the Compendium Pavilion's challenge?"

"I bet the place will be packed today."

A few dozen steps from the Compendium Pavilion, Jiang Su was spotted by a patrol of disciples. They promptly saluted him, greeting, "Eldest Senior Brother, good morning!"

With a friendly nod, Jiang Su acknowledged them. He had overheard their conversation about a challenge at the Compendium Pavilion. Could there be a reward for those who complete it?

If the reward piqued his interest, it wouldn't hurt to give it a try.

With that thought in mind, he stepped into the Compendium Pavilion.

The moment he crossed the threshold, a small bell hanging beneath the pavilion's signboard chimed with a crisp ring.

He paid it no mind.

However, the sound of the bell caused an old man seated on the third floor to snap open his eyes, which had been tightly closed. Sensing the bell drop, he stood up abruptly.

The Thousand Arts Bell had sounded!

For years, it had only rung upon the Female Ruler's visit, and not once otherwise.

Yet, the Female Ruler had been busy with deliberations at the Devil Palace recently, not even appearing when the First Immortal Sect sent an envoy.

"You have completed the check-in. The Spirit Forging Arts and five Sky Heart Grass have been deposited into your storage space. You have been granted the Heavenly Eye."

The Secretary at the Compendium Pavilion was diligently recording the books borrowed by disciples in a ledger, seated at his desk with pen in hand.

He was meticulous in his task. When he detected the presence of a Foundation Stage disciple, he didn't bother to look up, asking directly, "What's your name? Which floor's books are you interested in? Which title would you like to borrow?"

Jiang Su surveyed the tranquil surroundings of the Compendium Pavilion, a place steeped in the scent of books and an understated opulence. His gaze landed on the wooden staircase leading upstairs, identical to the one at Sword Wing Peak.

Politely, Jiang Su introduced himself, "I'm Jiang Hee. It's my first visit to the Compendium Pavilion. I haven't yet decided on a book to borrow."

The Secretary's hand quivered at the mention of the name Jiang Hee.

Why would Chiu Yue's Head Disciple, Jiang Hee, be in the Compendium Pavilion? Surely, Chiu Yue would teach him the cultivation techniques himself.

Stepping around the long desk, the Secretary addressed him with respect, "So you're the elder's Head Disciple. Feel free to explore the books across the first five floors. If you wish to take any, just let me know, and I'll log them for you."

Jiang Su nodded in acknowledgment. Recalling the patrolling disciples' chatter about an ongoing event at the pavilion, he inquired, "Secretary, could you tell me what event the Compendium Pavilion is hosting today?"

The Secretary mopped his brow, acutely aware that he couldn't risk offending Chiu Yue's Head Disciple. As he looked up, he caught sight of Jiang Su's face and immediately grasped why all the female cultivators of the First Devil Sect were infatuated with him—Jiang Su was undeniably striking.

Jiang Su's courteous demeanor even towards a lowly Secretary like himself was impressive. It was no mystery why he was so well-liked.

"Today," the Secretary informed him, "the Compendium Pavilion is hosting its monthly challenge. If you manage to read through five books before an incense stick burns out, you'll gain access to the Pavilion's top five floors."

Realizing Jiang Su might be unaware of the significance of this reward, the Secretary elaborated, "Those floors are usually reserved for the Female Ruler and the four elders. They house ten major devil arts and a myriad of cultivation secrets."

The prospect piqued Jiang Su's interest. Gaining entry to those floors would certainly expand his knowledge, a welcome opportunity in the vast Cultivation World with its endless secret manuals—too many for even his system to process.

The Secretary was thrilled to see Jiang Su considering the challenge. The Compendium Pavilion hadn't buzzed with excitement in ages, as few disciples took part in the monthly event. With Jiang Su's popularity, a bit of promotion could draw a crowd today!

With a respectful bow, the Secretary gestured a warm welcome.

Just then, an elder descended to the first floor. He was taken aback by the Secretary's deference to a young man. "Have you no pride?" he chided. "He's merely at the Foundation Stage. There's no need for such groveling."

The elder's gaze on Jiang Su was laced with contempt, seeing him as nothing more than a lazy, talentless charmer preying on the affections of young female cultivators. He couldn't hide his disdain.

Jiang Su, hearing the elder's harsh words, offered the Secretary a supportive hand.

The Secretary, catching the elder's scornful look and hearing his biting comment, stood up straighter, his back slick with a fresh sheen of sweat. He was in a bind, caught between two figures he dared not cross.

But he couldn't remain silent!

He first addressed Jiang Su, saying, "This esteemed elder is the Female Ruler's uncle."

Then he approached Murong Yun, intending to introduce Jiang Su. However, Murong Yun cut him off: "I have no need to know who he is. He's merely a cultivator at the Foundation Stage. He's not worthy of my acquaintance. Did the Female Ruler stop by here just now?"

Jiang Su, upon hearing Murong Yun's dismissive words, fought back his rage.

It was beyond his expectations that this spiteful old man was actually related to the Female Ruler as her uncle.