Dimensions Journey

Amidst the pitch-black darkness, the shadows of two figures moved up a stone staircase, ascending toward a massive black gate adorned with intricate demonic engravings that pulsed with a mysterious energy.

One was an old man with an indescribable aura, while the other was a ten-year-old child who followed closely, as if the old man's presence granted him a sense of security.

Before the gate, several armored guards stood in formation. The moment the old man approached, they knelt without hesitation, their heads bowed to the ground.

Creak!

The gate slowly opened, revealing another world within—where shadows and light intertwined in a majestic scene.

The old man stepped inside without sparing the guards a glance, while the child followed swiftly.

However, just before crossing the threshold, the child hesitated for a moment, looking back as if recalling something… but he quickly dismissed his thoughts and continued following the old man.

The child was Liang Chen, and the old man leading him was Elder Fang Tai.

As soon as Liang Chen entered, he noticed several disciples clad in the black robes of the outer sect.

Some of them sneered at his worn-out clothes, while others didn't even bother looking at him, as if his existence was meaningless.

Yet, Liang Chen paid them no mind. Instead, his focus was on something else—the towering black buildings surrounding the area and the terrifying pressure exuded by some individuals with piercing gazes.

There was an unseen danger in the air.

Unconsciously, he moved closer to Fang Tai, prompting the elder to smile faintly.

As they continued walking, new faces appeared—the inner sect disciples.

Unlike the outer disciples, their attire was diverse, and each carried a distinct weapon, reflecting their unique specialties.

Some had long swords strapped to their backs.

Others wielded dual short swords at their waists.

Some carried spears that emitted a faint hum with each step.

Others bore metallic claws covering their hands, while some held heavy clubs or twin daggers.

Each of these disciples radiated an unintentional aura of strength, making Liang Chen feel an invisible pressure. Yet, instead of fear, his desire for power only grew!

Walking beside his master, he asked in a calm tone:

"Do you think I fear them?"

Fang Tai glanced at him before Liang Chen smiled and answered:

"How could I be afraid as long as my master is by my side?"

Fang Tai burst into laughter, shaking his head as if pleased with the response.

After a few more minutes, they arrived before a colossal building, radiating an ancient aura, as if containing centuries of wisdom within its walls.

It was the sect's library.

With a faint smile, Fang Tai said,

"Come, take a look at your new home."

Liang Chen's eyes widened in surprise.

"My home? Inside the library?"

He suddenly remembered that Fang Tai had told him he would live in a special place within the library, but he never imagined it would be this place!

Before he could respond, the elder smiled and added,

"Ah, I almost forgot. I'm also the guardian of the library."

Liang Chen was shocked once again.

Guarding the library? He knew that this was a position of great responsibility, as only those who met strict conditions were allowed to enter!

Before he could react further, dozens of shadows emerged from nowhere, kneeling on one knee before Fang Tai and speaking in unison:

"Welcome back, Elder!"

Fang Tai waved his hand, and they vanished instantly, as if they had never existed.

As for Liang Chen? He stood frozen, trembling slightly.

"I couldn't even see how they moved!"

His respect for Fang Tai grew even more.

Upon entering the library, Liang Chen saw tens of thousands of books neatly arranged on massive shelves.

Noticing his astonishment, Fang Tai said indifferently,

"There's no need to be impressed. Most of these books are just low-level techniques or knowledge on smithing, herbs, and alchemy."

Then, he explained further:

"The library consists of seven floors. The first three? Nothing but trash."

Pointing upward, he continued,

"The fourth and fifth floors contain much better techniques and knowledge. The sixth floor is the most important, holding all the rare and advanced techniques the sect has gathered over a thousand years, including those of the elders themselves."

He paused for a moment before smirking,

"As for the seventh floor? That's my personal residence."

Turning to Liang Chen, he added,

"And you? You'll be living on the first floor."

Library Entry System

Liang Chen was pleased to hear this, but before he could speak, Fang Tai continued seriously,

"But remember, disciples cannot enter the library freely. They must earn time inside by completing sect missions. The more difficult the mission, the longer they can stay in the library—perhaps even earning a chance to enter the fourth or fifth floors. But the sixth floor? They can keep dreaming."

Liang Chen's excitement dimmed slightly, as he had hoped to read all the books freely.

Curious, he asked,

"Are the books on the first three floors really worthless?"

Fang Tai gave him a calm smile and replied,

"Yes, they're useless. They only produce weak martial artists."

But Liang Chen smiled shyly and said,

"I like reading."

Fang Tai stared at him for a moment before suddenly bursting into laughter, drawing the attention of several disciples.

After calming down, he said,

"Fine, you can read whatever you want from the first three floors—but only at night since the library is closed from sunset to sunrise."

Liang Chen felt a surge of joy.

"Even if I can't get the best martial arts techniques, I can make up for it with quantity. With my innate ability, I might even be able to combine these lower-tier techniques into something much stronger!"

Fang Tai noticed the smile on Liang Chen's face but said nothing.

Upon reaching a row of small rooms on the first floor, the elder said,

"Pick any room."

Then, he vanished into thin air, leaving behind a single sentence:

"Tomorrow, your training will begin at sunrise. I'll send someone to fetch you."

Liang Chen felt a wave of excitement and quickly chose the first room he saw.

The Next Morning

Liang Chen woke up to a soft knock on his door. When he opened it, he found a young maid, about fifteen years old, looking at him with respect.

"The Elder sent you these clothes," she said, handing him a set of black, red, and silver robes.

When she offered to help him change, he didn't even have time to refuse before she began dressing him herself!

Standing there, watching her in confusion, he eventually let out a wry smile.

Moments later, she led him to the Third Elder's hall. Upon arrival, she bowed respectfully and left swiftly.

Fang Tai, noticing Liang Chen's gaze following her, smirked mischievously and said,

"Oh? Did you take a liking to that maid? If you want, I can arrange for her to be tied to your bed tonight!"

Liang Chen turned beet red, hurriedly trying to explain the misunderstanding, but Fang Tai burst into laughter.

"You're what, ten years old? And already setting your eyes on older girls?"

Flustered, Liang Chen quickly changed the subject by sitting down and catching a whiff of the delicious aroma of food.

For a moment, he remembered his mother's cooking… The warmth of his memories flickered in his eyes, mixed with deep sorrow.

Fang Tai noticed but said nothing. Instead, he simply began eating quietly.

A few moments later, Liang Chen joined him, eating quickly as the elder watched with a faint smile.