SFS Chapter 123 Library
Chapter 123 Library
Chapter 123 The Library
"Um…..."
Han Yi touched his face, feeling a bit amused and exasperated. He never imagined that he would one day be able to benefit from his face.
With a squeak.
This time, the vermilion gate was truly closed.
Han Yi shook his head, somewhat helplessly. He had planned to accomplish two things today, but unexpectedly, the first one had failed.
He was ready to do the second thing.
Han Yi walked along the main road in Shanzhongfang towards the center.
As he ventured deeper into the area, the number of lodgings along the way gradually decreased, and the pedestrians were all hurrying along with serious expressions, creating a solemn atmosphere in the air.
This is the core area of the Crimson Flame Sect. In the very center stands a magnificent hall with a glazed tile roof. Sunlight shines down on the hall, reflecting golden light like grains of fine gold dust.
This is the council hall of the Crimson Flame Sect. On ordinary days, unauthorized disciples are not allowed to enter. It is said that during the weekly morning meeting, or when there is any important matter, the Crimson Flame Sect Master, Xuan Yang, will convene all the high-ranking members here to discuss matters.
Around the council hall, there are several smaller buildings, where core institutions such as the Foreign Affairs Hall, the Internal Affairs Hall, and the Law Enforcement Hall are located.
But these were not Han Yi's goals. Without stopping, he went to the back of the council hall first.
A tall building came into view, surrounded by a thick stone wall. Every now and then, several teams of elite disciples in leather armor patrolled in circles. There was also a lot of white powder sprayed on the stone wall. Han Yi recognized this stuff; it was 'beast-repelling powder,' which could repel some weak insects and beasts.
A huge plaque hangs on the tall building, with red background and gold characters. Under the sunlight, the three large golden characters on it shine brightly: "Library".
The library is located inside the Crimson Flame Sect and is considered the most important place in the entire Crimson Flame Sect, and even in Shanzhongfang.
It contains not only a large number of precious martial arts techniques, but also countless miscellaneous notes, making it a treasure trove accumulated by the Crimson Flame Sect over a century.
The place is heavily guarded, with dedicated patrolling disciples to prevent any potential theft. There are also dedicated firefighters to prevent fires in the library. And dedicated insect removers to prevent the books from getting damaged by insects and dampness.
There is also a highly skilled guard.
The caretaker of the library was said to be surnamed Ding, an old woman with wrinkled skin and white hair, and an eccentric personality. No one knew her exact name or why she was there to guard the library; everyone just called her Granny Ding. Han Yi arrived at the entrance. The entrance wasn't very spacious, but people were coming and going, indicating that quite a few people were coming to the library, all queuing up to register.
"Quiet down, everyone! One at a time, don't push!"
A high-pitched voice came from the side, making one's ears ache.
Han Yi looked over at the sound and saw a small pavilion built to the side of the entrance. At this moment, Granny Ding was sitting in the pavilion, seemingly playing chess with someone.
With an overall strength of '148~185', this martial artist who has opened the meridians is arguably the strongest person Han Yi has ever seen, far surpassing Elder Li and Elder Song.
He felt a chill run down his spine. Not only that, Granny Ding made no attempt to conceal her aura. Even without using the system, he could tell that she was a master of meridian opening.
The disciples in line immediately quieted down. After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, it was finally Han Yi's turn.
"Show me your identification badge!"
The disciple registering at the door extended his hand with practiced ease.
Han Yi silently handed it over.
"Hey, 401, the new disciple, first in line?"
The registering disciple raised an eyebrow and whistled, clearly a little surprised. New disciples are common, but the top new disciple is quite rare.
"I guess so..."
Han Yi smiled faintly. It's true what they say, people are afraid of becoming famous, just like pigs are afraid of getting fat. He didn't expect his achievements to spread so quickly.
"The library has three floors. The first floor contains miscellaneous books that you can look at freely. The second and third floors contain martial arts manuals, which you need to earn points to get the chance to view. New disciples can go to the second floor and choose a martial arts manual... Of course, since you ranked first in this competition, you can choose an extra one..." The registering disciple gave Han Yi a brief introduction to the layout of the library.
'Can I choose one more cheat code?'
Han Yi was taken aback. He hadn't expected that after defeating Song Qing and winning first place in the competition, he would receive such a benefit.
But he still had some doubts. While being able to choose an extra martial arts manual was certainly desirable, Song Qing, being from a prestigious family, shouldn't be concerned with such a small gain…
Could it be that winning first place in a sect competition comes with benefits I'm unaware of?
"Is there anything else? There are quite a few disciples waiting in line behind you!"
Seeing that Han Yi hadn't spoken for a while, the registered disciple asked.
"Hmm, that's all..."
After listening to the introduction of the registered disciple, Han Yi had a general idea of what was going on. He then asked, "May I ask your surname, senior brother...?" "My surname is Zang, and my given name is Ran."
Zang Ran casually waved his hand, handing over a wooden plaque, indicating that Han Yi should hurry in, as there were still many disciples queuing behind him.
"Thank you for your guidance, Senior Brother Zang..."
Han Yi clasped his hands in a fist salute, casually took the wooden plaque, and quickly stepped over the threshold.
As soon as you enter, the environment changes abruptly, and a unique scent of books wafts into your nostrils—a faint smell of ink mixed with the distinctive aroma of mahogany that has been mingled for a long time.
In the semi-circular hall, large wooden bookshelves surround the walls, filled with books, creating a sea of books.
The pages of these books are slightly yellowed, indicating that they are quite old, but the corners are flat and there are no wrinkles, suggesting that they have been regularly organized and maintained by disciples.
Following instructions, Han Yi first changed into special shoes, then washed his hands, dried them with a towel, and gently pressed his hands into a basin of fragrant soda powder before entering the lobby on the first floor.
According to Zang Ran, the library has three floors. The first floor contains miscellaneous knowledge, while the second and third floors contain martial arts manuals and the like. However, only high-ranking members of the sect or disciples who have made great contributions are qualified to enter the third floor.
Han Yi didn't linger on the first floor and went straight to the second floor.
In the middle of the library, there is a circular wooden staircase. Looking up, the staircase winds and spirals, leading directly to the second floor.
On the second floor, a disciple was sitting behind a counter reading a book. Behind him was a large wooden shelf with many small compartments.
Han Yi handed the wooden plaque to him.
"You can choose two martial arts techniques from this sign. Go in and make your selections, then come back and let me know..."