Getting Stronger By Fighting

Their staying in the Little World was undoubtedly for the sake of their Sects and Family.

However, this didn't mean that they were utterly indifferent to the present situation, completely detached.

Take, for example, the Federation mentioned by the Old Man, and the first comprehensive martial deployment of the Human Race.

In other words, the Old Man might know about the powerful figures behind these movements.

And perhaps he even participated in the early planning of these external situations, contributing his thoughts for the stability of the outside world.

But what kind of existence was that ancient Earth, that unprecedented Federation, to possess such tremendous energy to lead the entire Human Race?

Although the Old Man spent most of his time secluded in the Book Collection Pavilion, no one dared to harbor the slightest doubt towards him.

Simply put, he had the strength.

The only thing stirring their hearts, like turbulent ocean waves, was the hidden truth behind all of this and its inner workings.

「 」

"What? He's actually from the outside world?"

Who could believe that a random person from the outside could beat the geniuses of their Sects to the point of utter defenselessness?

It was like a firefly to the bright moon, an ant to an elephant.

If the outside world truly possessed such strength, then why were they secluded in this Small World, isolated from everything?

"Is the gap between us and the current Human Race really that vast?"

"Why? We have the best resources, the best guidance, the best environment, yet why can't we defeat an unknown young man?"

"It seems we've been isolated from the world for too long; we've truly failed to keep up with this era! Master, I really want to go out, step onto the Star War Battlefield, slaughter enemies in all directions, and break through in the heat of battle! Surely, you won't stop me, right, Master?"

Compared to those Elders, the younger generation felt as if they were being grilled directly over a fire.

They were once the favored children of heaven, one in a million, the center of attention.

But now, what had they become?

A lump of worthless mud, a pile of dogshit that others wouldn't even glance at, one Zhong Yong after another, fading into mediocrity.

This kind of setback and reversal directly shattered their original confidence, along with what little fighting spirit they had left.

If they had been defeated by someone from the Small World, it would have been somewhat acceptable; at worst, they lost to a monstrously talented junior.

But to be defeated by people from the outside world—those who lacked a stable environment, abundant resources, and proper guidance, people practically like peasants...

They couldn't bear this humiliation!

The Old Man naturally sensed the turmoil in their hearts, yet he neither consoled them nor offered any explanation.

He knew that Wang Zhan was indeed very strong.

Moreover, even in the outside world, Wang Zhan would be exceptionally strong—so strong that he would not only be invincible among his peers but could also openly and spiritedly challenge the older generation, and even defeat them.

In other words, the disciples of his Sect weren't actually too weak; they had merely encountered an anomaly, or rather, a freak, and thus met their downfall before they could truly achieve anything.

However, Wang Zhan paid no mind to these matters. It was only after hearing the Old Man's words that he felt an overwhelming amount of information.

The Federation?

The Human Race's first comprehensive martial deployment?

The amount of information is staggering, so much so that I can't comprehend it.

Both of these things sounded vaguely familiar, yet they were shrouded in mist, unclear and indistinct. He never imagined that at his age, he would hear about the internal secrets of the Federation's early establishment.

This is no simple matter! Could this be some old fossil who lived from ancient times to the present, only to then hole up in this Small World? But, does the Human Race even have such long lifespans? If they do, are they still human? Wang Zhan pondered, then respectfully said, "Greetings, Senior!"

"You're too kind! I wonder if Young Friend could give me some face and stop challenging further?" the Old Man replied.

Needless to say, the Sect disciples who had tried to provoke Wang Zhan now had faces that were a mixture of red and pale, looking utterly unsightly. Not just them, even the Elders who had instigated them from behind didn't dare to show their faces.

What else could they do? Did they want to be pointed at and scolded by some old fossil for being old degenerates?

Wang Zhan chuckled, releasing the hand he had on Xu Yuyu, and glanced at the Sect disciples, whose expressions were a mixture of strange and extremely complicated.

"I don't mind either way, but if I'm to avoid battle, I won't be returning these wagers."

A glint flashed in the Old Man's eyes, almost blinding Wang Zhan and making his heart tremble slightly.

Damn it, this old fellow isn't going to interfere, is he? On what grounds? I won these fair and square! If you dare to snatch them, I... ahem, when I reach the Martial Emperor Realm, I'll definitely pay you a visit to exchange pointers and properly teach you how to conduct yourself!

He wasn't an idiot. These people had nearly lost all face, yet not a single elder had stepped in to interfere. Instead, a half-dead old man had appeared out of nowhere—this could only mean that this old man wasn't just old in appearance; his strength was likely... quite substantial.

However, the Old Man simply chuckled and said, "Young friend, don't worry. This old man wouldn't want you to give up what you've rightfully earned."

Then, the Old Man smiled at Xu Yuyu and greeted her, "Little Yuyu, it's been a long time. Do you still remember me?"

Xu Yuyu looked somewhat puzzled.

Suddenly, a gentle voice sounded from behind Xu Yuyu, "Little Yuyu, call him Uncle Master! When you were little, it was Uncle Master who blessed you and gave you your name."

"Oh, oh, Uncle Master..."

While they were exchanging pleasantries, the sudden change in the arena nearly made Wang Zhan's eyes pop out.

All those Sect disciples had bloody vanished!

In their place stood a couple of beautiful, mature women, a group of white-haired old men, and several handsome, middle-aged men.

Besides them, there was Elder He, an ever-stunning beauty who, no matter where she went, wore what seemed to be a single piece of clothing—um, a plain skirt should count as one.

Wang Zhan's focus wasn't here, but on Old Master Zao.

What realm is this? Shifting stars and constellations? Changing Heaven and Earth? Or is he a Deity with spells preserved from ancient, remote antiquity? It's simply seamless, without a trace, utterly miraculous.

Then, the fact that the Old Man, with just a casual tap of his finger on Xu Yuyu's forehead, had transformed her from an ordinary person into a top-rank Martial Student brimming with vital energy.

Wang Zhan found he was no longer surprised by such things.

This man is a god. Is there anything left that could possibly surprise me?

Quietly, he couldn't help but wipe the sweat from his forehead and discretely dry the perspiration drenching his back.

Thank goodness, thank goodness I didn't offend him just now. I wasn't greedy, didn't push my advantage relentlessly when I was in the right, didn't let money blind me, didn't forsake righteousness for beauty... Bah, bah, bah! I was scared out of my wits. Thank heavens I want to live; otherwise, I wouldn't even know how I died.

The Old Man glanced at Wang Zhan, who seemed rather uncomfortable, and said with a chuckle, "Alright, all of you, come with me. And you too, come with me. Yes, I'm talking to you, kid."

Wang Zhan quickly and anxiously followed behind that old woman, Elder He, thinking, These are all his Sect's disciples, this Old Man surely wouldn't kill me, right? Whatever, Auntie He, oh dear Auntie He, if he tries anything later, you absolutely have to help me...

Elder He, lacking mind-reading abilities, had no idea what sort of nonsensical things were running through his head.

However, a faint voice transmission entered Wang Zhan's mind, causing a peculiar look to appear in his eyes.

"Later, Yuyu can only stay on the first floor. But you... If I'm not mistaken, you still have some trump card you can unleash. So, when you're attempting to clear the levels, use it! I'll compensate you for it afterward...

Don't worry, this isn't a bad thing; it's for your own good. Don't underestimate this Book Collection Pavilion. Practitioners from almost all Sects in ancient and remote antiquity have delved into its contents. Although the material might not be of the highest level, it's perfectly suited for you...

Your mental energy seems very strong. So, remember, when you're on the first floor, you must find a book called "General Outline of the Basics of Spiritual Power Cultivation - Transforming the Void into the Real" to study. It can greatly enhance your comprehension, memory, and mental power. You can also memorize all the content here and take that knowledge out with you. It's not crucial information anyway, so no one will stop you..."

Wang Zhan glanced at her strangely, immediately memorizing several book titles related to the wondrous uses of mental energy. This made his heart itch as if a small ant were crawling on it; he was incredibly tempted.

Yet, it wasn't the books that tempted him, but rather the urge to say to the old aunt, Auntie He, do you realize you're acting like a sect traitor to your own Sect...

Of course, Wang Zhan didn't voice any objections and instead committed everything to memory, word for word.

He could sense that what the old aunt said would indeed be of great use to him. As for the effects, he would find out soon enough by trying.

It was just that, because of his bizarre encounters and this old aunt's exceedingly kind attitude towards him, he really, really wanted to know.

In this world, is it he who has gone mad, or has everyone else?

In fact, Wang Zhan wasn't the only one being driven mad.

The Old Man, who could clearly hear the voice transmission between the old aunt and Wang Zhan, was another; he too was on the verge of madness.

The faint smile that had been playing on his lips gradually stiffened, first into a helpless smile, and then into a bitter one.

He Miaomiao, are you trying to sell off the entire Sect?! What is this? Is it that the Sect's foundations are so deep that it's not afraid of Wang Zhan emptying it out all by himself?

Of course, it was also as the old aunt had said: this Book Collection Pavilion, while appearing to be the Sect's lifeline, was actually just for show. The truly core teachings had always been passed down orally, not committed to writing, unless it was a desperate measure when the inheritance was at risk.

So, after everyone else had gone up to the second and third floors, he glanced briefly at Wang Zhan and said indifferently, "As long as you have the ability, whatever you obtain is yours. No one will come looking to settle scores with you later. Of course, if your strength is insufficient, you'd best think thrice before acting. Otherwise, people can truly die."

What an air of an expert!

Wang Zhan was momentarily stunned, then he understood and immediately started cursing inwardly, Damn it! Does this rotten Old Man have any public decency at all, secretly eavesdropping on other people's mental energy transmissions? What if you heard something private? Utterly shameless! I spit!