In a small bamboo courtyard, the residence was elegant and refined.
On the yellow rosewood table sat a dainty teapot wafting curling wisps of delicate aroma. It suited the purple-eyed crow perfectly; gripped in its "hands" was a warm, jade-smooth teacup barely an inch high, from which it was sipping slowly.
A delicate miniature armchair rested on the tabletop, and the crow sat back lazily, remarking, "Without day gold and lacking secret scriptures, if it were me, I wouldn't have stepped into the ring anyway."
Hearing it mention day gold, Ling Yu suddenly sensed something was amiss. The heavy weight against his chest was gone; dozens of day gold coins seemed to have vanished...
Then he let out a muffled grunt, his face darkening. "My gold notes... only one is left!"
Master Wu took a tiny sip of tea and said, "Well... that's rather tasteful of him. A gentleman loves wealth, but takes it through proper means."
Tang Jin had a tall, slender figure, not a bit shorter than Ling Yu, with long, straight legs. She paced lightly and gracefully across the room.
"I'll make contact with him later!" She had genuinely developed some curiosity about that youth who had emerged from Black-White Mountain. Even as an ambush, knocking Ling Yu unconscious so cleanly and decisively was not something an ordinary person could pull off.
At the same time, she was deeply dissatisfied with Ling Yu. If this had been on a battlefield, in a life-and-death struggle in the soon-to-be-opened Third Peril, could he have survived?
Qin Ming smiled and said, "Brother Chuan, look, we've compensated in full for the turf, the emerald bamboo, and the golden vine trees, and we even paid the fine. Shouldn't you hurry and fix everything up for us?"
"You'd better just call me by my full name," Qian Chuan said. He always felt the boy was calling him a stingy money string, which was downright bad luck.
Yet he didn't dare lose his temper. These two were veritable terrors—they had trounced Xin Youdao and Ling Yu back to back! If word of this got out, it would be an absolute sensation!
For a moment, he had felt the impulse to sell this earth-shattering news across Kunjun City for a handsome price! But he held back; someone had already approached him and warned him not to talk recklessly.
He felt he had better exercise restraint for now.
He didn't dare give them an attitude anymore. Excessively polite and all smiles, he knew these two freshmen were truly terrifying, possessing the power to completely upend the entire freshman class.
"The dead dragon carp haven't been compensated for yet..." he reminded them in a low voice.
Xiao Wu said, "This counts as spirit meat, right? If we eat them all in a bit, won't they be gone anyway? Besides, Xin Youdao struck them dead with lightning. Go demand compensation from him."
Qian Chuan nodded, then lowered his voice. "If you really insist on catching fish to eat, it's not strictly forbidden—just wait until no one is around."
Wu Yaozu chuckled. "Deal. Another day I'll treat you to grilled fish. Or you can take a couple right now if you want."
"I wouldn't dare eat them!" Qian Chuan made a hasty exit.
"Splendid! Dragon carp with wine—joy all the time!" Qin Ming reclined on a lounger by the lake, wine cup in one hand, grilled dragon carp in the other.
Xiao Wu had already repaired the grill and discovered more than a dozen jars of fine wine in Xin Youdao's storage room. The two enjoyed their spirit-meat dinner by the lake, washing it down with wine.
The next day, they took the initiative to pay their tuition. Student badges, borrowing passes for the Pavilion of Scriptures—everything was sorted out, and they immediately headed straight for their destination.
What had Qin Ming entered Shanhe Academy for? To borrow books and read!
This area boasted an exceptional environment, full of rare tree species. Fragrant orchid trees wafted sweet scents, and silver maples shook down fluttering showers of silver petals.
The nine-story Pavilion of Scriptures rose majestically from the earth, situated beside a lake fed by Fire Springs. Surrounded by lush vegetation, it was guarded by powerful experts.
"Are you kidding me? Asking for the list of rare arts the moment you open your mouth? Freshmen like you are always aiming too high, building castles in the air without knowing your own weight or talent! Can you even comprehend them? Do you have contribution points?!" A charming middle-aged woman scolded Xiao Wu.
Wu Yaozu felt aggrieved. He thought to himself, *I just want to borrow a book. If I can, great; if not, forget it. Why lecture me!*
Qin Ming spoke up. "We know the rules. We'll pay to read."
"This way!" The middle-aged woman led the way, taking them to a very quiet area.
Following behind her, Xiao Wu couldn't resist gesturing with Dragon Claw Hands—youthful mischief after all.
Without even turning her head, the middle-aged beauty said, "My daughter is already at the peak of the Second Realm, and you still dare fool around with me?"
Wu Yaozu hastily bowed his head. "Senior, I was wrong."
This was a spacious quiet room. Sunstones rested inside crystal lamps, providing ample light ideal for reading, though there weren't many people here.
"Outrageously expensive!" Qin Ming took a deep breath. He found the book most frequently borrowed by Newborns on the shelf. It was very thin, only thirteen pages, yet required thirteen day gold coins—one day gold per page.
In Chixia City, three day gold could barely keep a family of three fed and clothed for a year; in Kunjun City, with its skyrocketing prices, it took twelve.
Before opening the slim volume, he had to perform a certain ritual, swearing an oath not to disclose its contents.
Afterward, Qin Ming studied it earnestly, turning the pages slowly. A single page was worth an entire month's provisions!
From the book, he sensed strong emotions left behind by Newborns. He tuned them out; he had no need for their insights.
Besides, almost all of them were resentful complaints about how expensive the book was, though some remarked that it offered the best value and was actually quite cheap.
Having finished reading, Qin Ming pondered it carefully. This was the culmination of a senior expert's painstaking efforts, sorting out all kinds of cautions and points of attention for the First Realm of the Newborn path.
Reflecting on himself, he found he had none of these issues.
Objectively speaking, for many Newborns, this book held immense value.
Qin Ming pondered in silence. The forward-looking outlook on the final page, along with certain unverifiable speculations, left him somewhat lost in thought.
Regarding the ninth Newborn transformation, which only mutants could reach, many orthodoxies and renowned figures were somewhat superstitious. In this realm, they favored rare arts like the *Immortal Butterfly Scripture*, which symbolized immortality and rebirth.
This set Qin Ming thinking. The senior expert who wrote the book was also rather superstitious, sharing the belief in this wonderful aspiration and claiming it provided a tremendous boost to the final Newborn transformation.
Furthermore, this senior cited examples of prominent historical figures who had made similar choices and achieved major breakthroughs during their ninth Newborn transformation.
"The contemporary Rulai chose the *Golden Cicada Scripture*—a golden cicada sloughing its shell, tearing through the old form to be reborn through tribulations, suffused with deep Zen contemplation."
"For his ninth Newborn transformation, Qingtian cultivated the *Dragon Snake Scripture*—from snake to dragon, gory and grueling, shattering the physical body to seek life through death in dire straits, wielding fierce, unyielding power."
Qin Ming read it through once more. The senior mentioned that predecessors of past generations chose this route in hopes that the ninth transformation would be fierce enough to open up a nonexistent tenth Newborn transformation.
Naturally, all of them had failed.
Moreover, past patriarchs had verified that a tenth Newborn transformation was a false objective; even if something akin to it existed, it was already encompassed within the ninth. For mutants of different foundations, the achievements attained in their final ninth transformation varied enormously.
"In other words, the ninth Newborn transformation encompasses everything. If someone's innate talent is terrifying enough and their foundation surpasses the patriarchs, the rewards of the final transformation will be equally astonishing."
Closing the book, Qin Ming pondered for a moment and decided to borrow the relevant rare arts.
He noticed Xiao Wu was engrossed in the *Flesh Soul-Locking Technique*. Evidently, he was studying with a specific purpose—refining his path of rainbow transformation.
He went to inquire with the middle-aged beauty whether they had the *Immortal Butterfly Scripture*, *Dragon Snake Scripture*, and the like.
At this moment, Zhao Minghui looked at him differently. Could the youth before her be a mutant, or did he want to build the foundation of his First Realm using rare arts?
Qin Ming fully operated the *Harmonize with Light and Dust* technique augmented by Lu Zizai. Except for Master Wu, who could see his anomalies with mysterious purple pupils, others found it difficult to see through him.
Zhao Minghui said, "The rare arts you mentioned are all available within Kunjun City. In fact, our Shanhe Academy has no fewer than two of them. But... they are very expensive."
Qin Ming was amazed. It wasn't surprising for Shanhe Academy to have some rare arts, but possessing two in the very same domain showed truly profound depth.
He said, "I'd like to take a look."
Zhao Minghui informed him that only the *Golden Cicada Scripture* was available for public borrowing.
Qin Ming's eyes burned with eagerness. The Tathagata renegade Xiang Yiwu, whom he had met at Luofu Immortal Mountain, sought to pioneer a new method and seemed to cultivate the *Golden Cicada Scripture*, using it as a foundation to construct his subsequent path and arts.
However, when he saw the price, he nearly bit his tongue. A single chapter cost two hundred day gold! Just how many chapters did a rare art have? The final cost would shoot through the roof!
At the very least, he saw dozens of chapters right here, and that wasn't even counting the parts currently checked out.
"Rare arts are priceless!" Zhao Minghui remarked.
"Indeed, a priceless book." Qin Ming felt keenly that scriptures were power, scriptures were day gold. He realized just how poor he was.
Zhao Minghui smiled and offered a tip: "Actually, rare arts aren't meant to be learned this way. Who would spend that much day gold just reading them? Go find the corresponding instructor. If they take a liking to you, they'll pass it down for free."
"Really?" What an unexpected turnaround! Delighted, Qin Ming promptly expressed his gratitude.
Zhao Minghui seemed to recall something and frowned. "However, with the passing of several seniors, the old codger most proficient in the *Golden Cicada Scripture* nowadays has turned into an utter miser. To support his descendant who entered the yang land to vie for an immortal seed, his mind is no longer so pure. While others have practiced this scripture, none have researched it as thoroughly as he has."
"Is there a big gap between the others and him?" Qin Ming asked. In truth, he didn't care; as long as he had the text, he could practice it on his own without needing anyone to teach him.
Zhao Minghui said, "Yes, there is indeed a difference. Not only does Wu Chengwang possess the original *Golden Cicada Scripture*, but in his youth he raided an ancient tomb and unearthed a mutated version. By combining the two, he researched quite a few new insights."
Qin Ming asked cautiously, "Uh... if I go seek out Senior Wu, do you think he'll charge me?"
Zhao Minghui sighed. "He definitely will. To help that descendant of his approach immortality, he doesn't care about his reputation anymore."
After leaving the Pavilion of Scriptures, Qin Ming and Wu Yaozu inquired about Wu Chengwang's residence.
"Brother, take my word for it. Though the *Golden Cicada Scripture* is marvelous—capable of extending lifespan and finding life in death—if you go learn from Wu the Skinflint, he'll bleed you dry before you can even learn half of it. It's an astronomical sum!"
Someone kindly advised them not to go there and willingly bankrupt themselves.
Even wealthy disciples dreaded encountering Wu Chengwang, feeling their day gold would never be enough.
Wu Yaozu said, "Bro, I also don't think it's wise to deal with an old coot like that."
"Xiao Wu, wait for me outside." Qin Ming still wanted to give it a shot. Of course, he emptied out all his extra day gold and handed it to Wu Yaozu, carrying only three hundred day gold with him.
For he had heard that this was the minimum price to get through the door.
He feared that bringing more day gold would cause the damn old man to fleece him like a fat sheep.
In the end, Qin Ming went to call on him alone.
Exotic flowers bloomed in the courtyard and medicinal herbs grew everywhere amidst scenic beauty. The old man, Wu Chengwang, certainly lived well, his entire garden brimming with delicate fragrance.
"Heh heh. Young man, you seek longevity? You've come to the right place. The mutated version of the *Golden Cicada Scripture* is unique to me in all of Kunjun City. If you're just starting on the Newborn path, cultivating it as your primary method will lay an immortal foundation."
Wu Chengwang had a head of silver hair and a ruddy complexion. He appeared exceedingly genial—truly, you couldn't judge a book by its cover.
"Senior, regarding the tuition..." Qin Ming didn't want to beat around the bush. Simple and direct: if day gold could solve it, get on with it immediately.
Wu Chengwang smiled. "Well, back when I entered that ancient tomb, I nearly lost my life. I've spent my entire life researching the mutated *Golden Cicada Scripture*; it's the culmination of all my painstaking efforts. As for the fee, it's a bit steep—three hundred day gold per study session and guidance, to start."
With that, he brought out a few sheets of paper and asked if Qin Ming wanted to begin learning from him right away.
Qin Ming frowned. These were newly copied pages meant to be handed out to new disciples.
"I wish to learn the real art from Senior!" he said solemnly.
Surprised, Wu Chengwang asked, "Oh? What do you consider the real art? What I'm teaching right now is a supreme skill."
Qin Ming said, "I wish to view Senior's original manuscripts, notes, and records. I believe those are the true fruits of your life's work!"
Wu Chengwang was taken aback, then chuckled. "Heh heh. You young fellow, worried I won't teach you the genuine article? Very well, no problem. However, the fee will be even higher."
"How much day gold?" Qin Ming asked.
"To see the manuscripts, six hundred day gold per session," Wu Chengwang said benevolently.
"So expensive... I'll go fetch the day gold!" Qin Ming finally agreed, adding, "Could you let me see one page first?"
"That won't do. Pay the tuition first, read later." Wu Chengwang chuckled and shook his head.
"Fine!" Qin Ming turned and walked away.
"Bro, do you really want to get fleeced by that old codger?" Xiao Wu asked worriedly, thinking he had lost his mind.
"It's fine. I can handle his fleecing!" Carrying six hundred day gold, Qin Ming walked back toward the fragrant courtyard filled with bird song.
Wu Chengwang grew even more genial. He retrieved a heavily worn book and said, "This contains my annotations. This scripture is priceless; apart from the Rulai lineage, very few understand both versions of the *Golden Cicada Scripture*."
Qin Ming flattered him, saying that spending a lifetime researching this scripture was equivalent to pioneering methods for the Newborn realm, making him a figure of immense virtue.
"This old man thinks so as well." Wu Chengwang nodded with a smile.
Qin Ming turned to the first page. In truth, he was only permitted to flip through a few pages this time, yet he was smiling, thoroughly pleased. The more he read, the brighter his smile became.
"Heh heh..." Wu Chengwang smiled as well, feeling that this little sheep was delightfully plump—spending money without batting an eye, ripe for long-term cultivation.
"Haha..." In high spirits, Qin Ming was already marveling after reading just two pages, and then couldn't help bursting into a hearty laugh.
Seeing this, Wu Chengwang beamed warmly, looking more amiable than ever, and ultimately couldn't hold back a booming laugh of his own. Inwardly he sighed with delight: *What a wonderful little fat sheep!*
Chapter 194