C30 Elder Wenn

The Dao Seeking Sect's 32 primary schools are situated on the Big Red Eyed Planet within the Red Eyed Galaxy. This galaxy is home to two human-inhabited planets, the other being the Small Red Eyed Planet. The Big Red Eyed Planet boasts a diameter of 15,000 kilometers and orbits a star. Its rich mineral content gives the planet its distinctive red hue. A day here lasts 36 hours, and the current year is 705 according to the Federation Calendar, also referred to as Federation Year 705.

The Alliance Federation, based on human growth data, has standardized a day to 25 hours, with a year comprising 400 days. "This is pretty similar to Earth. Fascinating," Chu Xing mused with a grin.

Within the Dao Seeking Sect, Contribution Points are universally acknowledged and transferable. These points can be earned by completing school-assigned missions, mentoring newcomers, selling treasures to the school, conquering the Challenge Tower, or bringing honor to the school. Additionally, one Low Grade Spirit Stone can be exchanged for a Contribution Point.

The Gravity Training Room is a specialized chamber designed to mimic planetary gravity. Users can freely adjust the gravity levels and add special environmental conditions to enhance their training. Access costs five Contribution Points per use, with one free session available each month, which can be accumulated.

The Challenge Tower is split into the Martial Challenge Tower and the Mentality Challenge Tower. The Martial Challenge Tower has fourteen levels, each offering Contribution Points as a reward for successful completion. Challengers are restricted to using only the weapons provided within the tower; no magic treasures, talismans, or similar items are permitted.

In the Mentality Challenge Tower, participants must use their mental strength to overcome challenges, with each successful level granting Contribution Points. However, it's common for many to hone their willpower on the very first level. The Challenge Tower can be attempted once a month without the need for Contribution Points to enter.

The Spiritual Energy Room harnesses a formation to concentrate Spiritual Qi within an enclosed space. The Qi is exceptionally dense, making it ideal for breakthroughs to the next realm. Usage requires fifty Contribution Points per session.

The more Chu Xing learned, the more his excitement grew. On Earth, improving his combat skills meant practicing swordplay and sparring with forest animals. But here at the school, he discovered targeted methods to enhance his abilities.

"It's no wonder this school is renowned for nurturing disciples," Chu Xing mused. Then, a thought struck him, "I wonder if I can make good use of the Spiritual Energy Room."

The more Chu Xing pondered, the more he believed it was possible, and he was eager to step inside immediately.

"Chu Xing, please report to Room A301 tomorrow morning at 8 AM," chimed his smartwatch.

"Tomorrow morning? Well, I might as well cultivate here today then! The spiritual energy is twice as dense as on Earth, and the air is so much fresher," Chu Xing said, taking a deep breath and feeling pleased.

"Have all you youngsters settled in? I've brought you here in the hopes that you'll find something worthwhile," murmured an elderly man with grey hair in a spacious room at the school, before he slowly closed his eyes to rest.

The next morning, Chu Xing donned a short blue tunic and fastened a storage bag around his waist, blending in with the others to avoid drawing attention to the space within him.

By eight o'clock, Chu Xing had just made it to room A301. He had set out early, but the sprawling school grounds meant a lengthy walk.

"Chu Xing, good morning!" greeted a young man in a similar blue tunic, with a storage bag at his waist.

"Morning. I'm sorry, what's your name?" Chu Xing asked, slightly embarrassed. They had arrived at the school together, yet he hadn't gotten to know him.

"I'm Zhou Wei, with a low-grade talent in Mentality," Zhou Wei said, perhaps to spare Chu Xing further embarrassment.

"So, all three of us with Mentality talents are here. Any idea why?" Chu Xing inquired, curious.

"Hello there, young man! I'll explain the reason shortly. We're just waiting for one more," said an old man with grey hair, large eyes, and a wrinkled face as he entered the room.

Chu Xing couldn't detect any spiritual energy emanating from the man, who seemed just like any kindly old gentleman.

After about half an hour, Zhao Ming arrived, looking around with quick, darting glances. "Teacher, I apologize for being late; the school is quite large."

The old man chuckled, "No worries. You'll soon get the hang of it. Let me introduce myself: I am Wenfu, the principal of the 32nd School. You may call me Elder Wenn."

He paused before adding, "You're probably wondering why all three of you with psychic talents ended up at School No. 32. That was my doing, and I hope you don't hold it against me."

"Elder Wenn, we don't blame you at all. We'd be learning the same things anywhere," Zhao Ming said with an easy smile.

"It's not quite the same here, though. Our school used to recruit from ten galaxies, but now we're down to just four. That's led to a significant drop in student numbers. You've probably noticed the many empty dorms," Elder Wenn remarked, his tone laced with concern.

"Why is that?" Zhao Ming pressed.

"The Dao Seeking Sect's territory includes three major families, each overseeing three galaxies. Since the Sect began to decline thirty thousand years ago, it's been one problem after another," Elder Wenn explained, rising from his chair to gaze out the window.

After a brief pause, he continued, "The Jin family, one of these three, has been within our recruitment area. Over the past thirty thousand years, they've produced many strong individuals. Noticing the Sect's decline, they've grown dissatisfied with being just a family; they aspire to be a dominant power. Now they control six galaxies and have essentially declared their independence."

"With only five teachers left, our school is facing a shortage of educational resources. You might not receive the level of training you deserve. Any regrets?" Elder Wenn turned to face Chu Xing and the others.

"No regrets," Zhou Wei responded quietly.

"This place is already a vast improvement over Earth. There's nothing to regret," Chu Xing said nonchalantly, content with his situation.

"I don't have any regrets either," Zhao Ming added, though he seemed unsure, his mind seemingly elsewhere.

"Good, you're all fine kids. I'll do my best to train you," Elder Wenn said, his spirits lifted as he stroked his beard with a smile.

"Elder Wenn, why did you bring us here, then?" Zhao Ming asked eagerly.

Elder Wenn settled into a more serious tone. "Well, it's hardly a great secret. Legend has it that a billion years ago, a Nascent Infant Stage cultivator fought a fierce battle with an Earth Immortal. In the end, the cultivator at the Nascent Infant Stage managed to slay the Earth Immortal. The battle was witnessed by many, and it's been documented for posterity."

The records detailed that the cultivator at the Nascent Infant Stage possessed a natural gift for mental energy. Yet, his mental energy attacks were more than tenfold stronger than those of his gifted peers, leading many to speculate that he had a unique Heaven Grade cultivation method for mental energy.

Since then, he became a target for numerous powerful factions and sustained grave injuries. Eventually, he fled to this place and never ventured out again. It's widely believed that he left his legacy here on the Red Eyed Galaxy. Despite a billion years passing and countless seekers, no one has uncovered it.

Elder Wenn paused, seemingly lost in thought after recounting the tale.

Zhao Ming pressed on, "Elder Wenn, did you summon us here in search of that inheritance?"

"Absolutely. This is an opportunity not to be missed. Make the most of it and explore more planets in the future," Elder Wenn advised earnestly.

"But if countless others have failed, what chance do we stand?" The question hung in the air, tinged with skepticism.

Chu Xing shared the doubt. How could they succeed where innumerable others had failed over a billion years?

Elder Wenn offered a reassuring wink and a smile. "Success is in the hands of those who try. Perhaps the timing wasn't right before. You might just be the ones to find it."

Chu Xing and his companions silently regarded Elder Wenn, at a loss for words.

Sensing the awkwardness, Elder Wenn cleared his throat and continued, "I'm also blessed with a talent for mental energy, making me an ideal mentor for you. I possess a Profound Grade High Rank technique, the 'Spiritual Technique of Mind,' which is perfectly suited for your cultivation. It includes my own insights, and you're welcome to consult me with any questions. I've prepared three copies, one for each of you."

Regardless of the plausibility of Elder Wenn's earlier remarks, the technique was genuine. They each accepted a copy, with Zhao Ming and Zhou Wei visibly thrilled.

Elder Wenn then produced a token, "With this, you may access the second floor of the library and select a weapon cultivation technique. Choose one that resonates with you and stick with it."

"Yes, Elder Wenn," Chu Xing replied, accepting the round iron token engraved with a single character.

"I'm not sure which weapons you prefer, but I have some Yellow Grade, Middle Rank swords and sabers for you to choose from. Pick whichever one you like!" Elder Wenn gestured with his left hand, and six weapons—three sabers and three swords—materialized on the table.

"Elder Wenn, I spent ten spirit stones on a Yellow Grade, Low Rank sword yesterday," Zhao Ming said, his eyes filled with hope.

Elder Wenn shook his head in disapproval. "These kids, charging ten spirit stones for a sword worth five in spiritual energy—that's just robbery."

Noticing Zhao Ming's face lose color, he quickly added, "Each of you take one. If it's not to your liking, feel free to sell it." With that, he closed his eyes to meditate.

With a dejected look, Zhao Ming picked up a sword and left.

Outside the room, Zhou Wei hesitantly approached Chu Xing. "Chu Xing, I bought a Beginner Sword Technique for six spirit stones yesterday. Do you think I got ripped off?"

Worried that Chu Xing might not grasp the situation, he elaborated, "The seller was asking for ten spirit stones, but I managed to haggle it down to six."

Chu Xing pondered for a moment before replying, "It probably wasn't a scam."

Seeing Zhou Wei's downcast expression, he quickly reassured him, "Don't worry, it's a quality book."

Realizing his words could be misconstrued, he clarified, "The Beginner Sword Technique is excellent. It's ideal for novices."

Feeling awkward about the conversation, Chu Xing excused himself, citing an urgent matter, and left a brooding Zhou Wei behind.

"Such a rip-off," Chu Xing muttered as he walked away, suspecting that Zhou Wei might have indeed been swindled.