Outside the Archive Pavilion, two disciples of Falling Cloud Valley's inner circle noticed Xiao Chen approaching. A quick sweep with their divine sense revealed his cultivation level, and they immediately adopted respectful expressions, bowing slightly.
"Greetings, Senior Brother," they said in unison.
"I wish to access the Archive Pavilion," Xiao Chen stated coldly, his face expressionless.
"The first floor costs one low-grade spirit stone per hour; the second floor requires two. As for the third floor, entry is restricted to those with the Sect Master's personal token," explained one of the disciples politely. "Additionally, none of the materials may be taken outside."
Xiao Chen nodded and hesitated briefly before retrieving two low-grade spirit stones from his storage pouch. "I'll stay on the first floor for two hours," he said. The effects of the Morphing Pill only lasted three hours, leaving him with limited time.
The disciples exchanged a curious glance but maintained their deference as they handed him a jade token.
"With this token, Senior Brother, you may remain in the pavilion for two hours."
Taking the token without a word, Xiao Chen stepped into the Archive Pavilion.
As the doors closed behind him, one of the disciples muttered, "Which branch is that Senior Brother from? He seems unfamiliar, and he's only going to the first floor. Isn't that a waste of spirit stones?"
"Don't concern yourself with these things," the other disciple replied. "The pavilion's wards didn't react, which means he's a legitimate disciple of Falling Cloud Valley. Probably one of those reclusive types. As for which floor he chooses, that's his business. We're just here to collect spirit stones, not pry into others' affairs."
"You're right, Senior Brother. I'll keep that in mind."
With a final glance toward the closed doors, they resumed their duties.
Xiao Chen entered the Archive Pavilion for the first time. The pavilion was divided into three levels:
The first floor contained jade slips detailing legends, anecdotes, and trivia about the cultivation world—material most disciples ignored.
The second floor housed a selection of cultivation techniques and spells. Most inner-circle disciples obtained their techniques here.
The third floor was restricted to the sect's most advanced techniques and the cultivation insights of past masters, accessible only to a select few.
Xiao Chen, however, wasn't here for techniques or spells. His focus was on finding clues about why he couldn't break through to Foundation Establishment. Without hesitation, he began combing through the jade slips on the first floor.
As time passed, several other disciples entered the pavilion. Each was momentarily startled to see someone poring over the trivial materials on the first floor. Their gazes quickly turned disdainful, but none of them said a word. Time in the Archive Pavilion was paid for with spirit stones, and none of them were willing to waste their own.
After two hours, Xiao Chen was abruptly transported outside as his allotted time expired. He handed the jade token back to the disciples and left quickly. Though he had learned many fascinating secrets about the cultivation world, he had found no answers to his own dilemma.
"I'll need to return after my Morphing Pill's effect wears off," Xiao Chen thought as he found a secluded spot behind a large boulder. There, he suppressed his aura and waited patiently.
When the pill's effects dissipated, Xiao Chen waited another hour before consuming a second pill. This time, his appearance transformed into that of a black-faced youth. He made his way back to the Archive Pavilion and handed over three low-grade spirit stones, arousing curiosity from the disciples.
"Back to the first floor?" one muttered under his breath.
Unconcerned, Xiao Chen resumed his search. Hours passed in the same fashion, with Xiao Chen alternating between consuming Morphing Pills, disguising himself, and scouring the jade slips.
His persistence bore fruit. After examining hundreds of jade slips, Xiao Chen finally found a relevant piece of information. Immersing his divine sense into the slip, he carefully studied its contents.
"Spiritual roots?" Xiao Chen murmured after a long moment, his expression pensive. "This jade slip suggests that my inability to establish a foundation is likely due to my lack of spiritual roots. But how can this problem be resolved?"
He reviewed the jade slip multiple times but found no solutions. Time running short, Xiao Chen reluctantly left the pavilion as the Morphing Pill's effects began to wear off.
"Finding the root cause is a stroke of luck," he thought, a bitter smile forming on his lips. "Expecting a solution would be asking too much."
Shaking his head, Xiao Chen suppressed his frustration. With the Heavenly Seal in his possession, he refused to believe he would remain stuck indefinitely.
Meanwhile, in another part of Falling Cloud Valley, several disciples gathered around Ji Yuewu.
"Junior Sister Yuewu, you're usually the most diligent among us. Why aren't you in seclusion today?" Liu Yue'er asked, her tone slightly sour. Though she admired Ji Yuewu's exceptional talent, it was difficult not to feel overshadowed.
"Yes, you seem distracted. Is there something on your mind? Perhaps we can help," added another disciple, Li Yuedu, his expression a mix of concern and calculation.
Duan Huaming nodded eagerly, his face lighting up as he chimed in, "Exactly! If you need anything, Junior Sister, don't hesitate to ask."
Ji Yuewu hesitated briefly before shaking her head, her tone calm but distant. "There's nothing wrong. The path of cultivation is arduous, and I simply wanted a moment of relaxation today."
Her words were measured, but her thoughts betrayed her composure. Xiao Chen's image flashed through her mind, and she found herself wondering, The three months are almost up. He should be bringing the Foundation Establishment Pill soon, right?