121: Chapter 121 The Imperial Observatory and the Armory

Six Doors, Armory.

Lin Wan stood before the counter and gestured toward the cluster of study rooms, saying,

"The martial arts you've been practicing are too low-level. It just so happens that since you were appointed as vice-captain, you haven't selected a Cultivation Technique yet."

"These are the martial arts collected by Six Doors over the years. You may choose one category to Cultivate, but remember, they must never be shared with outsiders."

Chen Ran squinted at the books arranged on the shelves, feeling somewhat curious.

"Is the Six Doors Armory really placed so openly in the front? Aren't they afraid of people stealing the knowledge?"

This Six Doors Armory was even more plain than he had imagined. From a distance, it looked like nothing more than a study room added to a drab, gray courtyard.

Lin Wan smiled. "How could it be that simple?"

She cleared her throat and called out toward the exterior,

"Old Wang, I've brought someone to select a martial art."

"Hehehe, since it's someone brought by Young Miss Lin, there is naturally no problem."

The voice of an old man echoed through the empty courtyard.

The voice seemed both far and near, ethereal and untraceable.

Suddenly, a ripple appeared in the air.

In the next moment,

Swish.

A dark gold medallion flew out from within, shooting straight toward them.

Chen Ran raised his hand to catch it and examined the medallion in his palm.

"Is there a Formation set up here?"

"Of course. Although the Six Doors Armory isn't as comprehensive as the Demon Suppression Division's, it is still exceptionally precious to the outside world."

"The Directorate of Astronomy has laid down Formation seals here to manage the Legacy of Cultivation Techniques. The medallion in your hand is a temporary pass."

Chen Ran nodded.

The Directorate of Astronomy, as the name suggested, did more than just observe celestial phenomena and survey the earth's veins. Beyond monitoring star charts and Luck, or determining the auspiciousness of mountain and river Dragon veins...

They also controlled the world's Formation diagrams, forbidden arts, demon-trapping killing arrays, and the blueprints for the Great Dynasty Protection Formation...

They were considered another vital organization for the imperial court, alongside the Demon Suppression Division.

Even during his time on duty at the Heavenly Prison, all the Formations in the cells had been set up by Formation Masters under the Directorate of Astronomy.

Chen Ran gripped the medallion and took a step forward.

In the next instant.

Chen Ran could clearly feel a wisp of Qi rapidly sweep over his body. Once it sensed the medallion in his hand,

That Qi vanished.

Whoosh.

The air fluctuated, and Chen Ran watched as the courtyard ahead transformed continuously.

In just a few breaths, it changed from a dilapidated ruin into an orderly and magnificent storehouse.

"An illusion Formation?"

Chen Ran paused for a moment, sensing it carefully.

He felt that this kind of Formation had its own unique qualities. If used well, it was almost comparable to the methods of an Immortal.

"Kid, this medallion only lasts for one hour. If you miss your window, you won't get another chance."

An old man dressed in plain cloth and wearing a bamboo hat was lying on a rocking chair, speaking to him in a light, airy tone.

Chen Ran looked up, his pupils constricting slightly.

The aura on this man was profound; he was likely a high-tier expert of the top three ranks.

Had even Six Doors started using the 'sweeping monk' trope?

Chen Ran cupped his fists. "Thank you for the reminder, Senior."

The Six Doors Armory indeed had a vast variety of martial arts and an exceptionally rich collection.

The lowest level of martial arts allowed in the storehouse were of the middle three ranks.

Chen Ran even saw quite a few martial arts of the top three ranks among them.

However, for the current him, most ordinary martial arts were no longer worth his attention.

Thus, Chen Ran scanned through the numerous martial arts with little interest.

Tiger's Roar and Dragon's Cry Saber, a Rank One technique, a slaughter-focused saber style.

Practiced to Major Achievement, it could manifest visions with its Moves, shaking the soul...

Flower Shadow Steps, a Rank One technique, a movement secret art.

Cultivated to the later stages...

After seeing the effects, Chen Ran shook his head at each one in turn.

He had thought there might be some hidden Cultivation Technique within the Armory.

But those were mostly just stories from popular novels. In a real Armory, every technique was registered and cataloged.

Where would there be an opportunity to stumble upon a hidden gem?

"It seems the trope of a protagonist finding a dusty, precious technique is not for me."

Chen Ran lamented inwardly. In the end, he chose a utility-based technique and exited.

...

After leaving the Armory, Chen Ran and Lin Wan walked down the long corridor.

"Have you chosen a technique?"

"Yes, I chose a Rank One finger technique called Carefree Hand."

"Finger techniques are quite rare, but with diligent practice, you might be able to make a name for yourself with it."

After a bit of small talk, Chen Ran excused himself, citing business at the Heavenly Prison.

Until the young man's figure disappeared at the entrance,

Lin Wan nodded slightly. She was becoming increasingly satisfied with this subordinate.

Although she had been promoted to Gold-Badge Constable a few days ago,

The promotion had been too fast, and her foundation was thin. The team she led was no different from when she was a Silver Badge Constable.

She was currently short on manpower.

And Chen Ran, a subordinate with great talent, high Comprehension Ability, and efficiency, was exactly the kind of member she desperately needed.

"If cultivated a little more, he might become one of my right-hand men in the future."

Lin Wan rubbed her temples, about to leave.

Suddenly, hurried footsteps came from the distance.

A Constable walked over in a rush. Upon seeing Lin Wan, he visibly relaxed.

He hurried over and spoke in a low voice,

"Chief Lin, there's a new lead on the information of the personnel you ordered us to investigate secretly. It's in Xiaolin Village near the capital..."

Hearing this, Lin Wan was stunned for a moment, but she quickly reacted.

"Take me to see it."

...

...

The sky gradually darkened, and the afterglow of the sunset vanished.

Creeak.

The gates of the Heavenly Prison slowly opened to both sides, the heavy metal doors making a piercing sliding sound on the ground.

Chen Ran put away his identification medallion.

The jailer responsible for guarding the gate spoke respectfully,

"Prison Officer Chen, please enter."

Chen Ran stepped inside and went through another round of physical screening before finally entering.

The headquarters of the Heavenly Prison was much stricter than the branch.

The prisoners held here were mostly heinous and highly powerful Martial Artists.

The corresponding intensity of the screening was also much more detailed.

Every jailer entering the Heavenly Prison had to be inspected inside and out for lock-picking tools.

Even a Prison Officer like him didn't have the keys to the internal shackles; the logistics department was solely responsible for them.

Soon, Chen Ran reached an underground passage.

A cold wind blew through the passage, and a thick scent of blood and Evil Qi spread from the bottom.

A tightly organized team of jailers at the bottom was following their patrol route, constantly scanning for any possible disturbances.

The jailers here were mostly tall and strong, full of spirit. Every two hours, a new group would take over the patrol.

It was impossible for any gaps in time to occur.

Only deep within the Great Wei Heavenly Prison did it truly look like a celestial dungeon.

Among the patrolling teams, a man who looked like a leader saw the young man approaching and hurried to meet him.

"Prison Officer Chen, what brings you here?"

Chen Ran spoke calmly,

"I'm here to check on things. I heard some new high-profile prisoners were locked up?"

"Indeed, several high-profile prisoners were brought in, but the process of them being sent here was quite peculiar. I'll take you to see them."

The jailer leader responded quickly, leading Chen Ran toward the deepest part while introducing the situation on the way.

"It's strange. I don't know if the Demon Sound Sect has gone mad or what, but they actually crippled three of their own true disciples."