73: Opportunities and Challenges

The next morning, the first light of dawn broke.

Qin Feng spent the night stabilizing his Realm, feeling that his Mid-stage Grand Martial Master cultivation was now solid. He changed into the ordinary green Disciple robes provided by the Hundred Flowers Palace; although the style was simple, it further accentuated his tall, upright figure and restrained temperament.

He did not head directly to the Library. Instead, he used his token to go to the External Affairs Hall first to inquire about the entry procedures for new Disciples. After confirming his identity, the receiving Disciple informed him that as a newly entered "guest," he had one Opportunity to enter the first floor of the Library to select a Cultivation Technique, with a time limit of fifteen minutes.

"The first floor of the Library consists entirely of Yellow Rank Cultivation Techniques and Martial Skills. If you wish to obtain higher-tier ones, you must accumulate Sect contribution points to exchange for them," the Disciple explained perfunctorily. "The 'Hundred Flowers Manual' that Elder Hua bestowed upon Junior Sister Su yesterday was a special choice for building a foundation because of her decent talent and young age; it is not the norm."

Qin Feng understood. The Hundred Flowers Palace was primarily composed of women, and the status of male Disciples was generally low, so resource allocation was naturally scarce. For someone like him who had "dropped in" out of nowhere, having one chance to pick a Yellow Rank Cultivation Technique was likely only due to Hua Qianying's Face.

"I understand, thank you, Senior Brother." After thanking him, Qin Feng followed the directions and walked toward the Library located in the core area of the Hundred Flowers Valley.

The Library was a seven-story tower-like building with flying eaves and bracket sets, ancient and grand. It was constructed entirely from a rare warm jade and ironwood, exuding a faint scent of books and the aura of accumulated ages. Spiritual Qi swirled around the pavilion, with faint traces of Formation fluctuations.

Stepping through the pavilion's main gate, a wave of coolness washed over him. The internal space was far more spacious than it appeared from the outside, with rows of tall bookshelves neatly arranged, densely packed with countless scrolls, Jade Slips, and thread-bound books. It was still early, so there were few Disciples in the pavilion, making it very quiet.

An elderly man with a thin, refined Face, dressed in a plain white robe with hair and beard as white as snow, sat cross-legged with eyes closed on a prayer mat just inside the gate. His aura was faint and indistinct, as if he were one with the entire Library.

Late Stage Martial King!

Qin Feng's heart jolted. Not daring to be the least bit negligent, he stepped forward and respectfully presented his temporary token. "Disciple Qin Feng, newly entered into the Sect, has come to select a Cultivation Technique."

The Elder slowly opened his eyes. His gaze was not sharp, but it was as deep as an abyss, as if he could see through one's heart. He glanced at the token, then at Qin Feng, nodded slightly, and spoke in a calm voice: "First floor, Yellow Rank area, fifteen-minute limit. No damaging, no copying. Register here after you have made your choice."

"Yes, Elder." Qin Feng bowed and complied, though his heart stirred. This Library-guarding Elder's strength was unfathomable; trying to pull any tricks under his nose was nearly impossible. He had to follow the rules strictly.

Following the instructions from yesterday's red intelligence, he calmly walked toward the Bing-numbered bookshelf. His gaze swept over the fourth row: 'Summary of Hundred Flowers Cultivation', 'Beginner's Guide to Refining Low-Rank Medicinal Pills', 'Identification of Common Toxins'... Finally, he saw it: 'Analysis of Hundred Flowers Medicinal Properties'.

The spine of the book looked no different from the others, and it even appeared somewhat worn due to its age. Qin Feng suppressed the excitement in his heart and, as if choosing any other book, pulled it from the shelf. He casually flipped through a few pages; it indeed contained ordinary content explaining the medicinal properties of various flowers and herbs.

Pretending to hesitate and compare, he randomly picked up two other Yellow Rank Cultivation Techniques and a book of miscellaneous notes. He then brought these four books together before the Library-guarding Elder.

The Library-guarding Elder only gave the books he selected a faint glance, his gaze lingering for less than half a second on 'Analysis of Hundred Flowers Medicinal Properties' before looking away. He recorded Qin Feng's token information and the borrowed books in a jade register and waved his hand. "Go. Return them within one month."

"Thank you, Elder." Qin Feng's expression was calm as he put the books away, but he breathed a long sigh of relief in his heart. The first step was a success!

Just as he was preparing to leave the Library, a lazy and familiar voice sounded from behind him.

"Oh? Isn't this our little monster? Coming to work hard so early?"

Qin Feng turned around to see that Hua Qianying had appeared at the entrance at some point, looking at him with a smile. Today, she had changed into a light blue martial outfit suitable for movement, which outlined her breathtaking curves and made her look even more heroic and spirited.

"Elder Hua." Qin Feng cupped his hands in greeting.

Hua Qianying walked a few steps closer, her beautiful eyes roaming over him. A flash of surprise crossed her Face. "Eh? Your aura has become a bit more solid again. It seems you made more progress last night? Your Cultivation speed is truly enviable."

"I merely had some insights by chance," Qin Feng said modestly.

"Excessive modesty is just pride." Hua Qianying gave him a look, then turned serious. "It's good that I ran into you. I have something to tell you."

She gestured for Qin Feng to walk to a deserted spot and said in a low voice, "I have reported your deeds in Star South City, as well as your current cultivation, to the Palace Master in detail."

Qin Feng's heart tightened, but his Face remained impassive. "The Palace Master..."

"The Palace Master was very surprised upon hearing it. Especially since you, at such a young age, could participate in slaying a Martial King and played a key role in defending the city, saving millions of soldiers and civilians. The Palace Master remarked that such Heart-Nature, courage, and potential are truly rare, and she admires you greatly." There was a hint of pride in Hua Qianying's tone.

Qin Feng breathed a slight sigh of relief. "The Palace Master overpraises me."

"It is not overpraise." Hua Qianying looked at him with a touch of seriousness in her eyes. "Given your special circumstances, the Palace Master has decided to make an exception for you."

"An exception?"

"Correct," Hua Qianying explained. "Promotions for Disciples of my Hundred Flowers Palace have their own regulations. Martial Artists are low-level Disciples, Martial Masters are Advanced Disciples, and Grand Martial Masters must pass an assessment before they can hold the position of 'Deacon'. A Martial King can be an Elder, and a Martial Emperor can be a Vice Palace Master."

"Originally, regardless of cultivation, a newly entered male Disciple must be observed for at least a year and accumulate contributions before they can apply for the Deacon assessment. But the Palace Master has specially approved that if you are willing, you can participate in the Deacon assessment right now!"

Hearing this, Qin Feng's heart stirred. The status of a Deacon would undoubtedly grant him more authority and resources than an ordinary Disciple, and it would make it easier to access the core of the Sect. This would be of great benefit for finding opportunities, increasing his strength, and dealing with potential crises.

"May I ask what the specific content of this Deacon assessment is?" Qin Feng asked.

Hua Qianying explained in detail: "The assessment is divided into three stages. The first stage is the 'Path of Heart Inquiry,' which tests one's Heart-Nature and will to prevent spies from entering and to see if one's beliefs fundamentally conflict with the philosophy of our Hundred Flowers Palace. The second stage is the 'Hundred Flowers Array,' which tests adaptability and combat capability by dealing with various attacks within a Formation. The third stage is 'Skill Discernment,' where you can choose one area based on your own specialties—such as Alchemy, Artifact Refining, Formations, or Spiritual Plants—to be assessed, proving your value to the Sect."

"If you pass all three stages, you can be promoted to Deacon. Well? Are you willing to try?" Hua Qianying looked at him with burning eyes.

The Opportunity was right before him! The status of a Deacon would not only bring practical benefits but also, to some extent, reduce the gossip that might arise from his status as a "connected" newcomer.

Qin Feng hardly hesitated. He cupped his hands and said in a deep voice, "Since the Palace Master and Elder Hua think so highly of me, I, Qin Feng, am willing to try!"

"Good!" A bright smile blossomed on Hua Qianying's Face. "I knew you weren't someone content with mediocrity. The assessment is scheduled for three days from now; prepare well these next few days. Although your strength is sufficient, the assessment is not purely a contest of martial force. Do not be careless."

"Qin Feng understands and will give his all."

"Mhm, go then. In three days, I will personally take you to the assessment grounds." Hua Qianying waved her hand.

Qin Feng bowed again and then turned to leave the Library. He felt the seemingly ordinary 'Analysis of Hundred Flowers Medicinal Properties' in his robes and thought of the Deacon assessment in three days. A sharp light flashed in his eyes.

Coming to this Hundred Flowers Palace was indeed the right choice. Opportunities and challenges coexist, and he would surely seize them all to step onto an even higher peak of the Martial Dao!