When the iron door was opened and they reached the second floor, Zhao Ya found that there were significantly fewer secret manuscripts here than on the first floor.
Wang Tiancheng carefully placed the insights written by Zhao Ya in the saber technique section, and pointed to these rows of bookshelves.
"This is the essence of our library. These shelves hold saber techniques left by renowned masters from all over, and you can browse them at your leisure."
Zhao Ya nodded in thanks and then wandered among the bookshelves, browsing the texts.
"Nine Dragon Waterfall-Slaying Saber," "Purple Cloud Flying Thunder Saber," "Blazing Flame Saber"...
A variety of saber techniques dazzled the eyes, leaving one overwhelmed.
Zhao Ya casually picked up a book, opened it, and was immediately captivated.
These saber techniques were unlike the boxing manuals downstairs; they did not detail saber moves or beginner instructions but were composed of long sections of personal insights and points of caution.
And this was precisely what Zhao Ya needed now.
Soon, Zhao Ya was immersed in the ocean of saber techniques.
Seeing this, Wang Tiancheng smiled but did not disturb Zhao Ya, only quietly instructing the library guards to notify the kitchen to send a meal here at lunchtime.
After giving these instructions, Wang Tiancheng quietly left.
He knew very well that once Zhao Ya started reading, there was no telling when he would finish, and he had his own matters to attend to, so he left first.
Just as he expected.
Zhao Ya was completely absorbed, oblivious to the happenings around him, not even knowing when Wang Tiancheng had left.
When afternoon came, someone delivered a meal, prompting Zhao Ya to temporarily put down the book in his hand, thinking while quickly finishing the meal before resuming his reading.
However, later on, Zhao Ya’s reading speed was no longer as slow as it was at the beginning; the more he read, the faster he got.
With some secret manuals, he merely flipped through them and put them back.
This was because many of the saber insights were similar, and with his current proficiency in saber techniques, Zhao Ya could comprehend them at a glance.
Even so, Zhao Ya only finished reading all the secret saber manuals on the second floor by dusk.
After putting back the last secret saber manual in its original place, Zhao Ya let out a long breath, feeling he had gained much that day.
Although his strength hadn’t increased much, his perspective had broadened immensely.
Don’t underestimate this; with such a clear perspective, Zhao Ya could better assess his shortcomings and thus make progress.
Faintly, Zhao Ya felt a slight restlessness in his heart, eager to go down and practice the saber techniques immediately.
Just at this moment, Wang Tiancheng’s laughter came from behind.
"Finished reading everything?"
Zhao Ya turned to see Wang Tiancheng standing at the stairway, while a junior disciple was setting up the meal.
"Hmm, more or less."
"It’s not something you can finish reading in a day or two, and you haven’t been to the third floor yet, so take a break. I’ve asked the kitchen to make some small dishes; shall we have a few drinks?" Wang Tiancheng suggested with a smile.
"Sure!"
Zhao Ya readily agreed and sat across from Wang Tiancheng, and they began drinking and chatting.
Though the dishes were not abundant, the fragrance of books added a unique flavor to the occasion.
As they were enjoying themselves, laughter suddenly came from downstairs.
"Well, well, you two are drinking here on the sly and didn’t even think to call me. How heartbreaking."
Following the voice, a graceful man with a folding fan ascended the stairs.
It was Xu Niannian from Wunian Academy.
Seeing him, Wang Tiancheng couldn’t help but laugh heartily.
"You, with a nose more sensitive than a dog’s, there’s no way to enjoy a drink behind your back."
Xu Niannian stepped onto the second floor and, without a shred of courtesy, sat down beside them, picked up a glass of wine from the table, and drank it before speaking with a smile.
"The news of your saber competition this morning has already spread. As soon as I heard it, I knew Zhao would stay and look at the library’s collection, so I came over."
"Oh? It’s spread so quickly?" Wang Tiancheng asked in surprise.
"That’s right; the Martial Dao community in Yan Capital City is all talking about it now." At this, Xu Niannian looked at Zhao Ya.
"Many are saying that Zhao, you are the fastest-rising young master in recent years!"
Zhao Ya smiled wryly.
Today, he had come to find Wang Tiancheng not for fame but to broaden his horizon in saber techniques through sparring.
Yet he didn’t anticipate that this matter would spread so quickly.
He raised his glass and with some apology said, "Senior Brother Wang, I’m really sorry, I’ve taken advantage this time."
Although he hadn’t heard what the rumors were exactly, he could easily guess they were saying that he and Wang Tiancheng had fought to a draw.
This, in reality, meant he had used Wang Tiancheng’s reputation as a stepping stone.
Wang Tiancheng, however, simply smiled lightly.
"Junior Brother Zhao, no need to be so polite. It’s just a minor reputation, not worth mentioning. Moreover, with your strength, it’s only a matter of time before you achieve fame. Right now, you’re just beginning to shine."
"Alright, you two, stop flattering each other. The dishes are getting cold, hurry up and eat!" Xu Niannian chimed in with a grin.
The three exchanged smiles, then simultaneously raised their glasses and drank them dry.
Though the feast wasn’t lavish, the three drank with great enthusiasm, lingering until late at night.
Even though Wang Tiancheng and Xu Niannian were martial artists of the Fifth Realm, they showed signs of drunkenness.
Only Zhao Ya’s eyes remained clear, without a trace of intoxication.