"The library of the Azure Dragon Temple was established at the founding of the temple, undergoing several expansions and repairs. With the continuous efforts of successive Temple Masters and Elders in collecting books from all over the world, it eventually became a library renowned throughout the lands beyond the world."
As Tian Yixin introduced the history of the Azure Dragon Temple’s library with great familiarity, he led Zhao Ya and Gui Xuanqing further inside.
Earlier in the dining hall, when Gui Xuanqing heard that Zhao Ya was going to the library, he immediately expressed his wish to join, so Tian Yixin brought both of them along.
"In theory, only Inner Sect Disciples of the Azure Dragon Temple, approved by the Grand Elder, can enter the library. However, due to your special circumstances, and with the Grand Elder not present, bringing you here shouldn’t be against the rules, but there is something I must remind both of you about beforehand."
Upon saying this, Tian Yixin’s expression became solemn.
"Once you enter the library, you must adhere strictly to the rules inside. Do not touch even a single brick or tile, and you must maintain sufficient respect, even for the old man sweeping the floors."
Zhao Ya felt slightly moved by these words, but Gui Xuanqing was the first to ask a question.
"Senior Brother Tian, why is that?"
"It’s for your own good! You have no idea what the library means to the Azure Dragon Temple. To ensure its absolute safety, those guarding the library are our temple’s most seasoned and strongest elders."
"So, even during the split war, when the fires of war reached the library’s door, those traitors dared not take even a half step closer." Tian Yixin lamented.
By this time, they had arrived at the library.
It was a three-story building built against the mountain and made of stones, with its main features being sturdiness and fire resistance.
Though it appeared plain from the outside, once Zhao Ya went through a cumbersome procedure to enter, he was thoroughly astonished.
This was because the interior space of the library was incredibly vast, likely having been carved out of the mountain itself.
In this vast space, numerous books were densely placed, to the point where the air was filled with the scent of old paper.
For the first time, Zhao Ya truly understood the heritage of a great sect beyond the world.
Back in Great Yan, Zhao Ya had also been to the library of the Golden Saber Institute, but compared with the Azure Dragon Temple’s library, it paled significantly.
Aside from anything else, just this library alone was enough to justify the Azure Dragon Temple’s place among the Thirteen Sects Beyond the World.
Gui Xuanqing was so shocked that he couldn’t even utter a word.
Tian Yixin had anticipated their reactions and couldn’t help but laugh.
"How about it? Quite overwhelming, isn’t it?"
"Indeed, very overwhelming. Just how many books are there?" Gui Xuanqing nodded repeatedly.
Tian Yixin said proudly, "My master once said that even if every other part of the Azure Dragon Temple crumbled into ruins, as long as this library still stood, the temple wouldn’t have fallen, and could rise again one day."
Gui Xuanqing looked on in admiration.
Even Zhao Ya couldn’t help but nod silently, acknowledging Qin Jianji’s words as quite reasonable.
After all, this accumulated heritage from successive Temple Masters and Elders was truly the foundation of the Azure Dragon Temple’s establishment.
At this moment, a light chuckle came from a distance.
"Xiaotiantou, boasting in front of the new disciples again?"
Following the sound, a figure appeared almost instantaneously before the three of them, despite seeming to move slowly.
The newcomer was an elder of seventy or eighty years, with a head of white hair, a face full of wrinkles, and wearing thick stone spectacles, looking like an old scholar, not at all extraordinary.
But Zhao Ya felt a slight tension in his heart.
Because the elder’s body technique was so enigmatic, it was beyond extraordinary.
Even though Zhao Ya considered himself potentially reaching such speed, the ethereal nature devoid of any worldly air was impossible for him to mimic.
This could only mean one thing: this person’s body technique was far superior to his own.
"Disciple, greets Elder Guo!" Upon seeing the elder, Tian Yixin hurriedly bowed in respect.
Hearing this, Elder Guo laughed heartily, "Alright, alright, no need for these formalities with me. Are these the disciples your master brought back from the opening ceremony?"
With that, he scrutinized Zhao Ya and Gui Xuanqing, soon focusing his gaze on Zhao Ya with some surprise.
"Oh, there’s some foundation in the Great Vajra Fist, interesting!"
Zhao Ya wasn’t surprised that Elder Guo could discern his knowledge of the fist technique.
In fact, in his perception, this seemingly harmless old man exerted an unprecedentedly powerful pressure.
In that instant, Zhao Ya felt both reverence and excitement.
He suspected that Elder Guo’s strength might have surpassed Meridian Opening, reaching a more profound realm.
Was this the pinnacle combat power of a great sect like the Azure Dragon Temple?
But soon, Elder Guo returned to his previous disinterested state, yawning, "Xiaotiantou, you brought them here, you know the rules, so they’re in your hands. Remember, I recently organized the books on the first floor, don’t mess up the order. I’m going to find a place to take a nap."
"Understood, Elder Guo. Rest assured, I’ll make sure nothing goes wrong."
Tian Yixin bowed once more, and when he looked up again, Elder Guo had already disappeared without a trace.
This was quite regular for Tian Yixin, who simply shrugged at Zhao Ya and Gui Xuanqing.