Su Ming stood among the crowd, his expression calm. Only the fingers hidden within his sleeves curled slightly.

The bloody scenes before his eyes and Elder Gu He’s piercing words did not frighten him into losing composure. Instead, they acted like a bucket of ice-cold water, dousing and waking the last trace of subtle relaxation that might have arisen in the depths of his heart due to his identities as an “outer sect disciple” and “provisional steward.”

“Master,” he murmured inwardly, his thoughts racing at high speed. “The four-race structure, beneath the balance lies perpetual consumption and conflict. The demon race relies on physical bodies and bloodlines, the ghost race dominates the domain of yin souls, the spirit races are born of heaven and earth with innate affinity for laws, while we humans… appear to have the most comprehensive system, yet our internal consumption is also the greatest. Sects, noble families, dynasties, entangled in endless strife. The power of an individual seems especially insignificant, and especially easy to be devoured, within such grand and chaotic confrontation.”

“Insignificant?” Lin Yu’s voice rang out, carrying a hint of amusement. “Disciple, your perspective on problems is always so interesting. Consider another angle: precisely because the internal structure of humanity is the most complex, requiring the most precise ‘organization’ and ‘inheritance’ to maintain power, the system itself becomes the greatest source of strength, and also the greatest point of vulnerability.”

A flash of sharp light gleamed in Su Ming’s eyes.

“You mean… while personal valor is certainly important, those who can understand, optimize, or even construct ‘systems’ might be the truly scarce and powerful force for humanity in these chaotic times?”

“Teachability shows promise!” Lin Yu praised. “Your ‘Repair Hall,’ your ‘standardization,’ what you’ve inadvertently touched upon is precisely this core. You are not simply repairing formation plates; you are building a more efficient, more reliable ‘production and maintenance system.’ During peaceful times, this is icing on the cake. In this era of continuous conflict and chaos, it is timely aid, the ‘infrastructure’ that enhances overall survival capability! That old fellow Xuanheng values you, probably not just for your formation talent, but more because he sees this potential value of ‘constructing order’ within you.”

Su Ming’s mind suddenly opened up. Many previously vague understandings instantly became clear. The significance of the “scientific cultivation” he pursued was sublimated to an unprecedented level at this moment—this was not only a path for personal ascension, but could also become a tiny variable influencing the survival model of an entire race.

At this moment, Elder Gu He’s voice once again pulled his thoughts back.

The gruesome battle scenes on the light screen gradually faded, replaced by an incredibly profound, three-dimensional formation diagram phantom that seemed directly constructed from starlight and Dao Patterns. A mere fleeting glimpse was enough to dazzle the eyes and stir the soul.

“Ten thousand years ago, the world of cultivation was even more chaotic than today. Demons and ghosts ran rampant, the spirit races secluded themselves from the world, and our human race was weak, its flame nearly extinguished.”

Elder Gu He’s voice, for the first time, carried a solemnity bordering on reverence.

“At this critical juncture of survival, a former sage, the Cloud Hidden Master, fortuitously obtained the ‘Legacy Dao Treasury.'”

The moment the words “Dao Treasury” were uttered, the spiritual energy within the great hall seemed to stagnate for an instant.

“The Patriarch comprehended the Dao Treasury for thirty years, integrating his lifelong learnings. Here in the Cloud Hidden Mountain Range, he laid the foundation of the ‘Nine Heavens Cloud Canopy Grand Formation.’ After three generations of refinement, it became the ‘Zhou Tian Celestial Star Grand Formation’ that protects us today! Relying on this formation, we were able to establish our sect gates in this perilous land, gather scattered humans, impart the Dao, and weather ten thousand years of storms, finally achieving our present stature!”

His gaze swept over the disciples below the platform, finally resting meaningfully for a moment on a few who appeared exceptionally composed, among them Su Ming.

“The ‘Legacy Dao Treasury’ is the founding root of our Cloud Hidden Sect, and also the sect’s highest secret. Throughout the generations, only those who have made supreme contributions to the sect and whose character and aptitude have passed numerous rigorous tests are qualified to apply. After deliberation by the Council of Grand Elders, they may be granted a glimpse of its wonders.”

Elder Gu He’s tone shifted to one of extreme gravity, even carrying a warning:

“What it contains may hold great Dao truths pointing directly to ascension, or perhaps secrets concerning the origin of this world’s heaven and earth, even the rise and fall of the four races. Those without great fortune, great perseverance, and great merit must not lightly touch it, nor lightly inquire about it. You need only remember that the foundation of everything you have today originates from this. Protecting the sect is also protecting this flame of inheritance from being extinguished.”

Having said this, he did not wait for the disciples to digest this shocking information, and waved his sleeve once more.

Clear diagrams of the human meridian system and realm divisions appeared on the light screen.

“The secrets of cultivation realms, many of you know. Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment are merely about shedding mortality and extending lifespan. Only upon forming a Golden Core can one be called a ‘True Person,’ with a lifespan of five hundred years, initial manifestation of supernatural abilities—my fate is in my own hands!”

He emphatically pointed at the “Golden Core” position.

“As for Spirit Transformation…” Elder Gu He looked up at the star chart on the dome, his eyes revealing deep reverence and yearning. “That is already the realm of terrestrial immortals who can preliminarily mobilize the laws of heaven and earth, with a single thought turning seas into mulberry fields! That our Cloud Hidden Sect can have its present status relies entirely on successive generations of Spirit Transformation Patriarchs propping up the heavens and stabilizing destiny! Should any of you be fortunate enough to reach this realm, only then will you truly be qualified to hold up a corner of heaven and earth for our human race!”

Finally, his expression turned cold and hard as iron once more.

“Do not think that entering the sect means you can rest easy! Resources are limited, powerful enemies surround us! The sect supports you, and you must bear the sect’s burden! Resist demons and ghosts externally, compete for advancement internally! Cultivation methods, elixirs, magic treasures, cave dwellings… everything you need, you must rely on your own ability to strive for, to seize, to kill for!”

“Remember! In this world of cultivation, mercy and weakness are both original sins! Only power and value are the foundation upon which you can secure your place and establish your life!”

“Today’s lesson ends here. Dismissed!”

The word “Dismissed!” exploded like thunder, startling the disciples immersed in the massive impact of information.

Everyone looked dazed. Some were pale-faced, some had fanatical glints in their eyes, some were silently contemplative. They gradually departed, dragging heavy steps.

Su Ming walked among the crowd, his steps still steady.

Within his Consciousness Sea, however, he was engaged in high-speed communication with Lin Yu.

“Legacy Dao Treasury… Zhou Tian Celestial Star Grand Formation…” Su Ming pondered. “Master, the description of the ‘Dao Treasury’s’ aura, and that fleeting glimpse of the formation diagram… do they have any connection to the Xuantian ring…”

“Most likely.” Lin Yu’s tone was certain. “The ring’s ancient patterns, that transcendent understanding of formations, and also Elder Ma’s and Xuanheng’s inexplicable attention towards you… I’m afraid what we hold, even if not the ‘Dao Treasury’ itself, is a key ‘key’ or ‘fragment’ originating from the same source. This is getting interesting. We’ve unknowingly sat ourselves right on top of a volcano.”

“It’s a crisis, but also an opportunity.” Su Ming’s gaze was profound. “At least the direction is clear now. Improve strength, accumulate contributions, climb to a sufficiently high position within the sect’s system. Only then will we have the qualification to touch the core secrets, and the ability to deal with the risks that follow.”

“The damage to your Dao foundation might also find clues within it.” Lin Yu added. “According to Gu He, that Dao Treasury encompasses everything, involving origins. A fundamental cultivation problem like repairing a Dao foundation is most likely to find an answer there.”

Su Ming gave a slight nod. Facing the brilliant yet slightly harsh sunlight outside Teachings Peak, he took a deep breath.

The air seemed permeated with the heavy, bloody taste of conflict and competition brought by Elder Gu He’s words.

The first lesson had ended.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep