Evil Venerable of the Sword Dao
Chapter 197 - 094 Tao Scriptures

Chapter 197: Chapter 094 Tao Scriptures

"Sacrificial Sky scraps? Are you referring to the kind of ancient sentiment found in Refining Array Mage’s Rune Scriptures or their remnants?"

Upon hearing Zhou Yan’s words, Hou Yan was taken aback for a moment, before asking thoughtfully.

Although he was quite curious as to why Zhou Yan needed such strange and ancient items, as long as Zhou Yan had a need for them, he naturally didn’t feel any need to question it.

But before that, he needed to make sure that these were indeed the things Zhou Yan was looking for.

"Yes, that’s right, they are precisely those items. May I ask, Senior Hou, do you have such things here?"

Zhou Yan made no attempt to hide his feelings, what he wanted was what he wanted, and since the other party had shown sincerity, there was no point in Zhou Yan being reticent.

"If it’s just these things, although our clan doesn’t have many, there are still over a hundred pieces in the Book Collection Pavilion. If I search for more, it wouldn’t be difficult."

"Then... that’s wonderful!"

"These items, our ancestors had once regarded as treasures, studying them for countless years, but without exception, they all came up empty-handed. These seemingly bizarre items, in reality, have never shown any great value, so gradually, they became tasteless to consume, yet too precious to discard—mere clutter.

Since Zhou Lingzhe needs them, it certainly means he has a predestined connection with these items. What is useless for us can compensate for the enormous favor from Zhou Lingzhe; it indeed is a pleasing matter."

Hou Yan did not conceal anything and proceeded to explain the situation; only now did Zhou Yan learn about this so-called ’Sacrificial Sky scrap’ and all related theories.

It was also at this time that Zhou Yan could affirm that these ancient runes were indeed the characters of the Tao from the distant past.

In that era, the development of written language was not as comprehensive as it is today, so many characters were pictographic. Those runes, complex beyond measure, represented pieces of the Tao with their pictographic meanings.

This was the insight achieved by Zhou Yan himself.

Even if Yanyan had no need for these things, Zhou Yan could continuously use these symbolic forms of runes to meditate, thereby advancing his own understanding of the Tao.

Not to mention, Yanyan showed a clear fondness for these items.

Thus, having learned this information, Zhou Yan became increasingly convinced that these ancient runes and the like were precisely what Yanyan needed.

If Yanyan could avoid starvation, then this was the happiest thing for Zhou Yan to have experienced.

"In that case, I truly appreciate your efforts, Senior Hou."

With respect, Zhou Yan bowed; his gesture reflected the heartfelt respect for a powerful individual, as well as gratitude for the other’s generous promise.

"Zhou Lingzhe, you speak too seriously. These items, to our entire clan, are indeed trivial. On the other hand, the immense favor of bringing back Chen should be repaid by the profound and enlightening teachings you provided to our Emperor Sword Lineage’s geniuses. For that, we have no way to reciprocate," Hou Yan said with a sense of gratitude.

His tone was gentle, lacking any air of superiority that one might expect from a Clan Leader. Instead, each of his sentences seemed to reach deep into the heart, providing a feeling of warmth throughout your being.

"Senior Hou, while these may be insignificant to you, they are incredibly important to me.

These ancient runes contain a unique Tao, a special symbolic path. Only through such a path can I save a relative of mine... As such, I take this favor to heart, and it is not you who owe me, but once again I who am indebted to you."

Zhou Yan spoke with equal sincerity.

Such obscure and ancient things, if in demand, naturally would not escape others’ notice, who might assume they held tremendous benefits.

But Zhou Yan’s candor only made him seem even more trustworthy, because not everyone would be forthcoming about such matters.

"Zhou Lingzhe, since you put it that way, let’s consider all debts of gratitude squared away. You are Chen’s master, and I am his uncle; we’re practically family, so let’s not be strangers. Just call me ’Brother Hou,’ and I will call you ’Brother Zhou.’"

Hou Yan’s expression grew slightly solemn as he earnestly spoke.

"In that case, Brother Zhou will comply with great respect!"

Zhou Yan was initially surprised, then smiled broadly as he clenched his fist in the traditional greeting and said, "Brother Hou!"

"Good! Brother Zhou! Today, we shall not return until we’re drunk! Let me take you to look at those Ancient Books first!"

...

The vast Heaven and Earth were stunningly adorned in reds and greens, exuding a charm that was both alluring and poignant.

This beauty held within it an air of desolate sentiment.

This place was none other than the back mountain of the Cloud Orchid Heavenly Pool belonging to the Emperor Sword Lineage.

Here, too, was the Book Collection Pavilion of the Emperor Sword Lineage, an Inheritance Land.

"Brother Zhou, I never imagined that an accident would make you suitable for the Emperor Qi Sword Body, yet you could still progress to this point. I truly admire you from the bottom of my heart! In this world, I fear no one understands the hardships and tribulations of cultivating the Emperor Qi Sword Body better than I do!" Hou Yan spoke poignantly.

At this moment, he was not a Clan Leader but a sincerely close friend, almost family. There were no inhibitions in their conversation.

"Brother Hou’s strength is unfathomable, don’t make fun of me. If we speak of strength, I can’t even compare to many ordinary disciples here."

Zhou Yan replied with a wry smile.

"That’s not a fair comparison. Everyone’s cultivation time differs, indicating varied fortunes, too. How long have you been cultivating? How long have they? And how long have I?"

Hou Yan let out a sigh, then said, "In the years of cultivation, I’ve even forgotten myself and the passage of time. Without calculation, I wouldn’t even know how old I am now, so never measure cultivation by time."

"..."

Zhou Yan was somewhat speechless; he hadn’t expected Hou Yan to say this.

However, it was indeed true. To Zhou Yan, the years of cultivation were just three or four years.

In just three or four years, he had transformed from a good-for-nothing fool to a genius at the True Spirit Level of Sword Spirit Second Layer Heaven, capable of making Heaven and Earth change color with a single sword strike. This was indeed terrifying.

This should have been a matter of pride, but Zhou Yan felt not a hint of self-satisfaction. These achievements, though commendable, were still only that of an ant in comparison to the strength of his Master’s memory.

And in the memory of his Master, there were countless geniuses who, after cultivating for three or four years, dominated the world.

Thus, the higher others esteemed him, the more Zhou Yan felt a sense of indescribable irony.

Of course, Zhou Yan did not deny that he was a genius. After all, in every aspect, he had reached a peak. But what of it? Whenever he thought of Li Wuxian’s words, of Li Cangsheng’s attitude, and what he said about his mother’s actions, he would feel a twinge of inexplicable heartache. Whether the Li Family could truly accept him was still uncertain. And his mother’s thoughts remained unknown to him.

...

After a momentary daze, Zhou Yan regained his composure. By his side, Hou Yan had stopped speaking, and now it was Chen Tianjian and Hou Caixuan relating their series of experiences inside Ancient Tomb Mountain.

Under Chen Tianjian’s narrative, Hou Caixuan was utterly enchanted, her beautiful eyes filled with inexplicable affection.

Zhou Yan didn’t turn around, but he could still keenly feel that emotion, as well as the burning gazes Hou Caixuan occasionally cast on his back. But he didn’t feel happy, nor did he feel lost; instead, he felt a sense of resignation due to the Tao he had comprehended in such a place.

"This is our Book Collection Pavilion. Inside this room, you’ll find things similar to the remnants of the Heaven Sacrifice ritual. Brother Zhou, please go in."

Hou Yan led Zhou Yan through various seals and restrictions to a cave dwelling.

Zhou Yan nodded, then greeted Chen Tianjian and Hou Caixuan before turning and entering one of the sealed spaces within the Book Collection Pavilion.

Watching Zhou Yan enter, Hou Yan breathed a sigh of relief and sighed, saying, "The talent of Brother Zhou Yan is truly special. To say he might be the foremost person throughout history is no exaggeration. Although his inevitable future is almost certain, should there be even a sliver of hope, we must strive for it! I truly do not understand what Li Cangsheng and the others are thinking."

"Yes, Uncle, thinking of the words the Heavenly Sword spoke, I feel indignant for Zhou Lingzhe. With Zhou Lingzhe’s talent, he should be esteemed wherever he goes, yet the Li Family disregards him, which is infuriating! And yet, it is for this very reason that the Li Family will face the crisis of annihilation, which they rightly deserve!" Hou Caixuan spoke resentfully.

"Ha-ha, Cai Xuan, you are worried, aren’t you? But if you truly have intentions, Uncle supports you wholeheartedly. However... For the Sword Soul path, breaking free from the shackle of Emperor Blood without relying on it is very difficult! I certainly know that Brother Zhou has invincible talent, but to condense the Sword Soul is indeed very challenging!"

Hou Yan spoke with laughter at first, but then his voice turned serious as if he thought of something distressing.

"Ah... Uncle, then... what should we do?" Hou Caixuan suddenly became worried.

She understood the strength of her Uncle, and his words made her heart tighten.

"Based on the fragments of Enlightenment from the ancient past I’ve witnessed, besides facing the immense peril of condensing the Sword Soul, the Emperor Qi Sword Body must endure jealousy from heaven and severe punishment of Heavenly Tribulation for each subsequent Realm. Therefore, Senior Sister Cai Xuan, I advise you... to give up."

Chen Tianjian spoke after pondering for a moment.

Upon hearing this, Hou Caixuan was deeply moved.

Her beautiful lips quivered as she spoke with difficulty, "Then... Uncle, opening these Ancient Books and Scriptures, which are incredibly precious to us... do you perhaps mean to sever all ties... is that it?"

Saying this, Hou Caixuan herself found it hard to believe.

"This is simply the end of a favor, not the cutting of ties. On the contrary, I truly want to help him, but... I am powerless. I don’t underestimate him and truly consider him a brother, which is why I am even more concerned about his endeavor to condense the Sword Soul.

As for these Ancient Books and Tao Scriptures, while precious, we truly don’t understand them, but he does. So let him have them. This is one of the few things I can do to help him."

Hou Yan became somewhat wistful.

There were many things he did not say.

In truth, there were many secrets about Chen Tianjian, and because of these, Hou Yan knew far more than he spoke of.

But these were things that Hou Caixuan would likely never know.

...

An ancient aura washed over Zhou Yan as he stepped into the Ancient Books chamber of the Book Collection Pavilion.

Though quiet as a typical library, row upon row of yellowed wooden shelves held volumes of ancient, golden books.

The books seemed alive, spirit-filled, quietly placed there but resonating with an indescribable Tao rhythm.

This seemingly ordinary library held no ordinary atmosphere. The rules concealed between heaven and earth, as if merged with the Tao itself, made every ancient Scripture seem to softly chant the sounds of the Tao.

Fixing his gaze, Zhou Yan could see dancing radiant lights, auspicious deer, and graceful cranes appearing as anomalies.

These anomalies materialized not in the Void here, but in the illusions of Zhou Yan’s mind.

These illusions, incredibly realistic, as if tangible, gave one the illusion of ’Enlightenment’ or being ’In the process of Enlightenment.’

"These are the ancient books I need. Yanyan, Father has finally found this bounty of nourishment for you!" Zhou Yan was overcome with emotion, unable to help shouting in his heart.

Then, a mighty surge of vital energy rose from him, with the energy of the Supreme Dao, sweeping towards these ancient golden Rune Scriptures.