Library of Heaven’s Path 2: Eternal Destiny

Vol 2 Ch 113: General Qualifications

This elder, who appeared to be in his sixties, was dressed in coarse linen robes, with a bit of dust on him. From a distance, he resembled an ordinary farmer, devoid of any remarkable traits.

Yet, wherever he passed, the grand formations of Destiny Hall, which usually shone resplendently, seemed like mere decorations, utterly ineffective in stopping him.

“An expert!”

Qian Yuhuan’s pupils contracted sharply.

There was no need to ponder; it was evident that this elder's strength had surpassed comprehension. Could he be at the peak of the Star River Realm? Or perhaps... even higher?

What could such a person want here?

A wave of apprehension surged within Qian Yuhuan. Knowing that maintaining the formation against someone of such caliber would not only be futile but might also incur their displeasure, he made a skyward grasp, causing a token to appear in his hand. As he infused power into it, the radiant formation gradually dissipated.

By this time, the elder had approached within twenty meters of them, curiously observing the surrounding crowd.

After a moment of hesitation, Qian Yuhuan stepped forward and cupped his fists in greeting. “I am Qian Yuhuan, the sect master of Wanxiang Gate in Zouyi City. May I ask what brings Senior here?”

“I’m just looking around...”

The linen-clad elder paid him no heed, instead scanning the area. Not finding who he was looking for, he turned back with a puzzled expression. “Why is the Destiny Hall next door in ruins? I intended to go there to find someone, but it’s already become rubble!”

“Senior wishes to visit the Destiny Hall?”

Qian Yuhuan heaved a sigh of relief and quickly pointed to Shi Yunjing beside him. “This is Shi Yunjing, the hall master of Zouyi City’s Destiny Hall!”

Better him than me!

Delighted, the linen-clad elder turned his gaze toward Shi Yunjing.

Having been thrown under the bus by his old acquaintance, Shi Yunjing inwardly cursed but could only brace himself, stepping forward and bowing deeply. “This junior, Shi Yunjing, greets Senior!”

“I wish to ask something. About two hours ago, did someone take an assessment at your Destiny Hall?” The linen-clad elder, none other than Old Zhou, Zhou Cang, cut straight to the point.

He had rushed to Zouyi City, even abandoning a meal involving a rare Seven-Segment Bug, and had circled the Destiny Hall ruins multiple times, questioning dozens of people to no avail. This led him here.

His overwhelming strength had inadvertently triggered the formation of Wanxiang Gate, setting off alarms.

Shi Yunjing was taken aback by the question but quickly nodded. “Yes, someone did take an assessment…”

Had there been no assessment, the Destiny Hall wouldn’t have been destroyed.

Zhou Cang’s eyes lit up with excitement. “Where are the participants now? Was there an exceptional talent among them?”

From the elder’s tone, Shi Yunjing discerned his purpose and breathed a quiet sigh of relief. He immediately nodded and pointed toward Zhang Xuan and the others. “The talented ones are all here.”

“They’re all here?”

Zhou Cang’s excitement grew as his gaze scanned the group, quickly settling on Yan San Shi-San.

Among them, Yan San Shi-San was the youngest and had the highest cultivation. Judging from his aura, his talent was undoubtedly the best of the group.

“It’s you?”

Like a prospector finding gold, Zhou Cang’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction.

A genius who had comprehended the Chef Dao Destiny! Handsome and talented, this individual not only deserved to be a disciple but also warranted being taken in as an adopted son. Zhou Cang was ready to impart his lifetime of skills without reservation!

“What’s your name?” Zhou Cang stroked his beard, smiling warmly.

“Me?” Yan San Shi-San, stunned to be singled out, felt a surge of excitement. “This junior is Yan San Shi-San…”Nôv(el)B\\jnn

It was obvious that anyone who could command such respect from Qian Sect Master and Shi Hall Master was an unparalleled expert. To gain such favor would be a tremendous opportunity.

Zhou Cang nodded in approval. “A fine name. Come closer so I can take a look at you!”

Noticing Zhou Cang’s favorable attitude and sensing his search for talented individuals, Qian Yuhuan recommended, “Senior, this young man, Zhang Xuan, also underwent the assessment. His talent is equally remarkable...”

He gestured toward Zhang Xuan.

Zhou Cang glanced briefly at Zhang Xuan before shaking his head. “At his age, to have only reached the peak of the Dharma Aspect Realm... his aptitude is mediocre at best.”

Zhang Xuan appeared to be around 26 or 27 years old. While such an accomplishment might be considered excellent in Han Yuan City, White Rock City, or even Zouyi City, it paled in comparison in Zhou Cang’s eyes.

In many prestigious families, children began cultivation at an early age, and it wasn’t uncommon for some to reach the Star River Realm by sixteen or seventeen.

Failing to break through the Star River Realm implied they hadn’t comprehended even the Second Stage of Heaven’s Fate, making their talent only average.

Such qualifications were unworthy of learning his Chef Dao Destiny.

“Uh…” Having his talent dismissed so bluntly, Zhang Xuan simply shook his head, unfazed. He had always preferred to keep a low profile. If others underestimated him, all the better—it saved him trouble.

“Senior!” Yan San Shi-San approached, attempting to defend Zhang Xuan. “This young master Zhang’s talent and strength far surpass mine…”

Zhou Cang interrupted with a wave. “Enough! He’s older than you, so it’s natural he might seem stronger. Though I may be old, I’m not blind. His aura is unstable, and his strength fluctuates. He may have some talent, but compared to you, he’s far inferior.”

“But—”

Yan San Shi-San wanted to argue further, but Zhou Cang cut him off. “Enough! I didn’t come here to debate. Let me be frank—I am here to accept a direct disciple!”

“A direct disciple?”

“Being chosen by such an expert... that’s like ascending to the heavens in a single step!”

“Indeed! Under his tutelage, reaching the peak of the Star River Realm would be almost guaranteed!”

Hearing this, the crowd was abuzz with excitement.

For cultivators, having a great master was tantamount to possessing wealth, resources, and techniques. Progress would naturally follow.

Even Qian Yuhuan and Shi Yunjing couldn’t help but ask excitedly, “Senior, are you accepting older disciples too?”

Zhou Cang retorted with a dismissive wave. “Get lost!”

“Understood!”

Embarrassed, they stepped back before hesitantly asking, “What are Senior’s requirements for discipleship?”

Zhou Cang snorted. “Naturally, the younger and more powerful, the better. I am quite satisfied with Yan San Shi-San here!”

He turned to Yan San Shi-San. “Young man, show me your strength. If convenient, could you also share your Heaven’s Fate? Privately, of course.”

Some Heaven’s Fates were transmissible and could be shared without issue. Others, however, were non-transmissible and revealing them would expose weaknesses, potentially leading to exploitation.

For instance, Yan San Shi-San’s Gratitude Destiny could become a liability if others knew about it. If someone deliberately did him favors, they could bind him with karmic obligations.

Aware of these sensitivities, Zhou Cang didn’t press for public disclosure. Instead, he sought to test both talent and character in private.

Author's Note