Tales Of Demons, Gods, And Libraries

On the colossal Saint Ancestral Mountain range, sunlight shines through the gap between the mountains into the deep canyons. On the hillside beside the valley, some snow remained.

Even though it's already the early summer, the snow is yet to melt the cold here is exceptionally long. The roar of beasts can occasionally be heard.

On the surface of the valley stood a magnificent city.

The world outside of the Saint Ancestral Mountains has been occupied by the beasts. The people living in the mountain range have not contacted the outside world for hundreds of years.

The people who live in the city are unsure of the situation of the outside world. It's been recorded that at the most glorious period of mankind, having thousands of Legend rank Fighters and Demon Spiritualists, the humans established many empires in the vast continent, but those empires have been wiped out.

The city, due to being stealthily located geographically, was well preserved from the Age of Darkness. They would occasionally encounter attacks from powerful Snow Wind Beasts within the Saint Ancestral Mountains, however, after going through numerous devastating conflicts, the city has been rebuilt again and again.

These motley walls remain an indomitable monument.

This city is called Glory City, and it is a symbol of hope for humanity.

**********CENTRAL DISTRICT ORPHANAGE***********

At a table in an empty courtyard, sat a lone boy around the age of 13. The young teen is relatively tall for his age, with broad shoulders and spiked black hair. His looks could be described as above average, but few would call him handsome. His pale blue eyes, however, command much attention, looking like a lightning storm on a sunny day. This young teen is called Zhu Di.

Zhu Di has been furiously writing in a journal for the past several hours. With ink smudged on his fingers, he continuously flips through pages making changes and adding more detail. The words being written are in a language never seen before but was appearing effortlessly on the pages. Zhu Di started his frenzied writing after a visit from a school official from the Holy Orchid Institute.

The representative explained that every year, before the start of a new school term, the Holy Orchid Institute sends out representatives to all six districts of Glory City. These school representatives are to test the soul realm of eligible orphans and offer various scholarsh.i.p.s to those of acceptable potential, to attend the Holy Orchid Institute. While Holy Orchid Institute is not the only school available in Glory City, it is the most prestigious.

It was revealed that Zhu Di had a Green soul realm with a soul force of 58. The school representative seemed more than pleased with the results and offered the City Lord's Scholarship. After Zhu Di accepted, it was explained that during his time at Holy Orchid Institute, his room and board would be paid for. He would also be provided with two meals a day, and he would receive a stipend of 100 demon spirit coins. If he managed to enter the Genius Class, he would be eligible to enter employment with the City Lord's Mansion.

Zhu Di and the orphanage matron, Miao Yu, were informed that Zhe Di would be required to live in an assigned dorm room on campus. This specific requirement would ease the financial burden on the orphanage and allow Zhe Di to concentrate on his studies. Before departing, the representative told Zhu Di that classes started in five days, but advised to move on campus early to familiarize himself with the institute.

During the visit with the Holy Orchid Institute representative, Zhu Di appeared to be in a daze. It was a look typically shared by many after realizing the possible options presently offered to them, but Zhu Di was in a daze for a different reason. He just received confirmation that he had transmigrated into one of his favorite stories, Tales of Demons and Gods.

Once Zhu Di was alone, he shouted in joy and jumped around the courtyard for several minutes. Deciding to postpone any more celebrating until later, he started to write down everything he could recall from Tales of Demons and Gods. After he exhausted all he could remember of the story, he started writing everything he could imagine of from his first life in America.

P.O.V.

Placing my pen down, I release a content sigh. The past 24 hours have been unbelievable. Starting with waking up in the body of a teenage boy. Realizing my new body is an orphan in, what appears to be, an ancient Chinese orphanage. Finally, finding out I have transmigrated into my favorite wuxia story, Tales of Demons and Gods.

Unconcerned with how much time has passed since I started writing, I slowly scan through the journal. After reviewing everything written down about what I could recall from Tales of Demons and Gods, I look at what I noted from my first life on Earth. Merely thinking about it pulls up an unreasonable pain in my c.h.e.s.t.

I have no problem thinking about books, movies, or the technology of Earth. Memories of the time spent with my family and the love it brought me, but I can't seem to recall anyone's face. The faces of my family always come out blurred. Not being able to remember their expressions or smiles during precious moments... That is what hurts the most. It's depressing.

Wiping a tear from my cheek, I decided to set thoughts of my past life to the side for the moment and concentrate on the present.

I freakin' transmigrated! I don't know how or why, but I'm in Tales of Demons and Gods!

I've read this story over a dozen times and read tons of fan-fics while waiting for updates. There are so many things that can be exploited to become a true powerhouse. But with great power comes a ton of enemies. Unlike Nie Li, I don't think I'll be sheltered with ridiculous levels of plot armor.

Come to think of it, I might have some sort of power or plot armor myself. I was able to clearly communicate with everyone around me, and English is not a language used around here. I was equally capable of reading the scholarship paperwork, and even signed my new name in a kind of Asian character dialect. The native language seems to come effortlessly to me. Oddly enough, I had to concentrate to keep writing in English.

Putting that aside for now, it's time to see if I don't have some sort of power. Having a power like the gamer system or other popular fan-fic power would be awesome. Well, regardless of what power I might have, I still don't want to draw a lot of attention. Being in the background pulling strings seems like a much safer option.

After an hour of thinking status, system, and even saying the speed force formula, I'm forced to the conclusion that I don't have a cheat power. That sucks, but can be mitigated with the living breathing cheat that is Nie Li. Between Nie Li and all the legendary items around, I'll be able to gain a tremendous amount of strength.

I don't like Nie Li and have zero plans to follow him, but I do plan to use him. That ancient weirdo has knowledge I need. With a bit of preparation, it shouldn't be too hard to manipulate him to give me an amazing cultivation technique. I'll even try to prevent him from launching a war too soon.

In the original timeline, the Dark Guild doesn't execute many bold moves against Glory City until two years after Nie Li starts at the Holy Orchid Institute. His rash moves against the Dark Guild naturally drew their personal attention and moved a beast swarm attack up by over a year. Then there is the traitor Ye Han.

So my game plan right now is to get in with the reincarnated Nie Li for a cultivation technique, and then create as much distance from that train wreck as possible. No way in hell will I link my soul with his or spend any more time with him than necessary. That includes a week of tirelessly hunting horned sheep.

If the school schedule the representative gave me is correct, I have two months before Nie Lie reincarnates. That should be plenty of time to make the seven thousand demon spirit coins needed to avoid the whole sheep hunting excursion.

I lack the money to recreate the purple haze grass demand, and an anonymous letter to the Alchemy Association gains me nothing. However, I will have enough money from my first monthly allowance to get started on some inscriptions. I spent hours drawing in my first life, and that should provide me a decent foundation for drawing inscriptions. Bronze rank inscriptions should sell for 100-500 demon spirit coins each, and a Silver rank inscription for as much as 2,000.

"So, are you finally taking a break?" came a motherly reply from behind me.

Looking over my shoulder, I see the orphanage matron smiling down at me. Miao Yu could be described as a super mom. Appearing to be in her fifties, with gray starting to streak through her ebony hair, she is always graceful and orderly. Despite her age, she seems to have more energy and patience than even the rowdiest brat. I've barely interacted with her a few times since waking to this new life, but I can't help the feeling that she favors me.

Placing a plate of thick-sliced meat and bread in front of me as she sits down, reinforces the idea she favors me. I can't help but smile back at her.

"It makes me happy to see you so excited. You are going to do great at the institute." Looking over the journal I've just devoted the past few hours in, her smile widens even more. "The two of you are so much alike. I am so proud of you dear." Miao Yu says as she leans her shoulder into mine.

Standing back up, she looks down at me with such pride and love, I can't help but think this person has accepted me as her own. I've merely known her for a day, but I'm extremely glad to have met her.

With another look at my journal, she says, "The library may just be able to help you get a jump start for the institute. Why don't you run over there and see if they can't get you started on some recommended works?" She gently runs her fingers through my hair before she turns and walks back inside.

Yup. She definitely favors me. With warmth in my c.h.e.s.t that only a mother can give, I accept her suggestion of checking out the library.

With a tentative plan in place, I make my way to the Central District Public Library. This is the same library the orphanage staff will take the older orphans to and is conveniently located just a few minutes away from the local orphanage.

After a swift walk, I instantly make my way into the library entrance and earnestly try to envision the layout of the room. It's nothing grand but is clean and orderly. It brings to mind a comfortable place to study, with tall bookshelves and dark wooden tables to provide a pleasant place to sit and read.

"Are you a new student?" interrupted my thoughts. The direct question came from a kind, motherly looking middle-aged woman standing at a large reception area.

She swiftly made her way over to me and gave me a warm and welcome smile. "A new student," with a nod to herself, she continued on, "Follow me dear, I know just what you're looking for."

"Um, okay," I muttered as I followed obediently behind her. Was I talking aloud or is learning inscriptions a common idea?

As if expecting the reply, she offered another kindly smile. "Don't worry dear, every school term we see many new students seeking to get a jump on their cultivation. Ah, here you go. You can take a seat at any table to study. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me."

The assumed librarian handed me a hardbound book she carefully withdrew from a bookshelf then pointed at a nearby table. With that last statement, she promptly returned to the large reception area near the library entrance.

Getting over how I was just steamrolled, I willingly accept the indicated seat and carefully open the book. The first page reads, "Introduction to Meridians."

I'm instantly relieved that my inscription plan still has a chance, and annoyed that helpful librarian turned out to be anything but. Fearing her return if I immediately stand up, I reluctantly decided to skim through the book to pass some time.

I find it rather informative with easily understood explanations and even artfully ill.u.s.trated diagrams of meridians through the human body. There are even diagrams on the digestive and circulatory systems.

After a more thorough look at a particular complex digestive diagram, I can identify several flaws with the explanation of several intestines.

BOOM! An explosion resounds within my head followed by a noble and powerful voice.

"Heaven and earth are callous, treating all beings like dogs..."

"The sun sets and the moon wanes, an imperfection appears in the heaven and earth..."

Before I can process what is happening, one profound adage after another is echoed through my mind. Feelings of inadequacy and inspiration are surging through me, leaving me lightheaded and giddy.

Without completely comprehending what is happening, I find myself standing before an enormous palace. Every detail is displayed in an exquisite and majestic design. Above the entrance are four words that seem to glow and move as if alive.

'Library of Heaven's Path'

Walking into the open entrance, I am rendered speechless as I see endless rows of elaborately carved bookshelves. Every corner is illuminated with an unearthly glow, and every bookshelf is filled with books of every type.

Reaching for the nearest book, my hand seems to pass through it as if it's only air. Regardless of the failed attempt, I am brimming with excitement. I've just received a power possibly even greater than the Temporal Demon Spirit Book.

I can't stop myself from shouting at the top of my lungs in excitement. It's several minutes before I'm capable of restraining my laughter and jumping. As happy as this makes me, I've got work to do. This wont make me instantly powerful, but with enough books, I can reach the top of this world.

Looking around at the vast sea of bookshelves, I try remembering everything I can about my newfound power. I never did finish the story, but I'm confident I remember most of the vital details. Like that over-powered golden page!

Giving it some more thought, I try to recall more about the Library of Heaven's Path. The Library of Heaven's Path doesn't actually make me stronger directly. That will all depend on the amount and quality of the books I absorb.

However, there are several overpowered abilities of the Library of Heaven's Path. The time inside the Library of Heaven's Path is much slower than in reality. The extraordinary ability to correctly identify any possible flaw in a book, item, technique, or unconscious person is amazing, but the ability to compile books is invaluable. With enough books, the Library of Heaven's Path can produce the perfect way to achieve nearly anything.

My enthusiasm is quickly shortened as I recall the dozens of deity rank servants, the six major deity followers, and the Sage Emperor himself. That's not even mentioning the Demon Lord or all the unknown enemies in the Draconic Ruins Realm. I will need a massive number of golden pages or a ridiculous amount of power. Most likely both.

So if I remember correctly, to unlock the ability to receive golden pages, I have to fully and completely commit to embracing the essence of a teacher. I doubt it will work unless I sincerely mean it. It looks like I will have to expand my personal knowledge and then find students that will be genuinely grateful for what I teach them.

That second part shouldn't be too hard in Glory City. With so few people being able to reach Gold rank, there must be thousands desperate for some kind of miracle to walk into their life. With the Library of Heaven's Path, I can be that miracle they d.e.s.i.r.e and collect a golden page that I d.e.s.i.r.e.

A golden page can additionally be used to seal an enemy or item. It can also be used to annihilate an enemy if they're close enough. One can be consumed to improve the powers of the Library or used to assimilate all the books in the Library of Heaven's Path into my own knowledge. Another is to increase my soul depth. A high soul depth is invaluable in the story of Library of Heaven's Path, but I have no idea how that's going to translate into a different world.

For my golden page priority, my first should be held in reserve for life and death emergencies. Once I get a second one I will either use it to improve the Library of Heaven's Path or gamble on improving my soul depth. Either way, keeping a golden page for powerful opponents is a must.

Time to conduct some tests. Thinking of exiting the Library of Heaven's Path, I find myself sitting in the Glory City public library once ago. Taking a look around, nothing seems to have changed. No one is paying me any attention.

Looking down at 'Introduction to Meridians', I place my hand on the open pages and think 'Flaws!'.

"Heaven's Path is imperfect!"

Suppressing my excitement, I will myself into the Library of Heaven's Path once again. This time, there is a tangible book in front of me. Seizing the book and thinking of its flaws, a new page obstructs my vision.

['Introduction to Meridians' by Ye To]

[A book written by Ye To 245 years ago describing...]

[148 Flaws. Flaw #1 On page 1...]

After briefly skimming the description and a few flaws listed, I feel it's pointless to actually read any this book. With so many flaws in a book intended for beginners, I can understand why so many in Glory City are hitting a bottleneck. Some of the descriptions and locations of the meridians couldn't be more wrong.

Exiting the Library of Heaven's Path seems to come easier the second time. After standing up, I place 'Introduction to Meridians' back on the shelf and head to the bossy librarian.

"Excuse me, ma'am, where can I find books on combat and cultivation," I asked the assumed librarian

Her happy helpful look quickly changes. With a lecturing tone, "There is no short-cut or easy path. You have to build a solid foundation with diligent study," with a disappointed look, she shoos me away from the reception desk.

Disregarding that interaction, I return to the area where the meridian books are located. I move to the end of the bookshelf and take a deep breath. Slowly walking back and forth in front of the bookcase, I run my fingers across the spines of the books while thinking 'Flaws!'

After several minutes, I've touched every book on the bookshelf and enter the Library of Heaven's Path. Before me is several hundred recently absorbed books.

Thinking of a book on meridians, I loudly command, "Compile!"

The gathered books quickly merge into one. Checking the flaws of this newly created book, I'm relatively thrilled to see there are only 87 flaws remaining. With just a few brief minutes, I've removed 61 flaws from the 'Introduction of Meridians'.

Exiting the Library of Heaven's Path, I eagerly get started on absorbing all the books the public library has.

After only 40 minutes, I'm hit with a head pounding migraine. It feels like my brain is trying to explode out of my head. I hastily sit down, shut my eyes, and start rubbing my temples in a hope that it will relieve some of the pressure.

The pain lessens to a more manageable throb nearly 20 minutes later. Not daring to physically move, I enter the Library of Heaven's Path and notice several thousand newly absorbed books. I think I can safely conclude I'm not strong enough to absorb more than two or three thousand books at a time without rest.

Deciding to get some food and sleep, I exit the Library of Heaven's path and make my way back to the orphanage. Dinner will be served soon, and then I plan to try and sleep the rest of this migraine off.

Waking up the next morning, any sign of a migraine is gone. I take a quick bath and finish getting ready. After eating a traditional breakfast, I grab a few pieces of fruit and bread for lunch. Informing Matron Miao I will be spending the day at the library. She bids me wait a moment.

She smiles fondly at me while slipping a cookie into my pouch. Taking a step back from me, she says, "Don't study too hard dear."

Thanking her, I hastily make my way out of the orphanage and towards the library.

After learning from my mistakes the day before, I enter the public library and immediately head to an isolated corner. Out of sight of any domineering librarians, I begin to absorb the books held on a bookcase.

Once I've completed the absorption of one entire bookcase, I make my way around the library until I've found the section on inscriptions. Acquiring what appears to be an advanced book with many inscription ill.u.s.trations, I make my way back to the isolated corner and have a seat. I slowly browse through the book for several minutes, not genuinely trying to learn from a book with flaws.

I move to a new bookcase and absorb all the books it holds and return to browsing the inscription designs.

Several hours have passed and nearly a fifth of the public library has been absorbed without any sign of discomfort. Reassured that a slow steady absorption will prevent a disabling migraine from occurring, I continue the cycle of resting and absorbing a bookcase at a time.

While resting between adsorptions, I was able to test the time difference in the Library of Heaven's Path vs reality. In reality, I am capable of reading an average size book in roughly an hour. That same book takes me less than a minute when I read in the Library of Heaven's Path. I should be able to enter the Library of Heaven's Path mid-battle and read the flaws and next move of my opponent before they can execute the technique. As long as an opponent doesn't severely outclass me in speed, I should be able to at least avoid all their attacks. In theory at least.

After two days I'm completely finished absorbing all the books available in the public library. I have to admit there is a broad variety of subjects covered. There weren't enough books on any one subject to allow the Library of Heaven's Path to form a flawless book. It looks like the public library just doesn't contain enough books.

Sitting at the orphanage, I review my plans again. I need to move into my dormitory room at the Holy Orchid Institute as soon as the gates are opened. After registration is complete I can then devote the rest of the day to the institute's library. I spend the night gathering up my few belongings and saying my goodbyes to the orphanage staff.

Matron Miao seems terribly sad about my departure. I've gathered she is delighted for the opportunity I've been presented, but she does care for me. I guess it is difficult to say goodbye, even temporarily, to children you've raised.

I'll have to think of something nice to do for her and the orphanage.