Chapter 64: Big Guy Problems!
As I made my way down the steps to the library, my pace slowed, allowing me extra time to reconsider my decision.
While I had fulfilled my relatives' mission by successfully introducing the twins to the Sect, another task remained: scouting for talent to fill the librarian position.
Discovering someone of exceptional ability capable of compelling the Sect to promote an outer elder was no small feat. Fortunately, or perhaps unfortunately in this case, I had identified two individuals who perfectly matched that description.
One such person was Ye An. If I requested her assistance, I was confident that Song Song would agree to lend her, albeit temporarily, to facilitate the librarian's promotion to the inner Sect.
The second candidate was the red-haired guy. Convincing the librarian to mentor someone who appeared less talented might have been challenging, but I was confident he would trust my judgment and accept the red-haired individual as his personal disciple.
But just because I could take these actions, did that mean I should?
The librarian had been helpful to me, and I held genuine concern for his well-being. However, directing either of these two candidates toward him could inadvertently increase the risk to his life dramatically. The giant serpent had already shown that sometimes those favors by the heavens could attract trouble far more than some Foundation Establishment Cultivator could handle.
Had anyone else assigned this mission, I might have simply completed it with little consideration. However, my genuine desire for the librarian's welfare compelled me to weigh my options carefully.
"So, the brat finally returns," the old janitor interrupted my thoughts, busily wielding his broom to tidy the areaan unexpected sight that momentarily surprised me.
"And you are as stubborn as ever, old goat," I sighed.
"Do you expect people my age to change? There's a reason they say you can't teach an old dog new tricks," he retorted, smirking as he leaned on his broom.
"Comparing yourself to a dog? That's rather sad, old man," I teased, shaking my head with mock concern.
But the old bastard had a thick skin and only chuckled at my backhanded insults. "Just screw off, you brat. I'm already sick of you, and you've only been around for not even a full minute. Already, you've insulted your elders, calling them dogs and abusing your authority as a cultivator."
This was the best victory I could achieve against him in a verbal spar. The old goat must have had something on his mind, as he was usually quicker with his words... and way more ruthless with his insults.
I walked past him and muttered, "It's good to see you again, old man."
He grumbled something inaudible under his breath before sighing and returning to his job. Only now did I notice that the old goat was sweeping the broom in just one place.
As I entered the library, the place was as welcoming as always, and the smell of books made me feel at ease. This was the closest thing I had to a home in this world.
The librarian's gaze turned toward me, and he nodded in acknowledgment.
Though I had already decided, now that I was in front of the guy, it felt like a knot had formed in my stomach. But I swallowed such silly things like anxiety, which paled in comparison to the fear I felt when staring at the giant serpent.
Before we could exchange greetings, I walked up to the librarian and bowed my head. "I'm sorry I couldn't find any talented disciples for you."
Jade-like beauties and those favored by the heavens only brought misery and disaster to those around them. My choice may be biased on superstition. But this was my decision at the end of the day, and I could do nothing but continue moving forward.
"I heard how the exam turned out this year. Some say that there was even a Core Formation monstrous beast, and that is more than enough reason. We still have next year, and it isn't like one year makes much difference for me," the librarian shrugged. "Also, it isn't like the kind of talent we were looking for is common. Even if there were talents like that this year, they would usually be snatched in the first part of the exams."
The librarian's lack of surprise at the outcome was unexpected but also a relief. I had been overthinking things.
He was righttypically, the kind of talent we sought never surfaced, and even if it did, some inner or core elder would snatch them up before anyone else had a chance.
"Also, it isn't like your journey was without merit," the old librarian said, his cold facade cracking slightly as the corner of his lips tilted upward to almost form a smile. "Song Song has already been singing your praises to the higher-ups for your skill. Some individuals have even approached me, expressing interest in... If Song Song were to ever leave the Sect for a mission, she would invite you along."
The librarian nodded, adding, "She is being quite generous. Song Song has a reputation for being forceful with her commands."
She had garnered enough notoriety that even outer sect elders were aware of her habits?
I couldn't help but grimace when he mentioned Song Song had spoken to higher-ups about my supposed skills.
Born into remarkable circumstances with exceptional talent, Song Song seemed to possess everything one could desire... except, perhaps, sanity.
After concluding my discussion with the librarian, I departed the library. From the platform on which the library tower stood, I gazed upon the sect grounds. Even from afar, I observed people bustling about, and the setting sun on the verge of dusk did little to obscure my view, as it should have.
Well, it was time to unwind and enjoy some leisure...
...
After a day of supposed rest, I was eager to return to the library as soon as morning arrived. But first, I needed to eata necessity I couldn't ignore.
I joined Yang Cho, my now muscular friend who still looked like Giga Chad's favored offspring. Engaging in our usual banter, we gossiped like housewives about sect affairs, or he relayed rumors he had heard.
The latest gossip centered around a man allegedly assaulting and robbing someone in the dead of night. It was likely mere speculation, but Yang Cho and I entertained the topic nonetheless.
Amidst our conversation, a certain redhead entered the dining hall. Not the charming kind of redhead girl, mind you; this was a crimson-haired man.
"Do you know that guy's name?" I asked Yang Cho.
"Yeah, his name is Hu Jin. He's a newcomer, and he participated in the same test we assisted with," Yang Cho replied, detailing the other exam takers who had accompanied us.
Yet, my focus remained fixed on the intriguing newcomer.
I suggested to Yang Cho, "From now on, I'll avoid coming here during dining hours like breakfast, lunch, and dinner."
"Why?" he looked puzzled.
"It can get a bit overwhelming with so many people around. Sometimes it feels like tensions are high like they're always on the verge of starting a fight," I remarked with a smile, attempting to downplay the seriousness.
"Fair enough. A couple of hours after the usual dining times works for me," Yang Cho agreed. "By the way, have your cousins approached you yet? They're in the same dorms as me, and they've been pestering me to reveal your dorm location."
I was about to respond when a disturbance erupted, causing a table to crash as someone slammed their fist upon it. Amidst the chaos, the red-haired guy and another tall, lanky individual became embroiled in an altercation. The latter appeared to be significantly older, adding another layer of tension to the scene.
Grabbing my plate of rice, I stood up and exited the dining hall with Yang Cho trailing behind. He courteously finished his meal and returned the plate to the staff.
"Do they allow someone to take their plates?" he asked.
"Not sure. But as a personal disciple of an elder, I'll return it after I'm done," I replied, leading us down the stairs from the dining area. "Also, shouldn't you be eating more?"
He sighed, "I'm trying. But now that I've bulked up, no matter how much I eat, all the energy goes toward maintaining muscle rather than forming fat."
It reminded me of bodybuilders needing to consume copious amounts of food to sustain their muscle mass.
"I never considered it, but having so much muscle feels strange, too. I used to have a body that felt like a pillow when I lay down. Now it's uncomfortable," Yang Cho lamented, continuing to voice his complaints.
As a supportive friend, I listened attentively, nodding occasionally to indicate my attention.
When we reached the bottom of the stairs, he was still airing his grievances. "People perceive me as some kind of barbarian, which is irritating in its own way. I'm not concerned about impressing the girls, but hearing them whisper as I pass by is annoying."
There wasn't much I could do to help him with that. Big muscles weren't as popular in this world as they were on Earth. If Yong Cho was on Earth with his body, he would be the buff guy in a yacht.
"Wanna do some training to take your mind off things?" I suggested.
He grinned, "Sure. Just go easy on me."
It was nice having friends...
