Chapter 9, Library of Collections

It seemed that He Yiming was gently exhaling, and He Quanxin let out a soft snort, saying: "You need not be too pleased too early. I will speak to Third Brother and have him supervise your training more closely. You must not waste such talent and fortune."

The courtyard of the library is the largest in Hejia Village. It is not only guarded by the elder but also by another special servant of the estate. This servant holds a very high position within the estate, and no one among the third-generation disciples can command him. However, he has the credentials to be proud, as his internal energy cultivation has reached the eighth level, which is not at all inferior to He Quanming and He Quanyi.

His gaze turned once again, searching the surrounding bookshelves, and his heart began to race with excitement

He Yiming responded with a humble agreement, yet inwardly he sighed deeply. Perhaps you all passed the test through your own efforts, but what about me? This hurdle was truly passed in a bewildering manner. However, even if he were given the courage at this moment, he would not dare to speak the truth.

Upon entering, He Quan said: "Yiming, take a seat"

He Yi Ming nodded repeatedly, his heart filled with admiration for the old man's abilities.

He Quan's tense face relaxed as he said: "You are very clever, and what you said is absolutely correct. Levels below six are nothing at all for a true cultivator. Practicing martial arts manuals below level six is merely a case of forcing growth. That is why the old master established this rule, to ensure that you would not be distracted by practicing martial arts manuals while below level six."

"Yiming, from now on, you may freely browse the secret manuals contained herein. This row consists entirely of manuals related to the gold element. Alas, I have not finished speaking... Consider it a library, you little monkey. Take care of yourself and do not be greedy."

He Yiming was at a loss for words, wanting to laugh but not daring to, with a face full of bewilderment

He Quan let out a cold snort, but he was not the third brother. Although he forced a scowl, he could not intimidate He Yiming.

Indeed, although each practitioner has a different physique, the period before the age of fifteen is the best time to lay a foundation. Moreover, there is a very peculiar phenomenon among us practitioners: if one cannot break through to the sixth level before the age of fifteen, no matter how hard they strive later, it becomes exceedingly difficult to surpass the eighth level. He Qianxin sighed lightly and said, "Although your second and third brothers are not inferior to you and Yitian in terms of effort, they only reached the sixth level at the ages of seventeen or eighteen. Their achievements in this life will at most be comparable to those of your second and third younger brothers, and it is basically impossible for them to advance to the tenth level."

The main hall of this courtyard is completely different from other courtyards; the main hall serves as the largest library.

"Yiming, I would like to congratulate you first. To break through the sixth level before the age of fifteen is an achievement that only four people, including your grandfather, have accomplished." He Qianxin said seriously.

Furthermore, although you have been promoted to the sixth level, you must not relax your standards for yourself. The obstacles you will encounter with each subsequent promotion will become increasingly difficult. If you let your guard down, you will inevitably become indistinguishable from the crowd in the future. Remember this: each day is a target for you to strive to surpass. You are thirteen this year; aim to break through to the seventh level within seven years. If you cannot achieve this, then you should never think of leaving the Zhuangzi even a step.

He Quan waved his hand and said, "Yiming, I will tell you about this matter, but remember to keep it strictly confidential; you must not let Yizhang and the others know."

He Quanxin was very satisfied with his attitude and continued: "Although the children of the He family can cultivate internal strength techniques at the age of five, I can assure you that the gap between you is not significant at present. However, in twenty years, it will widen increasingly. One day, before you reach the age of fifty, you can hope to achieve the highest tenth level of mastery, while your other brothers will only reach a maximum of the eighth level in their lifetime."

He Quan pointed to the bookshelf in the room and said, "Yi Ming, do you know why the family stipulates that one must reach the sixth level of internal energy before being allowed to access martial arts manuals?"

He Yiming followed his uncle to the courtyard of the library. Although a few brothers led by He Yixuan wanted to congratulate him, they were immediately scattered like birds and beasts under the fierce glare of He Quanyi.

He Yiming nodded in realization and said, "I understand now, internal energy is the foundation of all cultivation. If one cannot reach the sixth level, then it amounts to nothing. Only by surpassing the sixth level can one truly unleash the power of martial arts manuals"

He Yi Ming was instantly overwhelmed, but he did not dare to offer the slightest rebuttal

He Quan shook his head suddenly and said, "Why am I telling you all this?"

He Yiming quickly replied respectfully, "Yes, Uncle."

He Yiming felt a pang of sadness in his heart; no wonder that just now in the main hall, the looks his second and third brothers cast at him were rather strange. It seems they must be aware of this matter.

He Quan watched the old man leave and finally sighed, saying: "Yiming, each person's limit for bearing pressure is different. Since the old man has said this, whether you put in the effort from now on will depend on your own mastery."

He Yiming suddenly shivered; his uncle had always been very amicable towards others and rarely displayed such sternness. However, he also understood that this was due to his uncle's high expectations of him

He Quanxin quickly got up to open the door, welcoming the old gentleman inside. He Wude's face still bore a hint of a smile that had not yet completely faded.

With a helpless shake of his head, He Quan said: "If one's internal strength is below the sixth level, it merely serves to strengthen the body. However, once one reaches the sixth level, the explosive power is greatly enhanced, and only then does one truly possess the qualification to utilize martial arts manuals"

Having said that, He Wude's figure suddenly vanished from the spot. He Yiming blinked twice, astonished in his heart; he had not even seen how his grandfather had left. Indeed, a master of internal energy at the tenth level is truly extraordinary

He Wude pressed his lips together, waved his hand, and said: "You possess this talent and also have this fortune. Our He family treats such disciples by applying the greatest pressure as per tradition. I was treated this way back then, as were your uncle and your father. Only those who can break through this pressure will ultimately achieve success. Fortunately, although the four of us have had different fortunes, we have all made it through in the end, which can be considered a blessing from our ancestors"

After having dinner, the sky had completely darkened.

He had He Quanxin and Yi Ming sit down again, and said slowly: "Yi Ming, in fact, both you and Yi Tian are the most outstanding among the third generation. However, your luck is better than his. When you were selecting the first internal strength manual, you chose the right path in the library, saving a lot of training time. You reached the third level in one year and achieved the fifth level at the age of nine. At that time, your uncle and I were all extremely surprised and had very high expectations for you, which is why our demands were also very high. " He sighed deeply, continuing: "In the following years, you faced immense pressure. Although your internal strength has reached the peak of the fifth level, you have been unable to overcome the psychological barrier, and you wouldn't blame me for all of this, would you?"

What did grandfather's final words truly mean before he departed

He Yi Ming's gaze was suddenly drawn back from the dazzling array of bookshelves, looking at his uncle in surprise

He Yiming glanced around the room, found a chair to sit down, but his gaze had already begun to wander over the bookshelves.

He Quan nodded in satisfaction and said, "Not bad, you are very clever. All internal energy cultivation methods share a common characteristic, which is that the sixth level serves as a watershed. Below the fifth level, as long as one is willing to put in the effort to cultivate, regardless of innate talent, one will definitely reach this stage after several decades. However, starting from the sixth level, advancing becomes increasingly difficult. If one cannot break through the mental barrier, they will never be able to progress. Yet, once successful in promotion, the power that can be unleashed will also grow greater. Your father and the third brother, although only one level below me, would find it impossible to last ten moves against me even when working together. Of course, the old man has already reached the tenth level, and as a peak ninth level practitioner, I cannot even withstand three moves from him."

After He Quanxin brought Yi Ming into the courtyard, they went directly to the main hall

He Yi Ming was momentarily taken aback, then immediately nodded, as he understood his uncle's meaning. Unless they had broken through to the sixth level, otherwise they should not expect to know about this matter.

He Yiming pondered for a moment and said, "Uncle, in the past, whenever I made a breakthrough, I could feel the enhancement of my strength. However, the sixth level seems to be entirely different from before, especially in terms of the significant increase in internal energy, which is simply incomparable."

Yes, thank you, uncle

He Yiming's expression changed slightly as he said, "Grandfather, I absolutely did not mean that."

He Yiming pondered for a moment and tentatively asked, "Uncle, is this related to the fact that both my elder brother and I broke through to the sixth level before the age of fifteen?"

He Wei's expression turned serious as he said, "Yiming, I have already told you everything. Your future achievements are in your own hands. As your elders, we can only offer some guidance, but how far you can develop ultimately depends on your own efforts." Suddenly, he stood up, turned, and walked to the door, not looking back as he said, "If you can advance to the tenth level before the age of thirty... sigh, never mind, let everything take its course."

"Quanxin, do not frighten Yiming," He Wude's voice came from outside the door

As He Quan was about to speak earnestly and at length, he shook his head, knowing that at this moment, no matter how eloquently he spoke, it would surely go in one ear and out the other.

Uncle San is responsible for all affairs of the estate on a daily basis, managing everything both inside and outside the estate in an orderly manner. In the eyes of the third generation, he is undoubtedly a formidable figure, resembling a black-faced deity, far more intimidating than grandfather and uncle. Perhaps only He Yitian, as the eldest son and grandson, can receive his special regard.

He Yiming responded heavily, stating that cultivation is not permitted below the sixth level; in other words, it is allowed above the sixth level