Chapter 1296: Divine Eyes of the Ninth Netherworld

Hu!

A book appeared in the Library of Heaven's Path.

With a simple flip, the information within the book flowed into Zhang Xuan's head.

"Golden Script Seal, an artifact created by the first head of the Sanctum of Sages, Sage Kui. It possesses the ability to seal the transient and eternalize it. There is a total of seven flaws. No.1, it can only seal non-living objects as living beings would suffocate under the effects of the seal. No.2, its defenses are extremely weak. Sword qi would be able to destroy it..."

"Ah..." Zhang Xuan clutched his forehead speechlessly.

What he wanted to know was the information concerning the vat and, more importantly, what was inside it. Yet, for information on the seal to appear instead... what a headache!

But thinking deeper into it, it was natural that the Library of Heaven's Path would react in such a manner.

The vat was a non-living object, so it required physical contact in order to compile a book on it. However, it happened that the seals were currently in its active state, so its flaws were reflected instead.

This was truly a dilemma. Considering that this was a test on his Eye of Insight, he could not just step forward to touch the vat.

Zhang Xuan contemplated deeply for a moment before a thought suddenly struck him. While I can't see anything through the Eye of Insight, it should be possible to deduce what's within it through the flaws of the seal.

He had already assessed the entire vat all over with his Eye of Insight, but perhaps due to the long age of the vat or the jarring radiance blinding his sight, he was really unable to find any clues as to what could be stored in the vat.

However, through the seals, it should still be possible for him to make an intelligent guess as to what was within the vat.

Based on the first flaw, the seal could only be used to seal non-living objects. This meant that was within was not a lifeform. Even if it was, it would have to be dead by now.

As for the second flaw, it stated that the seal had weak defenses and one could easily destroy it with sword qi. Since that was the case, it was safe to assume that what was within the vat was not too valuable. Otherwise, considering the ordinary material of the vat and the fact that the seal could be easily destroyed, it would be a little too negligent to store it within the vat.

And the third flaw...

Zhang Xuan's mind whirred into action as he swiftly narrowed the scope of his deduction.

A moment later, he could not help but shake his head.

Even if he were to narrow down the possible choices through the flaws of the seal, there were still way too many items that could have been in the vat!

There was no way to come to a conclusive deduction just through this.

If I can't even deduce it despite knowing the flaws, how did the previous candidates possessing the Eye of Insight manage to clear this test? Zhang Xuan frowned in bewilderment.

Since he was able to see the invisible trails of others to locate their whereabouts, it meant that he had already reached the third realm of the Eye of Insight. However, despite having achieved this realm, he was still unable to tell what was within the vat. Since that was the case, shouldn't the others who were at the same realm in terms of Eye of Insight have been unable to discern what was within the vat too?

But if they were unable to discern what was in the vat, how did they clear the test?

While Zhang Xuan was still stressed out over the matter, he suddenly heard Sage Kui's voice. "Times up. How is it? Were you able to find what's stored within?"

"Elder, I was only able to deduce that the vat is likely to be used to store some kind of fluid. As for what it is and what it does, I'm afraid that I can't tell at all..."

Zhang Xuan had thought that with his prowess, he would be able to clear the test with ease. Yet, who would have thought that he ended up suffering such a huge setback instead? His face could not help but redden in embarrassment.

On the other hand, Sage Kui's eyes widened for a brief moment before swiftly reverting back to normal. With a composed tone, he asked, "Is there any underlying basis behind your deduction?"

"This Golden Inscription Seal can only be used to seal fluids," Zhang Xuan replied.

"You are able to comprehend the Golden Inscription Seal?" This time, Sage Kui was no longer able to conceal his astonishment.

"I'm afraid that I am unable to comprehend it. I was only able to deduce that from deciphering the aura that it emanates," Zhang Xuan said.

"Un, you are right. What's stored within the vat is indeed a type of fluid. Also, putting aside those who have achieved the third realm in the Eye of Insight, even those who have reached the fourth realm would be unable to tell what's inside the vat!" Sage Kui revealed with a satisfied look on his face.

"In truth, this test serves to assess not one's eye of discernment but one's character and nature. The Eye of Insight can always be cultivated, so it doesn't matter whether you have reached the third realm or not. However, character and nature are two aspects that are very hard to change. The Sanctum of Sages houses Kong shi's ideology and my teacher's heritage, so I don't wish to pass it down to those with malicious intentions!

"The reason I said earlier that only those whose Eye of Insight has reached the third realm are qualified to become a candidate in line for the position of sanctum head and have you observe this vat was to assess your reaction.

"If one is unable to determine what's inside the vat, so be it. To lie out of anxiety to clear a test only shows that one's character is questionable."

At which, Sage Kui chuckled. "Congratulations, you have cleared the test. It's admirable that someone as young as you is willing to admit failure graciously. It seems like you are a person of good character. Not bad, not bad!"

"Thank you," Zhang Xuan said with a reddened face.

It turned out that it was a test after all. Indeed, if one was unable to discern anything, there was no reason one could not just admit to it.

Even so, the other party's words about him being of good character were indeed true. Otherwise, why would he have been unanimously chosen to become the principal of the Hongyuan Master Teacher Academy?

Just with that remark alone, Zhang Xuan immediately felt a burst of goodwill toward Sage Kui.

For some inexplicable reason, everyone else seemed to tightly hold onto the belief that he was an existence who brought destruction wherever he went, and they tried to maintain a distance from him. Only the old man before him was able to see through his good character with a single glance. As expected of a grandstudent of Kong shi, his eye of discernment was indeed outstanding.

"Since you have cleared my test, here is your reward. It's the Sanctum Head Token of the Sanctum of Sages!"

With a flick of his wrist, Sage Kui passed a token over to Zhang Xuan. "The token is real, but it has been sealed by some inscriptions, so you won't be able to use it for the time being. As a result, you won't be able to issue commands through it, and you won't enjoy the authority and privileges that come along with it. In other words, despite having the Sanctum Head Token in your hand, you'll still be an ordinary student in the Sanctum of Sages."

Nodding, Zhang Xuan caught the Sanctum Head Token.

Taking a look at it, the token was not big. It was filled with inscriptions, which sealed the aura of the token tightly within.

To the eye of an outsider, it would appear to be nothing more than an ordinary token. However, just by grasping it, one would be able to feeling the raging power harnessed within it. It felt as if there was some immense energy stored within the token that would cause even the sky to dull before its powers.

This token is probably a really high-tier artifact.

Even without checking on it with his Library of Heaven's Path, Zhang Xuan could tell that the token was no ordinary tool. In terms of tier, it was definitely superior to the Lingxu Sword of the Old Sword Maestro.

"I didn't seal the token to intentionally make things difficult for you. You should be well aware of the standing of the Sanctum of Sages in the Master Teacher Continent. In order to become the sanctum head, it's imperative that you wield strength proportionate to your position. Otherwise, how will others be willing to follow you? Even if your position is legitimate, you still won't be able to gain the respect of others."

Hearing those words, Zhang Xuan nodded slowly.

While the Master Teacher Pavilion did establish a certain degree of order via rules to the Master Teacher Continent, the fact was that strength still reigned mighty.

The reason the Zhang Clan wielded such great authority, which even the Master Teacher Pavilion would falter before, was due to their overwhelming strength. Even if Zhang Xuan rose to the position of the sanctum head right now, if he did not possess strength worthy of the position, no one would be willing to follow him.

On the contrary, it might even bring danger upon him.

Considering how he was only at Primordial Spirit realm pinnacle, there was a good chance that this would only make him a laughingstock.

"I'm glad that you understand that. Alright, I have set three seals in total upon the Sanctum Head Token. The first seal will be broken when you become an 8-star master teacher. The second seal will be broken when your cultivation reaches Saint 8-dan. Last but not least, the third seal will be broken when your cultivation of the Eye of Insight reaches the fourth realm, Demon Vanquisher."

Sage Kui looked at Zhang Xuan with eyes filled with anticipation as he continued. "Judging from your appearance, you should only be your early twenties at the moment. Given how you are able to wield such strength at your current age, there's no doubt that you possess outstanding talent. While these three goals will be hard to achieve, as long as you work diligently, you should be able to accomplish it within a hundred years. At just 120 years old, you will be one of the youngest to become the head of the Sanctum of Sages!"

"A hundred years?" Hearing those words, Zhang Xuan could not help but shake his head.

While the three conditions that Sage Kui had imposed for him were indeed difficult, if he could only accomplish them within a hundred years, he would already be buried under a huge pile of grass thanks to the Innate Fetal Poison.

Not to mention, if he wanted to stop Luo Ruoxin from marrying that hateful fellow from the Zhang Clan, he would have to wield sufficient strength to stand before both the Luo Clan and the Zhang Clan by the third month of the next year.

He was not going to survive that long at that pace.

"I'll just repeat it one last time. Until you fulfill those three conditions, you won't be able to release the seal on the Sanctum Head Token, and you won't be able to tap into the power harnessed in it. As such, I hope that you can disguise yourself as an ordinary student and study diligently in the Sanctum of Sages, slowly taking a step at a time to the peak. This is the best way for you to win the respect of others, as well as my test to you," Sage Kui advised.

"I understand." Zhang Xuan nodded.

Two words: low profile.

By walking every step of the way by himself, he would be able to gain a true understanding of the Sanctum of Sages. This way, when he finally became the sanctum head, he would be able to take control of matters with ease instead of falling into a panic.

"Good. Alright, this is the optic art that my teacher has created, Divine Eyes of the Ninth Netherworld. Only those who possesses the Eye of Insight will be able to practice it. As the saying goes, once one cultivates it to the highest level, one will be able to peer right into the ninth netherworld. Even the heavens will be unable to conceal one's eyes.

"I'll impart the technique to you right now, and you have three days to practice it. As for how much you manage to learn, that will be dependent on your own talent. If you can't comprehend it your entire life, you won't be able to reach the fourth realm of the Eye of Insight. In other words, even with the Sanctum Head Token in hand, you won't be able to become the real sanctum head."

Sage Kui waved his hand forward.

Huala!

A huge number of words along with a massive formation map appeared in the space before Sage Kui.

Divine Eyes of the Ninth Netherworld?

Swiftly glancing through the content, Zhang Xuan felt his heart jolting in astonishment.

As expected of an ultimate technique on par with the Heavenly Art of Dimension Unravel, it was indeed formidable.

Just as Sage Kui had said, the optic technique was built upon the foundation of the Eye of Insight, so only those who possessed the gift would be able to practice and utilize it. Basically, the underlying idea behind it was to make use of the lines of insight within the Eye of Insight to form formations. The more lines of insight one had, the more capable one would be in seeing through the essence of objects, and the greater prowess the Divine Eyes of the Ninth Netherworld would wield.

This optic art consists of three realms. The first realm is Gaze of Deities and Demons. With just one look, one would be able to crush the mental state of a cultivator, rendering them incapable of fighting against one! Zhang Xuan noted as he looked at the first realm.

There were some formidable cultivators who carried a unique disposition of their own. With just a glare, they would be able to instill deep fear into others.

This was especially so for emperors. With a glare and a roar, those who had never experienced life-and-death situations would find themselves being put under deep pressure.

Basically, the first realm, Gaze of Deities and Demons, served to maximize such an ability to its very limits via the Eye of Insight. With just one look, one's enemies would feel as if they were standing before deities and demons alike, crushing their spirit entirely, rendering them incapable of retaliating at all.

Once one's spirit had been crushed, no matter how powerful one was, there would be no chance at victory at all.

To be able to induce others to flee with just one look...

As expected of the technique left behind by the founder, it was indeed formidable!

If he could master it, his fighting prowess would surely grow by at least twofold.

With such thoughts in mind, Zhang Xuan continued looking on. But before long, a deep frown appeared on his forehead.

"Hmm? That's not right. It seems like... there's something wrong with the optic art!"