Passing through the vermilion gates, Ling Chen and Tong Zhentian arrived at the martial arts arena. Over the past few days, Ling Chen had already set up the arena. At one end, there hung a massive character "Martial," flanked by two rows of weapon racks. Swords, spears, sabers, halberds, axes, clubs, and staffs, the eighteen types of weapons were neatly displayed, exuding an impressive aura.
Tong Zhentian nodded as he observed, praising, "Not bad, well arranged. It seems you’ve put a lot of thought into it."
Ling Chen smiled and said, "If we are to do it, then we must do our best. Elder Tong, co, I’ll show you around." With those words, Ling Chen led the way, guiding Tong Zhentian into the main building.
To match the style of the Martial Arts Academy, the decor of the entire building exhibited an antiquated charm. On the snow-white walls hung several calligraphy paintings, all works of ancient masters. Of course, these were replicas, not originals. Although Ling Chen was wealthy, he didn’t want to waste money on useless things.
Genuine calligraphies and paintings are very expensive these days, casually fetching prices in the tens of millions, making it unnecessary to waste money.
Tong Zhentian glanced around and asked, "You especially called over, not just to look at these, right?"
Ling Chen’s lips slightly curled upward, subtly flattering as he said, "Nothing escapes Elder Tong. Elder Tong, please follow ." Before long, the two stepped into an elevator.
After entering the password and scanning his fingerprint, Ling Chen took out an identification card, gently swiping it across the device. Instantly, the red button turned green. This elevator was the only access to the second basent level, and due to its importance, Tang Guolun had specially enhanced the security system. Three layers of passwords were required to activate the elevator. Moreover, they must be entered completely within half a minute. Otherwise, the building’s alarm would sound, and the elevator would seal shut. No one would be able to escape.
Though sowhat troubleso, it must be said that this ensures the security of the second basent level is foolproof.
Before long, Ling Chen and Tong Zhentian took the elevator down to the second basent level. Exiting the elevator, a solid explosion-proof door blocked their path.
Ling Chen stepped forward, looked at the security cara atop the door, then placed his hand on the recognition device beside it. Shortly, the door produced a soft click and slowly moved aside, revealing a passage wide enough for two people.
This explosion-proof door cannot be opened from the outside; it can only be unlocked by identity confirmation from the first basent level’s technical staff.
"Elder Tong, didn’t you say last night that it’s impossible for to reach the heights of the Heavenly chanism Pavilion within three years? What I want to tell you is that it’s not an impossible task. Co, let show you."
Passing through a few ters of passage, Tong Zhentian followed Ling Chen to the well-protected library.
Upon entering the library, Tong Zhentian was stunned by the vast collection of books before him. As book titles t his gaze, Tong Zhentian slightly parted his lips, his eyes finally replaced by a hint of shock.
"These... all of these are..." Despite his worldly experiences, Tong Zhentian found himself stamring.
Ling Chen nodded with a smile and said, "You’re not mistaken; every book here is a martial arts manual, so containing lost skills." As he spoke, Ling Chen walked to a bookshelf, carefully selecting a tattered, yellowing book, and handed it to Tong Zhentian.
"Elder Tong, you are knowledgeable and should recognize the contents of this book."
Tong Zhentian did not hesitate, eagerly opening to the first page. As he read the large characters written on the first page, he couldn’t help but exclaim, "This is... the Nine Yang Qiankun Step, Elder Su’s Absolute Skill."
"Indeed. Besides the Nine Yang Qiankun Step, there are many treasured martial arts manuals here. Elder Tong, I wonder if you have ever visited the Book Collection Pavilion of the Heavenly chanism Pavilion?"
"No, outsiders are not allowed into the Heavenly chanism Pavilion’s Book Collection Pavilion, even though I have good relations with them, they wouldn’t permit it. However, Elder Su once ntioned the Heavenly chanism Pavilion’s library to . He said it contains various martial arts manuals, totaling hundreds, with over a dozen being precious ones. When Elder Su ntioned this, I was indeed surprised, but now I’ve discovered that the Heavenly chanism Pavilion’s collection is nothing compared to yours, truly a small affair in comparison."
Ling Chen grinned and said, "Elder Tong, perhaps now you’ll believe I wasn’t exaggerating."
Tong Zhentian nodded, saying seriously, "With such a foundation of books, surpassing the Heavenly chanism Pavilion in three years might be ambitious, but equaling their stature is feasible. Ling Chen, can you tell where you found all these books?"
"Elder Tong, I apologize; I would like to tell you, but it involves personal privacy and secrets, so it’s inconvenient to disclose. However, I can assure you these martial arts manuals were not stolen by ; they are inherited from our ancestors." Ling Chen replied.
The Heavenly chanism Pavilion may have a history spanning hundreds of years, but the Ling Family’s history dates back even further, by several centuries. Therefore, in terms of heritage, the Heavenly chanism Pavilion is no match for the Ling Family.
"Since it’s inconvenient for you to say, I won’t press further. Ling Chen, what do you plan to do? Do you intend to store such a multitude of martial arts manuals away? If so, that would indeed be a pity."
Ling Chen chuckled, understanding Tong Zhentian’s thoughts well. Tong Zhentian desired the revival of Huaxia’s Martial Arts but found himself thwarted at every turn, unable to find a viable thod. Now, seeing so many precious martial arts manuals, it was impossible for him not to be intrigued.
However, Ling Chen knew Tong Zhentian’s character; he wouldn’t harbor devious intentions, at most he would persuade Ling Chen to contribute to Huaxia’s Martial Arts.
"Elder Tong, don’t be hasty; the reason I asked you here is to discuss this. This is not the place to talk about it; let’s move sowhere else to continue our conversation."
In the guest room on the first floor, Ling Chen brewed a cup of tea for Tong Zhentian and asked, "Elder Tong, what do you think is the biggest problem with the Heavenly chanism Pavilion?"
Tong Zhentian thought for a mont and said, "Hoarding it all."
"Precisely! That’s the biggest problem with the Heavenly chanism Pavilion and our only exploitable flaw. Hence, after thorough consideration, I’ve realized that to gain an advantage, we must start there."
Tong Zhentian asked with interest, "What do you plan to do?"
"The Heavenly chanism Pavilion treats those martial arts manuals like treasures, keeping them hidden. Since that’s the case, why not do the opposite, releasing these manuals to the public for everyone to train with? Thus, the so-called historical foundation of the Heavenly chanism Pavilion will cease to exist. At that ti, do you think the people of the Martial Arts world will co to my Dragon Tiger Hall or go to the Heavenly chanism Pavilion?"
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