Chapter 698

Chapter 698: Preparation

A flurry of snow transformed Yongle Immortal City into a world draped in silver.

This was the first snowfall of the winter.

Although this city of cultivators was equipped with large protective formations that could completely shield it from wind, frost, rain, and snow, maintaining a warm, spring-like climate year-round without distinction between day and night,

the leaders of the immortal city adhered to the principles of nature and refrained from altering the seasonal changes unless under special circumstances.

In the small hall on the third floor of the library, Wang Chen sat in a lower position, cradling a steaming teacup and sipping the hot spiritual tea.

He felt utterly at ease.

Regrettably, his peace was disturbed by some noise.

"You need to quickly organize the documents requested from above. You have at most three days…"

Seated in the main position was Cao Ke, the chief steward of the library.

While working in the library was generally relaxed, there were times when tasks were assigned from higher authorities,

necessitating overtime work.

The stewards exchanged glances, and one of them, with a troubled expression, said, "Three days is too short."

The documents in the library were predominantly recorded and stored on Jade Slips, akin to digital storage from Wang Chen’s previous life.

In fact, retrieving and organizing them was relatively quick and convenient.

However, if the volume of content was too large, the library’s staff was insufficient.

After all, prolonged exposure to Jade Slips was mentally taxing.

Moreover, organizing and replicating them was laborious work.

The library staff consisted of one chief steward and five stewards, along with several ordinary staff members, most of whom were content to idle away their time. Suddenly faced with an urgent task, they naturally had a few complaints.

"This matter is not negotiable."

Cao Ke said sternly, "If you don’t want to do it, go home and don’t come back!"

He was well aware of his subordinates’ tendencies, so he laid down the law without hesitation.

Indeed, the stewards shrank back, voicing no further dissent.

After all, being a steward in the library was akin to being a "civil servant" in the immortal city’s system; although the pay and benefits were modest, the work was easy, and it carried a certain respectability.

Unless absolutely necessary, who would willingly give up this job?

Even if they, like Wang Chen, had been transferred from other departments to simply pass the time.

As for orders from above, they certainly could not be disobeyed.

The library was affiliated with the Thirty-Six Offices’ General Affairs Office, which was very low in rank. The library itself was not much stronger, and as mere small stewards, they had no authority or confidence to defy orders!

"Get to work."

Cao Ke waved his hand and added, "Wang steward, please stay for a moment."

After the other stewards left, the chief steward of the library gently inquired, "Wang steward, you’ve been at the library for a while. Are you adjusting well to the work here?"

Wang Chen replied, "Thank you for your concern, chief steward. I have already adapted to my role as a Lesser Steward."

"That’s good."

Cao Ke nodded, "Your situation is different from others. They have lost their future and hope, merely passing the time here. If you have the opportunity, it’s best to leave as soon as possible!"

In truth, it was quite pleasant here…

Wang Chen expressed his gratitude on the surface, saying, "I understand, Lesser Steward."

"Mm."

Cao Ke was satisfied, "You may go now. If you encounter any difficulties, come find me. I will assist you as much as I can."

Wang Chen was uncertain whether Cao Ke viewed him differently or treated everyone the same, so he repeatedly thanked him and then left the small hall.

He did not take Cao Ke’s words to heart and continued with his tasks as usual.

After three busy days, Wang Chen returned to his "normal" life.

However, his focus on reading had shifted.

Over the past two to three months, Wang Chen had utilized his position to borrow a vast number of books from the library.

These books covered a wide range of subjects, including notes from predecessors, customs and culture, local records, experiences, and more. He gleaned a considerable amount of useful information from them.

With the advantage of the Cultivation Panel, Wang Chen’s cultivation speed far surpassed that of ordinary cultivators, and his realm advanced rapidly.

Yet, progressing too swiftly meant his foundation was somewhat deficient, and his experiences were not as extensive.

By reading these books and notes, Wang Chen could somewhat compensate for his lack of experience.

However, it did not significantly aid his cultivation.

Wang Chen had no intention of lingering in the library indefinitely; he aimed to reach the peak of the Purple Palace within three years, gather the condensing elixir treasures, and ultimately challenge the Golden Core stage.

Wang Chen’s goal was to achieve a top-grade Golden Core!

Having learned from past mistakes, Wang Chen not only kept his goal to himself but also worked harder to remain inconspicuous, not wanting to draw the attention of certain individuals.

Recently, Wang Chen had redeemed the Purple Lightning Flying Boat from the pawn shop, only to sell this flying magical artifact afterward.

In addition, he sold a few other items and saved up spirit stones, finally exchanging them as agreed upon at the Wanbao Pavilion for the reserved condensing elixir treasures.

As a result, Wang Chen found his pockets empty, with his spirit stones dwindling to four figures.

He barely had enough to get by!

Even indulging in good meals required careful calculation!

The problem was that the thousand-year spirit pearl, seven-leaf mysterious ginseng, and ten-thousand-year star sand from the eight treasures for condensing elixirs were not only unavailable at Wanbao Pavilion, but even if they were, the prices were beyond Wang Chen’s means.

These three heavenly materials and treasures were the rarest and most expensive.

Previously, Wang Chen had inquired at Wanbao Pavilion and received answers that were quite disheartening.

Of course, he could lower his standards, for instance, opting for a hundred-year spirit pearl instead of a thousand-year one, choosing a four-leaf ginseng over a seven-leaf, or reducing the quantity of star sand by a third, which would significantly lower the purchase costs.

But doing so would also decrease the likelihood of successfully condensing a top-grade Golden Core!

How could Wang Chen accept that?

With the panel features at his disposal, he was unafraid of the breakthrough barrier that others deemed insurmountable. If he could only manage to scrape by under these circumstances, it would be better to just end it all!

That would be too humiliating!

Unable to purchase the three rare condensing elixir treasures, Wang Chen decided to gather them himself.

In fact, many Purple Palace cultivators seek out condensing elixir treasures after reaching the peak level, honing their foundations and will while saving costs.

Wang Chen wanted to try this as well.

Therefore, he specifically collected information on this topic.

For example, where to obtain the thousand-year spirit pearl, what precautions and taboos to observe during collection—these were all essential knowledge to have and understand.

Otherwise, if he were fortunate enough to find something but ended up damaging the treasure due to ignorance in gathering, he would truly regret it!

It proved that reading was indeed very useful.

In one of the notes from predecessors, Wang Chen unexpectedly found detailed records about the spirit pearl and mysterious ginseng, including their origins!

This was extremely rare because most people, once they acquired information about heavenly materials and treasures, would keep it to themselves and never disclose it.

The author of this note clearly did not have the mindset of hoarding their own broken broom!

He deserved a thumbs-up.