History Has Fallen Ill

Chapter 49: Sea of Trees, Kui‑niu Foundation Establishment, Five Peaks Marshal Talisman

Rumble!

The Book Mountain moved. Accompanied by a thunderous roar, an eye burst out from the mountain wall formed entirely of books.

Like a great sun hanging in the sky, it swept its gaze across the two people below.

The mere gaze felt like a mountain crushing down.

Buzz!

In the depths of consciousness, the Ash Lamp's flame flickered, silently dispelling the oppressive pressure.

Jiang Yan maintained a pained expression on the surface, but was inwardly shocked.

This was undoubtedly a lifeform above the Ancient Talisman level!

After a while, an aged voice came from above:

"Ba Lie? That name sounds familiar... Ah, I remember now, it’s Little Ba. It’s been so long, why have you gotten even thinner?"

"Haha, you still remember me! I’ve aged already, but you remain just as elegant!"

Ba Lie laughed heartily, engaging in casual small talk, occasionally offering a few flattering remarks, which put the Taisui of the Book Mountain in a very good mood.

"Bringing a newcomer again, huh? Let me take a look… Oh, remarkable. Grade A evaluation. The last one with a Grade A turned out to be quite the figure."

The Taisui of the Book Mountain glanced at Jiang Yan and the credentials beside him. A trace of surprise flashed through the single eye, followed by a look of remembrance. Then it said:

"Since headquarters has already approved it, there's no need to waste time on the first and second levels. Go directly to the third level. That place holds the top-tier foundational cultivation methods."

After speaking, its belly opened up, and a large number of books turned into flying birds, forming a staircase leading straight to its heart.

"Many thanks, Taisui!"

Ba Lie offered his thanks and led Jiang Yan inside. As they walked, he said:

"The Taisui of the Book Mountain is a special Diseased Domain discovered by the Jiangnan Province headquarters. It fused with the spirit of a Taisui and accidentally gained sentience.

It has a gentle personality and is naturally fond of books and all kinds of knowledge, which it consumes as food.

Therefore, after headquarters discovered it, they signed a contract with it, hiring it as a guest advisor to store the originals of various extraordinary books. It is allowed to read freely—a very kind elder."

Jiang Yan was surprised upon hearing this, not expecting a Diseased Domain to become sentient.

Truly, the world is full of wonders.

Upon entering the interior of the Taisui of the Book Mountain, what came into view was an endless sea of books, arranged in a spiral, stretching out beyond sight.

Truly… a mountain and sea of books!

According to Ba Lie, this place housed the curses and cultivation methods collected by successive generations of History Walkers from the Diseased Domains in Jiangnan Province, including the accumulated knowledge from past dynasties.

This was the benefit of joining the official organization.

Outside, such a chance would never be granted.

"Take this."

Ba Lie handed over a white tablet, its texture somewhat like the flesh of a Taisui.

Seeing Jiang Yan’s surprised look, Ba Lie explained:

"Although the Taisui of the Book Mountain has always existed at the Edge of the Old Days, it keeps up with the times. Technology is also a form of knowledge, so all the books have been categorized, recorded inside, and each includes a summary. Just search according to your needs."

At this point, Ba Lie leaned in and whispered:

"Newcomers get three chances to choose. Even if your first pick succeeds in cultivation, I still suggest choosing two more. Not only can they serve as references, but it also keeps others from knowing what path you're cultivating. Don't tell anyone—not even me."

"Why?"

Jiang Yan already had an idea.

After all, the Heart Monkey bloodline he had just acquired mentioned it could prey upon lifeforms on the path of 【Subhūti】 to enhance its own cultivation.

The King of Deception Beasts wanted to devour the Heart Monkey, but was instead fattened up by it like a pig, only to be unexpectedly snatched away by him.

Then… could there be other paths?

Moreover, the Mutated Beings in the Diseased Domain could yield Historical Relics and abilities.

So, could the History Walkers who seized their powers also manifest extraordinary traits?

Ba Lie seriously explained: "Originally, I was supposed to wait until your Foundation Establishment to tell you, but with your talent, it’s a sure thing. Telling you early won’t hurt.

After advancing from Spirit Awakening to Foundation Establishment, one condenses their own Foundation based on their cultivation method, background, and attributes. It is divided according to Yin-Yang, Five Elements, and the Ten Heavenly Stems."

"Metal corresponds to Geng and Xin, Wood to Jia and Yi, Water to Ren and Gui, Fire to Bing and Ding, and Earth to Wu and Ji, each representing the Yin and Yang aspects of all things."

"For example, Jia Wood can cultivate the [Sea of Trees Kui‑niu Foundation], following the [Wood Kui‑niu] path, planting the Law Seed of Thunder Arts, unmatched in offense.

Yi Wood has the [Heavenly Wind Soaring Foundation], following the [Mortal World Wind] path, planting the Law Seed of Soaring Heavenly Wind, transforming the body into pure wind, rising high with the currents.

In addition, there is Wu Earth’s [Nine Nether Aurora Foundation], Geng Metal’s [Tai‑bai Killing Foundation], and others. These are representative of top-tier cultivation methods.

Besides these, there are also Foundations formed from the fusion of different Five Elements. These are more difficult to cultivate but offer greater rewards."

Hearing this, Jiang Yan's expression grew more serious.

Ba Lie sighed and said, "Each attribute is like a road stretching from the past to the present. History Walkers must walk it backwards to the end, inevitably facing countless obstacles.

But human strength is limited. So, some people think of ways to consume those who come after them, to gain strength and go further.

Some even devour Foundations, stealing the Law Seeds contained within, saving vast amounts of effort. Of course, there are side effects. It pollutes the self and increases the difficulty of breaking through, but some of those old bastards… just can’t wait any longer."

In plain terms,

Geniuses don’t care for such things, but one must beware of those undead freaks.

Jiang Yan asked, "Then the one who has traveled the farthest on this path, would he also…"

Ba Lie shook his head. "Not to that extent. The greater the difference in power, the weaker the effect."

Weaker doesn’t mean no effect…

Jiang Yan suddenly recalled the [Lamp‑Igniting Hell Chapter] he possessed. It seemed that other parts were scattered elsewhere, possibly becoming future threats.

Thinking of the King of Deception Beasts’ strange reaction upon seeing the Ash Lamp made him begin to suspect…

Burning Lamp Buddha,

Did he truly spread his path out of goodwill?

After entering the Monkey King Temple instance, Jiang Yan’s mindset had transformed. His emotions had grown increasingly indifferent, as if he had reached the Buddhist realm of zen concentration and letting go of attachments—Perceive One’s True Nature.

But had he really let go?

Or was he… taken?

If all beings can become candles, then what are cultivators?

Lamp wicks?

Thinking of all these possibilities, Jiang Yan’s mental state fluctuated, cold sweat breaking out.

This world, truly, was full of traps.

At this moment, the voice of the Taisui of the Book Mountain came:

"Little Ba, don’t keep scaring the child. Foundations need discernment. Some that appear to ride the wild winds are in fact Ding Fire.

Even if one cultivates the same technique, one can’t just eat as they please. Compatibility is essential to complement the self, or else one only invites backlash.

Someone like Jiang Yan, in fact, doesn’t need to worry about being targeted. What he chose is a top-tier cultivation method. It’s either a limited-edition fragment requiring a Historical Long River Mission to find the rest, or it’s too difficult, at most allowing only a few to cultivate it.

Once the number reaches the limit, it gets karmically locked, rendering related inheritances invalid.

Even if a bigshot does manage to cultivate it, they are far beyond Ancient Talisman level. You might not meet a single one even in death. Gaining spiritual power from eating their Foundation? It’s less than the spiritual growth they get from a single breath."

Jiang Yan asked curiously, "Then if I complete a fragment, and there’s no follow-up, what happens?"

"Once you complete it, it won’t be you chasing it, but it coming to find you. Transcendent beings of the same origin are drawn to each other."

The voice of the Taisui of the Book Mountain was gentle:

"The Historical Long River will anchor to a similar history for you. Unless you’re truly unlucky, you won’t be stuck. And if all else fails… you can still switch to a similar path."

Ba Lie interjected, "Actually, rather than seizing Foundations, what suits History Walkers more are the [Great Deeds] born from mutated historical figures."

"Let’s not go that far. That’s a concern for Law Seed or Ancient Talisman level. Jiang Yan, go pick the cultivation method that speaks to you."

Jiang Yan nodded and opened the tablet.

With a casual swipe, countless mystical texts appeared.

[True Forms of the Five Peaks Energy-Gathering Chapter (Top-tier):

Strengths: Mountain and River path. Absorbs essence from the Five Peaks and Three Mountains to refine the self. Condenses the Five Peaks Spine within the body, transforming into a Earth Dragon, simulating Earth Veins through the meridians. Strong physique, rooted in the earth, circulating energy endlessly. By absorbing the Five Peaks Elemental Qi, one can condense the Five Peaks Earth General Law Seed.

Possible emergence of Grade Four — Five Peaks Wu Earth Marshal Ancient Talisman.

Weaknesses: Prolonged exposure of internal meridians to the Five Peaks Qi may cause petrification mutation, stiff thinking, and emotional detachment. Earth Vein Elemental Qi is rare, Five Peaks Qi even rarer. Excessive gathering may incur a world curse and reduce fortune.]