The Strongest Cultivator Is a System Maker!

Hengsheng closed the books, one with a white cover and the other with a black cover. He had spent an entire week meticulously copying, editing, and refining them until they became polished and ready. Both books were far thicker than most texts he had seen in the library. It couldn't be helped—while books in this world relied heavily on vague spiritual explanations, these were grounded in the structured, detail-oriented methodology of modern Earth's scientific approach.

He called for the servant waiting outside his door. "Fetch the elder librarian," he instructed.

Not long after, the elder librarian arrived, his gaze immediately falling on the two hefty books on the table. His brows furrowed in confusion. Why are they so thick? With visible curiosity, he took a seat across from Hengsheng.

"Lan Hengsheng," the elder began, "can you explain these books?"

Hengsheng placed his palm on the white-covered book and gently slid it across the table. "This book is called the Destiny-Forged Technique. It begins with an explanation of mortal destiny and the heavenly way…" He launched into a detailed overview of the book's contents, describing the concepts, methods, and step-by-step instructions within.

The elder librarian flipped through the pages as Hengsheng spoke, his expression shifting between amazement and disbelief. From time to time, he glanced up at Hengsheng, as though struggling to reconcile the book's depth with the fact that it had been written by a mere mortal.

Thirty minutes later, Hengsheng concluded his explanation. However, the elder librarian, still engrossed, continued flipping through the book. Hengsheng waited patiently as the elder read, finally setting the book down with a look of astonishment.

"Lan Hengsheng… did you truly write this on your own?"

"As you can see, I've been here the entire time," Hengsheng replied calmly.

The elder librarian nodded, clearly impressed. "This is an excellent piece of work. I'll thoroughly review it later. And what about the other book? I was told you would be writing a technique. Why is there a second one?"

Hengsheng pushed the black-covered book forward. "This book is also about spirit core formation, but it describes a completely different method from the white one. The experience I gained from the unrefined version of this book is used to complete the Destiny-Forged technique, this one. It's called the Path of Mortality Rebellion Technique. This book focuses on the indomitable spirit of mortals, using rigorous and intense training methods to forge their own fate…"

As Hengsheng spoke, he carefully watched the elder librarian's expression. The elder's face twisted into a look of uncertainty. The description made the technique sound almost torturous rather than practical. Still, he continued reading until, with a sigh, he finally closed the book.

"You've done well," the elder librarian admitted. "I will thoroughly review and verify the content of both books. If they prove to be genuine, your rewards will be granted immediately." He stood, then added, "For now, you are allowed unlimited access to the entire first floor of the library. However, don't go overboard—borrowing a hundred books at once would be… excessive. You may leave now."

Hengsheng nodded respectfully, hiding his satisfaction as he bowed. "Thank you, Elder." Then, with a small smile tugging at his lips, he stepped out of the chamber.

Hengsheng was now free to roam the library. He glanced around, contemplating where to start. Maybe I should just read everything and store it in my mind space? That sounds like a great idea. With that thought, he grabbed the first book he saw on the bookshelf and began flipping through it. He wasn't aiming to understand it fully at the moment—just to memorize it for later review in his mind space.

The Lan Clan Library had ten floors, each focusing on a different topic. The first floor, where Hengsheng was currently allowed access, contained general knowledge and basic cultivation explanations. It housed cultivation methods and techniques for the Body Awakening Realm, along with a handful of basic methods for the Qi Gathering Realm. The second floor, which he wasn't yet permitted to access, would contain advanced Qi Gathering Realm methods and techniques.

As he flipped through the pages, Hengsheng realized he had already seen many of these books before—especially the more general ones. He suspected that the books the servants had brought him over the years had likely come from this floor.

One book caught his attention: a detailed overview of the Golden Pillar Continent and its power structures. Hengsheng delved into it with interest. So, this is where Lan Clan stands… he mused. Since his birth, his experience of the world had been limited to Lan City, the territory owned by his clan. The outside world, teeming with danger from both people and demon beasts, was not a place he had ventured into. Most mortals lived and died in the same place, while even lower-level cultivators rarely left their territories unless absolutely necessary. Only merchants, escorted by martial artists aka mortals who practiced Body Awakening techniques, dared to travel.

After two hours, Hengsheng found himself at the back section of the first floor, which housed the Lan Clan's exclusive cultivation methods and techniques for the Body Awakening Realm. He picked up one of the books and started reading. Compared to the low-level techniques his mother had provided him in the past, this was leagues ahead. The text contained meticulous notes from past generations of the Lan Clan, refined and enhanced over time.

He continued pulling books off the shelf—one after another—until he had read through all the clan's cultivation methods and martial arts techniques for the Body Awakening Realm. A satisfied smile spread across his face. these books are less restricted—they're meant for those still at the threshold of cultivation. Only after breaking through to the Qi Gathering Realm does one truly step onto the path of cultivation.

Feeling accomplished, Hengsheng grabbed a random book to take with him. He didn't want to leave empty-handed and risk drawing unnecessary questions. As he approached the young librarian, the man stamped the book to record it as borrowed.

Hengsheng stepped out of the library, spotting his loyal servant Lan Ju waiting for him. She seemed momentarily puzzled, likely because his lean, muscular appearance was a stark contrast to his former self.

He smirked. "Lan Ju! Why are you just standing there? Shouldn't you be escorting me?"

Startled, she panicked. "I-I'm sorry, young master!"

Hengsheng chuckled as she hurried to follow him, his mood unusually light after his fruitful time in the library.

Lan Tianyuan POV

After Lan Hengsheng stepped out of the hall, he addressed the elders who remained.

"Now, you all know what to do. Swear upon your Dao paths that this incident will never leave this room and that it never happened," he commanded, his voice calm but laced with authority.

Lan Tianyuan released a surge of Saint Qi, enveloping the hall with his oppressive domain. The pressure was overwhelming, and the elders' faces paled under its weight. One by one, they began to swear their Dao oaths, each vow sealing their silence on the matter.

When the last elder had sworn, Tianyuan continued, his tone resolute.

"As for Lan Hengsheng, he had never been a mortal. Everything that has happened is to protect him from becoming a target for our enemies. Do you understand?"

The elders nodded solemnly, their understanding clear. If Hengsheng's claims were true, their clan might be on the brink of an unprecedented rise.

With that, Tianyuan gestured to dismiss the meeting. As the elders began to leave, he disappeared from the golden throne without a trace, leaving behind an empty hall.

At the foot of the Qi Mountain, the forbidden area within the Lan Clan's territory, Tianyuan reappeared. This sacred mountain, located not far from the main residence, was where only the true powerhouses of the clan resided. Reserved for those who had reached the Dao Threshold Realm, its atmosphere was suffused with heaven and earth Qi so dense that it had condensed into liquid form, creating rivers that flowed throughout the area.

Tianyuan ascended the mountain steadily, the spiritual energy invigorating yet unyielding as it pressed against him. At the summit stood a solitary Qi cave. Entering it, he found himself before a man who appeared middle-aged but whose true age was far beyond comprehension.

Tianyuan bowed deeply with respect. "Greetings, Father."

This man was the father of the current patriarch and the great-grandfather of Lan Hengsheng.

The old man opened his eyes slowly, his gaze sharp yet serene. "Yuan'er, what brings you here?"

Tianyuan straightened and spoke carefully. "This son has an incident to report. It appears that Lan Hengsheng may truly be an immortal reincarnation."

The elder showed no surprise, his expression calm as if he had long expected this revelation.

"It was evident from the start," he said, his tone steady. "He didn't even attempt to conceal his hierarchy and Qi luck. When you reach the Transcendental Mortality Realm, you will understand what these signs truly mean."

Tianyuan hesitated for a moment before asking, "I seek your advice, Father. What should we do with him?"

The old man waved his hand dismissively, his demeanor unchanged. "There's no need to worry. He is not our enemy. Treat him as you would any other of the younger generation. If anything, this may be the opportunity we need to reclaim our standing against the Thunderclap Blade Sect."

Tianyuan nodded, his expression resolute. "I will follow your advice, Father. I will see you again soon."

With a deep bow, he turned and left the Qi Mountain, his steps steady as he descended back to the clan residence.