Chapter 8: The Marvelous Uses of the Heavenly Book

Today's events made Li Yao realize that the Celestial Tome was far more than just a simple talent booster; if wielded properly, it could offer limitless aid in cultivation.

Take, for instance, the tome’s ability to automatically absorb spiritual energy. Even before setting foot on the path of cultivation, the tome had already absorbed more energy than most cultivators do through breathing exercises. Once he began his cultivation, his body would be able to endure far greater amounts of energy, allowing the tome to absorb it even faster.

This automatic absorption of spiritual energy was no small advantage.

With this ability alone, even if Li Yao never embarked on the cultivation path, over time his body would be nourished by such abundant energy that it could be tempered into a physique rivaling that of a true cultivator.

There were surely more uses for the Celestial Tome, but at present, Li Yao’s understanding was too shallow to grasp or utilize them fully.

Yet, just with the tome’s current ability to simulate learning and absorb energy automatically, he could rise swiftly. In the future, even if he ventured onto the path of the emperors and faced off against formidable opponents, he would stand fearless.

“Chong’er, quickly assign Li Yao’s rank and finalize this matter,” Elder Zhang urged, somewhat impatiently.

Although Li Yao was already on the Radiant Sun Divine Island, that did not guarantee the matter was settled. Among the twelve branches of the Radiant Light Sect, there were both strong and weak factions. Most were on equal footing, like Longshou Peak and Radiant Sun Divine Island.

Yet among these twelve branches, some were clearly stronger, such as the faction led by the Holy Sovereign, who had ruled the Radiant Light Sanctuary for a millennium. Their strength was formidable, and most past Holy Sovereigns hailed from this branch, steadily deepening their foundation.

Apart from the Holy Sovereign branch, there was another faction whose power rivaled it, producing the current Holy Son.

These two factions far surpassed the others in strength; should they intervene, even the Radiant Sun Divine Island branch would have to yield.

Of course, although the Radiant Light Sanctuary contained twelve factions, they belonged to one overarching power, and all abided by rules—there was no room for disputes over recruitment.

Zhang Chong was aware of the urgency and trusted his father’s judgment. The stir Li Yao had caused was indeed alarming—absorbing vast amounts of spiritual energy without cultivation marked him as an elite disciple from the outset.

Without hesitation, Chong extracted a piece of white jade, captured a trace of Li Yao’s aura, and inscribed it onto the jade token, symbolizing Li Yao’s status as an elite disciple.

From that moment, the matter was essentially sealed.

Though there had been minor complications, the smoothness and speed of the process still exceeded Li Yao’s expectations.

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Holding the white jade token that signified his elite disciple status, Li Yao found himself at a loss for words.

Was this process moving too quickly?

“Chong’er, take Li Yao deep into the Radiant Sun Divine Island. I will return to guard the Suspended Mirror Hall,” Elder Zhang said gravely.

Though matters seemed settled, it was best to take precautions. Even if someone tried to challenge Li Yao’s acceptance, as long as the official word was out, no one could argue.

To be safe, it was better to bring him into the island’s depths, where their faction’s powerful elders stood guard—truly foolproof.

“I understand. Father, rest assured, no one from other factions will be given a chance to act while you are away from your post,” Zhang Chong replied.

Li Yao listened, surprised to learn from the terms of address that these two were father and son sharing the same surname.

“Understood,” Elder Zhang said without delay. Brilliant divine light burst forth from his body as he soared upward. To Li Yao’s eyes, his form vanished in an instant.

Once the elder had disappeared, Chong withdrew his gaze. Clad in armor and radiating authority, his demeanor toward Li Yao was unexpectedly kind.

“No need for formalities—come with me.”

In this world, to be regarded differently by others, one must possess true ability. Li Yao was not yet qualified, but his future was worth anticipating.

As long as no nonsense like a prodigy’s downfall occurred, goodwill toward Li Yao would only grow.

The radiant divine glow enveloped Li Yao again, though this time more gently—Chong knew Li Yao was still a mortal with no cultivation, so there was no need for haste.

The Radiant Sun Divine Island floated in the sky—though called an island, its expanse was vast.

Along the way, Li Yao witnessed many wondrous sights: flowers and grasses by the roadside shimmered softly, each leaf radiating green vitality. A fresh fragrance wafted through the air, and even a slight inhalation seemed to dispel fatigue.

Jagged rocks rose oddly shaped, and towering trees stretched beyond sight. The island floated amid pure white clouds, everything bathed in a hazy light, making the scene feel dreamlike—as if he had truly arrived in a celestial realm.

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Many disciples dwelled on the divine island. When they saw Zhang Chong, they greeted him respectfully. But upon noticing Li Yao, their eyes glimmered with envy.

Zhang Chong held a high rank within the Radiant Sun Divine Island faction, and Li Yao was a complete newcomer. It was obvious he had just joined the Radiant Light Sanctuary.

A disciple brought personally by Zhang Chong would surely have a promising future.

“Elder Zhang, I have now joined the sanctuary. When might I officially begin cultivation?” Li Yao finally asked, unable to contain his curiosity.

Everything was prepared—all that remained was a cultivation scripture. He dared to ask Zhang Chong directly because he sensed that, given his talent, the elder would tolerate a little boldness.

As expected, Zhang Chong did not take offense but replied patiently, “Once we meet the senior uncle, I will pass you the Radiant Light Scripture.”

At that moment, Li Yao appeared exceptionally pleasing to Zhang Chong’s eyes. Though he had done nothing yet, Chong found himself admiring the young man.

Such was the filter of genius—an ordinary disciple would likely be ignored.

Soon, Zhang Chong led Li Yao to the island’s depths, where the spiritual energy was even denser and purer than outside.

Li Yao’s body was still limited, so the amount of energy absorbed had not changed much, but the purity made him feel far better.

He felt light and ethereal, as if on the verge of transcendence. He could sense his body growing stronger, limbs and bones warmly energized, as if an inexhaustible power flowed within.

Zhang Chong observed Li Yao’s transformation carefully. With his keen insight, it was easy to see the changes.

He was now absolutely certain that, aside from the Radiant Light Holy Son, no one in the sanctuary could surpass Li Yao’s innate talent. Even the Holy Maiden was likely only his equal.