50 The Pagoda of Sun and Moon 7 (1/2)

As the plaza gave way to reveal the compact region of space hidden underneath, a dazzling sight gradually made itself present before the crowd.

A sea of books, if spoken with frankness. The bookshelves towered towards the sky, multiple platforms and ladders having been established just to allow the readers to access the higher levels. Simply turning in a full direction would reveal that they were confined within what truly constituted as an ocean of knowledge.

Tens of thousands of books could only be considered a minimum estimate. After a quick survey of the library that was intent on swallowing the plaza whole, An Fei estimated well over a hundred thousand books to be a conservative approximation at the most.

Clink!

The platforms were supported by various rows of chains as they stretched over their heads, casting a massive shadow over their bodies. As the crowd looked up towards the enormous slab of granite extend over their head and blot out the remainder of the library from their vision, each and every person revealed a collective sigh.

This was far too grand, ah!

After what seemed to have been ages, a resounding boom followed by an intense vibration struck the floor, startling several people and causing them to drop onto the ground. Assisted by the two maidservants as they carefully lifted her back into a standing position, An Fei allowed her eyes to roam.

From one side to the end, turning a full circle, one could see a perfect row of bookshelves. Towering four meters in height with eight rows of books stretching across the entire base floor, one could see several ladders placed at periodic distances solely for the purpose of assisting in accessing the archived books.

The center of the ground platform supported dozens of tables of various woods including acacia, sandalwood, mahogany, ashwood, blackwood, and several others An Fei could not recognize. On the surface of the granite platform resting above themselves, several gold and copper chandeliers drooped downwards, supporting dozens of blue orbs of light that casted a cheery glow onto the ground floor.

Every table supported at least one person dressed with a three-patterned lotus decorating their chest just like the wizened old man before them; these people hunkered down at each table with at least seven to eight books, reading, arguing amongst oneselves, and causing the eyes each and every person in the crowd to glaze scarlet with envy.

How they wished to be one of those people! Then they wouldn't have to wait a decade to enter this paradise, especially when they received a single opportunity in their lifetime!

”We're here,” the elder waved his staff as he calmly spoke towards the anguished crowd behind him. The gold and silver staff struck the ground once, a clear, heavy sound resounding within the area.

”Only six hours are allotted to your exploration. One cultivation technique, one martial arts technique. If you fail to register your set of techniques within the time limit, then you will not be permitted to retain whatever you have collected during this time. Additionally, if you antagonize any of the people here, the Three Lotus Sect is not responsible for any losses or death!”

Finished speaking in a languished voice, the elder withdrew the staff and strode towards a segment of the bookshelves on the wall. Extracting a good dozen books and plopping himself onto a seat nearby, the old man opened a book and began to read, his solemn countenance easing into a relaxed smile before the crowd.

Their throats parched as they glared at the sea of books before them, but none could muster the courage to reach out and touch.

”This… we're… allowed to go and search, right?” a middle-aged man voiced their thoughts, his speech quivering and trailing by the second.

”The Esteemed Senior… gave his permission, right?”

”That's right, the Esteemed Senior only said six hours, and didn't give us a time limit!” Another joined in, his enthusiasm surging towards the peak.

”Gentlemen, Esteemed Ladies, I say we don't stand here as bumpkins and search for the golden feast! Each to their own accord, but do not become barbaric savages!”

”Agreed! Each to their own, but retain civility!”