138 Chapter 1296: Divine Eyes of the Ninth Netherworld (1/2)
Hu!
A book appeared in the Library of Heaven's Path.
With a simple flip, the information within the book flowed into Zhang Xuan's head.
”Golden Script Seal, an artifact created by the first head of the Sanctum of Sages, Sage Kui. It possesses the ability to seal the transient and eternalize it. There is a total of seven flaws. No.1, it can only seal non-living objects as living beings would suffocate under the effects of the seal. No.2, its defenses are extremely weak. Sword qi would be able to destroy it…”
”Ah…” Zhang Xuan clutched his forehead speechlessly.
What he wanted to know was the information concerning the vat and, more importantly, what was inside it. Yet, for information on the seal to appear instead… what a headache!
But thinking deeper into it, it was natural that the Library of Heaven's Path would react in such a manner.
The vat was a non-living object, so it required physical contact in order to compile a book on it. However, it happened that the seals were currently in its active state, so its flaws were reflected instead.
This was truly a dilemma. Considering that this was a test on his Eye of Insight, he could not just step forward to touch the vat.
Zhang Xuan contemplated deeply for a moment before a thought suddenly struck him. While I can't see anything through the Eye of Insight, it should be possible to deduce what's within it through the flaws of the seal.
He had already assessed the entire vat all over with his Eye of Insight, but perhaps due to the long age of the vat or the jarring radiance blinding his sight, he was really unable to find any clues as to what could be stored in the vat.
However, through the seals, it should still be possible for him to make an intelligent guess as to what was within the vat.
Based on the first flaw, the seal could only be used to seal non-living objects. This meant that was within was not a lifeform. Even if it was, it would have to be dead by now.
As for the second flaw, it stated that the seal had weak defenses and one could easily destroy it with sword qi. Since that was the case, it was safe to assume that what was within the vat was not too valuable. Otherwise, considering the ordinary material of the vat and the fact that the seal could be easily destroyed, it would be a little too negligent to store it within the vat.
And the third flaw…
Zhang Xuan's mind whirred into action as he swiftly narrowed the scope of his deduction.
A moment later, he could not help but shake his head.
Even if he were to narrow down the possible choices through the flaws of the seal, there were still way too many items that could have been in the vat!
There was no way to come to a conclusive deduction just through this.
If I can't even deduce it despite knowing the flaws, how did the previous candidates possessing the Eye of Insight manage to clear this test? Zhang Xuan frowned in bewilderment.
Since he was able to see the invisible trails of others to locate their whereabouts, it meant that he had already reached the third realm of the Eye of Insight. However, despite having achieved this realm, he was still unable to tell what was within the vat. Since that was the case, shouldn't the others who were at the same realm in terms of Eye of Insight have been unable to discern what was within the vat too?
But if they were unable to discern what was in the vat, how did they clear the test?
While Zhang Xuan was still stressed out over the matter, he suddenly heard Sage Kui's voice. ”Times up. How is it? Were you able to find what's stored within?”
”Elder, I was only able to deduce that the vat is likely to be used to store some kind of fluid. As for what it is and what it does, I'm afraid that I can't tell at all…”
Zhang Xuan had thought that with his prowess, he would be able to clear the test with ease. Yet, who would have thought that he ended up suffering such a huge setback instead? His face could not help but redden in embarrassment.
On the other hand, Sage Kui's eyes widened for a brief moment before swiftly reverting back to normal. With a composed tone, he asked, ”Is there any underlying basis behind your deduction?”
”This Golden Inscription Seal can only be used to seal fluids,” Zhang Xuan replied.
”You are able to comprehend the Golden Inscription Seal?” This time, Sage Kui was no longer able to conceal his astonishment.
”I'm afraid that I am unable to comprehend it. I was only able to deduce that from deciphering the aura that it emanates,” Zhang Xuan said.
”Un, you are right. What's stored within the vat is indeed a type of fluid. Also, putting aside those who have achieved the third realm in the Eye of Insight, even those who have reached the fourth realm would be unable to tell what's inside the vat!” Sage Kui revealed with a satisfied look on his face.
”In truth, this test serves to assess not one's eye of discernment but one's character and nature. The Eye of Insight can always be cultivated, so it doesn't matter whether you have reached the third realm or not. However, character and nature are two aspects that are very hard to change. The Sanctum of Sages houses Kong shi's ideology and my teacher's heritage, so I don't wish to pass it down to those with malicious intentions!
”The reason I said earlier that only those whose Eye of Insight has reached the third realm are qualified to become a candidate in line for the position of sanctum head and have you observe this vat was to assess your reaction.
”If one is unable to determine what's inside the vat, so be it. To lie out of anxiety to clear a test only shows that one's character is questionable.”
At which, Sage Kui chuckled. ”Congratulations, you have cleared the test. It's admirable that someone as young as you is willing to admit failure graciously. It seems like you are a person of good character. Not bad, not bad!”
”Thank you,” Zhang Xuan said with a reddened face.
It turned out that it was a test after all. Indeed, if one was unable to discern anything, there was no reason one could not just admit to it.
Even so, the other party's words about him being of good character were indeed true. Otherwise, why would he have been unanimously chosen to become the principal of the Hongyuan Master Teacher Academy?
Just with that remark alone, Zhang Xuan immediately felt a burst of goodwill toward Sage Kui.
For some inexplicable reason, everyone else seemed to tightly hold onto the belief that he was an existence who brought destruction wherever he went, and they tried to maintain a distance from him. Only the old man before him was able to see through his good character with a single glance. As expected of a grandstudent of Kong shi, his eye of discernment was indeed outstanding.
”Since you have cleared my test, here is your reward. It's the Sanctum Head Token of the Sanctum of Sages!”
With a flick of his wrist, Sage Kui passed a token over to Zhang Xuan. ”The token is real, but it has been sealed by some inscriptions, so you won't be able to use it for the time being. As a result, you won't be able to issue commands through it, and you won't enjoy the authority and privileges that come along with it. In other words, despite having the Sanctum Head Token in your hand, you'll still be an ordinary student in the Sanctum of Sages.”