Tang Yuan found himself examining scrolls with lightning speed. He wanted to understand their organization as soon as he could. That way he could find the most useful ones for himself. Considering the nature of this place the process of creating Soul Tools would likely be here.
This current one was a written record of the soul beasts of the desert. At least a part of an encyclopedia complete with illustrations. Checking a second scroll in a neighboring alcove, a similar format. He continued that until he found a different scroll.
"These two sections seem to be flora and fauna," he told everyone loudly pointing to the two sections. "Has anyone discovered metals, forging, or something similar?" Tang Yuan asked them.
The instant the word flora was spoken, Yue Guan rushed over. Any possible chance to expand his own knowledge of plants was sought. He immediately obtained a scroll from the flora section and examined it.
Tang Yuan could only accept the fact that he was being ignored. He knew this senior's obsessions and passions with plants after all.
"What have you all discovered so far," he asked. Hoping to narrow his search if there were scrolls on the desired topics.
"Star charts if I'm not mistaken, incredibly well-made ones at that." Tang Nuan said as she examined them. She had been more heavily exposed to these in recent years.
"I don't know what this is exactly." Bibi Dong said as she looked at a very complex scroll. She could read it, but it didn't make any sense otherwise. Although she said, "This might be what you are looking for?" with uncertainty.
Dugu Bo examined the scroll he had "I seem to have found a wall of maps." he said looking over to Tang Nuan who was closest.
Tang Yuan moved over to Bibi Dong, she was the most likely to have found it. He took a scroll from the alcove she had chosen. With some nervousness, he opened this scroll. Immediately upon seeing only part of its contents he knew this was the section he sought.
The scroll was one detailing several metals, and their forging processes. More along the lines of a blacksmith's notes on them and experience working with them. Including several metal alloys that blacksmiths created or specialized in.
Tang Yuan slipped the scroll into his storage belt. He suspected it was only the first of many. "Thank you Dong'er this is what I was looking for." he thanked her with a smile on his face.
Bibi Dong gave him a smile of her own. "You're welcome." Then she handed him the scroll she had in her hands. "I don't understand this, but you probably can."
Tang Yuan took the scroll from her hands carefully. At first, he too was confused reading this scroll. A surge of excitement filled him as he understood. "This is a basic teaching manual for creating soul guides. At least the low-level parts of the methods." Tang Yuan said as he read it once again to better understand.
It detailed the three parts of the soul guides or soul tools. Most importantly it gave the basics of the most critical soul arrays. The outer shell, the inner workings, and the core in which the arrays would be carved. This scroll would allow someone to start upon the path of a soul engineer.
"Tang Yuan, Tang Yuan." A voice repeated his name a few times as a hand touched him. He turned to see his mother right next to him.
"Mom I apologize I was too distracted by this," he said as he turned to face his mother. Even as he still held onto the scroll after rolling it back up.
Tang Nuan gazed at her son with expectation "Is it true, that that scroll can teach someone how to create soul guides?" she asked expectantly. That had been a dream for of all the major factions on the continent. Especially as old artifacts were rediscovered over time by spirit masters.
"It's an introduction to the basics. Also, this scroll primarily refers to them as soul tools. Like blacksmithing it seems this profession is divided into levels, let's say by numbers." he explained mixing the scrolls' contents with what seemed like inferences. Even as he continued to explain to her.
Tang Nuan found her understanding of this treasure of a find increasing rapidly. Even if it was only the basics that was also a treasure worth gold. "Then this section on top of blacksmithing should contain soul tool creation." she looked at the alcove with a great deal of interest.
"More than likely, including other versions of this starter. That or continuations of it to further understanding. Of course, having that might not matter in the long run." Tang Yuan mused on the last part in a quieter tone.
Tang Nuan understood his silent meaning, it was found with blacksmithing. In other words, one would likely need skill in blacksmithing as well. Yet most soul masters looked down on the profession at least slightly. Why put time into learning to forge when you could spend time meditating or increasing your strength?
Thinking about that Tang Nuan smiled. As the wife of Tang Chen a divine craftsman, she saw this as an opportunity. The Clear Sky Clan had quite a few blacksmiths after all, and if they could create soul guides. Then Spirit Hall would be more than happy to buy them. A benefit to both factions in more than one way.
Unaware of his mother's happy thoughts Tang Yuan took another scroll. Even as he spoke "to become a soul tool engineer, knowledge of blacksmithing is required. But unfortunately, that is only a part of what is needed." Tang Yuan admitted knowing he would need a while to even be called a level one engineer.
Opening the next scroll he found a text similar to the first. Though this one seemed slightly more advanced in sections. He stored it away in his belt with the previous one, before picking another one.
Tang Nuan noticed her son's focus on the scrolls. "We can leave this area to you then," she said as she led away the confused Bibi Dong. "Come on Dong'er, let's leave him to his work."
Tang Nuan led the girl to the section identified as the beast section. "Don't mind him Dong'er you know how he can get," she told Bibi Dong as she moved him away.
Bibi Dong didn't feel especially surprised at Tang Yuan's sheer focus. She had gotten used to his habits in the time she'd known him. She watched him as he focused on studying the scrolls. That level of focus was amazing to her.
Tang Nuan noticed the young girl studying her son with such an innocent look. She smiled at that as she turned to the alcove. Now let's see if she can find information about the Crocodile beasts. They would provide more options for her family in the future.
As they shifted through scrolls they quickly defined the library's sections. Each of them stored dozens of scrolls from the sections they had all but stuck to. Chrysantheum especially drowned himself in the scrolls of plant life focusing exclusively.
Yet as time passed, Tang Yuan felt himself grow weary. He had read at least a dozen scrolls in so many hours. Though now he had to accept his own limits. So with reluctance, he slipped into the bed he had set up right on the floor. In mere moments he drifted into a seamless slumber, at least it should have been.
Tang Yuan found himself walking along a familiar hallway. This was a hallway that should have been in the Pope's Palace in Spirit City. He felt that this should be a dream, but it felt off for that as well.
Tang Yuan examined his own hand closely. He seemed to be present as far as he could tell anyway. Pinching his own hand rather hard he flinched at the pain. That act didn't wake him up, but he was also certain this was a dream.
Tang Yuan walked the halls towards the library he realized. Something told him he would find the answers there. He narrowed his eyes this was similar to a dream, a forced dream state he was still aware of it. Perhaps by the design of something he realized.
As he stepped into the library he quickly gazed at a suspect for this. She was beautiful, overwhelmingly so, perhaps the most beautiful he had met. Yet that beauty was ever so slightly inhuman.
Her red-orange hair was like that of flames woven into strands. Her eyes at first glance were a warm orange, a different glance showed eyes the same color as her hair. Those eyes were exactly like a cat's, the most obvious inhuman feature.
She was dressed in an ancient flowing white dress. Parts of it were adorned with golden ornamentation especially the neck. Openings in the arms and neck exposed swathes of light chocolate skin.
A clawed hand supported her head as she gazed at him with, amusement maybe? "Have you seen enough, or do you need more time?" she asked, her voice had a subtle purr to it.
Tang Yuan felt a bit of heat in his cheeks he had stared a bit too much. Though she didn't seem offended if anything she was amused. Still any further would cross the line of tasteful, so he ignored the temptation. "I suppose I could, but I doubt that's why we are here. May I ask what this Honored Senior desires of me? And how may I address this Honored Senior?"
The cat-eyed woman's smile widened slightly at that question. No panicking or hollow demands, nor any foolish questions. Oh, this little one was very nervous inwardly, but also so composed outwardly. Even for an outsider, this child was rather experienced.
Tang Yuan was rather nervous as the empty silence only grew longer. Yet he didn't dare try to voice a complaint. He had been brought into this dreamlike space, this senior must at least rank 90. One of the Spiritual type as well making her even more dangerous.
"You may simply refer to me as Senior, my name though is Mo Xi. This is merely a whim of mine. It's rare to meet an individual foreign to this world of ours. So I decided to meet you." Despite the implications of her words her voice was casual.
Tang Yuan felt a chill run down his spine at that statement. His greatest secret was exposed, and so casually at that. The nervous feeling he had felt grew nearly overwhelming. Yet with effort, he suppressed that feeling knowing he could worry later. For now "May I ask how Senior learned of my secret?"
Only a fleeting glint of amusement showed at his ability to hold his composure. She answered his question with another "What would I get for telling you?" She smiled with the slightest hint of anticipation. Just a step more she mused to herself.
Tang Yuan could only consider that with caution. A being of her caliber may have great demands, or they might be simple. "That depends on what Senior desires in return? I apologize if I am unable to honor seniors' wants." he said giving himself a possible out.
She only smiled at that statement fully expecting his caution. "I will answer your question, and then you can answer one of mine." exactly as she desired already considering her question.
"I am a Winged Sun Lion. A soul beast possessing the body of a lion, wings of a bird, and a humanoid face. Possessing powerful spiritual abilities, and unique abilities of my own. I made use of that unique ability to peer at you little one, and learned quite a bit." Her words practically radiated a quiet pride, and also maybe enjoyment?
Tang Yuan connected her description with a creature from his previous world, the Sphinx. Only moments later he realized her actions were strange. Why describe herself like that?
"Oh, so it seems you have knowledge of my species then." the woman voices as she leaned towards him slightly.
Tang Yuan felt yet another chill run down his body at her words. She had given her description for exactly that reason. Did she ream his mind, or was it his reaction?
The now identified Sphinx-like existence hummed. "I can sense your worry and fear. Before you begin worrying too much, I'm not reading your mind. And before you ask, you are not the first to ask that question." she said predicting his questions before he could even speak.
Tang Yuan could only accept her words with hesitation. Though he noted she merely said she wasn't reading his mind, not that she could not. At the very least she could sense his emotions or surface thoughts. "I will trust your sincerity then Senior," he stated, not as if he had much choice.
Mo Xi smiled at his statement even if it wasn't true. "Now then might you tell me what you know of my species?" She had ever wanted to know if her race resided in another world as well.
"I know only myth, Senior nor if they are truly your kind. Yet sphinxes are creatures with human faces, the bodies of lions, and sometimes wings. Beings that give riddles as tests for humanity and other races. Those beings are also said to be the servants or priests of gods in some myths."
Mo Xi nodded at his words "That does sound somewhat similar to my race in fact. Perhaps we are of a similar nature." It was an ideal thought that her race existed elsewhere.
Tang Yuan let her have her moments uninterrupted. He wondered what would happen now that she had an answer to her question.
Mo Xi refocused on Tang Yuan with seriousness "Hmhm, I suppose I got distracted. I had never expected you to actually have knowledge of a similar kind to mine. Now my main reason for this was to have an exchange with a foreigner and a child of fortune."
Her smile widened as she considered what she might learn. "Let us say three questions in this meeting. I will let you ask me three questions in return for answering two of mine. Or presenting knowledge that would interest me." she said as she decided to give him a free question.
Tang Yuan quickly found himself in thought. This was a massive opportunity that he might not get again. He instantly decided on one question "You called me a Child of Fortune what does that mean fully in context. I also know there are other such terms can you explain them as well?"
Mo Xi found herself impressed despite herself at what a high-level question. "Oh, you chose a big question for your very first one too. This will be a long explanation you'd best be prepared. First the terms: Child of Fortune or Luck, Child of Destiny, and finally the Child of the Plane."
She gestured to Tang Yuan slightly "You for example are a Child of Fortune or Luck, as is that girl with you. Both of you are individuals blessed with a high amount of luck. This luck will lead you to fortuitous opportunities as you have already noticed."
Tang Yuan found himself enlightened by her explanation. It certainly explained their finding of so much treasure on this trip. Both he and Bibi Dong basically meant a double dose of luck. Yet that raised the question "Why exactly was I chosen as a Child of Fortune? I am a soul foreign to this world after all?"
She nodded at his question "It's partly because you are a foreigner that you became a Child of Luck. This world often gives that status to those who enter this world. As for why consider what you have done in this world, your accomplishments." she said leadingly to have him consider things properly.
Tang Yuan thought back to the major actions he had taken. He published a basic book for soul masters that served for basics. That seemed relatively minor almost a whim, or for the fun of it.
He turned his mind elsewhere not on the book itself, but the printer. One of his early works was the printing press that would make books much easier to copy. That could be a major accomplishment he considered.
Furthermore, there was his revelation of Whale Glue that would strengthen Spirit Masters. The creation of several training methods he had shared slightly. Especially his creation of a method for cultivating Spiritual Power he imagined.
"Seems you have thought about it, and realized your actions. I have some knowledge of your actions myself now. Especially that method you are using to change your mind, and the other that cultivates the mind. Those two in particular I find interesting, and you have already begun to spread them." She smiled thinking of those methods she had already begun to study herself.
"In a span of little more than a decade, you have advanced the world. In doing so you have benefited the plane, and the plane will reward you. Your fortune will only grow further as a result of your actions." she was certain of that having peered into his fortune.
It was far from a bad thing Tang Yuan could admit that easily. He wondered if this rash of fortune was the reward. Or perhaps there was yet more to come in the future.
"Yet remember this luck does not make you invincible. You can still easily be killed early, luck alone can only take you so far. Once more luck and opportunity can also invite danger, or that danger tied to opportunity." the Sphinx reminded him with a heavy tone. Seeing his eyes not clouded with pride or a sense of entitlement she continued.
"The second is the Child of Destiny standing above the previous one. Children of Luck like yourself are more common, a dozen in a decade to several decades. The Children of Destiny are entirely different, far less common. They are also far more critical as well." Her words grew slightly more serious as she spoke of this second term.
Tang Yuan remembered one whom his thoughts considered. "I have knowledge of a being called the Auspicious Beast as related to destiny. Is that creature one such existence of destiny then?" It seemed to be the case in that regard.
Mo Xi narrowed her cat-like eyes at him for a few moments. She sensed not a hint of overt greed in his question or posture. "I would wonder if you had ulterior motives for that question. Yet you don't seem to be greedy."
Tang Yuan could only admit truthfully under those bright star-like eyes "While the Auspicous Beast would be a major treasure. I have no intention of starting such a bloody war for that. Not mentioning the negative effects that would have." he couldn't possibly be that greedy or that stupid to even try poking that reversal scale.
Mo Xi hummed at that statement as her opinion of this junior rose. "Good, you know your limits properly, and have a sense of morality. But back to your question yes a beast like that is a child of destiny. For that matter so is the Snow Empress of the Extreme North."
Before that revelation can properly settle she continued "Children of Destiny are those who affect the path of large areas or factions. The great forest, the Extreme North, or an empire for example. They receive the support of destiny in their actions and an even greater amount of luck. Pushing forward the path of the world in different ways."
"Finally the Child of Nature, the Plane's Child, or the Child of the Plane. The most important of the three is a champion of the plane itself. Born under the most ideal of circumstances or the very worst. To advance the plane's existence, or to protect it from threat." At the start, her words were subdued, but now they held severity and seriousness.
"As an example, there is the Angel God of that Spirit Hall. She was a Child of the plane who was raised to that rank to face a threat. Her abilities were particularly suited for that purpose in fact." Her face was grave as she spoke of the matter. Before she shook her head dismissing those thoughts.
"These three for a hierarchy Child of Luck at the bottom, Child of Destiny middle, and Child of the Plane. A Child of Destiny in interaction with the first will often subordinate, befriend, or otherwise bind them. The same can happen with a Child of Destiny and a Child of the Plane. This process usually involves battles, aid, or courtship to my knowledge."
Tang Yuan could practically feel his mind being filled with a great amount of knowledge as she continued. He expected complex knowledge or to learn a lot from this, but seriously. He focused on her every word as she entered a lecturing mode.
"These battles also work to sharpen the individuals, and even their luck. Someone can gain enough fortune to become the first. Those who merely interact with one of these individuals can also gain luck and fortune. Children of Destiny can even result in children of fortune, and the same for the Child of the Plane." She was really getting into it now.
"Of course, for one of them to bind a lower rank to them allows them strength there luck. A Child of Fortune commanding other Children of Fortune will receive greater fortune. Once more as one naturally grows stronger so does their fortune..." she continues for felt like hours almost.
As she finally ended this lecture. Tang Yuan felt his head crammed with high-level knowledge. She had transformed from merely a senior into a full-on teacher. In fact, she seemed far more open and happy now than before. She really enjoyed teaching it would seem, perhaps an instinctive enjoyment of spreading knowledge.
Mo Xi took a breath as she finished her talk. She realized she may have gone overboard, but when else would such a chance come? "So that's one question what's the second one?" she asked with expectation clear.
Tang Yuan quickly came up with an answer. "You should ask your question first Teacher," he said, addressing her as a teacher after her teaching of him. He needed time to process this lecture.
Mo Xi looks at him slightly and seeing his sincerity decides not to be polite. "Then tell me more of these myths of your world," she said what she had decided long ago.
Tang Yuan sighed at her question he could use the time to recover. He also considered what he should start with. There were plenty of myths from his original world after all.
Tang Yuan woke from his sleep with a sigh. He actually felt slightly exhausted even though he had been asleep. He had spent a long time telling that half-teacher about the myths of Earth. In the end, he had finished it without asking his second question already exhausted.
He quickly takes a meditation stance on his bedroll. Diving into his mind for a rather long process this time. He quickly began to properly memorise the revelations of his dreams. Taking half an hour to memorise both the lecture, and the contents of the scrolls.
Then he stands up from his bedroll stretching to get rid of the soreness. He looked over to see that everyone else had already exited the tent. Seems he had reclaimed a bit of sleep unconsciously.
Tang Yuan exited the tent for a day of scrolls he had no doubt. At least it would be filled with interesting knowledge. He wondered what he would find this time around in those works.
As he exited he saw his mother meditating before the tent. There was a slight air about her in particular this day. He had the feeling she was waiting for him in particular.
"Did something happen?" Tang Nuan voiced out loud as she exited meditation. Her question held concern for him.
Tang Yuan smiled at the love she had even as he grew worried. A mother's intuition was a scary thing especially for a soul master. He considered obfuscating the truth from her, but in the end. "I met a particular Senior whose interest I drew, she wanted to talk. I suppose I might call her half a teacher now."
Tang Nuan sighed at the answer confirming her own feeling. Even with that, Worship Elder's own words she had been wary. "Then come tell me about this senior you met." It seemed like a request, but it was not actually.
So he walked over and sat down beside her. Ready to begin telling her a bit about the Sphinx he met.