Chapter 87: A Talent That Outshines the Ages

Just as Heng Cheng was at his wits’ end, Tianming slowly picked himself up once Chu Qingchen and the other had left.

“Come out. I know it’s you, Xun Qing,” Tianming said calmly, ignoring Heng Cheng’s puzzled gaze as he looked ahead.

“...Damn!” came a crisp, disgruntled voice just as his words faded in the empty square.

Soon enough, not far away, where there had seemed to be nothing, a black cloak was suddenly thrown aside. A graceful figure appeared, her long black hair cascading down as she emerged in the darkness. Xun Qing’s face was full of indignation, her thin lips bitten lightly, stamping her foot in frustration, as if she couldn’t understand how she had been exposed.

“It’s her?”

Seeing this figure, Tianming’s expression barely changed, but Heng Cheng’s mouth fell open in shock. Clearly, he hadn’t expected it to be her. Then again, Heng Cheng had hardly interacted with her, unlike Tianming, who understood far more.

“So, what is it?” Tianming asked patiently, not dwelling on what had just happened, as he looked at Xun Qing.

“Hmph!”

At his words, Xun Qing shot Tianming a resentful glare, then, with a cold snort, turned and stalked away toward the Celestial Pavilion.

“Tian-ge, how did you know it was her?” Heng Cheng asked, bewildered.

Seeing the expectation in his eyes, Tianming smiled. “Curiosity doesn’t suit children. I have something to do, you go on ahead.”

In truth, Tianming had recognized her by the subtle scent lingering from their earlier encounter in the Celestial Pavilion—he was now quite familiar with it. He was a little surprised to discover that natural fragrance was a real thing in this world, given there were no cosmetics here.

“Oh, then I’ll go...” Heng Cheng replied hesitantly. Outwardly smiling, he was secretly disgruntled—who are you calling a child? I’m sixteen! He shot Tianming a covert look of disdain, but when he saw that resolute gaze, he could only obey and leave.

As Heng Cheng’s figure disappeared, Tianming didn’t linger but followed after Xun Qing.

...

Before long, Tianming found himself inside the Celestial Pavilion, following Xun Qing. The place was brilliantly lit, though he couldn’t tell what was providing the light. Xun Qing now stood beside Elder Yu, head lowered—whether from earlier events or for another reason was unclear.

But now was not the time to dwell on it. Tianming hurried over to Elder Yu.

“Elder Yu, did you need me for something?” Tianming asked uncertainly after a moment’s hesitation.

Elder Yu opened his eyes, his deep gaze falling on Tianming, as if only just noticing his presence. “Young friend, it seems you’ve made a nice little profit just now?”

“...Nothing escapes your wise eyes, Elder. I was just lucky, that’s all,” Tianming replied with a smile and a shake of his head, not disputing it. After all, Elder Yu wouldn’t care for a few spirit stones—he was the master of the Pavilion, after all! He managed all the ancient texts of the sect, his status equal to that of the sect leader.

“I heard that during the contest, you managed to use all three of the newly transcribed elemental arts?” Elder Yu continued, nodding.

At this, Xun Qing raised her head, curiosity flashing in her eyes. She very much wanted to know how Tianming had mastered those three arts so quickly and with such proficiency—something even the most monstrous geniuses of the continent could not achieve.

Uh...

The question stumped Tianming. Was he supposed to reveal his universal Doraemon? Obviously not—this was his only means of survival here, his trump card.

“May I keep that to myself?” Tianming asked meekly, meeting Elder Yu’s gaze with sincerity.

Xun Qing, who had been full of anticipation, was visibly disgruntled by this answer and shot him a fierce glare. Elder Yu, however, remained serene, smiling kindly at Tianming, as if the moment itself had been stilled.

“Well, since you wish to know, I’ll be honest. Any elemental art that I’ve seen and transcribed is fixed firmly in my memory, and the skills themselves appear before me as if automatically demonstrated...” Tianming explained, nodding. Seeing Xun Qing’s half-bewildered look, he added with a laugh, “In simpler terms, I have perfect recall and can instantly grasp the essence—nothing more.”

He couldn’t help but end with a touch of modesty.

“You are too modest, young friend,” Elder Yu said, clearly amazed despite his vast experience, at a loss for words.

Xun Qing, meanwhile, was struck speechless, openly staring Tianming up and down in disbelief.

It was little wonder: what took others months or even years to master, Tianming could accomplish in less than a day. This was simply outside the scope of her understanding—a true prodigy!

“Elder Yu, I doubt you called me here just for this,” Tianming said curiously, ignoring their stares.

Ahem.

“...So you’ve realized,” Elder Yu admitted, a little embarrassed.

He hadn’t felt this way in a long time. On this continent, those who could surpass Elder Yu could be counted on one hand—not out of arrogance, but from the confidence bred by true power.

“You mean the Four Sect Competition?” Tianming asked, his eyes lighting up with anticipation.

“Indeed. Tomorrow, we depart for the Heavenly Sword Sect, where this year’s Four Sect Competition will be held. Seeing your abilities, I feel reassured,” Elder Yu said earnestly.

At his words, Xun Qing’s face bloomed with excitement. It was rare for her to leave the sect—usually her two grandfathers kept her on a tight leash. Now, thanks to Tianming, she finally had her chance.

Her earlier displeasure vanished, and she now regarded Tianming with admiration.

“Thank you for your trust, Elder Yu. I will do my utmost to shine in the Four Sect Competition and bring honor to our sect!” Tianming declared with confidence and determination blazing in his eyes.

He hadn’t been so sure before, but now, with his recent windfall, he no longer had to worry about his cultivation being held back. Not to mention the Lightning Sword, which he could use for three more days—he had nothing to fear.

“Good. Go, rest well tonight,” Elder Yu said, nodding and waving him off with a smile.

“Well... Elder, since it’s so late already, might I stay here for the night?” Tianming asked brazenly, moved by a sudden thought.

He had just remembered—he didn’t actually have anywhere to stay, and it would hardly be appropriate to bother Chu Qingchen now! Besides, the Pavilion was so luxurious, so extravagant—he’d be happy even to sleep on the floor! The ground was paved with pure white jade, the walls inlaid with platinum and emerald, the pillars glowing with pure gold, not to mention countless other rare and unknown materials—there was nowhere on Earth with a building like this.