“That will be all for today’s lecture on ‘Atomic Theory’ and its implications on the observable world—or any other, at this point. Tomorrow, Eli and Ella will lead a session on sword and martial arts applications. I will be there to observe. Dismissed.”

  Soloman turned to watch as the wall he had used for the lesson slowly shrank back into the ground, leaving a seamless, polished surface.

  “If only I had all the instruments from the lab here,” Soloman sighed deeply, lamenting the lost opportunity to bring the research results back with him. The revolutionary data and materials from this world could help his people prevail in their ongoing war. The romanticized idea of this world’s Qi capabilities combined with his world’s ‘Eden’ resources filled his head, leaving a small smile on his face but also sharp pangs of loss in his heart.

  “That was the most unique lecture I’ve ever had the privilege to listen to, Sir Soloman.”

  Elder Mùchén briskly approached Soloman with a beaming smile, bright enough to break the scientist from his reverie. The sight of the usually slow-moving, taciturn old man practically running towards him caused Soloman to draw back, placing his arms forward in an attempt to slow him down.

  “Uh, thanks. It was fun to get back some normality in this unusual adventure I find myself in. What has gotten into you? You’re unusually brimming with vigor.”

  “With the insights I have obtained today, the light towards advancement is right before me. You remember how one’s cultivation level equates to one’s lifespan, correct?” The elderly man, as antsy as a child in a candy shop, was eager to quickly enter secluded cultivation.

  “Yes, I do. I still find it strange how a person’s mental intelligence or understanding of the world can supposedly affect their cultivation. Though I support free education, your previous lessons I came across seemed to be purely philosophical rather than practical.”

  Soloman was deep in thought on how mere words could have such a profound effect on a cultivator’s body. He had recorded the results of the dissection of the bandit and had a general understanding of the physical aspects of the parasite called the ‘Dantian,’ but he still could not fully comprehend its capabilities to affect the outside world.

  “In your eyes, what we know must seem archaic or impractical. However, the methods a person uses to gather spiritual energy depend on their personality, understanding, and elemental affinity. As we gain more experience in life, the deeper we understand the machinations of the universe, or what we call ‘Dao.’”

  Elder Mùchén felt a bit excited to teach his benefactor the basics of cultivation, but he slowly realized the information he had received as a child now seemed to lack substance. It was not a matter of insecurity, but rather that the lessons in this world now seemed to be open-ended philosophies compared to Soloman's hard logic.

  “This ‘Dao’ as you call it, appears to me what my world calls the ‘Scientific Method.’ Using observations and testing ideas to see how the world works or how things are made. Rain, wind, volcanoes, and even the shape of landmasses as examples.”

  The two started walking back towards the library while engaging in a very jovial conversation for hours before a large yell interrupted them.

  The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

  “Have you come back to defile my library?!”

  Elder Brynn ran to the door, looking disheveled from rummaging around the library to understand where everything was again. She slammed the doors shut, panting. The two looked at her in surprise, and a moment of silence passed before they simply returned to their conversation.

  “Why did you come to the lecture anyway?” Soloman decided to ignore the woman and move away from the awkward situation.

  “There’s a tournament that would be beneficial for you,” Elder Mùchén replied. “They have a book on artifacts, some of which may have teleportation effects. It’s at the Iron Tortoise Sect in three months’ time.”

  “Don’t ignore me!” Brynn moved away from the door, her face turning red with frustration.

  “Why a tournament though? Can a ‘mortal’ like me attend, let alone survive?”

  “Oi!” She started to walk around them, waving her arms dramatically.

  “It’s an annual thing. We can add you as a body cultivator.”

  “Listen~.” Flecks of tears filled her eyes as she stomped her foot.

  “Body Cultivator? I never came across that before in either the lectures or the library.”

  “It is a very rare condition where a cultivator…”

  “Elder Brynn, stop crying for goodness’ sake. You are a senior that disciples look up to and emulate.” Elder Mùchén scolded his peer, who was bouncing around with teary eyes, giving a very poor optic for their disciples.

  “I just wanted to voice my frustration! The current state of the library is in chaos, and having him come back for any further changes would be detrimental.” Elder Brynn voiced her concerns about the hassle it would be to re-learn her sanctuary.

  “You’re welcome,” Soloman sarcastically retorted.

  “I didn’t thank you!” She released a hoarse shout, her face turning even redder.

  “I came across the conversation you had with your husband,” Mùchén noted calmly, “and you yourself claimed the library is now organized in a logical and orderly fashion. Now, back to my conversation. Body cultivation is where an individual is not able to store Qi within the ‘dantian’ but suffuses it throughout their body more proficiently than their counterparts. This results in them having tougher skin, unbreakable bones, denser muscles, and even stopping aging in extreme cases.”

  He continued with his explanation while escorting Soloman into the library. Elder Brynn followed behind, her face burning a deep crimson. She was still reeling from the memory of the meeting hall earlier that day, where Mùchén had walked in on her and her husband, Ouro, in the middle of a very private, romantic embrace. The fact that their "forever single" peer was now casually referencing her private conversations with her husband made her want to sink into the floorboards.

  “I was told you made it up to the third floor. Did you understand the contents?”

  The two walked past the eight rows of books and scrolls on the main floor, split into two columns, each filled to the brim.

  “I memorized the content. I appreciate you and Master Aria for allowing me to peruse your archives. It’s allowed me to understand the general layout and dangers of this world. Nothing about artifacts, though, beyond folktales.”

  Soloman vocalized his gratitude. The myriad of books included more than just combat arts, but also plants, animals, and minerals with their corresponding diagrams.

  “Most impressive. I will thank you on behalf of Sect Master Aria for organizing the library. In lieu of that, I shall grant you permission to enter the restricted section for three hours. Within are manuscripts and scrolls of body cultivations, innate physiques, and pill formulas… Here we are.”

  The elder reached the end of the south-facing aisle and placed his hand on the peach blossom epitaph, imbuing his pale gray colored Qi to reveal a bright formation beneath their feet.

  “This formation will send you to the location, and the band of light on your wrist will show how long you may remain. I will be leaving the sect shortly on some errands, so I will inform you now. My disciples Ouro and Illia, along with two other inner disciples, will be going with you to the tournament. Have a safe journey and win.”

  The elder waved Soloman off as the light from the formation blossomed, leaving an empty space before the scientist could get a word in edgewise. The elder turned around to see Brynn standing behind him, having finally calmed down.

  “Did you ask about your sheath yet?”

  “…Ah.”