After leaving that small town, Xu Tiancai pressed on toward the depths of the continent. Along the way, he passed through another, somewhat larger town. This town was bustling with activity, filled with a constant stream of people and teeming with various opportunities and challenges. Xu Tiancai decided to stay here for a while to learn some basic magic while also discovering and studying other forms of knowledge.
The moment he stepped into the town, Xu Tiancai was captivated by its prosperity. Shops lined both sides of the street, and the cries of hawkers echoed endlessly. He found an inn that looked relatively quiet to stay in, and then began asking around about where he might study magic. After some inquiries, he learned that the town had an ancient library housing many books on magic.
Xu Tiancai couldn't wait to visit the library. The building had an antique architecture that exuded a mysterious aura. Stepping inside, he found it quiet, save for the occasional rustle of turning pages. Xu Tiancai wandered between the bookshelves, searching for texts on magic. He discovered a wide variety of works here, including introductions to the history of magic, explanations of magical principles, and secret manuals of various spells.
Xu Tiancai picked up a copy of Introduction to Magic Basics, sat down in a corner, and began to read intently. The contents of the book opened his eyes; it was his first time realizing that the world of magic was so wondrous and vast. Immersed in the ocean of knowledge, he forgot about the passage of time.
Besides studying magic at the library, Xu Tiancai also attended several magic lectures held in the town. These sessions were hosted by experienced Mages who broke down various techniques and applications of magic in simple, accessible terms. Xu Tiancai listened attentively and occasionally raised questions. His diligence and eagerness to learn won the praise of the Mages, who were more than willing to answer his queries and offer him valuable advice.
While studying magic, Xu Tiancai did not neglect other subjects. He visited several scholars and craftsmen in the town, consulting them on history, geography, craftsmanship, and other topics. This knowledge gave him a deeper understanding of the world and provided even greater support for his adventurous journey.
However, Xu Tiancai's outstanding performance also aroused the jealousy of some. A rather arrogant clique in the town relied on their family influence to do whatever they pleased. Seeing such excellence in an unfamiliar face filled them with resentment.
One day, while Xu Tiancai was reading in the library, a group of people suddenly walked in. Leading them was a gorgeously dressed young man who looked at Xu Tiancai with utter arrogance and said, "You're the new guy? I hear you're pretty hot stuff." Xu Tiancai raised his head, looked at him calmly, and said, "I'm just an ordinary adventurer. Is there something you need?" The young man sneered and said, "I don't like the look of you. You'd better stay away from here, or you'll regret it." Xu Tiancai frowned and replied, "This is a library, not a place for you to run wild. If you're looking for trouble, I'll play along to the end."
Provoked by these words, the young man waved his hand, and his followers immediately rushed forward. Xu Tiancai stood up swiftly, ready for a fight. At that exact moment, the library librarian walked over and said sternly, "This is a library, and fighting is strictly prohibited. If you don't leave right now, I'll call the guards." The young man gave Xu Tiancai a helpless look and said, "Consider yourself lucky. Don't let me catch you next time." With that, he led his group out of the library.
The incident did not affect Xu Tiancai's mood; he steadfastly continued his studies and cultivation. In the town, he also made like-minded friends with whom he studied, discussed ideas, and made mutual progress.
As time passed, Xu Tiancai's reputation grew steadily. His tall, handsome appearance and exceptional talent attracted the attention of many women. One after another, they expressed their affection to him, but Xu Tiancai remained firm in his original resolve and unmoved. He knew that his goal was to become a powerful adventurer, not to indulge in romantic attachments.
One day, as Xu Tiancai was strolling down the street, a girl suddenly stopped him. She was quite pretty, and with a blushing face, she said to him, "Hello, my name is Lily. I've always admired you. Can we be friends?" Xu Tiancai looked at her with a smile and said, "It's nice to meet you, Lily. But right now, I only want to focus on my studies and cultivation; I have no time to consider other matters." A flash of disappointment crossed Lily's eyes, but she still said, "That's alright, I understand. I hope you achieve your dream." With that, she turned and left.
Watching Lily's retreating figure, Xu Tiancai felt a twinge of emotion. He knew his choice might disappoint some, but he had to stay true to his original aspiration. Only by doing so could he continue to grow in this challenging world.
During his days in the town, Xu Tiancai not only acquired a wealth of knowledge but also enhanced his own strength. His magic skills grew increasingly proficient, and his physical fitness improved as well. He knew he was one step closer to his goal.
Yet Xu Tiancai also understood that the road ahead remained long. He did not know what difficulties and challenges awaited him in future adventures, but he was full of confidence. He believed that as long as he persevered, he would surely overcome every obstacle and realize his dreams.
Just as Xu Tiancai was preparing to leave the town, he received mysterious news. Rumor had it that a powerful magical beast had appeared on a mountain near the town. This magical beast was exceptionally ferocious and already posed a threat to the safety of the town's residents. Xu Tiancai decided to challenge the creature and lift the threat from the townspeople.
Together with his friends, he embarked on the expedition. They advanced along the mountain path, searching cautiously for the magical beast's tracks. Finally, they spotted it inside a valley. The beast was massive in size, radiating a powerful aura. Xu Tiancai and the others immediately readied themselves for battle.
The fight broke out in an instant. Roaring, the magical beast charged toward them, but Xu Tiancai and his friends showed no fear and bravely met it head-on. Displaying their true strength, they engaged the beast in a fierce struggle. During the clash, Xu Tiancai realized that this magical beast was even stronger than he had imagined. Its attacks were extremely ferocious, and it could also employ certain magical skills. Though Xu Tiancai and his companions fell into a difficult situation, they refused to give up. Coordinating with one another, they searched for the beast's weak spot.
After an arduous battle, Xu Tiancai finally caught the magical beast off guard. Unleashing his strongest magical skill, he thrust his sword straight into its vital point. The beast let out a miserable screech and collapsed to the ground. Xu Tiancai and his companions let out breaths of relief—they had successfully defeated the magical beast.
When the townspeople learned that Xu Tiancai and his friends had triumphed over the beast, they came in droves to express their gratitude. Xu Tiancai accepted their thanks with a smile, and then departed the town with his companions. They resumed their adventurous journey, pressing forward into unknown territories.
After their departure, however, some strange events occurred in the town. Mysterious Figures appeared, seemingly searching for something. The appearance of these Mysterious Figures laid the groundwork for the chapters to come.