Li An's residence was not large, just a simple, small house, but it was clean and tidy.

Especially notable were three rooms, all dedicated as studies!

They were filled with books Li An had bought from various sources.

Astronomy and geography, snakes, insects, birds, beasts, pills, instruments, talismans, medicine... there was everything.

Moreover, although these books were clean, they appeared somewhat worn, evidently having been thoroughly read.

Song Mingzhang casually picked up a book or two, leafing through them carefully, and saw that Li An had made notes and annotations on the key points in every book.

These miscellaneous books were not considered important by cultivators, serving primarily to broaden one's knowledge.

But from Li An's notes, Song Mingzhang could imagine that when Li An was hunched over reading, he was truly immersed in the books, as if unwilling to part with their flowing streams.

He put down the book in his hand and picked up another one from elsewhere.

But every book was the same!

Full of annotations and notes.

"These are all shallow books, Zuo Wen's knowledge is shallow, making Master Song laugh..."

Li An spoke.

But in his heart, he felt like a student who had done his homework exceptionally well, facing a teacher's inspection without any panic.

In the past five years, while quietly cultivating, he had indeed made reading his primary focus!

In his previous life, Li An had reached the Core Formation stage and seen landscapes of higher realms, so it could be said that his insights far surpassed ordinary people, allowing him to read deeply and grasp unique understandings.

Moreover, since his Spirit Platform and the branch of his Life Seed connected, he had gained the ability to remember everything he saw.

This was precisely why five years ago, he could read through "Pill Discussion" and "Grass Recognition Skill" in just three days.

"Young friend reads profoundly, making this old man admire you!"

Song Mingzhang spoke, though he increasingly liked Li An, he still jested:

"Fellow Zuo, this annotation in 'Array Theory': 'The array is not its essence, the method is its framework,' has puzzled this old man..."

A test!

Li An, without hesitation, replied: "This should be the discussion on page twenty-seven, which is actually explained on page thirty-five..."

Song Mingzhang was surprised, turning to page thirty-five, finding it just as Li An had said.

He couldn't help nodding, feeling completely reassured.

Li An truly loved books and could truly read into them!

Additionally, he understood gratitude!

Even a mere three-day book loan had been remembered, not forgotten even after four or five years.

This sense of gratitude was truly rare in the deceitful Cultivation Realm.

His desire grew stronger, but he intentionally said, "Fellow Zuo truly loves books, only these books... do seem unworthy of fellow Zuo's talents."

"They are too shallow!"

He criticized without reservation: "The content of these books is mostly superficial. To learn profound knowledge, relying on these books is impossible."

Li An was also visibly moved, lamenting: "What the senior says is very true!"

"In recent years, Zuo Wen has suffered precisely from this. The books in circulation often contain errors and are incomplete, which has been deeply detrimental to me..."

Song Mingzhang smiled slightly, stroking his beard. With someone like Zuo Wen who loved books, it was very easy to handle him. He continued, "In my humble collection, there are three thousand books, each a masterpiece, with 'Grass Recognition Skill' and 'Pill Discussion' being but ordinary books..."

Li An felt his heart yearn and spoke with excitement: "Master Song... may I have the honor to visit the library?"

Beside him, Cai Chao couldn't help but say: "That library is Master Song's treasure... all his life's efforts are in those books. If you want to read there, fellow Zuo, you should observe the ceremonial courtesy of a disciple!"

He had a smile in his eyes, intentionally giving Li An a hint!

Cai Chao had already noticed Song Mingzhang's affection for Li An.

With this timely reminder to Li An, if Li An were to successfully apprentice under Song Mingzhang, a good relationship would be established for the future.

Song Mingzhang indeed had this intention, and with Cai Chao's mention, he was quite delighted, finding it best to have Cai Chao say it.

But upon further thought, he found it inappropriate!

Li An, this person... was too unattached!

In five years, he had only indirectly contacted Song Mingzhang once, never actively seeking him out. Song Mingzhang understood: this was the pride and etiquette of a scholar.

The friendship of gentlemen is as plain as water, and also should be one of equality.

It was evident that although Li An resided in a humble dwelling, he was unwilling to let secular status influence his learning.

With this thought, Song Mingzhang felt it necessary to take things slowly with Li An, not to rush, so he said: "Meeting young friend Zuo today feels like gaining a confidant, regardless of these formalities, follow me freely—"

If it were anyone else, observing disciple courtesy would be unavoidable.

Ceremonial courtesy, to speak plainly, was a kind of constraint.

But he felt there was no need for such constraints for Li An, because Li An understood gratitude, not the kind to forget favors.

Cai Chao was immediately surprised, as Song Mingzhang's words clearly treated Li An as an equal.

To be esteemed by Song Mingzhang was already remarkable, but to receive such an honor... Li An was truly the first.

Li An couldn't help but feel immensely grateful, "With such heavy kindness from the senior... it will not be forgotten in my lifetime!"

In truth, if needed, he could accept the disciple's courtesy and would even do so voluntarily.

Although he had once been a Core Formation master, Li An had long discarded that indifferent pride, not taking pride in his past identity.

Because it was useless!

To Li An, those things were equally illusory, only the Great Dao of Immortality and continuous improvement were most important.

Of course, now receiving such treatment, Li An was quite satisfied.

His years of accumulation and waiting had not been wasted.

Immediately, Li An boarded Song Mingzhang's carriage and went towards Song Mingzhang's residence.

Cai Chao stood at the street corner, watching the two depart.

"From today onward, the unknown scholar on Anle Street is likely to soar to great heights..."

He couldn't help but sigh.

...

Song Mingzhang lived on "Taihua Street".

Taihua Street was next to "Wuyang Street" but was a "Rank Three" Spirit Vein area.

However, even the Spirit Vein here was relatively weak.

He had a standalone small courtyard, which according to Li An's knowledge, was extremely valuable.

It belonged to the Treasure Pavilion and even an Artifact Evaluator needed over ten years in the pavilion to be allocated one, and if they left, the courtyard would be reclaimed.

Having served the Treasure Pavilion all his life, Song Mingzhang's life span was close to three hundred years, with not much time left, so he wasn't concerned about this issue.

The two conversed all the way, mostly about books, becoming increasingly joyful as they talked.

Getting off the carriage, they entered the small courtyard.

A servant boy opened the gate, and Song Mingzhang led Li An inside to the living room, where a maid served tea.

"Where is Anning? Let her come out to meet the guest."

Song Mingzhang waved his hand, and the maid promptly left.

Shortly after, a young girl in a green lotus dress walked gracefully, her posture elegant and her figure charming, yet she wore a veil that covered half her face.

Even so, the half of her face that was visible still bore many pitted and ulcerated scars!

"Anning, this is Mr. Zuo Wen who rescued you from your plight,"

Song Mingzhang spoke.

Song Anning bowed to Li An, saying, "Thank you, Mr. Zuo, for saving my life!"

Li An quickly responded, "Miss Anning, please rise, there's no need for such courtesy!"

After the greetings, Song Anning promptly left without lingering further.

"Come, young friend, let me take you on a tour of my library."

Song Mingzhang immediately suggested, and the two entered the library.

The library was far more spacious and bright than Li An's simple studies, with some famous calligraphy and paintings on the walls. Carefully tended by maids, a slight sandalwood fragrance filled the air, instantly calming the heart.

Li An stood there, his eyes revealing a look of envy.

"If young friend does not mind, why not stay at my humble abode?"

Song Mingzhang said at the right moment, speaking leisurely: "Studying hard here for three or five years, you will certainly gain much more!"

Li An hesitated for a moment, but eventually, he bowed, saying: "With such great kindness from the senior, how fortunate is Zuo Wen!"

"Respectfully, I would rather obey!"

He agreed.

...

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