Cultivation Nerd (xianxia)

Chapter 2 – Being a Nerd 101

Xin Ma, the outer elder responsible for the library, had a head of black hair with silver strands, something many said made it hard to determine his age. He also sported large circular glasses, which was a peculiar low-tier artifact that helped him read faster.

The library allowed free access to all the library books as long as they remained within the building's walls or they could borrow one for some time. But the disciples sometimes tried to sneak some extra books out. They were unsuccessful as there were inscriptions on the walls that stopped someone from taking books out of the place. Though none of the disciples knew that tidbit of information.

Despite the occasional annoyance of his job, Xin Ma cherished days like these when events drew away most disciples, sparing him from dealing with the troublesome youths.

Sighing, he watched the countless rows of shelves, reaching as high as the ceiling, housing a vast repository of low-level techniques and knowledge on basic cultivation practices. However, despite his enthusiasm for reading about techniques, he had long since learned that these shelves were useless for those beyond the Body Tempering Realm.

Though still considered young among his peers, Xin Ma harbored greater ambitions in life and aspired to rise beyond his current status as an Outer Elder. He yearned for a path of cultivation rather than spending his days among dusty tomes.

Suddenly, the rhythmic sound of a cane striking the wooden floor broke the library's silence. Xin Ma immediately recognized the source without even turning his gaze.

As an old man came into view, he looked like he had one foot in the grave. With a peculiar goat-like beard jutting from his chin, small beady eyes, and a hunched back, the old man leaned on his broom as a makeshift cane for support.

Known as 'Goat Geezer' among the sect members, few knew his actual name. Xin Ma remembered that this old man had been part of the sect since his own days as a disciple.

The old geezer's name was Shan Sha, a cultivator who never advanced past the Qi Gathering stage. His unwavering loyalty to the sect was the sole reason for him still being around.

"Another one of those bloody tournaments has come around?" the geezer snorted as he settled into one of the many chairs lining a long table where disciples would usually read. "I swear, it's all just useless peacocking. They're doing it solely to please the Grand Elder. Aside from the man himself, no one believes another like him will rise from the outer sect to become a Grand Elder."

Even after easing into the chair, the geezer continued to breathe heavily. A simple walk had already become quite a challenge for him.

"You're still kicking it, Shan Sha?" Xin Ma joked.

The old man responded with a wheezing laugh. "Don't worry, I'll outlive all of you."

Normally, Xin Ma wouldn't allow the old man to make such remarks in front of others, as it would cause him to lose face. But since it was just the two of them, he didn't mind the jests. These conversations with the geezer were what made his days bearable.

As the old man gathered his breath, he continued, "By the way, when will the Acceptance Ceremony take place? I wouldn't wish to be you at that time, even if I were to regain my youth."

Xin Ma winced, and the old man cackled at his reaction. When new disciples arrived, they were often curious, rummaging through books and causing trouble. Of course, they grew bored of reading and moved on after a month or two, but it was still a hassle to deal with every year.

"Please don't remind me of that whole thing. It is one of the damn reasons I don't want to stay as an Outer Elder. We are all just glorified servants with fancy titles. The Inner Elders would never suffer something like this," Xin Ma ranted. "I barely have time for cultivation in the evenings."

"I wish I had the same problems as you youngsters." The old street sweeper shrugged.

*******

After enjoying the free breakfast at the dining hall, I immediately made my way toward the library.

The entire Blazing Sun Sect was built atop a mountain, with the whole sect fit inside that mountain. But it was a big ass mountain, so everything took climbing an ungodly amount of stairs to get anywhere.

Fortunately, there were some blessings to this whole thing. Like how most disciples skipped breakfast to attend the tournament fights. So at least I didn't have to wait in line.

I walked up the countless stairs, clutching a notebook and brush in my hand. The only sounds accompanying my footsteps were the chirping of birds. At least the scenery was pleasant, with trees all around and lush greenery as far as the eye could see.

Upon reaching my destination, I breathed out a sigh of relief. Even this body was beginning to feel the fatigue of climbing so many stairs.

The library was like a large Chinese-themed tower. At the entrance, there was a statue of a scholarly-looking man, with a book in one hand and a sword in another.

There was no one around here, and I took a moment to appreciate the scenery. This place was built high enough that I could catch a glimpse of the arena where my compatriots were beating each other to death. Though from this distance, it was hard to tell who was fighting.

Walking closer to the statue, I