Xiang Shaoyun only left the Book Pavilion after seven days, spending a considerable number of contribution points doing so. During the seven days, he had not cultivated at all. Even so, his cultivation base never stopped growing. It had now reached 97 percent completion. He no longer suppressed his cultivation base, intending to let his advancement come naturally. It would be too excessive to continue suppressing it at this point.

When Xiang Shaoyun walked out of the Book Pavilion and was about to leave with his jade plate, the old man guarding the pavilion said, "Kid, this old man has a question. Why are you reading all those books everyone else regards as useless? Why don't you read some books about battle techniques and cultivation methods?"

The old man had seen too many geniuses. Almost all of them would head straight to the second or third floor to read some battle techniques and cultivation methods. Very few would remain on the first floor to read the books many considered useless.

Xiang Shaoyun replied honestly, "For others, they might be useless. But they are very useful to me."

"I see. Do you mind telling me more?" asked the old man.

Xiang Shaoyun hesitated slightly before saying, "Every single book that has been preserved over the generations has its own worth. That is why there is a saying that in a book, there is a house of gold; in a book, there is a shade of jade. We are martial cultivators, and cultivating the body should naturally be our focus. But I also believe that cultivating the mind is essential as well. That is the worth of the so-called useless books. Everyone should cultivate the mind. Only with a strong body and mind will one be able to handle and face different situations appropriately. One's frame of mind will also expand, allowing one to reach greater heights in life and face all tribulations with a smile on one's face."

A look of astonishment flashed past the old man's eyes, and he said, "Not bad at all. A youngster capable of understanding all that, like you, is very rare these days. Any single book is an accumulation of experience left behind by our predecessors. It allows one to expand one's horizon and learn new things. It is extremely important for the cultivation of one's body and mind. It is good that you realize that. I will give you a 50 percent discount when reading on the first floor from now on."

"Thank you, elder!" Xiang Shaoyun was overjoyed.

He had spent a total of 10 days reading on the first floor, spending 60,000 contribution points doing so. With his current wealth, that wasn't much. However, it would still be better if he could cut costs. He had not expected that the old man would actually give him such a benefit. It was quite a joyful event. The old man then waved his hand, telling Xiang Shaoyun to leave. Xiang Shaoyun did as told and left after giving the old man a salute.

Looking at Xiang Shaoyun's departing back, the old man sighed, "A youngster with such a frame of mind is very rare nowadays."

He then shut his eyes again and continued lounging there while gently waving his feather fan. As for Xiang Shaoyun, he went straight to his villa instead of the ring. He planned to enter seclusion and look for the best timing to break through into the Dragon Ascension Realm. Before he reached his villa, however, someone blocked his path.

"You're Xiang Shaoyun?" a sassy girl's voice rang out.

Xiang Shaoyun looked at the young lady in astonishment. She had her hands on her hips, and he replied, "Yes, I am Xiang Shaoyun. What do you need, little sister?"

The young lady before him wore no makeup on her face. She had delicate, proportionate facial features, and on her head sat an incredibly luxurious crown covered in bright, shiny pearls.

She wore a golden outfit that glimmered with a bright luster. With one look, it was obvious her outfit wasn't a simple outfit. She had an hourglass figure and a pair of slender legs. A portion of her legs was uncovered, revealing her fair and tender skin, which looked exceedingly enchanting and alluring.

She was about 15 or 16 years old. At such a young age, it was already clear that she was a stunning beauty that would grow into someone with remarkable looks. From what she wore, it was obvious she had an impressive background. Further proving that point was the unruly and willful temperament she exuded.

"Who are you calling little sister? I am Huang Xiaoyue, a princess of the Dusk Dynasty!" said the young lady furiously.

Xiang Shaoyun blanked out. Inwardly, he sighed, No wonder something seems off with the surroundings. It turns out this girl has such an impressive background?

The Dusk Dynasty was one of the seven strongest dynasties in the Central Region. Each dynasty was comparable in strength with the ancient clans. In fact, they were even better at ruling their respective territories than the ancient clans.

Xiang Shaoyun wasn't familiar with the name Huang Xiaoyue, but he was very familiar with the name Huang Tianji. He was a prince of the Dusk Dynasty, also one of the academy's eight freaks, a top-10 expert on the Dragon Phoenix List.

That prince had not fought much, but nobody dared to doubt his strength. In fact, he was strong enough that nobody was certain who would win if he fought the Smiling Swordsman Baili Yixiao, who was ranked first on the list. Just that alone proved that Huang Tianji did not have an undeserved reputation. Huang Xiaoyue was most likely his little sister.

"And what brings you here, Your Highness?" Xiang Shaoyun asked.

"I want you to be my devoted guard. Swear me your fealty," demanded Huang Xiaoyue with a commanding tone.

Anyone else telling Xiang Shaoyun this would be met with a slap without mercy. But Huang Xiaoyue looked too adorable and innocent that he couldn't even bring himself to feel any anger toward her. In fact, she reminded him of Ye Chaomu, whom he hadn't seen in a long time. Thus, he had the urge to tease her for a bit. "What do I stand to gain by swearing fealty to you?"

"Of course, you stand to gain a lot of benefits. By becoming this princess's glorious guard, your fame will spread across the Dragon Phoenix Academy and the entire dominion. Anyone who dares to disrespect you will all be beaten up!" declared Huang Xiaoyue like she was some unstoppable conqueror of the universe.

"Oh? That really sounds attractive. Too bad I'm a tad bit too weak. I'm not even at the Dragon Ascension Realm yet. How am I even capable of protecting you, Your Highness? At the very least, I need to reach the Heaven Battling Realm to be qualified to serve under you. Princess, for now, you might want to look for a more suitable guard," said Xiang Shaoyun, but inwardly, he thought, This little girl is quite innocent and adorable.

"You sure know your place. But don't worry. This princess finds you pleasing to the eye. I can guarantee that you can reach the Heaven Battling Realm easily in the future. Just stay by my side for now. This princess shall look after you," declared Huang Xiaoyue with her chest puffed.

"I think it's better we wait until I reach the Heaven Battling Realm," said Xiang Shaoyun, somewhat speechless. It was obvious his words were a polite rejection, yet this girl didn't even notice?