The Eternal Sin-Chapter 35: Martial Scroll Hall.

Techniques had not always existed like they did now.

In the earliest eras, survival itself was extremely difficult. The threats posed by demonic beasts, illness, and natural calamities were far greater than they are now. Humanity lived on the edge of extinction.

It was during such an age that the first Immortal Emperor was born.

He was called a Child of Destiny. He was the one who created techniques and spread cultivation, uniting the people and ushering in change that overturned the balance of the world.

Humanity went from being hunted to becoming the hunters.

But human nature was cruel and selfish. What had once been a means to survive slowly turned into a means for slaughter, a tool to satisfy personal greed and ego.

From afar, Jiang Chen saw the ancient architecture of the Martial Scroll Hall. It not particularly tall, but sprawled across an enormous area. Dark stone steps led upward. Thick wooden pillars supported the structure, each carved with roaring tigers. The roof sloped heavily, its tiles darkened by centuries of rain and sun.

To Jiang Chen, the building felt like an ancient beast sleeping with eyes half open.

Generations of cultivators had walked through these same doors. Some rose to prominence. Others died nameless in the dirt. But all had once stood here, staring at the same walls, weighing the same choices.

Jiang Chen’s gaze swept across the entrance calmly.

The sect’s Yellow Rank techniques needed by Qi Condensation cultivators were stored here. Black Rank techniques required by Foundation Establishment cultivators were locked deep within the inner sect. As for matters regarding Core Formation, Jiang Chen was not privy to them.

Quite a few people were gathered outside the hall, waiting patiently and orderly. That was beacuse there was a rumor among outer disciples that a Foundation Establishment cultivator oversaw this place in secret. This prevented greed from sprouting where it should not.

Jiang Chen ascended the steps without pause and waited his turn.

At the entrance, four fifteenth layer Qi Condensation cultivators stood guard. Their expressions were stern, eyes sharp as they inspected sect identification tokens one by one.

"Identification."

Jiang Chen handed his token over.

One of the guards examined it carefully, then returned it with a nod. "You may enter."

Jiang Chen stepped inside the building. The moment he crossed the threshold, the atmosphere changed.

This was the first section of the hall, containing low grade Yellow Rank techniques. Jade slips floated densely, layered upon layer like schools of fish suspended in midair. This area was naturally the most crowded. Low level cultivators and newcomers filled the space, some whispering excitedly, others with faces filled with confusion and anxiety, unable to decide.

"Eh, this one seems suitable for beginners."

"But the description says it damages the meridians if overused."

"I heard Senior Brother Jun crippled himself with this. He can’t even squat to take a shit anymore. Goes down and needs three people to pull him back up."

"Ancestor fuck me, look at this row. Sword techniques everywhere! Jejeje!"

"So many techniques... and not a single one will make me handsome."

Voices overlapped endlessly.

Jiang Chen did not slow his steps, weaving through the crowd without hesitation. Some eyes followed him briefly, some even greeting him respectfully, before returning to their own concerns. To most, he was merely another senior disciple passing through.

Gradually, the noise faded.

A transparent water wall appeared before Jiang Chen.

Its surface flowed endlessly, like a vertical river suspended in midair. Scenes flickered within it like dreams coming to life. Past battles where tiger shadows tore through the sky. Sword lights splitting mountains apart. Giant fists shattering rivers. Patriarchs standing tall above clouds, leaving behind words carved into history. Images of the Heavenly Tiger Sect sect from its humble beginnings to its current grandeur unfolded in silence.

Many cultivators stopped here for long periods, mesmerized.

Jiang Chen also observed silently.

’Dead men praising dead glory.’ He scoffed.

After a moment, he stepped forward. The water wall rippled gently as he passed through, then returned to its previous state.

On the other side was the mid-grade Yellow Rank section. The number of techniques dropped sharply. Only a few hundred jade slips floated in the air.

Jiang Chen glanced around briefly, then continued forward.

Soon, he entered the third section, containing high-grade Yellow Rank techniques. The space here felt vast and empty. Only around a hundred jade slips floated. This was where his Heavenly Tiger Fist Technique was stored.

Jiang Chen felt an inclination to linger.

But he did not stop.

He walked to the far end where a massive stone tiger was embedded directly into the wall. The statue crouched low, its mouth slightly open, eyes hollow and lifeless.

Jiang Chen took out a spirit stone and placed it into the statue’s mouth.

The spirit stone vanished instantly.

Crimson light flared within the tiger’s eyes. A section of the wall slid aside as a hidden entrance opened.

Jiang Chen stepped inside.

The final section.

There were only thirteen techniques here. Each jade slip levitated upon a wooden hand growing from the ground, fingers curled upward as if offering a tribute.

The place was completely empty except for Jiang Chen.

His first thought upon entering was, ’Not even here, huh. The Foundation Establishment overseer hides well. It does not matter. I should just focus on the matter at hand.’ Jiang Chen began examining the techniques one by one.

White Tiger Slaughtering Sword Art.

Created by the first generation patriarch, Heavenly Tiger Bai Yuan. A sword art refined through countless life and death battles, excelling in close to mid range combat, overwhelming foes with tyrannical power and relentless pressure.

Price: 2300 spirit stones.

Jiang Chen raised an eyebrow.

’Dear heavens, this is absurdly expensive. No wonder I have rarely seen it in action. Which ordinary outer disciple could afford this price?’

’Well.. I can afford it, which itself feels strange to think about. Sigh, I’ve been poor for far too long. Anyway, this technique is not what I am looking for right now.’

He returned the jade slip.

Next came the Yin-Yang Harmony Fist Technique.

He skipped it.

Then came the Northern Star Ice Poison Arrow Technique.

Jiang Chen was tempted.

But no.

Skip.

One after another, Jiang Chen examined six techniques in succession, discarding each without hesitation.

Finally, a movement technique caught his eye.

Heavenly Wind Escape Technique.

The description spoke of riding the wind, gliding through the air like a leaf carried by heaven. When executed, the practitioner’s body became light and unfettered, moving with the flowing currents so that pursuit became as difficult as chasing drifting clouds.

Price: 2000 spirit stones.

Jiang Chen’s initial interest cooled as he read further.

This technique uses wind qi to glide across terrain. But his bone essence granted him the movement speed of a peak stage Myriad Strength Tiger. That power came from explosive leg movement and skeletal reinforcement. A gliding technique would bypass that advantage entirely.

’It is not compatible at all. Missing out on that strength overlap would be such a waste.’ Jiang Chen sighed quietly and placed it back.

He continued checking the techniques.

’If nothing here fits my requirements, then even a high grade compatible technique will still give me an edge over those who master peak grade ones. But it would be really nice if there is a peak grade technique here for me.’

Only two techniques remained.

Jiang Chen picked up the next jade slip.

Traceless Ink Steps.

The name alone made his eyes brighten. According to the description, this movement art treated the body as a brush and heaven and earth as paper. The footwork taught the practitioner to move as ink flowed beneath the brush, smooth, elegant, and continuous. When practiced correctly, the practitioner would move swiftly without stirring dust or sound, leaving no trace upon the earth.

Price: 2200 spirit stones.

Jiang Chen felt genuine interest.

He glanced at the final jade slip, a water path attack technique.

Skip.

Jiang Chen was going with Traceless Ink Steps.

Then a thought surfaced.

’How do I complete the transaction here?’

This was Jiang Chen’s first time entering this section. Unlike the previous sections, there was no attendant present. An outrageous thought of stealing crossed his mind.

’Heh, that would be courting death. Guess I will try this.’ Jiang Chen took two steps back and bowed deeply.

"Greetings, Senior."

Silence followed for nearly ten breaths.

Jiang Chen remained bowed, his eyes squinting slightly. ’Did I misjudge..?’

Just as doubt surfaced, an aged voice reached his ears. "Mm. At ease youngster. Which one do you want?"

’The Foundation Establishment cultivator!’ Jiang Chen clasped his fists, saying politely, "Traceless Ink Steps."

His gaze swept across the hall. He couldn’t see a soul.

The voice spoke again, stating the price.

Instead of answering, Jiang Chen took out the blood red wooden slip.

The moment it appeared, flames consumed it, reducing it to ash.

Jiang Chen’s expression changed.

A beam of light suddenly descended, unfolding into a Heavenly Oath Agreement. The sect’s seal was already present. Jiang Chen read through it and signed with his divine sense.

The oath split instantly. One strand of light entered his soul, binding him like an invisible chain. The other seeped into the walls and vanished.

The jade slip containing Traceless Ink Steps floated upward. From it, multicolored light erupted and shot straight into Jiang Chen’s skull. Countless images and words flooded his mind.

The process lasted only a few breaths. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

When the light faded, Jiang Chen’s eyes shone like stars reflected in still water.

He bowed once more toward the empty hall before turning and walking away.