[Sword Gourd Spirit] holds the possibility of Breaking the Realm, but he hasn’t yet found the right method, or perhaps he simply hasn’t accumulated enough.

"Maybe my Spiritual Power isn’t strong enough, maybe the original ’Sword Gourd Journey’ has a middle and lower volume..."

He has read thousands of books, but only ’Sword Gourd Journey’ granted him the special ability of [Sword Gourd Spirit].

This suggests that ordinary books cannot grant abilities; only special books can, and ’Sword Gourd Journey’ falls into this category.

The ability of [Sword Gourd Spirit] does not appear out of thin air; the travelogue ’Sword Gourd Journey’ itself possesses a certain profundity beyond the grasp of ordinary people.

In other words, ’Sword Gourd Journey’ may not be a mere travelogue but rather similar to a Cultivation Technique, composed of realms such as Blood Circulation, Strong Bone, Refining the Internal Organs, etc.

His current [Sword Gourd Spirit] is equivalent to the first layer of Perfection. Moving forward, he must either comprehend a breakthrough himself or find content related to subsequent realms.

As such, an unknown amount of time had passed, and while Chu Ming was immersed in the book, a new voice from the courtyard outside said, "Lord Chu, the County Governor has arrived."

Subsequently, Little Shan knocked on the door.

Chu Ming set down the book and stood up to go out.

There had been a lot of nobles coming and going today, but he hadn’t seen any of them. However, this County Governor was different.

The County Governor of Xirong County, a Junior Fourth-Grade Official, could be considered the second-in-command of the Xirong County Government.

"County Magistrate..."

He knew this County Magistrate, having heard of his great name back at Baiyuan Academy.

This County Magistrate, named Baili Xinghua, like himself, hailed from Baiyuan Academy.

Previously, he was chased back to his residence by Shen Yu due to a simple text, leading others to compare him with this County Magistrate.

Because this County Magistrate was also pursued to his residence by the academy’s teachers due to his talent.

Unlike him, this County Magistrate had only studied at the academy for a year before coming to the County City as the top scorer in the county examination.

He didn’t even complete the one-year training in the County City before being recommended as an official.

After becoming an official, he was upright, honest, and outstanding in ability, with achievements multiplying, and his rank elevated almost every few years.

Today, he holds the rank of Junior Fourth-Grade County Governor, and he’s only in his forties.

Many people say that this County Magistrate is the most talented, capable, and people-oriented figure Xirong County has ever had.

How many people seek after such a figure but can’t meet him, and yet he has personally come today?

Even if they both came from Baiyuan Academy, it shouldn’t be the case, should it?

Chu Ming walked steadily and soon arrived at the main hall.

At the center of the main hall stood a tall, gray-robed figure.

The person had a kind face, bright eyes, and an aura that naturally endeared him to others.

Just as Chu Ming reached the door, this County Governor greeted him with a spring-like smile, showing no sign of a Fourth-Grade official’s airs.

"Junior Brother is here."

Junior Brother?

Despite the age difference of decades, calling each other as Junior and Senior Brother?

Chu Ming’s heart stirred, and he hurriedly cupped his hands in salute, "County Governor."

With his [Sword Gourd Spirit] sweeping over, Chu Ming was startled; the County Governor’s Qi Blood was thick, appearing at least in the Strong Bone Realm.

"Haha, truly a talented young man," Baili Xinghua smiled as he praised Chu Ming, reaching out to help him up, "There’s no need for such formalities between brothers?"

Every word from Baili Xinghua exuded an air of agreeableness.

"May I ask what brings the County Governor...?"

The more agreeable the County Governor was, the more uneasy Chu Ming felt.

Too kindhearted!

"What, does Junior Brother not welcome Senior Brother?"

Baili Xinghua maintained his friendly smile, glancing around, "Are you comfortable with your living conditions?"

"I am, thank you for your concern, my Lord." Chu Ming replied respectfully.

"We both hail from Baiyuan Academy, and you were promoted by Lord Xiao, who is kind to me. If you need anything, just ask. As long as it’s not too excessive, I can fulfill your request," Baili Xinghua said with a smile.

"Thank you, my Lord. I have no requests," Chu Ming replied calmly.

Baili Xinghua pointed to a table nearby, where a stack of books was placed, and said, "I heard that my Junior Brother loves to read. I brought a dozen books here that I found commendable."

"Thank you, my Lord," Chu Ming cupped his hands gratefully.

Baili Xinghua looked towards the hall’s exterior, "I noticed most of your staff are servants, with guards only at the entrance. I’ll have the Inspectorate send some constables over."

Inspectorate constables?

Chu Ming cupped his hands again, "Thank you, my Lord."

"Alright, it’s getting late, and I have other duties to attend to. I’ll visit you another day."

Baili Xinghua didn’t linger; after delivering a stack of books and exchanging a few words, he truly left just like that.

Chu Ming gazed at those books, falling into deep thought.

Did this talented ’Senior Brother,’ now a Junior Fourth-Grade County Governor, really come just to see him?

He drew out a book and delicately inspected it with [Sword Gourd Spirit].

There were no poisons or hidden surprises; just a regular book.

Then came the second, third, fourth...

Up to the ninth book, Chu Ming found nothing unusual. He paused there because the tenth book was somewhat unique.

It wasn’t poetry, history, or military skill; it was a travelogue.

Chu Ming pondered and continued examining the following books.

The next wasn’t a travelogue but poetry, and under [Sword Gourd Spirit], it too had no issues.

Chu Ming picked up the poetry book, and his gaze fell on the last book.

"Hm?"

His eyes suddenly focused.

"Sword Gourd Journey!"

On the cover of the last book, the words ’Sword Gourd Journey’ were clearly inscribed.

"The thickness is wrong!"

The ’Sword Gourd Journey’ he had seen previously was only half the thickness of the one before him.

"Could it be..."

First, he meticulously examined it, confirming there were no problems, then eagerly began flipping through it.

Page one, two, three...

He flipped through, familiar content flashing before his eyes.

Upon reaching the middle pages,

"Sure enough."

"The original ’Sword Gourd Journey’ was only a portion, but this one is more complete."

Chu Ming’s heart began to race slightly as he took the book back to his room.

Under the flickering candlelight, the sound of turning pages was clear.

About half the quarter-hour later, this sound abruptly ceased.

Chu Ming closed ’Sword Gourd Journey,’ eyes half-shut, candlelight casting onto his face, a hint of delight flashing between his brows.

More than just delight.

Chu Ming was experiencing immense joy.

In his mind, the three great lakes resonated with one another, with the Cultivation Technique Lake predominating, while the Book Collection and Mountain and Sea Lake complemented it. The eleven-colored Hongqiao still floated above the Cultivation Technique Lake.

But above the Book Collection Lake, water was also rising and condensing into a spherical shape without delay—a phenomenon never before seen.

At that moment, Chu Ming felt an unprecedented sense of clarity, as if his Spiritual Power had become immensely strong.

"This feeling..."

His eyes suddenly focused, and an invisible pressure shot from his brow aimed at the faintly flickering candle flame.

Whoosh—

Suddenly, the candle flame swayed violently as if blasted by a gale.

"This is true Mental Suppression!"

Chu Ming gazed at the wavering flame, his eyes becoming increasingly profound.

On the panel.

[Sword Gourd Spirit (Substantive)]

[Progress: 2/100]

"A breakthrough!"

[Sword Gourd Spirit] had shattered its original shackles akin to [Reading], reaching a new realm.

"Substantive..."