Although he was shocked, he managed to regain his composure. He quickly looked through the nearby books and saw the basic history of the Land.
The Benefactor Jing Xiao created the Isolation that we all know today… I already know of this, this doesn't matter much. I need to know where exactly I am. He thought as he began looking around the library.
The library looked no different from the Endless Library where the towering wooden pillars stood tall, and the mighty bookshelves raised the ceiling.
While searching for any useful information, he stumbled upon an old map. It seemed made of paper and was already dyed brown by time.
The map showed a drawing of the entire library. Unlike the Endless Library, this one seemed to be smaller.
He soon learned of the intricacies of the library. The place where he suddenly appeared was the Entrance that can be found at the Center of the Library.
The Library was separated into four distinct areas like a Cartesian plane.
The top right corner holds the documents and books that are historically important. When Zixin saw this, he smiled, happy to know where to go.
Even though he already knew where to go, he still looked at the map, trying to remember most of the important details if he ever needed them.
At the bottom right corner were the records regarding abilities. Zixin found this interesting, but unfortunately, he can't be sure if Xiu Ying will catch him if he stays too long. So, he decided to go for the 'Historical Tales' instead.
At the bottom left corner were theories, which also piqued Zixin's interest. He always found the mystery regarding creation and life as a whole worth solving but unfortunately couldn't go. He bit his lips, looking at the last and final quadrant.
At the top left corner were records about the outside world. Zixin almost fell over from shock, thinking to himself, So many interesting things to learn yet I have to choose only one… I already chose the 'Historical Tales' so I have to go with it.
Zixin shook his head, feeling a little down knowing that he had just skipped learning so much. He then thought, trying to encourage himself, Even though I skipped out learning about the other topics which certainly hold more importance than 'historical tales,' I still feel happy. Learning so much is already bliss, I can't ask for more.
Soon enough, he began heading towards the first quadrant where the records of history are held.
While walking towards the first quadrant, Zixin observed his surroundings. Even though the entirety of the library seemed almost identical to the Endless Library, there should still be some differences. The only reason he was looking for these differences was curiosity about when it was built.
During the thousands of years of recorded history of the Land, various structural trends formed, some of which still remain to this very day.
Despite not remembering each trend too well, Zixin still managed to remember the basic patterns of each trend.
He observed the towering wooden pillars that seemed never-ending. There were various patterns carved into it, depicting the cycle of rainfall.
Zixin tried to remember what trend it might be but instead ended up being confused. Carving symbolic patterns has always been a common action when constructing. It's so common that almost all trends make use of it in some way or another.
Even after thinking about it for a good while, Zixin was still confused. He thought, creating a conclusion, If I remember things correctly, it can't be any previous or currently occurring trend. So, it must be an unknown one or a hidden one.
He sighed, remembering what he came there for. He smiled awkwardly, quickly composing himself, and began to continue.
I really do lose track of time whenever it's about history huh? He thought, smiling warmly.
Not long after, he finally reached the first quadrant. He quickly began looking through the books and documents.
Most of them contained recent information, so Zixin managed to immediately realize how the books and documents were organized. Using this newfound information, he quickly managed to find the first book regarding the 'Historical Tales.'
As he was about to take it, a soft and warm voice echoed throughout the library. He immediately froze, panicking which made the books fall upon him, burying him beneath them.
He carefully took one book after another and placed them back like they were previously organized.
He sighed, turning to look at his side. There stood Xiu Ying, her smile warm like the blazing sun.
A sudden creep ran down Zixin's spine, his body quivering.
Zixin who didn't know what else to do soon shook his head, apologizing, "My apologies for my inability to contain my own curiosity. I am willing to be punished if that would ease you."
Xiu Ying simply chuckled, gesturing and inviting Zixin, "How about we go for a walk?"
Zixin, having no other choice, complied, "As you wish, dear sister."
Xiu Ying then started walking back to the center of the Library. Zixin simply followed like he agreed.
While walking, Xiu Ying asked, her gaze upon Zixin filled with intent, "May I ask how you managed to enter this place?"
Zixin explained everything, not leaving out any details that may harshen his soon-to-come punishment.
Upon hearing Zixin's actions, a fascinated expression dyed Xiu Ying's mood. Her smile widened, as she spoke, "How interesting. As you have guessed, I will hand you a befitting punishment but that matter is to be discussed at my office."
Zixin asked curiously, "Then how are we supposed to leave? The map I found somehow didn't include an exit."
Xiu Ying chuckled, explaining, "The map you say? I assume it is the Foundation you speak of. That map was made when this grand Library was under construction. Of course, it wouldn't have an entrance."
Zixin didn't buy her excuse, after all, how could it not have an entrance even during the construction?
As the two conversed, they also reached the center.
Xiu Ying carefully tapped her shoes on the floor in a strange yet rhythmic fashion. Each step and tap seemed to draw out a figure but before Zixin could even realize, both their figures suddenly appeared within Xiu Ying's office.
Zixin's thoughts started to move, his curiosity rising by the second, How does the mechanism for transportation work? This is so interesting. But I can't just ask now, the current mood is… rather down…
He noticed Xiu Ying gesturing for him to take a seat, so after a few quick steps, he sat down, nervous to hear her upcoming punishment.
Xiu Ying's normally warm aura suddenly turned cold, her gaze deep as her thoughts moved. As she pondered over what course of action to take, the room's temperature continued to decrease. Zixin could feel his skin becoming cold, as his breaths became more frequent.
Xiu Ying then turned to look at her ever-lovable brother. She smiled, yet no warmth could be felt. Her voice echoed throughout the room as if silencing all other noise, "Beheading shall do."