Chen Wei began working in the sect library under the pretense of studying historical texts. His crippled cultivation made the position believable—what else could a failed genius do but turn to scholarship?
Scholar Xu welcomed him warmly. "Ah, young Chen! I heard about your misfortune. But knowledge is its own cultivation, yes? The mind can advance even when the body cannot."
"This junior hopes so, Scholar Xu."
"Please, just Xu. We're fellow seekers of wisdom here, regardless of age or rank."
Over the following weeks, Chen Wei observed while pretending to research. He noted which texts Xu consulted, which sections he organized most carefully, which visitors he spoke with.
Pattern Recognition revealed subtle inconsistencies. Xu organized the library with near-perfect efficiency... except for certain sections. Historical records of sect formations were always slightly misplaced. Technical manuals on rare cultivation techniques frequently went "missing" before being found in unexpected locations. Records of previous sect masters' breakthrough experiences were catalogued incorrectly.
Not random errors. Deliberate manipulation designed to look like age-related confusion.
He's hiding specific information, Chen Wei calculated. Preventing disciples from accessing certain knowledge combinations that might lead to breakthroughs the Society wants suppressed.
But why stay personally? Why not just corrupt the library and leave?
Then Chen Wei noticed the pattern in Xu's daily routine. Every midnight, the old scholar would walk through specific library sections in a precise sequence, spending exactly three minutes in each.
He's maintaining formations, Chen Wei realized. Subtle enough to avoid detection, but actively suppressing information discovery. He has to renew them regularly.
Chen Wei needed to see these formations. But Xu would notice if anyone followed him at midnight.
So Chen Wei didn't follow. He predicted.