Chapter 27: Melding Thunder Form

In the quiet valley, only faint rustling footfalls could be heard; Xiao Li led the way, the few of them crossed the grass before the pavilion and finally stepped onto the uneven, weather‑worn blue‑stone steps.

The stone steps were covered with moss, making the soles a bit slick, but it posed no obstacle to Xiao Li and the others.

After walking up the blue‑stone steps for a while, they arrived before the Library, and looking up at the ancient plaque, a sense of desolation spread from it, lingering in everyone's hearts.

Xiao Li's eyes flickered, "What a strange plaque, it actually has a soul‑sucking magic."

"Go in. The door will stay open for only one hour; after an hour, whether or not you have obtained what you need, you must leave."

To the left of the five, a gray‑robed man stared at Xiao Li—no wonder everyone praised him; his soul power was indeed outstanding.

The gray robe's sleeves fluttered in the light breeze, and the tightly shut great door creaked open slowly, revealing a pitch‑black passage inside.

The door flung wide, and an ancient, desolate aura rushed in, forcing Xiao Li and the others to keep their minds tightly guarded, daring not entertain any other thoughts.

This Library contains Earth‑Tier techniques and combat arts; one must not be careless.

After the five entered the Library, the open door creaked shut slowly, finally sealing tightly.

Watching the door close again, Hu Qian let out a relaxed sigh and laughed, "I hope these kids find something they like. Gaining access to the Canaan Academy Library is a rare chance; don't waste it."

On the other side, Qian Lao and Bai Lao began to argue.

"Give him an Earth‑Tier technique. His current low‑level Mysterious‑Tier method is unappealing."

"Nonsense. He should get a combat art; when he becomes our disciple, there will be plenty of techniques."

"Do you have Thunder‑attribute techniques of higher rank than those in the Library? We have Thunder‑attribute combat arts, but no techniques."

Bai Lao was left speechless, then retorted, "I can try to trade with others; if that fails, I'll go find the Dean!"

At the mention of the Dean, Qian Lao fell silent, then a bold thought surfaced, "What if we stole the Dean's treasured collection…"

Bai Lao shivered, disbelief flashing in his eyes, "You're insane, you dare to plot against the Dean!"

Qian Lao's eyes glittered, "Why not? We're also training students for the Academy. The Dean won't blame us, and after being away so long, who knows…"

Bai Lao quickly covered Qian Lao's mouth, "I give up, Qian Mu, you really dare say that. Take it, we can just go get it!"

Qian and Bai exchanged a glance; Bai walked away tacitly, while Qian stayed put, waiting for the chance to deliver a combat art to Xiao Li.

"By the way, Bai Lie, take that book Melding Thunder Form; it can also train the body. I'll find him another suitable combat art."

Bai Lao nodded.

"Also, copy a copy of the Dean's cultivation notes; the two of us and that kid each get one, so we won't lack experience teaching Thunder attributes."

Bai Lao paused briefly, then walked away.

"Also, the secret records in the Dean's room—his travels across the continent are still quite useful."

Bai Lao's step faltered, nearly stumbling.

"By the way, also…"

"Enough, no need to keep trying to turn a death sentence into slow torture!!!"

Bai Lao tore open a space and hurriedly slipped into the void, fearing Qian Lao might utter another resource name.

Qian Lao curled his lip, refocused on Xiao Li, clicking his tongue: the fifteen‑year‑old Second Star Great Fighter, a perfect Fighting Sect seedling—if his temperament holds, he could likely become a Fighting Venerable; after a wasted life, perhaps he could take a disciple to fulfill his regret.

In the vast room, Xiao Li stared at the erratically floating light clusters, his gaze burning; these were all high‑level techniques and combat arts, any one of which, if brought to the Xiao family, could become a secret treasure.

Keeping his mind barely steady, Xiao Li earnestly sensed the aura of the light clusters, gauging their brilliance, waiting for the right moment.

Chu Junliang could no longer hold back; he leapt forward, snatching a fiery red light cluster, his combat energy trembling, the red cloud shattered, revealing a book inside.

"Mysterious‑Tier low‑level combat art, Fire Wind Palm."

The others' eyes widened in shock; Chu Junliang had grabbed the dimmest light cluster, yet it contained a Mysterious‑Tier combat art.

Xiao Li watched the countless light clusters filling the sky—over a hundred in number—signifying at least a hundred books of Mysterious‑Tier techniques; no wonder the Canaan Academy has such extraordinary depth.

Feeling their aura, Xiao Li no longer hesitated and lunged for the most potent purple light cluster.

"Mysterious‑Tier advanced technique, Black Panther Strange Thunder Formula."

Xiao Li's heart stirred slightly; he didn't let the technique slip away. His current method is only a low‑level Mysterious‑Tier one, so if he can't find something better, this will do.

Qian Lao, watching anxiously from outside, hurriedly selected a higher‑grade Thunder‑type combat art from the treasury.

"Got it, it's you!"

A purple light cluster radiating intense brilliance flew toward Xiao Li.

Xiao Li startled; the cluster was at least three times larger than the one in his hand—definitely a valuable find.

He decisively discarded the Black Panther Strange Thunder Formula, clasped the light cluster with both hands, and the process went surprisingly smoothly, encountering almost no resistance.

Xiao Li scratched his head, too rushed to think, and hurriedly examined the book he now held.

"Earth‑Tier low‑level combat art, Nine Steps to Heaven!"

Xiao Li's eyes widened, his breathing quickened; an Earth‑Tier combat art, and the name suggests a movement technique.

Though slightly disappointing that the technique was still a low‑level Mysterious‑Tier, Xiao Li decisively kept the combat art; Earth and Mysterious tiers differ vastly, but his current technique level is low, so he's unsure how many times he can employ it.

The hour of bliss was brief; once everyone found what they coveted, they left the room.

As the five departed, the vortex‑like energy field surrounding the vast room began to shrink; moments later it reduced to a point and, with a faint crack, vanished completely.

At that moment, the enormous room became empty; no one could have imagined that it had once been filled with countless treasures capable of causing a sensation outside.

Outside the room, Hu Qian stared blankly at the four who emerged, his face puzzled, "Where's Xiao Li? Didn't he come out with you?"

Li Hao and the others exchanged bewildered looks, unsure of the situation.

After a distant voice echoed, Hu Qian calmly nodded, saying nothing more.

In the interspace between the Library and the outside, Qian Lao and Bai Lao wore forced benevolent smiles, but decades of arduous cultivation had warped their expressions, giving them a strange look.

Xiao Li felt goosebumps rise, "Esteemed seniors, what brings you to seek me?"

Brothers, the follow‑reading status next Tuesday will determine recommendations; please don't hoard books, and while you do, give me a click on the follow‑read to earn free recommendation votes. Thanks, big bosses.

(End of Chapter)