Chapter 226: Shopping Spree (Ten Thousand Characters Completed)

In the mansion of the Tian She Mansion, the Qing Elder, whose spiritual soul had been wounded by Xiao Yan, spent several days recuperating before finally returning to the Tian She Empire, delivering Xiao Yan's utterly audacious words verbatim to the mansion's high leadership.

The current Mansion Master slammed his fist on the table, his gaze as if ready to devour men, the inverted-triangle serpent pupils flickering and contracting with terrifying intensity.

"Yan Alliance? A fine name indeed. Do they think that by uniting the Jia Ma Empire and allying with Mei Du Sha's serpent empire, they can dominate the entire Northwest Region? Even if Yun Shan of the Yun Lan Sect is dead, even if the Yan Alliance has two Dou Zong, destroying them is no hardship for the Tian She Mansion!"

"The Mansion Master speaks truly. We've repeatedly invited the serpent empire founded by Mei Du Sha to join us, yet she ignored us entirely—truly, we must take a firmer stance."

As a power controlling the central region of the Northwest Region, the Tian She Mansion's strength was unfathomable, housing several Peak Dou Huangs within its sect, such as the Eight-Winged Black Snake King.

Besides the current Mansion Master, former rulers were also Dou Zong experts; the sect brimmed with powerful figures, making it the most likely faction to unify the entire Northwest Region.

Though named "Tian She," containing the character for "serpent," the Tian She Mansion was not merely a gathering of serpent beasts from the Northwest Region—it was a vast beast faction encompassing all types of beasts.

"Tian She" refers to its Founder, who possessed the Qi San Hua Tong bloodline.

Upon hearing the Qing Elder's words, the Eight-Winged Black Snake King Bai Ya and the Bamboo Leaf Green Snake King Lv Man exchanged glances—they, as the serpents who brought back Qing Lin, naturally knew who Xiao Yan was.

After bringing back Qing Lin, they had ordered their subordinates to dig up every detail about Xiao Yan in the Jia Ma Empire.

Yet their information on Xiao Yan still dated back to before he participated in the Alchemist Convention, for the Jia Ma Empire lay on the fringes of the Northwest Region, far removed from the central Tian She Empire, where information flow was sluggish.

Now, hearing Xiao Yan's name again, they learned he had become the initiator of the recently ascendant Yan Alliance Covenant!

"Mansion Master, that Xiao Yan appears to be the one Qing Lin has always longed for—if we act forcefully against him…" Lv Man stepped forward, hesitating before speaking.

The Tian She Mansion's auxiliary serpent eyes glanced at Lv Man, coldly stating: "So what? Qing Lin has joined our Tian She Mansion and has been enshrined as Princess of the Tian She Empire—she is now one of our own, severed from all past ties."

Lv Man felt the pressure of a Dou Zong and bowed his head, retreating sullenly.

Lv Man whispered to the Eight-Winged Black Snake King Bai Ya beside him: "Bai Ya, what do we do now? Qing Lin, that fool, wants to return to the Jia Ma Empire—to that man named Xiao Yan."

The Eight-Winged Black Snake King cast a deep glance at the Mansion Master seated on the throne and whispered back: "I've heard the Mansion Master intends to matchmake with Qing Lin, and many Elders share this wish—to breed more offspring with the Qi San Hua Tong. Once Qing Lin fully inherits the Qi San Hua Tong legacy, he'll likely raise this matter."

With Qing Lin possessing the Qi San Hua Tong legacy, how could the Tian She Mansion ever let her go?

Lv Man and Bai Ya understood—naturally, so did Xiao Yan.

Lv Man and Bai Ya wore expressions of deep concern, for only these two serpents, who had directly faced Xiao Yan, knew the boy never spoke empty boasts.

He dared steal the Yin Yang Xuan Long Pill, dared send the Qing Elder back with a message—that meant he was certain he could accomplish it.

Back then, a mere Great Dou Shi had damaged their spiritual souls, and Bai Ya had even sensed an utterly terrifying aura of destruction emanating from Xiao Yan.

Bai Ya knew that if he hadn't bowed and made promises back then, he might not be standing here as a whole serpent today.

That man was far from ordinary—he had many tricks!

These two serpents would rather die than see Xiao Yan, years from now, rage across the Tian She Mansion in flames.

"We must consult Qing Lin. Some Elders in the clan now value her more highly, believing she can lead the Tian She Mansion to unify the entire Northwest Region—perhaps we can negotiate."

"Hmm. I'll send someone back to the Jia Ma Empire to investigate this Xiao Yan. Let's hope no great mistake is made."

Both serpents silently shook their heads—they felt the fate of the Tian She Mansion rested in their own hands.

Three days after the Inner Court Selection Exam ended, Xiao Yan walked through Jia Nan Academy like a star, his ears filled with scorching gazes and heated murmurs.

He had merely stepped out to the academy's stall area to see if he could find any good items or medicinal materials—yet he'd already received several bouquets and love letters.

For a man to receive flowers, one could only imagine how popular he'd become.

Xiao Yan sighed, placing the flowers at the entrance of the Xiao Clan's residence. Now, at the entrance stood a dedicated table for Xiao Yan's gifts and a mailbox for his letters.

As Xiao Yan entered, he saw Ruolin the Mentor, Xun Er, Xiao Yu, and others all inside, facing a middle-aged man dressed in the academy's mentor robe.

"Hehe, what's this? Everyone's gathered?" Xiao Yan strolled into the parlor with a smile, his gaze falling on Xun Er.

"Brother Xiao Yan, this is Master Ku Lu," Xun Er smiled, stepping forward to take his coat, her nose subtly sniffing for traces of female cosmetics. Finding none, she softly said: "According to protocol, this afternoon is when we enter the Library Pavilion."

Xiao Yan's steps paused slightly—he froze, then smiled broadly and nodded. Finally—it had come. He had long awaited this so-called mysterious Library Pavilion.

"Then let's not waste time. Let's go—I'm curious just how divine this legendary Library Pavilion truly is, to draw so much competition."

Xiao Yan and the others followed the middle-aged man to the Vice Dean's office, where Bai Shan, Wu Hao, and Hu Jia were already waiting.

Seeing Xiao Yan arrive, the three displayed distinct expressions.

Wu Hao slowly nodded to Xiao Yan—he had lost, and lost fairly.

Hu Jia, like a tigress, bared her claws at Xiao Yan, muttering that she'd defeat him once she obtained a Ground-Rank Dou Technique from the Library Pavilion.

Bai Shan maintained a smile, yet his cold gaze could not be hidden.

"Since you're all here, I'll skip the pleasantries—you know why you've been summoned," Hu Qian rose from his chair, smiling. "Per protocol, those qualified may enter the Library Pavilion to test their fortune."

"Rumors are true—the Library Pavilion holds Ground-Rank Dou Techniques and Cultivation Methods, along with rare treasures—but what you obtain depends on your Qi Circulation and strength."

As he spoke, Hu Qian stepped to the wall behind him, casually striking it several times. A low, rumbling boom echoed, and a pitch-black passage appeared before them all.

"Follow me," Hu Qian waved to the five, stepping first into the dark passage. Hu Jia, eager with curiosity, followed without hesitation, then Wu Hao, then Bai Shan. Only after they entered did Xiao Yan lead the others inside.

His powerful Soul Force swept through the passage, confirming no danger, before he quickened his pace slightly.

After walking a short while, before Xiao Yan and the others stretched a steep mountain path ascending to the horizon, where a massive, ancient, and imposing library tower stood.

On the tower's exterior, an ancient plaque bore three characters, eroded by time, faintly visible.

Library Pavilion!

"The foundation of Jia Nan Academy isn't weak," Xiao Yan silently compared it to the Soul Sovereign's Treasure Hall.

"This year's Inner Court Selection Exam produced more outstanding students, so five additional slots have been added. As per protocol, I've brought them here—please, Elders, open the gates!" Hu Qian bowed respectfully.

At this, the two gray-robed figures seated before the tower's entrance stirred slightly. From beneath their robes, two pairs of eyes, as still and ancient as those of meditating monks, lifted and swept slowly over Hu Qian and the others—then suddenly halted on Xiao Yan. The gray robes trembled faintly, and a faint, hoarse murmur slipped out: "Hm? What flame is this? It resembles a Heavenly Flame… yet doesn't."

The faint voice echoed slowly through the silent valley, clearly reaching Xiao Yan and the others.

"May I ask your name, young friend?" The other gray-robed figure fixed his gaze on Xiao Yan, his hoarse voice carrying the weight of accumulated years.

Hearing the gray-robed elders ignore Hu Qian and address Xiao Yan first, all were stunned, then turned their strange gazes toward Xiao Yan. From Hu Qian's respectful demeanor toward the two elders, it was clear they held extraordinary status within Jia Nan Academy—and for Xiao Yan to draw even a sliver of their interest, such treatment stirred envy in Hu Jia and the others.

Xiao Yan's eyes narrowed—he possessed Sixth-Rank Peak Soul Force, just a hair's breadth from Common Realm perfection—yet they had sensed something amiss. This proved their strength was at least Dou Zong, possibly High Dou Zong.

It was impossible for them to discern his Heavenly Flame—so long as Xiao Yan kept his fused flames unified, his flame remained a new, unique fire, not listed on the Heavenly Flame Ranking.

Xiao Yan bowed and replied: "I am student Xiao Yan. I merely happened upon a peculiar flame."

"No wonder five extra slots were added—such a young age, yet possessing such a flame."

"Hehe, this year is a bit more interesting than last year."

Seeing Xiao Yan unwilling to speak, the two elders did not press further.

The two elders formed hand seals, then opened the Space Lock, revealing an entrance to the Library Pavilion.

"Now enter the Library Pavilion on your own. Remember, no matter what you seek, do not force it—everything inside is sealed with energy layers. If your hand passes through the energy layer without resistance, you may take the item. Of course, no matter how many you pick up, you may carry out only one. Do not be greedy, or you will end up with nothing but an empty basket."

"If you cannot penetrate the energy layer, abandon it—your current strength cannot break through them. Every year, many enter the Library Pavilion, yet many leave empty-handed. So, everything depends on fate; if you cannot obtain something, do not force it." He pointed toward the Library Pavilion and turned to Xiao Yan and the others.

Hearing this, Xiao Yan and the others nodded, exchanged glances, then slowly stepped forward toward the Library Pavilion.

Thud—the moment everyone entered, the Library Pavilion's door closed.

"What do we do now?" Xiao Yu slowly approached Xiao Yan, asking as she gazed at the glowing energy walls around them.

She never imagined she would one day enter the Library Pavilion.

Before Xiao Yan could speak, Hu Jia ran up to Xun Er, smiling sweetly: "Xun Er, my grandfather said the Inner Court is best entered as a group, or you'll easily be bullied."

Beside them, Bai Shan smiled gently: "I have an elder cousin who has already been in the Inner Court for two years. Once we enter, if you, Xun Er, follow me, he'll look after you—you'll surely avoid the hardest transition period for newcomers."

Hearing Bai Shan's words, even Xiao Ning couldn't help laughing: "Follow you and shout surrender?"

At Xiao Ning's words, many present barely held back laughter, turning away to cover their mouths.

Bai Shan's eyes flashed with fury—he was clearly stung.

Xiao Yan cleared his throat and said: "Enough, don't mock him like that. If you shout surrender enough, you'll get used to it. Look at the floating light orbs on the walls first."

At Xiao Yan's words, Bai Shan's lips twitched slightly; his smiling face betrayed a flash of cold malice, which vanished instantly. Inside, he seethed: "Refuse the wine? Fine. Then play the tough guy. I hope you're still this hard after entering the Inner Court—I'll break you until you crawl out of it!"

Xiao Yan casually grabbed a floating light orb and examined it, easily pulling out the Scroll inside.

"A Profound Class High-Level Dou Technique of Wood affinity? No way—this is all the Library Pavilion has?"

Xun Er said: "Brother Xiao Yan, I have a Profound Class High-Level Cultivation Method."

"Hey Xiao Yan, I got a Spirit Fruit."

"Young Clan Leader, I can't get the item inside." Xiao Ning, however, failed to retrieve anything.

Frowning, Xiao Yan activated Soul Tracking. His powerful Soul Force pierced through the light orb in Xiao Ning's hand, revealing its contents!

"The light orbs here follow the same rules as the Dou Technique Pavilion back home—only those strong enough to break the energy membrane can take the item?"

Xiao Yan's eyes flickered with a knowing smile. "Listen to me—go seize the light orbs."

Xiao Yan instantly understood the Library Pavilion's rule: the greater the resistance of the energy membrane, the more valuable the item inside.

But this energy membrane could not block Xiao Yan's Six-Grade Peak Soul Force.

All members of the Xiao Clan instantly grasped the truth. There were ten people total—seven were from the Xiao Clan! Like wolves, they followed Xiao Yan's orders, splitting to attack the light orbs with the greatest resistance.

"This one won't do."

"This one won't do either."

"This is garbage."

"Heavenly Jade Fruit! Forget it—worth less than a Dou King Pill. Swap it."

"Ha! Heavenly Rank Dou Technique?!" A burst of delighted laughter echoed through the room. Xiao Yan turned—Bai Shan held high a silver light orb. Faintly visible within, like a Scroll, were the words "Heavenly Rank."

Undeniably, Bai Shan had a bit of luck.

Just as Bai Shan reached to take the item, Xiao Yan's eyes hardened. A subtle Soul Force surged forth. Bai Shan's mind reeled—the light orb dissolved into a streak of light and vanished back into the energy wall.

Bai Shan froze, then his face darkened with rage. He roared, his body shooting forward like a white blur, slamming into the energy wall.

Boom! Bai Shan crashed hard against the energy wall—but it didn't budge. He was violently thrown backward, spitting blood, then slammed into the opposite wall.

Xiao Yan secretly smirked. Had the Academy not forbidden killing, Bai Shan would have been a Corpse four months ago.

Still boasting he'd deal with Xiao Yan after entering the Inner Court? Today, Xiao Yan was determined to make him leave empty-handed!

"Brother Xiao Yan, what about this one?" Xiao Mei walked over holding a snow-white light orb.

!?

"Heavenly Rank Defensive Dou Technique—Xiang Yin Guarding Shield! Excellent! Perfect for you!" Xiao Yan was pleasantly surprised. Indeed, newcomers sometimes get lucky.

"But I can't pull it out." Xiao Mei looked dejected—her strength could never break through a Heavenly Rank Dou Technique's barrier.

"It says only one item per person—it never said you can't help someone else take it." Xiao Yan gathered his Strange Flame, unleashed the power of a Two-Star Dou Spirit, and smashed down with one palm—Boom! The energy barrier shattered.

The Heavenly Rank Dou Technique's barrier was nothing to Xiao Yan.

Seeing Xiao Yan break the barrier for her, Xiao Mei recalled how Xiao Yan had once done the same for her in the Dou Technique Pavilion.

After tossing the Scroll to Xiao Mei, Xiao Yan said: "Xiao Mei, leave first—before someone covets it."

"Oh, okay! Brother Xiao Yan, good luck!" Holding the Scroll, Xiao Mei was the first to sprint out of the Library Pavilion.

Seeing Xiao Yan help his clansman break the barrier and claim a Heavenly Rank Dou Technique, even Hu Jia felt a pang of envy—this was being fed right into the mouth!

Even with a Dean for a grandfather, she'd never gotten such help!

Time ticked away—the Library Pavilion wouldn't remain open forever; only one hour was allowed.

And Xiao Yan, this demon, seemed to control the place. Already strong, who could possibly outcompete him for items?

"Hey Xiao Yan, don't go too far—that one was mine!" Hu Jia shouted.

Xiao Yan glanced at the light orb in his hand, shook his head, and tossed it to Hu Jia: "This isn't suitable for us. Take it."

Soon, even Xiao Yu and the others obtained their desired rewards and left the Library Pavilion. Only Xun Er and Xiao Yan remained, along with Wu Hao and Hu Jia—who, though they'd acquired decent items, stayed to search for better ones.

Bai Shan, however, was unlucky—every time he found something valuable, either Xiao Yan snatched it away, or he suddenly felt dizzy and lost his grip, letting the orb fly back into the energy walls and vanish.

The light orbs emerging from the energy walls were gradually dwindling.

Xiao Yan frowned, silently grumbling: "Is there really no Heavenly Rank Dou Technique? Jia Nan Academy is far worse than the Soul Sect."

If the two elders outside heard Xiao Yan's thoughts, they'd surely roll their eyes. If Jia Nan Academy had Heavenly Rank Dou Techniques, wouldn't they have taken them long ago!

(End of Chapter)