Chapter 14

Liu Qingxuan’s voice was low, but like a pebble cast into a still lake, it left everyone in the ward stunned.

Even the principals who had been arguing fiercely fell silent.

Jiang Xia frowned slightly. “What is the Dao Book inheritance?”

Liu Qingxuan gently laid the scroll on his knee, his fingertips tracing the worn edges of the pages, his gaze softening with reverence, yet his tone remained calm.

“The Dao Book is an SSS-grade magic treasure created by our Academy’s dean—the current Human Four Sages, the Sage of Letters, Mo Yuan—using his ability, ‘Words Become Law.’”

Liu Qingxuan lightly tapped the scroll on his knee, as if echoing the legendary treasure, his voice growing more solemn: “This Dao Book was forged from the Sage of Letters’ very essence of the Dao of Letters.”

“The characters on it were not written—they were inscribed by the Sage of Letters using his ‘Words Become Law’ ability, embedding hundreds of sacred principles: Benevolence, Courage, Wisdom, and more.”

“Anyone who observes it can perceive the character most suited to their inner self.”

He lifted his eyes to Jiang Xia, fixing them on his still-pale face: “Ordinary people who obtain an SSS-grade magic treasure usually use it for offense or defense—but this Dao Book is different—it is alive.”

“If Itachi enter the Dao of Letters Academy and touch the jade pages with your spirit, the characters will dissolve into light and sink into your mind-sea, not only resisting certain mental abilities but also helping Itachi avoid pitfalls in your cultivation.”

Wang Teng leaned forward, voice hushed but brimming with curiosity: “Headmaster Liu, can the Dao Book directly teach fighting techniques? Like Old Xia turning into a giant?”

Liu Qingxuan chuckled at his bluntness, shaking his head but adding: “It doesn’t teach specific techniques—but it lets Itachi wield them with greater stability.”

“Last year, a student with a water ability struggled to control the force of his water arrows. After three months of observing the Dao Book, he could pierce a copper coin’s hole with perfect precision.”

“He even unlocked the water element’s softening art, allowing him to withstand attacks from a fifth-rank beast—that’s the effect of sacred principles merging with one’s ability.”

Jiang Xia recalled the times he’d overused his Sharingan, his eyes flickering with interest.

“So only Dao of Letters Academy students can access the Dao Book?”

“Yes. And each year, only ten slots are granted to observe it. If Itachi join, the first slot is yours.”

Liu Qingxuan extended the scroll before Jiang Xia. “Look at these characters on the page—though merely a simple rubbing, they still carry a trace of Dao of Letters energy. Try touching one with your fingertip. See if Itachi feel anything different.”

Jiang Xia extended his finger. The moment it touched the character “Courage,” a warm current flowed from his fingertip into his chest, easing the fatigue caused by his depleted spiritual energy.

A flicker of surprise crossed his eyes; when he looked up at Liu Qingxuan, his expression had softened.

The other principals’ faces darkened—SSS-grade magic treasure plus a dedicated patronage slot? No one here could match this offer.

Liu Qingxuan, seeing Jiang Xia’s hesitation ease, added: “If Itachi place in the top five at the Academy’s Grand Competition two weeks after enrollment, Itachi’ll be sent to Shanhai Pass for training, escorted personally by all four Academy Heads!”

Wang Teng, listening beside him, slapped his thigh and whispered urgently to Jiang Xia.

“Old Xia! What’s there to think about? It protects your soul, boosts cultivation, and lets Itachi train at Shanhai Pass with the Academy Heads guarding Itachi!”

Ye Lingxi nodded gently, her gaze fixed on Jiang Xia’s face with quiet concern: “The Dao Book inheritance is rare. And Headmaster Liu’s method of nurturing characters suits your current condition perfectly.”

The principals’ faces turned ashen, yet none spoke. An SSS-grade living treasure, a dedicated slot, and targeted healing for Jiang Xia’s condition—no one could compete.

Wu Zongshan of Tianwu opened his mouth, then sighed and stepped back half a pace, tacitly acknowledging the Dao of Letters Academy’s advantage.

Liu Qingxuan did not press further, only watched Jiang Xia with gentle patience: “No need to decide yet. Heal first, think slowly. The Dao of Letters Academy’s door remains open for Itachi.”

Jiang Xia stared at his hand, the warmth from touching the scroll still lingering on his fingertip.

He recalled his near-collapse in the secret realm from depleted spiritual energy, then remembered Lu Wujiu’s words: “The Demon God Sect’s leader has grown stronger.” His inner balance tipped toward the Dao of Letters Academy.

He looked up at Liu Qingxuan, his hesitation fading, replaced by resolve: “Headmaster Liu, I don’t need to wait. I choose the Dao of Letters Academy.”

The moment he spoke, Wang Teng leapt to his feet: “Perfect! Then I’ll go too—and Lingxi! We’ll cultivate together!”

Liu Qingxuan’s eyes glinted with amusement as he nodded: “If Itachi two are willing, come for testing in a few days. Given your performance in the secret realm, passing will be easy.”

Ye Lingxi smiled faintly, her tense shoulders finally relaxing.

The principals bowed their farewells, faces still tinged with resentment. Outside the ward, Wu Zongshan turned to Zhao Qingshan.

“Old Zhao, did Itachi already guess the Dao of Letters Academy would come for him? That’s why Itachi stayed silent.”

Zhao Qingshan stroked his beard. “Ever since I saw Jiang Xia slay those two Catastrophe-rank beasts in the secret realm, I knew.”

“Sigh,” sighed Chen Mingyuan beside him. “We can only blame ourselves for lacking their depth.”

Inside the ward, Liu Qingxuan gave a few final instructions on recovery, left a Dao of Letters Academy acceptance letter, then departed with the scroll.

Soon after, Ye Lingxi and Wang Teng gave Jiang Xia a few parting words and left as well.

When everyone had gone, Jiang Xia summoned his system: “System, claim the quest reward!”

【Ding～Detected host killed 2 Catastrophe-rank beasts. Reward: 200,000 points.】

【Congratulations! Host has completed: Shatter the Demon God Sect’s Conspiracy. Reward: 1 Advanced Draw, 2 Intermediate Draws, 10 Basic Draws.】

【Would Itachi like to auto-draw?】

“Auto-draw!”

Jiang Xia rubbed his hands, anticipation rising.

【Basic Wheel: Ten Draws】

【Congratulations! Host obtained: 30 Shuriken, 30 Exploding Tags, 4 Rations.】

【Intermediate Draw】

【Congratulations! Host obtained: Ninjutsu—Shadow Clone Jutsu, Genjutsu—Chains of Heaven.】

【Advanced Draw】

【Congratulations! Host obtained: SSS-rank talent—Rinnegan.】

【Host】: Jiang Xia

【Realm】: Martial Master Stage (30/3500)

【Ability】: SSS-rank Mangekyo Sharingan, SSS-rank Rinnegan

【Skills】: Shisui no Jutsu, Wanxiangtianyin , Tailed Beast Bomb, Amaterasu, Kamui, Tsukuyomi, Ninjutsu—Shadow Clone Jutsu, Genjutsu—Chains of Heaven…

【Physique】: 200 Qi

【Items】: Exploding Tags*60, Kunai*70, 20,000 Huaxia Coins, Rations*4, Jiraiya’s Icha Icha Paradise, Shuriken*30

【Ninja Tools】: Kusanagi Sword

【Points】:

【Draw Opportunities】: None

Jiang Xia could no longer contain his joy—he burst into loud laughter: “Hahahaha! I made it! Master Dao, I made it!”