The probing sensation in Xiao Bai's spiritual awareness vanished as quickly as it appeared. His expression remained unchanged, but he breathed a silent sigh of relief. These two gray-robed elders were the strongest individuals he'd encountered thus far—peak Dou Zong cultivators. Since entering the valley, he'd maintained a cautious demeanor.
A hushed stillness lingered in the valley for ten minutes before the two seated gray-robed figures stirred slightly. Beneath their robes, two aged faces emerged, their eyes, calm as ancient wells, sweeping over the group. They paused briefly on Xiao Bai before a hoarse voice rasped, "This batch… is more interesting than the last."
Hearing one of the gray-robed figures speak, Hu Qian relaxed slightly, smiling. "In that case, would the two elders kindly release the spatial lock?"
"Brother Xiao Bai, Xian'er, watch the area around the pavilion ahead," Xiao Xun'er transmitted softly to the two.
Xiao Bai nodded subtly, having already noticed the pavilion's surroundings. Though they appeared unobstructed, a closer look revealed faint spatial ripples, barely perceptible, hidden within the fabric of space. Tracing these ripples, the entire pavilion seemed enveloped by an inverted, transparent dome.
"This is a spatial lock, a formidable barrier only a Dou Zun can create. It was set by a senior centuries ago. Without the elders' unique methods, even a Dou Zong couldn't breach it," Hu Qian explained with a smile, noticing the confusion in some eyes.
As he spoke, the two gray-robed elders' withered hands began forming seals. A faint yet overwhelmingly robust fluctuation, like waves, emanated from their hand signs, merging with the spatial ripples.
Instantly, a massive transparent dome materialized before them, rippling like water. Moments later, a seam appeared, as if torn open by invisible hands, gradually forming a portal wide enough for one person.
"Thank you, honored elders!" Hu Qian said, bowing to the seated figures before waving to the five behind him. "Let's go!"
"Once inside, remember: don't force anything. The items are protected by energy shields. If your hand passes through, you can take it. If not, let it go. Otherwise, you might end up empty-handed. Many have left with nothing in the past. Of course, Xiao Bai's an exception."
"For you, most shields won't pose a problem. But remember, no matter how much you can take, you can only bring out one item. Understood?"
Seeing Hu Qian's pointed warning, as if afraid he'd take too much, Xiao Bai was speechless. Who does he take me for? Am I that kind of person?
"Alright, you have one hour. Whether you find something or not, you must exit after that. Go!" Hu Qian smiled, ignoring Xiao Bai's expression. His caution wasn't about greed but the fact that the shields, challenging for Dou Shi or Da Dou Shi, were trivial for Xiao Bai. If he dismantled them all, Hu Qian would be stuck repairing them with the Thousand and Hundred Elders—a hassle he'd rather avoid.
"Hehe!" Xiao Xun'er and Xiao Yi Xian, catching Xiao Bai's sullen look, stifled giggles. After a playful glare from him, Xiao Xun'er took his hand, swaying it gently. "Come on, Brother Xiao Bai, let's go inside!"
"Alright," Xiao Bai said, nodding and leading the two girls into the Scripture Depository.
As the five entered, the open gate slowly closed. Hu Qian sighed softly, "Entering Jia Nan Academy's Scripture Depository is a rare opportunity. I hope you all find something worthwhile."
"That young man's soul strength is astonishing. In terms of soul alone, he's not inferior to us," one of the gray-robed elders rasped, their voices exchanging thoughts before the portal.
"Indeed. The soul force cloaking him blocked our probing. His spiritual awareness is sharp too—he sensed us before we even began."
"Seems like a lad with secrets. At his age, with such talent, he's not here just to study."
"As long as he harbors no ill will toward the academy, we can forge a positive connection. Beyond that, it's not our concern."
Hu Qian, listening nearby, groaned inwardly, his face wry. The Thousand and Hundred Elders would rather play guessing games than talk to me! As the Outer Academy's Vice Dean, he came here yearly, speaking only when needed, like a glorified errand-runner. The elders rarely engaged with him otherwise.
___
Inside the Scripture Depository, the group traversed a dark passage, guided by dim yellow light. After four or five minutes, a bright glow appeared ahead. Quickening their pace, they emerged into a spacious room, more akin to a grand hall.
The walls were lined with nearly a dozen energy shields, pulsating with light, illuminating the room as if it were daylight.
"Xiao Bai, isn't this place supposed to have lots of treasures?" Xiao Yi Xian asked, standing beside him, her eyes scanning the empty room with confusion. "Do we have to enter those energy shields?"
"No rush, Xian'er. Just wait here," Xiao Bai said, stroking her hair—nearly matching his own in hue—with a gentle smile.
A faint noise stirred the room. All eyes turned to the source: an energy shield on the left wall.
"Something's coming out of there!" Xiao Xun'er said, her brows knitting as she stared at the shield.
As she spoke, a purple streak shot from the shield, hurtling toward the group. Tu Shan and his companion flinched, dodging hastily.
Xiao Bai didn't blink. As the purple light neared, he extended a slender hand, catching it effortlessly.
The light dimmed in his grasp, revealing a scroll encased in an energy layer. Probing it with his soul, he chuckled, "Nice name! And it's thunder-attributed!"
Thinking he'd found something valuable, Xiao Xun'er's face lit up with a sweet smile, happy for him.
"Pity, this Purple Thunder Art is only high-tier Xuan class."
Xiao Xun'er's smile froze, an urge to smack him rising. She rolled her eyes prettily, exasperated. What a waste of my excitement! Just a high-tier Xuan class cultivation method?
But Tu Shan and his companion, who'd dodged, didn't share her nonchalance. They realized the depository's treasures emerged from these shields.
As another whooshing sound filled the room, their eyes gleamed. A flurry of multicolored energy orbs erupted from the shields, filling the hall with darting lights and whistling air.
"Go have a look," Xiao Bai said, amused by the eager glints in the girls' eyes, especially Xiao Xun'er's. Regardless of her status, she was still a young girl, and these random orbs were like mystery boxes—who could resist the thrill?
"Brother Xiao Bai, what do you need? I'll find it for you!" Xiao Xun'er said, brimming with excitement.
"Thunder-attributed, anything works. The higher the grade, the better," Xiao Bai replied, not declining. He could find things himself, but he wasn't a clueless romantic who'd ruin her fun.
"Got it! Come on, Xian'er, let's play!" Xiao Xun'er nodded, pulling Xiao Yi Xian along, sensing the orbs and waving her hands to catch them.
Xiao Bai watched the two girls with fond amusement, their joy infectious. His smile faded as he sat cross-legged, closing his eyes. His soul force surged, flooding the room, examining the darting orbs.
"Heavenly Jade Fruit, main ingredient for the Heavenly Jade Pill, boosts Dou Wang strength…"
"Mysterious Water Art, high-tier Xuan class water cultivation method…"
"Gale Annihilation Seal, low-tier Di class wind Dou Technique…"
These treasures, any one of which would spark frenzied competition outside, underscored Jia Nan Academy's profound resources. Recalling Hu Qian's warning, Xiao Bai felt a fleeting temptation to sweep the entire depository clean.
Such items formed the backbone of a faction's foundation. With these, building a powerful force would be effortless—provided one had the strength to defend them. Otherwise, you'd just be a treasure-delivery service.
No wonder the academy employed a Dou Zun's spatial lock to seal the depository. Without it, the Black-Corner Region's factions would've banded together to plunder Jia Nan Academy long ago.
As time ticked by, Xiao Bai's brows furrowed. He'd scanned everything but found nothing satisfactory, let alone the poison cultivation method Xiao Yi Xian needed—not even a trace.
"Are the shields' outputs random and limited, with some items not appearing?" Xiao Bai opened his eyes, glancing at the dozen shields. Though they still spat out orbs, the frequency had dwindled compared to the initial surge, with long pauses between.
Suddenly, his expression shifted. A fiery red orb burst from a shield ahead, the room's temperature spiking instantly. All eyes turned toward it. Drawn by the spectacle, Tu Shan and his companion lunged forward.
Before they could reach it, the orb, as if summoned, veered sharply at a ninety-degree angle, streaking toward another direction. They halted, following its path, and saw the cross-legged figure in the room's center beckon. The fiery orb obediently landed in his hand.
Disappointment flashed in their eyes. With such a display, the orb's contents were surely extraordinary, but in his hands, who'd dare challenge him?
They'd wondered why he sat motionless with closed eyes. Now they understood—he didn't need to chase orbs like them. A wave of his hand, and the treasures came to him. Such a method was unheard of, leagues beyond their own.
"Brother Xiao Bai, what is it?" Xiao Xun'er and Xiao Yi Xian rushed over, eyeing the scroll in his hand curiously.
"Ninefold Fire Phoenix Art, low-tier Di class fire cultivation method," Xiao Bai said, golden light flashing in his hand as he dispelled the fiery energy layer. A dark red, ancient scroll appeared, which he handed to Xiao Xun'er. "You're fire-attributed. I know you, little rich lady, don't lack for this, but keep it as a collectible."
"Hmph, 'little rich lady'? That's so tacky!" Xiao Xun'er wrinkled her nose at him, then broke into a radiant smile, taking the scroll. "Thanks, Brother Xiao Bai! I needed a transitional cultivation method, and this fits perfectly."
Tu Shan and his companion exchanged a glance, their lips twisting bitterly. Look at them—a Di class cultivation method, dismissed with a glance, casually gifted after breaking the shield. If we got it, we'd guard it like a secret, terrified of anyone noticing. It's a Di class method, not some common trinket!
And one dares to give, the other to take, both so nonchalant. A transitional method? Di class, and it's just transitional? What kind of family is this?
"Don't worry, Xian'er, we'll find yours too," Xiao Bai said, turning to the other girl with a gentle smile.
"…" Both girls were momentarily speechless. This guy's mastered the art of balancing affection, never leaving anyone out.
"Come on, Xun'er, let's ignore this guy!" Xiao Yi Xian's cheeks flushed slightly. She grabbed Xiao Xun'er and hurried off, her sharp words belied by the lightness in her step, revealing her true mood.
Xiao Bai chuckled, sighing inwardly. A harem's nice, but keeping the balance is work. Every one needs care. Xiao Yi Xian was gentle and magnanimous, but she was still a woman with her share of emotions.
As the hour neared its end, the cultivation method Elder Huo mentioned for Xiao Yi Xian remained elusive. Studying the shields, Xiao Bai's eyes flickered with uncertainty, then resolve. Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes, his mind entering his sea of consciousness.
Sensing the vertical mark on his forehead, he channeled a surge of soul force into it. Silver threads on the mark glowed, forming a strange symbol resembling a closed vertical eye.
As soul force poured in, the eye trembled, slowly opening to reveal a chaotic, majestic pupil—noble, indifferent, profound, and vast.
Xiao Bai's perspective shifted, rising as if he were an eye of the heavens, gazing down on all creation. Information about his surroundings flooded his mind, his vision expanding beyond the room. The energy shields, previously impervious to his soul force, became transparent, their contents laid bare in his mind.
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