Chapter 160: Treasure-Snatching Battle Royale
In the quiet valley, only the soft sound of footsteps echoed. Xiao Yuan walked hand-in-hand with Xiao Yu behind Hu Jia and Wu Hao, with Xiao Yan and Xun'er bringing up the rear. The group crossed the grassy area before the pavilion and stepped onto the time-worn stone steps.
The stone steps were covered with moss and slightly slippery, but it posed no obstacle for them. After a short walk, they reached the entrance of the Tome Pavilion and looked up at the ancient plaque. A sense of desolation radiated from it, entwining itself around their hearts.
Cough—
A raspy cough suddenly startled them from their daze. All six quickly looked away from the plaque.
"What a strange plaque… it can actually mesmerize people. This Tome Pavilion is no ordinary place."
Although Xiao Yuan had instantly broken free from the trance, he couldn't help but feel amazed.
"Go in. The door stays open for one hour. After that, whether you've found what you want or not, you must come out."
On the left, one of the gray-robed elders spoke as the large door creaked open, revealing a dark corridor.
The moment the door opened, a wave of ancient, desolate aura rushed out. Xiao Yuan and the others quickly focused their minds to avoid any distracting thoughts.
Hu Jia took a deep breath and stepped in first, followed closely by Wu Hao.
"Let's go," Xiao Yuan said with a smile to Xiao Yu, Xiao Yan, and Xun'er.
"Mm!" Xiao Yan nodded and gave a discreet glance at the mysterious elders before entering with Xun'er.
Once all six had entered, the heavy doors creaked shut.
Watching the door close, Vice Principal Hu Qian smiled. "Let's hope they find something they like. Entering the Tome Pavilion of Jia Nan Academy is a rare opportunity."
"Those two with Heavenly Flames… definitely not ordinary," the gray-robed elder remarked meaningfully.
Inside, Xiao Yuan kept a calm expression, but quietly activated Listening Wind Whisper, attuning his senses to everything around him.
Soon, the group emerged from the dark hallway into a vast chamber.
The walls were lined with energy barriers—nearly a dozen of them—each one glowing softly and illuminating the room like daylight.
Hu Jia and Wu Hao were already there. Upon hearing footsteps, they turned. Hu Jia took a step forward with a playful smile.
"Xun'er, once we're in the Inner Academy, we need to stick together. I've heard from my grandpa that the stronger your fists, the better the training resources. If we're separated, we newcomers will definitely get bullied."
Her gaze flickered toward Xiao Yuan. Though he had struck hard during their fight, his flawless face and subtle restraint left her feeling complicated.
"Hehe, then stick with me. No one in the Inner Academy will be my match."
Xiao Yuan smiled confidently.
He knew it was a bold claim, but given some time to train, he was confident he could dominate the Inner Academy. Even now, with five Qi Paths and multiple high-level Dou Techniques, he feared no Dou Ling opponents.
"Tch, bragger!" Hu Jia pouted. "There are plenty of Dou Ling students in the Inner Academy. You may be strong, but don't underestimate them!"
"Wait and see."
Xiao Yuan didn't bother to argue. He turned his attention to the surroundings.
Aside from the energy barriers along the walls, there was nothing else in the room.
"Don't bother searching. It's just those weird barriers. Are we supposed to go inside them or something?" Hu Jia asked.
Xiao Yuan narrowed his eyes and focused on the barriers.
Zing!
With Listening Wind Whisper, he immediately detected an imperceptible sound. A moment later, he flashed toward one of the barriers and caught a violet light beam emerging from it.
"Careful!"
Xiao Yu's warning came a second too late.
"High-grade Profound-Rank technique—Violet Thunder Art?" Xiao Yuan muttered, glancing at the scroll. His hand passed through the energy layer without resistance.
"Technique?" the others exclaimed. Then they understood: the techniques and treasures would shoot out from the barriers!
Soon after, a surge of colorful energy orbs erupted from the barriers, flying chaotically through the room with whooshing sounds.
Everyone activated their abilities to catch the airborne treasures.
Xiao Yan soon caught a Sky Jade Fruit, the main ingredient for a Dou Ling Pill. Taken raw, it could boost a Dou Ling's strength by one star; refined, it could elevate a Dou Wang! An incredibly rare treasure—yet there it was, in the Tome Pavilion.
Unfortunately, he couldn't use it right now.
He sighed and tossed it aside, resuming his search.
Xiao Yuan also discarded the Violet Thunder Art. A high-grade Profound Technique was good, but not worth it—not for him.
On the other side, Xiao Yu stood stunned, holding a blue scroll.
"Xiao Yu? What's wrong?" Xiao Yuan asked as he approached.
"Xiao Yuan… am I dreaming?"
Her voice was dazed. She looked at the scroll, then back at Xiao Yuan.
Xiao Yuan scanned the scroll with his spiritual sense and was equally surprised.
Low-grade Earth-Rank Technique—Azure Water Ripple Art.
Whoa.
"Nice find."
He chuckled and patted her back. With an Earth-Rank technique, her cultivation path would be much smoother.
"Congratulations, Sister Xiao Yu!" Xiao Yan and Xun'er smiled and congratulated her.
Hu Jia huffed, reeking of envy.
She hadn't found anything decent yet!
Soon after, Xiao Yan found a Mid-grade Earth-Rank Fire Technique—Ninefold Phoenix Flame Art and gifted it to Xun'er.
She initially declined, but since Xiao Yan had the Flame Mantra, he didn't need it. So she accepted.
Hu Jia and Wu Hao were nearly green with jealousy. The Xiao family's luck was too good!
And Xiao Yan just gave away an Earth-Rank technique like it was cabbage.
Damn lovestruck idiot!
After some bitter grumbling, they resumed searching for their own treasures.
Xiao Yuan and Xiao Yan grouped up again.
"Brother, did you notice? The energy clusters with stronger auras usually contain better stuff," Xiao Yan whispered.
"Yeah. I noticed more quality ones coming from the northwest, east, and south. You take northwest—I'll handle east and south," Xiao Yuan replied.
They both sat down and closed their eyes, releasing spiritual energy to scan the room.
Xiao Yu and Xun'er lacked strong spiritual sense, so they relied on luck—but after grabbing over ten orbs, still found nothing useful.
Eventually, Hu Jia and Wu Hao managed to secure treasures that satisfied them. Hu Jia got a mysterious purple pill; Wu Hao found a scroll, though he kept its contents secret. It likely was either an Earth-Rank technique or a top-tier Profound-Rank one.
Ten minutes remained on the clock.
Finally, Xiao Yan caught a red scroll: Low-grade Earth-Rank Technique—Flame Armor.
"A perfect fit!"
He grinned and waved the scroll in victory. He didn't disturb Xiao Yuan, who was still meditating, but he did continue scanning to help his brother.
"What's Brother Xiao Yuan looking for?" Xun'er whispered.
"No idea. But if he can't find it, I'll give him my technique. It's water-type, but maybe his ice element can work with it," Xiao Yu replied calmly.
Crackle!
A faint arc of electricity sparked in Xiao Yuan's ear.
"Hm? That energy…"
His eyes flew open. Like a leaf on the wind, he darted toward the eastern barrier.
A silver orb flickering with black lightning shot out—so fast even he missed it.
Incredible speed! It must be good!
Without hesitation, Xiao Yuan activated Heavenly Flame Triple Mystic Transformation, and his Purple Cloud Wings burst forth. Wind stirred the room as he vanished.
"Dou Qi Wings?!"
Hu Jia and Wu Hao were shocked. Sensing his terrifying aura, they realized he was on par with a Dou Ling!
The others quickly understood—the treasure must be extraordinary.
Zing!
With a burst of speed, Xiao Yuan finally caught the silver orb.
But just as he did, the black lightning exploded. A wave of destructive energy detonated in his palm—he was caught in the blast!
"Xiao Yuan!"
Xiao Yu cried out, wanting to rush over. Fortunately, Xun'er stopped her and pulled her back.
Even Xiao Yan looked concerned. Though he believed in his brother's strength, he couldn't help but worry. Even Yao Lao didn't speak—Xiao Yan's own spiritual sense couldn't detect what was happening in the blast zone.
(END CHAPTER)
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