Chapter 223: Chapter 223: Shopping Spree
Word Count: 3,566 Words
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At the Sky Serpent Mansion, Elder Qing, whose soul had been injured by Xiao Yan, returned to the Sky Serpent Empire after several days of recuperation and a long journey. She relayed Xiao Yan's exceedingly arrogant words verbatim to the higher-ups of the mansion.
The current Mansion Lord of the Sky Serpent Mansion slammed his palm on the table in fury. His gaze was as if he wanted to devour someone, and his inverted triangular snake pupils contracted and expanded in a frightening manner.
"Yan Alliance, what a Yan Alliance! Do they think that by unifying the Jia Ma Empire and allying with Queen Medusa's Snake-People Tribe, they can dominate the entire North-Western Region? Even if Yun Shan of the Misty Cloud Sect were still alive, even if the Yan Alliance had two Dou Ancestors, my Sky Serpent Mansion would have no difficulty wiping them out!"
"The Mansion Lord is right. Our Sky Serpent Mansion has sent multiple invitations to Queen Medusa's Snake-People Tribe, but she has always ignored us. Perhaps it's time we adopt a tougher stance."
As a faction that occupied the central region of the Northwestern Region, the strength of the Sky Serpent Mansion was naturally unfathomable. Within the mansion, there were not just a few peak Dou Emperors like the Eight-Winged Black Serpent Emperor.
In addition to the current Mansion Lord, there were former lords who were also Dou Ancestors. The mansion's numerous elite experts made it the faction most likely to unify the entire North-Western Region.
Although it was called the Sky Serpent Mansion, having 'serpent' in its name, in fact, the Sky Serpent Mansion was not just a gathering of serpent-type magical beasts from across the North-Western Region. In reality, it was a massive faction comprising all types of magical beasts.
The term 'Sky Serpent' signified that their founder, the Jade-Eyed Snake Saint, possessed the Sky Serpent bloodline.
Upon hearing Elder Qing's words, the Eight-Winged Black Serpent Emperor Bai Ya and the Bamboo Leaf Green Snake Emperor Lu Man, who were seated below, exchanged glances. As the ones who had brought Qing Lin back, they naturally knew who Xiao Yan was.
Back when they had brought Qing Lin back, they had sent their subordinates to the Jia Ma Empire to investigate Xiao Yan's background.
However, their information about Xiao Yan was still from before he participated in the Alchemist Grand Meeting. After all, the Jia Ma Empire was situated at the edge of the North-Western Region, far from the centrally located Sky Serpent Empire, and information transmission was not well-developed.
Now, hearing Xiao Yan's name again, he had actually become the initiator of the recently prominent Yan Alliance!
"Mansion Lord, that Xiao Yan seems to be the person whom Her Highness Qing Lin has always been thinking about. If we act forcefully..." Lu Man stepped forward, hesitating for a moment before speaking.
The Mansion Lord glanced at Lu Man with his snake-like pupils, his gaze icy as he said, "So what? Since Qing Lin has joined our Sky Serpent Mansion and has been conferred the title of Princess of the Sky Serpent Empire, she is now a member of our Sky Serpent Mansion and has no relations with anyone from her past."
Lu Man felt the pressure of a Dou Ancestor, lowered her head, and retreated sullenly.
She transmitted her voice to Bai Ya beside her: "Bai Ya, what should we do now? That foolish girl Qing Lin wants to return to the Jia Ma Empire, to return to that person named Xiao Yan."
The Eight-Winged Black Serpent Emperor gave a deep look at the Mansion Lord seated on the throne and transmitted back, "I've heard that the Mansion Lord intends to arrange a marriage for Qing Lin. Many elders in the mansion share this intention, hoping to produce more offspring possessing the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils. I'm afraid that once Qing Lin fully receives the inheritance of the Jade-Eyed Snake Saint, they will bring up this matter."
Now that Qing Lin had obtained the inheritance of the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils, how could the Sky Serpent Mansion possibly let her go?
Lu Man and Bai Ya understood this reasoning, and naturally, Xiao Yan did as well.
The two serpents showed deep worry on their faces because only they—who had directly confronted Xiao Yan—knew that the young man was not someone who made empty threats.
He dared to snatch the Yin-Yang Mysterious Dragon Pill and even dared to have Elder Qing bring back such bold words; that meant he was confident he could carry out his threats.
He had already injured their souls back when he was just a mere Dou Grandmaster, and in the end, Bai Ya had even sensed an extremely terrifying aura of destruction emanating from him.
Bai Ya knew that if he hadn't yielded and made certain promises back then, perhaps he wouldn't be standing here intact.
That man was definitely not simple; he had many methods!
They were extremely unwilling to see Xiao Yan storming the Sky Serpent Mansion in a rage in the future.
"This matter can only be discussed with Qing Lin. Now, there are some elders in the mansion who value her even more, believing that she can lead the Sky Serpent Mansion to unify the entire North-Western Region. Perhaps we can find a way to maneuver."
"Agreed. I'll have people go to the Jia Ma Empire again to investigate this Xiao Yan. Let's hope we don't make a grave mistake."
The two serpents shook their heads secretly, feeling as if the fate of the Sky Serpent Mansion rested in their hands.
…
Three days had passed since the end of the Inner Academy Qualifying Competition. At this moment, Xiao Yan walked through Jia Nan Academy like a star, with ardent gazes and heated discussions constantly reaching his ears.
He had only come to the stalls area of Jia Nan Academy to see if there were any good items or medicinal ingredients he could pick up at a bargain, yet he had already received several bouquets of flowers and confession letters.
A man receiving flowers—one could imagine how popular Xiao Yan had become.
Xiao Yan sighed and placed the flowers at the entrance of the building where the Xiao Clan was staying. Now, a table specifically for placing gifts and a mailbox for letters had been set up at the entrance of their residence.
When Xiao Yan walked inside, he saw that Instructor Ruo Ling, Xun Er, Xiao Yu, and others were all present. Before them stood a middle-aged man wearing the academy's instructor robe.
"Hehe, what's going on here? Everyone's gathered," Xiao Yan said with a smile as he walked into the living room, his gaze turning to Xun Er.
"Xiao Yan ge-ge, this is Instructor Ku Lu." Xun Er smiled as she came forward and casually took Xiao Yan's outer robe, subtly sniffing it to check if there was any scent of women's powder or perfume. Only after confirming there wasn't any did she softly say, "According to the rules, this afternoon is the time for us to enter the Book Collection Hall."
Xiao Yan's steps paused slightly. He was stunned for a moment before nodding with a smile. It had finally come. He had been looking forward to this so-called mysterious Book Collection Hall for a long time.
"Then let's not waste time. Let's go. I'm quite curious about how extraordinary this legendary Book Collection Hall is, to make so many compete for it."
Xiao Yan and his group followed the middle-aged man to the Deputy Headmaster's office. Bai Shan, Wu Hao, and Hu Jia were already waiting there.
The three of them displayed different expressions when they saw Xiao Yan's arrival.
Wu Hao nodded slowly toward Xiao Yan; after all, he had lost fair and square and was sincerely convinced.
Hu Jia, on the other hand, bared her teeth and waved her fists at Xiao Yan like a tigress, muttering that after obtaining a Di Class Dou Technique from the Book Collection Hall, she would definitely defeat him.
As for Bai Shan, he maintained a smile all along, but the coldness in his eyes was hard to conceal.
"Since you're all here, I won't waste words. You should already know why you've been summoned," Deputy Headmaster Hu Gan said with a smile as he stood up from his chair. "According to the rules, you have the qualifications to enter the Book Collection Hall and try your luck.
"The rumors are true. The Book Collection Hall indeed contains Di Class Dou Techniques and Qi Methods, as well as some rare treasures. But what you can obtain depends on your luck and strength."
As he spoke, Hu Gan walked to the wall behind him and casually tapped a few times with his palm. A deep rumbling sound arose, and then a pitch-black passage appeared before everyone.
"Follow me." Hu Gan waved his hand at the group and took the lead into the dark passage. Behind him, the curious Hu Jia followed without hesitation, then Wu Hao and Bai Shan. Only after they had all entered did Xiao Yan bring the others in.
He swept his powerful Spiritual Strength through the passage, confirming there was no danger before quickening his pace slightly.
After walking for a while, a steep mountain path appeared before Xiao Yan and the others, extending upward until it vanished from sight. At the summit stood a grand and ancient building, massive enough to leave one speechless.
On an extremely old plaque outside the ancient building, three words that had been eroded by time and were somewhat blurred faintly appeared:
Book Collection Hall!
'The foundation of Jia Nan Academy is not bad either,' Xiao Yan inwardly compared it to the Treasure Hall of the Hun Clan.
"This year's Inner Academy Qualifying Competition has more outstanding students, so we've added five more slots. I have brought them here according to the rules. I request the esteemed elders to open the door!" Hu Gan cupped his fists in a particular direction.
Upon hearing his words, the robes of two gray-robed figures sitting cross-legged at the entrance of the pavilion trembled slightly. From beneath the gray hoods, two pairs of eyes as calm as ancient wells lifted and swept over Hu Gan and the others in turn. Finally, they suddenly stopped on Xiao Yan. The gray robes quivered gently, and a faint, hoarse exclamation quietly sounded:
"Hmm? What kind of flame is this? It seems like a Heavenly Flame, yet it doesn't seem like it."
The subtle voice slowly echoed in the silent valley, clearly reaching the ears of Xiao Yan and the others.
"May we know this young friend's name?" The other gray-robed elder fixed his gaze on Xiao Yan. Within his hoarse voice was a hint of the vicissitudes accumulated over the years.
Everyone was momentarily stunned to see that the gray-robed elders had bypassed Hu Gan to directly question Xiao Yan. They turned their curious gazes toward him. From Hu Gan's previously respectful attitude toward these two elders, it was evident that they held extraordinary status within Jia Nan Academy. For Xiao Yan to be able to arouse a bit of interest from them—such treatment made Hu Jia and the others secretly envious.
Xiao Yan's eyes narrowed slightly. He possessed peak Tier 6 Spiritual Strength, just a hair's breadth away from the Perfected Mortal State, yet the other party had still detected some clues. This proved that the strength of these two was at least at the Dou Ancestor realm, possibly even high-star Dou Ancestors.
It was impossible for them to discern that he possessed a Heavenly Flame. As long as he did not separate his merged Heavenly Flames, the flame within him remained in its merged state, becoming a brand-new flame that didn't belong to any on the Heavenly Flame Ranking.
Xiao Yan cupped his fists and respectfully said, "This student is Xiao Yan. I was fortunate enough to acquire a peculiar flame by chance."
"No wonder there are five additional slots this time. To possess such a flame at such a young age..."
"Keke, this year is a bit more interesting than the last."
The two elders did not press further when they saw that Xiao Yan was unwilling to elaborate.
They formed hand seals, unlocking the spatial barrier and revealing an entrance to the Book Collection Hall.
"You may now enter the Book Collection Hall on your own. Remember, regardless of what you wish to obtain inside, do not force it. All the items inside are protected by energy layers. If your hand can pass through the energy layer without obstruction, you can take the item within. Of course, no matter how many items you pick up, you can only bring out one from the Book Collection Hall. Do not be greedy; otherwise, you may end up with nothing."
"And if you cannot penetrate the energy layer, then give up. With your current strength, you cannot break through them. Over the years, people have entered the Book Collection Hall annually, but those who leave empty-handed are not few. So, everything depends on fate; do not force what you cannot obtain." Pointing toward the hall, Hu Gan turned to Xiao Yan and the others.
Xiao Yan and the others nodded, exchanged glances, and then slowly walked toward the entrance of the hall.
With a deep thud, the massive doors of the Book Collection Hall closed once everyone had entered.
"What should we do now?" Xiao Yu approached Xiao Yan, looking at the glowing energy walls surrounding them.
She had never imagined that she would one day step into the legendary Book Collection Hall.
Before Xiao Yan could respond, Hu Jia jogged over to Xun Er's side, smiling as she said, "Xun Er, my grandpa said it's best to stick together in the Inner Academy, or else it's easy to get bullied."
Bai Shan smiled beside them and said, "I have an elder cousin who has been in the Inner Academy for two years. Once we're inside, as long as Junior Sister Xun Er and all of you follow me, with his care, you can certainly avoid the most difficult transition period that newcomers face."
Even Xiao Ning couldn't help but laugh out loud upon hearing these words. "Follow you to shout 'I surrender' together?"
Many present had to stifle their laughter, turning their heads away to cover their mouths.
A fierce glint flashed in Bai Shan's eyes when he heard this. The comment had clearly stung him.
Xiao Yan cleared his throat lightly, "Alright, let's not tease others like that. If you shout 'I surrender' enough times, you get used to it. Why don't you all take a look at the clusters of light emerging from the walls?"
The corner of Bai Shan's mouth twitched slightly at Xiao Yan's words. His smiling face couldn't help but reveal a hint of coldness, which quickly dissipated. He thought viciously, 'Refusing a toast only to drink a forfeit? Fine, act tough all you want. I hope you can still be this stubborn once we're in the Inner Academy. When the time comes, I'll make you crawl out of there!'
Xiao Yan casually grabbed a floating cluster of light and examined it. He easily retrieved the scroll from inside.
"A High Xuan Class wood-attribute Dou Technique? No way, is this all the Book Collection Hall has to offer?"
Xun Er said, "Xiao Yan ge-ge, I have a High Xuan Class Qi Method here."
"Hey, Xiao Yan, I've got a spiritual fruit here," Xiao Yu called out.
"Little Clan Leader, I can't retrieve the item inside," Xiao Ning, on the other hand, couldn't get the item inside his cluster of light.
Frowning slightly, Xiao Yan used Soul Chase. His powerful Spiritual Strength penetrated the cluster of light in Xiao Ning's hand, allowing him to see what was inside!
'Are the rules of these clusters of light the same as in the clan's Dou Technique Pavilion? You need enough strength to break the light membrane to get what's inside?'
Xiao Yan's eyes flashed with a meaningful smile as he said, "Listen to my instructions and go for the clusters of light."
He immediately grasped the rules of the Book Collection Hall. The greater the resistance of the light membrane, the more precious the item inside.
Moreover, these light membranes couldn't prevent his peak Tier 6 Spiritual Strength from probing their contents.
All the members of the Xiao Clan quickly caught on. There were ten people present, and seven were from the Xiao Clan! Following his lead, the seven of them split up like hungry wolves, targeting the clusters of light with the strongest resistance.
"This one's no good."
"Not this one either."
"This is too trashy."
"A Sky Jade Fruit! Forget it, its value isn't even as good as a Dou King Pill. Let's find another."
"Ha ha! A Di Class Dou Technique!" Amidst the whooshing sounds in the room, a joyful laugh suddenly echoed. Xiao Yan turned to see Bai Shan holding a silver cluster of light aloft. Through the faint glow, they could vaguely see something like a scroll inside, with the words "Di Class" faintly visible.
It had to be admitted that this fellow Bai Shan had a bit of luck.
Just as Bai Shan was about to reach in and take out the item inside, Xiao Yan's eyes narrowed. An imperceptible wave of Spiritual Strength emanated from him. Bai Shan's mind momentarily blanked, and the cluster of light transformed into a streak of light, disappearing back into the energy wall.
Bai Shan was stunned for a moment, and then his face darkened instantly. Letting out an angry roar, he transformed into a white blur and hurled himself at the energy wall.
Bang!
Bai Shan collided heavily with the wall, but the energy barrier didn't budge in the slightest. He, however, was thrown back violently, spitting out a mouthful of blood before crashing into the opposite wall.
Xiao Yan secretly revealed a cold smile. If not for the academy's prohibition against killing, Bai Shan would have been a corpse four months ago.
He was still boasting about dealing with him in the Inner Academy? Today, Xiao Yan was determined to make him leave empty-handed!
"Cousin Xiao Yan, what about this one?" Xiao Mei walked over holding a snow-white cluster of light.
"A defensive-type Di Class Dou Technique, Mutual Seal Guardian Shield! This is a good item; it suits you perfectly," Xiao Yan said, pleasantly surprised. Indeed, newcomers often had a bit of luck.
"But I can't take it out," Xiao Mei said somewhat dejectedly. How could her strength possibly break open the light barrier of a Di Class Dou Technique?
"It only says each person can take one item; it doesn't say we can't help others obtain one." Xiao Yan's right hand condensed his Heavenly Flame, and the power of a 2-Star Dou Spirit erupted. With a single palm strike, accompanied by a rumbling sound, the light barrier shattered.
Breaking the barrier of a Di Class Dou Technique was child's play for him.
Xiao Mei saw Xiao Yan help her break the light barrier and recalled how he had similarly helped her obtain Dou Techniques from the clan's Dou Technique Pavilion in the past.
After handing the scroll to Xiao Mei, Xiao Yan said, "Xiao Mei, you should head out first to avoid anyone eyeing it."
"Oh, okay. Cousin Xiao Yan, good luck!" Holding the scroll, Xiao Mei was the first to dash out of the Book Collection Hall.
Even Hu Jia felt a twinge of envy when she saw Xiao Yan help his clan member break the light barrier and obtain a Di Class Dou Technique. This was truly spoon-feeding!
Even with a Deputy Headmaster grandfather, she didn't receive this much help!
Time ticked by, minute by minute. The Book Collection Hall didn't allow unlimited time; they only had one hour.
And Xiao Yan, this big demon, seemed to have taken control of the entire hall. Given his strength, how could others possibly snatch items before him?
"Hey, Xiao Yan, don't go too far! I saw that first!" Hu Jia shouted angrily.
Xiao Yan glanced at the cluster of light in his hand, shook his head, and tossed it to Hu Jia. "This item doesn't suit us; you can have it."
Soon, even Xiao Yu and the others had obtained the rewards they desired and left the Book Collection Hall. Only Xun Er and Xiao Yan remained. Although Wu Hao and Hu Jia had secured some decent items, they still lingered, hoping to find something even better.
As for Bai Shan, he was particularly unfortunate. Every time he found a good item, either Xiao Yan snatched it away, or he inexplicably felt dizzy and failed to hold onto the cluster of light, which would then disappear into the energy walls.
The number of clusters of light emerging from the energy walls was gradually decreasing.
Xiao Yan frowned, feeling a bit frustrated. 'Could it be that there aren't any Tian Class Dou Techniques? This Jia Nan Academy is far inferior to the Hall of Souls.'
If the two elders outside could hear Xiao Yan's thoughts, they would probably roll their eyes. If Jia Nan Academy possessed Tian Class Dou Techniques, they would have learned them long ago!