Once everyone had stepped through the space lock, Hu Qian first bowed deeply to the two gray-robed elders seated cross-legged on the ground before saying respectfully, "I'll have to trouble you two Elders once again."
"Mm." A single raspy reply emerged, though neither of the guardians shifted even the slightest.
Seeing that they would say no more, Hu Qian turned back to Liu Xi and the others. "Now, you may enter the Book Collection Hall on your own. But remember—everything inside is sealed by an energy barrier. If your hand can pass through without resistance, then you are permitted to take that treasure. If you cannot, give it up immediately. That barrier is not something you can break."
He paused, voice heavy. "And no matter how many things you touch, you may only leave with one. Do not be greedy, or you will walk out empty-handed. Over the years, there have been plenty who entered and came back with nothing. Mark my words—never be greedy."
The five nodded solemnly. Sharing a glance, they let Liu Xi take the lead as they walked toward the towering pavilion.
Climbing the stone steps, they arrived before its grand gate. The plaque above bore the words Book Collection Hall. Though weathered with age, it radiated a force that struck directly at the soul, filling the heart with desolation. Even Liu Xi, with his tenacious spirit, felt a faint chill within.
"Go in. The door will stay open for only one hour. When the hour ends, whether you've succeeded or not, you must come out." One of the gray-robed elders lifted a sleeve, releasing an invisible ripple. The massive gate creaked open, revealing a pitch-black corridor.
A wave of ancient, desolate aura poured forth. Shaking off their momentary stupor, the group steadied themselves.
Eyes burning with anticipation, Liu Xi inhaled deeply and stepped into the darkness. The others quickly followed.
Knowing time was short, they each activated their movement techniques. In less than three minutes, they reached a vast hall bathed in pale yellow radiance.
As their eyes adjusted, they saw that the light emanated from over a dozen massive energy spheres lining the walls, each pulsing faintly and illuminating the chamber as though it were daylight.
"So this is where the treasures are stored? But where exactly are they?" Wang Shan asked, scratching his head.
"Vice Dean Hu said treasures are wrapped within energy spheres. Perhaps we must intercept them when they emerge?" guessed Shui Rou'er, the lone girl among them, pointing toward the orbs.
Liu Xi did not explain. Instead, he stood silently, ears attuned to every sound.
"There's something coming!" he said suddenly, eyes flashing.
Moments later, a faint whistling split the air. From one of the spheres shot a green glow. Reacting instantly, Liu Xi leapt, catching it mid-flight. His hand passed cleanly through, closing around a scroll.
Unfurling it, he read aloud: "Greenwood Technique, Mid Xuan Class Qi Method."
No sooner had he spoken than more light spheres erupted one after another, flying in every direction. The others, seeing Liu Xi seize the first, rushed forward eagerly, snatching at orbs.
Glancing at the scroll in his hand, Liu Xi saw it was wood-attribute. Without hesitation, he tossed it back. The scroll dissolved into light, re-entering its sphere.
This time he extended his Spiritual Power, pushing his perception to its limit, waiting for a fire-attribute glow.
Minutes passed. Then—a wave of heat mixed with searing pressure surged behind him. Turning, Liu Xi seized a blazing sphere. Inside lay a scroll.
"Nine Yang Technique, High Xuan Class Qi Method."
Liu Xi gave a wry smile. 'This is the hottest I've sensed yet, but still only Xuan Class… I remember there should be at least one Mid Di Class fire technique. Did I miss it?'
Just then, his Spiritual Power brushed a sphere unlike the rest—heat laced with a bone-piercing chill. Drawn irresistibly, Liu Xi lunged and snatched it.
The orb glowed ghostly blue. In his grip, it radiated both scorching heat and biting cold, sending frost up his arm.
Gritting his teeth, Liu Xi circulated his fiery Dou Qi to resist the chill, then forced his fingers through the barrier and clutched the scroll. The resistance was immense, stronger than before, but under his torrent of Dou Qi it finally yielded.
Unfurling it, he read: "Nine Nether Ghost Flame Technique, Mid Di Class Qi Method. Devours the surplus of heaven and earth to nourish one's own deficiency. To the extreme Yin, to the extreme Yang."
Excitement broke through his composure, and he let out a quiet laugh, tossing aside the Nine Yang Technique without hesitation.
This technique would cause one's meridians to devour external heat, vastly amplifying fire-attribute Dou Qi. In battle, it could steal an enemy's heat, sapping their strength while empowering one's own. Truly a terrifying technique.
His hands trembled with eagerness, but he suppressed the urge to study it here. 'Not the time. Later…'
By now, more than half their hour had passed. Liu Xi stored the scroll carefully and turned to the others with a smile. "So, how did everyone fare?"
Seeing his expression, Shui Rou'er's eyes shimmered. "Judging by Master Liu Xi's smile, you must have seized something extraordinary. I… had some gains too, but even so, your strange illusions are still impossible for me to counter." Her soft voice carried both admiration and mock complaint.
Caught off guard, Liu Xi coughed awkwardly, relieved when the boisterous Wang Shan broke the tension. "Liu Xi, once I've mastered this Dou Technique, I'll definitely defeat you!" he shouted, waving his scroll with childish pride.
"Haha, no problem. I'll be waiting," Liu Xi replied warmly.
The others—Lin Chen and Liu Lingfeng—remained quiet, but their satisfied smiles spoke volumes.
When the final moments of the hour ticked away, the five, treasures secured, headed for the exit.
As they stepped out, a gray-robed elder's sleeve stirred. An overwhelming, unseen power swept over their bodies like a tide, probing them through and through. Though brief, lasting only a dozen breaths, it was enough to make their hearts pound.
"The time is up. Leave. And remember—what transpired here today, as well as the Book Collection Hall's secrets, must not be revealed to anyone." The hoarse voice drifted from the gate.
The five nodded at once.
"All returned?" Hu Qian smiled as he saw them emerge. "Good. At least none of you came back empty-handed."
Though the gray-robed elders remained silent, Hu Qian bowed once more in respect. "In that case, we won't disturb your cultivation further. Farewell."
With that, he gestured for the five to follow.
"Stay close. Do not touch the space folds. Even I couldn't save you if you did," Hu Qian warned as they approached the invisible portal. Carefully, he stepped through. One by one, Liu Xi and the others followed.
Behind them, the portal sealed shut, the space folds knitting back into an impenetrable wall. The two gray-robed elders faded from sight, not to appear again until the next Inner Academy Selection one year later.
(End of Chapter)
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