Xiao Jietian knocked on the palace door, which opened from the inside with a surge of Dou Qi. Stepping inside, he saw a white-haired old man seated in the main hall.
"You can't hide the joy on your face; seems you've had a great harvest recently."
Xiao Jietian smiled at the old man, Hai Bodong, feeling admiration and respect for him.
"It's all thanks to the Hall Master. I never imagined I'd get the chance to cultivate such a high-level method. I'd only heard of it before, never seen it, let alone cultivated it."
Hai Bodong had already switched to an ice-attribute cultivation method from the Earth-tier high-grade method Xiao Jietian had given him. His realm had broken through to Seven-Star Dou Huang (originally Five-Star; Huangji Pill increased it by one star, and cultivating the new method added another).
Most core members of Boundless Heaven Hall had cultivated their respective methods. Xiao Zhan had cultivated the Windflower Sword Dance. Xiao Jietian reserved the best cultivation method for his father, whose upper limit depended entirely on talent.
"You are one of us; no need for formalities. The stronger you are, the better for Boundless Heaven Hall. You are my specially appointed Great Elder."
Xiao Jietian sat beside Hai Bodong. Their relationship had grown beyond the typical superior-subordinate bond, resembling a friendship across generations. They chatted, laughed, and enjoyed each other's company.
After bidding farewell to Hai Bodong, Xiao Jietian briefly checked on Old Mo, who was breaking through to Dou Zong with stable aura.
Returning to the Eternal Heaven Palace, Xiao Jietian had a meal with them before leaving. The palace, atop his mountain peak, was fully staffed with maids, making it complete.
Two days later, Ruo Lin brought a middle-aged instructor to Xiao Jietian and the others. Today, the Hidden Book Pavilion would open. Led by him, they entered a spacious and bright room.
Vice Dean Hu Gan was behind a table, flipping through documents, with Hu Jia standing beside him, visibly upset. Seeing Xiao Jietian, Hu Jia's expression stiffened, recalling her instant defeat.
"Stinky man, not a gentleman at all," she cursed internally.
"I never expected such a seemingly gentle young man to be so ferocious. Is this the power of lightning?"
Hu Gan sized up Xiao Jietian. "According to the rules, the top five in the competition are allowed to enter the Hidden Book Pavilion. Since you are here, follow me."
Hu Gan tapped the wall, producing a low rumble. A dark passage appeared, and the group entered.
Hu Jia whispered to Xiao Jietian: "I will definitely defeat you in the future."
Xiao Jietian replied confidently, "I'll be waiting, but those I defeat will only get further and further away."
The group walked for half an hour and emerged in a sunlit valley. In the center stood an ancient pavilion with a weathered plaque: Hidden Book Pavilion.
Hu Gan led the five to the entrance. "The top five of this Inner Academy selection competition have been determined. Elders, please open the door."
Two peak Dou Zongs, Bai Mu and Qian Lie, appeared on either side of the entrance. Known as The Two Elders Qian Bai, together they could challenge a Dou Zun.
The elders observed silently, and finally, one spoke: "Different fire? One people with different fires. May I know your name?"
Xiao Jietian and Xiao Yan respectfully cupped their hands and introduced themselves.
The elder identified Xiao Yan's flame immediately. "The fire is greenish, like a lotus, like a volcano. It must be the Green Lotus Core Flame, ranked nineteenth on the strange fire ranking list. Correct?"
Xiao Yan was shocked; his flame had been identified without even using it.
Hu Gan, relieved, instructed the elders to unlock the space lock protecting the Hidden Book Pavilion. The elders formed hand seals, sending invisible fluctuations that tore open the spatial barrier, forming a door-shaped entrance.
"Let's go," Hu Gan said, leading the group inside.
The Hidden Book Pavilion revealed itself. Hu Gan bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Elders."
"Just doing our duty," they replied.
Hu Gan explained the rules: what the five could obtain depended entirely on strength and luck, with a one-hour time limit. After the explanation, an elder flicked his finger, and the pavilion's main door opened, releasing a wave of ancient, desolate aura.
Xiao Jietian and the others composed themselves and stepped inside, with the main door slowly closing behind them.