Stepping through the pitch-black gate, the light dimmed slightly. Soft glow emanated from the fire orbs on the surrounding walls, casting an eerie and silent sheen over the spacious pavilion. As he entered, several broad passageways came into view. At the forefront of each, there were large characters representing various attributes. Xiao Yan’s gaze swept over the paths, finally pausing on the leftmost Fire Path. He touched his nose, turned his head slightly, and saw Xuner with a faint blush on her cheeks. Startled, he asked, “Xuner, what’s wrong?”
“Ah?” Startled by Xiao Yan’s voice, Xuner’s blush deepened. After a moment, she composed herself, wrinkling her pretty nose at Xiao Yan, and muttered, “Nothing, let’s go find the cultivation technique.”
Puzzled, Xiao Yan scratched his head and pointed to the Fire Path, smiling, “Let’s go.”
Xuner nodded indifferently. The lingering blush on her charming face made her even more endearing.
Glancing at Xuner’s beautiful face, Xiao Yan felt his heart skip a beat. He quickly looked straight ahead and led the way.
…
Walking into the Fire Path, five smaller paths appeared. Within these paths, one could still see figures of clan members in the distance.
“Third path of the Fire Path,” Xiao Yan said, leading Xuner directly into the third path.
As they entered the narrow corridor, they found themselves in a different world. Every few meters along the sides of the passage, there was a thick, red wooden door. All the doors were now open, revealing faint red light barriers.
The red light barriers were a defensive mechanism, also serving as the final test for young clan members. To obtain the cultivation techniques within, one had to break the light barrier.
There were already many clan members in the passage, their faces flushed red as they pounded on the red light barriers. Occasionally, the sound of shattering barriers and cheers would echo through the passage, evoking envy in those still striving to break through.
Xiao Yan and Xuner walked leisurely, observing the enthusiastic efforts of the clan members on both sides. Turning another corner, Xiao Yan glanced at the number on the nearest door: Thirty-Seven.
Smiling, he strode a short distance and stopped at the door numbered Forty-Three. “This should be it,” he said lightly.
In the passage, there were still more than a dozen clan members. When they saw Xiao Yan stop at Room Forty-Three, they were all taken aback. This room had the strongest defensive barrier in the passage, and many capable clan members had previously tried and failed to break through.
Ignoring the surprised looks, Xiao Yan slowly placed his hand on the barrier.
“Brother Xiao Yan, is Uncle Xiao using his power for personal gain like this?” Xuner winked mischievously and whispered, half-smiling.
Measuring the thickness of the barrier, Xiao Yan turned back and said sternly, “Little girl, you better act like you saw and heard nothing, or else…”
Amused by his expression, Xuner wrinkled her delicate face, and her coquettish charm made the nearby clan members stare in awe.
Grinning, Xiao Yan stepped back, spread his feet, and slowly clasped his hands. Closing his eyes, he began to rapidly circulate his faint Dou Qi along specific meridians.
Leaning lazily against the wall, Xuner’s perfect curves were highlighted by her tight-fitting clothes. Her eyes, filled with playful gold flames, watched intently as Xiao Yan prepared.
“Ha!” Suddenly opening his eyes, Xiao Yan stomped his foot hard on the ground, his body spinning strangely. Facing the barrier, his elbow, with a sharp wind, struck the red light barrier heavily.
“Eight Extremes Collapse!” Xiao Yan’s fist smashed into the barrier, causing ripples to spread outward like waves.
“Break!” With a cold shout, the red light barrier shattered like glass under the shocked gazes of the surrounding clan members.
Exhaling slowly, Xiao Yan’s arm trembled, and his sleeve made a cracking sound before relaxing.
Beside him, Xuner clapped her small hands and nodded, smiling, “Very good cultivation technique, extremely powerful!”
Stretching his neck, Xiao Yan flexed his arms, saying mildly, “It’ll do.”
Hearing this, the dozen or so clan members in the passage felt a bit depressed. Such a monstrous technique was just “good enough”?
“Let’s go in and see what the cultivation technique is,” Xiao Yan said, entering the room with a nod.
Inside the small, well-lit room, a stone platform stood in the center. On it lay a dark red scroll.
Approaching, Xiao Yan picked up the scroll with interest. Looking at the back, he murmured, “High-grade Yellow Rank cultivation technique: Fire Refining Burn!”
“Indeed, not bad. This is the top Fire-attribute cultivation technique in the clan. Uncle Xiao really put in a lot of effort for Brother Xiao Yan,” Xuner smiled behind him.
Nodding, Xiao Yan felt a warm sense of gratitude.
A slender, fair hand suddenly reached out from behind, taking the dark red scroll. Xuner tilted her head, playing with the scroll, and said softly, “Brother Xiao Yan, even if you might get a higher-grade technique in the future, starting with a high-grade one is better. High-grade Yellow Rank… might be a bit low.”
Xiao Yan smiled and nodded.
Looking at his calm face, Xuner frowned slightly and sighed, then flicked her fingers, producing an ancient, jade-red scroll.
“This is a high-grade Mystic Rank Fire-attribute cultivation technique: Flame Manipulation Decree!”
Stroking the scroll, Xuner said, “Brother Xiao Yan, don’t feel bad about accepting it. You’re not that kind of person. A high-grade technique will benefit you greatly in the future, so…”
Seeing Xuner holding two scrolls, Xiao Yan smiled bitterly and shook his head, patting her head affectionately. Then, he took the high-grade Yellow Rank scroll back from her, despite the slight hurt in her eyes.
“Brother Xiao Yan…” Xuner pouted, her eyes misty and pitiful.
“Thank you, Xuner. I’m not refusing because of my pride,” Xiao Yan smiled gently, leaning down to whisper in her ear.
“Brother Xiao Yan can find a better technique…”
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage