Standing in the queue, Xiao Yan looked up at the massive tower before him, shaking his head in amazement. The plaque above the enormous tower bore the ancient-looking characters “Qi Tower,” slightly yellowed and etched with lines that spoke of the passage of time. This tower was the most important place in the Xiao clan: Qi Tower! The clan’s collection of Dou Qi techniques, accumulated over hundreds of years, were all stored here, and these techniques were the guarantee of the Xiao clan’s current status.
As the most crucial location in the family, the defense here was extremely strict, and it was generally considered a forbidden area. Even members of the clan were not allowed to enter without permission. Only after the Coming of Age ceremony would this place be temporarily opened.
Narrowing his eyes, Xiao Yan scanned the dark corners of the tower. His keen soul perception told him that all their movements were being observed by the hidden guards. In some secluded spots of the tower, he could also sense several powerful and subtle auras. It was clear that the clan took this Qi Tower very seriously.
Glancing sideways, he exchanged a look with Xuner, both of them seeing a smile in each other’s eyes. Clearly, they had both noticed the hidden defenses around them.
…
“The rules for entering the Qi Tower, I have said many times. I won’t repeat them now. In summary, everyone must come out within two hours of entering the Qi Tower! Also, each person can only take one Dou Qi technique that matches their elemental attribute. No more than one. Anyone who tries to secretly keep additional techniques will be disqualified from obtaining any Dou Qi technique. So, be careful!”
Standing on the high steps, Xiao Zhan gazed sternly at the large group of young men and women below, his face grave.
“Yes!” The teenagers responded excitedly, their eyes burning as they looked at the huge tower. Getting a good Dou Qi technique would give them an advantage, which was something every clan member longed for.
“Since you all know the rules, let’s begin.”
Xiao Zhan nodded satisfactorily, stepping back to reveal the stone pillar in front of the tower’s entrance. The pillar was about a meter tall, with a transparent crystal ball placed at the top. He waved his hand, and the two guards behind him slowly pushed open the massive black doors with a creak.
“After testing your elemental attributes, you may enter. Remember, once inside, follow the path corresponding to your attribute. Don’t go wrong!”
Xiao Zhan nodded, indicating that they could start.
Seeing Xiao Zhan nod, a young man eagerly jumped forward, placing his hands on the crystal ball, releasing a light blue glow.
“Wind attribute, hmm, go in.”
Xiao Zhan glanced at the crystal ball, nodding and smiling. With someone leading the way, the crowd surged forward, eager to test their attributes and rush into the Qi Tower.
As the crowd thinned, Xiao Yan rubbed his nose and smiled at Xuner, “Let’s go, see what we can find.”
Xuner shrugged adorably. The clan’s techniques didn’t interest her much, but she was happy to accompany Xiao Yan. Since they were not in a hurry, they waited until everyone else had entered, then walked up leisurely under Xiao Zhan’s exasperated gaze.
Xiao Yan grinned at Xiao Zhan, placing his hand on the crystal ball. A bright red glow, even brighter than all the others, illuminated the sphere—fire attribute.
Xiao Zhan, well aware of his son’s attribute, showed no surprise. Nodding, he quickly scanned the surroundings, then stepped forward, coughed, and leaned in, whispering, “Third Fire Path, Room Forty-Three!”
Xiao Yan was momentarily stunned, then found it amusing. His father was using his authority to help him.
Nodding subtly, Xiao Yan stood aside, watching Xuner’s test.
Xuner hesitated slightly before the smooth crystal ball, then shook her head and lightly touched it with her slender fingers. As she touched it, the crystal ball, after a brief silence, turned a blazing red, glowing like a fireball.
Staring at the now fiery crystal ball, Xiao Yan’s mouth dropped open, taking a deep breath in awe.
The fireball persisted for a moment, fading away as Xuner withdrew her finger, leaving the crystal ball riddled with small cracks.
Xiao Zhan sighed, gazing at Xuner with a strange look, and waved her in, “Go in now.”
“Tsk, such a pure fire body, too bad there’s no wood attribute. Otherwise, she’d be a natural alchemist.”
As Xiao Yan was shocked, the Elder Pharmacist’s voice echoed in his mind.
Sighing inwardly, Xiao Yan watched Xuner approach, shrugged, and turned to enter the Qi Tower.
Watching the two enter together, Xiao Zhan glanced down at the crystal ball, which finally shattered. He stroked his chin, muttering, “Ah, so… strong. Xuner, such a good-tempered and beautiful girl, with a fearsome background. She’s far better than Nalan Yanran. If Yaner could have such a wife, how wonderful it would be…”
After speaking, Xiao Zhan shook his head in self-mockery, feeling helpless at his own wild thoughts.
Unaware of his own musing, Xiao Zhan didn’t notice that Xuner, about to enter the Qi Tower, suddenly stiffened. Her delicate ears turned a blazing red, just like the crystal ball.
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