Xiao Se said calmly, "I'm sure the Vice Principal is also curious about how Little Fairy Doctor managed to break through to Dou Huang at such a young age. Have you ever heard of the Woeful Poison Body?"
"The Woeful Poison Body…"
Hearing this, Hu Qian's expression changed dramatically. He looked at Little Fairy Doctor in disbelief. "You mean she—"
Xiao Se nodded slightly and continued, "Little Fairy Doctor possesses the Woeful Poison Body. However, please rest assured. I've already used a special method to suppress it, so the tragic situation described in the legends will not occur. You may sense the condition of her poison Dou Qi yourself."
Hu Qian nodded slowly. Closing his aged eyes, he carefully probed Little Fairy Doctor's condition. He soon discovered that the Dou Qi within her body was extremely abundant and remarkably stable—no different from that of an ordinary Dou Huang.
Only then did he finally let out a breath of relief.
"Thank you both for your understanding," Hu Qian said apologetically. "This old man apologizes for my earlier suspicion."
Xiao Se smiled faintly. "Vice Principal, there's no need to say that. You were only considering the academy's safety. Allowing an unknown Dou Huang to enter so easily would indeed be dangerous for Jia Nan Academy."
"Hehe…" Hu Qian laughed. "Now that everything is clear, on behalf of Jia Nan Academy, I officially welcome the two of you."
He looked at Xiao Se with appreciation. "With your strength, you're clearly no longer suited for the Outer Academy. In one month, the Inner Academy Selection Tournament will begin. You can participate directly. With your cultivation, taking first place will be effortless."
Then he turned to Little Fairy Doctor.
"As for you, if you're willing, I can extend an invitation on behalf of the academy for you to become an Honorary Elder. You'll enjoy the same authority as other elders. The academy will not interfere with your daily activities—only asking that you lend a hand if Jia Nan Academy ever faces an external invasion."
Hearing this, both Xiao Se and Little Fairy Doctor were momentarily stunned.
Little Fairy Doctor looked toward Xiao Se. He gave her a slight nod.
"Then many thanks, Vice Principal," she said without hesitation, accepting the offer.
Seeing her agree, Hu Qian's smile deepened. He took out a token and handed it to her.
"This is your Elder's token."
"Every newly appointed elder may enter the Scripture Pavilion to select three treasures. Since Elder Little Fairy Doctor has accepted, come with me."
He then looked at Xiao Se again.
"And you as well. Although you're not an elder, the top five of every Inner Academy Selection Tournament are allowed to choose one item from the Scripture Pavilion. With your strength as a Dou Ling, no one in the competition will be your match. You might as well come along now."
As he spoke, Hu Qian turned toward the wall behind him. His dry old palm tapped it several times.
Rumble…
A deep mechanical sound echoed as a pitch-black passage slowly opened before them.
"Elder Little Fairy Doctor, little Xiao Se—follow me," Hu Qian said, waving his hand before stepping into the dark corridor.
Xiao Se nodded and led Little Fairy Doctor inside.
Within the dim passage, the three walked for nearly half an hour before a faint light finally appeared at the far end.
Seeing the light, they quickened their pace. Not long after, they emerged from the lengthy tunnel.
Blazing sunlight poured down from above, making Xiao Se and Little Fairy Doctor squint slightly.
They found themselves standing in a sunken mountain valley, somewhat similar to the small valley within the Magical Beast Mountain Range. Mountains surrounded it on all sides, sheer cliffs sealing the area completely.
However, compared to that place, this valley was far broader, and the cliffs were far more towering.
At the center of the valley stood an ancient pavilion.
Time had clearly taken its toll on it—even the three large characters on the plaque were blurred and eroded, barely visible.
Yet those words were still recognizable.
Scripture Pavilion.
Though weathered by countless years, the ancient handwriting carried an indescribable dignity. Both Xiao Se and Little Fairy Doctor were inwardly shaken by the profound aura hidden within the strokes.
It was something no building they had ever seen could compare to.
Leading them forward, Hu Qian stopped about ten zhang away from the pavilion. He clasped his fists respectfully toward it.
"One of these two is Elder Little Fairy Doctor, specially recruited by the academy. The other is a new student, Xiao Se. Considering Xiao Se's outstanding strength, this old man has brought him early along with Elder Little Fairy Doctor to choose items. I ask the elders to open the gate."
After his words fell, silence lingered for a moment.
Then, suddenly, a spatial doorway opened before them.
As the portal slowly unfolded and the three stepped inside, Xiao Se and Little Fairy Doctor immediately felt their vision brighten. Their view of the pavilion became far clearer.
Only now did they realize—this was the true Scripture Pavilion.
What they had seen earlier was merely the exterior beyond a spatial seal.
Standing outside the pavilion, Hu Qian cupped his hands respectfully toward two gray-robed elders sitting cross-legged on the ground.
"Thank you for the trouble, elders."
"It is merely our duty," the two elders replied. From beginning to end, they never moved. Their hoarse, ancient voices echoed softly.
One of them spoke again, "You two little ones may enter now. Remember—do not force anything. Every item inside is protected by an energy barrier. And you must not take more than allowed. Otherwise, you'll only end up empty-handed."
Xiao Se and Little Fairy Doctor nodded.
They exchanged a glance before walking toward the pavilion.
Crossing the uneven grassland, they stepped onto the worn blue-stone stairs that had been ravaged by time.
After ascending for a short while, they finally stood before the entrance.
Looking up at the plaque hanging above the massive structure, a desolate and ancient pressure spread out, seeping straight into their hearts.
Xiao Se frowned slightly. His eyes narrowed as thirty percent of his sword intent surged forth, instantly dispelling the oppressive aura.
Little Fairy Doctor, with her cultivation at six-star Dou Huang, also quickly shook off the influence.
Seeing that Xiao Se showed no reaction at all, a trace of interest flickered through the eyes of the two gray-robed elders.
"Go in. You may only stay for one hour," one of them said, waving his hand.
The tightly sealed doors opened automatically, revealing a pitch-black passage within.
As the doors swung wide, a wave of ancient, desolate air rushed outward.
Xiao Se narrowed his eyes again, using sword intent to cut away its mental influence. He took Little Fairy Doctor's hand and stepped into the Scripture Pavilion.
Once they entered, the doors slowly closed behind them—until they shut completely.
Watching the gates seal once more, Hu Qian let out a long breath.
Silently, he thought:
"Hopefully these two little fellows can obtain something they truly like… After all, there are items inside that would make even Dou Zong experts green with envy."
(End of Chapter)
[Get +30 Extra Chapters on - P@tr3on "RinBlaze"]
[Every 15 Power Stones = 1 Bonus Chapter Drop]
[Thanks for Reading!]