Just like that…
A month quietly passed.
Under the effects of the formations Xiao Feng had created, the entire Outer Academy underwent a visible transformation.
Students cultivated faster.
Their strength improved at an astonishing rate.
And the reputation of the Academy began to rise steadily, attracting more and more talented students.
Even the elders couldn't hide their satisfaction.
Because of this, Su Qian made a special decision.
"Xiao Feng," he said one day, his tone calm yet approving,"you may bring Xiao Yi Xian with you to the Library Pavilion."
"She will be allowed to choose one item for herself."
Hearing this—
Xiao Feng was overjoyed.
"Thank you, Dean!" he said sincerely, cupping his fists.
This was not just a reward—
It was recognition.
When Xiao Yi Xian heard the news, her eyes widened slightly in surprise.
Then, a gentle smile appeared on her face.
And just like that—
The long-awaited moment finally arrived.
The day to enter the Library Pavilion… had come.
Upon arriving at the entrance of the Library Pavilion, they happened to encounter Han Yue.
Xiao Feng nodded to her politely, and Han Yue returned the gesture with a faint smile.
"Xiao Feng, thank you for showing mercy that day," Han Yue said softly, her words carrying a deeper meaning.
Xiao Feng shrugged slightly, a helpless smile appearing on his face.
"There was no other way," he replied."Senior Bai Cheng was too persistent. He refused to give up until the very last moment… so I had to help him a little."
Just as he finished speaking—
A slightly gloomy figure appeared in front of them.
Bai Cheng.
Xiao Feng coughed lightly, a rare hint of awkwardness crossing his face.
After all, talking about someone behind their back… and being caught immediately—
Was still a bit embarrassing.
Bai Cheng said nothing.
He merely glanced at them coldly before turning and walking straight into the Library Pavilion.
Xiao Feng didn't mind.
After all, he had defeated him just a few days ago.
If Bai Cheng could still smile at him now…
That would be truly strange.
"Let's go," Xiao Feng said calmly."Don't keep the Vice Dean waiting."
Han Yue nodded and followed alongside him.
As they walked, Han Yue began chatting casually with Xiao Yi Xian.
The two spoke softly, discussing cultivation and academy life.
Xiao Feng remained silent.
These were conversations between them—his involvement would only feel out of place.
However, he couldn't help but notice—
Although Han Yue appeared cold and distant, like an ice lotus…
She was actually quite easy to get along with.
Perhaps it was because they now stood on equal footing.
Soon, they arrived at the Vice Dean's chamber.
The Vice Dean's eyes lit up with satisfaction when he saw Xiao Feng and Han Yue arriving together.
"Good," he said inwardly.
"In the Inner Academy, competition is far more intense. New students must learn to cooperate if they wish to survive."
However, when his gaze fell on Bai Cheng—who had arrived earlier and stood alone—
He sighed slightly.
He was well aware of what had happened outside.
Clearly, Bai Cheng had no intention of walking together with Xiao Feng and the others.
Still, he said nothing.
"Since everyone is here," the Vice Dean spoke aloud,"I won't waste any more time."
"Follow me to claim the rewards for the top five."
After passing through several winding corridors—
The ancient and majestic Library Pavilion appeared before them .
Xiao Feng looked at it calmly.
Xiao Yi Xian and Han Yue both showed clear surprise as they stepped into the Library Pavilion, their eyes scanning the vast space filled with countless streams of light.
Even though Xiao Feng had described it before, witnessing it in person still left them stunned.
The sheer depth of Canaan Academy's heritage was overwhelming.
Bai Cheng's reaction was even more exaggerated.
"This… this is…" he muttered, unable to hide the shock in his eyes.
At the entrance, Vice Dean Hu Gan folded his arms and said calmly,
Standing before the grand entrance of the Library Pavilion, Xiao Feng's gaze landed on the two grey-robed elders seated quietly at the gate.
"They must be… the guardians of Canaan Academy—the Two Elders Qian Bai…"
Xiao Feng thought to himself.
The real names of the two were Qian Mu and Bai Lie.
Both were peak Dou Zong experts—existences standing at the very peak of the Northwestern Continent.
It was said that in order to break through to the Dou Zun realm, they remained in seclusion all year round.
They would only appear during the Academy's annual selection competition…
Or when the Academy faced a life-and-death crisis.
These two…
Were the strongest individuals Xiao Feng had ever encountered.
Hu Gan stepped forward respectfully, cupping his fists.
"Vice Dean Hu Gan greets the Two Elders."
His voice echoed through the quiet valley.
But—
There was no response.
The Two Elders remained motionless, as if they hadn't heard a single word.
Seeing this, Hu Gan did not show the slightest displeasure.
He simply maintained his posture and waited silently.
Xiao Feng narrowed his eyes slightly.
"These Two Elders… truly have their own style," he thought.
Given Hu Gan's status in the Outer Academy, it was rare for anyone to ignore him like this.
But before the Two Elders Qian Bai—
Such status meant nothing.
Time passed slowly.
The valley remained silent for nearly ten minutes.
Finally—
The robes of the two elders trembled slightly.
From beneath the grey robes, two pairs of calm, ancient eyes slowly opened.
Their gazes swept across everyone present—
Before suddenly stopping on Xiao Feng.
The air froze.
A faint, hoarse voice echoed softly:
"…Strange Flame?"
The words were quiet—
Yet they rang clearly in everyone's ears.
Xiao Feng's heart trembled slightly.
"Have I been seen through already…?"
One of the elders fixed his gaze on Xiao Feng and spoke again, his voice aged and profound:
"May I know… this young friend's name?"
The moment those words fell—
Everyone present was stunned.
The Two Elders had ignored Hu Gan…
Yet they chose to speak first to Xiao Feng.
Bai Cheng and Han Yue both turned toward him, their eyes filled with shock—and a hint of envy.
Hu Gan himself was briefly startled.
But soon, a look of realization appeared on his face.
"So that's it…" he murmured inwardly.
"No wonder his Dou Qi carries such a violent aura…"
"It's not a beast flame… but a true Strange Flame."
Xiao Feng quickly stepped forward, cupping his fists respectfully.
"This junior, Xiao Feng… greets the Two Elders."
The two elders remained silent for a moment, their gazes deep and unreadable.
The faint pressure in the air seemed to grow heavier.
Then—
One of them spoke slowly:
"A Strange Flame… and at such a young age…"
The other added calmly,
"Interesting."
For the first time—
A trace of attention…
Had fallen upon Xiao Feng.
"Dark red in color, containing the ferocious aura of a Demonic Beast... If this old man's guess is correct, the Strange Fire controlled by our young friend should be the Ten Thousand Beast Spirit Fire, ranked twenty-second on the strange fire ranking list."
The ancient voice echoed in Xiao Feng's ears, causing his expression to turn slightly serious.
The fact that the Ten Thousand Beast Flame could be seen through—even while hidden within his body—
Made him truly realize how terrifying a Dou Zong expert was.
He gave a slight nod toward the Two Elders Qian Bai, acknowledging their words.
Then, Xiao Feng glanced at the others beside him.
Han Yue, Bai Cheng, and the rest all wore confused expressions—
As if they hadn't heard the elder's earlier words at all.
Xiao Feng's eyes narrowed slightly.
"So they concealed it…" he thought.
Clearly, the Two Elders had used some method to prevent the others from hearing the specifics about the Strange Flame within his body.
However—
Even though the details were hidden…
The fact that he possessed a Strange Flame was already exposed.
Xiao Feng remained calm.
It didn't matter much.
Within the Inner Academy, safety was guaranteed.
Even if the news spread…
So be it.
One of the grey-robed elders spoke again, his voice aged yet steady:
"To reach the level of a four star dou spirit at such a young age…"
"And to control a Strange Flame…"
"You are the most talented young person we have seen in many years."
His words carried clear praise.
The other elder slowly shifted his gaze toward Hu Gan.
"This year's top five… has produced quite a terrifying little fellow."
Hearing this, Hu Gan smiled and said,
"Xiao Feng's talent is indeed exceptional."
"He is Fire Elder Huo's disciple."
"Fire Elder Huo?"
One of the elders paused briefly before letting out a faint chuckle.
"You mean… Xiao Huo?"
"He has taken in a good disciple."
Hearing his teacher addressed so casually, Xiao Feng's lips twitched slightly.
But he remained silent.
After all—
These two were once Grand Elders of Canaan Academy.
They were seniors even to Fire Elder Huo.
Given their age and status, they were more than qualified to speak this way.
At that moment, Hu Gan stepped forward and said respectfully,
"The time is about right. May I trouble the two elders to lift the Space Lock?"
"Space Lock?"
Han Yue and the others looked confused upon hearing the term.
Xiao Feng, however, had already noticed something unusual.
His gaze shifted slightly forward—
About half a meter ahead, the space itself seemed… distorted.
Subtle ripples flickered within the air, almost invisible.
If one looked closely, they formed a wall-like barrier—
Protecting the entire Library Pavilion behind it.
Seeing their confusion, Hu Gan smiled and explained,
"This is the Space Lock—a powerful barrier that only a Dou Zun expert can create."
"It was left behind by a senior of the Academy hundreds of years ago."
"If the two elders do not open it using a special method…"
"Even a Dou Zong would be unable to break through."
Hearing this, everyone felt a chill in their hearts.
A barrier that even a Dou Zong couldn't break—
It was truly terrifying.
At the pavilion entrance, the Two Elders slowly extended their withered hands from their sleeves.
Then—
They began forming seals, one finger at a time.
As the seals formed—
Two invisible yet overwhelming waves of energy spread outward like ripples.
When those waves touched the distorted space—
The air trembled.
The space in front of them turned like a surface of water, ripples spreading endlessly.
After a moment—
A door-shaped opening was slowly torn apart by an unseen force.
"Let's go," Hu Gan said calmly, stepping forward.
Xiao Feng and the others followed closely behind.
As they stepped through the invisible doorway—
The world around them instantly brightened.
The Library Pavilion now stood clearly before them.
They had officially entered…
Within the Space Lock.
"Hehe, sorry for the trouble, Elders," Hu Gan said with a smile.
"Just a task," the two elders replied indifferently, their bodies unmoving beneath their robes.
Hu Gan then turned to Xiao Feng and the others, his tone becoming serious.
"From here on, you will enter the Library Pavilion on your own."
He pointed toward the pavilion and continued:
"Remember this—do not force anything."
"Every item inside is protected by an energy barrier."
"If your hand can pass through it, the item is yours."
"If not… give up immediately."
He looked at each of them in turn.
"With your current strength, you cannot break those barriers."
"Every year, many enter… but not all leave with something."
His voice grew deeper.
"Everything depends on fate."
"Do not be greedy… or you will gain nothing in the end."
Xiao Feng looked toward the Library Pavilion.
His eyes were calm—
But deep within them…
A faint anticipation began to rise.
After hearing Hu Gan's instructions, Xiao Feng took a calm breath.
Without hesitation, he gently held Xiao Yi Xian's hand and stepped forward.
"Stay close," he said softly.
Xiao Yi Xian nodded, her grip tightening slightly as she followed beside him.
Behind them, Han Yue also stepped in, her expression composed but her eyes filled with curiosity.
Bai Cheng followed as well, though his face still carried a trace of unwillingness from earlier events.
Another figure quietly joined them—
Lin Xiuya.
Tall and composed, Lin Xiuya carried himself with a calm elegance. A long sword rested at his back, and his aura was sharp yet restrained.
Among the students of the Outer Academy, he was already well-known for his mastery of the sword.
Unlike Bai Cheng's arrogance, Lin Xiuya's demeanor was steady and refined, giving off the impression of someone who would one day stand at great heights.
As he stepped forward, Lin Xiuya glanced briefly at Xiao Feng.
A faint smile appeared on his lips.
"So this is Xiao Feng…" he murmured.
"The one everyone has been talking about."
Xiao Feng noticed his gaze but simply nodded slightly in acknowledgment.
He didn't say much, but there was a quiet understanding between the two.
Soon, all five of them stepped through the entrance together.
The moment they crossed the threshold—
A soft ripple spread through the air behind them.
The outside world seemed to fade away instantly.
After Xiao Feng and the others entered the Library Pavilion, the valley outside gradually returned to its quiet state.
The ripples in space slowly stabilized as the Space Lock sealed once again.
Only then did one of the Two Elders Qian Bai slowly shift his gaze toward Hu Gan.
His hoarse voice sounded calmly,
"Hu Gan… tell us more about that young man."
Hu Gan smiled slightly, as if he had expected this question.
"Xiao Feng?"
"He is a disciple of Fire Elder Huo."
The other elder's eyes flickered faintly.
"Go on."
Hu Gan clasped his hands behind his back and spoke slowly,
"He is already a 5th-grade alchemist, and his control over Dou Qi is far beyond his peers."
"He has reached the Dou Spirit realm at a young age…"
"And most importantly—he possesses a Strange Flame."
A brief silence followed.
Even the calm expressions of the Two Elders shifted slightly.
Hu Gan continued, his tone growing more meaningful,
"Not only that… he has also contributed greatly to the Academy."
"He provided high-level scrolls, soul cultivation techniques…"
"And even personally constructed multiple cultivation formations for the Outer Academy."
"He asked for nothing in return—only that his family members receive some care when they join."
Hearing this—
The Two Elders finally nodded slowly.
"A talent… and character both outstanding," one of them said.
The other let out a faint sigh.
"If not for the fact that we are in seclusion, striving to break through to the Dou Zun realm…"
"We would have taken him as our disciple ourselves."
Hu Gan couldn't help but smile upon hearing this.
He wasn't surprised in the slightest.
"With Xiao Feng's talent…" he said calmly,
"It would be strange if even you two elders were not tempted."
The Two Elders fell silent once more.
But this time—
Their gaze toward the Library Pavilion carried a trace of expectation.
Deep within their ancient eyes—
A single thought lingered.
This young man…
Might very well change the future of Canaan Academy.
Inside the Library Pavilion, countless streams of light drifted through the vast space like shooting stars.
Each one contained a treasure powerful enough to shake the outside world.
Lin Xiuya's eyes sharpened slightly as he looked around.
"So many high-level techniques…" he said quietly.
"As expected of Canaan Academy."
Han Yue nodded in agreement.
"This place truly lives up to its reputation."
Bai Cheng clenched his fists slightly, his gaze already locking onto a few powerful auras in the distance.
As for Xiao Feng—
He stood calmly at the center, his hand still holding Xiao Yi Xian's.
His eyes slowly swept across the entire pavilion.