Battle Through the Heavens: Obtaining the Extraction System at the Start

The two gray-robed figures seemed as though they had been sitting there all along. This bizarre sight made Xiao Ling suck in a breath of cold air. A Dou Zong powerhouse... truly terrifying.

These should be the two peak Dou Zongs from the original story, Elder Qian Bai. They would only appear when Jia Nan Academy faced a life-or-death crisis. If either of them had been willing to step in and intimidate those ambitious schemers of the Black Corner Region, there would not have been so many messes in the original story.

After the two appeared, they did not say a single word. They did not even acknowledge Hu Gan, their imposing presence and air of mastery fully on display.

Hu Gan showed no dissatisfaction on his face, and the people behind him could only wait obediently.

After the silent atmosphere persisted in the valley for nearly ten minutes, the robes of the two gray-robed figures seated cross-legged before the pavilion gates finally stirred slightly. Then, beneath their robes, two pairs of ancient, still eyes rose and swept lightly over Xiao Ling and the others in turn. Their voices carried a faint note of approval. "Are these this year's top five from the selection tournament? Their quality is far superior to previous years. Not bad."

Hearing them speak, Hu Gan relaxed slightly and said with a smile, "It is all thanks to these children working hard. I would ask the two elders to unlock the Space Lock."

The two gray-robed elders nodded faintly and waved their hands, causing ripples to spread through space.

Xiao Ling and the others then looked toward the space half a meter before Hu Gan. Upon closer inspection, they could make out extremely faint wrinkles. These wrinkles were hidden within space and exceedingly difficult to detect. Following the barely visible folds with their eyes, they discovered that the spatial wrinkles formed something resembling a wall, shielding the entire Library Pavilion behind it!

"This is a Space Lock, an immensely powerful barrier that only a Dou Venerate can set up. This Space Lock was left behind by one of the academy's predecessors several centuries ago. Without the two elders inside using a special method to open it, even a Dou Zong could not force their way in. All four of you come from families with Dou Zong powerhouses, so your knowledge is broader. You should have heard of such things to some extent. Xiao Ling, this is probably your first time seeing one. Once you reach that realm in the future, you will understand it deeply." Hu Gan explained.

Before the pavilion, the two gray-robed figures slowly extended a pair of withered hands from their sleeves. Then, finger by finger, seal by seal, they slowly formed hand seals. As their seals changed, Xiao Ling and the others could clearly sense two immensely vast and invisible waves spreading from their palms like ripples.

The invisible waves gradually spread until they finally came into contact with the spatial wrinkles. The instant they touched, the space before Xiao Ling and the others became like a mirror made of water, rippling continuously in circles. A moment later, the ripples ceased, and a doorway was slowly torn open by an invisible giant hand.

"Let's go." Seeing the spatial doorway, Hu Gan waved his hand and stepped through first. Xiao Ling and the others followed closely behind, entering through the door.

Once inside, their vision suddenly brightened, and the pavilion before them became increasingly clear. Clearly, they had truly entered the space sealed by the Space Lock.

Outside the pavilion, Hu Gan saw that Xiao Ling and the others had entered and smiled at the two gray-robed figures seated on the ground. "Hehe, thank you for your trouble, elders."

"It is merely our duty." The two mysterious figures wrapped entirely in gray robes did not move in the slightest as their hoarse, indifferent voices slowly rang out.

"Now, enter the Library Pavilion yourselves. Remember, no matter what you wish to obtain, do not force it. Everything within is protected by an energy layer. If your hand can pass through that energy layer without obstruction, then you may take the item inside. Of course, no matter how many items you can lift, you may only take one out of the Library Pavilion. Do not be greedy, or you will end up with nothing." Hu Gan pointed toward the Library Pavilion as he spoke to Xiao Ling and the others.

"If you cannot penetrate the energy layer, then give up. With your strength, you cannot break them. Every year, people enter the Library Pavilion, yet quite a few still leave empty-handed. So everything depends on fate. Do not force what you cannot obtain."

Hearing this, Xiao Ling and the others nodded. They exchanged glances, then slowly raised their feet and headed toward the Library Pavilion.

Crossing the bluestone steps, they arrived before the Scripture Library's gates and looked up at the plaque above them, which bore the words Scripture Library.

The plaque was somewhat worn, yet it carried a soul-stirring force that filled their hearts with a desolate feeling. Xiao Ling had been prepared and was only slightly affected. After reminding the others, who were somewhat dazed, he continued onward.

"Go in! The doors will only remain open for one hour. After an hour, whether you have obtained what you need or not, you must come out!" one of the gray-robed figures said. At the same time, he waved his sleeve, stirring an invisible fluctuation that slowly opened the Scripture Library's gates.

As the gates opened, an ancient and desolate aura rushed toward them, forcing Xiao Ling and the others to quickly guard their minds and not entertain the slightest stray thought.

The wild-tempered Lin Yan took the lead and walked inside. The others followed one after another into the Library Pavilion.

Once all five had entered the Library Pavilion, the open gates creaked as they slowly closed, finally sealing shut tightly.

Watching this, Hu Gan stroked his beard and chuckled. "I wonder whether that Beast Fire inside will end up being taken by that brat Xiao Ling."

Hearing the gates close tightly behind them, the group quickened their pace and proceeded deeper inside. Nearly five minutes later, pale yellow light shone from somewhere ahead. Their footsteps quickened further, and after a while, they finally passed through the dark passage. Brilliant light shone directly into their faces, causing them to turn their heads slightly aside.

Before them was an immensely spacious room. Along the walls were nearly a dozen energy barriers. At that moment, these energy barriers pulsed slowly with light, illuminating the entire room as brightly as day.

Xiao Ling stepped forward and said to the others, "The treasures here are hidden within those light spheres. You need to break the light source to obtain the treasures inside. The higher the treasure's grade, the stronger the light sphere will be, and the harder it will be to break. If you spot any Cultivation Techniques and Combat Skills suitable for one another, help keep an eye out. If anyone cannot break a light sphere, we can work together to deal with it."

Hearing this, everyone nodded. They all shared a deep bond, and cooperating would certainly yield better treasures than fighting alone.

Suddenly, a streak of light flashed past and descended toward Liu Qing. Xiao Ling, whose Soul Perception had remained focused, warned him, "Liu Qing, a light sphere is heading your way. Take it down and see what it is."

Hearing this, Liu Qing concentrated and noticed a light sphere flying toward him. He leaped into the air and threw a charged punch, shattering the sphere.

He picked up the item inside and examined it, muttering, "A Profound Grade Intermediate Cultivation Method, Profound Water Absolute. This is useless to me."

Xiao Ling said, "Unless they are rare types, just toss aside any Cultivation Techniques and Combat Skills below Earth Grade. If you find any medicinal ingredients, let me take a look. I plan to get a Beast Fire. Do any of you have something you want?"

Han Yue spoke softly from the side. "Choose Cultivation Techniques and Combat Skills, or high-quality medicinal pills. There is nothing in particular that we lack."

Hearing this, the others nodded in agreement.

Suddenly, more than a dozen light spheres flew out from within the pavilion. Xiao Ling left behind the words, "Pick the light spheres with more energy inside," before sprinting forward.

The others also focused themselves and began selecting suitable treasures.

Xiao Ling did not blindly try to capture the light spheres. Instead, he kept his eyes on every sphere flying out, releasing his Soul Power and extending his Soul Perception to its limit to sense those with stronger energy.

Suddenly, a light sphere containing Wind Attribute energy deeply caught Xiao Ling's attention. The energy within it was the strongest he had detected since entering.

Without hesitating any longer, Xiao Ling rushed forward, leaped into the air, and clenched his hand around the azure light sphere, firmly trapping it in his palm.

Though he was not particularly familiar with Wind Attribute Dou Qi, Xiao Ling still shattered the light sphere with his powerful physical strength and dense Dou Qi, drawing out a pale cyan Scroll from within.

Xiao Ling looked it over and read out its contents. "Wind Attribute Earth Grade Mid-tier Dou Technique, Fierce Wind Breath Severing Slash. This is pretty good. Lin Xiuyai, do you want it?"

Hearing this, everyone turned toward Lin Xiuyai. The Dou Qi he cultivated was precisely of the Wind Attribute, making this Dou Technique extremely suitable for him.

"Of course I want it. This technique is clearly perfect for someone with Wind Attribute Dou Qi like me, and I happen to use a sword." Lin Xiuyai scratched his head and answered somewhat sheepishly.

With a flick of his hand, Xiao Ling sent the Scroll flying into Lin Xiuyai's hands. Smiling, he said, "You lucky bastard. When I need someone to fight with later, I'll call you. Don't chicken out then."

After receiving the Scroll and carefully putting it away like a treasure, Lin Xiuyai replied seriously, "As long as it is not suicide, I'm with you. Brothers forever."

Shaking his head and no longer paying attention to him, Xiao Ling continued focusing on finding the Beast Fire, examining those light spheres with stronger Fire Attribute energy.

Half an hour later, everyone had chosen their treasures. Han Yue and Lin Yan had each selected an Earth Tier Intermediate Cultivation Method, while Liu Qing had obtained an Earth Grade Mid-tier Dou Technique, Intentional Bombing Fist. Only Xiao Ling had yet to find the Seventh-grade Phantom Gold Fire that Han Xian found in the original story.

Xiao Ling could not help muttering inwardly, Could it be that the Beast Fire was not found in the Library Pavilion? If it comes down to it, getting a high-grade medicinal ingredient would not be unacceptable.

Seeing that Xiao Ling seemed somewhat dissatisfied, Han Yue stepped forward and comforted him softly. "There is still half an hour left. Don't be too anxious. At worst, take the Sky Jade Fruit Lin Xiuyai found for you. It is the main ingredient for refining a Dou Ling Pill, and it is quite good too."

Seeing his Senior Sister comfort him like this, Xiao Ling no longer felt so anxious. Smiling, he replied, "Let fate decide. If a suitable Beast Fire still does not appear when time is up, I'll take that Sky Jade Fruit."

Before he could finish speaking, a blazing red ball of light suddenly shot out from the library, drawing Xiao Ling's attention. Judging from the energy it emitted, it was even slightly stronger than the light sphere containing Fierce Wind Breath Severing Slash.

Without the slightest hesitation, Xiao Ling rushed toward it. He stepped on the bookshelves and leaped into the air, fully activating his Suction Palm. The light sphere flew into his hand.

Relying on his familiarity with Fire Attribute Dou Qi, Xiao Ling directly thrust his hand through the light sphere and retrieved a Porcelain Bottle. Looking closely, he saw a blazing golden flame seed contained within. It was precisely the Seventh-grade Phantom Gold Fire.

Seeing this, the others gathered around. When they saw that it was truly a seventh-grade Beast Fire, they all marveled at Xiao Ling's luck. He had actually waited long enough to obtain a high-grade Beast Fire.

Xiao Ling also let out a sigh of relief. Fortunately, he had waited a little longer instead of leaving early.

I finally found you. Good thing I didn't give up.

Putting away the bottle of Beast Fire, Xiao Ling smiled at everyone. "Sorry to keep you waiting. Let's head out together." With that, he took the lead toward the gates.

The others said no more and followed close behind, leaving the Library Pavilion together.

As the five departed, the vortex-like energy barriers surrounding the massive room began to slowly shrink.

A moment later, the energy barriers condensed into tiny points and vanished completely with faint cracking sounds.

The enormous room was now completely empty. No one would have guessed that it had previously been filled with countless treasures capable of causing a sensation in the outside world.

Hearing the gates open, one of the gray-robed figures suddenly stirred his sleeve. Xiao Ling and the others immediately sensed a vast and majestic invisible energy sweep over their bodies. The sheer strength of that energy filled their hearts with alarm.

The invisible energy seemed only to scan them, so after merely ten seconds or so, it receded like a tide until it completely disappeared.

"Time is up. Leave. Remember this well: you must not reveal a single thing about what happened here today, including any information about the inside of the Library Pavilion, to anyone." The hoarse, aged voice slowly echoed around the gates.

Hearing this, everyone nodded, indicating that they would abide by the rules.

Seeing that they had all come out of the Library Pavilion, Hu Gan stepped forward with a benevolent smile and asked in a gentle tone, "Did you all obtain treasures you were satisfied with? No one came back empty-handed, I hope?"

Xiao Ling had no intention of hiding it. He directly took out the Porcelain Bottle containing the Seventh-grade Phantom Gold Fire and joked with a smile, "The academy must have bled heavily this time. Two Earth Grade Mid-tier Dou Techniques, two Earth Tier Intermediate Cultivation Methods, and a seventh-grade Beast Fire. The academy is really wealthy. Back in our Jia Ma Empire, not even the imperial family possesses Earth Tier Combat Skills or cultivation methods." The combined value of their items was worth roughly tens of millions of Gold Coins, and some of them could not even be bought with money, only traded for with other treasures.

Hearing this, Hu Gan's mouth twitched. He said helplessly, "This round of rewards is indeed much more valuable than before, but you have earned them. Do not worry. To the Principal, these things are merely scraps that fall from beneath his fingernails."

Xiao Ling nodded without comment. Mang Tianchi was an elder of the Lei Clan, one of the Eight Ancient Clans, and his strength had already reached the Half-Saint realm. His wealth was certainly immense, so these things meant nothing to him. It was a pity that the Clan Leader of the Xiao Clan, also one of the Eight Ancient Clans, could only use a Profound Grade Intermediate cultivation method. Why was the gap between people so enormous?

Hu Gan swept his gaze over the five of them. After seeing that none had suffered any injuries, he cupped his fists toward the two gray-robed figures once more, then turned and walked toward the invisible doorway torn open by the invisible giant hand.

"Stay close to me. Do not touch those spatial wrinkles, or even I will not be able to save you." Just before passing through the invisible doorway, Hu Gan turned his head to remind them. Then, keeping his upper body still, he stepped forward and passed through the doorway. Xiao Ling and the others carefully followed behind him, not daring to make the slightest unnecessary movement.

As Xiao Ling and the others disappeared, the small valley hidden in an unknown location finally returned to its former tranquility. It would not open again until the following year's Inner Academy Selection Tournament had concluded.

After returning to the room, Hu Gan carefully closed the door he had opened earlier. He looked at the five who had just emerged, stroked his beard, and said with a smile, "Now that you have received your rewards, it is time to head to the Inner Academy for cultivation. Once you get there, you will have to worry about not having enough Fire Energy. You must work together, or you may be bullied."

Everyone nodded, indicating that they understood. Xiao Ling, however, did not care in the slightest. First, he would seize a batch of Fire Energy during the Fire Energy Hunt Competition. Then, with his Alchemy Art, he would basically never run out of Fire Energy. As for being bullied, it had never even crossed Xiao Ling's mind. If someone truly pushed him too far, he would just unleash Void Dragon and fight.

"Alright, if there is nothing else, you may all return. Come report here in two days, and I will take you into the Inner Academy then." Seeing that they had understood everything, Hu Gan did not keep them any longer.

After giving a slight bow, the group left the study. They chatted for a while on the way, then each returned to their own courtyards to cultivate.

After returning to his room, Xiao Ling willed the System Panel into view.

"System, open my personal panel."

[Ding, automatically opening the host's personal panel...]

Host: Xiao Ling

Gender: Male

Age: Ten and a half