"Playing Flame Art"

Before the Dou Qi Pavilion, Xiao Ling looked up at the enormous building before him and could not help shaking his head in amazement.

On the plaque of the massive pavilion were the three bold, vigorous characters: "Dou Qi Pavilion." An imposing aura seemed to rush toward him.

This pavilion was the most important place in the Xiao Family: the Dou Qi Pavilion!

He released his Soul Perception and discovered several gazes within the pavilion watching him. Xiao Ling's expression did not change as he strode inside.

Seeing Xiao Ling enter the Dou Qi Pavilion, the Guardian Elder, who had been cultivating, opened his eyes. His sharp gaze swept over Xiao Ling, but upon recognizing the family's famed genius—a gentle young man who often guided the younger generation—his eyes softened considerably. Smiling, he asked, "Xiao Ling, what brings you to the Dou Qi Pavilion today? Are you planning to learn a few Dou Techniques?"

Xiao Ling stepped forward, bowed slightly to the Guardian Elder, and said, "This junior has now broken through to the Dou Zhe realm and came to the Dou Qi Pavilion to find a cultivation technique."

Hearing that Xiao Ling had already reached the Dou Zhe realm, the Guardian Elder was greatly shocked. He quickly stepped forward and grasped Xiao Ling's wrist. Xiao Ling did not resist, allowing himself to be examined. He only felt a warm current flash through his body before the Guardian Elder withdrew his hand. Staring at Xiao Ling as though he were a monster, the elder drew in a sharp breath. This child is terrifying beyond belief.

"Haha, as expected of the greatest genius the Xiao Family has seen in a hundred years. Come with me and test your Dou Qi attribute first. Then I'll help you choose a cultivation technique." Stroking his graying beard, the Guardian Elder led Xiao Ling farther into the pavilion.

At the entrance to the pavilion, they arrived before the crystal ball used to test Dou Qi attributes. "Go on and test your Dou Qi attribute. Then choose a cultivation technique according to your attribute." The Guardian Elder nodded at Xiao Ling, signaling for him to step forward.

Without giving it much thought, Xiao Ling walked up, placed his hand on the crystal ball, and sent in a stream of Dou Qi. A crimson-red glow shone forth. Since he had long known his own Dou Qi attribute, Xiao Ling was not particularly surprised.

Seeing that it was Fire Attribute Dou Qi, the Guardian Elder said, "Fire Attribute techniques are in room forty-three of the Fire Corridor. Go in and choose one yourself."

Xiao Ling nodded imperceptibly and headed toward the Technique Pavilion.

Upon entering the small room where the cultivation techniques were stored, the light grew somewhat brighter. There was only a stone platform inside, with a Black Scroll resting quietly atop it. Xiao Ling picked it up and softly read aloud, "Refining Fire Burn, Yellow Tier Advanced." He could not help shaking his head. The Xiao Family's collection was truly too poor. Since he was only going through the motions anyway, he did not dwell on it. Taking the technique, he walked to the door, bowed to the Guardian Elder, and left the Dou Qi Pavilion.

He headed for Xiao Xun'er's courtyard, intending to tell her about his breakthrough to the Dou Zhe realm.

Arriving outside Xiao Xun'er's courtyard gate, he spoke briefly with the maid outside. Once the maid left, he waited where he was.

Not long after, the young girl in green darted out of the house and stood gracefully before him.

Xiao Xun'er smiled and softly complained, "Brother Xiao Ling, didn't I tell you that you could come directly into my courtyard?"

Looking down at her delicate little face, flawless in every way, Xiao Ling smiled and brushed it off. "Next time, for sure." He then changed the subject. "I came to tell you some good news. I've already broken through to the Dou Zhe realm."

"As expected of Brother Xiao Ling. The gap between Xun Er and you is getting wider and wider," Xiao Xun'er answered softly.

"Stop teasing me. If you cultivate properly, you'll definitely surpass me." Xiao Ling's mouth twitched, though inwardly he grumbled, This little bit of talent is nothing at all compared to your Divine Bloodline.

Suddenly, Xiao Ling's stomach let out a series of growls. Cultivation had consumed too much of his energy, and since he had not eaten anything, he was getting hungry.

Xiao Ling's little face reddened. He scratched his head awkwardly, then glanced at the time and saw that it was nearly noon. "Breaking through after cultivation made me a little hungry. Xun Er, would you like to have lunch with me?"

Covering her mouth, Xiao Xun'er let out a string of bell-like laughter before smiling and saying, "Sure, sure. Xun Er is a little hungry too."

Thus, the two set off together toward the dining hall.

They sat at the dining table, eating their meal.

Xiao Xun'er's eyes shifted as if she had thought of something. She asked, "Since Brother Xiao Ling has broken through to the Dou Zhe realm, have you prepared a cultivation technique yet?"

Without thinking much of it, Xiao Ling took out Refining Fire Burn from Twenty-Four Bridges Moonlight Night. Shaking the scroll in his hand, he said, "This is the strongest Fire Attribute cultivation technique the Xiao Family has."

Taking the technique from Xiao Ling's hand and seeing that it was merely a Yellow Tier Advanced technique, Xiao Xun'er frowned.

She handed Refining Fire Burn back to Xiao Ling, then took a white scroll from her Storage Ring and placed it before him. "This is the Mysterious Tier High-grade technique, Playing Flame Art. Brother Xiao Ling, cultivate this technique instead."

Looking at the technique before him, Xiao Ling knew it was worthless to Xiao Xun'er, so he did not refuse. He put it away at his waist.

He said to Xiao Xun'er, "I know Xun Er must have an extraordinary background. This technique may be nothing to you, but I'll accept this gift. Thank you, Xun Er."

Seeing Xiao Ling accept the technique, Xiao Xun'er was also in a very good mood. She spoke earnestly, "Brother Xiao Ling, Xun Er believes in you. I'll wait for the day you become the supreme powerhouse who stands above the world."

Seeing the earnest look in Xiao Xun'er's eyes, Xiao Ling grew serious as well. Confidence flashed in his gaze as he said firmly, "Don't worry. I won't disappoint you."

At that moment, sunlight fell across the young man's profile, and the breeze stirred his hair. Seeing Xiao Ling so high-spirited, Xiao Xun'er revealed a radiant smile as well.

After lunch, Xiao Ling first escorted Xiao Xun'er back to her courtyard before leaving the Xiao Family. He intended to visit the Mittel Auction House and buy some Beast Flames.

As he neared the Mittel Auction House, he quickly entered a dark alley. Xiao Ling draped himself in a black robe to conceal his appearance, then slowly made his way toward the Mittel Auction House.

The Mittel Auction House was the largest auction venue in Wutan City, and it belonged to the Mite'er Family, the wealthiest family in the Jia Ma Empire.

Crossing the street, Xiao Ling arrived before the Mittel Auction House. Looking at the towering building, he could not help sighing inwardly, What luxury. Even the Xiao Family pales in comparison.

Under the vigilant gazes of several fully armed guards at the entrance, Xiao Ling paid them no mind. Without slowing, he walked straight inside.

The moment he entered the main hall, the scorching heat from outside receded like the tide, replaced by a refreshing coolness. It was like entering a world of ice and fire, reminding Xiao Ling of walking into an air-conditioned room during summer on Blue Star.