Qian-Bai Elders

In the valley, even after Hu Gan's voice faded away, the two gray-robed elders sitting cross-legged before the entrance showed no response at all, remaining silent like two stone statues.

Seeing that his words had received no reply, Hu Gan did not speak again. He simply maintained his clasped-fist salute and waited quietly where he stood.

Behind Hu Gan, Xiao Yun and the others exchanged glances. They had no choice but to follow Hu Gan's example, bowing with clasped fists as they waited for the gray-robed elders' response. After all, given Hu Gan's status in Jia Nan Academy's Outer Academy, few could claim a higher standing than him.

Yet within this mysterious Library Pavilion, even Hu Gan appeared so respectful and courteous. That alone was enough to reveal just how terrifying these pavilion-guarding elders were.

After the silence in the valley had lasted nearly ten minutes, the two gray-robed elders seated before the Library Pavilion's gates finally stirred slightly.

Then, beneath their gray robes, the two elders raised their heads. Their ancient, unruffled eyes, weathered by time, swept one by one over Hu Gan and the others before abruptly stopping on Xiao Yun. Their gray robes trembled faintly as an aged voice, tinged with surprise, rang out. "Such a young child already has the cultivation of a Da Dou Shi?"

The aged voice echoed through the silent valley and clearly reached Xiao Yun and the others' ears.

"There is also the aura of Beast Flame on you. It seems this little one is not only a Da Dou Shi, but also an alchemist of no low rank. Am I right?" One of the gray-robed figures stared intently at Xiao Yun as his hoarse voice sounded.

Hearing that the gray-robed figure had set aside Hu Gan's request and questioned Xiao Yun first, everyone else in the valley was startled. Then they turned their envious gazes toward Xiao Yun. From Hu Gan's respectful attitude toward the two elders earlier, it was not difficult to infer their terrifying strength. Yet Xiao Yun had managed to draw the interest of these two formidable elders. Such treatment filled the other four with secret envy and jealousy.

Although Xiao Yun had not expected the Qian-Bai Elders' question, he reacted quickly. He bowed to the elders and said, "This junior is Xiao Yun. Greetings, two seniors. You are correct. I am not yet ten years old, but I am already a Seven-Star Da Dou Shi and a Third-Tier Alchemist."

Whoosh!

A powerful aura erupted from the two elders and spread in all directions. Xiao Yun and the others had no time to react and were about to be injured by the overwhelming pressure, but Hu Gan acted in time. He released his own aura as well, helping Xiao Yun and the others withstand it.

Hearing Xiao Yun's answer, the gray-robed figures had been so shocked that they failed to contain themselves, letting their auras leak out. "At such an age, with such talent... it seems a true dragon will emerge from our Northwestern Continent. Perhaps in a few decades, he may even reach the Dean's level..." Their faint voices passed between the two elders. Xiao Yun and the others, standing far away, could not make out the elders' murmurs. Only Hu Gan, with the strength of a Peak Dou Emperor, caught some of their words.

"Little one, do you have a master?"

"Reporting to the two seniors, this junior studies under Huo Lie, the head of the Outer Academy's Alchemy Department."

"Huo Lie, that brat... he truly found himself a fine disciple. What a pity, what a pity..."

The two gray-robed elders sighed repeatedly, though it was unclear whether they lamented not meeting Xiao Yun sooner or lamented that Xiao Yun had become Fire Elder's disciple.

"Such are the ways of fate. With little Xiao Yun here, Hu Gan, it seems this year's top five will be far stronger than those of previous years."

Hearing the elder's words, Hu Gan relaxed slightly and smiled. "In that case, I must trouble the two elders to undo the Space Lock."

At the pavilion, the Qian-Bai Elders slowly extended two pairs of withered, eagle-claw-like hands from their sleeves. Then, finger by finger, seal by seal, they slowly formed hand seals. Xiao Yun and the others could clearly sense two extremely powerful spatial fluctuations continuously spreading from their palms, like waves.

The invisible spatial fluctuations gradually dispersed. At once, the space before Xiao Yun and the others began to tremble, rippling like the surface of water. A moment later, the ripples ceased, and a spatial doorway was slowly torn open from the void by an invisible giant hand.

"Follow me. Do not touch this spatial gate. The energy contained within will tear you apart instantly; even I will not be able to save you." Seeing the doorway, Hu Gan instructed those behind him before taking the lead inside. Xiao Yun and the others hesitated briefly, then hurriedly followed Hu Gan in with great care.

The moment he stepped through the doorway, Xiao Yun discovered that everything before him had become much brighter. Even the previously indistinct Library Pavilion now stood clearly in view. Evidently, they had already entered the Space Lock.

"Many thanks, two elders." Standing outside the Library Pavilion, Hu Gan smiled and clasped his fists toward the gray-robed figures.

"It is our duty. No thanks are needed." After one elder responded, he lowered his head again as before and ignored everyone else.

"Alright, enter on your own now." Hu Gan turned to look at Xiao Yun and the others. "Remember, no matter what you need in the Library Pavilion, do not force it. Everything depends solely on luck and strength. Every item inside is covered by a layer of energy. If your hand can pass easily through that energy barrier, then you may take the item."

"If you cannot pass through the energy barrier, do not use brute force. With your strength, you cannot do anything to it. Instead, you will be injured by the energy within. Every year, people enter the Library Pavilion, but many return empty-handed. No matter how many items you uncover, you may only take one out. If you are too greedy, you may end up with nothing at all."

At this, Xiao Yun and the others nodded repeatedly, indicating that they had remembered Hu Gan's warning. Then they slowly walked toward the Library Pavilion.

After following the Qing Shi steps for a while, Xiao Yun and the others arrived before the Library Pavilion's gates. Looking up at the ancient plaque, they felt a desolate aura spread from it, winding around their hearts and lingering for a long time.

"Cough... Go in. The door will remain open for only half an hour. After half an hour, whether you have obtained anything or not, you must come out immediately." To the left of the five, a gray-robed elder's sleeve fluttered slightly. Then the tightly shut gates slowly opened with a creak, revealing the pitch-black passage within.

Xiao Yun, who was at the front, guarded his mind and took a deep breath before stepping into the Library Pavilion first. The other four hurriedly followed behind him and entered the Library Pavilion together.

After all five had entered the Library Pavilion, the open gates slowly creaked shut again.

Looking at the tightly closed gates once more, Hu Gan let out a soft breath. "I hope little Yun does not aim too high and can obtain something he truly needs."