Chapter 249: First Encounter with Zi Yan
Behind the wooden door was a spacious room, shrouded in a faint, glowing radiance.
"Not bad, it barely meets the standard of being collectible," Xiao Yan commented with a faint smile as he took in the sight before him.
The walls and floor of the room were entirely crafted from fine white jade. The quality of the materials and the meticulous arrangement of rare herbs indicated the effort the academy had poured into its collection. For a single institution, this level of storage was impressive almost comparable to the private vaults of elder members of the Xiao Clan.
High grade herbs required premium storage, and jade chambers like this were ideal. Ordinary spatial rings, while convenient, weren't optimal for long term preservation of such precious items. In the past, Xiao Yan had "convinced" certain elders to part with treasures from their own jade storage vaults in exchange for his promises of results.
"Heh, what do you think, Elder Yanxiao? Isn't our academy's collection impressive?"
Elder Hao, the vault's custodian, grinned proudly.
"It's decent," Xiao Yan replied with a slight nod, walking deeper into the chamber alongside Elder Hao.
Hearing the calm response, Elder Hao couldn't help but curl his lips slightly.
Trying to act unfazed, huh? As if I don't know how you alchemists are! You'll be drooling soon enough.
The two continued exploring, passing rows of shelves brimming with herbs radiating faint medicinal auras. Elder Hao's expression was filled with pride as he walked.
"Elder Yanxiao, do you know why, despite there being nearly a dozen alchemy elders in the academy, I was chosen to manage the Herb Vault?"
"Why?" Xiao Yan asked, genuinely curious.
Indeed, it seemed odd that a non alchemist was entrusted with such a critical task.
Seeing Xiao Yan's interest, Elder Hao straightened his posture, his face brimming with confidence.
"Because of loyalty, loyalty, and nothing but loyalty!"
At that moment, the jade walls seemed to reflect a sacred glow onto Elder Hao, making him appear larger than life.
"Elder Hao," Xiao Yan said earnestly, "you radiate a moral integrity that purifies the soul. It's truly inspiring."
Hearing these words, Elder Hao felt an indescribable sense of satisfaction. His opinion of Xiao Yan soared, and he regarded him as a kindred spirit.
"Elder Yanxiao, you truly understand! No wonder those arrogant alchemists could never break into the sixth tier they lack your noble character!"
Are we just flattering each other now? Xiao Yan chuckled inwardly but decided to let the conversation flow.
Just as he was about to respond, a faint crunching sound echoed through the chamber.
"Elder Hao, did you hear that?" Xiao Yan asked.
"Hear what? This vault is impenetrable!" Elder Hao replied confidently. "Even a Dou Zong expert wouldn't sneak in unnoticed."
Crunch, crunch.
The sound, reminiscent of someone biting into a carrot, echoed again, accompanied by a faint slurping noise.
Elder Hao's confident expression froze. "Impossible! Who would dare "
Crunch, crunch.
As the sound continued, a look of realization dawned on Elder Hao's face. His expression shifted to one of exasperation as he grabbed Xiao Yan and strode toward the source of the noise.
When they arrived, Elder Hao's voice rang out in fury, reverberating through the chamber.
"It's you! Of course, it's you, you little troublemaker!"
Unlike Elder Hao, Xiao Yan's eyes lit up with interest.
Before them stood a petite girl who barely reached Xiao Yan's chest. She appeared to be around twelve or thirteen years old, her long, light purple hair cascading down her back. Her doll like face, with its big, bright black eyes, exuded an innocent charm.
Yet, despite her adorable appearance, Elder Hao seemed deeply troubled.
At the girl's feet lay the remnants of two half eaten herbs. A century old Blood Essence Ginseng had been gnawed down to its tender core before being discarded like trash. Similarly, a half eaten Snow Spirit Fruit had been unceremoniously tossed aside.
To make matters worse, the girl was holding a Flame Dragon Fruit, with two large bite marks already on its surface.
"You're stealing herbs again! And this time, you didn't even finish them before throwing them away!" Elder Hao scolded, his voice filled with both anger and heartbreak.
The girl, however, simply stuffed the Flame Dragon Fruit behind her back, revealing a cheeky grin stained red with its juices.
"I didn't steal anything!" she declared, flashing an innocent smile. "See? I haven't touched a thing!"
Her blatant lie only fueled Elder Hao's frustration.
"You! You wasteful little this time, I'm reporting you to the Grand Elder!"
At the mention of the Grand Elder, the girl's playful expression faltered. Her black eyes narrowed, and she clenched a small, delicate fist, shaking it menacingly at Elder Hao.
"Old man, are you asking for a beating?" she threatened, her voice filled with mock seriousness.
But Elder Hao didn't back down. "It's my duty to protect this vault. Even if you hit me, I'll still report you!"
Despite his words, Elder Hao discreetly stepped behind Xiao Yan. After all, he had heard that the new Elder Yanxiao was a Dou Huang. Even if Xiao Yan couldn't restrain the girl, surely he could protect himself.
The girl, realizing her threats weren't working, switched tactics. Her fierce demeanor vanished, replaced by a pitiful expression.
"Elder Hao! You're such a good person I know you won't tell the Grand Elder. Please, pretty please?" she pleaded, her voice dripping with sweetness.
With her adorable appearance and heartfelt plea, most people would have caved instantly. Elder Hao hesitated, clearly tempted.
"Fine," he relented, "but at least finish what you've eaten so it doesn't go to waste. Otherwise, I'll have no choice but to report you."
The girl puffed out her cheeks indignantly. "I don't want to! These herbs don't even taste good!"
"You !" Elder Hao was about to explode when Xiao Yan stepped forward, placing a hand on the girl's head.
"Elder Yanxiao, be careful!" Elder Hao warned. His first encounter with the girl had ended with a broken arm when he tried the same thing.
But to his astonishment, though the girl swatted at Xiao Yan's hand, her fist recoiled as if she had struck a steel wall. She winced, clutching her hand, while Xiao Yan remained entirely unaffected.
"Who is this man?" Elder Hao wondered, his respect for Xiao Yan growing.
Ignoring Elder Hao's reaction, Xiao Yan crouched slightly to meet the girl's gaze. He smiled warmly and asked, "Your name is it Zi Yan?"
(End of Chapter)
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