In the Vice Dean's office…
At the selection tournament, Xiao Li swept away every so-called Genius in the Outer Academy and took first place single-handedly. Next, the remaining "Geniuses" fought for the last four spots.
"You little brat, are you trying to give this old man a heart attack? Was there any need for such violence? You're a Dou Ling bullying a bunch of Dou Masters and Great Dou Masters, and you open with an Earth-Rank Dou Technique!"
"I know you're an Alchemist, you've got money and a powerful master, but how could you… gah—%&#—" Hu Gan sputtered, half-choking on his own rage. "Huff—huff— you're killing me!"
Hu Gan sprayed spit at Xiao Li but stopped short of outright insults.
"I wasn't in the best state of mind; I misjudged the force," Xiao Li muttered, scratching his cheek awkwardly while glancing at Hu Gan's freshly bandaged right hand.
If Hu Gan hadn't stepped in, someone might have died.
"You little monster! Get to the Inner Academy—go make trouble there. My Outer Academy can't handle a 'prodigy' like you!" Hu Gan huffed.
"All right, you five, come with me. You're the top five of this tournament; by rule, you get a shot at luck inside the Hidden Book Pavilion."
Hu Gan rose, walked to the wall behind him, and casually slapped it a few times. A low rumble sounded, and a dark passage appeared before the five of them.
"A hidden realm—nice," Xiao Li marveled.
Hu Gan: "Follow me."
Inside the passage, fist-sized night-luminous pearls were set into the walls; their dim glow blurred the light. Only soft footsteps broke the hush.
After roughly half an hour, a speck of light appeared at the far end. Everyone quickened their pace; a moment later they stepped out.
Dazzling sunlight poured down, forcing the other four to squint. When their eyes adjusted, the scene ahead stunned them.
They stood in a valley recess. Steep cliffs rose on three sides until they vanished into the distance. In the center lay a broad open space, and on it loomed an enormous, heavy, time-worn pavilion.
Their gaze swept across the vast building and settled on an ancient placard outside its doors. Three weather-worn characters faintly emerged: Hidden Book Pavilion.
Hu Gan led the five toward the pavilion, halting twenty meters away. He cupped his hands and called, "The top five of this year's Inner Academy selection have been decided. By rule, I bring them here—may the Two Elders open the gate!"
Two grey-cloaked figures materialized before the empty pavilion. Xiao Li was certain he hadn't blinked; they'd simply appeared too fast.
Those two must be the foundation of Jia Nan Academy—the former Grand Elders Qian Mu and Bai Lie. They reached high-rank Dou Zong long ago; even in the Central Lands they'd be top-tier.
While Xiao Li pondered, two gazes struck him. He lifted his head and met the eyes of The Two Elders Qian Bai.
One elder gave a soft exclamation. "May I ask this young friend's name?"
His raspy voice carried the weight of many years.
"Junior Xiao Li greets the two Seniors!" He cupped his hands and bowed.
"Mm—bone age sixteen, yet cultivation at three-star Dou Ling, even showing signs of reaching four-star. His Soul is stronger than most fifth-tier Alchemists. Truly heaven-defying talent. Even in the Central Lands, few could match him."
Qian Mu smiled. "Hu Gan, you've accepted a fine student this time. The Dean will be delighted. As for the other four youngsters—two Great Dou Masters and two Peak Dou Masters—fairly standard."
Hu Gan bowed. "May the two Seniors release the spatial lock?"
"Spatial lock?"
Hu Gan explained, "A barrier only a Dou Zun Expert can lay. Our Dean set this one; without the special seal known only to the two Elders inside, not even a Dou Zong could force entry."
At the pavilion, The Two Elders Qian Bai slipped withered hands from their sleeves and began forming seals, finger by finger. Xiao Li sensed two mighty, invisible ripples spreading like waves.
The ripples reached the folds of space; the air before them turned mirror-like, rippling in circles. Moments later the ripples stilled and an invisible hand slowly tore open a doorway.
So this is the spatial method only Dou Zong or Dou Zun Experts can wield. When will I reach that level?
"Go in," Hu Gan beckoned.
Xiao Li stepped first into the Hidden Book Pavilion; the other four followed.
"Now enter on your own. Remember: never force anything. Every item is wrapped in an energy layer. If your hand passes through unhindered, you may take the object—only one item may be brought out, no matter how many you can lift. Greed leaves you with nothing.
If you cannot pierce the energy layer, give up; your strength cannot break it. Every year many enter, and many leave empty-handed. Let fate decide; do not force what is not yours."
Elder Bai's voice sounded.
"The gate stays open one hour. Whether you find what you seek or not, you must come out when the hour ends."
Knowing the rules, the five strode inside, eager to see what treasures the mysterious pavilion held.
Legends tell of an unremarkable Senior who, after entering the pavilion, soared to prominence: within a few years he graduated as a Dou Wang and became a mighty figure in the land.