"We're here, this is the place."
Xiao Chong stopped in front of a seemingly ordinary stone house. He gently touched the wall, and a series of complex runes gradually appeared. Accompanied by a soft clicking sound, the stone door slowly opened, revealing a faint, eerie light.
Zi Yan eyes lit up, and she eagerly pulled Xiao Chong hand as they stepped into the secret chamber.
Inside the chamber, various bottles were neatly arranged, emitting a faint medicinal aroma that invigorated the spirit.
"Wow, so many elixirs! Brother Xiao Chong, we've hit the jackpot!" Zi Yan excitedly darted around, curiously opening each bottle to take a sniff.
"Zi Yan, don't mess around. We're here to find the elixir that can help you break through your bottleneck, not to play around."
Although Xiao Chong tone was stern, his eyes remained gentle. He began to carefully sift through the bottles, relying on his extensive knowledge of pharmacology. Eventually, he picked out a pill that emitted a warm, lustrous glow.
"This 'Spiritual Aperture Pill' is most suitable for your current state. It can help you widen your meridians and accelerate the absorption of spiritual energy," Xiao Chong said as he handed over the pill, adding a word of caution, "Remember, you must calm your mind and focus before taking it. Otherwise, the backlash from the pill's energy could have dire consequences."
Zi Yan nodded solemnly, carefully taking the pill. She closed her eyes, following Xiao Chong instructions to regulate her breathing, and slowly placed the pill in her mouth.
Moments later, a warm current rose from her dantian, flowing through her limbs and entire body, causing her to let out a soft, contented sigh.
"How do you feel?" Xiao Chong asked with concern.
Zi Yan opened her eyes, her face radiant with an unprecedented glow.
"It's amazing! I can feel the spiritual energy in my body becoming more active. Thank you, Brother Xiao Chong!"
Just then, a faint noise came from outside the door. The two exchanged glances, their hearts sinking as they realized the danger.
Zi Yan grabbed Xiao Chong sleeve, whispering urgently, "Oh no, someone's coming! We need to get out of here!"
Xiao Chong quickly restored everything to its original state and led Zi Yan away through the secret passage they had come from, leaving behind the lingering scent of herbs.
"Brother Xiao Chong, that was really close. What if we had been discovered...?" Zi Yan panted, her voice tinged with a barely noticeable excitement.
Xiao Chong smiled slightly, a hint of cunning flashing in his eyes. "Don't worry, as long as I'm here, nothing will happen. But next time, we can't be so reckless."
"Mm, I understand. Hey, do you think there are still many secrets in the Jia Nan Academy that we haven't explored yet?" Zi Yan looked up at the starry sky, her eyes sparkling with a thirst for the unknown.
Xiao Chong stroked his chin, his gaze deep, as if he could peer into the long river of history. He spoke slowly,
"The Jia Nan Academy has a long history and profound heritage. Its secrets are as numerous as the stars, each one hiding endless wisdom and power. What you know now is just the tip of the iceberg."
He paused, a mysterious smile playing on his lips.
"I might as well tell you. Deep within the Jia Nan Library, it's said that there is an ancient tome that records the cultivation methods of powerful beings from the distant past. It's enough to elevate someone to the top in a single step."
Zi Yan eyes widened with excitement, her small fists clenched tightly.
"Really? When can we go and explore it?"
"Don't be in such a hurry. That book isn't so easy to obtain."
Xiao Chong waved his hand, a hint of seriousness flashing in his eyes.
"To access that legacy, you must pass the Jia nan Trial, proving you are worthy. Moreover, it is said that guarding that book is a presence even I dare not provoke lightly."
Zi Yan pouted, clearly displeased.
"Hmph, in the end, you still look down on me. Don't worry, one day I'll make you see me in a new light!"
Under the moonlit night, their shadows stretched long, the atmosphere relaxed and harmonious.
Suddenly, a series of hurried footsteps shattered the tranquility. A student ran up, breathless and panicked, shouting,
"Something terrible has happened at the library!"
Xiao Chong frowned, immediately serious. "What's going on? Explain in detail."
"It's... it's a massive light shadow that appeared in the library. The entire outer courtyard can feel an ancient and powerful energy surge. Many elders have already rushed over!" the student gasped.
Hearing this, Zi Yan eyes sparkled as she tugged at Xiao Chong arm.
"What are we waiting for? Let's go check it out!"
Xiao Chong nodded, and the two of them moved swiftly, transforming into two streaks of light as they headed straight for the library.
On the way, Zi Yan couldn't help but ask,
"What do you think that light shadow is? Could it be related to that ancient book?"
"Very likely," Xiao Chong mused. "The secrets of Jia nan Academy are far more complex than we imagine. This incident might be the key to unveiling its mysteries."
Moments later, they arrived at the library to find a crowd gathered, students and elders alike, all murmuring in discussion.
In the center of the library, a radiant portal had appeared out of thin air, emanating an ancient and profound aura that left everyone in awe.
"What... what kind of door is this?" Zi Yan asked, wide-eyed.
Xiao Chong gaze was intense, his voice firm.
"No matter where it leads, since it's here, we can't miss it. The secrets of Jia nan Academy might lie beyond that door."
Just as everyone hesitated, Xiao Chong strode forward, with Zi Yan close behind, stepping into the radiant light.
Inside the portal, they found themselves in a vast, boundless void, with countless stars swirling around them. An irresistible force guided them forward.
Zi Yan looked up at the dazzling starry sky, her eyes filled with childlike curiosity and wonder.
"Brother Xiao Chong, where exactly are we? Why are there so many stars, as if we could reach out and touch them?" Her voice echoed in the void, tinged with disbelief.
Xiao Chong furrowed his brows, looking around. The scene before him was beyond his understanding.
"I'm not sure either. The Jia nan Academy Library has countless volumes, but none mention this place. But since we're here, we might as well explore. Perhaps we can find some clues here."
His words carried an indomitable will, a determination that seemed to pierce through the stars, giving Zi Yan confidence.
They walked through the void, each step feeling as though they were traversing endless universes. The stars slowly rotated beneath their feet, forming magnificent patterns.
Suddenly, a meteor streaked across the sky, heading straight for them. Just as it was about to hit, it transformed into a beam of light, revealing the figure of an old man.
"Welcome to the Star Realm, young travelers."
The old man voice was ancient and distant, as if it had traveled from the very end of time.
"I am the guardian of this realm. The fact that you have reached here proves that you have an inseparable bond with the stars."
Zi Yan eyes widened, filled with delight.
"Woaahh hey star grandpa where is this? Can you tell us how to return to Jia nan academy?" Her straightforwardness drew a gentle smile from the old man.
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[My God idk whats going on but the fanfic turn from bad to worse at this point, there is no mention of cultivation or anything, the next 20 chapter if full of cringe and nonsense. Read at your own risk]