Standing in formation, Xiao Yan raised his head to gaze at the colossal pavilion before him, unable to help but shake his head in awe.
A massive plaque hung on the pavilion, the three characters "Dou Qi Pavilion" appearing ancient and majestic. The plaque had a faint golden hue and was covered in a thin layer of dust, indicating it had weathered countless years of change.
This pavilion was the most important place in the Xiao Clan: the Dou Qi Pavilion.
Over the past few centuries, the clan had acquired countless cultivation techniques, all of which were stored here. These techniques were the very treasures that affirmed the Xiao Clan's current standing.
Within the clan, this was the most important place, hence its defenses were extremely strict. On normal days, it was essentially forbidden ground; even clan members were prohibited from entering at will. Only after the coming-of-age ceremony would this place be temporarily opened for a period.
Slightly narrowing his eyes, Xiao Yan's gaze swept over the dark corners of the pavilion. His sensitive soul force made him realize that their every move here was being observed by a hidden guard in a secret location nearby.
In this secluded, quiet area around the pavilion, Xiao Yan could also sense several powerful auras. It seemed the clan truly placed immense importance on this Dou Qi Pavilion.
Turning his head, he exchanged a glance with Xun'er. Both saw a hint of a smile in the other's eyes; clearly, they had both detected the hidden defenses around them.
"I have stated the rules for entering the Dou Qi Pavilion many times, so there's no need to repeat them now. In short, once inside, each person may stay for a maximum of two hours before they must leave! Furthermore, each person may only take one type of Dou Qi cultivation technique that matches their own attribute; you cannot take multiple types. If anyone attempts to secretly hide a technique and is discovered, they will be stripped of their qualification to learn any Dou Qi cultivation technique they have obtained. So, pay attention!"
Standing atop the high platform, Xiao Zhan, with a stern gaze, looked at the group of young men and women below and spoke with a serious expression.
"Understood!" the excited youths loudly replied, their fervent gazes fixed on the grand pavilion. To be able to master a Dou Qi cultivation technique would allow them to surpass others – this was what all clan members most eagerly anticipated in their hearts.
"If everyone remembers the rules, then begin!"
Xiao Zhan nodded in satisfaction and took a step back, revealing a colossal stone pillar standing majestically before the main entrance. On either side of the pillar, about a foot away, were two stone pedestals, each with a clear crystal orb embedded in it.
Waving his hand, a deep creaking sound echoed from behind him as two guards slowly opened the massive black doors.
"Once your attribute has been determined, remember this carefully when you enter: after entering, proceed into the correct passage according to your attribute. Do not go the wrong way!" Nodding, Xiao Zhan turned to the crowd and spoke, signaling that they could begin.
Seeing Xiao Zhan nod, the leading young man, his face full of excitement, stepped forward. He placed both hands on the crystal orb, and a faint blue light shot out.
"Wind attribute. Good, go on in!" Xiao Zhan casually glanced at the crystal orb, then nodded with a smile.
With someone leading the way, the crowd below the platform could no longer hold back. They rushed forward in a throng to determine their own attributes at the crystal orbs, vying to enter the Dou Qi Pavilion.
As he looked around, fewer and fewer people remained. Xiao Yan rubbed his nose, then turned to Xun'er and said with a smile, "Let's go, let's see if we can find any cultivation techniques?"
Xun'er nodded adorably. The clan's cultivation techniques held no appeal for her, but since Xiao Yan was interested, she decided to go along with him.
Because neither of them was in a hurry, they waited until everyone else had entered. Only then did they reluctantly glance at Xiao Zhan and slowly approach.
Xiao Yan grinned at Xiao Zhan, placing his hand on the crystal ball. A scorching red light, even more brilliant than anyone before him, flared up, indicating a fire attribute.
Xiao Zhan already knew his son's attribute, so he showed no surprise. He gave a slight nod, then his gaze quickly swept around. He quietly took a step closer, gave a soft cough, pretended to bend down slightly, and whispered, "Fire path, third route, room forty-three."
Hearing Xiao Zhan's low voice, Xiao Yan was momentarily stunned, then suddenly found it a little funny. The reason was that his father was playing favorites.
Nodding secretly, Xiao Yan stood to the side, watching Xun'er undergo the test.
Xun'er looked at the gleaming crystal ball, hesitated for a moment, then shook her head slightly in resignation, and gently tapped it with her finger.
The moment Xun'er touched it, the crystal ball suddenly dipped slightly, then immediately flared with a fiery red glow. Of course, it was similar to everyone else's, but the crystal ball transformed into a scorching, blinding fireball.
A little shaken, watching the crystal ball turn into a fireball, Xiao Yan gasped softly.
The fireball only lasted for a moment. After Xun'er withdrew her hand, it slowly dissipated, leaving tiny cracks spread across the entire crystal ball.
Xiao Zhan gave a wry smile, looking at the shattered crystal ball. He let out a helpless sigh, his gaze holding a hint of an unreadable expression as he looked at Xun'er. He waved his hand and said, "Go on in!"
"Tsk-tsk, what a pure fire constitution. But there's no wood attribute in her body. Otherwise, she would truly be a born alchemist."
While Xiao Yan was still in shock, Yao Lao's voice, tinged with awe, suddenly echoed in his mind.
Nodding wryly to himself, Xiao Yan walked over to Xun'er's side, shrugged helplessly, then turned and headed towards the Dou Qi Pavilion.
Watching the two walk shoulder-to-shoulder towards the Dou Qi Pavilion, he then lowered his head and glanced at the crystal ball, now shattered into several pieces. Xiao Zhan touched a few fragments and muttered, "Ah, she's truly too... formidable. This little girl Xun'er, not only has a good temperament and is beautiful, but her background is even more incredible. Compared to... Nalan Yanran, she's countless times better. If Yan'er could marry a wife like that, how wonderful that would be..."
After speaking, Xiao Zhan shook his head, self-mockingly, feeling helpless about his own thoughts.
Meanwhile, Xiao Zhan naturally didn't notice that as he said those words, Xun'er, who was about to step into the Dou Qi Pavilion, suddenly stiffened. Her small, delicate ears suddenly flushed bright red, just like the crystal ball earlier.