Chapter 48

Standing in the queue, Xiao Yan raised his head to gaze at the massive pavilion before him, unable to help but shake his head in amazement.

On the huge plaque of the pavilion, the three ancient-looking characters "Dou Qi Pavilion" were inscribed. The plaque was slightly yellowed, and the grooves on it showed the vicissitudes of time.

This pavilion was the most important place in the Xiao Family: the Dou Qi Pavilion!

For hundreds of years, the Dou Qi cultivation techniques collected by the family were all stored here, and these techniques were the guarantee of the Xiao Family's current status.

As the most important place in the family, the security here was extremely strict. It was usually a forbidden area, even for family members, who were not allowed to enter without permission. Only after the Cheng Ren ceremony would it be temporarily opened.

Narrowing his eyes, Xiao Yan scanned the dark corners of the pavilion. His keen spiritual perception told him that all their movements were being watched by the guards hidden in the shadows.

In the secluded areas of the pavilion, Xiao Yan could also sense a few subtle yet powerful auras, indicating that the family took the Dou Qi Pavilion very seriously.

Turning his head slightly, he exchanged a glance with Xun Er, both of them seeing a smile in each other's eyes. Clearly, they had both noticed the hidden guards around them.

...

"I've explained the rules for entering the Dou Qi Pavilion many times, so I won't go into detail now. In short, everyone must come out within two hours after entering the Dou Qi Pavilion! Also, each person can only take one cultivation technique that matches their attribute, no more. If anyone tries to hide a technique, they will lose the qualification to obtain a cultivation technique. So, you must be careful!" Standing on the high steps, Xiao Zhan scanned the crowd of young boys and girls below with a stern gaze, his face serious.

"Yes!" The young people responded excitedly, their eyes burning as they looked at the huge pavilion. Obtaining a good cultivation technique could give them an advantage from the start, which was always the most anticipated thing for all family members.

"Since everyone knows the rules, let's begin."

Xiao Zhan nodded in satisfaction, stepped back, and made way for the stone pillar standing in front of the pavilion's main door. The stone pillar was about one meter tall, and on its top was a transparent crystal ball.

Waving his hand, the two guards behind him slowly pushed open the massive black door with a dull creak.

"After testing your attribute, you can enter. Remember, once inside, follow the path that matches your attribute, don't take the wrong one!" Nodding, Xiao Zhan gestured to the crowd below, indicating they could start.

Seeing Xiao Zhan nod, the leading boy jumped up excitedly, placing his hands on the crystal ball, which emitted a faint blue light.

"Wind attribute, okay, go in." Glancing at the crystal ball, Xiao Zhan nodded and smiled.

With someone leading the way, the crowd below couldn't wait any longer. One by one, they rushed up, tested their attributes, and hurriedly entered the Dou Qi Pavilion.

Watching the crowd around him dwindle, Xiao Yan touched his nose and smiled at Xun Er. "Let's go, see what techniques we can find."

Xun Er spread her hands cutely; the family's techniques weren't particularly attractive to her, but she was happy to accompany Xiao Yan.

Since neither of them was in a particular hurry, they waited until everyone else had entered before walking up leisurely under Xiao Zhan's helpless gaze.

Xiao Yan grinned at Xiao Zhan, placed his hand on the crystal ball, and a scorching red light brighter than anyone else's shone out—Fire attribute.

Xiao Zhan had long known his son's attribute, so he didn't show any other expression. After nodding slightly, his gaze quickly scanned the surroundings, and he took a step forward, coughed, and bent slightly, whispering, "Fire path, third route, room 43!"

Hearing Xiao Zhan's whisper, Xiao Yan was taken aback, then found it somewhat amusing. It turned out his father was using his authority to help him.

Nodding subtly, Xiao Yan stood aside and watched Xun Er's test.

Xun Er looked at the smooth crystal ball, hesitated for a moment, then shook her head helplessly and lightly touched it with her fingertips.

As Xun Er's fingertips touched the crystal ball, it remained silent for a moment before suddenly turning a fiery red, becoming as hot and bright as a fireball.

Staring at the crystal ball that had turned into a fireball, Xiao Yan opened his mouth slightly, drawing a deep breath.

The fireball lasted for a moment, and after Xun Er withdrew her finger, it slowly faded away. By then, fine cracks had spread all over the crystal ball.

Looking at the crystal ball about to shatter, Xiao Zhan sighed helplessly, his eyes filled with a hint of something indescribable as he looked at Xun Er. Waving his hand, he said, "Go in quickly."

"Tsk tsk, what a pure Fire Body, but it's a pity there's no Wood attribute. Otherwise, she would have been a natural alchemist." As Xiao Yan was shocked, the old man's voice of admiration suddenly sounded in his mind.

Nodding silently, Xiao Yan watched Xun Er walk over, shrugged helplessly, and turned to enter the Dou Qi Pavilion.

Watching the two enter the Dou Qi Pavilion side by side, and then glancing at the crystal ball that finally cracked into several pieces, Xiao Zhan rubbed his chin and muttered, "Sigh, she's really... formidable. Xun Er is not only kind and beautiful, but her background is terrifying. She's much better than Nalan Yanran. If Yan could have such a daughter-in-law, that would be great..."

After saying this, Xiao Zhan shook his head in self-mockery, feeling helpless about his wild imagination.

While he was mocking himself, Xiao Zhan didn't notice that as he spoke, Xun Er, who was about to step into the Dou Qi Pavilion, suddenly stiffened. Her delicate ears turned as red as the crystal ball had been, looking alluringly fiery.