Chapter 322: Chapter 322: Gale Light Academy

Reassured by the old man’s analysis, Zhu Tianlan and Qi Xian took the pills and departed.

However, they did not present the Soul Skill and soul technique that Ye Xuan had given them.

After all, a Cultivation Technique was different from pills. They would not show it to anyone else without first getting Ye Xuan’s consent.

In truth, the two had no idea. Since Ye Xuan had given them the Soul Skill and soul technique, he wasn’t concerned about them being leaked. To Zhu Tianlan and the others, these items were incomparably precious. But to Ye Xuan, they were merely some of the weakest Cultivation Techniques he could recall, hardly worth mentioning.

After Zhu Tianlan and the others had left, the old man called out to Xia Qixi.

"Xi’Er, I never expected your gains in the Floating Light Secret Realm to be so great. Not only did your Soul Power break through to the Fourth Grade, but your strength has also reached Tier Four Peak. With the Sect Origin Pill from Ye Xuan, I’m sure you’ll be able to break through to the Tier Five Martial Sect realm very soon."

As he spoke, the old man produced a manual. "This is a Cultivation Technique of our Xia family. Once you break through to the Tier Five Martial Sect realm, you will be able to cultivate it."

"A Cultivation Technique of the Xia family?" Xia Qixi asked, confused, as she accepted the ancient book. On the cover, written in imposing script, were four words: Dragon Essence Shocking Skill!

The script was as fluid as flying dragons and dancing phoenixes, exuding a majestic aura that seemed to contain a strange Magic Power. The moment Xia Qixi laid eyes on it, the Profound Power within her stirred, as if resonating with the manual. Even the blood in her veins began to race.

Xia Qixi was utterly shocked. ’Just the aura emanating from this manual can affect me so powerfully? What in the world is this technique?’

The old man’s expression was incredibly grave. "Xi’Er, this is an ancestral manual of our Xia family. I am only giving it to you now not just because it is exceedingly difficult to cultivate, but also because it once unleashed a storm of blood across the continent. Therefore, while you may begin cultivating it, you must never, ever reveal this Cultivation Technique unless it is a matter of life and death. Do you understand?"

Sensing the gravity in her grandfather’s tone, Xia Qixi nodded quickly. "Grandfather, Xi’Er understands."

"Good. In addition, here is a Token. Take this Token and go to Gale Light Academy on the Dream Realm Plain."

"Gale Light Academy?" Xia Qixi repeated, taken aback.

"Gale Light Academy is the most powerful academy on the Dream Realm Plain. If the Profound Mystery Sect truly sets its sights on the Thirteen Nations Alliance, Zhu Tianlan and the others stand no chance against such a behemoth. But if you join Gale Light Academy, things will be different. The academy is the preeminent power on the Dream Realm Plain, a hub for all its greatest talents. Not only will you learn a great deal, but your affiliation will also force the Profound Mystery Sect to act with restraint, making them hesitant to move against the Thirteen Nations Alliance."

"The founder of Gale Light Academy once owed our Xia family a great debt. This Token is what he left behind. With it, you can join Gale Light Academy directly, without any need for an entrance examination."

’The founder of Gale Light Academy owed our Xia family a debt?’ Xia Qixi was stunned by her grandfather’s words.

"Grandfather, where does the Xia family truly come from? I’ve heard people say you only moved here several decades ago. Are we from a great clan on the Dream Realm Plain?"

"You don’t need to know that for now. Knowing too much would only bring you harm."

After Xia Qixi had gone, the old man let out a sudden sigh.

"Profound Mystery Sect..."

He murmured, shaking his head slightly. ’I never thought this small Thirteen Nations Alliance would get dragged into such conflict. I, Xia Zhenyun, only wanted to find a place far from strife. Why must it be so difficult? Hopefully, Xi’Er joining Gale Light Academy will make them hesitate. Otherwise, the Xia family will have no choice but to leave. If my identity were to be exposed... I fear that would be the true calamity for the Thirteen Nations Alliance.’

His sigh seemed to carry an endless, desolate sorrow.

「Meanwhile, in a vast mountain range beyond the borders of the Celestial Gold Kingdom」 The contingent from the Liuyun Kingdom was traveling at a rapid pace.

Although the Liuyun Kingdom had reaped the greatest rewards at the Floating Light Assembly, there wasn’t a hint of joy on the faces of Dongfang Yanyu and his people. Instead, their brows were furrowed with unceasing worry.

They were worried about Elder Gale and his men from the Profound Mystery Sect.

"Everyone, hang in there! We can rest once we reach the canyon up ahead."

Dongfang Yanyu, at the head of the procession, called out to bolster their spirits.

To evade the Profound Mystery Sect’s pursuit, the Liuyun Kingdom group had been traveling at a frantic pace, sticking to remote mountain paths and ancient forests rather than the wide, official roads. It was all to keep from being overtaken.

Dongfang Yanyu and the others didn’t know if it would work, but for safety’s sake, it was their only option.

The relentless pace left every disciple panting with exhaustion, yet not a single one complained.

Just then, a figure shot forward from the rear of the group, quickly reaching the front. It was Chu Yunfei.

"Well? Did you find anything?" Dongfang Yanyu asked.

Chu Yunfei shook his head. "Still no trace of them."

"It’s been two days, and there’s been no sign of those bastards from the Profound Mystery Sect," Vice President He Zhen said grimly. "Could it be they didn’t follow us? We have been sticking to the deep wilderness, after all."

"We can’t assume that. The experts of the Profound Mystery Sect are incredibly powerful and have countless methods at their disposal. In my judgment, they are not the type to give up easily. They could be hiding nearby right now, and we’d be none the wiser."

The constant uncertainty, the feeling of suspense, was deeply unsettling for Dongfang Yanyu and the others.

"Chu Yunfei, how is your cultivation progressing?" Kuchen asked, concerned.

Chu Yunfei sighed. "I have already consumed the Seven-Colored Lotus you gave me, and even taken the Pill from Ye Xuan, but I’m still just shy of the Tier Six Martial Venerable realm. I estimate I should be able to break through in another two to four weeks."

Normally, the prospect of breaking through to the Tier Six Martial Venerable realm within a month would have made Chu Yunfei ecstatic. But under the current circumstances, his face showed no trace of joy.

Even if he did break through, what then? Qi Xian of the Celestial Gold Kingdom was a veteran Tier Six Martial Venerable, his cultivation level leagues above Chu Yunfei’s own, yet he had been defeated in just a few moves by the Profound Mystery Sect’s expert, utterly powerless to resist.

While Dongfang Yanyu and the others were fraught with worry, Ye Xuan was cultivating quietly, even as they traveled at high speed.

His Soul Power spread out in all directions like a vast, invisible net, meticulously scanning his surroundings.

After breaking through to the Fifth Grade, Ye Xuan’s control over his Soul Power had improved dramatically. He could now spread his senses out over a radius of dozens of miles, perceiving the slightest disturbance, all without Dongfang Yanyu or the others feeling a thing.

If Elder Gale and his men dared to show themselves, Ye Xuan would teach them the meaning of walking into a trap.

Ye Xuan had observed their leader’s actions the entire way. He had told them not to worry, but Dongfang Yanyu and the others had clearly dismissed it as mere words of comfort.

Even while they traveled, Ye Xuan never stopped his cultivation. Profound Power flowed ceaselessly through his body, nourishing his Profound Veins.

The group continued on their rapid journey. Suddenly, Ye Xuan’s brow twitched. Through his Soul Power, he sensed several powerful auras rapidly approaching from dozens of miles away.

’So, they’re finally here.’

A cold smirk touched Ye Xuan’s lips.

"President Dongfang Yanyu, I have to step away for a moment. You all go on ahead; I’ll catch up with you later." Ye Xuan came to the front of the group to inform Dongfang Yanyu and the others. Before they could even respond, he pivoted and vanished into the bushes to the side.

’It’s so dangerous right now, what is he thinking, leaving on his own?’

Dongfang Yanyu and his companions were dumbfounded. They rushed after him, but by the time they passed through the thicket, Ye Xuan was nowhere to be seen.

They exchanged astonished glances. In the span of a few short breaths, Ye Xuan had vanished completely from their senses. ’His power... it’s growing far too quickly, isn’t it?’

Unable to find him, Dongfang Yanyu’s group didn’t linger. They continued to lead the procession onward, trusting that Ye Xuan wasn’t a reckless person. He must have had his reasons for leaving.

Meanwhile, in a dense forest several miles from the main group, several figures flitted rapidly through the trees. They emanated powerful auras of Profound Power and seemed to be tracking something.

"Hmm?" The old man in the lead suddenly grunted in surprise.

"Elder Gale, what is it?" a burly man in the group asked. These were, indeed, Elder Gale and his men from the Profound Mystery Sect.

"It’s nothing," the elder said, frowning. "That Ye Xuan has separated from the main group. What is he planning?"

"He left the group? Don’t tell me he spotted us?" one of them blurted out.

Elder Gale shot him a glance and sneered. "Do you really think that’s possible? How old is that kid? You think he can detect my Fifth Grade Soul Power?" 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦

"My apologies, I spoke out of turn," the burly man said, realizing his mistake. He then asked, "So, what are our orders?"

"Simple," Elder Gale said coldly. "The rest of you will track the Liuyun Kingdom contingent. Remember, no one from Liuyun Kingdom is to be left alive. The Storage Rings of their leaders are especially important. As for Ye Xuan... I will hunt him down myself."

Hearing the elder’s command, the remaining men broke into savage grins. "Heh heh, we’ve been holding back for way too long. It’s finally time for a massacre."

The group instantly split in two. Elder Gale went in direct pursuit of Ye Xuan, while the others charged ferociously toward the Liuyun Kingdom contingent.

Ye Xuan sensed this development, and his brow furrowed slightly. ’They’re splitting up to pursue both targets? It seems I’ll have to end this quickly, or President Dongfang Yanyu and the others could be in danger.’

A cold glint flashed in the depths of Ye Xuan’s eyes.