NOVEL NEXT Chapter 13: Chapter 13: Zi Yan Advances!
"You just mentioned treasure hunting?" Jiang Yun caught the key part from Zi Yan's recent words.
Hearing Jiang Yun bring up treasure hunting, Zi Yan's expression instantly changed, a smile reappearing on her face. She grabbed Jiang Yun and charged outside.
"Yes, treasure hunting. I just sensed lots of good stuff waiting for us to dig up!"
The immense force left Jiang Yun powerless to resist, even the joy from his recent advancement evaporated.
In the next moment, Zi Yan, carrying a small figure, burst through the door and disappeared in a few steps.
Leaving behind some bewildered classmates!
"Did something just run past?"
"Did it?"
"I think so!?"
"They seemed to come out of that dorm room. Has anyone moved into that room?"
"It's not admission season right now, where did the new students come from?"
Everyone exchanged glances, all looking confused.
Outside the Outer Academy, two sneaky figures appeared by a tall, spacious attic.
From the top of a massive Fire Cloud Tree, two small heads slowly emerged from the treetops, the lush, flame-like leaves providing cover for the two.
"Zi Yan, isn't this bad?" Jiang Yun looked at the bright, large characters for 'herbs' on the attic, realizing where Zi Yan meant by treasure hunting.
"Sluuurp—" Wiping the drool from her mouth, Zi Yan placed both hands on Jiang Yun's shoulders, pressing her whole body against his back, her small head leaning over his, righteously saying, "What's bad about it? Elder Su Qian said he would make sure I'm well-fed. I care about his old age, running back and forth between the Inner and Outer Academies. Eat first, report later, no difference!"
Jiang Yun was left speechless, while secretly feeling sorry for the great elder. Why promise to keep Zi Yan well-fed? It's not easy to satiate a Taixu Ancient Dragon cub. Apart from a few imperial clans, who else dares to guarantee they can feed a Taixu Ancient Dragon?
"Stop talking, follow me, you'll enjoy good food and drinks in the future!" Zi Yan patted Jiang Yun's shoulder, speaking maturely.
Watching Zi Yan's grand demeanor, Jiang Yun would've responded with "As long as you don't abandon me..." if his surname was Lu, but oh well, running off track here.
"How do we get in then?" Jiang Yun asked seriously, looking at the patrolling team in the distance.
As the Outer Academy's herb storage, though less crucial than the Inner Academy's, it was still heavily guarded. Not only was there a Dou Wang-level elder stationed there, but several instructors patrolled 24/7. Ordinary students were forbidden from entering.
Currently, five Da Dou Shi-level instructors vigilantly patrolled below, their keen eyes scanning the area.
"Humph! Watch me!" Facing Jiang Yun's question, Zi Yan raised her head proudly and said.
With that, she led Jiang Yun around the instructors to a blind spot. Next moment, her arm seemed to enter the wall like water.
"Hurry up!" Activating the 'Space Gate' seemed to consume a lot of her energy. Zi Yan, now sweaty, hurriedly dragged Jiang Yun through it.
Once they disappeared, everything restored to its original state.
After a moment of darkness, Jiang Yun's vision brightened again. They found themselves in a corner of a quiet room, the surrounding herbal fragrance indicating the place's importance.
"So many tasty things!" A soft, excited voice exclaimed. Zi Yan's eyes sparkled with excitement, drool dripping from the corners of her mouth. If not for her rationality warning her they were trespassing, she would've leapt forward already.
Jiang Yun remained calm. The white jade walls and floor tiles didn't faze him. Only the herbs on the counters, with their exotic shapes and distinct scents, caught his attention. He didn't recognize these herbs from the Dou Qi Continent, but their properties suggested they were high-grade materials for refining advanced pills, no wonder Zi Yan couldn't resist.
"Xiao Yun, look," Zi Yan suddenly poked Jiang Yun's ear, pointing to a counter up front. Her fervent gaze looked as if she wanted to devour it.
On the counter was a delicate jade plate, indistinguishable from the others, but the item on it stood out. Even Jiang Yun, who didn't know herbs, instinctively ignored the surrounding herbs, captivated by it at first glance.
It was a palm-sized fruit, half red and half white. Despite the distance, Jiang Yun could feel the contrasting heat and cold emanating from it. Two mutually exclusive attributes perfectly fused in one fruit, showcasing nature's wonders.
"This is...?"
"Ice Fire Dragon Beard Fruit!?"
Recognizing the familiar fruit, Jiang Yun murmured. This was one of the few herbs he knew from the original novel. Unexpectedly, it appeared here. Coincidence?
"Ah— Xiao Yun, you recognize it? And you said you didn't know herbs!"
Zi Yan's sensitive hearing caught Jiang Yun's whisper clearly. Feeling deceived, she angrily elbowed his stomach.
"Ugh!" The unprepared Jiang Yun felt short of breath. Luckily, Zi Yan knew her limits. In a few moments, he recovered.
"Coincidence, just happened to recognize it," Jiang Yun explained, clutching his stomach.
"Hmph—"
Zi Yan glared at him and then said, "Don't move. I'll be right back!"
Before Jiang Yun could respond, the space distorted, and Zi Yan vanished. Only to return moments later with the Ice Fire Dragon Beard Fruit in hand.
"Let's go!"
Lost in thought, Jiang Yun felt a small hand drag him from behind. In the next instant, just like when they came, they exited through the wall.
Before leaving, Jiang Yun sensed something and looked back. He saw an elderly man with white hair and beard, expressionlessly staring at them. Seeing Jiang Yun turn back, the elder's expression puzzled but then showed a faint smile!
Jiang Yun felt awkward, realizing Zi Yan's supposedly flawless plan was executed under someone's watch. The man just chose not to interfere. Or someone had given instructions!
Seeing the man didn't stop them, Jiang Yun understood why the Ice Fire Dragon Beard Fruit was there - someone was taking care of Zi Yan!
Jiang Yun couldn't help but marvel, the elder had a kind heart.
After they vanished, the elder said, "Those two youngsters are quite something. The elder's judgement is as sharp as ever!"
"But what species is that girl who can use spatial power at the fourth stage? Such a bloodline must have extraordinary origins!"
"I just didn't want this place messed up by Zi Yan. As for her species, even I couldn't tell." Su Qian's figure slowly appeared, hands behind his back, speaking lightly.
"Heh!" Elder Yang chuckled. Although he didn't know Zi Yan's species, seeing the proud elder was worth it.
Hearing the laughter, Su Qian's face stiffened. He looked back at Elder Yang and said meaningfully, "I hope you can still laugh in a few years."
Yang Elder was puzzled by Su Qian's words, but Su Qian had already left, offering no explanation.
Back in the dormitory.
Zi Yan eagerly took out the Ice Fire Dragon Beard Fruit, opening her 'wide mouth,' her neat, white teeth biting down hard. Instantly, a tiny bite was taken from the fruit.
Red and blue liquid dripped from the bite, and as her teeth continued to chew, the liquid spilled from Zi Yan's mouth.
"Ugh, so gross!"
At first excited,, Zi Yan's face soon crumpled, rolling her eyes adorably.
Swallowing the pulp with difficulty, Zi Yan hesitated, looking at the remaining fruit. Ultimately, her desire to grow stronger won over, and she took two more large bites, quickly chewing despite making a face.
"When I reach the Dou Zhe level and can control fire, I'll make medicinal patties to suit your taste. Then you won't have to suffer like this," Jiang Yun remarked, seeing her pained yet happy expressions.
"Hmm?" Her hand paused, Zi Yan's eyes sparkled as she looked at Jiang Yun, leaping on him with a cry.
"Xiao Yun, I love you!"
"Thud—!" A heavy impact followed, and Jiang Yun was pinned down by Zi Yan. At six years old, Jiang Yun was smaller than her, and she was four levels higher, leading to this tragedy!
"Zi Yan."
"Oops! Sorry, sorry!" Zi Yan panicked upon seeing the pinned Jiang Yun, her future meal ticket mustn't be harmed!
"I'm fine!" Lifting Zi Yan, Jiang Yun reassured, patting her ponytail.
Seeing Jiang Yun was okay, Zi Yan sighed in relief, then muttered, "Xiao Yun is so weak."
As her words fell, Jiang Yun noticed her face turning red, her palms as hot as a furnace.
"Is she... leveling up?" Jiang Yun asked, smiling.
"Looks like... yes!" Dizzy, Zi Yan struggled to stay awake, saying to Jiang Yun, "Xiao Yun, if anyone bullies you, run first, I'll avenge you when I'm back!"
Her dazed concern touched Jiang Yun, who softly murmured, "Silly girl!"
Hearing Jiang Yun, a smile formed on Zi Yan's lips. Purple light gushed out from her, forming crystalline energy over her body, wrapping her in a purple cocoon.
As the cocoon sealed, a faint whisper emerged, "Xiao Yun, get me candies when I'm out!"
Jiang Yun chuckled, patting the cocoon, "Alright, I'll have plenty of candies ready when you're back!"
The cocoon shivered slightly, as if responding.
Watching her sleep, still craving sweets, Jiang Yun smiled softly, glancing at the cocoon.
He needed to work hard too. If she advanced for too long and he hadn't reached Dou Zhe yet, he'd break his promise.
Jiang Yun wasn't one to break promises, so Dou Zhe, soon!
"Since you're here, Elder, reveal yourself."
As Jiang Yun spoke, a figure appeared, Su Qian's form solidifying.
"Your soul power is indeed extraordinary, I underestimated you."
Appearing, Su Qian didn't look at Zi Yan but at Jiang Yun, eyes showing a bit of shock.
"Uh—" Jiang Yun scratched his head awkwardly, "I just guessed. The sudden appearance of the Ice Fire Dragon Beard Fruit seemed deliberate, so I figured you prepared it, Elder."
"Turns out I was right!"
Su Qian laughed, surprised to be 'fooled' by a kid.
"You have this insight, impressive!" Su Qian, not stingy, praised Jiang Yun, feeling gratified with these two promising youngsters.
After praising Jiang Yun, Su Qian looked at the pulsing cocoon, eyes showing surprise.
(End of Chapter)