Battle Through the Heavens: Harmony of Flame and Shadow

Jiang Yun looked at Zi Yan, who was filled with anticipation. He waved his hand helplessly. This was the dilemma he was currently facing. He had alchemy skills but no high-level pill formulas. Spending time researching pill formulas was obviously not a wise move.

His primary focus was still on increasing his strength. As long as his strength was adequate, the pill formulas would come. Jiang Yun had already set his sights on the biggest fat sheep in the Black-Corner Region.

"Ah~~~" Upon hearing Jiang Yun's words, Zi Yan immediately seemed disappointed. Her head drooped as if she'd lost interest in everything.

"Take this. With this added, go to the Magical Beast Forest and find some quality medicinal herbs. I believe it won't be long before you have enough energy to break through to the sixth stage!"

Just as Zi Yan felt her dream of growing up was slipping away, Jiang Yun's heavenly voice pulled her back.

"Xiao Yun." Zi Yan looked at Jiang Yun with a face full of emotion. If she could shed a tear, it would be even more convincing.

Jiang Yun felt a blur before his eyes, and the Ten-Thousand-Year Vine in his hand was already in Zi Yan's possession, giving him a feeling of having been taken advantage of.

After carefully storing the two herbs, Zi Yan moved closer to Jiang Yun, whispering in his ear, "Xiao Yun, I know you like how I look when I grow up. Once I have grown, I will make sure you won't be at a loss."

Looking at Zi Yan making a cute face and winking, Jiang Yun shivered and pushed her away in disdain, saying, "You're overthinking. When you breakthrough, just find some herbs for me."

Pushed away by Jiang Yun, Zi Yan looked at him with dissatisfaction and resentment, "You clearly have an interest. Don't think I didn't notice your gaze last time I broke through to the fifth stage."

Seeing Jiang Yun's face turning darker, Zi Yan's voice grew smaller, but she continued eyeing Jiang Yun like a rogue. Out of respect for the pill she received, she let Jiang Yun off the hook for now but made a mental note to win him over in the future.

You'll see, Xiao Yun. When I grow up, I'll charm you, and then we'll see who ends up begging whom.

After obtaining the two herbs, Jiang Yun and Zi Yan didn't find any higher-level herbs. As for techniques and battle skills? The two were not in need of those, so they did not bother trying. They watched as the other three caught light clusters by various methods.

With the passing of time, the three of them gradually stopped. From their smiling faces, they were evidently satisfied with their gains.

An hour later, the large room began to empty as Jiang Yun and the others exited the Scripture Pavilion, all smiling as they walked out.

At this moment, the massive room started to feel vacant. No one could have guessed that it was once filled with countless treasures that would cause a sensation in the outside world.

At this moment, Elder Qian's and Bai's sleeves moved slightly. Jiang Yun and the others felt an immense invisible energy sweeping over them, so strong it was frightening.

This was to check if anyone had secretly taken more than allowed. Jiang Yun had only one treasure, the Green Underworld Tower, but the power of Qian and Bai couldn't detect any anomalies with the tower.

The invisible energy scan didn't last long, only a dozen breaths or so, before it retreated like a tide and completely dissipated.

"Hmm—" Zi Yan let out a dissatisfied hum. Anyone would be uncomfortable being scrutinized inside and out like this. However, she was not a willful princess and held herself back.

"Time is up. All of you, leave. Remember, you must not disclose a single detail of today's events or the interior of the Scripture Pavilion to anyone." The hoarse, aged voice slowly reached them from the doorway.

Hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement.

"From your expressions, it's clear you didn't leave empty-handed. That's good. Even if what you got isn't perfect, it's still something."

Hu Qian looked at the group of five, smiling as he spoke. Then he bowed slightly toward the meditative Qian and Bai, "Since these youngsters are out now, we won't disturb your cultivation any longer. We take our leave."

Qian and Bai remained indifferent, still sitting cross-legged with closed eyes. Hu Qian didn't mind since they went through this every year and were used to it.

People with high attainments are always quirky!

Jiang Yun and the others bowed to the two gray-robed figures and then followed Hu Qian out.

"Stay close to me and don't touch those spatial wrinkles, or even I cannot save you." As they were about to pass through the invisible doorway, Hu Qian reminded them, carefully stepping through it.

Everyone followed cautiously, not daring to make any mistake. Even Jiang Yun and Zi Yan were no exception. Despite their excellent spatial talents, falling into a spatial rift without transforming their talent into strength was still dangerous.

Once everyone safely crossed the invisible barrier, a formless energy gently swept over. Moments later, the highly secure wall of spatial wrinkles reappeared, protecting the scripture pavilion behind it.

The two gray-robed figures also disappeared. They would reappear only when the top five were decided in the next inner academy selection.

Standing in his study, Hu Qian watched the wall slowly close and then turned to Jiang Yun and the others, saying, "You've received the rewards for the top five. Rest well for the next two days. The day after tomorrow, you will enter the inner academy, where even fiercer competition awaits. Life won't be as easy as it has been."

Hearing Hu Qian's words, Ling Feng and the others felt an inexplicable sense of urgency.

Jiang Yun maintained his calm demeanor as if nothing could stir his emotions. As for Zi Yan, she seemed lost in her thoughts, a bit of crystal glowing at the corner of her mouth, lost in daydreams.

Seeing Ling Feng and the others' reactions, Hu Qian couldn't help but laugh internally. Still too green, getting nervous so quickly. But looking at Jiang Yun and Zi Yan, he suddenly felt a tightness in his chest.

Oh no, how could he forget about this little ancestor?

A drop of cold sweat fell from Hu Qian's forehead. With Zi Yan participating, could the Fire Energy Capture Tournament still go on?

This wouldn't be a Fire Energy Capture Tournament! It would probably turn into an inner academy puzzle-solving game!

With this worrying thought, Hu Qian hurriedly addressed the group, "Alright, go and prepare. I'll take you to enter the inner academy."

After bidding Hu Qian farewell, they all went their separate ways.

Once the group had left, seeing the disappeared silhouettes of Zi Yan and Jiang Yun, Hu Qian quickly spread his wings formed from Dou Qi and sped toward the inner academy.

He had to communicate with the Grand Elder immediately; the Fire Energy Capture Tournament must not turn into an inner academy puzzle-solving game.

Two days later.

Jiang Yun arrived at Hu Qian's office with the sullen Zi Yan.

Upon seeing Hu Qian, Zi Yan glared at him fiercely, as if to tear him apart. Jiang Yun and Zi Yan had arrived, but Hu Qian had not dared to look at them, guilt making him look elsewhere.

This bizarre situation was naturally due to Zi Yan's exceptional strength.

Hu Qian feared that the proper Fire Energy Capture Tournament would turn into a puzzle-solving game with Zi Yan's participation. He consulted Su Qian, who then restricted Zi Yan from participating in the tournament, as even the combined efforts of the inner academy's older students wouldn't suffice against her.

Grand Elder Su Qian immediately agreed to Hu Qian's proposal. This way, they could also gauge Jiang Yun's true strength.

They both knew Jiang Yun's background well. When Su Qian first brought Jiang Yun back, he was at the sixth stage of Dou Qi. At their age, they had never seen such a genius.

Thus, they were curious about his true strength. If the outer academy couldn't measure Jiang Yun's depth, the seasoned students of the inner academy surely would.

"Alright, no need to be angry. You're already a Dou Wang (Dou King). Is it interesting to fight a bunch of Dou Shi and Dou Ling?"

Seeing Zi Yan blinking wide eyes at Hu Qian as soon as they entered, Jiang Yun laughed and rubbed her head.

"It's different!" Feeling the warmth on her head, Zi Yan looked at Jiang Yun and shook her head, "I'm not interested in fighting those weaklings. It's just that… it's an experience with you, Xiao Yun. I don't want to miss out."

Seeing the hint of loss in Zi Yan's eyes, a stark contrast to her usual boisterousness, Jiang Yun was momentarily taken aback. The little girl he used to know seemed to have grown up already.

Not physically, but mentally.

"Just watch my performance then. I'll show them that whether you participate or not, the result will be the same."

Jiang Yun cast aside his inexplicable thoughts, clasped his hands behind his back, and assumed the posture of a sage.

"Yes, give them a good beating!" Hearing Jiang Yun's words, Zi Yan immediately brightened up and clenched her fists in excitement.

As time passed, suddenly ten dark shadows flew towards them.

These were the academy's 'airplanes'—Griffins. The ten Griffins cast a huge shadow over the academy before stopping in front of Hu Qian's study.

"Alright, little ones, let's set off!"

Hearing Hu Qian's words, the students in the open space turned around and then rushed inside all at once, eager to climb onto the broad backs of the Griffins.

The Griffins' feathers were somewhat slippery. Only beings at the level of Da Dou Shi (Great Fighter) could stand firmly. Many students slipped and fell, making embarrassing scenes.

After all the students had boarded the Griffins, Hu Qian and several outer academy elders also rose into the air.

With a shake of their shoulders, beautiful Dou Qi wings extended from their backs. Their wings fluttered slightly, allowing them to hover in the air to the envy of the students below.

"Depart!"

With Hu Qian's command, the griffon riders issued a sharp whistle. The Griffins' wings flapped powerfully, their massive bodies rising from the ground, and the shadows cast on the ground began to grow smaller.

A minor incident occurred during this process: while the other Griffins took off safely, the one carrying Zi Yan and Jiang Yun remained motionless. If observed closely, one could see the fear in the Griffin's eyes and its trembling body.

"What's going on?" The griffon rider, encountering this for the first time, urgently issued various commands to the Griffin.

Flying ahead, Hu Qian and the others noticed the anomaly behind them. They were surprised by the scene before them.

"Hurry up and go!"

Impatient, Zi Yan stomped her foot and called out to the Griffin beneath her.

With a piercing scream, the Griffin, obeying her command, flew at its fastest speed to catch up with the main group, fearing the dreadful creature on its back might devour it if it delayed any longer.

Except for Hu Qian, who knew the context, the remaining elders looked at Zi Yan with astonishment.

"Let's go!" Hu Qian instructed the group, leading the way to catch up with the main force and guard them on both sides.

On the Griffin's back, Zi Yan proudly lifted her head and said to Jiang Yun, "See how fast it's flying now."

"You're amazing!" Jiang Yun smiled and gave Zi Yan a thumbs-up.

Inner Academy was different from the Outer Academy. It was hidden deep within endless mountains, a highly secretive location. Without the Griffins to lead the way, even the inner academy students could hardly find their way back.

Occasionally, flying magical beasts would ambush them. Hu Qian and the other elders were busy fighting off these beasts.

The back mountains of the Jia Nan Academy were filled with magical beasts. Deep within the forests, even fifth-stage magical beasts appeared. Without the protection of these elders, the students could hardly fly safely over the mountains.

With Hu Qian, a peak Dou Huang (Dou Emperor), and several Dou Wang elders joining forces, no magical beast could break through their defenses.

Their journey carried a thick veil of blood mist. After over an hour of full-speed travel, the Griffin team gradually slowed down, arriving at a new territory.

Beneath them lay a long gorge, surrounded by greenery and tranquility.

"Open!" Hu Qian shouted, unleashing a powerful Dou Qi from his hand straight ahead. The space before them fluctuated, revealing a portal about eight to nine meters high.

This was a spatial barrier. Entering this spatial barrier meant truly entering the inner academy's territory.

"Go!"

With Hu Qian's command, the Griffin team flew through the portal. Once everyone had entered, the portal vanished, restoring everything to its original state.

Inside the portal, they were greeted by another forest, but this time, people awaited them.

Unlike the outer academy teachers, these people had a small tower emblem on their robes.

Leading them was someone familiar to Jiang Yun—Grand Elder Su Qian.

Seeing Su Qian, Zi Yan averted her gaze angrily, clearly still sulking.

Su Qian's eye twitched at her reaction. This girl was becoming more temperamental with age. Didn't she realize her strength was unmatched among Dou Shi and Dou Ling?

The Grand Elder clearly didn't understand a girl's feelings!

(End of this Chapter)