Devour

Chapter 445 Qingjian Lodge

"Damn it, this idiot can't withstand it!" Bone Emperor roared silently, not expecting that Lin Zhengyuan's perfect attack was so powerful that it exceeded Huang Yunzi's limit.

"Rumble..."

A deafening roar erupted, the arena trembled slightly, and beams of red, yellow, and white light shot into the sky, their dazzling brilliance momentarily blinding the onlookers.

The violent sword force tore through the air, crashing against the protective barriers of the training ground like a raging torrent, creating ripples of energy.

The intense light gradually faded, and the wind and waves subsided.

"Who really won?" An Yiren asked first.

Everyone snapped out of their daze and eagerly took a closer look at the arena.

The World-Burning Fire Lotus shattered completely, turning into countless sparks that dissipated. The Star River of War and Calamity also gradually dimmed until it disappeared.

The two strange phenomena seemed to have never occurred, leaving only Huang Yunzi and Lin Zhengyuan standing facing each other, a few feet apart.

"This battle was incredibly exciting!"

A hint of admiration flashed in Mr. Xiao's eyes. He cleared his throat as usual and announced the results: "Student Lin's 'Ten Thousand Swords Echoing Ceremony' was able to break through the World-Burning Fire Lotus phenomenon. His swordsmanship is exquisite and divine. He has entered the Dao through technique and used the Dao to break the law. He is truly superior!"

Then, Mr. Xiao San changed the subject and commented: "However, the mighty sword energy ultimately failed to penetrate even a fraction of Huang Yunzi's side. Therefore, in terms of swordsmanship alone, Lin Zhengyuan is the winner. I hope that all of you will observe this battle, comprehend the infinite mysteries of swordsmanship, and then diligently practice until you understand your true nature."

This assessment was fair and objective, and the students present nodded in agreement, regarding it as a model.

Cheng Bai's keen eyesight allowed him to understand the outcome of the battle better than anyone else.

He silently put away the inheritance cube and thought, "Although Lin Zhengyuan has successfully broken the Fire Lotus Phenomenon, the Bone Emperor values ​​Huang Yunzi as a human puppet and does not allow him to be harmed. That's why he manipulated the Twelfth Grade Bone Lotus at the last moment to forcibly absorb most of the Righteous Sword Qi and restore calm to the scene."

Lin Zhengyuan suppressed the churning blood within him, clasped his hands to conceal the slight trembling of his fingertips, and bowed, saying, "You flatter me, Holy Lord Huang. In today's battle, your swordsmanship was truly unique and ingenious, from which I have benefited greatly."

"You flatter me." Huang Yunzi's face was gloomy, and he simply returned the greeting.

The two then parted ways and walked to their respective viewing seats, which were located far apart.

Lin Zhengyuan glanced at Cheng Bai's location, his heart surging with emotion. The more he thought about it, the more surprised he became: "The White Emperor said earlier that he didn't know swordsmanship, but just now his spiritual communication was incredibly fast, and his grasp of the battle opportunity was extremely precise. He clearly knows the Flowing Light Sword Technique and the Righteous Sword Qi like the back of his hand."

Despite his mixed thoughts, Lin Zhengyuan was mostly grateful: "If it weren't for Bai Di's early warning, I'm afraid my sword spirit would have been thwarted in this battle, and I might not have even had time to get away before being devoured by that strange fire lotus... He is truly unfathomable!"

Cheng Bai ignored Lin Zhengyuan, but his deep gaze lingered on Huang Yunzi a few more times as he pondered, "Through the use of the puppet to test him, the Bone Emperor must have confirmed that Lin Zhengyuan is not a suitable target for him to complete the final sword bone. However, with so many geniuses gathered at the academy, there must be an optimal candidate. Who will be the next sacrifice?"

The lecture at Xiaoxiang Pavilion has come to a successful conclusion.

An Yiren led Cheng Bai and Bei Tingjun out of the academy, chatting and laughing all the way: "Da Bai, what do you think of the teaching at Taotie Academy? Looking across the five continents and countries, there is absolutely no other place that can provide a place for cultivation masters to discuss the Dao, compete in martial arts, and exchange their experiences."

Cheng Bai smiled and replied, "In the mortal world, such a fierce battle would have already caused disasters such as buildings collapsing and rivers and mountains being shattered. Taotie Academy is truly an extraordinary place!"

An Yiren was secretly pleased and said with a smile, "Xiaoxiang Pavilion ranks fourth among the eight halls in the academy. Qingyun Tower is the first, but it rarely holds classes or lectures. It is only on special occasions that special guests are invited to the tower. The most popular hall among students is 'Yilan Terrace,' which ranks second and is presided over by Master Lan."

Other students would be very interested in this, but unfortunately for Cheng Bai, who possesses a magical artifact, even the best Taotie Academy cannot compare to the influence of the Inheritance Cube.

Cheng Bai inquired, "Does the Taotie Academy have a library that stores secret manuals and treasures?"

An Yiren explained, "The most precious and rare books in the academy are all stored in Qingyun Tower. The first floor is guarded by Mr. Wu and Mr. Bao Liu in turn, while the second floor is looked after by Mr. Xiao San and Mr. Su Si in turn. Da Bai must have already seen the wonders of the scriptures and scrolls along the way."

Cheng Bai nodded, thinking to himself, "Qingyun Tower is always under guard, so there's no way to sneak in. It'll be difficult to satisfy Li Tong."

An Yiren had no idea what he was planning, and explained to himself, "Beside the Inkstone Washing Pond in the south of the academy, there is a 'Qingjian Lodge' which houses classics from all walks of life for students to read. The entry requirements are low. Any student enrolled in the academy can enter and exit based on their identity."

“It sounds like Qingjianlu’s collection of books is rather ordinary. You might as well take a look when you have some free time. Maybe there are a few good books.” Cheng Bai remembered the location, but then noticed a detail: “But I’m not an intern.”

An Yiren added: "If you do not have the qualifications to be admitted to the academy, you can use the Taowu Academy's unique 'Question Card' to knock on the door and it will open. The Academician Loushijun, who resides in Qingjianlu, will make arrangements. To ascend Qingyunlou, you usually need to be led by Master Li, or you can use a Question Card. Each card can only be used once and will be collected after use."

Cheng Bai laughed and said, "What a coincidence, I just happen to have a card hidden away."

“Having the Asking Card makes things much easier,” An Yiren said, leading the group to the southeast of Taowu Academy. “This place is called ‘Huaiyin Lane,’ and the surrounding streets and alleys are mostly residential areas.”

The group headed toward a nearby inn, and An Yiren thoughtfully explained, "If Brother Da Bai hasn't made a reservation at Tinghetai Inn in advance, then this 'Huai'an Inn' is the best place to stay tonight. It's much quieter and more comfortable than Zhumapo Inn."

Cheng Bai immediately understood: "Accommodation is divided into high, medium and low grades. This inn is of a moderate grade and a suitable size. It is not far from Qingjianlu, making it convenient to visit during leisure time, and is an ideal place to stay."

An Yiren led them to the entrance of Huai'an Inn, bowed and said goodbye, "I have some special matters to attend to tonight and need to make preparations in advance. I cannot keep you two company for long. Let's catch up another day."

Cheng Bai returned the greeting, saying, "Brother Yiren's concern is truly appreciated."

After An Yiren left, Cheng Bai led Bei Tingjun and instructed the waiter who came to greet them, "We need two quiet superior rooms." Soon, they were led to the top floor of the inn to settle in.

Two glass lamps hung beside the corridor, the candlelight inside the lampshades flickering gently, casting long shadows.

Bei Tingjun chose the private room opposite Cheng Bai, but did not go in immediately. Instead, she moved her graceful figure and leaned lazily against the door frame.

Her slender fingers twirled a strand of her hair, the silky strands reflecting a subtle sheen. Bathed in the warm yellow light, her eyes blazed with a wildfire, even more intense than the flames in a lantern.

"Your Majesty..." Bei Tingjun's voice was melodious and charming, with an invisible hook. The open door beside her seemed like a silent invitation. "The moonlight is intoxicating tonight, and the breeze is gentle. I am naturally cold-sensitive and most afraid of the cold. I find it hard to fall asleep alone with the lamp."

Her words were like soft feathers brushing against my heart, her alluring charm captivating me.

Cheng Bai's breathing became slightly sluggish due to the ambiguous atmosphere, and a faint, almost imperceptible body fragrance lingered in the air.

He subconsciously touched the bridge of his nose, trying to put on a regretful expression, and sighed, "Sister Bei, to be honest, I've been forging magical treasures these past few days, which has greatly depleted my spiritual energy. It's inevitable that I'm physically weak and mentally exhausted, and I feel powerless at night."

His words were earnest, but his eyes were clear.

A blush rose on Bei Tingjun's cheeks, her eyes were filled with a melancholy that seemed to cloud her vision, and she gently bit her red lips, looking utterly pitiful.

Cheng Bai thought to himself, "This female demon probably has too much energy and nowhere to release it."

On second thought, Cheng Bai decided against continuing the charade. He decisively took out a pill he had recently refined and handed it over, saying, "Sister Bei has been with me through thick and thin for over half a month, and her contributions are outstanding. I feel quite ashamed that I haven't yet fulfilled my promise of the Golden Elixir. This Flawless Nirvana Pill will help enhance your cultivation and calm your mind. I believe it will satisfy you."

Bei Tingjun's beautiful eyes lit up, and her slight resentment was immediately replaced by surprise.

She gently raised her jade-like hand, her fingertips inadvertently brushing against Cheng Bai's palm, and accepted the golden elixir shrouded in auspicious light, saying with a charming smile, "This concubine will follow Your Majesty's arrangements."

While Bei Tingjun was focused on the precious elixir, Cheng Bai turned and retreated into his room, closing the door behind him without any lingering affection for the beauty.