Chapter 16: The Invitation of a Hidden ElderThe night sky over the Azure Kingdom Royal Academy was calm and silent, but within Xiao Li’s courtyard, intense spiritual energy surged like a violent storm.

    Xiao Li stood in the center, his golden Qi swirling around him, his body refining itself with every breath.

    [1000x Cultivation Speed Activated]

    [Qi Refining Stage 8 → Qi Refining Stage 9]

    His bones hardened, his meridians expanded, and his body felt stronger than ever.

    Then—

    A powerful aura suddenly descended upon his courtyard.

    Xiao Li’s eyes snapped open.

    "Who’s there?"

    A calm voice echoed from the darkness.

    "You cultivate well… but you are still far from your peak."

    Xiao Li turned.

    A figure in dark robes stood atop the rooftop, his long gray hair flowing in the wind

    .

    His presence was powerful, but more than that—it was unfathomable.

    Xiao Li’s instincts screamed at him.

    "This man… is strong."

    The elder stepped forward, his piercing gaze meeting Xiao Li’s.

    "Come with me."

    Xiao Li’s eyes narrowed.

    "And if I refuse?"

    The elder smirked.

    "You won’t.

    In the dead of night, Xiao Li followed the elder through a secret passageway beneath the academy.

    They emerged in an ancient underground chamber, its walls covered in mystical runes and forgotten scriptures.

    Xiao Li’s gaze swept over the area.

    "This place… isn’t ordinary."

    The elder finally turned to face him.

    "My name is Elder Tian Feng."

    "I am the last guardian of the Forgotten Pavilion, a place that only a handful of people in this academy even know exists."

    Xiao Li remained calm.

    "Why did you bring me here?"

    Elder Tian Feng studied him for a long moment.

    "Because you are different."

    His voice was steady, but there was a deeper meaning in his words.

    "Your talent surpasses anyone I have ever seen. Even the Headmaster himself is watching you." Sear?h the ηovelFire.ηet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Xiao Li smirked.

    "And?"

    Elder Tian Feng’s eyes gleamed.

    "I want to see if you are worthy of a true inheritance."

    The elder suddenly raised his hand.

    BOOM!

    An invisible force slammed into Xiao Li, sending him skidding backward.

    "Hmph."

    Elder Tian Feng vanished.

    Then—

    "Behind you."

    Xiao Li reacted instantly, twisting his body as a palm strike shot toward his back.

    BOOOOM!

    He barely managed to block, but the sheer force sent him crashing into a stone pillar.

    Elder Tian Feng smiled slightly.

    "Still not enough."

    Xiao Li stood up, wiping blood from his lips.

    His eyes burned with excitement.

    "You want to test me?"

    He raised his hand, and golden Qi exploded outward.

    "Fine. Let’s fight."

    The chamber shook as the two clashed.

    And for the first time in a long time—

    Xiao Li felt truly challenged.