Chapter 4: A Deal with Elder Yao
Returning to his room, Xiao Tian locked the door behind him.
He placed the spatial ring on the table and took out the small jade bottle again, dropping a single red drop of liquid onto the ring.
This red liquid was condensed from the stone talisman's absorption of heavenly energy. It not only aided in cultivation but also had effects on spiritual strength. Lin Dong, for example, had used the pool water infused with such liquid from a young age, which significantly enhanced his mental strength, allowing him to focus quickly on any task.
As soon as the red liquid touched the ancient black ring, the ring emitted a faint glow. The liquid quickly disappeared.
Seeing the liquid vanish, Xiao Tian looked at the ring and said, "Elder, you've absorbed my precious liquid. Don't you think it's time to come out and meet me?"
"..."
His words did not elicit any response from the ring.
Xiao Tian frowned and spoke again, "Elder, you've taken the benefits. If you don't show yourself, I might have to hand this ring over to the Soul Hall. Considering their obsession with soul entities, I'm sure they'll pay a good price!"
"Buzz!"
Before he could finish his threat, the ancient black ring floated into the air. Immediately after, an old, ghostly figure materialized, glaring at Xiao Tian. "How dare you!"
"Greetings, Elder!" Xiao Tian bowed respectfully.
Elder Yao eyed Xiao Tian with some surprise, "I didn't expect someone in such a remote place to know about the Soul Hall. Who exactly are you?"
Xiao Tian replied, "Elder, I was just joking. Actually, I have a grudge against the Soul Hall too."
Elder Yao scoffed, "You, a mere Battle Disciple, have a grudge against the Soul Hall?"
Xiao Tian responded with a question, "Have you ever heard of the ancient Xiao Clan, Elder?"
"The Xiao Clan among the Ancient Eight Clans, the one that was exterminated?" Elder Yao's face changed slightly as he stared intently at Xiao Tian, "Are you saying you're from the Xiao Clan?"
Xiao Tian nodded, "Not just me, our entire Xiao family are descendants of the Xiao Clan. The Soul Hall, supported by the Hun Clan, naturally bears enmity with us."
He continued, "I am willing to provide you with the red liquid in exchange for you accepting me as your disciple."
Elder Yao said flatly, "As a member of the Xiao Clan, what can an old man like me teach you?"
"My Xiao family has long fallen. Our best technique is a mid-level Profound Rank one, and our best Battle Skill is only a low-level Profound Rank skill, both of which are wind attribute," Xiao Tian explained. "The best fire attribute technique in our clan is only high-level Yellow Rank. Training with such techniques for a lifetime won't make one strong."
"You're right," Elder Yao pondered for a moment and said, "Fine. Continue providing me with the red liquid, and I'll give you a low-level Earth Rank fire attribute technique."
"Elder, they say even a drop of water should be repaid with a fountain. You're just giving me a low-level Earth Rank technique? That's too stingy," Xiao Tian rolled his eyes, aiming for the "Burning Incantation."
"Low-level Earth Rank is stingy?" Elder Yao remarked. "In your Jia Ma Empire, only the Yun Lan Sect possesses techniques of this level."
"In Jia Ma Empire, low-level Earth Rank might not be low, but what about in Central Plains?" Xiao Tian countered. "The Ancient Eight Clans have Heaven Rank techniques!"
He then tempted, "Elder, if you give me a higher-level technique, besides the red liquid, I'll also provide soul-restoring herbs and even help you find a way to revive."
Elder Yao fell silent for a moment, then looked deeply at Xiao Tian and said, "Remember your promise. I will teach you a higher-level technique."
With that, Elder Yao produced a somewhat ethereal black scroll.
Upon seeing the black scroll, Xiao Tian immediately knelt and respectfully said, "Master, please accept my bow!"
After kowtowing three times, Xiao Tian asked with feigned innocence, "Master, what level is this technique? Is it Heaven Rank?"
"It's just low-level Yellow Rank," Elder Yao replied.
"What? Low-level Yellow Rank?" Xiao Tian fumed, "Master, are you messing with me?"
"Hahaha!"
Seeing Xiao Tian's reaction, Elder Yao burst out laughing. The boy always seemed so mature; it was amusing to play a trick on him.
After laughing for a while, Elder Yao explained, "Don't underestimate this technique. Though it's currently low-level Yellow Rank, it can evolve. If it keeps evolving, it might even surpass Heaven Rank!"
He then asked, "So, do you still want to learn it? If not, I'll give you the low-level Earth Rank one."
"I want to learn it! Of course!" Without hesitation, Xiao Tian grabbed the black scroll.
As he touched the scroll, it immediately transformed into a stream of information, flooding into his mind.
In the Dou Qi Continent, after breaking through to Battle Disciple and condensing a Dou Qi whirlpool, one could begin cultivating techniques. When successfully cultivated, the initially attribute-less milky white Dou Qi would transform into the Dou Qi of the technique's attribute.
The first transformation of Dou Qi didn't take much time. Xiao Tian only needed two hours to complete the transformation.
Elder Yao asked with a smile, "How did it go? Did it succeed?"
"Yes, it did," Xiao Tian nodded, extending his fair hand.
Immediately, a light yellow Dou Qi, transformed from his newly acquired technique's attribute, surged into his hand, stopping at the meridian point.
Being just a One Star Battle Disciple, Xiao Tian couldn't yet project his Dou Qi externally. Nonetheless, his pale hand glowed faintly yellow, marking the attribute of his new low-level Yellow Rank fire technique.
Looking at the Dou Qi in his hand, Xiao Tian was ecstatic, "Finally, I have the 'Burning Incantation.' My name will soon spread throughout the world!"
(End of Chapter)