508: Chapter 508 The Beast War Sect Master Shi Potian?! Dean Mingjing personally intervenes!

"The person who brought this item into Wending Pavilion... was Vice Dean Ming Jing."

As the voice of Dean of Array Department Xuan Jizi faded, Wen Yuan and Jiang Yun were both stunned.

"Dean Ming Jing?" Wen Yuan was the first to react. His deep brown eyes widened in shock.

"Are you saying Vice Dean Ming Jing? He was the one who put this parchment scroll into Wending Pavilion?"

Dean of Array Department Xuan Jizi nodded and raised the Jade Slip of records he had just retrieved from the Wending Pavilion registration desk.

"I just went to check the Wending Pavilion's book collection records, and the entry for this parchment scroll is clearly written... Two hundred years ago, it was personally brought back from an ancient ruin by Ming Jing, who was the Dean of the Beast Taming Institute of Sky Dome Academy at the time. It was deposited into the top floor of Wending Pavilion and cataloged as Ancient Formation Dao Volume 723. Two hundred years ago, Dean Ming Jing was only the Dean of the Beast Taming Institute and had not yet been promoted to Vice Dean of Sky Dome Academy. This record cannot be wrong."

Wen Yuan stroked his messy beard and said thoughtfully.

"Since it was Dean Ming Jing who personally put it into Wending Pavilion back then, he must know the origin of this parchment scroll, and perhaps even the whereabouts of the second volume. However, Dean Ming Jing should be at his residence right now. If there are indeed clues regarding the second half of the scroll, I fear we will have to make a trip to see him personally."

Dean of Array Department Xuan Jizi smiled slightly, his tone carrying a hint of certainty.

"Given how much Dean Ming Jing values the Saint Student, if he knows that the Saint Student needs this second volume to break the Seal on a piece of Jade Bone, he will naturally assist with all his might and tell us everything he knows. Instead of guessing blindly here, we might as well go ask him directly."

Jiang Yun nodded. "Then I will have to trouble the two Deans to accompany me."

The three reached an agreement and did not delay any further. Dean of Array Department Xuan Jizi returned the Jade Slip to the steward waiting on the side, and the three walked slowly down the spiral stone stairs they had used earlier.

When they returned to the main hall on the first floor of Wending Pavilion, Old Li was standing at the entrance organizing a batch of newly arrived classics. Seeing the three coming down from upstairs, Old Li bowed slightly, preparing to pay his respects.

Jiang Yun stepped forward quickly and cupped his hands. "Old Li, this Junior has urgent matters to attend to, so I must take my leave today. When I have time in the future, I will definitely come to visit again."

Old Li looked up, and seeing that the youth, who was now a noble Heavenly Saint Student, still treated him with great respect, a hint of unconcealable gratification flashed in his eyes.

He did not say any more polite pleasantries, but simply cupped his hands and returned the gesture as an equal to Jiang Yun.

"The Saint Student is too kind. I will be here in Wending Pavilion, always awaiting your arrival, Saint Student."

Jiang Yun nodded slightly and turned to follow the two Deans.

The three exited the main gate of Wending Pavilion and arrived at the plaza. Dean of Array Department Xuan Jizi flicked his sleeves, and an invisible force of Formation Dao Law once again steadily supported Jiang Yun.

Wen Yuan drew a Rune in the air with his fingertip. The Rune grew as it met the wind, transforming into a pale golden light shield that enveloped the three.

The two Deans moved their feet, and their figures soared into the air simultaneously, transforming into three streaks of light as they sped toward the central district of Sky Dome Academy.

Vice Dean Ming Jing's residence was located in the central district of Sky Dome Academy, not far from the Inner Court of each institute, making it convenient for him to handle academy affairs at any time.

The three flew for less than the time it takes to brew a cup of tea before arriving above the residence. Looking down from the air, Dean Ming Jing's dwelling was completely different from any other Dean's residence Jiang Yun had seen.

There were no towering pavilions, no magnificent stone halls, no layers of protective Formation patterns... There was only a small courtyard with blue bricks and grey tiles, sitting alone in the depths of a quiet bamboo forest in the central district of Sky Dome Academy.

The courtyard was not large, surrounded by a waist-high bamboo fence covered in unknown vines, blooming with tiny, scattered white flowers.

Inside the courtyard, there were several old plum trees with gnarled and vigorous branches, clearly having grown there for many years.

In the center of the courtyard was a very small bluestone yard. In the corner of the yard stood a small hexagonal pavilion, containing a stone table and several stone stools, with a steaming teapot resting on the stone table.

Apart from that, there was no other unnecessary furniture.

When Jiang Yun saw this courtyard from the air, he couldn't help but be slightly stunned.

This was Dean Ming Jing's residence? A Sun-Level cultivator, the esteemed Vice Dean of Sky Dome Academy, a big shot who could make all forces in the entire provincial city tremble with a single stomp... His residence was actually this simple.

There was no luxurious Cultivation secret room, no magnificent assembly hall, no treasure vault guarded by layers of Restrictions, only a plain, even somewhat shabby, small courtyard.

This demeanor of returning to simplicity was indeed very fitting for Dean Ming Jing's own indifferent and composed nature.

The three descended slowly from the air and landed outside the bamboo fence. Dean of Array Department Xuan Jizi retracted the force of the Law, straightened his robes, and was the first to push open the fence gate and walk inside.

Wen Yuan followed closely behind, and Jiang Yun walked last.

The three passed through the courtyard filled with small white flowers, followed the bluestone path around several old plum trees, and saw the small hexagonal pavilion in the backyard.

In the pavilion, Vice Dean Ming Jing was sitting alone at the stone table, holding a celadon teacup, with the fragrance of tea curling up from the cup.

Today, he was not wearing the gold-embroidered robe that symbolized his status as Vice Dean, but only a plain, simple grey-green cloth garment, with his hair tied loosely behind his head. He did not look like a Vice Dean holding the power of the academy, but rather like an idle old man living in seclusion in the mountains.

He had clearly sensed the presence of the three of them long ago, but he did not even lift his head, simply bringing the teacup to his lips for a gentle sip, then setting the cup down unhurriedly.

"This is truly quite interesting." Dean Ming Jing's voice remained gentle, carrying his habitual hint of playfulness and composure.

"The two of you, one is the Dean of the Formation Institute, the other is the Dean of the Rune Institute. Usually, apart from meeting at the joint academy affairs meeting, you two have absolutely nothing to do with each other. Today, however, not only did you come together, but you also dragged along my Sky Dome Academy's Saint Student. The three of you visiting my shabby little courtyard together, is there some urgent matter?"

The three walked to the front of the pavilion. Dean of Array Department Xuan Jizi and Wen Yuan stopped first, simultaneously cupping their hands and bowing slightly.

"Greetings, Dean Ming Jing." Jiang Yun also cupped his hands in a respectful salute. "Student Jiang Yun greets Dean Ming Jing."

Ming Jing waved his hand, signaling them not to be overly formal. "Alright, alright, enough with the pleasantries. Sit down and talk... Dean of Array Department Xuan Jizi, it's not your first time in my courtyard. Wen Yuan, the last time you came, you complained to me that this pavilion was too small and that there wasn't enough room to turn around when there were many people. It's you two again today; speak, what exactly do you want with me?"

Dean of Array Department Xuan Jizi and Wen Yuan exchanged glances, then simultaneously looked at Jiang Yun. Dean of Array Department Xuan Jizi turned slightly to the side, making room.

"It is better to let the Saint Student explain. This matter originated because of the Saint Student, and only the Saint Student can explain the cause and effect most clearly."

Jiang Yun nodded and did not decline. He took a step forward, saluted Ming Jing again, and then began to recount the entire sequence of events in a concise yet detailed manner.

From accidentally obtaining a Jade Bone sealed with the secrets of a True Dragon, to the two Deans being unable to break the Formation Dao Seal on it in the assembly hall earlier, to the three of them going to the top floor of Wending Pavilion to search through ancient classics, and finally finding an Incomplete Manual of an ancient sealing technique called the Heavenly Trace Thirteen-Fold Formation.

The Incomplete Manual only recorded the origin and the conditions for breaking it, while the specific steps for breaking it were recorded in the second volume. The three traced the origin of the parchment scroll, checked the Wending Pavilion's book collection records, and that is how they found their way to Dean Ming Jing.

Ming Jing listened quietly, the indifferent and composed smile on his Face never changing. However, when he heard the words "Jade Bone," his eyebrows raised slightly, and a thoughtful light flashed in his eyes, which were as deep as an ancient well.

He slowly set down the teacup in his hand and tapped his fingers lightly on the stone table twice.

"Jade Bone? Saint Student, may I take a look?"

Jiang Yun nodded, flipped his right hand, and the bone-white Jade Bone appeared in his palm. He presented the Jade Bone with both hands. Ming Jing did not stand up, but simply gestured lightly with his right hand, and the Jade Bone, as if supported by an invisible hand, floated up from Jiang Yun's palm and hovered steadily before him.

He extended his index finger and tapped lightly on the surface of the Jade Bone. A Mental Energy that was extremely vast yet extremely gentle brushed over every inch of the Jade Bone's surface like a spring breeze. The level of that Mental Energy and the precision of its control made Dean of Array Department Xuan Jizi and Wen Yuan, who were standing to the side, hold their breath involuntarily.

A moment later, Ming Jing withdrew his Mental Energy but did not speak immediately. He stared at the Jade Bone hovering in front of him, the smile on his lips slowly deepening.

"Interesting, truly quite interesting." His tone now carried a hint of appreciation and curiosity that rarely appeared in his speech.

"The Formation and Runes on this Jade Bone are indeed exquisite, interlocking ring upon ring, with the Formation and Rune merging into one. The person who laid this Seal likely has attainments in Formation Dao and Runes that are even above those of Dean of Array Department Xuan Jizi and Wen Yuan. However... what interests me more is not the Seal itself, but what is hidden within this Jade Bone."

He extended his finger and tapped lightly on the surface of the Jade Bone. The moment his fingertip touched the bone surface, a fluctuation that was extremely faint to the extreme came from the depths of the Jade Bone.

That fluctuation was as subtle as a sigh in the middle of the night, yet so overbearing that the Mental Energy of the three people present trembled slightly at the same time.

"Deep within this Jade Bone, I have sensed a trace of extremely faint Dragon Qi."

"What?!" Wen Yuan and Dean of Array Department Xuan Jizi exclaimed simultaneously.

Wen Yuan grabbed Dean of Array Department Xuan Jizi's sleeve, his deep brown eyes widening until they almost popped out of their sockets.

"Dragon Qi?! Dean Ming Jing, are you saying there is Dragon Qi inside this Jade Bone?! I just searched it over and over more than ten times in the assembly hall and only sensed the Law fluctuations of the Runes and Formations; I didn't sense any Dragon Clan Aura at all!"

Dean of Array Department Xuan Jizi's reaction was no better than Wen Yuan's. His hand stroking his beard froze in mid-air, and his eyes, which were usually calm, were now surging with unconcealed shock.

"Me too. I just searched it over and over more than ten times in the assembly hall and only sensed the Law fluctuations of the Runes and Formations; I didn't sense any Dragon Clan Aura at all! Dean Ming Jing, are you sure the Aura in this Jade Bone is Dragon Qi? Although I am at the Eclipsing Moon Rank and far inferior to you in terms of Mental Energy, if such a supreme, Yang, and rigid Aura as Dragon Qi truly existed, it would be impossible for me not to sense even a shred of it. To be able to completely block my Mental Energy exploration, the level of this Jade Bone's Seal is likely far beyond my previous estimates."

Ming Jing smiled slightly, his tone remaining gentle and composed.

"That is because this wisp of Dragon Qi is wrapped in layers of Seals and buried extremely deep. Although you two are masters of Formation Dao and Runes respectively, your Mental Energy Realm is ultimately one major level lower than mine. The shielding effect of this Seal is seamless for your Mental Energy, but in front of my Sun-Level Divine Sense, there is still a faint, almost imperceptible gap."

Wen Yuan and Dean of Array Department Xuan Jizi both gasped. Dragon Qi. There was actually Dragon Qi sealed within this Jade Bone. And for something to be able to Seal Dragon Qi within a bone... there was only one possibility.

Dean of Array Department Xuan Jizi's voice trembled slightly, every word carrying unbelievable shock. "Dean Ming Jing, according to what you say... could this Jade Bone be the remains of a True Dragon?!"

Ming Jing slowly shook his head.

"I cannot be certain. Relying solely on this extremely faint trace of Dragon Qi, it is not enough to conclude that this object is the skeleton of a True Dragon. But there is one thing I can be sure of... This object may be related to a True Dragon, and whatever is sealed within it is likely related to a True Dragon as well. Anything belonging to a True Dragon, even a remnant bone stained with a trace of dragon blood, is enough to drive any top-tier power mad. Saint Student, the weight of this treasure of yours is far greater than the Law Crystal I gave you earlier."

Wen Yuan and Dean of Array Department Xuan Jizi exchanged a glance, both seeing unconcealable shock and emotion in each other's eyes.

That morning at the Peak of Heaven Pillar Peak, the piece of heavenly fire profound iron that the Saint Student brought out was already a Heaven-Defying treasure of the Saint King Rank.

And now, he had brought out yet another treasure related to a True Dragon...

And it was a True Dragon item sealed with Dragon Qi.

In just half a day.

The Saint Student had consecutively produced two supreme treasures that left even Eclipsing Moon Rank Experts like them dumbfounded.

Just how many astonishing trump cards did he still have hidden up his sleeve?

He had taken a trip to the Bone Burial Area.

Just how many treasures that ordinary people wouldn't even dare to imagine had he obtained upon his return?

This Saint Student's foundation was truly bottomless; every time they thought they had seen his limits, he would pull out something new to overturn their understanding.

Jiang Yun's expression remained calm.

He had long known the origin of this object through his Entry Manifestation talent, and the Dragon Qi pointed out by Dean Ming Jing had merely reconfirmed this fact.

What he truly cared about was the method to break the Seal.

He took a step forward.

And spoke to bring the conversation back on track.

"Dean Ming Jing, the reason I have come is specifically to unravel the Seal on this jade bone and uncover the secrets hidden within. We have now found the upper volume of the scroll that records this sealing technique, but the method for breaking it is recorded in the lower volume. We checked the collection records of the Wending Pavilion and found that this scroll was placed there by you personally years ago, so I wanted to ask you... where is the lower volume now?"

Wen Yuan took the opportunity to retrieve the old scroll from his storage space and handed it to Dean Ming Jing with both hands.

"Dean Ming Jing, this is it. Take a look... is this the scroll you placed in the Wending Pavilion all those years ago?"

Dean Ming Jing took the scroll.

He recognized it with just a single glance.

A look of reminiscence flashed through his deep eyes. He placed the scroll on the stone table, gently rubbed his index finger along the jagged, broken edge of the scroll, and nodded slowly.

"So it is this item. That is correct; this scroll was indeed placed in the Wending Pavilion by me personally back then. That was nearly two hundred years ago... At that time, I was just an Eclipsing Moon Rank Inner Court Dean, and I discovered this scroll in an ancient ruin deep within the Bone Burial Area. Back then, the scroll was still complete, with the upper and lower volumes joined together. However..."

He paused slightly.

A meaningful smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.

"There was another person who discovered this item with me at the time. To avoid conflict, I split the volumes with him, each taking one. I brought the upper volume back to Sky Dome Academy and stored it in the Wending Pavilion. The lower volume remained in his hands."

Upon hearing this, the three of them were instantly energized.

There was a clue to the lower volume!

"Who is that person?"

Wen Yuan asked eagerly.

Dean Ming Jing picked up his teacup, took a light sip, and unhurriedly spoke a name that stunned everyone present.

"The War Beast Sect Leader... Shi Potian."

"What?! It's him?!"

Dean of Array Department Xuan Jizi exclaimed in a low voice. His hand, which had been stroking his beard, froze, and his fingers unconsciously tightened around a few strands of his beard.

"War Beast Sect Leader Shi Potian? He is the helmsman of the War Beast Sect, one of the top-tier powers in the provincial capital. His strength is at least at the Peak Eclipsing Moon Rank... perhaps he has already reached the Sun-Level... the outside world probably cannot say for sure. This person is upright, with a fiery and violent temperament, and is extremely protective of his own, but he also highly values credibility and promises. In terms of strength, he ranks among the leaders of the major top-tier powers in the provincial capital. In terms of how difficult he is to deal with, he is notorious for being impervious to both soft and hard tactics. Getting that lower volume of the scroll from him will likely not be easy."

Wen Yuan's brows also furrowed tightly.

"Shi Potian... Although I haven't had much contact with him, the War Beast Sect is quite famous in the provincial capital. The War Beast Sect focuses on cultivating combat-type beasts, and its Disciples are all brave and combative, notorious in the major Secret Realms of the provincial capital for fearing neither death nor danger. Their Sect Leader, Shi Potian, is an even more ruthless character... It is said that he once fought head-to-head for three days and three nights in a Secret Realm against the head of another top-tier power in the Eastern Region over a Sun-Level beast cub, and in the end, he won. Such a person never goes back on his word. Getting him to spit out something he has already obtained is harder than ascending to heaven."

Dean of Array Department Xuan Jizi sighed, looked at Jiang Yun, his tone filled with helplessness.

"Saint Student, it seems that uncovering the secret within your jade bone is indeed not so easy. Shi Potian is a man who values credibility above all else, but precisely because he values credibility, getting something from his hands requires paying an equivalent price. And as the War Beast Sect Leader, there are very few things he would find worthy."

When Jiang Yun heard the name Shi Potian, his heart stirred slightly.

The War Beast Sect... He was not unfamiliar with this power.

Back after Jiang Yun completed the Grand Tutor Level Assessment at the Appraisers Guild and became a Grand Elder of the Appraisers Guild, the War Beast Sect Leader, Shi Potian, had even personally and sincerely invited him to serve as the Hall Master of the newly opened Appraisal Hall of the War Beast Sect, specifically to appraise the Bloodlines and Aptitude of the War Beast Sect's beasts, and to screen for high-quality Beast Eggs.

At the time, seeing the other party's sincere attitude, he had verbally agreed, intending to visit the War Beast Sect once the matters at hand had concluded.

Now it seemed this agreement might come in very handy...

If he went to the War Beast Sect with the identity of Grand Tutor Dongxuan, the War Beast Sect Leader, Shi Potian, should still give him some Face.

Getting that lower volume of the scroll then might not be as difficult as imagined.

However, this matter was not urgent right now.

The Molten Fire Grotto Secret Realm would open in three days, Little Fire had just completed its Bloodline transformation, and Little Skylark and Nether Abyss were both cultivating with all their might.

The most important thing right now was the trip to the Secret Realm, to gather the core Materials needed for Little Fire's second evolution.

After the trip to the Secret Realm ended, it would not be too late for him to visit the War Beast Sect as Grand Tutor Dongxuan.

After all, he knew very well the weight of the identity of Grand Tutor Dongxuan.

Just as Jiang Yun was calculating in his heart, Dean Ming Jing saw that he was silent, assuming that he had developed concerns after hearing the name Shi Potian.

He put down his teacup, let out a soft laugh, his tone remaining as calm and composed as ever.

"Saint Student, you need not worry about this matter. As it happens, I am also curious about what secret is hidden within your jade bone... Let's do this, I will handle this matter. You should focus on cultivating your beasts and improving your strength in the academy, preparing fully for the competition in the Molten Fire Grotto Secret Realm in three days. As for the War Beast Sect, I will personally make the trip for you."

He paused and continued.

"Shi Potian and I are old acquaintances... Two hundred years ago in that ruin, we got to know each other through a fight; although we aren't close friends, we respect each other. I believe Shi Potian will give me some Face and lend me the lower volume of the scroll to take a look. I am only borrowing it to look at it; he wouldn't refuse to give me even that much Face."

Dean of Array Department Xuan Jizi and Wen Yuan both breathed a sigh of relief simultaneously, nodding repeatedly.

Dean of Array Department Xuan Jizi stroked his beard and smiled: "With Dean Ming Jing personally intervening, this matter will be much easier to handle. In the entire provincial capital, the number of people who can make that stubborn Shi Potian give Face can be counted on one hand... Aside from the ancestors of the two Hidden Families and the Head Dean, I am afraid only Dean Ming Jing holds one of those spots."

Wen Yuan also nodded in agreement: "Indeed, indeed. Dean Ming Jing has old ties with Shi Potian, and combined with the Dean's current strength and status, even if Shi Potian is stubborn, he would be too embarrassed to refuse outright."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yun also nodded.

Dean Ming Jing personally intervening was naturally much better than him visiting with the identity of Grand Tutor Dongxuan.

For one, it saved him the time of traveling back and forth, and for another, Dean Ming Jing had old ties with Shi Potian, so borrowing an item would be a mere trifle, unlikely to arouse any unnecessary suspicion.

He cupped his hands and bowed deeply to Dean Ming Jing.

"I have troubled Dean Ming Jing. I will keep this favor in mind."

Dean Ming Jing waved his hand and stood up from the stone stool.

He carefully tucked the upper volume of the scroll into his sleeve, gently pushed the jade bone that had been floating in front of him back into Jiang Yun's hands, and patted Jiang Yun's shoulder.

"Why stand on ceremony with me? Alright, you all should head back now. I will set off for the War Beast Sect immediately; at the fastest, one day, at the slowest, two days, and I should be able to bring back that lower volume. Once I have obtained it, I will personally come to the Holy Son Courtyard to find you."

After saying this, he tapped his foot lightly.

His figure rose from the pavilion like a wisp of blue smoke.

There was no grand Aura, no blinding light, and not even a trace of Law fluctuation leaked out...

His entire person ascended into the air silently, transforming into a pale golden stream of light that shot towards the end of the horizon, disappearing into the clouds in the blink of an eye.

Jiang Yun watched Dean Ming Jing's figure disappear into the horizon before withdrawing his gaze.

Dean of Array Department Xuan Jizi and Wen Yuan also withdrew their gazes simultaneously. The two exchanged a glance, both seeing a trace of relaxation and anticipation in each other's eyes.

"Rest assured, Saint Student."

Dean of Array Department Xuan Jizi patted Jiang Yun's shoulder, his tone filled with certainty.

"With our Sky Dome Academy's Vice Dean personally going, no matter how stubborn Shi Potian is, he will have to give him some Face. In one day at the fastest, or two at the slowest, Dean Ming Jing will definitely be able to bring back the lower volume of the scroll. You can just return and wait for the news with peace of mind."

Wen Yuan also nodded, a rare smile appearing on his thin Face.

"In all my years, I haven't seen many things that could make Dean Ming Jing personally run errands. Your Face, Saint Student, is much bigger than mine, the Rune Institute Dean. Just return with peace of mind, Cultivate your beasts, improve your strength, and win glory for our Sky Dome Academy after the Secret Realm opens... Don't let the Disciples of those top-tier families look down on our academy!"

Jiang Yun cupped his hands and bowed deeply to the two Deans.

"I have troubled you both with today's matters. I will definitely thank you another day."

Dean of Array Department Xuan Jizi and Wen Yuan waved their hands simultaneously, satisfied smiles on their Faces.

Then, the two of them said no more, simultaneously rising into the air and transforming into streams of light, flying off in the directions of the Formation Institute and the Rune Institute, respectively.

Jiang Yun stood alone in front of the pavilion, watching the two Deans depart, and shook his head helplessly.

Today's trip, from the Formation Institute to the Wending Pavilion and then to Dean Ming Jing's residence, had involved running halfway around the academy; although the process was tortuous, he had finally found a clue to breaking the Seal on the jade bone.

He hoped Dean Ming Jing would be able to successfully bring back the lower volume of the scroll.

But even if he couldn't, it didn't matter.

He already knew that the lower volume was in the hands of the War Beast Sect Leader, Shi Potian, and with his trump card as Grand Tutor Dongxuan, it wouldn't be difficult to get his hands on it.

It was just that this way, he would need to make a trip to the main headquarters of the War Beast Sect himself, which would delay things somewhat.

He composed his thoughts and stopped thinking about it.

With a light flick of his right hand, Little Skylark's massive figure appeared in the sky above the courtyard.

Its feathers, interwoven with sky blue and pale purple, shimmered with brilliant light in the afternoon sun.

Jiang Yun flipped onto Little Skylark's back. Little Skylark let out a clear cry, flapped its wings violently, and sped off towards the Holy Son Courtyard on Heaven Pillar Peak.