228: The promise to guard the pavilion, the incomplete map points to

In the fourth floor of the Library Pavilion, the air seemed to solidify.

The ancient voice did not come from a fixed direction, but simultaneously from the surrounding bookshelves, from the wooden floor beneath their feet, and from the flowing air, carrying an ancient charm that merged with the entire Library Pavilion.

Li Ao's expression remained unchanged as he held the dark gold fragment, which had regained some luster, in his palm, his gaze calmly fixed on a certain spot in the Void Realm. Medusa quietly moved to Li Ao's flank, her Seven-Colored Dou Qi contained within; though not outwardly displayed, she was ready to respond to any sudden situation at any moment.

"I obtained it by chance," Li Ao answered concisely, without revealing anything about the Ancient Palace of the Absolute Land. "As for where I wish to go... since Senior recognizes this item, why ask more?"

He sensed that although the aura of the speaking entity was obscure and ancient, its strength had likely reached Peak Dou Zun, or even the Half-Saint level, yet it did not show direct hostility, but rather a sense of inquiry and solemnity.

"Hehe..." The ancient voice chuckled with a hint of emotion. "What a 'chance encounter'. Young friend, there's no need to be nervous. I am Qian Mu (Bai Lie?), and my Junior Brother and I have guarded this pavilion for hundreds of years. It's our duty; we don't intend to seize your Opportunity."

One of The Two Elders Qian Bai! The guardian of the pavilion whom Great Elder Su Qian mentioned was in seclusion!

"This item is a fragment of something called the 'nirvana ancient talisman'," the old man, who called himself Qian Mu, slowly revealed the fragment's origin. "According to scattered records in the most ancient annotations within the pavilion, it is a token left by an ancient supreme expert known as the 'Lord of Nirvana'. It is said that once all fragments are collected, one can sense and open the path to his final resting place—the 'nirvana source core'."

Lord of Nirvana! nirvana source core!

A glint flashed in Li Ao's eyes; this perfectly aligned with the fragmented information he had obtained from the fragment and his deductions about his own Dao!

"And the Yao Clan Ancestral Shrine..." Qian Mu's voice paused, as if recalling something. "It is rumored that before the Medicine Clan migrated to their current clan territory, their ancestors had a connection with the 'Lord of Nirvana'. Beneath the Yao Clan Ancestral Shrine, an ancient spatial node leading to a mysterious place is suppressed. I once speculated that it might be related to this 'nirvana source core'. This fragment of yours might produce a stronger resonance, or even... be a key to unlock a certain Restriction, when it approaches the Yao Clan Ancestral Shrine."

As expected! Li Ao understood. The Yao Clan Ancestral Shrine was indeed a crucial link.

"What do I need to pay for Senior to tell me all this?" Li Ao asked directly. There's no free lunch, especially when it involves such secrets.

Qian Mu was silent for a moment, then his voice became serious: "Young friend, you are direct. I do have a request, or rather, a transaction."

"Please speak."

"The Medicine Clan lives in seclusion, and medicine spirit token are hard to come by. Even with your current strength, forcibly taking or breaking in, though not impossible, would thoroughly antagonize the Medicine Clan, bringing a hundred disadvantages and no benefits to your quest for a Pill Formula," Qian Mu analyzed. "I can write a letter to an old friend of mine who has been living in seclusion for many years. He might be able to help you gain entry to the Medicine Clan in a relatively peaceful manner. Furthermore, you may freely peruse the ancient clan secrets in the Academy's Library Pavilion."

The conditions were quite generous, practically paving the way for Li Ao to visit the Medicine Clan.

"What's the price?" Li Ao pressed.

"The price is, if young friend truly finds the 'nirvana source core' in the future, or when your ability is sufficient, you must agree to act for Jia Nan Academy three times, on the premise that it does not go against your conscience and righteousness." Qian Mu's voice carried a hint of solemnity. "The Academy's Legacy, though seemingly stable, is actually fraught with undercurrents; the Hall of Souls is powerful, and the ancient clans' intentions are hard to fathom. I hope to leave a good karma for the Academy, a... potential aid in a truly difficult time."

This condition did not restrict Li Ao's freedom; it was merely a future promise, and it came with the prerequisite of "not going against one's conscience and righteousness," which showed considerable sincerity.

Li Ao pondered for a moment, then nodded in agreement: "Alright. I accept this matter."

He had no ill feelings towards Jia Nan Academy itself; on the contrary, this place was a starting point for him on the Fighting Qi Continent, and Xiao Yan also grew up here. Helping them a little in the future, without violating his own principles, was not unacceptable.

"Good!" A hint of relief came through Qian Mu's voice. "The token and viewing permissions are yours to use as you wish. The two of us need to continue our seclusion to consolidate and break through that final barrier, so we won't see you off."

As the words fell, the ancient aura that enveloped the surroundings receded like a tide, returning to silence.

A black token, neither metal nor wood, and a letter sealed with Soul Power slowly emerged from the Void Realm, landing before Li Ao. The token bore the emblem of Jia Nan Academy, and on its back was an ancient character for "Pavilion," representing the highest authority of a guardian Elder. The letter, meanwhile, was surrounded by a fervent yet concealed Soul imprint.

Li Ao put away the token and the letter, then slightly cupped his hands towards the Void Realm: "Thank you, Senior."

He did not linger, leaving the fourth floor of the Library Pavilion with Medusa.

With the guardian Elder's token, Li Ao moved unimpeded within the Library Pavilion. He spent half a day meticulously reviewing all records concerning the Medicine Clan, ancient secrets, spatial nodes, and legends related to nirvana, committing all useful information to memory. He gained a clearer understanding of the Medicine Clan's situation and the potential "spatial node."

After completing all this, the two left the Library Pavilion.

Outside, Great Elder Su Qian was still waiting. Seeing the two emerge, he quickly stepped forward.

Li Ao showed the black token to Su Qian and said, "Grand Elder, I have reached an agreement with Senior Qian Mu. Within the Academy, should an unsolvable crisis arise, you may use this token to contact me."

Upon seeing the token, Su Qian's expression tightened, and his demeanor became even more respectful: "Yes, I will obey Your Excellency's command."

Li Ao nodded, his gaze turning to Xiao Yan, who was waiting nearby.

"Brother Li Ao!" Xiao Yan stepped forward, his eyes filled with gratitude and reverence.

Li Ao observed him for a moment, then flicked his finger, sending a Jade Slip and a jade bottle flying towards Xiao Yan.

"The Jade Slip contains some of my insights into flame control, which might aid you in the Fusion of different flames. The jade bottle contains three 'Fuxu Pills'; take them if you are severely injured to save your life and, to a certain extent, purify your Dou Qi," Li Ao said calmly. "Since the Hall of Souls has targeted you, you must act with greater caution in the future. The path of the Burning Technique is exceptionally arduous; take care of yourself."

Xiao Yan took the Jade Slip and the jade bottle, feeling the immense information and pure medicinal power contained within. Overwhelmed with emotion, he bowed deeply: "Xiao Yan will remember Brother's teachings!"

With his instructions given, Li Ao did not linger.

He exchanged a glance with Medusa, then their figures shot into the sky, instantly disappearing above Jia Nan Academy.

The next stop was to follow the guidance in Qian Mu's letter and find the "old friend" who could help him obtain the medicine spirit token.

In his hand, the dark gold fragment glowed faintly, pointing towards the distant core region of Central Plains, that mysterious place regarded as a Holy Land by the Medicine Clan, where clues to the "nirvana source core" were hidden.

Medicine Clan, Ancestral Shrine.

nirvana source core.

bridge of the other shore.

A journey to uncover ancient ultimate secrets officially began.

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