The Legend of the Netherworld

Chapter 128: Energy Filling Ceremony

The Sect Master stood on the high platform in the main hall, his gaze slowly sweeping over everyone, finally stopping at Lin Xiao. Looking at his determined eyes, a solemn expression appeared between the Sect Master's brows.

After pondering for a moment, he slowly said, "As far as I know, Tianshu Academy has already recruited all its students this year, and our Fengshui Academy only has one spot left."

After he finished speaking, the head of the sect turned to look at Taoist Siqi beside him, as if seeking confirmation.

Taoist Siqi smiled warmly and nodded in response, "Master, what you said is true. Because Feng Shui Academy is located in a remote area, Junior Sister Lin Jiao is the last disciple we will admit this year. If Young Friend Lin Xiao is still interested in Tianshu Academy, you may wish to come back next year."

When Lin Xiao heard this, a hint of doubt flashed in his eyes. After a moment's hesitation, he asked, "May I ask Taoist Siqi if you can still give us a place in the Feng Shui Academy through internal referral next year?"

Taoist Siqi smiled slightly, a hint of admiration on his face. "After watching your academy's martial arts competition, I will do my best to secure an extra internal referral spot for you when I return."

Lin Xiao knew that this was the limit, so he bowed deeply and said, "Thank you, Master and Taoist Siqi."

The headmaster nodded, his face serious, and then said loudly: "In that case, the 'Qi Filling' ceremony will begin now."

The leader raised the whisk in his hand, then formed a seal with one hand and chanted an ancient spell: "Nine-sky mysterious energy, all four directions return to their positions, condense!" With his loud shout, ten gentle energy balls appeared and hovered above the heads of the ten people.

The air masses varied in size. Lin Jiao's air mass was the largest, shining with a faint golden light, while the air mass above the head of Sun Weilun of the Star Pavilion was the smallest, only the size of a fist.

The headmaster continued to cast a spell, and the energy ball slowly descended, enveloping everyone's heads. As the energy ball touched everyone's skin, a warm power began to seep into their bodies.

Everyone showed joy, feeling the influx of energy, as if every cell in their body was cheering. They all sat cross-legged, practicing their own mental methods to accelerate the absorption of this heavenly power.

Lin Xiao took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and concentrated. With a thought, he instantly activated the "Boundless Heart Sea Technique." Suddenly, the air mass above his head seemed to be pulled by something and rushed into his body like leaves in a gust of wind.

Lin Xiao only felt that his strength was pouring into his dantian like a river bursting its banks. The sea of ​​qi in his body continued to expand, and his strength actually broke through the original limit.

As time passed, Sun Weilun of the Xingchen Pavilion was the first to finish absorbing. He slowly opened his eyes, feeling the energy within him filling up, and couldn't help but smile. But seeing that the others were still absorbing, he tactfully closed his eyes again to regulate his breathing.

Soon after, Lin Xiao also completed the absorption. He slowly opened his eyes and felt the energy in his body surge, as if he could break through the shackles at any time.

However, he forcibly suppressed this urge and continued to practice the "Boundless Heart Sea Technique" to stabilize his realm. He looked around and found that others were still absorbing, so he waited quietly.

The headmaster and Taoist Siqi saw this and showed surprise on their faces.

Taoist Siqi raised his eyebrows slightly, as if he hadn't expected Lin Xiao to absorb energy at such a speed. The two of them exchanged a glance, and though they didn't say a word, it felt as if they had exchanged thousands of words.

As time passed, everyone absorbed it one after another.

Finally, Lin Jiao's energy ball completely dissipated. She slowly opened her eyes, her aura stronger than before. She looked around, seeing that everyone had finished absorbing it, and then she stood up and saluted the headmaster.

Seeing this, the Sect Leader regained his former dignity and said loudly, "Since everyone has absorbed the energy, you may leave now. Lin Jiao, stay."

Upon hearing this, everyone stood up and saluted the Sect Leader and Taoist Siqi: "Thank you, Sect Leader, thank you, Taoist Siqi!" Then they filed out.

At the Sect Master's command, everyone rose from their meditation, bowed to the Sect Master and Taoist Siqi, and left the hall in an orderly manner. However, once outside the hall, everyone began to gather in groups of two or three, conversing in low voices.

"I feel like my realm is on the verge of a breakthrough, and I just need that last bit of opportunity!" A disciple whispered, unable to hide his excitement on his face.

"Me too. If it hadn't happened in the hall just now, I would have wanted to break through right here and there!" Another disciple clenched his fists, his tone filled with excitement.

"Humph, the annual 'energy-filling' ceremony used to be monopolized by the eldest and second brothers, and we never had the chance to enjoy it. It turns out it has such miraculous effects." Another disciple complained, with a hint of dissatisfaction in his tone.

At this time, Lin Xiao and Lin Jiao stood side by side.

Lin Xiao whispered to Lin Jiao, "I'm going back to the back mountain first. You can come to me anytime if you have any problems." His tone was gentle but firm, as if he didn't want to make Lin Jiao worry.

Lin Jiao nodded and replied softly, "Yeah."

Lin Xiao then bowed again to the headmaster and Taoist Siqi and took his leave. He turned around and used his skills to move towards the back mountain. He couldn't help but secretly marvel at the wonderful effect of this "energy-filling" ceremony.

After everyone left, only the Sect Master, Taoist Siqi, and Lin Jiao remained in the hall. The hall suddenly felt empty and quiet, as if even the air had frozen for a moment.

"This is your student token." Taoist Siqi flicked his wrist, and a token emitting a faint spiritual light flew out from his sleeve and landed steadily in Lin Jiao's hand. "In three months, your master will cast a spell to teleport you to Tianshu Academy. Then, you can report to the academy with this token."

Lin Jiao took the token and looked at it carefully.

One side of the token was engraved with the four ancient characters "Tianshu Academy", and the other side was engraved with her name, with faint fluctuations of spiritual power emanating from it.

"Thank you, Taoist Siqi!" Lin Jiao bowed solemnly to express her gratitude.

The headmaster slowly walked up to Lin Jiao, his expression complicated, and warned her earnestly, "Lin Jiao, when you arrive at Tianshu Academy, do not reveal to Lin Xiao any information you have about how to get into the academy."

Lin Jiao was puzzled when she heard this. "Why? Brother Lin Xiao also wants to enter Tianshu Academy. Why can't I tell him?"

The headmaster's expression darkened, and his tone became stern: "You don't need to ask any more questions about this matter. The less Lin Xiao knows, the better it is for him. I will do my best to secure a place for him."

Taoist Siqi also stepped forward and added with a firm look, "You'll understand the reason when you arrive at the academy. Don't worry, I will do my best to secure an opportunity for Lin Xiao."

Seeing the two of them being so serious, although Lin Jiao was puzzled, she could only respond, "Disciple understands."

The headmaster nodded in satisfaction, his tone softening slightly. "For the next three months, you can arrange your time as you please. Just make sure your cultivation doesn't regress. I hope you'll shine brightly in Tianshu Academy."

"Disciple will obey Master's orders." Lin Jiao bowed and retreated.