Exiting the study of Elder Su Qian, Xiao Yan stood on the stone staircase and let out a soft sigh as he gazed up at the sky. Behind him, the ever-present Medusa followed closely, her pretty face icy cold, not uttering a single word. Occasionally, some Inner Academy elders would pass by the study. Despite their esteemed status within the Inner Academy, they all stopped to chat warmly with Xiao Yan, dropping the formal elderly demeanor they often held when talking to ordinary students. Of course, they knew that their so-called status as elders meant nothing to this young man in front of them.
After fending off the greetings from the elders, Xiao Yan secretly let out a breath of relief. It had only been a few months since they last met, was such enthusiasm really necessary? “Where are you heading next?” Suddenly, a soft, chilly voice filled with a hint of impatience broke the silence. It came from Medusa, who had been impatiently waiting.
“I thought you were going to keep silent forever,” Xiao Yan turned, looking at Medusa’s cool face, where her brows were slightly furrowed, and smiled.
However, for Xiao Yan’s light-hearted teasing, Medusa merely tightened her face again. In response, Xiao Yan helplessly shook his head and said, “Let’s go, first we should visit the ‘Pan Gate’. Now that I’m returning to the Jia Ma Empire, it’s uncertain when I’ll be back next, so we might as well settle everything.”
With that, Xiao Yan took the lead, walking outward, and Medusa followed like a shadow, step by step.
Xiao Yan’s return to the “Pan Gate” immediately caused a burst of excitement. Countless people flooded in from all directions, offering adoration and cheers to their mysterious leader. Xiao Yan’s reputation within the Inner Academy had reached its peak, surpassing any previous student by a long shot.
In the council hall of Pan Gate, Wu Hao, Hu Jia, Lin Yan, Xiao Yu, and other important figures had gathered again, thanks to Xiao Yan’s return.
“Hey, you’re creating such a fuss just by coming back. How many Pan Gate brothers are still waiting outside for your appearance?” Xiao Yu glanced at Xiao Yan, who was seated in the top seat, and shook her head helplessly as she heard the commotion outside the hall.
Xiao Yan smiled; he hadn’t expected such a grand welcome just by showing up.
“You’ve been missing for months, what do you plan to do now that you’re back?” Lin Yan spoke bluntly, leaning back in his chair and rolling his eyes at Xiao Yan.
Xiao Yan fell silent for a moment, then slowly said, “I wanted to inform you all that I will be leaving the Canaan Academy within one or two months, returning to the Jia Ma Empire.”
As Xiao Yan spoke, the joyful atmosphere in the room instantly froze. Everyone exchanged glances, knowing something about his past and understanding the implications of his words. No one tried to persuade him to stay.
After a moment of silence, Hu Jia finally spoke, “So soon?”
Seeing the suddenly quiet group, Xiao Yan sighed and replied, “Yes, I have prepared everything. The Xiao Family is waiting for me; I can’t delay any longer.”
The group remained silent for a bit, but then, almost in unison, they shouted, “We’ll go with you!”
Xiao Yan stared, surprised, and warmth filled his heart. He smiled and said, “I wish you could, but this trip back to the Jia Ma Empire is too dangerous. The Yun Lai Sect’s strength is probably no weaker than the forces led by Han Feng against the Inner Academy two years ago. Besides, if you all leave, what will happen to the Pan Gate? This is our hard work.”
Upon hearing this, Wu Hao and Hu Jia looked dejected.
“Didn’t I tell you early on that I would go with you?” Lin Yan shrugged and smiled at Xiao Yan, “I don’t have much use staying in the Inner Academy anymore. It might be better to go with you and see the world.”
Looking at Lin Yan’s cheerful face, Xiao Yan hesitated briefly before nodding, “I won’t say anything exaggerated. I trust your strength, and you won’t be missed here. You can come with me.”
Hearing Xiao Yan’s words, Lin Yan couldn’t help but twitch. What did he mean by not being missed?
“What about me? If this guy can go, why can’t I?” A young, clear voice interjected. Xiao Yan turned to see the little girl in white standing up, her hands on her hips. He hesitated, though he knew Zi Yan was stronger than Lin Yan, this trip wasn’t for leisure, and the dangers were significant. He didn’t want to drag the cute little lass into it.
“Don’t you want to make me the transformation pill? You fraud, are you asking for a beating?” Noticing Xiao Yan’s hesitation, Zi Yan raised her tiny eyebrows, clenching her fists and glaring at him. She had been in the Inner Academy for so long and was eager to venture out. She wouldn’t miss this chance, and more importantly, at least she’d be with Xiao Yan, avoiding those disgusting herbs, though she kept these thoughts to herself.
Seeing Zi Yan’s adorable, angry face, Xiao Yan couldn’t help but chuckle. After pondering for a while, he nodded, “You can come, but you must promise to follow my orders. Otherwise, I’ll send you back!”
Although the little lass was innocent, her strength was unquestionable. After two years, her terrifying strength had grown, and even a Battle Emperor might not find it easy facing her.
“Hmph, I’m not afraid of you,” Zi Yan declared smugly, but didn’t show any weakness.
Turning to Wu Hao and Hu Jia, Xiao Yan thought for a while and slowly said, “I believe you have heard that I established a force called ‘Xiao Gate’ in the Black-Corner Region. The ‘Pan Gate’ has immense potential but lacks proper management. Students leave after graduation, and the Inner Academy’s ‘Fire Energy’ isn’t enough to support them in the outside world. So, I hope you can pay attention and introduce graduates to ‘Xiao Gate’, of course, it’s entirely voluntary.”
Xiao Yan always valued the potential of ‘Pan Gate’. Most students in the Inner Academy were talented, and with proper training, they would achieve great things. Recruiting them would build a powerful force.
“Join ‘Xiao Gate’? Isn’t this a bit inappropriate? ‘Xiao Gate’ is in the Black-Corner Region, so it’s a part of that region. And as you know, students from the Canaan Academy are wary of the place,” Wu Hao and Hu Jia frowned and pondered.
“I know, but the relationship between the Canaan Academy and the Black-Corner Region is fraught with friction. Vigilance isn’t a long-term solution. If ‘Xiao Gate’ expands and recruits many students from the Inner Academy, think about how they might react if they meet the academy’s practice teams—whether they would be friendly or hostile,” Xiao Yan explained.
“Moreover, once ‘Xiao Gate’ becomes more established, it could act as a mediator between the Canaan Academy and the Black-Corner Region.”
Wu Hao and Hu Jia contemplated, knowing that the factions in the academy weren’t as strict as outside sects. Nevertheless, they were students and couldn’t set harsh rules. Xiao Yan’s move was turning ‘Pan Gate’ into a reserve for ‘Xiao Gate’. As a faction in the Black-Corner Region, ‘Xiao Gate’ would have stricter rules and be far more organized than ‘Pan Gate’. Preparing for the future by setting this up was a good move.
“If you’re unsure, during my absence, ‘Xiao Gate’ will need temporary managers. Both of you can take over, and you’ll understand the intricacies better,” Xiao Yan offered.
“You are the true leader of ‘Pan Gate.’ Since you have a plan, we’ll follow you,” Wu Hao and Hu Jia agreed, nodding.
“If it weren’t for you, ‘Pan Gate’ would have disbanded long ago,” Xiao Yan sighed.
“Without your hard-earned reputation, we two alone wouldn’t have achieved this much,” Wu Hao responded, knowing full well that without Xiao Yan’s fame, ‘Pan Gate’ wouldn’t be what it is today.
“Stop flattering each other. Let’s do as Xiao Yan suggested. Our strength is too low to be of much help in the Jia Ma Empire, so we’ll stay here to manage ‘Pan Gate’ and familiarize ourselves with ‘Xiao Gate.’ When we reach the Dou Wang level, we’ll help you,” Hu Jia concluded, rolling her eyes.
Xiao Yan nodded, relieved that the most important arrangements for ‘Pan Gate’ were made. Now, he could wait a month or two until the recruitment is complete, and then finally start the return journey!
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage