When the awe-inspiring battle in the arena concluded with Xiao Yan’s flawless victory, as expected, it once again became the most talked-about topic within the Inner Academy. Lin Xiu Ya and Liu Qing—these two names were well-known even to the freshmen in the Inner Academy. They were the terrifying figures who had long dominated the top three positions on the Strong Ranking, a position which remained uncontested until they stepped down from their roles as students and became elders of the Inner Academy. Therefore, compared to them, Xiao Yan, who had been missing for two years, despite being shrouded in legend, felt somewhat unreal to many.
Back then, when Xiao Yan left the Tower, he had a brief altercation with Lin Xiu Ya. However, at that time, it was just a quick spar. Though powerful individuals could discern the disparity, ordinary students lacked the acumen to assess their strength from such a fleeting encounter. Later, during the Inner Academy’s massive offensive against the “Black Alliance,” the Death of Han Xue, a Battle Emperor, at Xiao Yan’s hands, was indeed a shocking achievement. Yet, its very grandeur made it seem less real, especially to those who had not witnessed it firsthand.
Although many students voiced their disbelief, a part of them still held this notion subconsciously. However, the fierce battle, watched by almost half of the Inner Academy, dispelled their doubts once and for all…
For the strength of Lin Xiu Ya and Liu Qing, the Inner Academy students were the best judges. Yet, even working together, they struggled to last ten rounds against Xiao Yan. Such power was enough to silence all naysayers, forcing them to swallow any remaining suspicions. Thus, even days after the exhilarating battle, discussions abounded among the students, often laced with a mix of admiration and reverence for Xiao Yan, the founder of the Pan Gate—an extraordinary figure indeed.
While the rumors circulated among the students, the members of the Pan Gate were particularly ecstatic. Whenever discussing Xiao Yan with outsiders, they would casually mention how they had met the legendary figure and even received a pill from him, much to the envy of their companions, boosting their pride.
As the outer world reveled in the aftermath of the arena battle, Xiao Yan had retreated back into the Pan Gate. Occasionally, Lin Yan, Lin Xiu Ya, and Liu Qing would visit, but more often, Xiao Yan would seclude himself in his chambers, focusing on pill refinement and cultivation.
Time passed calmly and serenely. Unnoticed, Xiao Yan had already stayed in the Inner Academy for nearly half a month. During this period, Xiao Li relayed news about his recruitment efforts. The Dark Corner had its fair share of powerful figures, but recruiting these unruly characters required both financial means and convincing prowess, both of which the “Xiao Sect” possessed. Thus, several known powerful fighters in the Dark Corner expressed interest in joining, suggesting that the eventual lineup might exceed Xiao Yan’s expectations.
On a rooftop of the Pan Gate, Xiao Yan overlooked the scene below. Soon, a gentle footstep sounded from behind. He turned to see Xiao Yu ascending, followed by a charming young maiden.
“Xiao Mei?”
Familiarity brought a momentary pause, followed by a warm greeting from Xiao Yan.
“Cousin Xiao Yan.”
Dressed in a light purple dress, the girl, although young, possessed a mature allure, especially her face, blending innocence and sensuality. Many admirers in the Inner Academy pursued her, yet she appeared hesitant as she addressed Xiao Yan.
Smiling, Xiao Yan nodded, redirecting his gaze to Xiao Yu, “I’ve spent enough time in the Inner Academy and settled most of my affairs. I plan to venture into the deep mountains to cultivate, and after my brother completes his tasks, I’ll return to take Lin Yan and the others with me.”
Hearing this, Xiao Yu frowned, “Must you rush off like this?”
“The Yun Clan and Yao Shan are formidable foes. Ever since I was chased out of the Jia Ma Empire, my sole focus has been on strengthening myself. When Brother arrived and I heard about the near-annihilation of our clan, I nearly lost my mind and rushed back. But I held back, knowing that even with my strength back then, it wouldn’t have changed much. In fact, I might have been even more pitiful.”
Xiao Yan’s calm voice conveyed his deep-seated determination. Over the past three years, while his rapid progress astonished many, he felt it was well-deserved due to his arduous efforts.
Xiao Yu, seeing the determined smile on Xiao Yan’s face, felt a pang of sorrow. The revenge and rejuvenation of the Xiao clan rested heavily on his shoulders, yet he never complained, even after being called a failure in his youth.
Approaching Xiao Yan, Xiao Yu playfully ruffled his hair, “Little Wolf, Uncle Xiao believed in you. You will be the most successful member of our family. And now, so do I.”
Xiao Mei, observing Xiao Yu’s affectionate gesture, couldn’t hide a flicker of jealousy and regret. Though she harbored lingering feelings, the past had left a chasm that seemed unbridgeable.
Feeling a bit embarrassed by Xiao Yu’s child-like treatment, Xiao Yan protested, “Who are you calling Little Wolf?”
“Tsk! Sneaking into my bath, claiming it was a beast chasing you? Do you take me for a fool? Even as a child, your intentions were far from innocent,” teased Xiao Yu, cheeks slightly flushed.
Coughing to cover his slight embarrassment, Xiao Yan defended himself, though his eyes betrayed a momentary glance at Xiao Yu’s attractive legs, silently musing on their captivating allure.
Despite his subtle look, Xiao Yu caught it, flushing even more, and gave him a stern glare.
Smiling awkwardly, Xiao Yan gazed at their blushing faces, feeling a warmth in his heart. “After I settle things in the Jia Ma Empire, I’ll send word. If you choose, you can return. Trust me, the Xiao Clan will become the strongest in the empire!”
Both girls, touched by Xiao Yan’s conviction, nodded. They believed in his promise.
Saying his goodbyes, Xiao Yan headed towards the steps to leave. Just as he was about to descend, Xiao Mei called out, “Cousin Xiao Yan!” Her face flushed, she summoned the courage to say, “I’m sorry.”
Pausing, Xiao Yan shook his head with a smile, “We grew up together. I’ve long forgotten the past.”
With that, he continued his descent, leaving the girls to their thoughts. Xiao Mei’s face paled, murmuring, “Have you truly forgotten…?”
Xiao Yu, seeing Xiao Mei’s dejection, sighed, pulling her close. Looking at Xiao Yan’s departing form, her face contorted in a bitter smile; he was as stubborn as ever.
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