After the intense Grand Tournament, the Inner Academy was still abuzz with the shock and awe of those epic battles. Everywhere, people were talking about the fights, especially the ones between Xiao Yan and Liu Qing, and Xuner and Lin Xiuyan. The latter, in particular, left everyone stunned. No one would have imagined that this serene and stunningly beautiful girl possessed such terrifying power.
In the past, there were many within the Inner Academy who had privately mocked Xuner as a pretty face with no substance due to her beauty. But now, everyone finally realized that the most formidable figure in the Pan Gate was not Xiao Yan, but the beautiful and obedient girl, Xuner.
With the rising fame and prestige brought by Xuner and Xiao Yan, the Pan Gate’s reputation and status skyrocketed in just a few days. Every member of the Pan Gate walked with heads held high, no longer as cautious as before. Onlookers envied them, for with the backing of the two exceptional fighters, it was almost certain that the Pan Gate would surpass the forces of Lin Xiuyan and Liu Qing.
However, as the Inner Academy was rife with rumors, the protagonists, Xiao Yan and Xuner, had become conspicuously absent. In a secret room of the Pan Gate’s small pavilion, a few figures stood, their gazes fixed on Xiao Yan, who sat cross-legged on the bed. His face, which had been pale before, now had a faint rosy hue, indicating that his injuries had healed. His aura, too, had returned to its former strength. If one sensed carefully, they could even detect a slight instability in his aura, a fluctuation that was not unfamiliar to Xuner and the others, as it often occurred during advancement.
“Xiao Yan has been cultivating for three days now. Why isn’t he done yet? Even if he’s advancing, it shouldn’t take this long, right?” Wu Hao, frowning, asked as he looked at the closed-eyed Xiao Yan.
“Normal advancement doesn’t take much time, so this is clearly not a normal one, dummy,” Zi Yan, with her lavender ponytail, rolled her eyes at Wu Hao, pretending to be wise. However, her explanation made Xuner and the others laugh.
“What’s so funny? If this guy doesn’t wake up soon, I’ll have to eat those awful things again,” Zi Yan said, annoyed, wrinkling her little face.
Xuner rubbed Zi Yan’s head and smiled, looking at the closed-eyed Xiao Yan. “Brother Xiao Yan was severely injured. His Dou Qi was almost depleted in the battle with Liu Qing. But it was precisely this intense battle that gave him the chance to advance. And as Zi Yan said, Brother Xiao Yan’s advancement this time is not ordinary. If my guess is correct, if he succeeds, he might not just gain one star of strength.”
“You mean…two stars? That’s very rare, usually unless someone takes some divine medicinal herbs, it’s hard to achieve such an effect through normal advancement. Even if they do, there’s a lot of catch-up work needed to solidify their foundation,” Hu Jia said, somewhat surprised.
Xuner shook her head and smiled. “This battle was indeed greatly beneficial for Brother Xiao Yan. I’m not sure how or how much he will improve, but I know that after this, his strength will significantly increase, which is nothing but good for him. You don’t need to worry.”
“Alright, you all have other things to do. I can handle it here,” Xuner waved at Wu Hao and the others, her eyes fixed on Xiao Yan.
Wu Hao and the others shrugged and prepared to leave.
“Oh, by the way, Xuner, Lin Xiuyan came to the Pan Gate again, saying he wanted to check on Xiao Yan’s injury,” Hu Jia paused, turning to Xuner, frowning. “What’s with this guy? He’s always running over here these days, never seen him this enthusiastic before. Did you beating him make him cling to you?”
Xuner nodded nonchalantly. “Just tell him I’m busy. Brother Xiao Yan is in a critical period of advancement and can’t see guests.”
Hu Jia rolled her eyes and whispered in Xuner’s ear. “I think this guy seems a bit strange towards you, like Bai Shan and Wu Hao did back then…”
Xuner glanced at Hu Jia, indifferent. “Don’t say this in front of Brother Xiao Yan. Also, tell him Xiao Yan is busy these days and he doesn’t need to come again. No one will receive him.”
“Poor guy…” Hu Jia shrugged, contemplating. “But maybe you should show up? He’s been coming and you’ve been avoiding him. He and Xiao Yan do have some connection…”
Xuner frowned, then nodded helplessly. “Fine, I’ll go send him off.”
As Xuner turned to leave, Hu Jia stuck out her tongue, muttering, “Falling for someone who’s all over that boy…you deserve it.”
In the living room, Lin Xiuyan sat quietly, tapping his fingers on the table, looking around, feeling a bit anxious. As a group descended from upstairs, Lin Xiuyan stood up, a hint of joy flashing across his face when he saw the approaching Xuner.
“Senior Lin, Brother Xiao Yan is recuperating and can’t see anyone, sorry,” Xuner said, smiling at Lin Xiuyan and Yan Hao.
“No problem,” Lin Xiuyan smiled. He was indeed charming, his demeanor gentle, no wonder he was considered the most attractive man in the Inner Academy.
His polite smile, however, seemed to have no effect on Xuner, who sat elegantly, her gaze never meeting his.
Seeing Xuner’s attitude, Lin Xiuyan sighed inwardly. After several failed attempts to strike up a conversation, he finally sighed, took out a jade box from his ring, and placed it on the table. “This is a very effective healing medicine. I hope it helps Brother Xiao Yan. Please don’t refuse.”
Xuner hesitated, then nodded. “Thank you, Senior Lin, on behalf of Brother Xiao Yan.”
“No problem…” Lin Xiuyan waved, feeling his usual calm slipping away. With a bow, he left the hall, looking rather flustered.
Xuner showed no sign of holding him back, calmly picking up the jade box and heading upstairs.
“Poor guy…” Hu Jia watched Lin Xiuyan’s retreating back, shaking her head in sympathy.
Outside the Pan Gate, Yan Hao, seeing the changed Lin Xiuyan, slapped his forehead. “He’s only beaten you once, and now you’re smitten?”
Lin Xiuyan smiled awkwardly. There was nothing he could do; the feeling came unbidden and couldn’t be stopped.
“Looks like you’re doomed. Her attitude clearly shows she feels nothing for you. Always ‘Brother Xiao Yan’ this and that. I don’t think you stand a chance,” Yan Hao sighed.
Lin Xiuyan fell silent, knowing Yan Hao was right. His usual charm and looks had no effect on Xuner, and Xiao Yan was no less talented or accomplished than him. The battle that day showed that he wouldn’t fare any better than Liu Qing.
Moreover, Xuner’s aloof and elegant demeanor left no room for maneuver. Everything pointed to the fact that Lin Xiuyan had no chance at all.
Sighing deeply, Lin Xiuyan shook his head, and in Yan Hao’s shocked gaze, cursed, “Damn, I’m so jealous of Xiao Yan. How did that guy get so lucky?”
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