In the spacious hall, Xiao Yan huddled in a chair, listening to Xuner recount the recent developments of the Fragrant Gate after his departure. Occasionally, he stretched lazily and yawned widely, his lethargic appearance causing Xuner to pause and shake her head helplessly.
“How is Hu Jia’s injury?” Seeing Xuner stop her weary topics, Xiao Yan perked up a little and asked with a smile.
“Her injury this time was quite severe, but with the pills you refined, it’s just a matter of time before she fully recovers. Moreover, I noticed that her aura and fluctuations suggest she might be on the verge of breaking through to become a Nine-Star Great Fighter,” Xuner smiled.
Hearing this, Xiao Yan showed a hint of surprise, then nodded slightly. Hu Jia and Wu Hao possessed exceptional cultivation talents. If it weren’t for his access to numerous spirit medicines, he might not have been able to surpass them so quickly.
“Has it been a bit calmer outside these past two days?” Taking a sip from his tea, Xiao Yan suddenly asked with a bitter smile.
It had been two full days since he defeated Bai Cheng in the arena. During this time, Xiao Yan had almost never left the house. For one, the battle had drained him, and secondly, his victory over Bai Cheng had catapulted him into the ranks of the “Strong List” experts.
According to the rules, within the Inner Academy, if someone defeats a person on the “Strong List,” the victor takes over the rank of the defeated. Bai Cheng had ranked 34th on the “Strong List.” Therefore, by defeating him, Xiao Yan not only became a “Strong List” expert but also claimed the 34th rank.
Although 34th place didn’t seem very high, in the Inner Academy, teeming with geniuses, it was a respectable achievement. Every rank on the “Strong List” required a grueling struggle, but once someone reached it, the benefits were enviable. Xiao Yan knew that the 34th rank on the “Strong List” came with a monthly allowance of two hundred units of fire energy. Though he no longer lacked fire energy due to selling pills, to others, this was a substantial reward.
Each small step up on the “Strong List” brought even more generous rewards. Thus, after Xiao Yan defeated Bai Cheng and took the 34th rank, challengers began to appear, sending challenge letters in stacks to the Fragrant Gate. Many subconsciously believed that challenging Xiao Yan, who had no more “Dragon Force Pills,” wouldn’t be too difficult.
Xiao Yan’s self-imposed seclusion was partly due to these overwhelming challenge letters. He cited a need for recuperation, leaving those hoping to use him as a stepping stone frustrated, as the injured had the right to refuse challenges without any guilt.
“Hehe, the number of people wanting to challenge you has decreased compared to yesterday. But I bet as soon as you step out of the Fragrant Gate, seven or eight will immediately come forward,” Xuner chuckled, covering her mouth.
Shaking his head helplessly, Xiao Yan hadn’t expected the “Strong List” title to bring such trouble. Lin Xiuya and others seemed to enjoy their lives without such hassles.
Lamenting inwardly, Xiao Yan forgot that few dared to challenge Lin Xiuya and his ilk. His situation was quite unique on the “Strong List.”
Sighing, Xiao Yan leaned lazily on his chair, muttering, “I wonder when the tournament will start…”
“Ha ha, Xiao Yan, it’s been two months, and I didn’t expect you to break through to Dou Ling and defeat Bai Cheng. The news was quite shocking; I couldn’t believe it when I heard it in the Heavenly Flame Refining Tower,” Lin Yan’s familiar laughter echoed as he pushed open the door and walked in.
Hearing the laugh, Xiao Yan was taken aback, then delighted. He looked up at Lin Yan, who entered with a smile, and said, “Senior Lin Yan! How are you? Is the fire poison gone?”
“Thanks to your medicine, the fire poison is now completely cleared,” Lin Yan greeted Xuner and sat down, his eyes no longer red. His temperament, now less fiery, suggested significant improvement in strength.
“Quite impressive, reaching Dou Ling. Your cultivation speed is truly beyond words,” Lin Yan exclaimed, feeling Xiao Yan’s significantly stronger aura.
Xiao Yan smiled and gestured to Xuner, who obediently fetched tea and handed it to Lin Yan.
“Hehe, I heard Xuner even disregarded Liu Qing in the arena. Now, she’s serving tea. Xiao Yan, you’re quite something,” Lin Yan raised his thumb, impressed by Xiao Yan’s control over such a talented girl.
Xiao Yan shook his head, noting that while Lin Yan’s temper had improved, his tongue was still loose.
“I heard about your fight in the arena. I didn’t expect you to take on Liu Qing. That guy is no pushover,” Lin Yan said, more seriously.
“None of the top ten on the ‘Strong List’ are pushovers,” Xiao Yan replied, not overly concerned. Though he was only a One-Star Dou Ling, he was confident against Liu Qing once he crossed that gap.
Lin Yan, seeing Xiao Yan’s confidence, laughed, “You have guts. You’re always hard to figure out. You must have some hidden tricks up your sleeve. I worry too much.”
Xiao Yan smiled, changing the subject, “Can you tell me when the ‘Strong List Tournament’ starts?”
“Ah, now that you’re on the ‘Strong List,’ it concerns you too. The tournament should start in a month. Interested in the top ten?” Lin Yan grinned.
Xiao Yan gave a noncommittal smile, “Where does Liu Qing rank?”
Lin Yan paused, then held up three fingers, “Third?”
Stunned, Xiao Yan fell silent, realizing Liu Qing was even stronger than he thought.
“Lin Xiuya is second, Yan Hao is fourth, and the fifth to eighth are well-known. I’m around ninth or tenth. But since I’ve recovered, I believe I can make it to the top six.”
“Lin Xiuya is second?” Xiao Yan was surprised, though he realized Lin Xiuya’s strength was indeed formidable.
“Don’t underestimate Lin Xiuya. His Wind Attribute Dou Qi is nearly perfect, and he has a powerful background. His techniques and skills are top-tier, making him a formidable opponent,” Lin Yan said with respect.
Xiao Yan nodded, having seen Lin Xiuya’s prowess. He then asked, “Who’s first?”
Xiao Yan’s casual question caused Lin Yan to stiffen, a trace of fear crossing his face. He hesitated, unable to utter the name that every student in the Inner Academy feared like a tiger.
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