“Hey, it really is that newcomer who took a two-year break after just being admitted…” In the spacious room, Hode held a scroll in his hands, with an image of Xiao Yan on it. Though the drawing was made three years ago and showed a slightly more youthful face, the overall resemblance to Xiao Yan was clear. Closing the scroll, Hode finally showed a genuine smile. He patted Xiao Yan’s shoulder and said with deep meaning, “Young man, you’re quite something. The records say that two years ago, you were only a Four-Star Fighter, but now… I reckon you’ve at least reached the level of a Master Fighter, right?”
Hearing Hode’s words, the enforcers in the room were taken aback, turning their gazes toward Xiao Yan. Advancing from a Four-Star Fighter to a Master Fighter in two years—this speed was impressive indeed.
Xiao Yan smiled slightly, neither confirming nor denying it.
“Are you planning to head to the Academy now?” Hode asked with a smile.
“Mm-hmm,” Xiao Yan nodded.
“Take this, or you won’t be able to enter the Academy,” Hode said, taking out a blue badge from his storage ring and handing it to Xiao Yan. Then, as if suddenly remembering something, he turned to the enforcers and asked, “By the way, isn’t the Inner Academy Selection Contest tomorrow?”
“Y-yes, that’s right, Captain Hode,” one of the enforcers hurriedly replied.
“You’re in luck; you’ll get to see such a grand event right after arriving. But I remember, last year, your name was in the contest, recommended by Tutor Ruiran despite opposition. Unfortunately, you didn’t show up, which infuriated Tutor Ruiran. So, I think she won’t nominate you this year, especially since this contest is crucial for her to advance to the Black-Rank Tutor level…”
“Uh…” Hearing this, Xiao Yan was taken aback, recalling the indignant look on the gentle woman’s face. “I really had something urgent back then…”
“Heh, not my problem, you need to explain that to her yourself,” Hode said with a smirk, glancing at the darkening sky outside. “It’s getting dark, but I can see you’re eager to go to the Academy. However, there’s a vast primeval forest between here and Canaan Academy, full of high-level monsters. It’s dangerous to travel through at night. I can have someone escort you on a Griffin directly to Canaan City. How about that?”
“Thank you, Tutor Hode,” Xiao Yan said, grateful for the offer. Doma’s map only covered the Black-Corner Region, and he was unsure of which direction to fly after entering Peace Town. Having someone guide him was ideal.
“Hehe, no problem,” Hode smiled, his demeanor much warmer than earlier. He waved to call out two enforcers, instructing them to prepare for departure. “Xiao Yan, before you leave, I must remind you: although you haven’t entered the Academy yet, you already have many potential rivals at Canaan Academy. You know why, don’t you? A girl like Xuner is too attractive to those prideful geniuses. In just over two years, her fame has caught up to that troublesome little witch. So, your love rivals are not simpletons. I suggest you learn some restraint—it will be better for you…”
Hode leaned close to Xiao Yan, offering a kind reminder.
Hearing this, Xiao Yan chuckled. Although he missed two years of Academy life, he believed his experiences and battles were far more valuable. Even facing a Battle Emperor or even a Battle Sect, he had fought without fear. Why would he be intimidated by peers at the Academy now?
“Thanks for the reminder, Tutor Hode. I’ll keep it in mind,” Xiao Yan bowed and thanked Hode. Hearing the low roar of the Griffin outside, he didn’t linger and quickly walked out, seeing the massive Griffin standing on the street.
The male and female enforcers on the Griffin greeted Xiao Yan with a smile, “Freshman Xiao Yan, hop on, we’ll escort you to Canaan City.”
“Thank you both.” Xiao Yan smiled, lightly tapped the ground, and nimbly leaped onto the Griffin’s back. His feet adhered to its body without any wobble.
Seeing Xiao Yan’s steady form, the two enforcers on the Griffin exchanged a look of surprise. This Griffin’s feathers had a strange dampness, making it difficult for first-time riders to stay balanced. Yet, Xiao Yan managed to maintain his balance effortlessly, a skill even they couldn’t perform so gracefully.
“As expected, this Xiao Yan does have some skills,” the two thought, waving to Hode and the others. Then, they whistled, and the Griffin spread its wings, rising into the air.
As the small town below became smaller, Xiao Yan let out a sigh, gazing at the azure sky. A delicate and elegant young face appeared in his mind, her every smile and frown etched in his memory.
“Xuner, I’m finally going to see you again…”
The flight lasted nearly all night, including a few hours of rest. By dawn, a ray of morning light broke through the horizon, dispelling the darkness. Xiao Yan, meditating, sensed something and opened his eyes, seeing the outline of a city emerging from the mist.
“Canaan City, huh…” Even from high above, he couldn’t see the entire city, indicating its vast size.
“Hehe, Freshman Xiao Yan, we’ll land at the city’s Flight Station. From there, you’ll need to head to the Academy on your own. Our team is on duty this week, so we can’t stay away from Peace Town for long,” the enforcer said.
“Thank you, seniors,” Xiao Yan nodded gratefully.
“No need,” the enforcer shook his head, whistling again. The Griffin roared and descended toward the massive city.
At the Flight Station, Xiao Yan watched the Griffin take off, exhaling a breath and walking out into the open. Ahead lay a wide cobblestone street, bustling with people. This vibrant atmosphere even surpassed the capital of the Jia Ma Empire, befitting the oldest academy in the continent.
Without lingering, Xiao Yan followed the route the enforcer had pointed out. After meandering through the city for half an hour, he stopped, looking down the endless street with a frustrated smile, “What’s the point of building such a huge city?”
Sighing, he slowed his pace, heading toward the center of the city where Canaan Academy was located. Walking through the normal city atmosphere, he felt a sense of relief. At least it wasn’t like the Black-Corner Region…
After another turn, he could see the vague outline of the ancient academy in the distance.
“Stop that boy!” Suddenly, a shout came from ahead, followed by a commotion. A large group gathered, pointing and watching a fight inside the circle.
Xiao Yan glanced at the crowd, not joining them. He patted the heavy black ruler on his back and walked around the crowd.
As he continued toward the distant Academy, a young, angry voice from the crowd made him stop.
“Ma Yan, don’t waste your time. With your strength, you still want to pursue my cousin?”
“Kid, if you don’t drink the wine, we’ll make you spill blood!”
A furious voice responded, followed by sounds of physical clashes. Turning, Xiao Yan saw a young man in blue, around eighteen or nineteen, exchanging punches with several men. The young man, though a Master Fighter, was clearly at a disadvantage, occasionally bleeding from the mouth.
Another round of fierce fighting, and one of the men kicked the blue-clad youth in the stomach, causing him to curl up. Seeing him unable to retaliate, the four men continued their assault.
Just as the men prepared to strike, a black shadow flashed, hitting their legs. Cries of pain echoed as the four clutched their thighs, rolling on the ground. The black shadow turned into a giant black ruler, impaled in the stone. The blue-clad youth, holding his stomach, struggled to stand, thanking the black-robed young man behind him, “Sir, thank you.”
“Xiao Ning, you’ve lost much of your edge since the last time we met,” the black-robed young man turned, recognizing the blue-clad youth, Xiao Ning, a former rival.
“Y-you’re Xiao Yan?” Xiao Ning, shocked, couldn’t believe his eyes.
“I thought you wouldn’t recognize me,” Xiao Yan chuckled, no longer harboring grudges from their childhood.
“How could I forget, Cousin Xiao Yan,” Xiao Ning sighed, his emotions complex. He had been out in the world for two years, and now realized that the memories of his family were the most precious. Regardless of past tensions, they were still family.
“Cousin Ning,” Xiao Yan smiled, patting Xiao Ning’s shoulder.
“These guys?” Xiao Yan glanced at the four men writhing on the ground.
“Because of Xuner, these guys know our connection and keep trying to get information from me. It’s a hassle, but they dare not do anything in the Academy. Today, I was unlucky enough to run into them while shopping,” Xiao Ning explained, seemingly used to such situations.
Xiao Yan laughed, thinking how trouble always found him. “Hehe, Xuner has changed a lot. She’s grown prettier, and many have fallen for her. I bet even you’d be surprised if you saw her now.”
“Little brats grow up fast, huh?” Xiao Yan joked, forgetting his own age.
“Say that in the Academy, and you’ll get beaten up,” Xiao Ning rolled his eyes. Suddenly, his face changed, and he grabbed Xiao Yan, running toward the Academy, “Damn it, I forgot! Today is the Inner Academy Selection Contest. Tutor Ruiran, swayed by Xuner, nominated you despite risking her advancement. If you miss this, she won’t advance for three years.”
“Eh? My name’s on the list?”
“Ai, even if you come, it might not help. This isn’t a regular selection. Only the top students can participate, and you need at least a Seven-Star Master Fighter to not be eliminated,” Xiao Ning explained, slowing down.
Xiao Yan was speechless, but Xiao Ning continued, “Still, it’s better to come than to be absent. Even if you lose, Tutor Ruiran just won’t advance this time, she’ll have another chance…”
Dragging Xiao Yan, Xiao Ning rushed toward the ancient Academy. The Inner Academy Selection Contest was a major event, drawing attention from all. Top students and idols of the Academy competed, filling the square to the brim. Students crammed into seats, creating a sea of heads and a cacophony of noise.
The large circular square had stone steps leading up like a coliseum, giving a clear view of the action. In the square, two figures, a man and a woman, were engaged in a intense battle, drawing gasps from the audience. The female figure, in light green, was the focus, her movements graceful and light.
The two clashed again, and the green-clad figure paused, gathering golden light in her palms. A beam hit the young man’s chest, sending him flying out of the ring.
“Senior, I win!” The girl smiled, bowing elegantly.
“Xuner, you truly are this year’s most promising student. I admit defeat,” the handsome young man, though defeated, bowed gracefully, admiring the enchanting girl.
“This round, Xiao Xuner wins!” The judge announced, and the girl turned, leaving the stage.
“Xuner, well done!” A girl on the spectator’s stand waved and cheered.
“Tutor Ruiran,” Xuner, ignoring the adoring gazes, ran to the special stand, smiling. She then turned to a group of girls, “Cousin Xiao Yu.”
“Little girl, you’ve become so strong. You beat Mo Wen, you’ll definitely enter the Inner Academy,” a beautiful woman in light purple robes, Xiao Yu, praised, drawing admiring looks with her long, shapely legs.
“Hopefully,” Xuner smiled, greeting the other girls and sitting next to Xiao Yu, chatting softly.
“Cousin Yu, is… Xiao Yan brother not here yet?” Xuner glanced at Tutor Ruiran, who seemed relaxed but had a hint of anxiety.
“Yes,” Xiao Yu sighed, gripping her hand, “I don’t know what he’s doing. He said he’d only take a year off, but it’s been over two years, and he’s always absent…”
“He’ll be here soon,” Xuner said, biting her lip.
“I hope so, but if he misses today, Tutor Ruiran won’t advance for three years,” Xiao Yu grimaced.
As they whispered, three more rounds of battles concluded. In the fourth, a young man with a spear, Xue Bings, faced off against Xiao Yan, representing Yellow Rank Second Class.
The name Xiao Yan silenced the crowd, as everyone knew the name due to his two-year absence and his previous absence from the Inner Academy Selection Contest. Xuner, due to her outstanding performance, had many admirers, but her heart was still set on Xiao Yan, making him a target of jealousy.
Tutor Ruiran, sweating, hoped for Xiao Yan’s appearance, but the crowd was restless, and Xuner and Xiao Yu were anxious. Just as they were about to leave, Xuner’s body stiffened, and she exclaimed, “He’s here!”
“Who?” The young man with the spear, Xue Bings, demanded.
In the silence, a piercing sound echoed, and a black shadow plummeted, landing in the square with a boom. Dust rose, and Xuner’s eyes sparkled with excitement.
“It’s him!” Tutor Ruiran and Xiao Yu, startled, turned to the dust cloud. Amid the hushed crowd, the sound of footsteps grew louder, like a heartbeat.
Finally, a black-robed young man, carrying a giant black ruler, emerged from the dust, standing tall in the center of the square.
“Yellow Rank Second Class, Xiao Yan!” His voice boomed, echoing like thunder, capturing everyone’s attention.
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