The economic clash between the two major clans in Utarn City finally came to an end with the Xiao family’s victory. The Gally family, as the losers, saw their power rapidly contract, never to regain their former glory. After the fierce competition between the two major clans had been the talk of Utarn City for nearly a week, the fickle people gradually shifted their attention to another major event—the enrollment of the Canaan Academy.
As one of the most renowned institutions on the Dou Qi Continent, Canaan Academy is almost a holy place in the hearts of all teenagers. Graduates from the academy are virtually guaranteed a bright future, able to return home with pride and become highly sought after by various powers. Canaan Academy is located at the border of the Jia Ma Empire and two other major empires, functioning almost like a small, independent nation in that lawless area. Under normal circumstances, the three major empires would not leave such a neutral force unchecked, as it could potentially pose a significant threat to their borders. However, when the neutral force’s strength reaches a level capable of rivaling the three empires, they tend to quietly stop any attempts to interfere, allowing Canaan Academy to remain like a giant dragon, coiled at the empire’s edge, untouched by any.
Over the years, Canaan Academy has not only become a renowned institution on the Dou Qi Continent but also gained a reputation among the people of the three empires due to some covert collaborations with the royal families. A significant reason for the peaceful coexistence of the three otherwise hostile empires for nearly a century is the subtle balance and mediation provided by Canaan Academy. This further enhances the academy’s renown, and every year, numerous mentors from Canaan Academy travel to the three empires to recruit talented students.
The royal families of the three empires unanimously support this practice because the academy is not a sect and does not impose strict constraints. After graduation, most successful students choose to return to their own countries, indirectly strengthening their nations. For such measures, the royal families would not refuse unless they were completely foolish.
In a few days, the enrollment mentors from Canaan Academy will arrive in Utarn City. Therefore, the city’s attention has shifted from the recent clash between the two major clans, providing a much-needed respite for the Xiao family, which has been in the spotlight lately.
Canaan Academy’s admission process focuses on cultivation talent rather than social status. Without sufficient talent, it is nearly impossible to enter the academy. However, if you have a powerful backing, the academy doesn’t mind having a wealthy student who can contribute significant tuition fees.
Because Canaan Academy ignores social status, even young beggars and thieves in Utarn City eagerly await the arrival of the enrollment mentors, hoping to change their lowly fate and become respected fighters. This enthusiasm has made Utarn City even more lively than during festivals, with people gathered at the city gates every day, watching eagerly.
Compared to these hopefuls, Xiao Yan has been extremely busy. With his impending journey, he has been frantically concocting healing medicines. Seeing Xiao Yan’s efforts, the Pharmacist Elder, though heartbroken, had no choice but to assist him. With the Elder’s help, a steady stream of healing medicines was delivered to the Xiao family’s warehouse. These supplies would last the Xiao family for a year without running out, ensuring substantial profits.
This intense alchemy practice, while exhausting, has improved Xiao Yan’s control over his Dou Qi and flame temperature. Coupled with his soul perception, his success rate in concocting Ningxue Powder has reached about 60%, a level usually achieved by experienced second-rank alchemists.
With the Elder’s carefully prepared elixirs, Xiao Yan’s own strength has steadily increased. In his final alchemy session, the Dou Qi within him naturally converged, pushing him to the rank of a four-star fighter. This unexpected gain filled Xiao Yan with joy, realizing that high-intensity alchemy indeed boosts one’s strength.
After completing the last batch of alchemy, the Elder stopped Xiao Yan, recognizing the need for rest. So, after a day of deep sleep, Xiao Yan’s life returned to its relaxed pace.
Walking through the clan grounds, Xiao Yan noticed the crowded training fields. Many young clan members were sweating profusely, hoping to meet the Canaan Academy’s requirements in the final days. Standing at the edge of the training field, Xiao Yan felt little sympathy for those who were cramming at the last minute. He himself had often been exhausted despite his talent, and he found the behavior of those relying on clan power to be quite distasteful.
Canaan Academy’s admission criteria are strict, requiring students to reach the eighth stage of Dou Qi before eighteen. From Xiao Yan’s perspective, only a couple of the current trainees would meet this requirement.
Shaking his head, Xiao Yan turned away and walked into a small garden. There, a familiar figure stood among the flowers, looking incredibly beautiful. Smiling softly, Xiao Yan approached the girl, who was staring at a willow tree.
“Brother Xiao Yan, you… are you leaving soon?” the girl’s somewhat sad voice asked.
Xiao Yan paused, nodding. “I have my own matters to attend to.”
“Is it because of Nalan Yanran?” Xuner’s eyes flashed with a cold glint.
Xiao Yan shrugged, smiling faintly. “I can’t break a promise made in front of so many people. If I did, even you might look down on me.”
Xuner sighed, whispering to herself, “She should never have been allowed to live.”
“Xuner, once I finish what I have to do, I’ll come to Canaan Academy to find you. At most, it will take a year… or maybe half a year,” Xiao Yan reassured her, seeing her sad face.
Xuner bit her lip, hesitating. “I have a way to make sure you defeat Nalan Yanran within the agreed time.”
Xiao Yan smiled wryly, shaking his head. “You sometimes say things that make me feel ashamed.”
“I know Brother Xiao Yan wouldn’t think I’m patronizing you,” Xuner smiled sweetly.
Xiao Yan laughed softly, shaking his head. “Don’t worry, I’m confident. In a year, I will go to the Yunlan Sect and challenge Nalan Yanran!”
Seeing Xiao Yan’s sudden burst of confidence, Xuner shook her head, wanting to say more. But Xiao Yan suddenly turned, wrapping his arms around her waist, pulling her close.
A gentle breeze blew through the garden, and the two bodies fit perfectly together. Startled, Xuner blushed, then stopped struggling, her face turning a delicate shade of pink.
“Xuner, I’ll come to Canaan Academy to find you in a year. Wait for me.”
Buried in her soft hair, Xiao Yan’s promise made the bewildered girl nod, her heart full of hope.
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