Chapter 105: Enrollment (Fifth Update—Please Subscribe)

"Patriarch," Xiao Xie nodded toward Xiao Zhan, then shifted his gaze to Xiao Yan, sensing his cultivation. A year had passed, and now Xiao Yan's strength had reached the level of a Two-Star Fighter. Such talent was certainly impressive, even considered a genius, but compared to the original story, he fell far short.

Without the help of Medicine Elder, Xiao Yan was now no more than an ordinary prodigy—he would never become the Flame Emperor as he once did in the original tale.

"It's been a while! Cousin Xiao Yan, Cousin Xun'er," Xiao Xie greeted Xiao Yan and Xiao Xun'er with a smile.

"Greetings, Cousin Xiao Xie!" Xiao Yan gazed at Xiao Xie with admiration. He deeply respected everything Xiao Xie had accomplished—especially since the Xiao Clan, relying solely on Xiao Xie's lingering prestige, had become the foremost family in the Jia Ma Empire. As a member of the clan, how could he not idolize Xiao Xie?

Seeing Xiao Yan's adoring expression, Xiao Xie felt a bit awkward. If Xiao Yan ever discovered that he'd stolen his opportunity, the boy would probably hate him to death!

"Xun'er pays her respects to Cousin Xiao Xie." Xun'er, who always remained by Xiao Yan's side, was also intrigued by Xiao Xie. Even among the younger generation of her own ancient clan, there was likely no one who could compare to him.

Xiao Xie retrieved a storage ring and handed it to Xiao Zhan. "Patriarch, inside are some medicinal pills, along with several profound-tier battle techniques and cultivation methods. Think of them as gifts for the family. You may decide how best to use them."

With that, Xiao Xie led Little Doctor Immortal and Qinglin toward his own courtyard. Though he hadn't been in the clan lately, his room was disturbed daily by visitors.

After Xiao Xie left, the three elders stared greedily at the storage ring in Xiao Zhan's hand. They were still cultivating yellow-tier methods, and now with the opportunity to switch to profound-tier, they were eager to do so immediately.

"Come with me," Xiao Zhan said, shaking his head at the elders' barely restrained impatience. He thought to himself, "Honestly, it's a good thing Xiao Xie already left, or he'd be mortified to see them like this. After all, they're elders—can't they show a little dignity?"

The three elders quickly followed Xiao Zhan, unable to wait a moment longer. Although the Xiao Clan was now the top family in the Jia Ma Empire, this was entirely due to Xiao Xie. The clan's actual strength was only that of a third-rate family. Aside from Xiao Xie, the strongest among them was Xiao Zhan himself, a Nine-Star Great Fighter.

"Ling Ying, what is Cousin Xiao Xie's current cultivation?" After returning to her room, Xun'er asked aloud.

As her words fell, a shadowy figure appeared where moments before the room had been empty. Ling Ying paused, then replied, "Young Master Xiao Xie's cultivation has already reached the level of a One-Star Douhuang."

"What?" Even though Xun'er had anticipated this, hearing Ling Ying's words made her realize she had still underestimated Xiao Xie. She had boldly guessed he might have reached Douling, but never expected he would already be a One-Star Douhuang. In fact, to be precise, Xiao Xie's rise had only begun two years ago. In just two years, from the sixth stage of Dou Qi to One-Star Douhuang—was he even human?

Ling Ying smiled wryly. "Miss, if I hadn't witnessed it myself, I wouldn't believe Young Master Xiao Xie could progress so quickly. On the entire Dou Qi Continent, his cultivation speed is second to none. At this rate, it won't be long before he surpasses even me."

"It seems Cousin Xiao Xie truly harbors many secrets. As long as he doesn't harm Brother Xiao Yan, nothing else matters," Xun'er concluded with a smile after some reflection.

Over the next month, Xiao Xie devoted himself daily to infusing spiritual energy into his Asauchi. Each day, he converted his Dou Qi into spiritual power, pouring it all into the Asauchi. After a month of this repeated process, the Asauchi began to take on the initial form of a Zanpakuto.

...

Recently, all eyes in Wutan City had turned to a single event: the admissions for Canaan Academy.

As one of the most prestigious institutions on the Dou Qi Continent, Canaan Academy was a sacred place in the hearts of all youths. Anyone who completed their studies there would find their future wide open—not only could they return home in glory, but they would also become highly sought after by all the great powers.

Canaan Academy was located at the intersection of the Jia Ma Empire and two neighboring empires. In this lawless borderland, the Academy had become almost a nation unto itself. Normally, any neutral force in such a precarious position would be closely watched by the three empires, since any one of them could attempt to win the Academy over and threaten their rivals' borders.

Of course, this only applied if the Academy was weak. When its strength grew to rival the three empires, the powers simply ceased their schemes and left Canaan Academy to coil like a dragon on their borders—none dared provoke it lightly.

After years of development, Canaan Academy had become not only a famous institution, but also, due to covert cooperation with the royal families, its reputation soared among the populace of all three empires.

The lasting peace between these three traditionally hostile empires was due in no small part to the Academy's secret influence and mediation.

All of this had made Canaan Academy's renown ever greater. Every year, the Academy dispatched scores of instructors to recruit gifted cultivators from within the three empires.

The royal families unanimously approved of this. After all, the Academy was not a sect—it held little binding power. Most graduates returned to their homelands, and this indirect means of strengthening national power was something no sane ruler would refuse.

In just a few days, Canaan Academy's admissions instructors would arrive in Wutan City, and all the city's attention had shifted to this event.

Canaan Academy's admissions focused on talent, not status or background. Without sufficient talent, one could never pass through the gates to a promising future. Of course, there were always exceptions—if you had powerful backing willing to pay large sums in tuition, the Academy would not refuse a generous patron.

Because of this disregard for status, even young beggars and thieves in Wutan City eagerly awaited the instructors' arrival. If luck smiled on them and they passed, they could escape their humiliating lives and earn respect as cultivators.

Under this atmosphere, Wutan City was livelier than during any festival. Each day, people gathered anxiously at the city gate, waiting and watching.

...

Knock, knock, knock.

Qinglin pushed open Xiao Xie's door and entered. "Young Master, the people from Canaan Academy have arrived in Wutan City," she reported.

"Oh? Let's go take a look," Xiao Xie replied with a smile. He hung the Asauchi at his waist, and, accompanied by Qinglin and Little Doctor Immortal, set out.

Canaan Academy occupied a significant place in Xiao Xie's heart for three reasons:

First, the academy was home to the Fallen Heart Flame.

Second, its headmaster was a Dou Sheng-level expert. Though he rarely appeared at the academy and few knew his true identity, Xiao Xie only knew because he had read the original story. On the surface, the vice-headmaster was merely a Dou Zong, so who would imagine the headmaster was a Dou Sheng? With such a powerful protector, there were sure to be treasures in the academy's vault.

Third, beneath the Heavenly Burning Qi Refining Tower was the magma world that housed the Ancient Emperor's palace.

Any one of these reasons was enough for Xiao Xie to make the journey to Canaan Academy.