Several weeks had passed since Xiao Yan read those two letters—each more shocking than the other.
Gong—!
As the first rays of sunlight scattered across the Inner Academy, the long-standing silence was promptly broken. From the academy's deep interior, an ancient gong echoed faintly, its sound rippling outward like a solemn announcement, reverberating across the entire domain.
In a quiet room, a black-robed youth sat cross-legged upon his bed. Slowly, he opened his dark, obsidian-like eyes. With a gentle wave of his hand, an enormous black shadow flickered into view. A massive heavy ruler cut through the air, stirring a sharp whine as it came to rest in a slanted position across his back.
Xiao Yan lightly tapped the heavy ruler on his back. Turning his head slightly, his gaze swept beyond the window. At that very moment, formidable auras began to surge one after another throughout the Inner Academy, like volcanoes awakening from slumber. The corners of his mouth lifted into a faint, confident smile, while a searing battle intent began to burn fiercely within his chest.
"Today marks the day when the top ten of the Strong Ranking Grand Competition will be decided," he murmured to himself. "I, Xiao Yan, will claim one of those ten seats—without fail."
Two days ago, the Strong Ranking Grand Competition had officially commenced. Naturally, Xiao Yan had already claimed victory over two opponents in the past two days.
Just as the events in the novel, his first opponent was Bai Cheng. The battle ended in fewer than five exchanges. No one found the result surprising—yet, many couldn't help but feel sympathy for Bai Cheng. To face Xiao Yan in the very first round was nothing short of misfortune.
His second match was against Yao Sheng. Although Yao Sheng's Black Water World was a troublesome technique that once gave others a hard time, it held no true threat before Xiao Yan's Ten Thousand Lotus Beast Flame. Yao Sheng managed to last slightly longer than Bai Cheng, but the outcome was no different—defeat.
"Now, it's time for the third match…" Xiao Yan murmured as he stepped out of his room, making his way toward the competition grounds. A flicker of anticipation flashed across his eyes. "Why do I have a feeling this next one won't be so easy?"
…
The central stadium, the grandest arena within the Inner Academy, was usually kept sealed and unused. Only during the most prestigious events would it be opened to the public. Naturally, as the Strong Ranking Grand Competition was the academy's most anticipated event, it was here that the battles would be held.
With the Grand Competition progressing to this stage, it could be said that the event had truly entered its climax. Every student within the Inner Academy now awaited the final unveiling of the new top ten experts on the Strong Ranking.
In a matter of moments, the vast stadium had become densely packed. Waves of passionate cheering resounded in the air, echoing endlessly in everyone's ears. The fiery atmosphere swept through the crowd like a blazing tide, igniting the fervor of all who stepped into the arena.
By the time Xiao Yan and the members of Pan's Gate arrived at the towering platform, the place was already overflowing with spectators. Although over half of the competitors had been eliminated during the two-day elimination rounds, for the majority, merely witnessing battles of this caliber was an opportunity too rare to miss—even if they could no longer take part themselves.
At this moment, Xiao Yan had undeniably become the greatest dark horse of this season's Strong Ranking Grand Competition. Having joined the Inner Academy less than a year ago, he now stood at the edge of the top ten—his rise swift and shocking. Such strength was enough to stir awe in the hearts of many. Thus, the moment he stepped into the stadium, countless gazes turned his way.
Unbothered by the attention, Xiao Yan and his group made their way to the same seats they had occupied the previous day. With relaxed smiles and casual conversation, they quietly waited for the next match to begin.
Xiao Yan's group had only just taken their seats when they suddenly sensed a ripple of commotion spreading through the crowd. Surprised, Xiao Yan turned his head—only to see Lin Xiuya and his group appearing at the stadium entrance.
As the brightest star of the Inner Academy, Lin Xiuya's arrival naturally drew an even greater stir than Xiao Yan's earlier entrance. Countless gazes shifted in his direction, a testament to the immovable reputation and status he possessed within these walls.
Without any pause, Lin Xiuya and his companions made their way directly toward Xiao Yan's position.
"Ke ke, I'm truly unsure whether I should feel eager or anxious if we end up crossing hands today," A hearty laugh rang out before Lin Xiuya even arrived. His voice carried a rare weight, indicating just how seriously he regarded Xiao Yan. "Though, to be honest, I'd rather not meet you at such a crucial juncture."
The surrounding crowd immediately turned toward Xiao Yan with startled expressions. In the Inner Academy, those whom Lin Xiuya regarded with such respect were as rare as phoenix feathers or unicorn's horns—existences few could rival.
"I fear I might be the unfortunate one if we were to face each other," Xiao Yan replied with a light laugh. "Though I haven't seen the full extent of your strength, I can tell—it would be a draining battle. Even if I found an opening to win, it wouldn't come without cost."
He, too, had no desire to face Lin Xiuya at such a stage. His aim was merely to secure a place among the top ten. Once that was achieved, there would be no need to concern himself with troublesome opponents—not for now, at least.
"It seems the two of us are both hoping to avoid one another among the six who'll be drawn today," Lin Xiuya said with a soft chuckle, nodding in agreement. A faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "Still, I have a strange feeling that your next match... won't be an easy one."
Xiao Yan could only respond with a bitter smile as a faint sense of helplessness welled up within him. He had felt the same unease the moment dawn broke.
Lin Xiuya offered a few more casual words before turning away, making his way toward the area where his faction had been waiting.
Another highly respected contender, Liu Qing, entered the stadium not long after Lin Xiuya's arrival. Originally, his path would have led him directly past Xiao Yan's group.
However, his sharp eyes quickly caught sight of Liu Fei beside him, her lips curled in visible disdain—clearly intending to stir trouble for Xiao Yan. Without hesitation, Liu Qing casually altered his route, veering off to the side while quietly taking Liu Fei's hand, preventing her from provoking further conflict with Xiao Yan and his companions.
Although this shift in direction was subtle, it did not escape the notice of some sharp-eyed spectators. Chuckles rippled through a few corners of the crowd as they exchanged amused glances, feeling a hint of sympathy for Liu Qing— who clearly bore the burden of managing his difficult cousin.
As time passed, the number of people within the stadium continued to swell. The noise of countless conversations blended together, rising like a tide until it seemed to reach the very clouds.
Gong—!
The moment the presiding Elders took their seats on the judges' platform, the deep toll of a gong echoed across the arena, resonating powerfully.
At once, the deafening clamor began to subside. Countless eyes turned toward the judges' platform.
Su Qian calmly adjusted his robes under the watchful gaze of the entire stadium. Slowly, he rose to his feet and spoke with a clear and resonant voice, "After two days of elimination, thirteen competitors remain in the Strong Ranking Grand Competition. But only ten may enter the final rankings. Thus, three must still be eliminated today."
"According to the rules of the Grand Competition," he continued, "six individuals will be randomly selected to battle. The victors shall enter the top ten, while the defeated will be ranked behind."
As Su Qian's voice echoed through the arena, he retrieved a bamboo cylinder and placed it before him. Within it were thirteen bamboo slips—each bearing the name of a remaining contender. After a brief explanation, he extended his hand and slowly drew the first slip under the watchful eyes of the crowd.
One name after another was announced, Su Qian reading each aloud as the bamboo slips emerged from the cylinder.
"Last slot!"
With a casual flick of his wrist, a final bamboo slip flew into his palm. He opened it slowly, a flicker of surprise flashing across his face before he spoke.
"Liu Qing."
Silence immediately fell over the stadium.
A few spectators couldn't help but twitch at the corners of their mouths. Whispers soon followed, filled with sympathy for the poor soul fated to face Liu Qing—one of the strongest competitors remaining.
Liu Qing's expression remained as calm as still water. No matter who stood before him today—even if it were Lin Xiuya himself—he held no fear. His confidence was unshakable.
As if deliberately building suspense, Su Qian slowly drew the final bamboo slip. With a faint smile, he held it up for all to see before leisurely opening it. However, the moment his eyes landed on the name, his smile abruptly vanished—replaced by a rare look of stunned surprise.
Seeing this unexpected reaction, the hearts of those in the stadium tightened, as though being clawed by restless cats.
"Ahem…"
Su Qian finally collected himself after a brief pause and cleared his throat softly. His gaze shifted toward a certain figure seated on the tall platform, and he helplessly shook his head.
"Xiao Yan!"
The stadium fell into absolute silence.
A moment later, sighs of sympathy and regret echoed from every corner. Countless eyes turned toward the black-robed young man seated calmly above, their brows furrowing with concern.
However, for certain people—particularly the Elders and Lin Xiuya—this unexpected match stirred a strong sense of anticipation. After all, one of the fighters was once helped by Xiao Hua, having received a Di-Class Dou Techniques. The other was someone Xiao Hua had once placed great expectations upon.
Naturally, curiosity arose: who among the two would prove superior? Who would dominate this pivotal clash? This, after all, was the essence of competition.
"Is this fate... or misfortune, for these two to meet at such a critical moment?" Yan Hao sighed quietly as he spoke to Lin Xiuya beside him.
"Either way, it will surely be a match worth witnessing," Lin Xiuya replied with a faint smile. His gaze gradually drifted toward a certain group of ladies—where Han Yue and Xiao Yu sat, their attention fixed on the platform below.
Of all those who had received Dou Techniques from Xiao Hua, it was likely these two who harbored the deepest curiosity about Xiao Yan's strength. After all, both shared a bond with Xiao Hua that was closer than most.
"It's truly unexpected... for him to face Senior Liu Qing," Han Yue murmured, a gentle smile blooming on her elegant face. She turned to Xiao Yu and softly asked, "What do you think will happen in their fight?"
A thoughtful look surfaced on Xiao Yu's delicate features. After pondering briefly, she sighed and slowly shook her head. "It's hard to say... but I have a feeling the Elders may have to step in before it's over."
"So, it's going to be that destructive, huh..." Han Yue furrowed her brows slightly. She exhaled softly and murmured, more to herself than anyone else, "Let's just hope they both will be fine."
While others were filled with sympathy and anticipation, Liu Fei—seated beside Liu Qing—nearly leapt to her feet in uncontrollable delight. She had been holding back a stomach full of resentment ever since Yao Sheng's humiliating defeat at Xiao Yan's hands the previous day.
Privately, she had been cursing Xiao Yan, wishing he would cross paths with her brother Liu Qing in the competition. Never had she expected that her wish would actually come true—and at such a critical juncture no less.
The sudden stroke of fortune filled her with vindictive satisfaction. Inwardly, she sneered and spat out a single word: "Retribution."
Meanwhile, on Pan's Gate's side, Wu Hao leaned toward Xiao Yan, his eyes filled with curiosity.
"What do you think your chances are, Xiao Yan?"
Among the new students who had entered the Inner Academy this year, Xiao Yan was undoubtedly the most enigmatic. Wu Hao still remembered that upon arrival, Xiao Yan was only a 9-Star Da Dou Shi. Yet in what seemed like no time at all, he had not only broken through to Dou Ling—but had already reached its peak.
"Depends on what trump cards he reveals," Xiao Yan replied with a faint smile. "But I expect it to be a tough battle."
Even he could not deny Liu Qing's overwhelming strength. Among those close to his age, Liu Qing was undeniably one of the top contenders Xiao Yan would one day have to face. In terms of raw power and tyrannical momentum, even someone like Nalan Yanran couldn't compare.
As murmured conversations continued to ripple through the crowd, all eyes gradually turned once more toward the judges' platform.
Su Qian's gaze lingered briefly on Xiao Yan before slowly withdrawing. In his heart, he was well aware—both Xiao Yan and Liu Qing represented the pinnacle of the Inner Academy's younger generation. In truth, had it not been for the achievements left behind by Xiao Hua and the other founders of the Chaos Gate, these two would already be shining figures etched into the academy's history.
Still, Su Qian couldn't help but furrow his brows slightly. He knew this would be a difficult battle for Xiao Yan—not because his strength was insufficient, but because he was restricted.
After all, this was a friendly competition. Lethal techniques were forbidden. Xiao Yan's Angry Buddha Lotus Flame, the same devastating attack that once razed the Misty Cloud Sect, could not be used here. And without such trump cards, his options were far more limited.
"The first match, Xiao Yu, Qian Mo!"
As Su Qian's calm voice rang out, the atmosphere in the stadium shifted. The crowd's anticipation for the headline battle momentarily subsided as countless gazes turned toward Xiao Yu—then landed on Qian Mo, who could only offer a helpless smile.
Many sighed inwardly at his misfortune. Who in the Inner Academy didn't know of Xiao Yu's strength? To face her at such a crucial stage of the competition could only be called bad luck.
No one expected a miracle—not even Qian Mo himself. Still, since his name had been called, he had no intention of backing down. Even if victory was out of reach, he would give it his all—if only to preserve his pride in the face of overwhelming odds.
…
The battle between Xiao Yu and Qian Mo began—and ended—in the blink of an eye. Though Qian Mo didn't suffer humiliation, the loss still weighed heavily on him. To fall at such a pivotal moment in the Grand Competition was no easy pill to swallow.
The second match unfolded in much the same fashion. Han Yue versus Qin Zhen—another one-sided match that ended swiftly.
The crowd could only shake their heads at the unfortunate fates of Qian Mo and Qin Zhen. To encounter not only two of the Inner Academy's most powerful female cultivators, but also its two most renowned beauties—Xiao Yu and Han Yue—was truly a misfortune wrapped in elegance.
After the swift conclusion of the first two matches, the atmosphere within the stadium underwent a subtle shift. All eyes turned toward the tall platform, and without fail, they locked onto two figures—Xiao Yan and Liu Qing.
The third match of the day was, without a doubt, the most anticipated.
A showdown between the rising dark horse and the seasoned veteran.
Liu Qing was the first to move under the observation of everyone. He slowly stood up and immediately strode to the edge of the tall platform under Liu Fei's worshipping gaze. Finally, his body flashed and leaped down.
Under countless watchful gazes, Liu Qing was the first to move. He rose calmly to his feet, then strode to the edge of the tall platform under Liu Fei's admiring gaze. With a flicker of movement, his figure vanished from the platform and reappeared mid-air before descending swiftly.
Boom!
Liu Qing landed heavily on the arena floor, his feet striking the stage with force. He raised his head, and his sharp gaze fixed on Xiao Yan's position. Within those deep eyes burned a flicker of excitement and anticipation.
In Liu Qing's eyes, there were only three individuals in this Strong Ranking Grand Competition worthy of true recognition—Lin Xiuya, Xiao Yu, and Han Yue. The rest, he had never taken too seriously.
But Xiao Yan was different.
The strength Xiao Yan had displayed over the past two days had forced even a proud expert like Liu Qing to take notice. Though Xiao Yan was a newcomer, his swift rise and decisive victories had earned him a measure of respect.
To face such a dark horse before clashing with Lin Xiuya felt much like enjoying a sharpened appetizer before the main course. Thus, Liu Qing's interest in this match was genuine—and his battle intent surged quietly beneath the surface.
As Liu Qing stepped into the arena, the collective focus of the stadium shifted entirely—gathering onto one person: Xiao Yan.
Countless spectators were eager to see whether this dark horse, a newly admitted student, could continue his streak of victories now that he was facing Liu Qing—one of the academy's long-established top experts.
Wu Hao and the others stood upright, their expressions steady as they felt the intense attention directed toward their group. Without hesitation, they turned their gazes toward Xiao Yan. Their faith in him was absolute. Time and again, they had witnessed this young man overturn impossible situations—shifting fate itself with his actions.
Yet under the weight of countless gazes, Xiao Yan's expression remained calm and composed. There was no fear in his eyes, not even the slightest wavering. The name Liu Qing did not shake his heart.
He rose silently and made his way to the edge of the tall platform.
With a light press of his toes, a faint silver glow rippled beneath Xiao Yan's feet as his figure flickered and vanished. In the blink of an eye, he reappeared in the heart of the spacious arena.
His landing was silent, his steps steady. As he raised his head, his gaze met Liu Qing's across the stone stage. Their eyes locked—four sharp gazes quietly measuring the other. Within that silent exchange, something stirred—an unspoken tension, a flicker of understanding, and the faint scent of battle.
At that moment, both men broke into fierce smiles. A hint of mutual recognition flashed in their eyes, sparked by the pressure of each other's suppressed strength.
Whatever enmity lingered from the past—most of it rooted in the grudges stirred by Liu Fei—was pushed aside.
Here and now, they acknowledged each other for what they truly were: formidable obstacles standing in the path toward their own goals.
Two experts in their generation, honed and tempered, finally crossing paths.
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