Chapter 154: Xiao Yu, Out of the Four of Us, You're the Weakest
After "treating" Bai Shan, Hu Qian, as expected, did not pursue the matter with Xiao Yuan and instead took Bai Shan away to continue healing.
Xiao Yuan's figure flickered slightly, and with a light leap, he jumped down from the stands. A few flashes later, he appeared before Xiao Yu. Looking at that beautiful face he had grown up seeing, Xiao Yuan's smile was gentle like warm jade as he softly said, "I'm back."
"Mm."
Xiao Yu's eyes shimmered with tears as she nodded, trying hard to maintain her composure.
But the moment Xiao Yuan reached out and pulled her into his arms, she could no longer hold back the tears in her eyes. Two streams rolled down her cheeks, only to be wiped away against Xiao Yuan's clothes.
"Didn't you say it'd be one year? Why did it take so long?"
Xiao Yu sobbed quietly, her tone filled with grievance.
"We ran into some unexpected trouble along the way, so it got delayed. Sorry to keep you waiting."
Xiao Yuan held her waist with one hand and gently patted her back with the other, speaking soothingly.
Nearby, Xiao Yan and Xun'er had long since separated from their earlier embrace and were now standing hand in hand, beaming as they watched the reunited couple.
After a moment, the two became aware that something felt off. They glanced to the side and saw Instructor Ruo Lin standing there, her lips pursed and face taut.
"You two still remember to come back?"
Ruo Lin's tone clearly revealed her simmering anger—her teeth practically itched with frustration.
"Instructor Ruo Lin!"
Hearing her voice, Xiao Yuan and Xiao Yan both awkwardly bowed apologetically.
"You still remember I'm your instructor? You skipped classes for a whole year! Do you know how much effort I had to put in with the Academy on your behalf?"
Ruo Lin's irritation was unmistakable.
Normally so gentle and graceful, she had nearly lost her composure several times in recent years—and always because of these two brats.
"Hehe, don't be angry, Instructor! I've already handled Bai Shan. Just wait—Xiao Yan and I will bring back a top-three finish in the selection!"
Xiao Yuan grinned sheepishly, trying to ease the mood.
"I haven't even scolded you properly yet! Be more careful next time. It's best to do these things within the rules—otherwise, you'll leave yourself open to problems. Maybe not in the Academy, but outside... it could bring unnecessary trouble."
Though her expression softened slightly, Ruo Lin still gave him a quiet warning.
"Yes, I will follow Instructor's guidance."
Xiao Yuan nodded earnestly.
"Alright, I won't harp on it. The selection tournament is nearly over for today. Come back with me for now. There will be even fiercer battles over the next two days. Entering the Inner Academy isn't exactly easy... though I suppose it won't be hard for you."
She waved her hand, clearly intending to offer her usual advice, but upon glancing at Xiao Yuan, she could only shake her head with resignation.
She had recently advanced to the Dou Ling level after two years of cultivation, yet when Xiao Yuan had recalled the Ice Dou Qi from Bai Shan, she had felt a chill of fear even from afar.
It was likely that her student's Dou Qi level wasn't much lower than her own, and his combat power may have far surpassed the rest of the Outer Academy students.
Truly terrifying!
As they exited the bustling square, Instructor Ruo Lin drove away the horde of love-struck girls clinging to Xiao Yuan and Xiao Yan. Then she led Xiao Yuan, Xiao Yan, Xun'er, and Xiao Yu along several shaded paths, finally arriving at a quiet and elegant pavilion.
Once inside, she invited them to sit wherever they liked. Then she turned to Xiao Yuan with a smile. "Your current strength... you could probably beat me, couldn't you?"
Xiao Yuan shrugged, tacitly confirming it.
"And Xiao Yan, you seem to have reached the Da Dou Shi level?"
She turned her smile to Xiao Yan.
"Mm, I was lucky to break through to Five-Star Da Dou Shi."
Xiao Yan nodded and smiled.
"And you, Xiao Yuan?"
Her eyes lit with curiosity as she looked at Xiao Yuan.
"Me? Uh... I'm at Four-Star…" Xiao Yuan started, but seeing Ruo Lin's eyes widen, he quickly confessed, "Alright, fine. I'm at Eight-Star."
"Hiss—!"
Even Xiao Yu, who knew how talented he was, stared at him in shock.
Eight stars?
Xun'er was surprised too—she herself was only a Seven-Star Da Dou Shi!
Xiao Yan scratched his nose in resignation.
Four-Star had been Xiao Yuan's previous realm.
Had he not spent time refining techniques, transferring Dou Qi to aid in travel, and switching cultivation methods, he probably would've already broken through to the Dou Ling level.
The reason for his rapid advancement? Xiao Yan had refined a Three-Stripe Clear Spirit Pill for him.
By his estimate, Xiao Yuan wasn't just at Eight-Star—he was at the peak of it. Within a week, he'd probably reach Nine-Star.
With that strength, and paired with the Heavenly Flame Triple Mysterious Transformation, Xiao Yuan could stand toe-to-toe with Dou Ling experts. With his trump cards, even a Five-Star Dou Ling wouldn't be his match.
Xiao Yuan's strength required no boasting.
"To think he's already an Eight-Star Da Dou Shi…"
Ruo Lin returned from her shock, staring at Xiao Yuan's smiling face with disbelief.
When he first entered the Dou Shi realm, he'd already been able to threaten her—a Da Dou Shi. Now, with the gap closed, she very likely wasn't his match.
What a terrifying kid.
"But now I feel relieved. Thanks to Xun'er's insistence, I submitted your names into the Inner Academy selection. Over the next two days, you and Xun'er must make it into the top fifty. If you do, you'll gain entry to the Inner Academy—and I can be promoted from Yellow-Rank to Profound-Rank Instructor."
She looked at them seriously.
"Uh, Instructor... what about my sister, Xiao Yu?"
Xiao Yuan blinked and asked curiously.
"Her? She's only at the peak of Dou Shi and spends more time missing you than training. Barely eats! At her current strength, it'll be hard for her to break into the top fifty."
Ruo Lin shot him a glare, full of annoyance.
"Hmm, Instructor, what's the format of the selection? If possible, I'd like to bring Xiao Yu into the top fifty."
Xiao Yuan straightened, his tone serious.
"Before the top fifty, it's single elimination—lose once and you're out. The Academy is considering a rule change for later stages, but nothing's been finalized."
Ruo Lin loved Xiao Yu dearly, but rules were rules. She couldn't help much given the raw gap in strength.
"I see. I'll do my best to get her into the top fifty. Or maybe I'll 'accidentally' knock out her opponent ahead of time?"
Xiao Yuan's words started solemnly and ended mischievously.
"Don't joke!"
Xiao Yu glared at him—she would never accept a win like that.
"Hehe, we'll just do our best and leave the rest to fate."
Xiao Yuan laughed and dropped the subject.
"And you?"
Ruo Lin turned her gaze to Xiao Yan.
"What benefits are there to entering the Inner Academy?" Xiao Yan leaned back in his chair, fingers interlocked.
After staring at his young but mature face, Ruo Lin sighed. "It seems your two-year leave was for the best. You're no longer the inexperienced youth from Wu Tan City. Now, no one would guess you're only eighteen."
Xiao Yan simply smiled. He had been through a lot over the past two years, learning much from his third brother and broadening his worldview.
"Jia Nan Academy is split between the Outer and Inner Academies. The Outer Academy is where all new recruits begin. When their strength reaches a certain threshold, they can participate in the annual Inner Academy Selection. The top fifty earn the right to enter the Inner Academy.
To be frank, the Outer Academy is just a trial ground. The true heart of Jia Nan Academy lies within the Inner Academy."
Ruo Lin took a moment to organize her thoughts, then explained patiently.
"In the Outer Academy, classes are split between Yellow and Profound levels. I manage a Yellow Class. Xue Beng, the one you fought earlier, is from a Profound Class. Generally, Profound Class students are stronger—but there are exceptions, like Xun'er, and you two.
I can't say too much about the Inner Academy, but just know this: it holds opportunities the Outer Academy can't compare to. If you can get in, it will only benefit you."
Xiao Yuan nodded in agreement.
"With your Five-Star level, unless you face Bai Shan or that little demon girl, breaking into the top fifty shouldn't be difficult."
Ruo Lin looked relieved as she continued.
"Bai Shan? The one my brother flattened with one palm? Weak. My brother needs to go all out just to beat me."
Xiao Yan scoffed.
"Bai Shan has been one of the top Outer Academy stars for two years. Handsome and strong—he's charmed many girls. He also courted Xun'er. When Xiao Yu clashed with him, she got slightly injured.
I doubt he expected Xiao Yu's 'boyfriend' to be so terrifying."
Ruo Lin chuckled, covering her mouth.
Xiao Yuan simply shrugged.
Bai Shan was indeed weak.
Xiao Yan was right—if he came at Xiao Yuan with full strength, Xiao Yuan would also have to go all out just to take him down.
Of course, "take down" didn't mean defeating him with fatal blows, just subduing him without causing injury. Not even some Dou Ling experts could promise that.
If it were a life-and-death fight, Xiao Yuan wouldn't need to go all out at all.
They had spent the whole trip either training or on the move. Xiao Yan hadn't had time to experiment with new ideas.
"As for that little demon girl—she's Vice Principal Hu Qian's granddaughter. Her talent is monstrous, and she's been trained personally by him. I'd say her strength exceeds Bai Shan's.
She's also known for her unique style and beauty. Many pursue her—but she seems uninterested in men… and quite interested in women. With Xun'er's beauty and talent, she's one of her favorite targets.
But Xiao Yuan, I think you need to be careful. Your looks might attract her even more than Xun'er."
Ruo Lin coughed, a light blush on her cheeks.
Xiao Yan's expression turned strange. He glanced at Xun'er and his third brother and muttered, "Damn, not only does she want to steal my girl, she wants to be my sister-in-law too?"
Beside him, Xiao Yu shook her head helplessly. Clearly, Hu Jia's possible interest in Xiao Yuan gave her a headache.
"No worries. She's not my match anyway."
Xiao Yuan waved dismissively, full of confidence.
"Alright, I'll go prepare… uh, I'll go gather intel for Yu'er. That should make her battles a bit easier."
Ruo Lin had meant to help all four, but on second thought, realized only Xiao Yu really needed the extra help. Her wording changed mid-sentence—perhaps as subtle encouragement for Xiao Yu to improve.
"As for you two, just rest here. This is my residence—Xun'er and Yu'er usually stay here too. Starting tomorrow, all the top fighters will begin to appear. You'll get a good sense of your opponents' strength."
After giving her instructions, she turned to leave.
Watching her back, Xiao Yuan smiled and said, "Instructor Ruo Lin, don't worry. This time, I'll make sure you're promoted to Profound-Rank!"
Her steps paused slightly, then continued forward as her laughter echoed back: "Very well, then I'll be waiting!"
(END CHAPTER)
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