Three days later.
Those who had passed the entry tests once again gathered together, ready to embark on the journey to Jia Nan Academy.
During this time, Instructor Zhang Yan had grown noticeably closer to Liu Xi.
Bringing back a genius like Liu Xi was already enough for Zhang Yan to earn credit from the academy. But he was thinking further—if Liu Xi could be placed under his direct class upon arrival, it would provide him a great boost in reputation and status. And when Liu Xi rose to fame in the future, as his Instructor, Zhang Yan would naturally bask in reflected glory.
For that reason, Zhang Yan had even chosen to stay at the Liu residence these past few days.
Liu Ming and Li Yue, knowing their son would soon be far from home, welcomed this greatly. Having a tutor like Zhang Yan watch over him in the academy would be a comfort, and thus both sides grew closer with deliberate effort. Meals were shared, wine cups lifted, and for a time, the atmosphere had been nothing but harmonious.
Now, standing before the assembled youths, Zhang Yan clasped his hands behind his back and stepped forward. His tone was calm but edged with stern authority as he said:
"First of all, congratulations to each of you. You have stood out among countless others and earned the chance to become students of Jia Nan Academy. However—within the academy there are hundreds, even thousands, of students whose talents equal or surpass yours. Remember this well: you have no qualification for arrogance."
His voice sharpened with the final words, pressing down on the group like an invisible weight.
After letting the silence hang, Zhang Yan's sternness relaxed. "Enough. Follow me." He gestured with a wave and turned to lead the way.
The group trailed after him, accompanied by a few older students who carried themselves with casual pride. They soon reached a wooded area outside the city. Moments later, a piercing cry split the air as a massive avian beast swooped down from the skies.
The gust from its wings whipped up thick clouds of dust, forcing the new students to cover their faces.
Liu Xi, however, quietly released a faint film of Dou Qi across his body, forming a thin protective veil. Every mote of dust was deflected away, leaving him standing clean and composed even as the storm raged around him.
The enormous bird landed with a thunderous impact. Its predatory eyes gleamed like lanterns as it fixed its gaze upon the group, making most of the youths blanch in fear. Some even stumbled back instinctively.
The older students standing nearby smirked at their reactions, their eyes brimming with disdain.
But Liu Xi's gaze remained steady. He released his spiritual power, probing the creature. Despite its intimidating size, its aura was only that of a Rank 2 Magical Beast—the equivalent of a Dou Shi. Moreover, its bloodlust was absent. Clearly, it was a specially trained mount of the academy.
'As expected of Jia Nan Academy—such profound resources. They casually use a Rank 2 flying beast just to transport students. I want one of these as well. Otherwise, if I wanted to fly by myself, I'd need to reach the realm of Dou Wang first.' Excitement flickered across Liu Xi's eyes.
"Cough, cough. No need to be afraid," Zhang Yan said, his tone carrying a note of amusement as he observed the group. "This beast is one of the academy's mounts. It will be taking us to Jia Nan Academy."
As he glanced across the group, he found most pale and trembling, save for Liu Xi. The boy's expression brimmed not with fear but with eagerness. Compared to the others, the contrast was stark, and Zhang Yan's satisfaction grew deeper.
With a burst of Dou Qi, Zhang Yan leapt gracefully onto the beast's broad back. His voice rang out: "Get on. We depart immediately!"
The older students vaulted up confidently, taking their places.
Liu Xi stepped forward, Dou Qi surging beneath his feet as he invoked his Soaring Swan Step. In an instant, he alighted upon the creature's back, landing with perfect balance. His stance was firm, Dou Qi circulating subtly to anchor his body against the beast's shifting movements.
Finally, the rest of the new students scrambled aboard, some nearly tripping, their faces pale with nervousness.
When the last of them had mounted, the great beast spread its massive wings. With a mighty sweep, it launched skyward.
The ground shrank away rapidly as the wind howled past their ears. Many clung desperately to the beast's feathers, their hearts pounding in terror.
Liu Xi, however, narrowed his eyes against the rushing wind. The corners of his lips curled upward as exhilaration surged through him. 'So this is the freedom of the skies… this feeling is intoxicating.'
---
The journey stretched on for over ten days. Aside from stops for rest and supplies, the beast carried them ceaselessly through mountains and plains.
During this time, Zhang Yan introduced the academy in detail.
"Jia Nan Academy is located in the Black-Corner Region, a land without laws where fish and dragons mingle. Countless fugitives and criminals lurk there, and wealth of unknown origin floods the markets. Remember well: if you go there to train, heed two rules."
"First—conceal yourselves. Do not flaunt treasures or wealth, lest you invite death."
"Second—never underestimate anyone. Especially not the weak, the old, women, or children. If they can survive in the Black-Corner Region, they are anything but ordinary."
His gaze hardened as he spoke. "Jia Nan Academy stands within that chaos as a pure land, shielding its surrounding territory. Enforcement Squads constantly patrol its borders. Composed of both Instructors and students, they cut down anyone who dares covet the academy. Through this, students see the cruelty of the world with their own eyes."
The words etched themselves into the minds of the new students. For many, it was their first true glimpse of how dangerous the continent could be.
At last, after enduring rigorous inspections from multiple patrols, the beast carried them into view of towering gates. Upon them were etched four blazing golden characters: Jia Nan Academy.
---
Elsewhere, at that same moment, far away in Wutan City of the Jia Ma Empire, the destined protagonist Xiao Yan had just reached 9 years of age. His cultivation had risen to the 8th stage of Dou Zhi Qi, and within the Xiao Clan, he was lauded as a prodigy. This was the height of his youthful glory—before the fateful loss of his Dou Qi and the awakening of the old master slumbering in his ring.
Liu Xi, remembering the future, felt only faint disdain. 'That boy will one day become the blade that cuts me down in the original story. Should I strike first and erase him now? No… the risks are too great. I lack the strength for a single decisive kill, and who knows if Xun'er has already grown attached to him. If her Dou Huang guardian strikes, I'd be dead in an instant.'
He let out a slow breath, shaking his head. 'No, there are too many uncertainties. I won't waste myself chasing shadows. For now, I'll grow quietly in the shadows. In the early stages, focus on development. In the middle, seize every opportunity. In the end… deliver the final blow.'
His eyes gleamed coldly as the gates of Jia Nan Academy loomed closer.
(End of Chapter)
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