Bai Cheng's approach was deliberate—a warning shot, testing the waters before deciding whether to act further.
As soon as Xiao Jietian's hand met Bai Cheng's in the handshake, he felt the subtle force Bai Cheng exerted, laced with Dou Qi. Bai Cheng's eyes glimmered with disdain, as if he already expected Xiao Jietian to cry out from the pain. A faint smile tugged at the corner of Bai Cheng's lips.
But Xiao Jietian, as if anticipating this, gave him a disdainful glance. Dou Qi began to coalesce in his hand, radiating a quiet yet undeniable power. Bai Cheng's expression shifted instantly—from smugness to surprise—as he realised his own Dou Qi was utterly outmatched.
It felt as if his hand were clamped by iron tongs, and a constant wave of pain surged through him. He attempted to launch a sneak attack with Dou Qi, but it was dispersed before it even formed.
Finally, Xiao Jietian sent a precise internal force through his hand. A sharp, piercing pain shot through Bai Cheng's arm, making it tremble.
Bai Cheng endured the pain, maintaining a calm expression, though a flicker of unease crept into his eyes. Xiao Jietian, calm as still water, simply stared at him, silently conveying: Bai Cheng, you are nothing special.
Feeling the growing power in Xiao Jietian's palm and the unbearable pain, Bai Cheng reluctantly withdrew his hand. His sleeve trembled slightly, leaving a faint red mark as lingering pain radiated through it. He frowned, contemplating: This Xiao Jietian… his strength… could he actually surpass me?
He suddenly felt that his earlier boldness—attempting to intimidate a newcomer—had backfired entirely.
"It seems Junior Brother is strong indeed. No wonder he acts so boldly. Yet the Inner Academy has rules. I suggest you tread carefully; otherwise, you'll only invite humiliation," Bai Cheng said with a forced smile.
"Rules are for ordinary people. In this world, where strength commands respect, I make the rules. Disagree? Then let's have a match," Xiao Jietian said, arms crossed, his gaze locked on the gloomy Bai Cheng.
"Xiao Jietian, don't think a little strength lets you be arrogant in the Inner Academy. Disband your Pan Gate and kowtow to Fu Ao in apology, or you won't have a good time," one of Bai Cheng's three-star Dou Ling subordinates chimed in.
"Nonsense! Even if your Bai Gang disbands, my Pan Gate isn't going anywhere," Xiao Jietian retorted.
The Pan Gate members' faces darkened instantly. Hu Jia opened his mouth to speak, but Xiao Jietian merely patted his shoulder.
"There will be a disbanding force—but it won't be us. It will be your Bai Gang."
Bai Cheng's expression stiffened. Though he hadn't fully assessed Xiao Jietian, he now realised this newcomer's strength might rival his own. He had intended to plot carefully, annexing Pan Gate later, but Xiao Jietian's calm words had cornered him. Retreat was no longer an option.
"What do you mean?" Bai Cheng asked, his voice low and dangerous.
"Exactly what I said. You came here to make us disband, yes? So it's only reasonable that I tell you to disband," Xiao Jietian replied, a faint smile on his lips, his tone calm yet commanding.
The Bai Gang members' expressions darkened, their anger flaring.
"Kid, you're too arrogant!" they shouted.
"Among all the new students to enter the Inner Academy, you're the only one so insolent," Bai Cheng added, his face growing darker.
"Tomorrow, the Arena will decide. Whoever loses must disband their faction," Xiao Jietian declared.
Ignoring the Bai Gang's growls, he focused on Bai Cheng. This battle would not only establish his reputation but deter future trouble.
"Bai Cheng, do you accept? If not, take your people and leave. Don't make fools of yourselves here."
"Xiao Jietian, don't be so arrogant. Our leader's strength is beyond your challenge; he can crush you easily," one of Bai Cheng's subordinates insisted.
"Exactly. Our gang leader ranks thirty-fourth among the strong—newcomers like you can only look up to him."
"Boss, show him your strength! The Inner Academy isn't a place for greenhorns like him to act tough."
The Bai Gang erupted like gunpowder, cursing and shouting in anger. Even Bai Cheng felt a strange unease, a sense of losing control over the situation.
"I accept. I'll see you in the Arena tomorrow," Xiao Jietian said, his voice resolute.
Bai Cheng gave him a solemn look, a sense of danger flickering in his eyes, before leaving with his men. Plans for careful strategy now seemed impossible; he could only bite the bullet.
Could it be… my imagination? No newcomer, even one cultivating from the womb, should advance this fast… he thought grimly.
News of Pan Gate's Xiao Jietian challenging Bai Gang's Bai Cheng spread through the Inner Academy like wildfire. Senior students and elders alike were shocked. A newcomer challenging a top-ranking Dou Ling—never before had such a thing occurred.
Some scoffed, thinking Xiao Jietian had overestimated himself, while others quietly acknowledged the danger and rarity of this unprecedented event.
In a serene pavilion within the Inner Academy, a dozen women gathered. A silver-haired woman in a silver gown descended gracefully and took her seat at the head.
"Any news from the Inner Academy?" Han Yue asked, voice cool and composed.
"Big Sister, this morning Bai Cheng led Bai Gang to Pan Gate, demanding its disbandment. Pan Gate's Xiao Jietian challenged Bai Cheng directly—tomorrow morning in the Arena," a woman in yellow replied clearly.
Han Yue's brow furrowed. "Is this true?"
"Yes, Big Sister. The Inner Academy is in uproar, and Bai Gang confirmed it."
Han Yue exhaled, contemplative. "Based on prior intelligence, Bai Gang has been harassing Pan Gate. They're planning to turn the tables. I had contact with Xiao Jietian before—he is proud, unyielding. I warned him, yet a clash seems inevitable."
A woman in pink leaned closer. "Big Sister, why so concerned about Xiao Jietian? Are you… interested? You've been keeping an eye on him since your return. I've never seen you this attentive to a man."
The others chimed in teasingly:
"I heard Big Sister even considered making an exception to recruit him into Moon Spirit!"
"I secretly saw him. He's undeniably handsome, unmatched in the Academy, and talented—only eighteen, and already a Dou Spirit! But he's with Xiao Xun'er. Do you want to compete? If not, joining them might work too."
"Eighteen, handsome, and talented! Big Sister, consider it seriously. Rarely do you set aside your… cleanliness obsession for a man."
Han Yue glared at her teasing sisters. "What? Too idle now? Need me to assign special care tasks for you?"
"Big Sister, my clothes ran away…"
"My weapon's… on its period."
Hearing this, the others vanished instantly. Han Yue shook her head, smiling faintly, and stepped out of the pavilion, leaving her teasing sisters behind.