Canaan Academy barely stirred with the visit of the two strong figures from the Gu Clan; only Su Qian and the two guardians of Canaan Academy were aware of their identities. The rest of the academy remained oblivious to the fact that two such powerful figures were residing within its walls.
In fact, even if the Gu Clan announced their presence, no one in Canaan Academy would recognize the significance of this behemoth.
Now, Su Qian's heart had become numb. Over the past year, Soul Hall, Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan, Gu Clan—these towering powers originally unrelated to him had each, influenced by Xu Ran, formed subtle connections with Canaan Academy. The Soul Hall, Xu Ran's adversary—if Xu Ran were dead, they would definitely not let Canaan Academy off. The Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan, however, maintained a friendly relationship with Canaan Academy, and figures like Zhukun were also drawn out by Xu Ran. And now, even the Gu Clan had arrived.
To tell the truth, even he was not too familiar with the Gu Clan, but he had vaguely learned some information about them through the guardians. He knew that Gu Clan was definitely a powerful family in Zhongzhou, potentially another formidable power no less than the Soul Hall and the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan.
Facing these developments, he was unsure whether they were good or bad for Canaan Academy. However, he was also aware that these major forces only appeared because of Xu Ran. Otherwise, Canaan Academy would not possess the allure to attract such powers.
"Still no news? He's not deliberately avoiding me, is he?" Gu Qingyang let out a breath of turbid air after completing his cultivation session. His interest in Xu Ran, this so-called genius, had been waning.
In his view, Xu Ran's disappearance at this critical juncture was proof enough that he was a charlatan and a thief of reputation.
As the most outstanding talent of the Gu Clan, only someone from the Imperial Clan could possibly surpass him in talent. Possessing the Dou Di Bloodline, their innate gifts were far superior to others. Hence, he did not believe in other so-called geniuses. Moreover, the rumors he heard seemed somewhat exaggerated.
"Qingyang, you must not underestimate the people of this world, or one day you will suffer the consequences," an elder beside Gu Qingyang said indifferently. The aura he emanated was much more formidable than Gu Qingyang's.
As a Dou Saint Expert who had passed his impetuous youth, he naturally saw much more.
He had witnessed too many so-called geniuses throughout his lifetime.
However, as the most distinguished talent of the Gu Clan, with strength nearing that of a Dou Saint and only needing an opportunity to cross into that realm, Gu Qingyang's talent was exceptional even compared to those of other Ancient Families. His pride was not unfounded; others might have been even more arrogant in his place.
"I was out of line. But do you also think that this Xu Ran is as powerful as they say?" Gu Qingyang immediately reined in his arrogance and respectfully inquired.
"Honestly, I don't believe it either. But in this vast world, there are many capable and extraordinary people. If such a genius did appear, it would not be surprising," the elder replied, his wise eyes twinkling with an extraordinary light. He had lived for many years and had yet to encounter a talent as remarkable as described. Even the young members of the Gu Clan and Hun Clan were no match.
He noticed that Xun Er's strength was rapidly approaching that of a Douwang. Her Dou Qi was incredibly condensed, far surpassing his own strength at that stage. With such a solid foundation, the likelihood of reaching the supreme realm in the future increased.
Coming from an Ancient Family and aided by the Dou Di Bloodline, members of the Gu Clan easily broke through realms such as Douzong and Dou Zun. However, this ease in gaining power also meant they would struggle far more after reaching Dou Saint if they sought to advance further.
"Hey, are you the ones looking for Xu Ran? Who are you?" Zi Yan, now with faint fluctuations of a Douzong, had managed to break through yet another realm after previously surmounting Douhuang. But instead of returning to the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan, Zhukun had indeed been generous with Zi Yan, providing her with many treasures suitable for the cultivation of the Taixu Ancient Dragon.
After witnessing her father's and Xu Ran's powers, Zi Yan's yearning for strength had reached its pinnacle, and through dedicated cultivation, she had broken through to the Douzong realm.
As a Douzong, she was unafraid of ordinary Dou Zuns.
After all, she was of royal blood from the Ancient Dragon Tribe and her command over space power was certainly not weak.
"Who are you?"
Gu Qingyang and the elder beside him were both surprised as they looked at the young girl before them. After increasing her strength, Zi Yan's figure had become taller, now resembling a fourteen or fifteen-year-old adolescent beauty.
"I am Zi Yan, I am Xu Ran's..." Zi Yan paused for a moment. What was she to Xu Ran?
"I am Xu Ran's girlfriend!" After thinking for a while, Zi Yan said with a blushing face. After all, Xu Ran wasn't here, and no one else knew.
"Oh? Xu Ran is scared? So much so that he sent a woman to find us?" Gu Qingyang scorned. Instantly, in his eyes, Xu Ran's image turned into that of a pretty boy. First hiding behind Xun Er and now behind some unknown woman.
Perhaps, those rumors about Xu Ran within the Gu Clan were all concocted with Xun Er's help, her goal being to get the Gu Clan to recognize Xu Ran. As for those three Heavenly Venerates from the Soul Hall, they probably died at the hands of other strong practitioners.
After pondering for a while, Gu Qingyang immediately accepted this speculation.
If so, Xu Ran's so-called talent also made sense.
"What's wrong with being a woman? Are you people from the Soul Hall? Daring to trouble Xu Ran, aren't you afraid that Xu Ran will wipe you out?" Zi Yan was clever, and she was quite angry at the disdain in Gu Qingyang's eyes.
She was very clear about Xu Ran's strength; there was no one on this continent who could beat him.
Arrogantly seeking trouble with Xu Ran would only lead to a pitiful outcome.
"Soul Hall? We have no ties with the Soul Hall."
"However, you actually have the Cultivation Level of a Douzong? Moreover, there is a strange aura about you. It's odd that someone like you would be related to Xu Ran. You must be a Magical Beast."
Gu Qingyang and the elder both noticed something peculiar about Zi Yan.
Magical Beast.
The two looked at each other, both very surprised.
"Hmph. I'll deal with you on Xu Ran's behalf first." After breaking through to Douzong, Zi Yan was eager to spar with someone. The aura of a Douzong burst forth from Zi Yan, and in a flash, she appeared behind Gu Qingyang and aimed a kick at his head.
The speed of which surprised both Gu Qingyang and the elder.
Although they were not affected by the force, was this really the speed that a Douzong should have?
Gu Qingyang also became interested, suppressing his own power to exchange blows with Zi Yan.
Zi Yan's released strength grew stronger and stronger, each punch seemingly accompanied by the terrifying sound of a dragon's chant.
Taixu Ancient Dragon!
Gu Qingyang and the elder were both profoundly shocked. People from the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan had actually come to Canaan Academy, and their relationship with Xu Ran seemed to be anything but simple. Moreover, they felt that this girl before them was definitely not an ordinary member of the Ancient Dragon Tribe.