Chapter 183: Jia Nan Academy's Inner Academy – Arrival of the Gu Clan Delegation
Jia Nan Academy, Inner Academy
After receiving their newcomer rewards, Xiao Yan and his group followed the academy elders into the Inner Academy for orientation and accommodation.
The Inner Academy was concealed by a massive spatial barrier, essentially a super sized formation that covered its entirety, including the rear mountains. This secretive structure ensured its safety and reputation as a cradle for nurturing elite warriors.
In the original timeline, Han Feng fled to the Black Corner Region to escape Feng Zun zhe, but his primary goal was to locate the Bone Flame Ring left by Yao Chen and acquire the Burning Flame Technique.
However, despite years in the Black Corner Region, Han Feng also learned of the Fallen Heart Flame, ranked 14th on the Heavenly Flame List, hidden within the Inner Academy. He tried to locate the academy's secretive Inner Academy but ultimately failed.
The Inner Academy's combination of top tier instructors and the Fallen Heart Flame was precisely why Jia Nan Academy earned its title as the premier training ground for the Dou Qi Continent's strongest.
Within an Inner Academy Pavilion
A group of young men and women sat together. At the head of the group was Xiao Jing, a striking young man of about 25 or 26. On the surface, Xiao Jing appeared to be a Two Star Dou Wang. However, his true strength was that of a peak Dou Huang, making him one of the Inner Academy's top ten experts.
The others in the group also concealed their real power, ranging between Five Star and Eight Star Dou Huang, though they displayed only peak Dou Ling levels outwardly.
These individuals were all Xiao Clan members sent to Jia Nan Academy to study. Given their extraordinary talent, gaining admission to the Inner Academy was a mere formality.
Xiao Yan and Gu Xun'er's Arrival
"Brother Jing, Xiao Yan and the Gu Clan's eldest daughter, Gu Xun'er, have arrived at the Inner Academy," one of the youths reported.
"Oh? After all these years, they're finally here. It seems our chance to contribute to the clan has come," Xiao Jing said with a soft chuckle, his eyes glinting.
Another young man, Xiao Jun, whose sharp features exuded confidence, snorted with disdain.
"We've waited all this time for them? I glanced at Xiao Yan earlier. For all the fuss about his talent, he's nothing more than a mere Dou Ling. Had I known, I wouldn't have come here. Staying in the clan's Spirit Gathering Array would've been faster for cultivation and I'd have been eligible for the Dragon Ascension Army's selection long ago."
Xiao Jun was a descendant of Xiao Wu's lineage and a promising talent. At just 24 years old, his true strength had already reached the peak of Six Star Dou Huang.
Xiao Jing's Warning
"Xiao Jun!" Xiao Jing's voice turned icy, and his smile vanished. "Watch your words! Do you think we juniors can question or criticize the decisions of the clan's elders? If I hear such remarks again, I won't hesitate to punish you under clan law!"
While others might not understand, Xiao Jing knew full well that Xiao Yan was held in high regard by none other than Xiao Tiance, the Xiao Clan's current leader.
As the mastermind who had led the Xiao Clan to become the strongest among the imperial clans and driven the Hun Clan into hiding within the void, Xiao Tiance's every decision carried profound purpose.
Xiao Jing's reprimand silenced Xiao Jun instantly. Despite his pride, Xiao Jun held deep respect for Xiao Jing, whose rise from obscurity within the clan was legendary.
Xiao Jing's Backstory
Born into a humble branch of the Xiao Clan, Xiao Jing's lineage had not produced a single Dou Wang in three generations. Yet, through sheer talent and determination, Xiao Jing had emerged from among tens of thousands of clan members to become one of the elite fifty selected for the Dragon Ascension Army.
The Dragon Ascension Army was the Xiao Clan's most prestigious military force. For most Xiao Clan descendants, joining its ranks was a lifelong dream.
The selection process was fiercely competitive, with only 50 candidates chosen every 20 years. In addition to requiring immense talent and strength, candidates had to demonstrate exceptional abilities that set them apart as future leaders.
Achieving a spot in the Dragon Ascension Army guaranteed unparalleled resources and personalized training, making Xiao Jing's achievement the envy of his peers.
The Plan for Xiao Yan and Gu Xun'er
"Brother Jing, should we approach Xiao Yan and Gu Xun'er directly?" one of the youths asked hesitantly.
After surveying the group's eager faces, Xiao Jing shook his head and smiled. "There's no need to get close to them unnecessarily. The clan instructed us only to assist Xiao Yan if he faces a life threatening situation.
"As for the rest of the time, we're to keep our distance. Let's follow the clan's instructions strictly."
He paused before adding a warning:
"Also, under no circumstances should you reveal your true strength unless absolutely necessary. If your real power exceeds Five Star Dou Wang, the concealment arrays on our bodies will deactivate. Once that happens, the Inner Academy elders will discover the truth, and you'll be forced to return to the clan."
The group, led by Xiao Jun, bowed respectfully. "Understood, Brother Jing. We'll be careful."
Xiao Jing's Private Devotion
After the group dispersed, Xiao Jing locked his door and knelt reverently before a painting on the wall.
The painting depicted none other than Xiao Tiance.
"Clan Leader, I will fulfill the task you entrusted to me," Xiao Jing vowed solemnly.
For many young Xiao Clan members, Xiao Tiance was more than a leader he was an idol. Xiao Jing's admiration stemmed from a deeply personal experience.
Years ago, when Xiao Tiance visited the clan's lower ranks to assess living conditions, he discovered Xiao Jing beaten and bloodied outside his family's humble home.
Recognizing Xiao Jing's potential his rare, pure thunder attribute and promising physique Xiao Tiance provided him with an advanced Earth Tier cultivation method and offered guidance.
Under Xiao Tiance's support, Xiao Jing rose from obscurity to become a standout talent in just a few short years.
Ever since, Xiao Jing carried a portrait of Xiao Tiance wherever he went, paying homage to it every morning and evening.
Xiao Tiance's Unawareness
Unbeknownst to Xiao Tiance, Xiao Jing the young man he once helped had risen to prominence as one of the Xiao Clan's brightest talents in the last twenty years. Xiao Tiance had never even asked for the boy's name when he first offered his guidance, nor did he recognize him later despite Xiao Jing's success.
The Rear Mountains of Jia Nan Academy
Xiao Yan and Gu Xun'er strolled together in the peaceful rear mountains of the academy. After settling into the Inner Academy, Xiao Yan had quickly grown weary of the new students' relentless admiration. To escape the hubbub, he grabbed Gu Xun'er and made a run for the quiet hills, leaving Bai Shan and Hu Jia to handle the visitors.
Lying on the soft grass, Gu Xun'er leaned against Xiao Yan's arm, her face radiant with happiness. While Xiao Yan gazed at the sky, her eyes never left him, brimming with love. With her unparalleled beauty and complete devotion to him, how could Xiao Yan not be utterly enchanted?
But as the saying goes, good times are short lived. Their peaceful moment was abruptly interrupted when Xiao Yan sat bolt upright, his gaze locked westward, his expression tense.
Yao Chen's Warning
Moments earlier, Yao Chen's voice had echoed in Xiao Yan's mind.
"Xiao Yan, a powerful group is approaching from the west. The leader's strength exceeds the Dou Zun realm."
Sensing Xiao Yan's change, Gu Xun'er also stood up, her expression growing grave. She recognized the aura of magical beasts reared by the Gu Clan and the familiar dou qi that resonated with her own bloodline.
"Xiao Yan, members of my clan are coming. Should you avoid them? They might cause trouble for you," she suggested hurriedly.
But Xiao Yan remained resolute, gripping her hand firmly.
"No need to hide I couldn't escape even if I tried. A Dou Zun level expert has already locked onto me with their soul perception. If I can't run, I'll face them head on. Besides, one day, I'll bring you home as my bride. They'll all find out eventually."
Yao Chen had already informed Xiao Yan that the incoming expert had zeroed in on him, making escape futile.
Still, if things turned dire, Xiao Yan was prepared to use the Tianji Token Yao Chen had given him. It would be an excellent opportunity to see just how powerful it truly was.
The Gu Clan Arrives
Despite the great distance, it only took a dozen breaths before the Gu Clan's group appeared, riding magical beasts.
"Commander Lin Quan of the Black Smoke Army greets the Young Miss!"
The group leader, Lin Quan, stood respectfully on the back of a massive flying beast, while the rest dismounted to kneel in salute. Two Dou Zun warriors offered slight bows, and the others knelt on one knee.
"No need for formalities," Gu Xun'er said curtly, waving them off.
Her displeasure was evident. After waiting over two years to reunite with Xiao Yan, their time together had barely begun before her clan's people arrived to take her back.
Xun'er's Reluctance
Turning to Xiao Yan with a sorrowful look, Gu Xun'er said softly, "Xiao Yan, I have to go. I don't want to leave you."
Xiao Yan held her hand tightly, his voice firm. "Xun'er, if you don't want to leave, I promise no one will take you away."
"Release the Young Miss!" Lin Quan roared, his voice filled with indignation at the sight of their intimate exchange.
Xiao Yan glanced at Lin Quan briefly, unconcerned by his hostility. Looking back at Gu Xun'er, he said gently, "Xun'er, just say the word. If you don't want to go, no one can force you."
As he spoke, Xiao Yan produced a token engraved with the words "Tianji."
The Tianji Token
The sight of the Tianji Token shocked the Gu Clan members. This token, issued by Tianji Tower, signified the highest level of authority. Anyone possessing it could summon Tianji Tower operatives from across the continent.
Tianji Tower's true identity as the Xiao Clan's secret force made the token even more significant. For the Gu Clan, one of the imperial clans, the implications were clear.
"Yes, this is indeed the Tianji Token," Xiao Yan confirmed, his voice calm yet firm.
Turning back to Gu Xun'er, he explained, "Xun'er, this is the Tianji Token. You asked how I escaped from Yunlan Sect last time? It was because of this token.
"This token was given to me by a peerless expert. If you truly don't want to leave, you can stay."
Xun'er's Painful Decision
Gu Xun'er's eyes lit up momentarily at the sight of the token, but the joy quickly faded.
Although she knew of Tianji Tower as a renowned top tier organization, she was unaware it was backed by the Xiao Clan. To her, the power of an influential sect paled in comparison to the might of the Gu Clan.
Suppressing her emotions, she shook her head gently. "Xiao Yan, don't waste the token on me. It's been too long I should return to my clan and see my family."
Hearing this, Xiao Yan's heart sank, but he couldn't be selfish.
"Xun'er, wait for me. I promise I'll come for you," he said earnestly.
Lin Quan's Mockery
Lin Quan, who had been watching the exchange with increasing displeasure, couldn't hold back any longer. He sneered at Xiao Yan.
"Don't think carrying a Tianji Token makes you someone special. You're nothing but a weakling, a pitiful worm unworthy of the Young Miss.
"Of course, if you bring that token to our clan, the elders might treat you politely. Without it? You couldn't even make it to the Central Plains, let alone reach our clan to see the Young Miss!"
Immediate Rebuke
"Silence, Lin Quan!"
Lin Quan's taunts were abruptly interrupted by both Gu Xun'er and Gu Bai, the Dou Sheng expert leading the group.
Gu Xun'er's heart ached for Xiao Yan, fearing the words would wound him. Gu Bai, on the other hand, sought to avoid unnecessary conflict.
Chastened by the reprimand, Lin Quan scowled but stepped back respectfully.
A Promise
"Xiao Yan, I believe in you," Gu Xun'er said softly, her gaze filled with trust.
(Chapter Ends)
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