Chapter 143: White Robe and Black Cloak
At the summit of the verdant rear mountain of Jia Nan Academy, Xun'er in a light teal dress and Xiao Yu in a red robe leaned quietly against one another, their faces tinged with longing.
"Xun'er, when do you think those two will finally arrive at the academy?"
Xiao Yu propped her chin with one hand and asked with a trace of complaint in her voice.
"Xiao Yu-jie, don't be anxious. I believe Big Brother Xiao Yan and Big Brother Xiao Yuan will arrive soon."
Xun'er smiled gently, her voice filled with quiet certainty—clearly, she had already received some information.
Xiao Yu could only sigh and nod. She had long gotten used to Xun'er's uncanny ability to gather intel.
But instead of asking, she chose to change the subject. "That Baishan's been bothering you again lately, right? What a clingy pest."
Hearing the open irritation in Xiao Yu's voice, Xun'er could only smile helplessly. "He is a bit annoying, but he hasn't done anything truly inappropriate. I can't just beat him to a pulp over that, can I?"
"Sigh! If I had your talent, I'd have taught that fake gentleman a lesson myself!"
Xiao Yu huffed, her voice full of indignation—making Xun'er chuckle softly.
"What's so funny?"
"Nothing. I just think you're wonderful, Xiao Yu-jie."
"Hmph, what are we to each other?" Xiao Yu said proudly, puffing out her chest. Then she grinned wickedly. "Don't worry, I'll tattle to Xiao Yuan and Xiao Yan—let them beat Baishan up for us. Xiao Yan can be your guy; Xiao Yuan can be mine!"
Xun'er, while appreciating the sentiment, gave a wry smile. "Xiao Yu-jie… we're not some kind of gang…"
"Hmph! When have I ever reasoned with someone I hate?"
Xiao Yu said with pride.
Xun'er could only shrug in helpless silence.
"You two are here again, I see."
A mature and gentle voice suddenly cut in.
Hearing that familiar warmth, both girls froze, their shoulders stiff. They turned slowly with guilty smiles.
"Ruo Lin–Tutor…"
Ruo Lin wore a flowing water-blue instructor's robe. The years had left little trace on her elegant face. If anything, time had deepened her maturity and grace.
She walked up and patted Xun'er's head affectionately. "In half a month, the academy's advancement competition will begin. You know that anyone who passes will qualify to enter the Inner Academy. Only fifty students get that chance each year. You could've entered last year, Xun'er, but you gave it up."
"Last year I was new to the academy—how could I compete with all the senior students?" Xun'er replied with a playful smile.
Xiao Yu tried not to laugh but failed to hide her grin.
"And you, Xiao Yu! I don't know what's going through that little head of yours. You had a chance last year but wasted it. Now this year's students are even stronger! You'll have a harder time getting in!"
Ruo Lin poked Xiao Yu's forehead in mock irritation.
"You two are hopeless!" she muttered. Then she bit her lip and burst out angrily, "Xiao Yuan and Xiao Yan, those two brats! They took a whole year's leave thanks to me risking my reputation—and now they're nowhere to be seen! I'm so mad I could grow wrinkles!"
"Don't worry, Tutor Ruo Lin. Big Brother Xiao Yan will definitely be here."
"Yes! Xiao Yuan will make it too!"
The two girls quickly jumped to reassure her.
"Hmph. Even if they show up, what then? They've missed two years of academy training. Can they really be stronger than students shaped by our rigorous system?"
Ruo Lin rolled her eyes but sighed helplessly. "To qualify, they'll need at least Da Dou Shi strength. This year's Baishan and Hu Jia won't be easy to beat."
"Back then, even Xiao Yuan reached that level as a mere Dou Shi…"
Xiao Yu trailed off with a sly smile.
Ruo Lin's face flushed slightly.
Just recalling Xiao Yuan's cold hand on her back during that fight made her shudder. That boy's strength had been terrifying—if he really arrived on time, he might just claim the top spot in the tournament.
"Fine, I give up. If they don't show this time, I'm crossing them off the registry. These two are giving me grey hair!"
But the two girls knew she had already relented.
"Thank you, Tutor Ruo Lin~!"
They each clung to one of her arms, laughing sweetly.
Meanwhile, a white and a black figure sprinted across the plains. After an intense dash, a small black dot appeared on the horizon. As they approached, white tents gradually came into view—it was a small settlement.
They slowed down and exchanged glances, nodded, then shot forward like lightning toward the encampment.
Two or three minutes later, they reached the gates. As they walked forward, Xiao Yan suddenly halted. His expression shifted—an arrow had shot straight at him!
But Xiao Yuan was faster. With a swirl of icy black mist, he caught the arrow barehanded, spun, and hurled it back like a hammer throw.
Whoosh!
The arrow screamed through the air—faster than before—and then—
Thud!
A scream pierced the sky.
"If you want to die, just say so. No need to be subtle."
Xiao Yuan's voice was icy.
"Who the hell are you two? Don't you know the rule about paying road tolls a hundred meters before entering?"
A man leapt onto the barricade, eyebrows rising when he heard Xiao Yuan's words. Then a strange gleam flashed in his eyes.
Xiao Yan frowned. Road tolls?
Before he could respond, Xiao Yuan delivered a masterclass in adapting to the environment.
"If your tolls are arrows, you better wash your necks and wait for death."
The man and Xiao Yan both froze.
Then they realized—Xiao Yuan meant they should be paying him!
"What a fool…"
The man sneered, preparing to taunt—but then noticed the white-robed youth had vanished.
Where was he?
A chill ran down his spine.
Too late.
A white shadow appeared behind him. A black ice spike pierced through his back, the cold spreading through his entire body.
Impossible.
His thoughts ended as darkness took him.
"You make me come collect the toll myself?"
Xiao Yuan sneered, pulling off the man's storage ring and rummaging through it.
Three nearby thugs trembled, clutching their weapons.
"You three—his friends? Want to hand over your tolls, or should I come take them?"
He pointed to the man he'd just iced, and the one he'd pinned to a post earlier.
"N-no! We—we're sorry!"
They dropped to their knees instantly.
"First arrogant, now groveling. Laughable."
Xiao Yuan snapped his fingers. Black mist surged—and the three froze into ice statues.
"Brother…"
Xiao Yan looked at the statues, wanting to say something, but fell silent.
"They tried to attack when I was collecting tolls. Amateur tricks. Just look at their posture—they were ready to strike."
Xiao Yuan motioned toward the grip marks on their hands—clear signs they'd been preparing for ambush.
Smash!
He shattered the statues and summoned their rings. A quick search left him disappointed.
"All this loot can't even buy a single fourth-tier herb. And they call themselves bandits?"
"They're just Dou Shi. Can't expect much."
Xiao Yan shrugged.
"Let's go. Time to buy a map and resupply."
They headed into the settlement's main street.
Tents lined both sides, with various oddities on display. People roamed with weapons in hand. Some stared at the brothers—but quickly looked away, clearly afraid.
Only after their silhouettes vanished did the onlookers dare to speak again.
"Damn, that white-robed kid's ruthless. Fast, clean kills. Those fools messed with a real local."
Meanwhile, Xiao Yuan and Xiao Yan searched the short streets and soon realized—no one sold maps.
"They're hiding them," Xiao Yuan muttered. "Maybe we should… interrogate someone?"
Xiao Yan had clearly caught the local vibe.
Before Xiao Yuan could answer, a plump man appeared with a friendly grin.
"Gentlemen, looking for a map? I saw you asking around."
"You have one?" Xiao Yan asked warily.
"I'm a merchant on the Black Plain. Of course I carry the best maps," the man smiled.
"Price?" Xiao Yuan asked bluntly.
"Heh, even with a map, Black Plains are hard to cross. Black storms can blot out the sky. Only those with experience can navigate them. You two look new—probably don't know how to survive one."
He continued, "I won't lie—I saw your strength. I want to hire you as escorts. If you're headed into the Black-Corner Region, travel with us. In exchange, you protect us if trouble arises. Fair trade, right?"
Xiao Yan frowned. "Master, is he telling the truth?"
Yao Lao confirmed it.
Xiao Yan nodded to Xiao Yuan.
"Heh, sharp eyes. But you should know—we're not exactly good people. If you lie, you're not leaving this plain."
Xiao Yuan's voice was calm—but the merchant paled and shivered.
"Of course, of course! I'm Duoma. May I ask for your names?"
"White Robe."
"Black Cloak."
(END CHAPTER)
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