At dawn the next morning, when the sky was just turning pale, the designated enrollment plaza of Utan City had already erupted with excitement.
More than a dozen massive flying magical beasts stood in the plaza, each with a specially built wooden cabin secured to its back.
Canaan Academy was located deep within the Black-Corner Region, a place ordinary Dou Qi novices—or even Dou Fighter–level youths—could never reach on foot. Because of this, the academy prepared these flying beasts every year to transport new students safely.
Crowds packed the outer edges of the plaza, watching this rare and spectacular sight.
Because of Xiao Yixian and Xiao Se's special circumstances, Xiao Se, Xiao Yixian, and the little cat-girl were assigned their own flying beast. And thanks to Xiao Se, Xiao Yu was also placed on the same beast.
However… what was originally supposed to be four people had unexpectedly become five.
The newcomer was Xiao Xun'er.
"Miss Xun'er?"
Standing beside the flying beast, watching Xun'er walk into the wooden cabin hand in hand with Xiao Yu, Xiao Se froze in surprise.
"Cousin Xiao Se, we meet again."
Compared to a year ago, the once-slender and fragile figure now seemed more mature. Xun'er's beautiful eyes shimmered faintly with tears as she raised her delicate hand and smiled at him.
"…Mm."
Xiao Se nodded slowly. He wasn't sure why — the last time they met, he hadn't felt anything unusual. But now, seeing her again, a strange tremor flickered across his heart.
"Hey, little pervert, Xun'er broke through to the eighth stage of Dou Qi yesterday. She passed the entrance test right before the deadline."
Xiao Yu, oblivious to the subtle tension between Xiao Se and Xun'er, dragged Xun'er over with her usual blunt energy.
"Congratulations."
Xiao Se didn't dwell on his odd reaction. He gave a simple nod, then turned and leaped onto the flying beast with Xiao Yixian and the little cat-girl.
"Let's go too."
Xiao Yu chuckled, pulled Xun'er along, and jumped onto the beast as well.
Inside the cabin, there were no separate rooms — just four beds and a small table with chairs by the window.
Once everyone arranged their bedding, Xiao Se, Xiao Yixian, Zhu Zhuqing, Xiao Yu, and Xun'er sat around the table.
"Xun'er, let me introduce you," Xiao Yu said with a grin. "These two are Xiao Se's friends — Xiao Yixian and Zhu Zhuqing. Don't be fooled by their age; both of them are incredibly strong. Zhuqing here is only twelve but already at nine-stage Dou Qi. Then there's Xiao Yixian — she's a total monster. You might not believe it, but she's actually a Dou Huang.
"And Xiao Se—yeah, the same guy who used to be totally ignored in the clan. Turns out he's the real number-one genius. He's already a five-star Dou Ling now! Oh, and he's also an alchemist!"
As she spoke, Xiao Yu shot quick glances at Xiao Yixian, Zhu Zhuqing, and Xiao Se.
Since Xiao Se hadn't hidden his strength during registration, she didn't need to hide anything either.
"You're all amazing!"
Hearing the introduction, Xun'er couldn't help but praise them sincerely.
It wasn't flattery — she meant every word. Forget the nearly impossible fifteen-year-old Dou Huang Xiao Yixian and the fourteen-year-old Dou Ling Xiao Se. Even Zhu Zhuqing, twelve years old with nine-stage Dou Qi, had already surpassed the famed Young Sect Master of the Misty Cloud Sect, Nalan Yanran.
"Miss Xun'er, there's no need to be so formal," Xiao Yixian said calmly. "You're Xiao Se's clan sister. Just call me Xiao Yixian."
"Zhuqing."
True to her frosty temperament, Zhu Zhuqing gave only a short reply.
Xun'er smiled softly. "Then all of you should just call me Xun'er too, just like Cousin Xiao Yu does."
Her gaze drifted, shimmering slightly, and she turned her bright eyes toward Xiao Se. "And that includes you, Cousin Xiao Se."
Xiao Se, Xiao Yixian, and Zhu Zhuqing exchanged glances — then nodded at the same time.
The five of them continued chatting until they finally felt the massive wings of the flying beast begin to move. Wind-attribute energy swirled beneath it, lifting its enormous body into the sky.
Under the beast tamer's control, and with a sharp cry, the beast shot upward, heading swiftly toward Canaan Academy.
"Zhuqing," Xiao Se said, "Canaan Academy is deep in the Black-Corner Region. Even with this giant-winged bird, the trip will take at least a month. Use this time to break through to Dou Fighter."
He took out a dark-green jade box from his storage ring and handed it to her. "This is Gathering Qi Powder — it will guarantee your breakthrough."
"Mm."
Zhu Zhuqing accepted it and immediately sat cross-legged on her bed. With a wave of his hand, Xiao Se enveloped her in a vast protective barrier. Even if something happened to the flying beast, nothing would disturb her cultivation.
Seeing Zhu Zhuqing suddenly vanish from sight, Xiao Yu blinked in confusion. "Where did she go?"
"Breaking through requires absolute focus," Xiao Se explained. "I set up a barrier to hide her presence and protect her until she finishes."
"Ohhhh." Xiao Yu nodded in realization.
Night fell.
After finishing his daily cultivation, Xiao Se glanced toward another distant flying beast where Ling Ying was concealed. His brows furrowed slightly. Then he looked at Xiao Yixian, Zhu Zhuqing, and Xiao Yu — all still cultivating — and a faint smile crossed his face.
Silently, he stepped outside.
At the far end of the corridor, a graceful silhouette stood poised against the railing. A gentle breeze swept past, lifting three thousand strands of silky dark hair. Her dress swayed with the wind, outlining flawless curves beneath the moonlight.
Bathed in silver light, she looked ethereal — almost otherworldly.
There was no denying it: Xun'er was breathtaking. If the Xiao Clan hadn't turned her away back then, he absolutely would have taken the chance to pursue her. Unfortunately, life didn't deal in "ifs."
Hearing the soft footsteps, Xun'er turned her head. The moment she saw who it was, joy shone instantly in her eyes. She stiffened slightly, suppressing her excitement, and greeted him with a small, gentle smile.
"Cousin Xiao Se?"
"Ahem."
Xiao Se cleared his throat, stepped forward, and spoke softly. "Miss Xun'er, it's late. Why aren't you asleep yet?"
"Cousin Xiao Se isn't asleep either."
Xun'er puffed her cheeks slightly. Her toes tapped lightly on the wooden floor as her body spun gracefully through the air like a dancing butterfly. She landed right in front of him, lips pouting in gentle complaint.
"Didn't you say you would call me Xun'er?"
Xiao Se's mouth twitched. He quickly diverted the conversation. "Uh… Xun'er—little Xun'er—why did you suddenly decide to enroll at Canaan Academy?"
According to his memories, she wasn't supposed to join the academy until two years later.
(End of Chapter)
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