Xiao Jietian gazed at the bracelet, the one he had given Xun'er before. He hadn't expected her to still wear it. He replaced his old bracelet with a new one.
Xun'er carefully took the Tranquil Jade Marrow bracelet from his hand, placed it in a jade box, and stored it in her ring.
"This is the first bracelet Tian Ge gave me. You can't take it back."
Xiao Jietian chuckled at her serious expression. He hadn't realized she valued it so much, which warmed his heart.
"Alright, I won't take it back," he said, smiling and pinching her cheek. "This bracelet is called 'Light of the Spirit Soul.' The cyan beads are made from 'Earth Soul Marrow.'"
Xun'er felt the energy within it, recognizing it as Xiao Jietian's protection and care.
"Tian Ge, thank you. You're so good to me," she said with deep affection.
"Silly girl, as long as you like it. You're the most important to me," he replied, stroking her head.
"Stop being so mushy. The love smell has filled the Hidden Book Pavilion," Cousin Xiao Yu interjected with a hint of envy.
Xun'er hid behind Xiao Jietian, embarrassed.
"There's not much time, so I chose this one," Xiao Yu said, holding a water-attribute Mysterious High-Rank Combat Skill scroll.
"Satisfied with that? If you saw this one," Xiao Jietian said, giving her a blue scroll, "you'd be ecstatic." He had imbued it with power to prevent the light cluster from escaping.
Xiao Yu carefully examined it and saw the words: Earth-Rank Low-Grade: Tidal Shockwave Slash. Her eyes widened with excitement.
"Earth-Rank Dou Technique, water-attribute!" she exclaimed, hugging Xiao Jietian in thrill.
"Alright, see how happy you are. There's more to come," he said gently. Seeing Xun'er behind him, Xiao Yu quickly stepped back.
"Xun'er, I was just excited; please don't misunderstand."
"It's alright, I understand," Xun'er said softly.
Xiao Yan appeared. "Have you all chosen?"
"Yes, we were waiting for you. Did you find what you needed?" Xiao Jietian asked.
Xiao Yan held the Lion-Tiger Shattering Gold Roar, a Mysterious High-Rank soundwave Dou Technique. Having consumed the Yin-Yang Mysterious Dragon Pill, the trace of dragon qi in his body would enhance its power.
Hu Jia, standing quietly, had also found her desired item.
"One hour has passed," an old voice announced, and the doors of the hall opened. The five stepped out, feeling the warmth of the sun and admiring the valley.
A strange fluctuation swept over them, a check to ensure no extra items were taken.
"Let's go. Everything here must not be disclosed," Hu Gan instructed.
They all agreed. Seeing them nod, Hu Gan breathed a sigh of relief.
He advised them about the Inner Academy: strength mattered above all. They should stick together, or they would be bullied. The five nodded, though Hu Jia seemed unconcerned.
"You may go now," he said. Xiao Jietian and the others bowed and left. Hu Gan observed Xiao Jietian, sensing he would be the biggest variable in this batch.
...
Two days passed quietly. Xiao Jietian broke through to an Eight-Star Dou Wang. He gifted Little Fairy Doctor the Netherworld Poison Flame, well-suited to her and accelerating her growth. Proper packaging made the gift feel sincere, moving her deeply.
In a dense forest in the Outer Academy, Xiao Jietian trained with Xun'er. She practiced the Void Piercer Art, a spatial technique, and reached twenty meters in two days. Her talent was remarkable.
"Tian Ge taught me well," she said softly, her aloof demeanor replaced by gentleness in private.
At a Seven-Star Da Dou Shi temporarily, Xun'er would later awaken her bloodline and reach peak Dou Wang within a year.
Xiao Jietian wiped her sweat and said, "Take a break. Today's practice ends. Today is the day to enter the Inner Academy." She sat cross-legged, recovering her Dou Qi.
He carried her in a princess carry, ignoring her protests until she finally received two kisses. They arrived outside Hu Gan's study, where Xiao Yan and Xiao Yu were already waiting.
Bai Shan's face turned grim at seeing Xiao Jietian holding Xun'er's hand, jealousy burning within him.
"You'll see in the Inner Academy. Strength isn't everything—connections matter more in the world."