The giant lion slammed into Bai Cheng with the force of a tsunami, like a hammer crushing his body. He was sent flying, blood gushing from his mouth, and the long spear in his hand was knocked away.
With a loud bang, Bai Cheng hit the ground hard, sending clouds of dust swirling around him.
By sheer coincidence—or misfortune—the long spear landed right in front of the senior student who had earlier threatened Xiao Jietian, grazing him in the crotch before lodging into the ground with a slight tremor.
"Pengpeng! Are you alright?" his friend asked, grabbing his shoulder. The man collapsed to the ground, gasping.
He reached down, a look of relief washing over his face. Despite the wetness and lingering unpleasant smell, the most important parts were intact. Otherwise… well, some things in this world had no easy remedies.
As the dust cleared, Bai Cheng lay in the centre of the Arena, panting like a leaky bellows, blood seeping with every breath. Terror filled his eyes. He had thought a new student would be easy to intimidate, never imagining there was a Dou King among the newcomers.
He attempted to rise, but every muscle refused to obey. His body felt shattered. Eventually, he gave up and remained prone on the ground.
"Boss!"
Core members of the Bai Gang rushed forward, shoving healing elixirs into his mouth as if they were free gifts.
"Cousin…"
Bang!
Bai Shan strode onto the Arena. Before he could act, Xiao Jietian's hand shot out, slapping him with precision. Bai Shan flew through the air, teeth scattering, face twisted in pain.
"I told you I'd hit you every time I saw you, yet you insist on appearing," Xiao Jietian said lightly.
Nearby senior students shivered, covering their faces instinctively, as if they could feel Bai Shan's suffering.
"Too brutal… too terrifying," one muttered.
"I hope he doesn't slap me for merely watching. I heard that when entire families are annihilated, even passing dogs get a taste of his hand."
A senior who liked gossip explained the history between the gangs, highlighting how Bai Shan had been the troublemaker. Many senior students glanced at him now, lying on the ground like a dead dog, full of contempt.
"I'll give you one day to disband the Bai Gang. Fail that, and I'll continue to visit and 'discuss' your resistance to beatings."
Having left his warning, Xiao Jietian retracted his golden wings and returned to Pan Gate headquarters, landing gracefully before Xun'er.
"Tian Ge, you're amazing!" Xun'er linked her arm with his, her eyes sparkling.
"Tian Ge, I can't keep up with you, but I'll try my best!" Xiao Yan added, brimming with determination.
"Ha! Pan Gate is now the strongest force! No stray cat or dog will dare step on us again!" Hu Jia exclaimed, fists clenched in excitement. Other Pan Gate members were equally elated.
Meanwhile, other new students who hadn't joined Pan Gate slumped in dejection, heads bowed.
Xiao Jietian, surrounded by his followers, slowly exited the Arena, his aura leaving the onlookers in awe.
"Phew… the Inner Academy finally has a monster. I wonder how he compares to the Barbarian Strength King," a burly man remarked.
The others shivered. Even the young man in green fixed him with a wary glance.
"Cough… although I've sparred with Senior Sister Zi Yan, you all know the situation. I didn't even touch her true strength before…" he coughed again. "But Xiao Jietian… he is on par with her. A high-level Dou King."
The crowd fell silent. Han Yue had expected Xiao Jietian to be stronger than Bai Cheng, but not to such a vast degree.
Back at Pan Gate headquarters, Xiao Jietian and his team arranged everything before holding a victory banquet, the room filled with laughter and joy.
In a secluded study, an old man reported the battle to another, a white-haired figure dressed in black robes seated behind a desk.
"You can pay him some special attention. Don't meddle in other matters," the elder said coldly, eyes sharp as blades.
"Boundless Heaven Hall… Xiao Jietian. Why send such a talent here?" the other asked, concerned about the sudden appearance of this force. Rumour spoke of Dou Zong within, yet Boundless Heaven Hall seemed to be sending friendly signals.
"I hope we are not enemies. Alas… troubling times indeed," the elder mused, staring straight ahead as if he could peer through the Heavenly Flame Training Pagoda itself.
The next day, the sun hung high.
Xiao Jietian awoke from his drunken stupor. Although capable of drinking, he had been no match for a relay battle with over forty people. His last memory was being carried back to his room by Xun'er like a dead weight.
Looking around, he saw Xun'er quietly cultivating in a chair. Her methods were unusual—purifying her bloodline and absorbing its power.
"Tian Ge, you're finally awake," she said, rising to help him sit.
"Have you been taking care of me this whole time?"
Xiao Jietian stroked her head, smiling.
Xun'er nodded. "Wash up first. Food is ready. You're hungover, so eat something."
After freshening up, Xiao Jietian found a feast awaiting him. Xun'er sat obediently beside him.
Pulling her into his arms, he teased, "Since you took care of me last night, Young Miss Xun'er, I shall serve you."
Xun'er's face flushed. Here they were alone, and it wasn't their first meal like this.
"Tian Ge… you repay kindness with enmity, always bullying me," she pouted.
Xiao Jietian chuckled, feeding her a milky dessert. They ate together, bite by bite, even sharing some mouth-to-mouth moments.
"So sweet," he murmured, taking the last pastry. Xun'er's hand paused mid-wipe, her already rosy face deepening in colour.
"I need to help Cousin Xiao Yu and the others manage Pan Gate. So many want to join now," she said, collecting the tableware and fleeing the room.
"Good. Reject those with poor character. Fewer, but higher quality," Xiao Jietian called after her.
With Bai Gang territories under their control, Pan Gate flourished. Xiao Yan, under Xiao Jietian's guidance, began refining medicines day and night. Though he soon realised the extent of his enslavement, he could only endure.
Xiao Jietian provided the formulas:
Fury Pill: boosts strength, but leaves half a day of weakness.
Meteor Pill: increases movement speed.
Clear Fire Pill: resists fire poison, allowing an extra half-day of cultivation.
The last was to be their main seller.
Glancing at the system's previously rewarded items, Xiao Jietian began planning his next moves. After sending a message via the message stone, he headed towards the bathhouse.