Chapter 217

Xiao Yu, Xiao Mei, and other Xiao Clan members standing nearby also never expected that the usually reserved and calm girl would boldly embrace Xiao Yan in public, nor did they anticipate Xiao Yan would dare to make such a move—every one of them stared in stunned disbelief.

Caught off guard by Xiao Yan's sudden assault, Xun Er could only let out a soft whimper; her slender hand tapped lightly against his chest, but it was weak and feeble, lacking any force whatsoever.

Forced into a kiss, Xun Er's snow-white cheeks flushed with a faint blush; finally, she slowly closed her eyes, her beautiful eyes trembling from nervousness and anxiety.

Her tightly shut teeth slightly parted, allowing his dominant invasion to enter; the two clung tightly together, releasing the fiery passion within their hearts.

"Xiao Yan's cousin is too bold—right in front of everyone!" Xiao Mei gasped, covering her mouth with both hands, her eyes flickering with the curious fascination of a girl imagining herself in that scene.

Watching the passionate, oblivious pair, Xiao Yu's heart tightened, yet suddenly a strange, unpleasant feeling rose within her.

Ling Ying, watching from the shadows, broke into a cold sweat down his back—if this got back to the Gu Clan, it would be a massive disaster!

"No wonder this kid trains so desperately—he realized how extraordinary the girl's behind-the-scenes power is… but…" Ling Ying sighed inwardly; if Xiao Yan had been the Xiao Clan's Young Clan Leader thousands of years ago, no one would have dared oppose him.

But the Xiao Clan today is no longer the Xiao Clan of old.

The men who had deliberately walked past the entrance just to catch a glimpse of Xun Er finally, after their shock, all grew dark and sullen.

Finally, Xiao Yan seemed to sense the countless hostile gazes; he slowly pulled away, a thin strand of saliva stretching between them as they parted.

Looking down, he saw the girl's face inches from his, flushed crimson, her hot breath brushing against his cheeks.

Neither Xiao Yan nor Xun Er saw anything else now—only each other; their eyes reflected each other's images.

His arms wrapped tightly around her slender waist; Xiao Yan lowered his head to inhale the sweet fragrance of her dark hair. As a man, how could he retreat now?!

Any explanation pales beside this kiss.

Xiao Yan savored the scorching gazes shooting at him from all around.

"Cough." Xiao Yu cleared her throat loudly.

Xun Er startled, snapping back to reality—she realized countless eyes were fixed on them, even her ears turning bright red. Bang! She spun around and slammed the door shut with full force.

Watching Xun Er flee in panic, Xiao Yan pursed his lips, rubbed his nose, and couldn't suppress the grin spreading across his mouth. Years of arduous cultivation suddenly felt unbearably sweet.

"Hmph, big pervert."

"Cough." Xiao Yan cleared his throat, forcibly suppressing the idiotic, smug grin on his face, then turned to Xiao Yu nearby and smiled: "Oh? Isn't this my cousin Xiao Yu? It's been over a year—your legs have gotten even longer and whiter."

He scanned her up and down; he suspected it might be because she came from a Dou Emperor Family—her legs were truly more beautiful than white jade chopsticks, with just enough softness to avoid looking too thin.

Xiao Yu glared at him, scolding: "You big pervert! Is that all you can look at?!"

Xiao Yan shrugged and spread his hands: "Well, you don't have anything else worth complimenting—your cultivation realm really doesn't give me much to praise."

Xiao Yu was one year older than Xiao Yan and entered Jia Nan Academy earlier, but her cultivation talent wasn't high; even though Xiao Yan had sent Ling Ying back with many low-grade elixirs over two months ago, her cultivation remained only at Five Star Dou Shi.

In contrast, Xiao Ning, who had used Qi Gathering Powder to rapidly break through to Dou Zhe, had now caught up to Xiao Yu, also reaching Five Star Dou Shi.

Xiao Mei was the slowest—she was still only at Star Eight Dou Zhe.

Watching Xiao Mei's sluggish progress, Xiao Yan sighed helplessly. He himself had once advanced slowly—not only because the Burning Decree held him back, but more importantly, because he lacked elixirs.

Dou Zhe advance faster than Dou Li, not only because they can cultivate cultivation methods, but also because they can use elixirs.

"Xiao Mei, with all those elixirs helping you, why are you still progressing so slowly?" Xiao Yan couldn't help but scold.

"Sorry, Cousin Xiao Yan, I'll work harder."

Xiao Yan rubbed his forehead and turned to the two youths standing behind Xiao Yu: "Are you two the new Xiao Clan students who entered Jia Nan Academy this year?"

Since Xiao Yan used his alchemy to help the Xiao Clan dominate Wutan City several years ago, the resources for Wutan City disciples naturally rose; coupled with the Miter Clan's connections, the Xiao Clan no longer struggled to find even a One Grade Pill as they once did.

The quality of the clan's disciples had improved slightly—they could now at least meet Jia Nan Academy's admission standards.

"Yes, Young Clan Leader! I'm Xiao Meng; my potential rating during admission was F-class."

"Report, Young Clan Leader, I'm Xiao Yueliang; my potential rating during admission was also F-class."

This was the Xiao Clan's normal level now—once, the Xiao Clan couldn't even meet Jia Nan Academy's admission standards; now, having two F-class students is already decent.

Both were F-class, meaning they entered with only Dou Li Stage Eight—but now, after only half a year, they've both reached Two Star Dou Zhe.

It wasn't because they had exceptional talent and advanced quickly—it was because of Xiao Yan's support.

Among those elixirs were several Qi Gathering Powders; Xiao Yan had specifically instructed Xun Er in his letter: if any Xiao Clan new students this year showed strong will and diligence, give them the Qi Gathering Powder to help them break through to Dou Zhe faster.

These new students now represent the Xiao Clan's fresh strength—though another group went to Yun Lan Sect.

Xiao Yan stroked his chin, his eyes flickering: "Does Canaan City have any combat or Dou Technique training rooms? Let me see how strong you all are now."

Cultivation realm doesn't equal combat power.

Xiao Ning said: "Canaan City has a Dou Technique Hall, but it's expensive—the larger rooms cost a hundred Gold Coins per day."

Xiao Yan waved his hand dismissively, acting like a man with endless wealth: "No problem. Lead the way."

Xiao Yan, who owned half the Mitel Auction House, could never be short of Gold Coins—Ya Fei had given him a black card worth ten million Gold Coins to use as pocket money.

As Xiao Yan led Xiao Yu and the others toward the Dou Technique Hall, the heartbroken boys began revealing their vicious expressions.

"Quick, go tell Bai Shan and the Little Enchantress about this."

"When Bai Shan and the Little Enchantress hear this, they'll be furious—Xiao Yan's in for a rough time."

That day, countless young boys' dreams shattered; that day, a new faction arose—the "Eliminate Xiao Yan" Gang—whose sole goal was to destroy Xiao Yan.

Inside the Dou Technique Hall, watching Xiao Ning and the two new Xiao Clan disciples lying on the ground, Xiao Yan's brow furrowed so deeply he could have trapped flies.

In short, their combat power equaled their cultivation realm—they couldn't fight above their level like Xiao Yan. Xiao Meng and Xiao Yueliang had only recently entered Jia Nan Academy and had accumulated few Credits, so their cultivation methods and Dou Techniques were all basic clan ones, none of them impressive.

Xiao Ning was slightly better—he possessed one Arcane-Rank Low-Level Dou Technique, but he'd only trained it to minor mastery, which was average for a Five Star Dou Shi.

Xiao Yu had entered Jia Nan Academy earlier than Xiao Ning, but hadn't trained hard; her combat power was even weaker than his, and Xiao Mei was even worse—the weakest of all.

"With your current strength, passing the Inner Court Examination this year to enter the Inner Court will be difficult," Xiao Yan sighed deeply. Rebuilding the Xiao Clan's glory—this task is incredibly hard.

Students can only stay in the Outer Court for four years; if you don't enter the Inner Court within four years, you graduate. Xiao Yan is in his second year; Xiao Yu is in her third.

Only the top fifty in the annual Inner Court Examination can enter the Inner Court; the top five receive additional rewards.

When Xiao Yan first entered, he defeated a Six Star Dou Shi from the Xuan Jie Class and asked: Six Star Dou Shi is the minimum to enter the Inner Court; Nine Star Dou Shi is safe; a Great Dou Shi can compete for the top ten; the top five are usually Great Dou Shi of Three Star or higher.

"Enter the Inner Court?!"

"Young Clan Leader, we just entered this year…"

Xiao Meng and the others exchanged bitter smiles; entering the Inner Court in the second year was outright monstrous—most only entered in their fourth year. Even third-year students were already called Outer Court geniuses. Xiao Yu and the others had originally aimed to enter the Inner Court through the fourth-year examination.

Entering in the first year was beyond monstrous—it was a miracle. That's why Xiao Yan's duel with Ruolin, his Mentor, was called miraculous: he had defeated students from the Xuan Jie Class the moment he arrived.

Xiao Mei pleaded pitifully: "Yes, Cousin Xiao Yan—that little enchantress trained in the Outer Court for two years before deciding to take the Inner Court Examination this year. She's the Vice Dean's granddaughter."

Xiao Yan's expression turned grim. He swept his cold gaze over everyone and said sternly: "I don't care who anyone else is—you're Xiao Clan members. How dare you shame the Xiao Clan's prestige!"

If Xiao Xuan knew his descendants had become this cowardly, he'd probably rage out of the Heavenly Tomb and strangle this bloodline himself.

Xiao Ning stood up, wiped the grime from his face, and roared: "I understand, Young Clan Leader! As a Xiao Clan member, I will never betray your cultivation!"

Xiao Yan glanced at Xiao Ning, who spoke with righteous fervor and a forceful voice, and said coolly: "I want you in the top five."

"Huh?" Xiao Ning stared blankly. Top five? Impossible!

"You too, Xiao Yu," Xiao Yan said flatly.

"I understand. I'll just train hard," Xiao Yu shot Xiao Yan a glare, secretly annoyed.

With a hum, Xiao Yan pulled several scrolls and a collection of vials and jars from his storage ring. Instantly, a rich medicinal aroma filled the sealed hall.

Seeing these items, Xiao Ning and the others stared, transfixed.

"I won't let you enter the Inner Court with just your words. Your cultivation methods and Dou Techniques are far too weak. Here are some Arcane-Rank High-Level cultivation methods and Dou Techniques. You have only four months to switch your methods and train these techniques. During these four months, I will personally tutor each of you one-on-one, explaining the methods and techniques and aiding your cultivation."

Xiao Yan was now the leader of the Yan Alliance—his collection was naturally rich. He'd even brought out the Roaring Lion's Cry.

Since Xiao Yan had promised his Ancestor to restore the Xiao Clan's glory, it wouldn't be empty words. Though far behind the Soul Sovereign, he must at least begin cultivating his clan members.

"What are these jars and bottles?" Xiao Ning asked, staring curiously at the unfamiliar items.

"Bloodburn, Wind Mud, Rock Fluid, Water Condensate," Xiao Yan lifted each jade bottle, gently shaking them, smiling: "I brewed these from twenty-three different elemental herbs and the essence blood of three second-rank beasts of corresponding elements. If you must grade them, these qualify as Fourth-Rank Pills."

"Fourth-Rank?!" At Xiao Yan's words, everyone's hearts leapt. Their eyes gleamed with greed—this grade of pill was just casually pulled out for use!

"These substances correspond to different elements. Apply the one matching your own Qi attribute to your body—it accelerates Qi regeneration, sharpens your skin's perception of ambient energy, hastens Qi condensation, and gradually strengthens your power."

Xiao Yan smiled, his gaze hinting at mischief: "But—if you absorb them continuously without controlling it, and fail to convert them into Qi via cultivation method, or consume them with a Dou Technique..."

Xiao Ning swallowed hard, terrified: "What happens?"

"Hehehe—bang! You explode into pieces," Xiao Yan grinned.

Hearing this, everyone's faces turned instantly pale. He's serious?!

The Young Clan Leader will carry you flying—if you can't fly and fall, don't blame me.

As the sun set and night fell, Xiao Yan strolled out of the Dou Technique Hall humming a tune, hands behind his back. Xiao Yu and the others limped out, leaning on canes, their entire bodies trembling uncontrollably, eyes hollow.

At this moment, they saw Xiao Yan no longer as a living Bodhisattva—but a living Yama!

"Go back to your dorms and rest. Tomorrow morning, we continue," Xiao Yan said, smiling sweetly with devilish words.

Hearing "tomorrow again," they all wished they were dead—and this would last four months! Could they even survive?

Xiao Yan didn't care what they thought inside. He was in a good mood today.

He stepped lightly along the street. Though he'd shaken Canaan City today, few knew him personally. Everyone only knew a man named Xiao Yan had shattered countless youths' dreams—but no one knew what he looked like.

Xiao Yan ate wherever he walked; helping his clan members grow stronger had made him forget to eat.

"This is tasty. I'll buy some to take back to Xun Er," Xiao Yan packed a large bundle of skewers, happily planning to return and chat with Xun Er over wine and song.

As Xiao Yan entered a quiet, sparsely populated pavilion, a white shadow suddenly darted out in the silent night, toe-tapping a branch, gliding gracefully onto a pile of rocks nearby, blocking his path.

Slowly raising his head, Xiao Yan regarded the tall, handsome man in white.

"Leave her," the white-clad man's voice drifted out, calm and ethereal.

Instantly, Xiao Yan, like a heartless scoundrel, flashed through images of several women in his mind.

Of course, Xiao Yan knew the man meant Xun Er. After all, his actions today would inevitably draw arrogant men—otherwise, it would disrespect Xun Er's beauty.

Hearing this, Xiao Yan slowly finished his skewer, let Black Flame flicker and burn the wooden stick to ash, sucked his finger, then lifted his head slightly.

Xiao Yan's refined face, bathed in moonlight, looked especially defiant: "I'm in a good mood today. If you leave now, I'll pretend you never appeared."

Hearing Xiao Yan say he was in a good mood, Bai Shan's fury nearly burned to his scalp—he knew perfectly well why Xiao Yan was in a good mood today.

"You seek death! A weakling has no right to possess her!" Bai Shan's eyes turned icy, his face twisted with malice as he stared at Xiao Yan. Without another word, he spun his palms, summoning faint silver Qi that brewed into a bolt of lightning, striking Xiao Yan.

The lightning Qi attack surged forward—but Xiao Yan paid no attention, picking his teeth with a toothpick. The next second, Black Flame erupted, instantly swallowing Bai Shan's attack.

Seeing Xiao Yan effortlessly dispel his casual strike, Bai Shan sneered coldly: "You've got some power—but you're still not enough."

Bai Shan activated his Qi, and the glow of a Dou Technique surfaced.

But Xiao Yan merely shook his head—his Soul Force Perception had sensed someone approaching.

"Bai Shan! What are you doing?!" Ruolin's rebuke echoed from afar. This was the students' residential area—Dou Techniques were forbidden here.

Moreover, Ruolin knew Xiao Yan had returned and caused such a commotion—she'd anticipated this exact scenario and arrived early to wait nearby.

Seeing her appear, Bai Shan slowly retracted his Qi.

"Nothing. I merely wished to spar with Brother Xiao Yan," Bai Shan instantly reverted to the model student persona upon Ruolin's arrival.

He cast a cold sidelong glance at Xiao Yan beside him, then smiled faintly: "Ruolin Mentor, if Brother Xiao Yan can't even block my casual strike, how can he possibly enter the Inner Court Selection Exam? If anyone can join, people will say Jia Nan Academy's student quality is subpar."

Ruolin stood protectively beside Xiao Yan and said softly: "Bai Shan, the academy's admission policy is set by the Dean. Who enters the Inner Court Selection Exam is decided by the Mentor—not you."

Hearing this, Bai Shan's calm expression flickered slightly—he hadn't expected the gentle Ruolin to speak so sharply.

"If you're a man, don't hide behind a woman," Bai Shan breathed slowly, glancing coldly at Xiao Yan, lips curling in disdainful mockery.

Xiao Yan chuckled, straightening his posture with righteous confidence: "If you're a man, find a woman who can stand in front of you."

?????

Bai Shan and Ruolin froze, stunned—what kind of logic is that?

But... somehow, it made a little sense.

"You—!"

Xiao Yan immediately feigned a pitiful look, hiding behind Ruolin: "Ruolin Mentor, this man is bullying me. I'm so scared!"

Ruolin gave Xiao Yan a withering look, then turned to Bai Shan: "Bai Shan, this isn't your class's dormitory. If you don't return to your quarters, I'll have the Vice Dean revoke your selection eligibility this year."

Bai Shan clenched his fists, furious at Xiao Yan, who looked shameless and despicable, like a man who had long lived off others' support.

(End of Chapter)