Chapter 34

In Vice Dean Hu Qian's office, Mentor Ruolin placed some of Xiao Yan's records on the desk.

"Oh? Eight Star Dou Zhe?" Hu Qian was also surprised upon seeing Xiao Yan's student profile.

He knew his granddaughter was the same age as Xiao Yan, yet even with his guidance, she was only now a Six Star Dou Zhe.

After reaching High-Level Dou Zhe, one can use Elixirs to assist Cultivation, greatly accelerating progress—but to reach Eight Star Dou Zhe at such a young age is exceedingly rare.

Mentor Ruolin nodded seriously and continued: "Yes, and this student named Xiao Yan has exceptional combat power. During enrollment, he clashed with a group of One-Year Students and swept away over a dozen students ranging from One-Star to Four-Star Dou Zhe with a single strike."

"Huh?!"

Vice Dean Hu Qian's eyes sharpened slightly. To sweep away a dozen Low-Level Dou Zhe with one strike required the strength of a Dou Shi—and only someone who had mastered a Mystic Rank Dou Ji to a minor degree could achieve this.

"At sixteen, to possess such strength—this talent is truly outstanding."

Even the Vice Dean said this; one could imagine how unbelievable Xiao Yan's power truly was.

Vice Dean Hu Qian stroked his beard and smiled: "He'll likely pass the Inner Court Selection Exam after just one year of cultivation and enter the Inner Court. Haha—it hasn't happened in a long time for a One-Year Student to enter the Inner Court."

Jia Nan Academy is divided into Inner and Outer Courts; only when a New Student reaches the Dou Shi level may they enter the annual Inner Court Selection Exam, and only the top fifty who pass gain entry to the Inner Court.

The Inner Court and Outer Court are entirely two different worlds. Frankly speaking, the Outer Court of Jia Nan Academy is merely a place for learning—or even just a Transaction hub—where all resources must be earned by students through tasks to gain Credits.

Only those who enter the Inner Court become the Academy's true Core Disciples and receive institutional support.

"But… that child made a request," Mentor Ruolin said with a hint of embarrassment. After all, though Xiao Yan was a genius, making demands right after enrollment was somewhat inappropriate.

Vice Dean Hu Qian raised an eyebrow, chuckled helplessly, and shook his head: "Really, making demands right after enrollment—today's kids. What's his request?"

"Xiao Yan wants to enter the Heavenly Flame Qi Refining Tower to experience it."

Vice Dean Hu Qian stroked his beard, thought deeply, and actually nodded in agreement: "It's reasonable. With his talent and strength, nothing in the Outer Court could interest him. He's right to want to know whether the Inner Court's Cultivation methods and resources suit him."

Vice Dean Hu Qian didn't think Xiao Yan's request excessive; after all, only the Heavenly Flame Qi Refining Tower in the Inner Court could possibly attract someone of Xiao Yan's caliber.

"So… you're agreeing?!" Mentor Ruolin had not dared hope much—though Xiao Yan was a genius, they couldn't break Academy rules just for him.

Vice Dean Hu Qian's eyes gleamed with a knowing smile: "The Heavenly Flame Qi Refining Tower is an Inner Court resource. No matter how talented he is, I cannot break the rules for him."

"However, it is indeed our Academy's oversight that New Students cannot take the Inner Court Selection Exam immediately upon enrollment."

Mentor Ruolin frowned slightly and asked softly: "Are you implying…?"

"If Xiao Yan can prove he truly qualifies for the Inner Court, then we'll honor his request," Vice Dean Hu Qian said, like a cunning fox.

Mentor Ruolin sighed inwardly—old ginger is indeed the spiciest, old foxes are the most cunning; Xiao Yan won't have an easy time of it.

The next morning, after introducing all basic Outer Court details, Mentor Ruolin instructed everyone to accept Outer Court tasks according to their own cultivation levels to earn Credits.

"Xiao Yan, come here for a moment."

"What is it, Mentor Ruolin?" Xiao Yan already suspected what it was about.

Mentor Ruolin brushed aside a strand of dark hair falling over her forehead and said coolly: "Vice Dean has agreed to let you experience the Heavenly Flame Qi Refining Tower ahead of time—but he has a condition."

Xiao Yan wasn't surprised at all—he knew saying it casually wouldn't let him break the rules.

"Tell me, Mentor."

"If you can defeat a student from the Mystic Class, the Vice Dean will grant your request and allow you to enter the Inner Court early to experience the Heavenly Flame Qi Refining Tower."

Xiao Yan's class was the Yellow Class; the Mystic Class was also called the Re-Exam Class—students who had previously taken the Inner Court Selection Exam but failed, preparing again to enter the Inner Court.

Every student promoted to the Mystic Class was a Dou Shi, mostly Four-Star or higher, and nearly all were Three-Year Students—since Three-Year Students in the Yellow Class who failed the exam graduated directly, with no chance to enter the Mystic Class.

Mystic Class students not only had higher cultivation, but were seasoned veterans who had taken the Inner Court Selection Exam before, having spent two years in the Outer Court, thoroughly skilled in their Cultivation Methods and Dou Techniques.

Most Mystic Class students would pass the next exam and enter the Inner Court, hence they were also called Inner Court Reserve Students.

Xiao Yan smiled calmly and nodded without hesitation: "No problem. You choose the opponent."

Seeing Xiao Yan's expressionless face, Mentor Ruolin felt he was mocking her: "Little genius, let me warn you—the entire Mystic Class are Dou Shi, all starting at Four-Star High-Level Dou Shi. You're essentially challenging across a whole rank."

"I know."

"And the gap between Dou Shi and Dou Zhe isn't like that between High-Level and Low-Level Dou Zhe—Dou Shi can form Dou Qi Armor to protect themselves, weakening the power of any Dou Technique."

"I know."

"You! Fine, I'll pick someone tough so you'll learn your lesson!" Mentor Ruolin was thoroughly irritated—could he not just show a little humility?!

After Mentor Ruolin stormed off, Xun Er walked up to Xiao Yan and asked: "What happened, Brother Xiao Yan?"

"Nothing. To enter the Heavenly Flame Qi Refining Tower, I need to defeat a High-Level Dou Shi," Xiao Yan shrugged. He had to enter the tower—no matter what, he had to accept this challenge.

Soon, the sun had set, and the outer courtyard's Guang Chang was bathed in a pale red glow, as if draped in a thin crimson carpet.

This was a relatively secluded dueling ground in the Outer Court; the Academy had many such grounds for students to resolve disputes.

A cool breeze swept across the Guang Chang, sending a chill through Xiao Yan as he stood there.

Xun Er, Xiao Yu, and Mentor Ruolin watched from the side; besides them, some onlookers had gathered, drawn by the duel, sitting nearby to watch and gossip.

Under the watchful eyes of all, Xiao Yan smiled faintly and bowed to a young man in the center of the arena: "Please go easy on me, Senior Brother."

Lü Xing smirked at Xiao Yan and said: "Though I don't usually bully New Students, since the Academy has assigned this task, I'll have to do it reluctantly."

To ensure fairness, the Vice Dean had not assigned a specific opponent; instead, he issued an Outer Court task—anyone who accepted it would be Xiao Yan's challenger.

"That guy's always like this—never learns to hold back, always seeking trouble! Lü Xing is a Six Star Dou Shi, and he's only an Eight Star Dou Zhe—how can he possibly win?!" Xiao Yu stamped her foot in frustration, though a flicker of helpless worry passed through her eyes.