On the way to the Central Plains, they would pass through the Black-Corner Region.
Since he had been out for a while and the Academy elders were very concerned about him, Lin Xiu took the opportunity to return to the Academy.
When the elders learned of his return, they were all very excited and gathered as many as they could.
Hu Gan, as the Deputy Headmaster, also came.
He had originally planned to share with Lin Xiu his newfound insights and that he was on the verge of breaking through to Dou Ancestor.
However, upon seeing that Lin Xiu had already reached Dou Ancestor, the old man's smile froze on his face.
The other elders were also astonished by Lin Xiu's rapid cultivation progress.
But they didn't press him for details. Over the years, Lin Xiu had accomplished so many miracles at the Academy that they had become accustomed to it. As long as Lin Xiu continued to treat the Academy well, nothing else mattered.
Among the crowd, Su Qian wanted to pass the position of Grand Elder to Lin Xiu.
Despite Lin Xiu's young age and relatively limited experience compared to the elders who were in their fifties, no elder voiced any objections.
After all, Lin Xiu had done a lot, whether it was dealing with the Qi Method Tower crisis in the inner court or suppressing Han Feng and others in the Black-Corner Region.
However, Lin Xiu declined Su Qian's offer.
Staying at the Academy was indeed a good option, but he knew the future and understood that being a mere Dou Ancestor was not enough to rest easy at this point.
Upon learning of his plans to go to the Central Plains for training, the elders were somewhat alarmed and advised him to stay safe.
After the casual conversation, Lin Xiu took the opportunity to inquire if the Academy had any solutions for the Woeful Poison Body.
Su Qian shook his head with a troubled expression.
Later, Lin Xiu checked in with Lin Dun and others to gather information.
He learned that Xiao Yan had recently appeared in the Black-Corner Region, where he seemed to have a powerful ally. Demon Flame Valley had provoked them and was completely destroyed as a result.
Xiao Yan did not return to the Academy, so there were no specific updates on his whereabouts.
Additionally, Han Yue had left the Academy, apparently to handle some family matters. She had sent word to Lin Xiu that he could visit her in Tianbei City, Central Plains, if he had the time.
Lin Xiu noted down the location.
If he remembered correctly, the Han family in Tianbei City had encountered trouble before, which Xiao Yan had helped resolve.
Given his previous interactions and the support he received from Senior Sister Han Yue, he would look for an opportunity to offer assistance.
Without staying at the Academy for long, Lin Xiu left for Feng City, where Yun Yun and the others were staying.
After entering the city, Lin Xiu casually chose a restaurant. Whether it was Xiao Yi Xian, Yun Yun, or Nalan Yanran, none of them were short on money, so the restaurant's environment was naturally excellent.
As soon as Lin Xiu arrived outside the restaurant, he was greeted by a lively scene.
Many people had surrounded the restaurant, and various discussions were flying around.
"If the Black Emperor Pavilion's young master has taken an interest in those women, they're likely in great danger if they don't have some background or strength."
"Who can blame them? Those women are indeed beautiful. If I could be with them, I'd be willing to live forty years less."
"You might as well say that in your dreams. Given their looks and demeanor, if news of them spread, other factions would have shown up."
"I think you're wrong. There's one thing you're overlooking. This is Feng City. Do you know whose territory Feng City is?"
"How laughable. Do you think Han Feng can be compared to the Black Emperor Pavilion's young master? The Black Emperor Pavilion's status in the Black-Corner Region is on par with Demon Flame Valley, with many Dou Ancestors within. Even Su Qian from Jia Nan Academy would have to be cautious."
"By the way, have you heard that Demon Flame Valley was destroyed?"
At this moment, someone squeezed in from behind. The people in front immediately showed displeasure and turned to look back angrily.
However, when they saw who was coming, they fell silent.
Faced with the gazes of many, Lin Xiu remained expressionless and walked forward slowly. The crowd parted to make way for him.
"Stop! The restaurant has been booked by the young master, and no one is allowed inside."
At the entrance, two middle-aged men extended their hands. Seeing Lin Xiu continue forward, they unleashed their Dou Emperor aura.
The surrounding crowd was startled, gasps and murmurs spreading as they quickly moved back.
A large space quickly opened up behind Lin Xiu.
He slowly looked up at the two men and pointed to himself. "Don't you recognize me?"
"I don't care who you are…"
The man's face turned fierce, but before he could finish his sentence, he let out a scream and was thrown backward.
"You dare to make a move?! Seeking death!"
The other man was momentarily stunned, then used his Dou Qi to strike at Lin Xiu with a clenched fist. The air around his fist slightly twisted.
The crowd watched Lin Xiu, who remained completely unaffected, and their hearts tensed.
Against a Dou Emperor, you should at least take it seriously… even though you've defeated the peak Dou Emperor Han Feng before.
Smack!
Lin Xiu casually raised his hand and caught the man's fist. The man's eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at him.
It was as if he were trapped by a Magic Beast. The man pulled hard a couple of times, but couldn't move.
Lin Xiu only exerted a slight amount of force, causing a cracking sound, and the man knelt down in pain.
Seeing this, the surrounding crowd gasped.
"Elder Lin seems even stronger now."
"He's truly a genius. It hasn't been many years, how can his strength improve so quickly?"
Footsteps sounded in the restaurant, and soon a man in white walked to the center of the hall and looked towards the door.
Seeing the man kneeling in front of Lin Xiu, the man in white's expression darkened.
"Sir, do I have a grudge with you?"
The man in white scanned the situation of his subordinates and asked calmly.
"Lin Xiu."
Hearing the commotion, Yun Yun and the others ran downstairs and hurried to his side.
"You know each other?"
The man in white was momentarily stunned, then quickly reacted with a slight smile. "I think you might have misunderstood. I just happened to see a few ladies and wanted to invite them to visit Feng City with me, with no other intentions."
"They don't want to go."
Lin Xiu directly rejected him.
"You can't speak for them."
The man in white still maintained his smile.
"Lin Xiu's words are my thoughts."
Yun Yun spoke, causing the man's smile to freeze.
Nalan Yanran and Xiao Yi Xian didn't speak, but their actions showed their stance.
The man in white wanted to say something, but was suddenly tugged at the sleeve. He looked over.
"Master, he's Lin Xiu!"
The man lowered his voice and glanced at Lin Xiu with some apprehension.
"Lin Xiu? The Elder Lin from Jia Nan Academy?"
The man in white frowned and thought for a moment, surprised to encounter him in such a situation. Before leaving, his father had warned him not to provoke Lin Xiu lightly.
"My apologies for not recognizing you, Elder Lin."
The man in white cupped his fists in a respectful gesture.
Lin Xiu remained indifferent. "Next time, keep your eyes open."
With that, he waved to the women and turned to leave.
"Elder Lin, please stay a moment."
The man in white extended his right hand. Facing Lin Xiu, who had turned back, he forced a smile. "I've heard that Elder Lin defeated Han Feng, who was at the Half-step Dou Ancestor level, with a 1 Star Dou Emperor's strength. May I ask for your guidance today?"
"Do you want me to give you pointers?"
Lin Xiu's lips curled into a smile as he released his aura, instantly exuding the presence of a Dou Ancestor.
The man in white turned pale, feeling as though a massive stone was pressing on his chest, making it difficult to breathe.
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