"Thanks to you this time, Xun'er!"
Leaving the Book Collection Hall, Xiao Yu had acquired a scroll of Black Rank High-level Dou Technique in her hands.
"Xun'er, next time I see Brother Xiao Yan, I will definitely praise you~"
Xiao Mei, on the other hand, received a Fourth Grade Pill: Purple Heart Barrier Breaking Pill. As a former rival in love, she understood well whom Xun'er cared most about.
"It's to repay Xiao Family's care for me over the years."
Xun'er murmured to herself. According to her plan, she intended to establish a faction within the inner courtyard, providing a development opportunity for future Xiao Family descendants entering the inner courtyard. After arranging everything, she planned to return to her Family.
Fifty students who passed the assessment gathered in the square, where Headmaster Hu Gan was delivering a speech.
"My dear students, today marks your entry into the inner courtyard. I congratulate you all for your perseverance finally bearing fruit! I believe that upon entering the inner courtyard, you will step onto a new stage where you will gain access to more training resources!"
Hu Gan was vague, deliberately concealing some key information.
Only Xun'er knew that within the inner courtyard lay the Blazing Sky Qi Refining Tower, which accelerates cultivation. This tower formed the foundation upon which Jia Nan Academy stood in the Dou Qi Continent.
"The inner courtyard is the core area of Jia Nan Academy. Due to its secrecy, most outer courtyard students and mentors alike are unaware of its exact location. Therefore, we will transport you to a specific place." Hu Gan smiled, looking up at the distant azure sky where ten silhouettes were swiftly approaching—an astonishing sight of ten massive griffon beasts.
"Indeed, Jia Nan Academy's griffon beasts are much more majestic compared to those in the Jia Ma Empire."
Both Xiao Yu and Xiao Mei were eagerly anticipating their upcoming life in the inner courtyard.
Excitedly, the students boarded the griffon beasts.
"Letting Yu'er take the spot isn't a loss."
Lu Mu grinned foolishly. As an esteemed alchemist, he was wealthy enough not to worry too much about temporary gains or losses. Especially since the one who took his place was his admired goddess, it gave him a sense of participation.
"Losing to Xun'er, I'm happy with that."
Bai Shan held a folding fan, striking a graceful pose. In his view, with Xiao Yan out of the picture, it was only a matter of time before his talent and charm won Xun'er's heart. He smoothed his hair, adjusted his collar, grinned with his trademark gentle smile, scanned around, and was about to approach Xun'er.
"Hmm? Who is that person?"
Above the griffon beast's head, there stood a young man unfamiliar to them. Xun'er was approaching him proactively.
"Yun Tianming."
"Xiao Xun'er."
After exchanging names, they fell into a prolonged silence.
What should they talk about? There wasn't much to say, really.
They had only just met briefly. Yun Tianming kept his distance out of respect for Xun'er's influential background, while Xun'er, intrigued by his strength, held some interest in Yun Tianming. He was the first opponent she had encountered since birth who defeated her using Soul Power!
"Oh~ Bai Shan, your goddess seems to be talking to another guy."
"But hey, which class is that kid from? I don't remember."
Lu Mu glanced in Xun'er's direction and taunted Bai Shan with schadenfreude. However, in the next moment, his smile faded.
Because his goddess with her long legs also walked towards the stranger.
"Xun'er, who is this? He looks very unfamiliar."
Xiao Yu stared in surprise at Yun Tianming, who appeared impressive at first glance, greatly increasing her favor.
"Master Yun! It's really you. What are you doing here?"
The charming Xiao Mei, like a delicate little white rabbit, came running with small steps, her bright eyes full of surprise. Bold as she was, she even directly took Yun Tianming's hand.
"Huh?"
Xiao Mei's looks were quite popular among the students, and seeing her so boldly getting close to a boy broke through the defenses of many boys present.
"Master Yun? Are you Mister Yun Tianming from the Misty Cloud Sect?"
Xiao Yu widened her eyes. Although she often heard this name from Xiao Mei, it was the first time she saw the person himself. So young! He looks several years younger than me!
"Greetings to everyone from the Xiao Family."
Yun Tianming greeted the two girls with a smile.
Thanks to his intervention, there was no enmity between the Misty Cloud Sect and the Xiao Family. On the contrary, the gift of the Black Rank High-level Qi Method had won the gratitude of many Xiao Family descendants.
"Yu'er! Um, who is this guy?"
Seeing his goddess chatting happily with another man, Lu Mu couldn't sit still and immediately ran over to interrupt. Bai Shan frowned and followed suit.
"What's it to you? Also, please don't call me 'Yu'er'. We're really not that close!"
Xiao Yu said sternly with a cold face.
"But..."
Lu Mu's face darkened, but he didn't dare argue with his goddess's rebuke. He could only glare angrily at Yun Tianming.
"Hehe~"
Yun Tianming found it amusing. This scene was originally Xiao Yan's showing-off moment in the original story, but now it had fallen on his head. However, he wasn't interested in players like Lu Mu; this show-off wasn't up to standard.
"This brother looks quite unfamiliar. Which class are you from?"
Bai Shan's sharp gaze fixed on Yun Tianming. He could confirm that the other party was definitely not among the fifty students who passed the assessment. He thought of a possibility: perhaps he was a private son of some high-ranking figure at Jia Nan Academy, given special treatment?
"Yeah, Master Yun, when did you join Jia Nan Academy? Why haven't you come to play with Mei'er?"
Ignoring everyone else, Xiao Mei playfully held his hand, batting her bright eyes in a charming manner.
"Young lady, do I know you well?"
Yun Tianming calmly withdrew his hand and said seriously, "I am a new Mentor at Jia Nan Academy. Please guide me in the future."
This statement immediately caused a stir throughout the crowd.
"What?"
"This guy is actually a Mentor?"
"Is this for real? He looks about the same age as us!"
"What's Jia Nan Academy playing at?"
Everyone expressed disbelief.
"Hmph! Kid, you're really ambitious to want to be our Mentor. We'll see if you're up to the task!"
Surrounded by a swirling aura of blood Qi due to his unique Qi Method, Wu Hao was extremely combative and quick to resort to violence. He drew a blood-red greatsword from behind him and aggressively charged at Yun Tianming.
"Hmph~ Let this brute Wu Hao test this kid's strength."
Bai Shan narrowed his eyes, sharply observing Yun Tianming's every move.
"Ding~"
To the astonishment of everyone, Yun Tianming effortlessly blocked Wu Hao's swing with just one finger.
"Not so fast~ Attacking a Mentor, that's not a wise move."
"Considering it's your first offense, and also for Wu Tianlang's sake, I'll let you off this time."
Yun Tianming withdrew his finger with a gentle expression.
The next moment, a series of cracking sounds echoed. Wu Hao's blood-red greatsword quickly developed cracks and finally shattered like fragile porcelain.
****
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