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"Only someone from a major family could receive treatment like that!"
"Yeah, whoever they are, we better be careful. They might soon be Inner Court elites!"
Excited whispers filled the Outer Court hallways as students speculated about the two new arrivals. Xiao Yan and Xiao Xun'er, however, were filled with anticipation, envisioning the opportunities ahead. Entering Jia Nan Academy was an unprecedented experience for both.
Just as the students' discussions echoed through the corridor, a breathless student rushed in, barely containing his excitement as he shared the latest news.
"Listen, everyone! A new announcement just went out! The Inner Court assessment has been moved up to next month!"
This sudden news stunned the students, sparking a buzz of questions about why the Inner Court assessment was suddenly rescheduled.
"Why was it moved up? Did something happen?"
"I heard it's because of those two new students. The higher-ups want them in the Inner Court as soon as possible!"
This comment caused an even greater commotion. The students' curiosity and envy about the newcomers' skills and backgrounds only grew.
"So they're really something special, huh? To actually affect the timing of the Inner Court assessment!"
"No wonder Vice Dean Hupo welcomed them personally. Turns out, they've got some special status!"
"Ah, lucky them. I wish I could enter the Inner Court sooner, too!"
Although Xiao Yan and Xiao Xun'er overheard the comments, they remained calm and confident. The conversations around them grew louder, filled with admiration, though a few students couldn't help but feel resentment and jealousy.
"What makes them so special? Are they really that powerful? They look younger than us!"
"Yeah, how strong can they really be? I bet they're not stronger than me!"
At that moment, a teacher happened to pass by. Smirking, he addressed one of the disgruntled students, his tone laced with sarcasm, "You think you're on their level? Let me enlighten you: the weaker of the two is at least at the Dou Shi level. They're geniuses!"
As the teacher's words sank in, the hallway erupted in astonished murmurs. For a moment, the entire corridor buzzed with disbelief and shock.
"What? A Dou Shi-level genius? How is that even possible?"
"Are they truly rare talents, the kind we only see once in a century? I've never heard of students this strong before!"
"No wonder they received such special treatment. Their strength is already at that level!"
The students were awestruck, any lingering jealousy vanishing as they realized these newcomers were truly in a league of their own.
In the Outer Court, Xiao Yan and Xiao Xun'er strolled leisurely, basking in the admiring and respectful gazes of their peers. Both now donned the academy's pristine uniforms, moving gracefully through the campus. Behind them, Bo Haidong and Ling Ying followed discreetly, their presence felt but unseen, like silent guardians.
Xiao Yan beamed as he took in his surroundings. "This academy really is impressive. The fresh air, the lush greenery—it's like stepping into a paradise!"
Xiao Xun'er smiled in agreement. "Yes, even though it's the Outer Court, the atmosphere here is so refreshing. It's as if all worries could just fade away."
As they continued to explore, walking among groups of students, Xiao Yan and Xiao Xun'er received glances filled with admiration and respect. They wandered through the vast campus, taking in the sights, but Xiao Yan's thoughts kept returning to one place he still hadn't managed to locate.
"Brother, what are you looking for?" Xiao Xun'er asked, noticing the hint of frustration on Xiao Yan's face.
Xiao Yan frowned, his eyes scanning their surroundings, clearly perplexed.
"I heard that Jia Nan Academy has a famous training site called the Blazing Sky Qi Refining Tower. But we've been everywhere, and I haven't seen it," he replied, disappointment evident in his voice.
Xiao Xun'er also looked puzzled. "I'm not sure either. Could it really be missing?"
Just then, a voice emerged from the mysterious ring on Xiao Yan's finger—it was Shui Wuya.
"Don't bother looking. The Blazing Sky Qi Refining Tower is located in the Inner Court of Jia Nan Academy. Naturally, it won't be here in the Outer Court."
Xiao Yan paused, then the realization dawned on him. He felt fortunate to have Shui Wuya's guidance, or else he might have searched in vain.
"Right, now I remember! No wonder we couldn't find it; it's in the Inner Court," Xiao Yan explained to Xiao Xun'er.
She nodded, a look of understanding crossing her face. She knew that the upcoming Inner Court assessment would be an important challenge for them.
"So, what should we do now?" Xun'er asked, her voice tinged with excitement and curiosity.
"We should rest up for now. In a month, we'll take the Inner Court assessment. When we pass, we'll finally get the chance to train in the Blazing Sky Qi Refining Tower!" Xiao Yan took a deep breath, his gaze resolute.
As night fell, the moonlight streamed through the windows of Jia Nan Academy's dormitories. Xiao Yan sat in deep meditation, his breath steady, his aura flowing harmoniously as if blending with the world around him. A faint furrow appeared between his brows, as if he were pondering a significant question.
Meanwhile, Yao Lao sat nearby, carefully handling medicinal herbs, his brow slightly furrowed, fully engrossed in the process of alchemy. His skill and calm precision inspired a sense of deep respect.
Across the room, Shui Wuya sat quietly with his eyes closed, his aura concentrated, resembling a still and silent statue. Xiao Yan and Yao Lao made no sound, careful not to disturb Shui Wuya's rest.
In a separate room, Xiao Xun'er was also immersed in her own training. Her eyes were shut, a light sheen of sweat glistened on her forehead, and her presence seemed to merge seamlessly with the surrounding air, harmonizing with everything around her.
Suddenly, a shadow appeared silently beside her—it was Ling Ying.
With a serious expression, Ling Ying spoke to Xiao Xun'er. "Miss, I observed some troubling things in the academy today."
Xiao Xun'er's brows lifted slightly, signaling him to continue.
"There are many powerful figures hidden within this academy, some of whom are at least Dou Zong level," Ling Ying said, his tone laced with unease. "I'm concerned that your identity might be exposed, potentially placing you in danger."
Xiao Xun'er's eyes narrowed thoughtfully, absorbing Ling Ying's words. She was aware of the challenges they faced here, yet her determination remained unwavering.
(End of Chapter)