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Su Qian observed the two of them with unwavering composure and confidence, his conviction growing stronger. This brother and sister duo were truly exceptional.
Afterward, everyone gathered together.
Su Qian led the many talented students participating in the assessment to the testing site—a dense, sprawling forest.
The students wore expressions of anticipation and nervousness, fully aware that this assessment would be a crucial test affecting their futures.
"Attention, students!" Su Qian stood at the forest's entrance, his voice powerful and commanding. "This assessment will be a comprehensive test. You will need to demonstrate your courage, intelligence, cultivation level, and, most importantly, your combat abilities."
"Only those who pass these trials will earn the right to enter the Inner Court."
Hearing Su Qian's words, each student's expression turned solemn, all understanding the importance of this assessment.
They listened intently to Su Qian's instructions, striving to keep themselves calm and composed.
"Now, please wait a moment. Then, follow the roster order to enter the forest one by one."
Su Qian directed the students.
At the forest entrance, the students gathered, hanging on Su Qian's every word, their emotions a mix of excitement, anticipation, and tension.
They each prepared to face the challenge ahead, eager to showcase their abilities during this trial.
"This assessment is going to be thrilling!" one student exclaimed, eyes gleaming with the thrill of challenge.
"Exactly, I've been waiting for this!" another student added enthusiastically, a hint of unyielding determination in their gaze.
Amidst the crowd, Xiao Yan and Xiao Xun'er stood side by side, their gazes firm and self-assured, as if envisioning their inevitable success.
"We'll perform outstandingly in this assessment!" Xiao Yan said with fervor, his tone brimming with confidence and pride.
"Yes, we won't let everyone down!" Xiao Xun'er responded with equal conviction, her eyes shining with resolve.
"Attention, everyone. This assessment officially begins now!"
With Su Qian's announcement, the forest assessment commenced.
The students surged into the forest, filling the air with a cacophony of voices.
"Let's go! We're heading in, too!" someone shouted excitedly, dashing into the dense forest first.
"Be careful! This forest is sure to be dangerous!" another student warned their companion, gripping a shining weapon tightly as they followed closely behind.
As the crowd pushed into the forest, many low-level spirit beasts immediately sprang forward.
"Ha! This spirit beast is mine!" A young student brandished their longsword and stepped forward, charging at a low-level beast.
"Be careful!" a companion quickly followed, ready to strike at the beast.
Unlike the others who tangled with spirit beasts, Xiao Yan and Xiao Xun'er had a clear and specific goal.
"We're heading straight for our target. Let's not get distracted," Xiao Xun'er said to Xiao Yan, her voice calm and resolute.
"Right, let's get through this forest as quickly as possible," Xiao Yan replied, his gaze sharp and determined.
The two surged forward with perfect synchronization, completely undeterred by the spirit beasts' roars behind them. Their single objective was to clear the forest in the shortest time and secure their qualification.
In the dense woods, their figures flashed like lightning, moving at a speed that dazzled onlookers.
Their goal was clear, undisturbed by any external interference, and they focused solely on the path ahead, steadily advancing toward the finish line.
As Xiao Yan and Xiao Xun'er charged ahead, the surrounding students began to murmur and discuss them.
They looked at the siblings with mocking expressions, sneering at their actions.
"Look at those two, charging straight ahead—how foolish," one student scoffed.
"Yeah, do they really think rushing will earn them a top score? So naive," laughed another dismissively, showing disdain for Xiao Yan and Xiao Xun'er's approach.
"Exactly. And I've heard that Instructor Lu Mu, a powerful Dou Master, is guarding the finish line."
"Lu Mu is known for being strict. If they run into him, they're in serious trouble."
Their mocking voices echoed through the forest, laced with sarcasm. Many thought Xiao Yan and Xiao Xun'er were taking far too many risks. Even with their exceptional strength, success seemed impossible.
High above on a mountain peak, Su Qian and Hu Po, along with other teachers and senior members of the Jia Nan Academy, watched the assessment unfold within the forest.
When they saw Xiao Yan and Xiao Xun'er charging forward without hesitation, concern flashed across their faces.
Su Qian frowned, letting out a deep sigh. "These two talents are still so young and eager for quick success."
"Do they think passing this assessment is just a matter of speed? They'll be facing formidable instructors guarding the checkpoints ahead. Their approach is reckless."
Hu Po agreed. "Yes, they may have impressive combat skills, but in a situation that calls for intelligence and caution, they seem to lack the necessary steadiness."
The teachers and senior members exchanged murmurs, expressing their worries and confusion over the siblings' actions.
To them, while Xiao Yan and Xiao Xun'er might possess talent, their behavior seemed impulsive and somewhat immature, as if they still needed more experience and discipline.
Xiao Yan and Xiao Xun'er pressed forward through the dense forest, their steps swift and powerful like a rushing gale. Although the endpoint seemed close, they knew this was not the real finish—only the beginning.
"This assessment won't be that simple," Xiao Yan said in a low voice to Xiao Xun'er, his gaze resolute.
Xiao Xun'er nodded, her eyes revealing her readiness for the unknown challenges ahead.
"Yes, we need to prepare for the worst."
Just then, they sensed a powerful presence emanating from the dense forest ahead, one that sent a chill down their spines.
"Someone's coming!" Xiao Xun'er said, a hint of tension in her voice as she tightened her grip on her weapon, staring alertly ahead.
As the energy grew closer, a tall, muscular instructor stepped out from the depths of the forest. He radiated authority and command. This was none other than Instructor Lu Mu, the guardian of this stage in the assessment.
Instructor Lu Mu scanned Xiao Yan and Xiao Xun'er with a sharp gaze, a slight, almost imperceptible look of surprise flickering across his face.
His presence alone brought an oppressive pressure, as though his aura weighed down like a mountain, thickening the air around them.
"Hmph, young people always think they know best!"
The forest's silence was shattered by Instructor Lu Mu's voice, resonating powerfully, like thunder reverberating through the trees.
(End of Chapter)