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Xiao Xun'er nodded resolutely. "Yes, we won't disappoint you."
Hu Po gave a satisfied nod and led them toward the inner courtyard.
Following close behind were Bo Haidong and Ling Ying, both with serious, solemn expressions.
As this small group moved farther away, the atmosphere in the outer courtyard of Canaan Academy grew tense and excited. The students began whispering among themselves, speculating on how Xiao Yan and Xiao Xun'er would perform.
News of the inner academy assessment had spread quickly, drawing the attention of many teachers and students from the outer academy, all now focused on these two newcomers.
Regardless of their individual strengths or backgrounds, the inner academy assessment would be the moment to reveal their true abilities.
Xiao Yan glanced at Vice Dean Hu Po and asked, "Vice Dean, are we heading directly to the inner courtyard for the assessment?"
Vice Dean Hu Po nodded. "Yes, I'll take you to report to the Inner Academy's Grand Elder, Su Qian. From there, you can proceed to the assessment."
As Hu Po led them deeper into the inner courtyard, the two became the center of attention among the outer academy students.
The students cast envious glances their way, and a chorus of comments buzzed through the crowd.
"Look, it's Xiao Wuyai and Xiao Qian'er!"
"I heard they're here to take the inner academy assessment—this is going to be interesting."
"I'm curious to see if they'll pass."
"Oh, they're definitely going to make it!"
"Hmph, I wonder if they're getting special treatment. They're just too flashy, these two."
Amid the chatter from the outer academy students, Xiao Yan and Xiao Xun'er remained unaffected.
Xiao Yan's gaze was resolute, as if silently declaring his determination to everyone. Xiao Xun'er responded with a slight smile, her eyes radiating confidence and composure.
"Xun'er, don't be nervous. We'll definitely pass the assessment."
Xiao Yan gave her a nod of assurance, his tone firm.
"I'm not nervous, Xiao Yan," Xun'er replied with a serene smile. "We've got this."
Vice Dean Hu Po smiled at the sight, feeling a surge of expectation for these two young talents.
Meanwhile, in the inner courtyard...
Grand Elder Su Qian stood on the inner courtyard's grand plaza, his robe fluttering in the breeze. He scanned the disciples who were gathering to take the inner academy assessment, his gaze eventually shifting to the entrance with a glint of excitement.
A nearby teacher, noticing Su Qian's expression, asked curiously, "Elder Su, what are you waiting for?"
Su Qian replied with a smile, "Vice Dean Hu Po informed me that two exceptionally talented students have arrived from the outer academy. They're both surnamed Xiao—one's a Martial Master, the other a Grand Martial Master. I'm eager to meet them."
Upon hearing this, the teachers began murmuring to each other.
One teacher couldn't help but remark, "We've heard about them too, but who knows if these siblings are as extraordinary as Hu Po claims."
No sooner had the words left his mouth than everyone's gaze turned to the entrance of the plaza, a wave of anticipation rippling through the crowd.
They were impatient to see if these legendary prodigies would truly live up to their reputation.
Under Su Qian's expectant gaze, the students in the plaza grew a little restless, exchanging glances and muttering in low voices.
A young student grumbled, "Look at Elder Su's face—he seems really interested in those Xiao siblings."
Another student sneered dismissively, "Hmph, what skill could outer academy students have? They're probably just coasting on their background. Real prodigies? Not likely."
A nearby girl chimed in, "Exactly. I heard they're a Martial Master and a Grand Martial Master. At their age? No way they're really at that level—they're probably just fragile herb-stuffed figurines."
An older student frowned, his gaze darkening as he looked around at his peers. "Don't underestimate them. I heard they're not so easy to mess with."
"Perhaps they really are two geniuses."
Before the words had fully left his mouth, the sound of shuffling footsteps echoed through the air. Everyone immediately turned their attention to the entrance of the plaza, where a pair of young figures appeared—one handsome and charismatic, the other graceful and ethereal. It was Xiao Yan and Xiao Xun'er.
Xiao Yan scratched his head, feeling a little embarrassed, and said to Xiao Xun'er, "The way everyone's looking at us… it feels a bit odd."
Xiao Xun'er gave a faint smile, her eyes sparkling with confidence. "Don't mind their whispers. Let our strength prove everything."
Vice Dean Hu Po led Xiao Yan and Xiao Xun'er to Grand Elder Su Qian to report in. As they reached the center of the plaza, Su Qian stood there, scanning the incoming students with an expectant expression.
"Grand Elder Su, these are the two students I mentioned, Xiao Yan and Xiao Xun'er," Vice Dean Hu Po said respectfully.
Su Qian smiled slightly, his gaze falling on Xiao Yan and Xiao Xun'er.
"Greetings, Grand Elder."
The two smiled and bowed politely to Su Qian, their confidence evident in their demeanor.
Vice Dean Hu Po raised an eyebrow. He hadn't expected these two young students to possess such remarkable strength at such a young age. He couldn't help but feel a sense of surprise.
"You're both quite impressive for your age. Your strength truly deserves admiration," Su Qian said with a smile.
"Thank you for your kind words, Grand Elder," Xiao Yan replied with a smile, but his gaze subtly swept around, as if sensing something.
At that moment, Vice Dean Hu Po suddenly felt a chilling aura emanating from behind. Instinctively, he turned around to see Bo Haidong and Ling Ying standing nearby. Their sharp, piercing gazes locked onto him, sending a chill down his spine.
Su Qian, too, felt the overwhelming presence of Bo Haidong and Ling Ying, and a shock rippled through him.
He had heard from Hu Po that these two were Xiao Yan and Xiao Xun'er's bodyguards, but feeling their energy firsthand was still a jarring experience.
Su Qian maintained his calm outwardly, but internally, his mind was racing. He thought, A Dou Huang-level powerhouse willing to serve as a bodyguard for these two young people must mean their background is extraordinary! Whoever they are, I can't afford to offend them.
Su Qian's attitude shifted instantly. His expression became warm and friendly, and a polite smile spread across his face.
He now addressed Xiao Xun'er and Xiao Yan with the warmth one might offer to cherished children.
"You two truly are exceptional talents," Su Qian said, his voice tinged with admiration. "Since you're here, please join the others in the plaza. The inner academy assessment will begin soon."
"Understood, Grand Elder," Xiao Xun'er responded with a smile, her expression full of confidence and anticipation.
"Thank you for your kind attention, Grand Elder. We'll do our best," Xiao Yan said with a bright smile, his eyes gleaming with determination.
(End of Chapter)