Journey to Jia Nan Academy

News of Xiao Sect's founding spread through Wutan City as though it had sprouted wings, then radiated across the entire Jia Ma Empire at an even faster pace. A newly established force backed by a Dou Zun expert was undoubtedly influential. Upon receiving the news, various factions that had been watching from the sidelines—or even harboring secret designs—lowered their banners one after another and began seriously considering how to deal with this newly risen giant.

The Xiao Family estate now bore the plaque of "Xiao Sect." Though its internal structure had yet to be fully reorganized, it already had an entirely new air about it. The clan members walked with their heads held high, brimming with pride and drive.

In the rear courtyard, within Xiao Chen's residence.

"Jia Nan Academy?" At hearing his brother's decision, Xiao Yan's eyes immediately lit up. Fallen Heart Flame was an indispensable part of his plan to cultivate the Fen Jue, and he had long yearned for it. It was only because his strength had been lacking before, and the academy's situation was complicated, that he had never been able to make the trip. Now that his brother would accompany him, his chances had increased countless times over!

"That's right." Xiao Chen nodded. "Your foundation is now secure, and your strength is enough to gain a foothold in the Inner Academy. It's time to claim Fallen Heart Flame. Besides, Jia Nan Academy has a profound foundation. Its Book Collection Pavilion and Heavenly Flame Refining Qi Tower are both good places to cultivate. You can also gain better experience there."

"Brother, when do we leave?" Xiao Yan could barely wait.

"Now." Xiao Chen was concise.

"Now?" Xiao Yan froze.

Without another word, Xiao Chen placed a hand on Xiao Yan's shoulder. An invisible Power of Space instantly enveloped them both.

"Relax your mind. Do not resist," Xiao Chen reminded him.

Xiao Yan hurriedly did as instructed. In the next instant, the scenery around him blurred and twisted, as if he had been thrown into a bizarre tunnel. The howling of spatial storms rang in his ears, yet a gentle but powerful force kept them outside, unable to harm him in the slightest.

So this was spatial travel? Xiao Yan was deeply shaken. He could barely carry out short-distance spatial travel himself, but compared to his brother's effortless long-distance transfer, it was like heaven and earth!

After roughly the time it took an incense stick to burn, the sensation of traveling suddenly vanished.

The scene before them instantly became clear.

They were no longer at the Xiao Family estate in Wutan City, but high above an endless stretch of densely forested mountains. Below lay a sea of trees that stretched beyond sight, and in the heart of that forest, the outline of a massive city could vaguely be seen. Within it stood several enormous academy buildings.

Powerful auras drifted faintly from the city and academy like lights in the night. Among them were quite a few Dou Kings and Dou Emperors, as well as several obscure, profound auras that made even Xiao Yan's heart palpitate. They were likely the academy's Dou Zong elders.

This was none other than the outskirts of Jia Nan Academy, near Peaceful Town!

In merely the time it took an incense stick to burn, they had crossed more than half the Jia Ma Empire! What a terrifying speed!

"We're here." Xiao Chen released his hand, his tone calm, as if he had merely done something insignificant.

Xiao Yan suppressed the stormy waves in his heart and looked down at the familiar city, then at the academy in the distance shrouded by a faint energy barrier. A complicated look appeared in his eyes. This was the place where he had spent several years after leaving his family. There were friends here, rivals here, and also... Xun'er.

"Let's go. We'll head to the Inner Academy first. Meet your old friends, and let me see what is so extraordinary about this Jia Nan Academy that is famed throughout the Black Corner Region." Xiao Chen smiled faintly and took the lead toward the Inner Academy. With every step he took, the space beneath his feet rippled slightly. He seemed slow, but his speed was astonishing.

Xiao Yan quickly used his movement technique to follow, his heart burning hot. With his brother here, this trip to the Inner Academy was destined to be anything but ordinary!

He was very curious what expressions the Inner Academy's elders—and those fellows on the Strong Ranking—would wear when they saw his brother, a "Seven Star Dou Venerate."

And Fallen Heart Flame... this time, he was determined to obtain it!

The two brothers turned into twin streaks of light and shot straight toward Jia Nan's Inner Academy, the sacred ground in the eyes of countless young geniuses.

A new storm was about to quietly rise in this land where geniuses gathered.