Fourteen Years Old, a Dou Master

As Instructor Ruolin's voice fell, many of the new students eagerly announced their strength. Though the strongest among them had only reached the ninth stage of Dou Power.

After a while, a One-star Dou Practitioner finally appeared, making Instructor Ruolin nod.

Once the new students inside the tent had finished reporting their data, Instructor Ruolin turned her gaze to Xiao Shuang. She blinked playfully and chuckled. "Your turn, little genius."

These new students were all from Wutan City, so they had naturally heard of the two geniuses of the Xiao Family. Seeing them appear at Jia Nan Academy's recruitment did not surprise them; it even seemed only natural.

Some of the new students secretly guessed that this Xiao Family genius might have already reached Three Star Dou Zhe...

"My current strength is that of a Five-star Dou Master," Xiao Shuang said. At the same time, a frost-white Dou Qi Gauze Robe appeared around him.

The Dou Qi Gauze Robe lasted only briefly, merely serving to prove his words.

Though she had been prepared, Instructor Ruolin's heart still surged with shock. Maintaining a calm facade, she asked, "Your age?"

"Fourteen." Xiao Shuang smiled kindly, without the slightest arrogance one might expect from a genius. Yet his tone still carried a sense of distance.

"Fourteen? A Dou Master? And a Five-star one?" Even with Instructor Ruolin's composure, it all felt somewhat unreal.

Fourteen-year-old Dou Masters were rare even within Jia Nan Academy, and every one of them came from some great power.

If someone truly possessed the talent to reach Five-star Dou Master at fourteen, they might have long since been recruited by those great powers. Even the Three Valleys and Four Pavilions of the Central Continent would not let such a genius slip away.

It would not even be impossible for them to take him as a personal disciple!

After Xiao Shuang finished speaking, the tent, which had been filled with hushed whispers, fell into silence.

The young man named White wore a relieved expression. Fortunately, he had kept his cool. Otherwise, offending such a genius would likely have brought him endless trouble...

Instructor Ruolin's rosy lips parted slightly. She knew very well that he was not joking; he had even used the Dou Qi Gauze Robe, something only Dou Masters possessed, as proof.

The female students stared at Xiao Shuang in shock, their eyes practically sparkling. Who would not like a fourteen-year-old Dou Master? At any rate, some of them had already begun entertaining thoughts...

"Looks like I've truly found a treasure this time." Recovering her senses, Instructor Ruolin broke into a radiant smile. Her watery gentleness was utterly captivating.

Many students who already belonged to Jia Nan Academy exchanged wry smiles. Their strength was vastly inferior to that of this new student, not to mention that he was only fourteen! Truly, comparing oneself to others was enough to drive one mad.

"Hehe, then today's registration will end here for now. We will remain here for another seven days. Congratulations, everyone. From today onward, you are members of Jia Nan Academy. I hope you will have everything prepared during these seven days. Seven days from now, Jia Nan Academy's Flying Convoy will arrive at Wutan City."

Instructor Ruolin put away the registration parchment and spoke with a gentle smile.

At her words, everyone in the tent agreed. Then, with excited expressions, they left the tent to pack their belongings.

After watching Instructor Ruolin lazily stretch, Xiao Shuang stepped forward and asked, "Um, Instructor Ruolin, I have something else to ask."

"What is it, my little genius?" Instructor Ruolin raised her lovely face and answered warmly.

She liked geniuses too, especially when this genius was her student.

"Mm... I wanted to ask whether Jia Nan Academy's Flying Convoy will pass through the Imperial Capital of the Jia Ma Empire. I have some personal matters to attend to..." Xiao Shuang found it somewhat difficult to say, but he still voiced it.

"Hm? The Imperial Capital of the Jia Ma Empire?" Instructor Ruolin's delicate brows furrowed slightly. She said softly, "Jia Nan Academy also has a recruitment team over there, so we will pass through it. We just will not stay for long."

Then, with a playful smile, Instructor Ruolin added, "However, I can help you submit an application. With my authority, I should be able to manage it."

By the rules, Xiao Shuang's request was not particularly reasonable. But because of his talent, Instructor Ruolin was still quite willing to do him this favor.

"Really? Then thank you, Instructor Ruolin!" Xiao Shuang smiled at her words. This time, his smile came from the heart, leaving the female students nearby somewhat dazed...

"Hehe, little fellow, you should hurry back and prepare as well. Just come find me here when the time comes."

Instructor Ruolin was momentarily stunned as well. With her discernment, how could she fail to see Xiao Shuang's previous wariness and resistance toward them? That cold, detached distance had not been feigned. Only now was his smile truly heartfelt.

She had never expected that, through such a twist of fate, she would gain this child's goodwill...

Instructor Ruolin smiled gently, waved her hand, and walked out of the tent. Next, she had to make good on her promise.

For example, she needed to negotiate with the chief person in charge for some time to stop at the Imperial Capital of the Jia Ma Empire.

He could still remain with the Xiao Family for a while before beginning academy life. Xiao Shuang was actually looking forward to it.

He was also curious about Jia Nan Academy. It was said that students who emerged from it underwent a qualitative transformation, and their strength grew at an astonishing rate.

Xiao Yan and Xun'er had actually been waiting outside his little wooden house early on. When they saw Xiao Shuang return, Xiao Yan asked excitedly, "How did Jia Nan Academy's recruitment go? Did anything happen?"

"Unfortunately, I can't satisfy your curiosity." Xiao Shuang shrugged, then smiled. "Jia Nan Academy's recruitment standard is the eighth stage of Dou Power, followed by a potential rating."

"Oh, and the instructor is very gentle. Maybe when you take part in the recruitment next time, I can help test you."

Hearing Xiao Shuang's words, Xiao Yan felt somewhat yearning as well. But he still lifted his chin and said proudly, "I'll reach that standard next year. Then I can enter Jia Nan Academy too. I won't need you to pull strings for me."

Xiao Shuang smiled and flicked Xiao Yan on the head.

"What are you thinking? How could there possibly be any strings to pull? This academy has requirements for recruitment too. I don't have the ability to help you with that."

Xun'er covered her mouth and chuckled. Then, as if she had suddenly remembered something, she secretly gave Xiao Shuang a meaningful look.

Xiao Shuang nodded and unceremoniously pushed Xiao Yan out the door. Xun'er followed him out of the wooden house as well.

"You two go back first. I still need to pack. Jia Nan Academy's flying convoy will arrive at Wutan City in a couple of days, so I need to prepare in advance."

Pushed outside, Xiao Yan grinned happily. "Then A Shuang can go to Jia Nan Academy first. After some time, Xun'er and I will take part in the recruitment too. Then we can attend school together."

"Alright. I'm looking forward to that day."