Jia Nan Academy

Spring in Wutan City always carried a touch of lazy warmth. On the bluestone streets of the marketplace, pedestrians came and went through dappled sunlight. Vendors' cries, children's laughter as they chased one another, and the fragrant aromas drifting from roadside food stalls intertwined into a lively portrait of everyday life. Yet this tranquility had been thoroughly shattered by a piece of news three days ago—the news that Jia Nan Academy was coming to Wutan City to select students swept through every street and alley like a fierce gale.

Jia Nan Academy was the sacred place countless young cultivators of the Jia Ma Empire dreamed of. Rumor had it that it lay hidden atop mist-shrouded peaks in the Depths of the Monster Beast Mountain Range. Not only did it possess the empire's finest Cultivation Methods, but it also had a "Qi Gathering Cultivation Tower" capable of doubling the speed at which Dou Qi circulated. Rare medicinal herbs could be picked at will from the academy's herb gardens, and there was even a "Thousand-Year Ginseng King" that had lived for centuries. Then there were the unfathomably powerful instructors. It was said that the finest among them had long since broken through to the Dou Wang realm and could split mountains with a wave of their hands. Every year, the academy sent envoys to various cities to select gifted youths. Anyone who earned admission was the pride of their city, and their family's standing would rise with them.

When the news reached the Xiao Clan, Xiao Zhan was in the council hall with the elders, gathered around account books and discussing how to expand the Pill Shop. The instant he heard the words "Jia Nan Academy," he slammed his hand onto the table, making the teacups leap. He shot to his feet in excitement, his voice trembling. "Jia Nan Academy! It's actually Jia Nan Academy! Quickly, call Xiao Yan and Xun'er here! This is a tremendous opportunity—they must seize it!"

When Xiao Yan and Xun'er were summoned to the council hall, they still carried a faint medicinal fragrance. Xiao Yan had just filled several Warm Jade Bottles with a newly refined batch of Qi Gathering Powder in the Alchemy Workshop, and the bitter scent of herbs still lingered on his fingertips. Xun'er had been sitting beside him, carefully helping him organize the Herb Inventory List. Her slender fingers swiped past the pages as she worked, her gaze focused and earnest. Upon hearing that Jia Nan Academy was coming to select students, a flash of bright anticipation appeared in her clear eyes, and her hands unconsciously clenched the hem of her clothes. Having left her family for the Xiao Clan when she was young, she had long heard of Jia Nan Academy's great reputation. She yearned to learn more powerful techniques there and protect those she wanted to protect.

Xiao Yan, however, furrowed his brow slightly, unconsciously rubbing the Storage Ring at his waist. Naturally, he knew Jia Nan Academy's importance. Entering the academy meant gaining access to a wider world, yet Elder Yao's words echoed in his mind. "Kid, the path of cultivation isn't limited to shut-in training. True powerhouses fight their way through wind and rain. Wutan City is too small. Only by going out, seeing different cultivation environments, facing different opponents, and gathering rare cultivation resources can you break through your bottlenecks and truly grow." Besides, the Xiao Clan had only just escaped its troubles, and the Alchemy Workshop had only begun to prosper. If he left rashly, the supply of pills for the clan disciples and the operations of the Pill Shop would both come to a halt. He wanted to use this opportunity to build up more reserves for the family.

Three days later, the selection was set to take place in the Center of the Square in Wutan City. Before dawn had even broken, the square was already packed with people, a dense sea of figures stretching from the Center of the Square all the way to the street corners. Young members of every family wore their finest clothes. Some wore Brocade Robes embroidered with their family emblems, while others carried exquisite swords on their backs. Every face was filled with Tension and Anticipation, and they frequently stood on tiptoe to look toward the entrance of the square, waiting for Jia Nan Academy's envoys to arrive.

Jia Liebi of the Jia Lie Family was also in the crowd. He wore a lavish purple Brocade Robe, a gem-studded Jade Pendant hanging from his waist, with two attendants following behind him. He cut an imposing figure. His gaze swept over the crowd before quickly settling on Xiao Yan and Xun'er. A provocative smile curled across his lips as he deliberately raised his voice. "Xiao Yan, I hear you're good at alchemy, but when it comes to cultivation talent, I'm afraid you can't compare to me, can you? Today, I'll show you who truly deserves to enter Jia Nan Academy!"

Xiao Yan could not be bothered to respond. He merely gave Jia Liebi an indifferent glance before turning back to speak with Xun'er. Xun'er smiled softly and said in a quiet voice, "Brother Xiao Yan, ignore him. We only need to do our best."

As soon as the hour of the dragon arrived, a piercing sound of something tearing through the air suddenly came from the heavens, drowning out the clamor of the square. Everyone looked up to see three Flying Ships gleaming silver from end to end. Like three enormous birds, they cut through the morning light and slowly descended into the Center of the Square. The hulls bore Jia Nan Academy's emblem—a burning golden longsword. Its blade glimmered beneath the sunlight with an imposing yet mysterious radiance, inspiring awe at a mere glance.

The Flying Ships landed, and their cabin doors slowly opened. Five people stepped out. At their head was an old man in a White robe. His beard and hair were entirely white, yet meticulously groomed. The wrinkles on his cheeks carried the weight of time, but his eyes were sharp as an eagle's, as though they could see through to the depths of one's heart. At his waist hung a Token engraved with the words "Three-Star Instructor." Light flowed over its surface, revealing his status.

"This old man is Mo Chen. By the order of Jia Nan Academy, I have come to Wutan City to select students." The old man's voice boomed like a great bell. Though he did not deliberately raise it, it was clearly conveyed to every person's ears. "The selection rules are simple. First, your Dou Qi level will be tested. Those at Fighter Three Stars or above may proceed to the next round. Second, your Dou Qi purity will be tested. Those whose purity reaches eighty or above will receive admission to the academy."

As his voice fell, the Testing Stele at one side of the square suddenly lit up with a pale blue glow. Fine patterns appeared across its surface, as though it contained some mysterious power. The children of the various families immediately formed a long line and stepped forward one after another for testing. When it was Jia Liebi's turn, he took a deep breath, adjusted his Brocade Robe, and calmly pressed his palm against the stele.

The stele instantly shone with yellow light, mixed with a faint trace of gray. The words displayed clearly upon it: "Fighter Three Stars, Dou Qi purity seventy-one." Mo Chen stood nearby and nodded slightly, speaking in an even tone. "Not bad. You meet the entry standard. Proceed to the next round." A smug smile immediately appeared on Jia Liebi's face. He turned toward Xiao Yan, lifting his chin even higher as though victory were already assured.

Soon, it was Xun'er's turn. Lifting the hem of her dress, she walked slowly to the stele with elegant composure. She gently pressed her slender palm against it without the slightest hesitation. The next second, the stele erupted in dazzling azure light, with even a faint trace of gold mixed within it. Like a rainbow after rain, it was brilliant and eye-catching. Words appeared on the stele: "Fighter Four Stars, Dou Qi purity ninety-two."

"Good!" A flash of delight appeared in Mo Chen's eyes. He could not help clapping in praise, and his voice rang out even more loudly than before. "Dou Qi purity of ninety-two! With talent like this, you would be among the best even among Jia Nan Academy's new students! Little girl, what is your name?"

"This junior is Xun'er." Xun'er bowed slightly, her tone humble. The square immediately erupted into an uproar. Everyone looked at Xun'er with envy, while Xiao Zhan's face flushed red with excitement as he waved vigorously from the crowd. "Xun'er! Well done!"

Next came Xiao Yan. He took a deep breath, walked before the stele, and slowly pressed his palm against it. The Dou Qi inside him began to circulate. It was pure power refined through countless temperings, carrying a steady and restrained aura. The instant the stele came into contact with his Dou Qi, it flared with orange light. The glow was dense and pure, without the slightest impurity, and the stele clearly displayed: "Fighter Four Stars, Dou Qi purity ninety-three."

"What?!" The square instantly exploded with commotion, cries of shock rising one after another. The smug expression on Jia Liebi's face froze at once, and his complexion turned deathly pale. He could not believe his eyes—his talent, which he had always been so proud of, was Unable to Withstand a Single Blow before Xiao Yan. Mo Chen's eyes lit up even more. He hurried to Xiao Yan's side, circled around him once, and looked at him with undisguised admiration. "Young man, what is your name? This level of Dou Qi purity surpasses even that young lady's. It is truly rare!"

"This junior is Xiao Yan." Xiao Yan answered calmly, without the slightest hint of pride. Mo Chen nodded in satisfaction and announced loudly, "Excellent! Xiao Yan, Xun'er, neither of you need to participate in the next round. You have both been admitted directly! Three days later, you will board the Flying Ship with me and return to Jia Nan Academy!"

Upon hearing "depart in three days," Xiao Yan's heart stirred. He Stepped Forward and clasped his hands toward Mo Chen in a respectful salute, speaking earnestly. "Instructor Mo Chen, this junior has a request. I hope you will grant it."

Mo Chen raised a brow, curiosity flashing through his eyes. "Oh? Let's hear it."

"This junior wishes to apply to the academy to postpone enrollment and travel outside for one year of experience." Xiao Yan's voice rang clearly across the square, Every word filled with determination. "It is not that this junior does not cherish the chance to enroll, but I believe that what I need most right now is the experience of 'going out,' rather than the hard cultivation of 'sitting down.' Wutan City's cultivation environment is limited. I want to use this year to see a wider world, temper my strength in actual combat, and gather rare cultivation resources and alchemy materials. It will help me build the foundation needed to break through my bottlenecks, and it will also allow me to bring more aid back to my family. A year from now, this junior will report to the academy on time with more mature strength."

The instant he said this, the entire square fell deathly silent, only for an even greater uproar to erupt moments later. Everyone found it unbelievable—admission to Jia Nan Academy was something countless people desperately sought, something some were even willing to spend vast sums to purchase. Yet Xiao Yan intended to give it up in favor of a harsh journey of outdoor experience?

Jia Liebi seized the opportunity to mock him loudly. "Xiao Yan, don't tell me you're afraid? You know you still couldn't compare to me even if you entered the academy, so you came up with this excuse about 'experience'! I think you simply don't have the courage to go. You're afraid of embarrassing yourself at the academy!"

Mo Chen also furrowed his brow, his tone carrying confusion and regret. "Xiao Yan, do you know how precious a place at Jia Nan Academy is? Every year, countless people fight desperately for the chance to enter. If you miss this opportunity, you may not have another. Furthermore, traveling for experience is fraught with danger. Second-tier and Third-tier Demonic Beasts can be found everywhere in the Monster Beast Mountain Range. The desert wastes lack both food and water, and one careless mistake can cost you your life. You are only a young man, and without a powerful expert to escort you, I fear you will struggle to cope."

Yet Xiao Yan shook his head firmly. His eyes were filled with certainty, without the slightest retreat. "This junior knows the place is precious, and I know experience is dangerous. But the path of cultivation has never been smooth. At the academy, with instructors to guide me and the cultivation tower to assist me, I could indeed improve steadily. But without being tempered at the edge of life and death, such strength would ultimately be no more than theory on paper. While I am still young, I want to endure more wind and rain, make my Dou Qi more solid, and gain richer combat experience. That way, when I enter the academy in the future, I can catch up more quickly and perhaps even surpass others."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over Xiao Zhan among the crowd, who looked worried, before continuing, "Furthermore, this junior comes from an alchemy family. Our family's Pill Shop has only begun to prosper, yet we suffer from a shortage of rare medicinal herbs. During this journey, I also wish to visit medicinal material markets and dangerous mountain regions in various places to search for alchemy materials difficult to find in Wutan City. I will bring back more resources so our family's Pill Shop can help more clan members cultivate. This is both for myself and for the family. It is by no means a rash decision."

Xun'er also Stepped Forward and clasped her hands toward Mo Chen. "Instructor, Brother Xiao Yan speaks the truth. He has always been steady, and he will certainly think carefully before making a decision. This junior understands him. He does not fear hardship; he simply wishes to become stronger before stepping through the gates of Jia Nan Academy. This junior is willing to wait for Brother Xiao Yan for one year and report to the academy with him. I ask that you please make an exception."

Mo Chen looked at the determination in Xiao Yan's eyes. It was a clear understanding of the cultivation path, not a cowardly excuse. Then he looked at Xun'er's sincere expression. There was not the slightest reluctance in her eyes, only trust in and support for her companion. He fell silent for a moment, thinking to himself, I have lived for decades and seen countless youths eager to attach themselves to power and use the academy as a shortcut. A boy like Xiao Yan, who is not tempted by the shortcut before him and clearly knows what he needs, is rare indeed. Besides, with Xiao Yan and Xun'er's talent, even if they enroll a year later, the combat experience and resources they gain through this journey may allow them to go even further in the academy.

"Fine!" Mo Chen finally nodded. He took out two jade plaques, pure white from end to end, and handed them to Xiao Yan and Xun'er. "These are Jia Nan Academy's Provisional Admission Tokens. Within one year, you may enroll at any time with these tokens. The academy will reserve your places and will not allow anyone else to take them. Remember, while traveling, always act within your means. Staying alive comes first. A year from now, I will be beneath Jia Nan Academy's cultivation tower, waiting to see the 'growth' you bring back."

Xiao Yan and Xun'er accepted the jade plaques. They felt warm and smooth in their hands, engraved with Jia Nan Academy's emblem and a line of small words: "Provisional Student: Xiao Yan (Xun'er)." The two of them bowed deeply to Mo Chen at the same time, their voices full of gratitude. "Thank you, Instructor, for granting our request!"

After the selection ended, the people in the square gradually dispersed. Many were still discussing Xiao Yan's decision to forgo immediate enrollment and choose to travel for experience. Some regretted it, some did not understand it, and some mocked him. Jia Liebi glared at Xiao Yan with an ugly expression before flicking his sleeve and leaving. He no longer even had the mind to care about his own result of barely advancing to the next round.

Xiao Zhan hurried over to Xiao Yan and Xun'er, so excited that his words became incoherent. "Xiao Yan, Xun'er, you've truly brought honor to the Xiao Clan! But Xiao Yan, are you really going out to gain experience? It's so dangerous out there. How about... your father finds a few clan guards to accompany you?"

Xiao Yan smiled and interrupted him, his voice reassuring. "Father, don't worry. Over the years, I've gone to the outskirts of the Monster Beast Mountain Range several times with the clan elders, so I have gained some actual combat experience. Besides, I am an alchemist. I'll carry enough Healing Pills and Detoxification Pills with me, so Self-preservation will definitely not be a problem. More importantly, traveling for experience is about standing on one's own. If I have people following me, it would lose much of its purpose."

He paused, anticipation flashing through his eyes. "This year, I plan to first visit the Misty Forest west of Black Rock City. I hear it is dangerous, but it holds many rare medicinal herbs. Alchemy materials difficult to find in Wutan City, such as Blood Leaf Flower and Ice Heart Grass, can most likely be found there. After that, I will head to Stone Desert City north of Luofeng Gorge. There is an Underground Medicinal Material Market there, famous throughout the Jia Ma Empire. I can find many rare medicinal herbs from all over the land, and perhaps I may even encounter experienced alchemists to exchange insights on alchemy with."

Xun'er smiled and added, "Uncle Xiao, don't worry. Brother Xiao Yan knows his limits. I will remain at the Xiao Clan to help manage the Alchemy Workshop and keep an eye on the cultivation progress of the clan disciples. Every month, I will send Brother Xiao Yan a letter so you know he is safe. When Brother Xiao Yan returns from his journey, we will go to Jia Nan Academy together. We certainly will not disappoint you then."

Xiao Zhan looked at the two youths before him. One held the distant world in his heart and dared to embrace challenges; the other was steady and dependable, quietly giving her support. The worry in his heart gradually faded, leaving behind only deep comfort. He nodded heavily and patted Xiao Yan on the shoulder. "Good! Your father supports you! Whatever travel funds or tools you need, just say the word. The Xiao Clan will always be your backing! If you encounter trouble outside that you cannot resolve, go to Black Rock City and find Uncle Lin. He is an old friend of mine and will certainly lend you a hand!"

After returning to the Xiao Clan, Xiao Yan immediately began preparing for his journey. He carefully entrusted the affairs of the Alchemy Workshop to Xiao Cheng, explaining every detail, from "herb selection" and "heat control" to "pill pricing" and "customer relations." He also personally wrote a thick Alchemy Handbook, recording his experiences refining Qi Gathering Powder, Clear Spirit Pill, and Bone Strengthening Pill. He even noted common reasons for failure and their solutions. "Cousin, I'll leave the Alchemy Workshop to you. Remember, quality always comes first. We would rather sell less than pass off inferior goods as good ones. If you encounter an alchemy problem you cannot judge, go to the Miteer Auction House and find Miss Ya Fei. Her connections are extensive, and she can help you contact more experienced alchemists for advice."

Xiao Cheng accepted the Alchemy Handbook, held it solemnly against his chest, and nodded forcefully. "Brother Xiao Yan, go without worry! I'll guard the Alchemy Workshop well. When you return, I guarantee you'll see a Pill Shop with even more flourishing business!"

Xun'er, meanwhile, busied herself packing Xiao Yan's luggage. She carefully wrapped his commonly used Bronze Medicine Cauldron, grinding bowl, and filter cloth. Then she sorted dozens of bottles of Healing Pills, Detoxification Pills, and Qi Gathering Powder into Xiao Yan's Storage Ring. She even prepared waterproof oilcloth, durable boots, and portable compressed rations. "Brother Xiao Yan, the Misty Forest is very damp. These boots have slip-resistant soles, so you must wear them. Don't pick herbs you don't recognize at random. Some beautiful-looking plants may be highly poisonous. If you truly aren't sure, write them down and ask me or Elder Yao when you return. Try to stay in towns every day and don't camp in the wilderness. It's far too dangerous..."

Watching her chatter on, Xiao Yan's heart filled with warmth. He smiled and nodded. "All right, I'll remember it all. You must take good care of yourself in the Xiao Clan as well. Don't wear yourself out."

Over the following days, Xiao Yan did not stop moving. Instead, he used the time before departure to refine another batch of second-grade pills, Pulse Protecting Pills. These pills could protect one's meridians during battle and reduce the damage caused by Dou Qi backlash, making them essential for traveling. He also specifically went to the marketplace to buy a sharp Short Blade and a highly resilient bow. He repeatedly practiced archery several times to ensure that he could protect himself even at long range.

The day before his departure, Xiao Yan stood in front of the Xiao Clan's Alchemy Workshop. He looked at the busy clan members, at Xiao Cheng earnestly consulting an old alchemist while holding the Alchemy Handbook, and at Xun'er gently guiding the younger disciples' cultivation in the courtyard. His heart was full of peace. He knew he was not fighting alone. The entire Xiao Clan stood behind him, giving him even greater confidence for the journey ahead.

Early the next morning, the sky had only just begun to brighten, and a pale strip of dawn appeared on the horizon. Xiao Yan stood at the Xiao Clan's gates with a simple pack on his back. His Storage Ring held alchemy tools, pills, and travel funds, while he tightly gripped the pure white Provisional Admission Token in his hand. Xiao Zhan, Xun'er, the clan elders, and the younger disciples had all come to see him off. Every face held reluctance, but also anticipation.

"Father, Elders, Xun'er, I'm leaving." Xiao Yan bowed deeply to everyone, his eyes full of gratitude. "One year from now, I will return with abundant gains and make the Xiao Clan's name known in even farther places!"

Xun'er's eyes were slightly red, yet she forced out a smile and waved. "Brother Xiao Yan, have a safe journey. I'll wait for you at the Xiao Clan, waiting for you to tell me stories of your journey!"

Xiao Yan turned around without further hesitation and headed toward the outskirts of Wutan City. The rising sun slowly emerged in the east, casting golden light over him and stretching his shadow long behind him. He did not look back. His steps were firm, and his heart was filled with fighting spirit. The road of experience might hold wind and rain, perhaps even deadly danger, but he knew this was a road he had to walk. Only by crossing mountains and rivers, tempering himself in actual combat, and gathering resources from every land could he become truly strong—and only then could the Xiao Clan stand firmer and go farther with his support.

In the distant sky, an eagle spread its wings and soared high, letting out a clear cry as though it were guiding his way. Xiao Yan looked up, a smile curling across his lips as he quickened his pace. He knew that his journey of experience had only just begun, and that his promise with Xun'er to meet at Jia Nan Academy would, one year from now, be fulfilled as scheduled in an even more brilliant fashion.