Skywater Academy

Nuoding Academy.

"What! Yao Yan had actually graduated?" Tang San stared blankly at Mang Tianchi.

Mang Tianchi nodded with a bitter smile. He had only just returned and learned the news himself.

He had even lashed out at the teachers over it. An outstanding student like Yao Yan was certain to enter an advanced academy in the future.

They could have used him to promote the academy's teaching resources and raise its reputation.

But Yao Yan had insisted on leaving.

As the other teachers put it: first, he met the graduation requirements; second, his family had already stepped in, so it was naturally difficult to make him stay.

"Then doesn't that mean I'll never have another chance to defeat him?" Tang San murmured unconsciously.

Ever since rekindling his fighting spirit, he had worked hard and cultivated diligently.

He had thought that after breaking through to Rank 20 this time, he would have another opportunity to compete with Yao Yan and reclaim his pride.

"Xiao San, don't be disappointed. Perhaps you'll meet again someday." Mang Tianchi stepped forward and patted Tang San's shoulder.

Suddenly recalling something, he took Twenty-Four Bridges Bright Moon Night from his storage pouch and handed it to him.

"My Storage Soul Tool!" Tang San was startled and looked up at Mang Tianchi excitedly. "Headmaster, how did it end up with you?"

"That kid didn't like its style and asked me to replace it with a new one." Mang Tianchi smacked his lips.

Yet deep down, he vaguely felt that was not the real reason...

Still, regardless of why, he had originally planned to return it to Tang San after Tang San defeated Yao Yan.

It seemed there would be no chance now!

Seeing Tang San's dejected expression, Mang Tianchi comforted him, "Xiao San, don't dwell on it. Just focus on cultivating peacefully from now on."

"Thank you, Headmaster. I understand." Tang San bowed, then lowered his head and silently left.

Yao Yan's departure had clearly dealt him another considerable blow.

If Yao Yan knew Tang San had become despondent because of his departure, he would probably break out in goosebumps all over.

"Was there really someone in this world addicted to being beaten up?!"

But that was impossible now. He was already standing beneath the stone archway of Qingshan Town.

Yao Yan got down from the carriage at the entrance to the town.

At once, an elderly man in a green robe, his face somewhat aged but his gaze bright and sharp, came forward to greet him.

He smiled and bowed. "Young Master."

A trace of surprise flashed through Yao Yan's eyes upon seeing him. "Physician Yao, how did you know I was coming?"

Physician Yao was the proprietor of Jieyou Pharmacy in Qingshan Town, as well as a physician trained by the pharmacy.

He had grown up in Qingshan Town. Now that he was getting on in years, he had returned to his hometown to oversee Jieyou Pharmacy's branch.

Usually, he was responsible for purchasing medicinal ingredients and arranging for them to be sent to the pharmaceutical factory in Nuoding City for processing.

"A few days ago, the chief manager sent a letter saying that Young Master would be making a visit. Judging by the dates, I guessed you would arrive today," Physician Yao explained.

"So that's how it is." Yao Yan nodded slightly, a warmth flowing through his heart.

"Let's go!"

The two entered Qingshan Town on foot.

Qingshan Town remained bustling and lively. Cries of vendors rose and fell along the streets, while pedestrians came and went in an endless stream.

Physician Yao led Yao Yan along, introducing the circumstances of every shop. He even explained the local customs and traditions in great detail.

It seemed he knew Yao Yan would be stationed here for a long time.

Before they knew it, the two arrived before a five-story inn. Though its exterior decoration was simple, it blended perfectly into the natural scenery.

The three large words "Misty Rain Tower" were written in bold, sweeping strokes across the plaque above the entrance.

The two entered. The lobby was extraordinarily spacious and divided into different areas, offering food, drink, entertainment, and leisure.

Yao Yan looked around and saw that the sofas in the lobby were filled with people.

They were likely waiting for others to check out.

As soon as they reached the entrance, a female attendant in uniform came forward. "Physician Yao, may I ask whether you have a reservation?"

"Of course." Physician Yao took out a black token and handed it to her.

The attendant accepted the token, asked them to wait a moment, then turned and went to the counter to verify it.

Just then, the surrounding air seemed to grow several degrees colder.

Seven beautiful girls filed in one after another.

They wore matching blue uniforms, with ice-crystal-shaped badges pinned to their chests. Delicate leg rings encircled their long, fair legs, and they carried an exceptionally cool and distinguished air.

Every one of the girls possessed exquisite features, yet each had her own unique charm.

The moment they appeared, a faint, elegant fragrance filled the air, drawing everyone in the hall to turn and look.

"My god! Who are they? Every single one of them is gorgeous. I think I'm falling in love."

"Wipe that lovesick look off your face. They're students from Skywater Academy!"

"Skywater Academy? That advanced academy that only accepts female students?"

Amid the murmuring crowd, they seemed already accustomed to such attention and calmly walked toward the counter.

Yao Yan and his companion hurriedly stepped aside, making way for the seven beauties.

Two maidservants came forward to greet them.

A tall girl with long water-blue hair cascading over her fragrant shoulders and an icy, elegant bearing stepped out and produced a red token.

"Prepare eight rooms for us. Just deliver the meals outside the room doors."

"Of course." The maidservant nodded with a smile.

As permanent guests of the inn, the Four Great Academies naturally had rooms reserved for them.

The seven beauties were led upstairs by the maidservants.

Yao Yan glanced at the tall girl, his eyes flickering slightly. "That should be Shui Bing'er, right? She really is as beautiful as the rumors say."

"But... she's still not as pretty as my Sister Caiyi."

He withdrew his gaze just as the maidservant delivered the room key and led him up to the fourth floor.

The fourth floor was quiet and secluded, with the rooms spaced far apart. Soul Masters meditating here would not be disturbed.

Physician Yao escorted Yao Yan to his door. "Young Master, I won't go in. Mister Zhou Lie has already led the team into the mountains, and it may take seven or eight days."

"If you're in a hurry, I also know a few people from hunting parties who can accompany you."

"I still have plenty of time." Yao Yan politely declined.

He intended for his third Soul Ring to come from a Ten Thousand Year Spirit Beast. It was best not to let anyone know.

"Alright." Physician Yao did not mind and turned to leave the inn.

Yao Yan slipped into the room, let Xiao Ying out of his Backpack, then went out to prepare rations and other necessities.

By the time he finished, it was nearly evening. After having dinner at the inn, he returned to his room to meditate.

At dawn, while the sky was still dim.

Yao Yan had already washed up. After finishing breakfast on the first floor with his pack on his back, he grabbed the Blue Silver Overlord Spear and rushed into the forest.

Not Far Away, Shui Bing'er, who was purchasing rations, happened to catch sight of this. Her expression changed at once, and she hurriedly called out, "Little boy! Where is your family?"

A girl beside her Looked Towards the direction she indicated but saw nothing. Confused, she asked, "Sister Bing'er, what child?"

"It's the boy who shared a table with us this morning. I saw him run in alone with my own eyes!" Shui Bing'er explained anxiously.

"Didn't he say he was waiting for his family at the inn?"

A gleam flashed through Shui Bing'er's eyes as she immediately understood. "He looked so well-behaved, but I didn't expect him to be a Little Liar. Going into the Star Dou Great Forest alone—he's far too bold!"

Seeing that the other Sisters had finished their purchases, the seven immediately decided to pursue Yao Yan in the direction he had gone.

Yet even after chasing for a long distance, they never found any trace of Yao Yan and could only complete their own task first.

At this moment, Yao Yan held a map in his hand as he entered the Mixed Zone.

With Xiao Ying's help, dangers could be avoided in advance, so there was no need to worry about safety.

This time, his target was a Thousand Year Spirit Beast known as the Phantom Hidden Flower.

According to the records, they lived in swamps year-round and could transform their appearance according to their surroundings, thus avoiding harm from natural enemies.

Unfortunately, he had searched several swamps in the outer region without finding one, leaving him no choice but to enter the Mixed Zone.

After using the map to locate a medium-sized swamp and finding nothing there, Yao Yan found a patch of woodland, sat cross-legged on the ground, and suddenly spread out his spiritual power.

"Help me find a Plant Spirit Beast that can transform."

As the command was sent out, the Blue Silver Grass on the ground immediately glowed with a shimmering Green Light, relaying the king's will layer by layer.

The Blue Silver Grass within a ten-kilometer radius began to stir.

After a long while, a blurry image flooded into his mind—deep within the Dense Forest, there was actually a plant moving slowly!

When he focused and saw the creature's true appearance, he found a bright blood-red, Mandala Flower-shaped fleshy crest growing atop its head.

"A moving plant... a Mandala Snake?"