Battle Through the Heavens: Obtaining the Extraction System at the Start

Hearing this, Xiao Ling stroked his chin. "He already lost to me when we competed in alchemy back then. Besides, what adult would get angry with a child?"

Han Yue, standing nearby, chimed in at the right moment. "Let's talk about the arrangements for going to the Inner Academy. There are countless students there who are stronger than us. Making preparations early is better than entering unprepared."

Lin Xiuyai followed up, "Xiao Ling and I discussed it before. The few of us can form a faction. That'll make it easier for us to obtain cultivation resources."

Xiao Ling also said, "As long as you're willing, join us in building a faction. With the talent of the few of us, we'll soon become the strongest faction in the Inner Academy. And I'll keep Void Dragon by my side. It's already a Fourth-Order Magical Beast now; no one in the Inner Academy can defeat it."

Everyone pondered for a while before Han Yue spoke first. "I'll join this faction. My combat strength isn't very strong, so you'll have to look after me."

Xiao Ling nodded. "Don't worry. As long as you're in the same faction as me, if someone bullies you for no reason, I'll definitely teach them a harsh lesson."

Liu Qing added, "I'm willing to join as well, but once my younger sister enters the Inner Academy, she has to join this faction too."

Lin Xiuyai said, "Don't worry. Xiao Ling and I already considered your sister's situation. Once she reaches the Inner Academy, she can join us directly. Just don't spoil her too much when the time comes. Don't let her develop a spoiled and overbearing temperament. That wouldn't be good."

Seeing everyone agree one after another, Lin Yan spoke as well. "Then I'll join too. But how should the positions be assigned?"

Everyone nodded and turned their gazes toward Xiao Ling and Lin Xiuyai.

Xiao Ling spoke unhurriedly. "I have no experience managing a faction, so I'll serve as the Alchemy Elder. Lin Xiuyai will be the sect master, Han Yue will help manage the faction, and Lin Yan and Liu Qing, you two can be the muscle. Xun Er can simply be a sect member."

No one had any objections. Lin Xiuyai and Han Yue were certainly more capable at handling management matters. Xiao Ling was the only Alchemist among them, and his grade was not low; he still had plenty of room to improve in the future. Lin Yan and Liu Qing were both battle fanatics, so combat suited them better. As for Xiao Xun'er, aside from Xiao Ling, everyone thought she was merely a Dou Shi. Xiao Ling had no intention of having her waste time elsewhere. Focusing on cultivation was more important than anything.

In truth, Xiao Ling had an even more important reason for not becoming the sect master: he would definitely leave the academy for a period of time. To avoid trouble later, he simply chose not to take the position.

With Xiao Ling's help, these people were only stronger than their counterparts from the original story during the same period. As long as they prepared the ingredients for pills such as the Purple Heart Barrier Breaking Pill, Xiao Ling would refine them for practice. He had even refined a Three-patterned Green Spirit Pill for Xiao Xun'er long ago.

After listening from the side for a long time, Xiao Xun'er suddenly said, "Brother Xiao Ling, give the faction a name."

Hearing this, Xiao Ling rubbed his chin and thought briefly before saying, "Let's call it the Supreme Freedom Gate."

After saying that, he stood up and was the first to walk out through the courtyard gate. Everyone followed behind him, heading toward the competition platform for the Inner Academy Selection Tournament.

Jia Nan Academy covered an enormous area. After walking for quite a while, the group finally entered the plaza hosting the Inner Academy Selection Tournament through the crowded sea of people.

As one of Jia Nan Academy's major events, the Inner Academy Selection Tournament naturally attracted immense attention.

Moreover, the prominent figures who usually stirred up the academy would all make an appearance in this selection tournament.

For the male and female students who regarded these people as idols or objects of affection, this was undoubtedly an enormous attraction.

Therefore, although the academy had chosen the largest plaza in Jia Nan Academy for this event, it was still packed with a dense crowd.

Countless Jia Nan Academy students fought their way into the seats around the plaza. Looking across the stands, there were nothing but a vast mass of dark heads and clamor soaring into the sky.

The arrival of Xiao Ling's group also attracted some attention, since they were all famous genius figures in the Outer Academy.

Looking at the packed crowd around them, Xiao Ling frowned and said to the others behind him, "Go back to your own classes and take part in the competition first. We'll gather again afterward."

The others nodded and went to find their respective classes. Xiao Ling led Xiao Xun'er and quickly spotted Instructor Ruo Lin along with several students from their class.

Walking over, the two soon squeezed through the crowded stream of people and reached their class's designated area.

"Xiao Ling, Xiao Xun'er, you two finally made it. Why are you so late? You're the only two missing from our class. Hurry over and sit down. The selection tournament is about to begin."

Instructor Ruo Lin, seated in the stands, had sharp eyes. Upon noticing the arrival of her two students, she waved at them.

"We were discussing some matters with friends just now. Sorry, Instructor."

Seeing Instructor Ruo Lin wave at them, Xiao Ling and Xiao Xun'er greeted her, found two adjacent seats, and sat down.

After smiling and greeting several classmates they knew, Xiao Ling shifted his gaze toward the bustling plaza.

His gaze swept across the plaza and landed on the best seats in the center of the stands. Only four white-haired old men sat there. Although their auras were almost no different from those of ordinary old men, Xiao Ling's eyes stopped on them first. Others might not sense anything, but with his outstanding Soul Perception, he could faintly detect the occasional trace of spatial ripples around the four elders. Such spatial fluctuations could only resonate with the surrounding space when the Dou Qi within one's body had reached a certain extreme.

They were Elder Huo of the Alchemy Department and Hu Gan, the vice principal of the Outer Academy.

The other two elders seated beside them were senior elders of the Outer Academy.

All four were Dou Emperor Peak experts, only one step away from the Dou Zong realm. If they could take a Sect Breaking Pill, they might become Dou Zong experts in one stroke.

Unfortunately, although Jia Nan Academy possessed abundant resources, its alchemy inheritance was not profound enough. It had not cultivated a Sixth-grade Alchemist capable of refining Sect Breaking Pills. Nor would Han Feng, the Medicine Emperor of the Black Corner Region, help an enemy by refining Sect Breaking Pills for Jia Nan Academy. Thus, the elders had remained trapped at the Dou Emperor Peak for who knew how many years, never able to take that final step.

When Xiao Ling looked toward the four of them, they all seemed to sense it and turned their gazes toward him. Upon seeing that it was Xiao Ling, "Jia Nan Academy's number one genius," they all revealed friendly smiles and nodded.

Seeing this, Xiao Ling greeted them as well before withdrawing his gaze.

One of the elders said to Elder Huo, "Old Man Huo, how long will Xiao Ling need before he reaches Sixth-grade Alchemist? We're still waiting for Sect Breaking Pills."

Hearing this, Elder Huo stroked his beard and said proudly, "That boy's Soul Perception is extraordinary. He can already refine Fourth-grade Pills. Once he enters the Inner Academy and raises his cultivation, becoming a Sixth-grade Alchemist will only be a matter of time. Jia Nan Academy possesses the inheritance of a Sixth-grade Alchemist, but my abilities are insufficient, and my Soul Perception has never met the requirements. A Sixth-grade Alchemist will only be that boy's starting point."

Hu Gan, standing nearby, also spoke. "We've waited for so many years already. Can't we wait a few more? Even my granddaughter used that boy's self-created pills while cultivating Dou Qi, and the effects were indeed quite good."

Thinking of his granddaughter, she was also a top-ranked prodigy in Jia Nan Academy. Yet compared to Xiao Ling, despite being close in age, their cultivation levels were worlds apart. Once she entered the Inner Academy and used the Heavenly Flame Refining Pagoda, she might even advance to Dou Wang before graduation.

He shook his head and could not help sighing inwardly. There were differences even among geniuses.

As they conversed, the surrounding plaza had already become a sea of people, and the clamor shot into the skies. The Inner Academy Selection Tournament had finally begun.

As a middle-aged referee slowly walked onto the plaza, deafening cheers immediately erupted from the stands.

The cheers gradually subsided as the referee lowered his hand. After sweeping his eyes around, the middle-aged referee announced in a loud voice:

"Students, today is the long-awaited day when the annual Inner Academy Selection Tournament begins. The participants in this competition come from every Profound Yellow Tier Class, as well as the Law Enforcement Team and the Alchemy Department. They are the outstanding students of their respective classes, three hundred in total.

"The rules for this selection tournament are as follows:

"First, the matches are meant for sparring. You are fellow students, and no one may ruthlessly kill a fellow student.

"Second, no one may have another person take their place in a match.

"Third...

"Anyone who violates any of the above rules will, at best, be disqualified from the Inner Academy Selection Tournament, and at worst, be expelled from the academy on the spot."

"Alright, the selection tournament has begun. Any contestant whose name is called, please come onto the stage immediately. Anyone who exceeds the allotted time will be considered to have forfeited." The middle-aged referee did not waste any more words. After explaining the rules, he slowly retreated to a referee's stand at one side of the plaza. At that moment, two names rang out from the referee's stand.

"Profound Grade Class 2, Dai Yuhao."

"Profound Grade Class 3, Huo Mubai."

At the call, two figures who had long been prepared flashed down from the stands and landed steadily in the arena. They stared at each other as sparks flew from their eyes. Dou Qi of different attributes surged violently from their bodies, the powerful energy wrapping around them and forming perfect Dou Qi Gauze.

Although the two fighters were not prominent figures comparable to Lin Xiuyai or Liu Qing, they still possessed a measure of fame in the academy. Thus, as soon as they entered the arena, waves of cheers rose from the stands. Those qualified to participate in the selection tournament were the seed contestants of their classes. No matter what, they could at least be considered above-average in strength within Jia Nan Academy's Outer Academy.

Of the two in the arena, Dai Yuhao wielded the relatively rare Ice Attribute Dou Qi, with both offense and defense being quite formidable. Huo Mubai, on the other hand, used Gold Attribute Dou Qi. Its offensive power was extremely fierce, though its defense was somewhat lacking. The moment the match began, they engaged in close-quarters combat. Relying on his family's ultimate art, the White Tiger Vajra Transformation, Huo Mubai steadily suppressed Dai Yuhao in close combat. Although Dai Yuhao was retreating step by step, he had already created a large amount of icy vapor throughout the arena. Using one of Huo Mubai's heavy blows to pull away, Dai Yuhao unleashed his trump card, the Mysterious Grade High-tier Dou Technique, Ice Explosion Technique. The icy Dou Qi above the arena immediately exploded, while Huo Mubai could no longer escape in time and could only use the Mysterious Grade Intermediate Dou Technique, White Tiger Body Protection Barrier, to protect his vital points. Once the smoke on the field dissipated, Dai Yuhao was merely gasping heavily. Clearly, the Ice Explosion Technique consumed an enormous amount of Dou Qi, but his physical strength remained fairly well preserved. Huo Mubai, by contrast, was already kneeling on one knee and could not rise again. He had lost his ability to fight.

Seeing this, the referee at the side raised the flag in his hand and announced loudly, "Profound Grade Class 3, Dai Yuhao wins!"

At those words, the surrounding audience burst into enthusiastic cheers, their voices soaring into the sky.

Even Xiao Ling in the stands could not help applauding. It truly had been an exceptionally exciting match. The upcoming selection tournament looked like it would be very interesting.

Amid this heated atmosphere, the Inner Academy Selection Tournament proceeded in an orderly fashion.

As match after match ended, it drew ever closer to Xiao Ling's turn to take the stage.

During that time, Xiao Xun'er also went onstage for a match, shocking everyone with the strength of a Nine-year-old Five-star Dou Master.

After the hundredth match ended, an old man stepped out from the referee's stand. He glanced at the match list in his hand and announced loudly, "One hundred and first match: Profound Grade Class 1's Xiao Ling versus Profound Grade Class 4's Chen Anping."

As the referee's words fell, the noisy plaza quieted somewhat.

Countless gazes gathered upon the plaza, eagerly anticipating the match of the "number one genius of the Inner Academy."

Xiao Ling smiled at Xiao Xun'er in the stands. "Xun Er, it's my match. I'll be back soon."

"Then do your best, Brother Xiao Ling. Don't be careless." Although Xiao Xun'er had absolute confidence in Xiao Ling, she still gave him a small reminder.

Xiao Ling activated his movement technique, Wind Chasing Steps, and landed at one side of the competition platform in an instant. His blue-silver hair fluttered in the wind, making him look exceptionally dashing.

Although he stood on the stage without saying a word, he still triggered a wave of cheers from the students at the edge of the arena.

"Junior Xiao Ling, you're so handsome!"

"Junior Xiao Ling, I love you!"

"Junior Xiao Ling, do you want me to be your wife?"

It was clear that Xiao Ling was extremely popular in the academy, especially among the female students, where his popularity was explosive.

Opposite Xiao Ling, Chen Anping also slowly stepped onto the platform. He was tall and straight, with skin as fair as snow, sword-like brows, and bright eyes. Overall, he gave off the impression of a refined and handsome young man. Yet his entire bearing carried a feeling of stubbornness, dullness, and single-mindedness.

Xiao Ling swept him with Soul Perception and unexpectedly felt a faint sharpness rushing toward him. Although Chen Anping's cultivation was only that of a Five-star Dou Master, he gave Xiao Ling the impression that he was even stronger than a Seven-star Dou Master. Xiao Ling narrowed his eyes slightly, his interest piqued.

Following the referee's loud shout, "The match begins!"

The two charged toward each other. Xiao Ling only used the Dou Qi cultivation of a Five-star Dou Master, intending to test Chen Anping's capabilities.

Their fists collided, sending a ring of air waves spreading in every direction. They immediately began close combat. With the sharpness of his Soul Perception, Chen Anping could not touch Xiao Ling at all, while Xiao Ling could easily injure him. Judging from the situation, Xiao Ling held an absolute advantage, and there seemed to be little suspense over the outcome.

After knocking Chen Anping back with a punch, Xiao Ling tilted his head and said, "There's a bit of a gap between our cultivation levels. Draw your sword. Let's decide the victor in one move."

Hearing this, Chen Anping merely nodded slightly. He could naturally tell that Xiao Ling had already shown him considerable respect by not directly defeating him with his cultivation.

He raised a hand and shouted, "Sword Come!"

A longsword appeared in his hand, and he slashed it toward Xiao Ling. The force of its aura was so powerful that the hair of nearby students stirred slightly in the wind.