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

With a thought, Xiao Ling took the Rayquaza Pokémon Egg out of his Storage Space. He weighed it in his hands. It was quite heavy, with black and yellow stripes on its shell that gave it a mysterious appearance. Pressing his ear against the shell, he could even hear a faint heartbeat, making him look forward to its hatching even more.

After putting away the Pokémon Egg, Xiao Ling took out the Blue Silver Emperor Torso Bone. When the spirit bone entered his hand, no wild energy spread from it. Instead, it gave off a gentle feeling that dispelled all the fatigue in his body. Blue light flickered across its surface, lending it an elegant air.

Without thinking further, Xiao Ling picked up the spirit bone and pressed it against his abdomen. The next second, the crystalline spirit bone in his hand blazed brightly, transforming into streams of warm energy carrying a cool aura as they poured into his spine. In the blink of an eye, the spirit bone vanished, while blue-gold radiance spread over Xiao Ling's entire torso.

Cool. Comfortable. There was no resistance or discomfort whatsoever.

Feeling the abundant energy within him, Xiao Ling began circulating his Dou Qi to refine it. Unlike the violent nature of Dou Qi, this energy was exceptionally gentle, nourishing him silently like spring rain. It flowed through his bones and muscles, strengthening his physique.

Time slipped away bit by bit. The moon set and the sun rose, and before he knew it, it was the morning of the third day. Sunlight streamed through the window and fell over Xiao Ling.

Gradually, Xiao Ling's body underwent subtle changes. His long black hair turned blue, he grew a little taller, and his skin became fairer. His slightly childish face gained a few sharper contours. If one did not test his bone age, most people would have assumed he was a fourteen- or fifteen-year-old boy.

Xiao Ling felt a cool sensation wash through his mind. His thoughts became clearer, and his Soul Power improved as well.

Sensing the changes in his body, Xiao Ling could not help but marvel. "As expected of the Blue Silver Emperor with its top-tier life attribute. This is practically a complete rebirth."

He slowly opened his eyes, his blue-gold pupils brimming with delight.

His cultivation had reached five-star Dou Zhe, and his foundation was exceptionally solid. He was also very satisfied with the two newly acquired skills: "Wildfires Cannot Burn It All, Spring Breezes Bring It Back to Life" and "Camouflage."

The former was an incredibly powerful recovery skill capable of regenerating severed limbs. The latter was more of a utility skill that could conceal his aura. Before Dou Zong, it ignored differences in rank entirely. After reaching Dou Zong, anyone no more than one major realm above him would be unable to see through it.

He cut his palm, drawing several drops of bright red blood. Activating the spirit bone skill, "Wildfires Cannot Burn It All, Spring Breezes Bring It Back to Life," the wound on his palm immediately vanished. The effect was excellent, and Xiao Ling was very pleased.

Xiao Ling stood up and discovered that his clothes were a little tight. He had grown taller as well. Walking over to the mirror in the room, he stared at the person reflected within and froze.

"I never expected absorbing a spirit bone to have this kind of effect. The Blue Silver Plastic Surgery I heard about online in my previous life really is powerful. But looking like this now will be rather difficult to explain." Xiao Ling shook his head and stopped dwelling on it.

"We are still several days away from Jia Nan Academy. Now that I have mastered a healing skill, even if devouring Beast Fire brings a backlash, I am confident I can handle it. There is no need to worry."

Time continued to pass slowly. Apart from necessary resupplies, they spent all their remaining time flying and traveling. After more than ten days in total, they were nearly at Jia Nan Academy.

Along the way, Instructor Ruo Lin also introduced the new students to the various powers around Jia Nan Academy and gave them a general overview of the Black Corner Region.

Jia Nan Academy was located within the Black Corner Region. It was a place where all sorts of people gathered, free of restraint. Many wanted criminals, along with wealth and treasures of unknown origin, filled the area.

As a result, desperate outlaws who killed for money and treasures could be found everywhere in the Black Corner Region. She especially reminded them that if they ever wished to enter the Black Corner Region for training, they must remember two things. First, disguise themselves and avoid displaying wealth or treasures that might invite greed. Second, never underestimate anyone in the Black Corner Region—especially the elderly, women, and children. No one who could survive there was harmless.

Yet Jia Nan Academy had carved out a patch of pure land within it, maintaining order across the surrounding region. Members of the Law Enforcement Team constantly patrolled the area around the academy. The Law Enforcement Team was made up of both instructors and students. Killing people from the Black Corner Region who harbored ill intentions toward the academy also allowed the students to witness more of the world's cruelty.

Because of this, Xiao Ling gained a deeper understanding of Jia Nan Academy and the Black Corner Region. They were no longer merely impressions from a book.

To avoid drawing unnecessary attention, Xiao Ling activated the "Camouflage" skill and concealed his strength back to its original level. At the same time, his hair returned to its previous black color. He planned to stop using these disguises once he had established himself at Jia Nan Academy.

After absorbing and devouring five clumps of Beast Fire, Xiao Ling's cultivation had risen to the peak of nine-star Dou Zhe, while the Fen Jue had advanced to low-grade Mysterious Grade. He planned to consolidate his cultivation for the next few days. Breaking through too quickly would make it difficult to control his own strength, and his Dou Qi would become somewhat unstable.

With a thought, Xiao Ling opened the System Panel. [Ding. Automatically opening host's personal panel...]

Host: Xiao Ling

Gender: Male

Cultivation: Nine-star Dou Zhe

Dou Qi Attribute: Fire (mixed with a trace of Wood Attribute)

Cultivation Methods: Fen Jue (low-grade Mysterious Grade), Taiyi Soul Art

Dou Techniques: Suction Palm (low-grade Mysterious Grade), Crushing Claw Strike (Yellow Grade Intermediate), Mountain Splitting Palm (Yellow Grade Intermediate), Stone Crushing Palm (Yellow Grade Intermediate)

Flame: Fused Beast Fire

Items: Twenty-Four Bridges Moonlight Night, Rayquaza Pokémon Egg, Infinite Coke Bottle, Dou Venerate Relic Map

Extractions Remaining: 8

Looking at the eight extraction chances he still had left, Xiao Ling did not use them. He planned to wait until he reached the academy.

He took out the Rayquaza Pokémon Egg again and used the Blue Silver Emperor Torso Bone to inject a trace of life energy into it. Seeing the egg wiggle, Xiao Ling could not help but smile. It should hatch soon. He packed the Pokémon Egg into his backpack and carried it on his back. Before the little fellow was born, Xiao Ling had no intention of placing it in the System Warehouse.

The next morning

The sky was only beginning to brighten. Knowing that they would arrive at the academy today, Xiao Ling ended his cultivation early and stepped out of his room.

Standing on the back of the flying Magical Beast and looking down, he saw the outline of an astonishingly vast city appear in the distance.

Even from high in the sky, when he looked down, he could see only the tip of Jia Nan City's iceberg. A glimpse through a narrow tube was enough to reveal just how immense this city truly was.

"Get up and prepare your luggage! We've arrived!"

It was Instructor Ruo Lin's voice. Not every student was especially diligent in cultivation, nor did every student wake up this early.

Listening to the surrounding clamor, Xiao Ling had nothing to prepare. Other than the Pokémon Egg on his back, all his belongings had been stored in his belt.

Before long, the flying Magical Beast beneath their feet let out a low roar. Beating its wings, it dove toward the enormous city below.

Upon arriving at Jia Nan Academy, the first thing they saw was a solemn and imposing academy gate.

The steps before the gate and the enormous plaza stretching out beyond it were all paved with Refined Steel Rock.

The gate itself was made entirely from high-quality jade. In particular, the four golden characters reading Jia Nan Academy on the plaque gleamed brilliantly, clearly worth a fortune.

Jia Nan Academy's deep foundations intimidated this batch of new students with nothing more than its entrance. Even Xiao Ling could not help but marvel at how wealthy Jia Nan Academy truly was.

After entering the academy, the old students who had assisted with recruitment all left after receiving their contribution points for completing the task.

All the new students followed Instructor Ruo Lin to the plaza, where they were assigned instructors based on their evaluation grades. Their instructors would then arrange their accommodations.

After everyone else gradually dispersed, Instructor Ruo Lin walked over to Xiao Ling. Looking at him expectantly, she said, "Xiao Ling, with your talent, you may choose any instructor in the Outer Academy. Every instructor hopes to have a genius as their student."

"But I still hope that you can join my class. What I can guarantee is that in my class, I will certainly apply for the highest level of benefits and cultivation resources for you."

Rubbing his chin, Xiao Ling said, "Instructor Ruo Lin, I actually have fire and wood attributes. I plan to study Alchemy Art, but no one in Wutan City could teach me, so I came to Jia Nan Academy to learn. If attending your class will not interfere with my alchemy studies and cultivation, then I can agree."

Ruo Lin understood what he meant. He wanted to be left to develop freely. But that was fine. There was not much she could teach a genius like him anyway. Once he graduated in the future, there would at least be some bond between teacher and student. Perhaps once he grew stronger, he might remember her, and even a little benefit slipping through his fingers would be enough to satisfy her.

Thus, she said, "That will not be a problem. The academy's Alchemy Department is like the Law Enforcement Team; it does not conflict with our teaching classes."

"Our teaching classes mainly assist students with cultivation. All students in the teaching classes may choose to join either the Alchemy Department or the Law Enforcement Team based on their talents and interests."

"Those who join the Alchemy Department will have dedicated instructors teaching them alchemy techniques, and medicinal ingredients will be specifically provided for them to accumulate experience. Those who join the Law Enforcement Team will likewise have instructors teach them practical combat techniques, leading them through actual battles to build combat experience." Ruo Lin seriously explained the matter to Xiao Ling.

After understanding, Xiao Ling smiled at Ruo Lin. "I understand. Thank you, Instructor, for clearing up my confusion. I am willing to join your class."

Hearing Xiao Ling's clear answer, Instructor Ruo Lin revealed a charming smile as well. "Don't worry. My class definitely will not disappoint you."

"There is one more thing—I nearly forgot. Principal Hu Gan of the Outer Academy wishes to meet you. I'll take you there. Although the Principal is a peak Dou Emperor expert, he treats students quite well." With that, Ruo Lin led Xiao Ling toward the Principal's office.

Walking behind her, Xiao Ling rubbed his chin and pondered, Why did he summon me alone? Does he want to take me as a disciple?

He shook his head and stopped thinking about it. Since he was already here, he would simply see what the situation was.

Before long, the two arrived before a quiet little courtyard. The courtyard was simple and unadorned, without any luxurious decorations. Anyone unaware of its owner might have mistaken it for an ordinary commoner's home.

Ruo Lin stepped forward and knocked on the door before saying, "Principal Hu Gan, I have brought Xiao Ling."

"Good. Let him come in. I am very curious about him." A deep voice came from inside. Though it sounded somewhat aged, it carried immense force and could not be underestimated.

Xiao Ling pushed open the door and entered the small house. He first bowed respectfully to Hu Gan. "Student Xiao Ling greets Principal Hu Gan." Then he raised his head and examined Hu Gan.

He wore a black-and-white robe and a large white hat patterned with gold. Gold-rimmed glasses rested on his somewhat aged face, while a small tuft of white beard hung from his chin. He gave off a very approachable impression.

Hu Gan put down his pen and looked up at Xiao Ling. He did not mind Xiao Ling's earlier scrutiny in the slightest. With a kindly smile, he asked, "Child, how old are you? Why did you wish to come to Jia Nan Academy? What is your current cultivation?"

"Principal, I am eight years old this year, and I am already a Dou Zhe," Xiao Ling replied calmly. A maturity far beyond that of an ordinary child flickered in his eyes. "I wish to rapidly strengthen myself, and I am also very interested in Alchemy Art, which is why I chose to join Jia Nan Academy."

As his words fell, Xiao Ling released the aura unique to a Dou Zhe. Though still immature, it was enough for others to sense his potential.

Hearing this, Hu Gan sensed Xiao Ling's aura and stepped forward to feel his hand. His eyes grew brighter and brighter, while joy bloomed in his heart.

His cultivation foundation was solid, his physique was stronger than that of some Dou Masters, and he even possessed a fairly powerful Beast Fire within his body. His Dou Qi attribute was fire mixed with a trace of wood, and his Soul Power was also exceptionally strong. He was a natural-born Alchemist. Haha, with such a genius, Jia Nan Academy will surely rise to greatness once more.

Seeing Hu Gan stare at him as if he wanted to devour him, a cold drop of sweat appeared on Xiao Ling's forehead. He hurriedly asked, "Principal Hu Gan, is there anything else?"

Realizing that he had lost his composure somewhat, Hu Gan's old face reddened. After coughing twice, he said, "I will not beat around the bush. Your talent is the most outstanding Jia Nan Academy has seen in a hundred years. Even in the Middle Continent, you would be considered a top-tier prodigy. We intend to devote all our efforts to nurturing your growth. But such benefits do not come for free. After graduating from the academy, you must serve as an elder of the academy. I also know that Jia Nan Academy will not be your final destination. You may venture outside for training, but when Jia Nan Academy is in danger, you must lend it your strength. When you grow old, retiring here would also be a good choice. Furthermore, Jia Nan Academy has deep foundations. Although the Principal is not currently at the academy, he left behind many precious treasures. This is absolutely the best place to nurture you at your present stage. If you do not wish to become an academy elder, we will still nurture you well. Though the allocation of resources will not be as substantial, it will still be better than the treatment given to S-rank new students. All we ask is that you remember this goodwill in the future. So, what is your answer?" After saying this, he stared fixedly at Xiao Ling, the smile vanishing from his face.

Looking into Hu Gan's serious eyes, Xiao Ling did not hesitate for long before answering, "I am willing to become an academy elder after graduation. The academy will protect me as I grow, and I will certainly protect the academy's peace and contribute to its development. I will not betray the academy's efforts in nurturing me."

Hearing the answer he wanted, Hu Gan burst into laughter. "Good. Go back to your dormitory and rest first. If you wish to learn Alchemy Art, go to the Alchemy Department tomorrow. The instructors there will teach you alchemy." As he spoke, he took out a Ring and handed it to Xiao Ling. "Inside are medicinal ingredients for refining First-grade Pills through Third-grade Pills. They will be enough for your early practice. If you run out of ingredients, come find me again."

Xiao Ling reached out to accept the Ring and nodded. After thanking him, he turned and left the room. He asked Instructor Ruo Lin for the location of his dormitory, told her that he would be going to the Alchemy Department tomorrow, and then headed off alone.

Looking at the Ring in his hand, Xiao Ling felt somewhat moved. Xiao Yan's alchemy had seemed easy in the original work, but aside from talent, that was largely because Venerable Yao, known as the greatest Alchemist on the Dou Qi Continent, had personally taught him at his side. Even so, Xiao Yan had consumed a great deal of medicinal ingredients. Over so many years, only one Sixth-grade Alchemist, Gu He, had emerged from the Jia Ma Empire, and even he had been nurtured by the Misty Cloud Sect with countless resources. This showed just how resource-intensive becoming an Alchemist was.

Coming back to his senses, he stopped thinking about it. Arriving outside his dormitory, he pushed open the door and sat on the bed. The exhaustion from days of bumpy flying travel and cultivation swept over him. After stretching lazily, Xiao Ling fell into a deep sleep.

The next morning

Xiao Ling woke up in his dormitory bed. After washing up, he put on the academy uniform placed on the bedside cabinet. Looking at himself in the mirror, he was very satisfied with the outfit.

Leaving the small house, he eagerly rushed toward the Alchemy Department.

Walking along the bluestone paths of the campus, he watched the young men and women in academy uniforms come and go, chatting with one another. Xiao Ling looked somewhat dazed, as if he had returned to the familiar university life of his previous world. Smiling, he shook his head. "I can no longer return to the past."

Before long, he arrived at the entrance to the Alchemy Department. Xiao Ling found a middle-aged man who appeared to be an instructor and expressed his desire to join the Alchemy Department.