Arrival at the Academy

Arrival at the Academy

With a thought, Xiao Ling took the Rayquaza Elf Egg from his Storage Space. He weighed it in his hands. It was quite heavy, with black and yellow stripes across its shell, giving it a mysterious appearance. Pressing his ear against the shell, he could even hear faint heartbeats, making him look forward to its hatching all the more.

After putting away the Elf Egg, Xiao Ling took out the Blue Silver Emperor's Trunk Bone. When the soul bone landed in his hand, no violent energy spread from it. Instead, it gave off a gentle feeling that dispelled all the fatigue from his body. Blue light flickered across its surface, lending it an elegant air.

Without further thought, Xiao Ling pressed the soul bone against his abdomen. The next moment, the crystalline soul bone blazed with light, transforming into streams of warm energy carrying a cool aura as they poured into his spine. In the blink of an eye, the soul bone vanished, while blue-gold light suffused Xiao Ling's entire torso.

Cool, comfortable, without the slightest obstruction or discomfort.

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 remarkably gentle, nourishing him silently like spring rain. It flowed through his bones and muscles, strengthening his physical constitution.

Time slipped away bit by bit. The moon set and the sun rose, and before long, 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, and he grew somewhat taller. His skin became fairer, while his slightly youthful face gained a few sharper contours. If one did not examine his bone age, most would assume he was a fourteen- or fifteen-year-old youth.

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

Feeling the changes in his body, Xiao Ling could not help but exclaim, "As expected of the Blue Silver Emperor with its supreme life attribute. It practically remade my entire body."

He slowly opened his eyes, joy filling his blue-gold pupils.

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 winds blow, and it grows again," and "Disguise."

The former was an immensely 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 level entirely. After reaching Dou Zong, anyone no more than one major realm above him would be unable to see through it.

He cut a wound across his palm, and several drops of bright red blood flowed out. Activating the Soul Bone Skill, "Wildfires cannot burn it all; spring winds blow, and it grows again," the wound on his palm immediately vanished. The effect was excellent, and Xiao Ling was very satisfied.

Xiao Ling rose to his feet and noticed that his clothes had become a little tight. He had grown taller as well. Walking over to the mirror in the room, he stared at his reflection and froze.

"I never expected absorbing a soul bone to have this kind of effect. That Blue Silver cosmetic surgery people talked about online in my previous life really is powerful. But this appearance will be a little 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 Flames brings backlash, I am confident I can deal with it. There is nothing to worry about."

Time slowly passed. Aside from necessary resupplies, they spent every day flying and traveling. After more than ten days in total, they were finally close to reaching Jia Nan Academy.

Along the way, Instructor Ruo Lin had also introduced the new students to the forces surrounding Jia Nan Academy and the general situation in the Black Corner Region.

Jia Nan Academy was located within the Black Corner Region. It was a place where all manner of people gathered, with no rules or restraints. Many wanted criminals, as well as wealth and treasures of unknown origin, filled the area.

As a result, desperadoes who killed for money and treasure could be found everywhere in the Black Corner Region. She especially warned them that if they ever wished to train there in the future, they had to remember two things. First, disguise themselves and avoid revealing wealth or treasures that might invite greed. Second, never underestimate anyone in the Black Corner Region—especially the elderly, women, and children. Anyone capable of surviving there was no harmless person.

Yet Jia Nan Academy had carved out a patch of pure land within it, maintaining order throughout the surrounding area. Members of the Enforcement Team constantly patrolled the academy's vicinity. The Enforcement Team consisted of both instructors and students. Killing those from the Black Corner Region who harbored ill intentions toward the academy also allowed the students to witness the dangers of the world firsthand.

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

To avoid attracting unnecessary attention, Xiao Ling activated the "Disguise" 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 such disguises after gaining a firm foothold at Jia Nan Academy.

After absorbing and devouring five Beast Flames, Xiao Ling's cultivation had risen to the peak of nine-star Dou Zhe, while the Fen Jue had advanced to Black Tier Low-grade. He intended to consolidate his cultivation for the next few days. If he broke through too quickly, he might lose control over his own strength, and his Dou Qi would become somewhat unstable.

With a thought, Xiao Ling opened the system panel. Ding. The host's Personal Panel is opening automatically.

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" (Black Tier Low-grade), "Tai Yi Hun Jue"

Dou Skills: Suction Palm (Black Tier Low-grade), Crushing Claw Strike (Yellow Grade Mid-tier), Mountain Splitting Palm (Yellow Grade Mid-tier), Stone Shattering Palm (Yellow Grade Mid-tier)

Flames: Fused Beast Flame

Items: Twenty-Four Bridges Moonlight Night, Rayquaza Elf Egg, Infinite Cola Bottle, Dou Zun Relic Map

Draw Chances: 8

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

He took out the Rayquaza Elf Egg again and used the Blue Silver Emperor's Trunk Bone to inject a trace of life energy into it. Seeing the egg wobble, Xiao Ling could not help but smile. It should not be long before it hatched. He packed the Elf Egg into his backpack and carried it on his back. Before the little fellow was born, Xiao Ling did not intend to store it in the system warehouse.

The next morning

The sky had only just begun to brighten. Knowing that they would arrive at the academy today, Xiao Ling ended his cultivation early and walked out of his room.

Standing on the back of the Flying Magical Beast and looking down, he saw the outline of an enormous city whose sheer size was astounding.

Even from high in the air, when he looked down, he could only see the tip of Jia Nan City's iceberg. From this glimpse alone, one could see just how vast the 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 noisy commotion around him, Xiao Ling had nothing to prepare. Other than the Elf Egg on his back, all his belongings had been stored in his belt.

Not long after, the Flying Magical Beast beneath their feet let out a low roar. Flapping its wings, it dove toward the enormous city.

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 massive plaza extending beyond it were all paved with refined steel rock.

The gate itself was made entirely from high-quality jade, especially the four words Jia Nan Academy on the plaque. They gleamed with golden light, clearly worth a fortune.

Jia Nan Academy's deep foundation 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 older students who had come to assist 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 according to their evaluation grades. Their instructors would then arrange their accommodations.

Once everyone else had dispersed, Instructor Ruo Lin walked up 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 you can join my class. I can guarantee that in my class, I will apply for the highest level of treatment and cultivation resources for you."

Rubbing his chin, Xiao Ling said, "Instructor Ruo Lin, I actually have a Fire and Wood Attribute, and I intend to study Alchemy. 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 study of alchemy and cultivation, then I can agree."

Ruo Lin understood what he meant: he wanted freedom. But that was fine. There was not much she could teach a genius like him anyway. Once he graduated, they would at least share the bond of teacher and student. Perhaps after he grew stronger in the future, he might remember her, and even a little benefit slipping through his fingers would be enough to fill her stomach.

Thus, she said, "That will not be a problem. The academy's Alchemy Department and Enforcement Team are the same in that they do 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 Enforcement Team based on their talent and interests."

"Those who join the Alchemy Department will have dedicated instructors responsible for teaching alchemy techniques, and medicinal ingredients will be specially provided for students to build experience. Those who join the Enforcement Team will likewise have instructors teach practical combat techniques, leading students into real combat to increase their battle experience." Ruo Lin carefully explained Xiao Ling's questions.

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

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

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

Walking behind her, Xiao Ling rubbed his chin and pondered, Why does he want to see me alone? Could he be trying to take me as his disciple?

Shaking his head, he stopped thinking about it. Since he was here, he might as well take things as they came and see what the situation was.