Senior... Gently, It Hurts...

Vice Dean Hu Gan's office is antique in style, filled with a faint scholarly atmosphere and a calming energy.

Xiao Yan stood before this kind-looking Peak Dou Emperor expert, a respectful and obedient smile on his face.

"Sit down and talk, little guy." Hu Gan pointed to the chair next to him, smiling as he poured two cups of tea. "You took two years off, and you come back and cause such a commotion. Six-Star Da Dou Shi, yet a special recruit named Xiao Yi Xian with poisonous Dou Qi, the mysterious Yun Li, and Xiao Xun Er with an unusual identity... Tsk tsk, your future days are probably going to be quite exciting."

Xiao Yan's heart skipped a beat. The Vice Dean's seemingly casual words carried a hint of something more.

"Vice Dean, you flatter me," Xiao Yan quickly replied, his face full of sincerity. "Xiao Yi Xian is a friend I met during my training. She has exceptional talent and a kind heart. As for that Junior Sister Yun Li... I truly don't know her. Today's encounter was purely accidental. Who knew she would suddenly..."

Thinking of that sensational confession that had shaken the entire academy, Xiao Yan felt a headache coming on.

"Don't you recognize her?" Hu Gan gave Xiao Yan a meaningful look, took a sip of tea, and said, "I don't think she fell in love with you at first sight... This girl's methods are a bit strange, and I can't figure her out either. The academy recruited her from Wutan City, and she's so interested in you, so you'd better keep an eye on her!"

Xiao Yan's heart skipped a beat. His earlier feeling was indeed correct. Yun Li was most likely after him. Old Yao said that she had a familiar aura... It seemed that he had to find a way to communicate with her and see if he could get some information out of her.

Thinking of this, Xiao Yan also spoke up:

"I also think that Junior Sister Yun Li's strength is unfathomable, and her physical attributes are extremely strong. She doesn't seem like a Da Dou Shi at all. Her true strength might be at the Dou Ling or even Dou Wang level."

"Yes, it's good that you know what's going on. Don't let the pretty flowers blind you." Hu Gan down his teacup, his expression slightly serious. "I've read your file, including some information about your time in the Jia Ma Empire. Your talent is indeed unparalleled."

Hu Gan for a moment, then continued:

"But Xiao Yan, in less than two years, went from Four-Star Dou Zhe to Three-Star Da Dou Shi, and also possessed Earth Tier Dou Technique, with combat power far exceeding his current level. This cannot be explained by talent alone."

Even though you have a good relationship with Xiao Xun Er and might be able to get some help from her, you must have had unimaginable adventures and arduous training these past two years, right?

The old man wasn't trying to pry into your secrets, but just reminding you that geniuses often become the center of turmoil. The people and things you encounter might be more complex than you imagine, so it's always good to be cautious.

Xiao Yan sensed the concern in her words, and his heart warmed. He replied earnestly:

"Xiao Yan understands. Thank you for the reminder, Vice Dean. I will find a way to investigate Yun Li's matter."

"On this point, the old man still believes in you." Hu Gan, his cheerful expression returning. "Alright, this is just a reminder. Huo De has already submitted the information on that Xiao Yi Xian. Since it's a special admission and she's your friend, the academy will accept her according to the rules. Let her focus on preparing for the Selection Tournament."

"As for what happens between you and those three young ladies..." Hu Gan's eyes flashed with a hint of mockery as he teased, "This old man can't help you with that. You'd better watch yourself! There's only one month left until the Inner Academy Selection Tournament. Now that you're back, your goal must be to get into the Inner Academy, right? Don't let your 'personal feelings' interfere with your cultivation."

"Yes! Xiao Yan will definitely work hard!"

Xiao Yan quickly responded.

"Go ahead and properly appease your two confidantes."

Hu Gan waved his hand, and Xiao Yan bowed respectfully before quickly leaving the office.

Meanwhile, although the turmoil in the square was temporarily quelled by the intervention of the Vice Dean, its aftermath continued to escalate.

Because Xiao Yan and Hun Li Li's battle destroyed a large area of the plaza, the sparring sessions between the classes have come to an end.

Xun'er took Xiao Yi Xian directly back to her dormitory.

The dormitories at the Jia Nan Academy are all single rooms, since students need a quiet place to cultivate.

"It's obvious that the woman's confession to Brother Xiao Yan must have had ulterior motives."

Having calmed down, Xun'er narrowed her eyes and said.

"Yes, I feel the same way. The way she looked at Xiao Yan didn't seem like it was the first time she'd met him, but... after leaving the Xiao Family, Xiao Yan went straight to the Monster Mountain Range, which is where I met him. I spent most of my time with him, and I never heard him mention that Miss Yun Li."

Xiao Yi Xian nodded and said.

Hearing this, Xun'er felt a pang of jealousy.

She also wanted to train with Brother Xiao Yan... but it was clear that the clan would never agree to such a thing.

"I don't like sharing Brother Xiao Yan with others, but I don't want him to feel embarrassed because of me. I've known about your situation for a long time. If Brother Xiao Yan really likes you too, I can accept you."

But that woman absolutely cannot be with Brother Xiao Yan. I hope you can reach a consensus with me on this point."

After saying that, Xun'er reached out her hand to Xiao Yi Xian.

"I don't care about sharing or not, as long as he doesn't abandon me, I'll die by his side even if it means death. But that woman is too calculating, and I don't like her."

Xiao Yi Xian first shook her head, then reached out and took Xun'er's hand.

The two women exchanged a smile, forming an alliance against their new love rival.

Meanwhile, Hun Li Li leaned lazily against a large tree, gazing at the lush forest in the distance, her eyes filled with a deep, thoughtful expression.

She opened her palm; the charred burn, though deliberately controlled, hadn't yet healed. She still planned to use this for some purpose...

"As expected of the future Flame Emperor... At less than twelve years old, he already possesses such skill and intellect. I had already mastered the power of Dou Wang, and I have made some progress over the past year, but I was still injured by him..."

His growth rate far surpasses that of Xiao Yan in the original novel. Indeed, if we want to kill that old bastard, we'll have to rely on Xiao Yan ..."

An indescribable smile appeared on her lips. After nearly a year at the academy, the youthful and vibrant atmosphere had dispelled much of the gloom that had settled in her heart during her time with the Soul Clan. Now, seeing the protagonist thriving, she felt closer to escaping her misery, and her mood brightened.

But soon, her smile faded, and her brow furrowed slightly.

"However, Gu Xun'er and Xiao Yi Xian are indeed not easy to deal with. Although I am stronger than them now, it's hard to say what will happen in the future. Their cultivation speed seems to be ridiculously fast! And after today's commotion, they might join forces to deal with me!"

Thinking of this, she straightened up, her eyes regaining their lively and cunning look:

"Oh dear, my life is so hard, I need to find something sweeter!"

As dusk settled, the lights of the Jia Nan Academy gradually illuminated the ancient buildings, casting a soft glow upon them.

Having finished his conversation with Vice Dean Hu Gan, Xiao Yan was strolling along a quiet forest path, feeling a bit of a headache.

Helping the academy investigate Yun Li means that Xiao Yan must get close to her.

But if we get close to her, it won't be easy to explain to Xun'er and Xiao Yi Xian.

Let's explain this to them first. Besides, with Xun'er's abilities, she might have already found out some information.

"Little Yanzi, it seems that Jia Nan Academy is quite 'dangerous' compared to Black Corner Region. Those three little girls, tsk tsk, each one is more formidable than the last."

A gloating voice echoed in the Old Yao's heart.

Xiao Yan rubbed his temples helplessly. "Teacher, please stop teasing me. I just want to know who Yun Li is. Why does it feel like she's specifically after me?"

"Hey, your talent for flirting with girls is definitely more extraordinary than your fighting skills..."

Upon hearing this, the Old Yao gave a meaningful, sarcastic reply.

"Who?!"

Xiao Yan abruptly stopped, and he shouted warily.

From the shadow of an ancient tree ahead, a graceful black figure slowly emerged. Moonlight shone upon her, illuminating her bewitchingly beautiful face—it was none other than Hun Li Li.

A pitiful smile played on her lips as she gently shook her burned right hand. The striking black burn mark on her pale palm was particularly noticeable in the moonlight.

"Senior Xiao Yan ~" Her voice was soft and sweet with a hint of coquetry, the deliberately drawn-out tone making Xiao Yan's heart skip a beat, "You've done this to me, you'd better take responsibility!"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan's vision went black.

What kind of indecent language is this?!

Normally, he should have kept his distance from this vixen and remained wary, acting as a virtuous and respectful young man.

But now he's an investigator, and he has to conduct a thorough investigation into this mysterious junior!

So, with a righteous and stern expression, he said, "Junior Sister Yun Li? Your injury... wouldn't it be more appropriate to see a medical instructor or alchemist from the academy?"

After saying that, he turned to walk around her.

Don't approach too deliberately; play hard to get.

"Oh, don't be so cold."

Hun Li Li moved gracefully, cleverly blocking his path and closing the distance considerably. A faint, cool, and fragrant scent quietly entered Xiao Yan's nostrils.

She raised her injured hand and held it up to Xiao Yan's eyes. The beauty mark at the corner of her eye, illuminated by the moonlight, made her face appear even more alluring, like a female demon from a storybook, capable of draining a man's life force. She spoke in a sweet, coquettish voice:

"Look, it was your big ruler that hurt me, senior. It was so hot and sharp, and even after it's been a while, it still hurts terribly! Don't you really want to take responsibility for me?"

After saying that, she slightly furrowed her brows, and her eyes welled up with tears, making her look exceptionally endearing.

Xiao Yan's breath hitched slightly.

The alluring face so close to him, the warm breath carrying a delicate fragrance, and the slender, wounded hands that evoked pity... all of these had a tremendous impact on this hot-blooded young man.

He forced himself to look away, to avoid seeing that alluring beauty mark under her eye and those pitiful, watery eyes, but his heart was racing uncontrollably.

He couldn't help but curse inwardly: What a vixen!

Xiao Yan steadied himself and said calmly, "It was just a friendly spar. Your strength is formidable. If you had circulated your Dou Qi, these injuries probably wouldn't have lasted until I left the Vice Dean's office..."

"Shh--" Hun Li Li suddenly extended her uninjured left index finger and lightly pressed it against Xiao Yan's lips, stopping him from continuing.

The cool touch on his fingertips traveled through the air, causing Xiao Yan to stiffen.

She leaned even closer, her red lips almost touching Xiao Yan's earlobe, her breath sweet as orchids:

"Senior, don't expose her! Li'er has fallen in love with you at first sight and will marry no one but you. You reacted so quickly and your soul power is so strong, you must be an alchemist, right? Just do me a favor, okay?"

Xiao Yan felt a tingling sensation on half of his body, and his ears were burning hot.

This woman seems to have mastered some kind of Bewitchment Technique?

As the Heavenly Flames rose within his body, enveloping his meridians and soul, Xiao Yan immediately noticed that his body, which had previously experienced a surge of blood and qi, had become much calmer.

He slightly turned his body to the side, avoiding the exquisite, almost pressing, body against him, and said in a deep voice:

Give me your hand.

Hun Li Li noticed that Xiao Yan's eyes quickly cleared, a hint of triumphant smile flashing across them, but his face remained charming and alluring.

She obediently offered her injured right hand to Xiao Yan: "Mmm, thank you, senior~ I knew you were the best."

Her tone was sickeningly sweet.

This was the first time Xiao Yan had encountered this type, and he shook his head with a hint of helplessness. He then reached out and carefully held her slender wrist, trying to only touch her clothes.

Immediately, he took out a bottle of Third-Grade external Healing Medicine from his Storage Ring, poured out some, and then gently spread it on the charred flesh.

However, Hun Li Li let out a suppressed, tearful moan:

"Mmm... Senior... be gentle, it hurts..."

Her body seemed to tremble slightly from the pain, and she leaned forward naturally, a few strands of hair brushing against Xiao Yan's arm.

The warm, soft flesh seemed to come close unintentionally, and the delicate, boneless touch and the low sobs that pierced straight to the heart made Xiao Yan's heart skip a beat. The hand holding her wrist tightened unconsciously, and the pulse he felt at his fingertips seemed to become clearer.

Even through her clothes, he could clearly feel the smoothness and coolness of her skin, a stark contrast to the charred flesh of her wounds.

"If you keep making this kind of noise, I'm going to report you to the Vice Dean and say you're harassing me."

The veins on Xiao Yan's forehead throbbed as he gritted his teeth and spoke.

He could feel the Old Yao's barely suppressed laughter coming from inside the ring.

As the ointment slowly seeped into the skin, the charred wounds faded and disappeared at a visible speed, leaving only a faint red mark.

Xiao Yan immediately withdrew his hand and took half a step back to create distance, as if what had just approached him was a ferocious beast:

"Alright! Your injuries have healed. With your strength, there was no need to treat me like that; you went too far."

Hun Li Li looked down at her hands, which had regained their smoothness and only had a few red marks left, and a bright and radiant smile bloomed on her face.

At this moment, even the moonlight paled in comparison.

She gently stroked the faint red mark, her fingertips slowly tracing its path. She raised her eyes and looked deeply into Xiao Yan's earnest admonition, her heart slightly moved.

To be honest, he really lives up to his reputation as Xiao Yan. He actually offered me serious advice instead of silently enjoying the situation, and he didn't righteously rebuke me like a hypocrite.

She pondered these thoughts, but her eyes gleamed with cunning, smugness, and a deeper, more profound light.

"Crossing the line?" She tilted her head, smiling like a cunning little fox, her voice tender yet undeniably assertive as she declared, "But senior, since I confessed to you in front of so many people, how could I let you off so easily? Don't worry, I'm only like this with you. I don't even look at other men!"

"You...!"

Xiao Yan felt a headache coming on, a sense of frustration at being schemed against and teased welled up inside him. This woman was really difficult to deal with!

He pointed at her, wanting to say something harsh, but when he met her bright, sparkling eyes that were filled with him, he couldn't utter a word.

His intuition told him that this woman was a real troublemaker, even more difficult to get along with than Xun'er and Xiao Yi Xian combined!

But she actually seemed to have some feelings for him, which made it difficult for Xiao Yan to say anything harsh. He just glared at her fiercely, then turned and left in a hurry, his figure quickly disappearing at the end of the forest path.

Watching his hurried departure, Hun Li Li slowly suppressed her smile, gently licked her red lips, her fingertips tracing the almost imperceptible mark on her palm, and murmured softly, her voice so soft that only she could hear it:

"Dear Senior Xiao Yan, we have a long time to spend together in the future."

Under the moonlight, her solitary figure, standing alone, appeared even longer and thinner.

"Teacher, can you confirm her identity?"

Xiao Yan asked silently.

While applying the medicine, Xiao Yan asked Old Yao to secretly investigate Yun Li's identity, hoping to glean some clues from her cultivation techniques and Dou Qi.

"I can't be completely sure, but her cultivation techniques and Dou Qi seem to have some connection to the Soul Hall..."

The Old Yao's voice sounded very heavy.

"Soul Hall?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan's expression changed. This vixen was actually connected to the Soul Hall?

Could it be that this woman was sent by the Soul Hall to seduce him?

Wait a minute, the Soul Hall doesn't operate like this!

If it were the Soul Hall, their opening move would undoubtedly be. "Hehehe!"

Then he emerged from a cloud of black mist.

Besides, if they really wanted to deal with me, they should have sent the Dharma Protector or even the Venerable Elder directly, not some little girl throwing herself at me.

Surely the Hun Tian Di couldn't be reborn and follow Gu Yuan's example by sending his own daughter here, could he?

It shouldn't have been delivered so late, should it?

"Teacher, I don't understand why the people from the Soul Hall would approach me in this way at this time. Logically speaking, I haven't yet revealed your presence to them."

Xiao Yan rubbed his temples, saying with a slight headache.

"I can't figure it out either. Try to get some of her blood later. Maybe she's a member of the Soul Clan."

The Old Yao hesitated for a moment before speaking.

"Blood? I'll try..."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan sighed, then stopped, looked up at the sky, and uttered a question:

"Holy crap, where's my dorm?"