You Need Not Shine in Others' Eyes, for in Mine, You Have Always Been Dazzling

As the morning light fell, the ancient bells rang out quietly from the depths of the Inner Academy, gradually spreading throughout the entire Inner Academy.

Throughout the Inner Academy, the powerful students all stood up simultaneously, their gazes fixed on the Central Plaza of the Jia Nan Academy. Their eyes gleamed with a fierce fighting spirit, which intensified under the echoing of the ancient bell!

In a simple room on the first floor of the Student Union's attic, a black-robed boy sitting cross-legged on the bed opened his dark eyes, leaned on the Heavy Profound Ruler behind him, got out of bed, rubbed his temples, and let out a long sigh.

The recovery is pretty good. At first, I couldn't find any really strong opponents, so I just played casually.

Recalling the incident last night when he was refining his Dou Qi Yao Ling, Xiao Yan felt somewhat helpless about his own strength.

Although he increased the intensity of the flames after discussing it last night, Yao Ling's physique was indeed much weaker than Shi Xuanxuan's. Therefore, he had to temper Yao Ling for half an hour and then take a short break. It took him almost two and a half hours to temper and solidify the floating Dou Qi in Yao Ling's body.

But by the time we finished, it was already past midnight.

Moreover, because of Yao Ling's poor physique, even though Xiao Yan was experienced, he dared not relax. Therefore, he had no mind to appreciate his senior's graceful body. Apart from the smooth touch on his palm, Xiao Yan had no other impression.

After all, not everyone is like Shi Xuanxuan, with an extraordinary figure that only artificial humans can possess.

In addition...

He continuously manipulated the Heavenly Flames to temper the Dou Qi of two people, and he had to be extremely careful, especially when tempering the Dou Qi of the Yao Ling, which consumed a lot of his soul power.

Therefore, after Xiao Yan went out, he felt slightly dizzy, and was just seen by Huo Zhi who opened the door.

Xiao Yan originally intended to continue with his previous plan and go to the Huo Zhi House for a while.

But Huo Zhi just inexplicably said, "Take care of yourself," and then closed the door.

Xiao Yan didn't quite understand what was going on, only assuming it was Huo Zhi's concern after seeing that his soul power was greatly depleted and his complexion was not good.

After thanking him, Xiao Yan returned to his room to cultivate his Dou Qi and restore his soul power.

However, this means that Huo Zhi's misunderstanding of Xiao Yan, Yao Ling, and Shi Xuanxuan will obviously not have a chance to be cleared up in the short term.

"Speaking of which, what I'm most looking forward to is the Ancient Clan..."

Gently patting the Heavy Profound Ruler on his back, Xiao Yan turned his head slightly, his gaze falling on the window. Sensing the powerful aura that suddenly rose from all parts of the Inner Academy, a slow smile appeared on his lips.

"I hope they won't let me down..."

Pushing open the door, Xiao Yan entered the living room.

The eight female roommates were already waiting in the living room, and they all greeted Xiao Yan when he came out.

"Brother Xiao Yan / Xiao Yan / Senior Xiao Yan"

"Haha, let's go!"

Looking at the girls, each with their own unique charm, Xiao Yan smiled, waved his hand, and strode out, taking the lead.

The Central Plaza is the largest area in the Inner Academy, three times larger than the North Plaza where Xiao Yan and Sun Qingyang competed in Alchemy.

Normally, the Central Plaza is not open to the public. It is only opened when the Inner Academy holds large-scale events. As the most exciting large-scale event in the Inner Academy, the "Strong Ranking List" competition is naturally held here.

Even though the Central Plaza is very large, it still seemed a bit insufficient in today's bustling crowd. The square was packed with people, and everywhere you looked, there were young figures exuding youthful energy.

The noises blended together, making the whole place lively.

When Xiao Yan and his group arrived, they were somewhat taken aback by the sea of people in front of them. Fortunately, most of them were contestants, so they didn't have to squeeze in with the audience. They went directly through the contestant passage guarded by the mentors to a stand with a pretty good view.

Xiao Yan reached out and rested his hand on the railing, looking down at the five enormous competition platforms evenly distributed in the center of the arena. This ensured that the students could clearly see the competition on any of the platforms.

Hearing the commotion erupting in the arena, a burning desire stirred deep within Xiao Yan's eyes.

The Strong Ranking Tournament symbolizes the clash between the most outstanding students in the Inner Academy. As geniuses gathered from all over the continent, those who can become members of the Strong Ranking List are all proud and ambitious, waiting to stand out in this grand event.

Although Xiao Yan no longer focused his attention on these ordinary geniuses, he was well aware that his current strength was not actually that great, and at least he was still quite far from the level he wanted to reach.

In this Strong Ranking Tournament, the ones who deserve the most attention are probably those few overpowered monsters from the Ancient Clan.

"Brother Xiao Yan, this competition is much more advanced than the Inner Academy Selection Tournament back then!"

Xun'er, who was standing to the side, came closer. Her exquisite figure, wrapped in a long dress as elegant as a lotus flower, highlighted her youthful and beautiful curves. Her delicate face looked at Xiao Yan with a smile.

"Heh, the Inner Academy Selection Tournament back then? How dare you even mention it? You all just gave up immediately. I didn't even have to use my full strength, and it was over."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan shook his head helplessly, smiled, and gently stroked Xun'er's delicate nose with his finger, his gaze also sweeping over the faces of Xiao Yi Xian and Hun Li Li beside him.

Xiao Yi Xian simply smiled gently and said nothing more.

"Hmph, I'm deliberately not stealing your thunder, and you're still not satisfied!"

Hun Li Li made a face at Xiao Yan, pouting and muttering.

Han Yue, standing to the side, twitched her lips slightly, but didn't actually smile.

I feel like, I don't know when it started, Yun Li doesn't seem to inspire as much fear anymore...

"Fine, this time I don't need you to give way. I'm not afraid of anyone who comes."

Seeing this, Xiao Yan waved his hand and said calmly.

"Brother Xiao Yan can definitely do it."

Upon hearing this, Xun'er smiled faintly, her elegant and beautiful face radiating a confidence even stronger than Xiao Yan's own.

"Haha, since Xun'er says so, then I can definitely do it. But if I end up beating up the Ancient Clan clansmen, you probably won't mind, right?"

Xiao Yan laughed and teased upon hearing this.

"Of course not. They have far more resources than Brother Xiao Yan can obtain. If they can't defeat him, it's because they are less skilled. If they are lucky enough to win, they only gain the advantage of a few more years of cultivation. Naturally, they can't compare to Brother Xiao Yan."

Xun'er's confidence in Xiao Yan and her protection of him had clearly reached an extreme level. If Gu Qingyang and the others heard these words, they would probably fight Xiao Yan to the death on the spot.

So, they're in a lose-lose situation?

"You silly girl, how can you talk about your own people like that?"

While Xiao Yan felt a warmth in his heart at Xun'er's protectiveness, he realized that her words were too likely to provoke hatred. He now understood why the original story described him as being targeted by the Ancient Clan; Xun'er's speed in drawing hatred was simply too ruthless!

The eldest daughter of the family always says that the young man from a poor, remote family is the most outstanding person in the world, and more outstanding than any of you. It's really hard not to be envious of this kind of favoritism and flattery.

Shaking his head helplessly, Xiao Yan continued:

"Don't worry, I've never lost before, I won't lose now, and I'll keep winning in the future."

Then, he changed the subject, looking at Xun'er: "However, if you want, entering the Strong Ranking List shouldn't be difficult. Is there another reason why you're not participating this time?"

Xiao Yan knew Xun'er quite well. Xun'er didn't seem to be hiding her talents at all. Although her cultivation speed was fast, her combat strength was obviously different from Xiao Yan's, and she didn't overshadow Xiao Yan brilliance at all.

Just how terrifying Xiao Yan's combat power is now, probably no one but himself can give an accurate estimate.

Besides, with so many sisters from the Eight Clans shining brightly, it wouldn't be right for Xun'er not to step in.

Xun'er simply smiled and nodded upon hearing this.

She rarely revealed her full strength in front of Xiao Yan, but as God-Grade Bloodline of the Ancient Clan and the owner of the Golden Emperor Burning Heaven Flame, her cultivation speed in the early stages far exceeded Xiao Yan's expectations.

Because no amount of Heart Fire could harm her, who possessed the Golden Emperor Burning Heaven Flame, she could cultivate without restraint.

With the added blessing of the Dou Emperor Bloodline, and the gradual refinement and control of the Golden Emperor Burning Heaven Flame during her cultivation, her cultivation speed reached an extremely terrifying level.

She is now Eight-Star Dou Ling, and her combat power is extremely strong. However, she has been unable to take action recently, so she has reached a critical stage in refining the Golden Emperor Burning Heaven Flame and needs to maintain the calmness of her Dou Qi as much as possible.

After this period, the refining process will enter the next stage, and her strength will directly surge, reaching the level of Dou Wang!

"Fine, it doesn't matter if you don't go. You don't need to shine in other people's eyes anyway, because in my eyes, you are always dazzling."

Xiao Yan smiled, waved his hand, and then said softly.

Upon hearing this, Xun'er's eyes immediately curved into crescent moons.

Brother Xiao Yan has indeed been paying attention to Xun'er all along!

Very nice!

The Xiao Yi Xian beside her still wore a gentle smile.

Han Yue, however, felt a pang of envy.

Hun Li Li, on the other hand, felt like she was shipping a couple right there, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Xiao Yan, that guy, he's quite the smooth talker!

The four sisters from the Ancient Clans standing nearby smiled in unison upon seeing this, each harboring a hint of anticipation.

What is Xiao Yan's current strength?

On the surface, Xiao Yan should only be at the Dou Ling, but they all felt a sense of oppression emanating from Xiao Yan.

Keep in mind that all four women are quite strong!

Huo Zhi, the second-ranked Dou Wang expert on the Strong Ranking List, needs no further introduction. Ling Yanfei, after this period of training, has also successfully cultivated from Eight-Star Dou Ling to the peak of nine stars, and a week ago, she advanced to the Dou Wang rank, making her equally formidable.

As for Shi Xuanxuan, after Xiao Yan Dou Qi her Dou Qi last night, she broke through to the level of Eight-Star Dou Ling. However, given her background and foundation, she would probably have a high chance of winning against ordinary students from the Inner Academy, even those who were originally ranked second and third on the Strong Ranking List.

Yao Ling's strength was originally slightly weaker than Shi Xuanxuan's. In addition, as a member of the Yao Clan, she could not easily fight against opponents of higher levels like her other sisters. Back then, if she hadn't relied on her extraordinary eyesight and powerful soul strength to defeat a six- Dou Ling student, she probably wouldn't have been able to rank 20th on the former Strong Ranking List.

With the arrival of the Ancient Clan and Huo Zhi, as well as Zi Yan's unexpected appearance, the Strong Ranking List suddenly gained seven more experts. As a result, Yao Ling has now dropped to twenty-seventh place.

However, due to the pill she took yesterday, her strength suddenly increased by two stars, reaching the level of Seven-Star Dou Ling. Combined with her powerful soul force, it shouldn't be too difficult for her to return to the top twenty.

Just as everyone was lost in thought, a commotion arose nearby. Turning around, they saw a group of the Ancient Clan, dressed in luxurious clothes and exuding a powerful aura, parting the crowd and approaching.

"Miss."

These guys really didn't care about the consequences. After listening, they all bowed to Xun'er.

The sight of the top five students on the Strong Ranking List bowing to Xun'er at the same time was quite an eye-opener for the surrounding students.

Good heavens, isn't this Xiao Xun Er Xiao Yan? How did she get involved with these five people?

What are you doing?

Xun'er hadn't expected these guys to make her stand out so much in front of so many outsiders. Now, how could she possibly keep a low profile?

"Ahem..." Hearing this, Gu Qingyang was somewhat helpless. He leaned closer and transmitted his voice, "Although we claimed to be exploring a secret realm before we set off, the Soul Clan still found out about our whereabouts. For your safety, you will probably be forcibly recalled to your clan after this Strong Ranking Tournament..."

Upon hearing this, Xun'er's expression changed drastically.

This kind of thing can't be decided on the spur of the moment, but to be notified only today clearly means they're not giving me any room to maneuver!

When did you find out about this?

Xun'er's face was frighteningly gloomy.

Having just been touched by Brother Xiao Yan's words, hearing such "bad news" made even the usually good-tempered girl a little angry.

Seeing Xun'er's expression, Gu Qingyang knew that someone was in trouble.

But this person can't be him!

So, Gu Qingyang told the truth:

"I only received the message this morning. The Black Annihilation Army should have already set off. Some elders have been quite critical of your situation, so the clan originally intended to inform you later, but I think it's necessary for you to know about this, Miss."

Thanks.

Xun'er nodded upon hearing this, closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and when she opened her eyes again, she saw Xiao Yan's worried gaze.

Gu Qingyang also noticed Xiao Yan, who had been very intimate with Xun'er earlier. He had always wanted to meet Xiao Yan and have a chat with him, and now that he saw him, he was quite surprised.

Logically speaking, the Xiao Clan's bloodline has been exhausted, so it's impossible for them to have such a genius.

But the aura of that Dou Ling level still made him turn his head.

13-year-old Dou Ling?

In the Ancient Clan, those would be considered top-tier geniuses.

This guy...

That's impressive!

Thinking of this, Gu Qingyang cupped his hands in a respectful gesture towards Xiao Yan:

"This must be Brother Xiao Yan, right? I've heard so much about you. I've heard you've taken good care of Miss all these years?"