When the wind from the Black-Corner Region swept over the ridge, it carried a familiar dry chill.
In the distance, Jia Nan Academy lay hidden amid the mountains. Under the night sky, its lights were sparse, while faint flames still rose from the direction of the Heavenly Burning Qi Refining Tower. It was a place where Xiao Fan had stayed for a long time, and where Zi Yan had once snuck about everywhere, searching for medicinal herbs to eat.
Zi Yan wore an oversized black robe, its hem dragging along the ground and billowing in the night wind.
She looked down at her nearly covered toes and could not help tugging at her sleeve.
"Xiao Fan, do I look like a magical beast stuffed into a sack?"
Xiao Fan glanced at her.
"Very much so."
Zi Yan immediately puffed out her cheeks.
"Shouldn't you say I don't?"
"You asked whether you looked like one."
"You could still coax me."
Xiao Fan chuckled and reached out to push back the hood that was nearly covering her eyes.
"Then no. You look like a medicinal herb thief in a cloak."
Zi Yan's eyes widened.
"That's even worse!"
In the night, her voice was very low, but she was no longer as silent as before.
Xiao Fan knew she was deliberately talking about trivial things.
The closer they drew to Jia Nan Academy, the less willing she was to mention that name beneath the ground.
She knew Zhu Kun was there.
She also knew she would have to meet him sooner or later.
Precisely because she knew, she was even less willing to walk too quickly.
Xiao Fan did not urge her. He merely led her around several patrols on the outskirts of the Inner Academy.
With his current strength, entering the academy