Ma Xiaotao Takes Over as Inner Academy Dean, Huo Yuhao Formally Proposes to Tang San

The day Ma Xiaotao returned from the Southern Star Luo Front, a fierce wind rose by Sea God Lake. She was still dressed in red, with golden-red Phoenix Flame quietly contained behind her shoulders. She had slaughtered the last batch of evil soul masters on the Southern Star Luo Front to the last man.

Inside Sea God Pavilion, Xuan Zi and Yan Shaozhe pushed the Inner Academy Dean's Token before her.

Ma Xiaotao looked at the token, then at her own hand. Phoenix Flame danced quietly at her fingertips, tame and radiant, no longer carrying the piercing burn of Evil Fire she had been unable to suppress.

"I'm not suited for this. I once fell into the Holy Spirit Cult." Her voice was low.

"No, no one is more suited than you, Ma Xiaotao," Xuan Zi said. "You possess extraordinary talent, formidable combat power, and ample real combat experience. Those geniuses of the Inner Academy will only submit to a true powerhouse like you, someone who has truly been through so much. You must teach them how to grow stronger, teach them loyalty and righteousness, and teach them how not to be swept away by evil. Most importantly, you have the ability to protect them."

Ma Xiaotao remained silent for a long time before reaching out and picking up the token. Phoenix Flame burned along its edge, tracing a ring of brilliant light.

"Fine." She raised her eyes. "But the rules must change. The Inner Academy can no longer teach them only how to fight. It must also teach them how to stay alive and return safely."

She paused.

Huo Yuhao and Tang Wutong stood beneath the corridor, watching the red-clad figure on the training grounds from afar. Phoenix Flame soared into the sky, illuminating half of Sea God Lake.