In the square before the academy's administrative building, dozens of students stood in orderly ranks. Xiao Fan and his four companions stood at the front, waiting quietly.
Quite a few students were watching from the edges of the square. Many students entered the Inner Academy every year, and at times like this, people came to see off their friends and relatives. It was one of the academy's livelier occasions.
After roughly ten minutes, footsteps rang out. Xiao Fan and the others looked toward the sound as Hu Gan and several elders emerged from the building. A trace of satisfaction flashed through Hu Gan's eyes at the neatly arranged students below. Standing on the steps before the building, he addressed them.
"Students, now that you have passed the selection, it is time for you to enter the Inner Academy. First, on behalf of the academy, I congratulate you. Your long years of effort have finally borne fruit. Second, I must remind you that the Inner Academy is a true gathering place of geniuses, and the competition there is fierce. You must support and help one another. The progress you can make there each year will be tremendous."
The students in the square grew excited at Hu Gan's words. Their goal had always been to enter the more mysterious Inner Academy. Wasn't gaining greater strength the very reason they cultivated so hard? Entering the Inner Academy was the best way to improve their strength. Seeing their excitement, Hu Gan coughed and continued, "The Inner Academy concerns the academy's core, and its location is extremely well hidden. Many students, and even instructors, have no idea where it is. Therefore, we will transport all of you to the same location."
Hearing this, Xiao Yan curiously asked Hu Jia, who stood nearby, "You don't know