Strolling leisurely along the wooded path in the academy, Xiao Yun walked with his hands resting behind his head, paying little mind to the scorching gazes cast his way by passing students. Ever since he claimed first place in the Inner Academy Selection Tournament two days ago, those intense stares had followed him everywhere—persistent, unavoidable, and, frankly, kind of annoying.
At first, Xiao Yun found the attention rather vexing. Those gazes made him feel like one of the zoo animals he used to see back in his previous life—trapped behind glass, ogled by wide-eyed spectators. But over time, he got used to it. After all, they were just looking; no one was actually bothering him. It's not like he could go around punching everyone who stared at him… as tempting as that sometimes was.
Three days had passed since the tournament concluded. In that time, not only had Xiao Yun fully recovered the Dou Qi he spent during the matches, but his cultivation had also stabilized at the level of a Seven-Star Dou Grandmaster. His condition was now razor-sharp, with Dou Qi surging through his body like a raging river, giving him a constant and satisfying sense of strength and clarity.
According to the academy's rules, the top fifty students in the selection tournament had seven days to prepare for their transfer into the Inner Academy. As for the top five—Xiao Yun included—they were entitled to a special reward: a one-time opportunity to enter the academy's Tome Pavilion, where they could try their luck and choose a suitable technique or treasure.
Xiao Yun was genuinely curious about the Tome Pavilion. Though he wasn't lacking in cultivation methods or battle techniques at the moment, who would ever complain about having too many cards in their hand? However, entry required all five top-ranking students to go in together. The fifth-place finalist, Fang Wen, was still laid up in the academy infirmary after being nearly flattened in the finals and likely wouldn't be up for walking—let alone treasure-hunting—for another two or three days.
"Hopefully I'll find something that suits me in there," Xiao Yun murmured under his breath, sunlight filtering through the branches and casting a warm glow on his figure as he walked.
"Xiao Yun! Cousin! Over here!"
A loud, boisterous voice suddenly rang out ahead. Xiao Yun looked up toward the source. In a small pavilion just ahead, three young men were seated, and the one who had spotted him was now on his feet, waving enthusiastically.
Other students nearby turned at the shout, their expressions quickly turning envious. By now, everyone at Jia Nan Academy knew that Xiao Yun hailed from the humble Xiao Clan of the distant Jia Ma Empire. But that "insignificant" clan had now produced a once-in-a-century prodigy—no one dared to look down on them anymore.
"Sigh… If only someone like Xiao Yun was born into my clan," many students thought bitterly. "Our family name would've soared by now!"
Unfortunately for them, Xiao Yun wasn't some wild herb growing by the roadside—he was a rare spirit root, the kind that bloomed once in a hundred years, if not longer.
"Sorry I'm late! You three have been waiting long, haven't you?" Xiao Yun greeted with a smile as he approached the group, cupping his fists politely before sitting down to join them in casual conversation.
These three were none other than members of the Xiao Clan—Xiao Long, Xiao Hu (who was always a bit of a goof), and Xiao Ding. Xiao Yun had invited them out today for a reason. Before heading to the Inner Academy, he wanted to help his clansmen however he could.
"No, no, not at all! We just got here," Xiao Hu said, grinning sheepishly. Xiao Long nodded in agreement.
"Cousins," Xiao Yun began, his tone a bit more serious, "I'll be leaving for the Inner Academy in a few days. Since the Inner and Outer campuses are completely separate, I wanted to give you some cultivation resources before I go."
He turned to Xiao Ding. "Big Brother Xiao Ding, you've already been cultivating the techniques I brought back to the clan, right?"
Xiao Ding nodded. "Yes, my father had me bring a few copied scrolls with me to Jia Nan Academy."
"Good. Then I'll give you some medicinal pills to go along with them. These should help you break through to Dou Practitioner."
Xiao Yun retrieved a white jade box from his spatial ring and handed it to Xiao Ding. "These pills accelerate the cultivation of Dou Qi, and there's also a Qi Gathering Powder inside. Once your Dou Qi reaches the ninth stage, take it—it'll ensure you form a Qi Whirlpool and break through into Dou Practitioner without fail."
He then turned to Xiao Long and Xiao Hu. "You two are in luck. Since your Dou Qi attributes are both wood-type, I've prepared a Black Tier, Mid-grade cultivation method: 'Jade Wood Codex', and a matching battle technique called 'Whirling Green Dragon'. If used together, the latter's power can reach the level of a high Black Tier technique."
"Also, here are some supplementary pills that I refined during practice sessions. They're not the highest grade, but they'll help a lot with cultivation in the Dou Practitioner and Dou Master stages."
Xiao Yun's casual tone couldn't hide the fact that he was practically raining down treasures. His three cousins were left stunned, staring at him like he'd just flipped their entire cultivation world upside down. Eventually, it was Xiao Hu who recovered first.
"Cousin Xiao Yun, that's more than enough! These will last us a long time!"
"Thank you, Cousin!" the other two quickly added, sincerely moved.
"No need to thank me," Xiao Yun said with a gentle smile. "We're family. Supporting each other is how it should be. Besides, with my current strength, these resources barely help me anymore—they'd be put to better use in your hands."
He paused, then added, "Once I'm in the Inner Academy, I might not be able to come running if you run into trouble. But if it's something serious—life or death kind of serious—go find my teacher, Elder Huo. Just mention my name. As my clanmates, he'll take care of you."
He continued to chat earnestly with them for a while longer. Xiao Yun truly held deep affection for the Xiao Clan and wanted to ensure his family was well taken care of before his departure.
As he walked away, the three cousins watched his retreating figure. Though small in stature, Xiao Yun's back seemed towering and noble in their eyes.
"Don't worry, Cousin Xiao Yun," Xiao Ding muttered, clenching his fists. "We'll work twice as hard and meet you in the Inner Academy one day!"
On the final day before heading to the Inner Academy, Xiao Yun was seated in Elder Huo's courtyard, listening as his master patiently imparted more alchemy knowledge.
"For an alchemist, a good flame can increase your success rate by twenty to thirty percent. Right now, you're using a Tier 6 Beast Flame, which is sufficient for refining sixth-tier pills. But if you want to go higher, you'll need an even stronger flame—or better yet, a Heavenly Flame."
"Heavenly Flame, huh?" Xiao Yun mused. "I think there's one in the Inner Academy, if I remember correctly… but…"
Knock knock knock!
Just as Elder Huo was about to elaborate, the sharp knock of a visitor interrupted the conversation.
"Grandpa Huo, Grandpa asked me to come fetch Brother Xiao Yun."
"Looks like it's time," Elder Huo chuckled. "Off you go. The Tome Pavilion doesn't wait for stragglers."
He gave Xiao Yun a firm pat on the shoulder and opened the courtyard gate with a wave of his hand. "Remember—don't get greedy. Focus on what suits you best."