Chapter 162: The Topsy-Turvy Fire Energy Hunting Competition
In the boundless sea of forests, all manner of Magical Beasts were scattered everywhere. Every so often, beasts filled with ferocious auras would recklessly burst from the treeline, roaring furiously at the formation of Griffins in the sky. Occasionally, flying Magical Beasts would chase after them, attempting to attack. However, once these beasts approached within a hundred meters of the formation, they would be terrified into retreating by the tyrannical pressure surging from Hu Qian and the three elders.
Of course, there were some powerful Magical Beasts that disregarded the pressure from Hu Qian's group and forcibly charged at the Griffin formation. At these moments, Hu Qian and the three elders would display their shocking strength. With every wave of their hands, majestic ribbons of energy would slash across the sky like thunderbolts. The crowd would hear a muffled sound, followed by massive beasts exploding into a sky full of blood, scattering downwards.
Throughout the flight, various savage Magical Beasts surged forward one after another, yet not a single one could break through the blockade of Hu Qian and the four experts.
The students felt both shock and envy at this sight. Judging by the auras, most of these beasts possessed strength capable of contending with any single one of them. Yet, even so, they were reduced to a bloody mist with mere gestures from Hu Qian and the others. Such power was truly covetable.
Xiao Yuan, however, remained calm. After all, as someone who had fought against a Dou Huang expert, he naturally wouldn't make a fuss like the other students.
After flying like this for nearly an hour, the speed of the Griffin formation finally began to slow. Sensing the deceleration, Xiao Yuan swept his gaze forward. However, aside from a bottomless mountain ravine beneath them, the rest of the area was still an endless expanse of green. Let alone the Inner Academy, there wasn't even a human figure to be seen.
Xiao Yuan subconsciously released his Listening to the Wind Chant, and a moment later, unsurprisingly, he sensed nothing.
"Descend!"
The sharpness in Hu Qian's eyes gradually faded, and the tyrannical aura that had risen from his body quietly retracted. He smiled and waved at the flight formation. The ten Griffins flapped their wings, slowly descending toward the opposite side of the mountain ravine below.
As the Griffin formation landed steadily, figures jumped down one after another at Hu Qian's signal, crowding the open space. The students looked around, their faces full of confusion.
"Where is this? Is the Inner Academy here?"
After landing, Hu Jia was the first to lose patience, hurriedly asking Hu Qian. Hearing her question, everyone else turned their gazes toward Hu Qian as well.
"The Inner Academy isn't that easy to enter." Hu Qian smiled with profound meaning. Under everyone's gaze, he slowly walked forward about ten steps, stopped, raised his hand, and waved. A beam of energy shot violently from his hand, striking the space in front of him.
To everyone's astonishment, the space hit by the energy began to ripple like water. These ripples fluctuated rapidly until, finally, a faint silver gate, fully seven or eight meters tall, appeared out of thin air!
Staring at the bizarrely appearing silver gate, everyone was startled. Clearly, none of them expected that this seemingly ordinary place would hide such a mystery.
Under their gaze, the silver gate slowly opened with a crisp sound. The scene behind the gate was the same dense forest as before, seemingly no different from what was in front of them.
"Follow me."
Waving his hand, Hu Qian took the lead and walked into the silver gate.
Xiao Yuan knew this was some method utilizing spatial force, so he immediately pulled Xiao Yu along and followed first.
Xiao Yan was somewhat curious about this magical technique and stopped briefly to observe. He discovered that after his third brother's figure stepped through the silver gate, he vanished completely!
"What a strange technique!"
This scene made Xiao Yan shake his head in amazement. However, recalling the spatial folds in front of the Book Collection Hall, he understood a little better. The methods of these super experts were indeed difficult for them to comprehend at their current level.
After marveling internally, Xiao Yan pulled Xun'er along and stepped forward to follow.
Once everyone, including the ten Griffins, had entered the silver gate, it slowly closed. Finally, a ring of silver energy ripples spread out, and the silver gate gradually faded until it vanished completely.
Stepping through the silver gate, Xiao Yuan felt a momentary trance in his spirit before his feet landed on solid ground. Sweeping his gaze forward, he found the scene was still the same forest as before. However, at the entrance of this forest, two old men and several middle-aged men had appeared unnoticed. Additionally, behind them stood nearly twenty young people. Xiao Yuan's gaze swept over them and noticed that on their chests, they all wore a badge engraved with a pagoda-like pattern.
"Hehe, Old Man Hu, you're always so punctual. We can rest easy with you escorting the new students. How is this year's batch?"
At this moment, one of the two elders smiled at the large group that had entered, speaking to Hu Qian who was leading them.
"Very good. The general level is better than last year. The top few probably already have the potential to charge for the Strong Ranking," Hu Qian laughed in response, then added, "I didn't expect it to be you two old fellows on duty this year. Looks like you'll be tired."
"Can't be helped." The two elders shook their heads helplessly.
"You six, come here."
Hu Qian turned and beckoned to Xiao Yuan and the other five. Once they arrived at his side, he pointed to the two elders and said:
"These two are Elders of the Inner Academy. This is Elder Su, and the other is Elder Qing. If you have any matters in the Inner Academy in the future, you can seek them out. Hehe, these six little fellows are the top five of this year's Qualifying Competition. Their strength is quite good."
"Oh?" Hearing this, the two elders swept their gazes over the six with slight surprise and asked doubtfully, "To achieve top five at this age, their potential is indeed much better than the previous batch. But why are there six people in your top five? That's against the rules, isn't it?"
"Cough, it couldn't be helped. You'll understand later; this matter is definitely within the rules, don't worry!"
Hearing this, Hu Qian gave a dry cough and immediately guaranteed.
"Mm, alright."
Seeing Hu Qian speak like this, the two elders nodded and didn't dwell on the matter.
"Yo, such beautiful girls. It looks like the Inner Academy's beauty rankings are going to have two more additions." After Xiao Yuan and the other five came out, the young people standing behind the middle-aged men immediately lit up, whistling and laughing.
"Shut up. Anyone who talks trash again will have five days of Tower Cultivation time deducted!" Elder Su turned and scolded. The young men, who had been grinning cheekily, immediately shut their mouths. Clearly, the so-called deduction of Tower Cultivation time was something they feared greatly.
After scolding the group of young people into silence, Elder Su turned back to Xiao Yuan and the other new students, speaking slowly: "You are all newcomers. I hope you can adapt to this place as much as possible. If you do, you will gain immense benefits. Look at these rascals; in previous years, although they passed the Outer Academy's Qualifying Competition, they were merely at the bottom of the rankings. But now, after just one year, I dare say their strength would absolutely rank in the top ten among you."
Hearing this, Xiao Yuan paused slightly, casting his gaze toward the young people. With a brief assessment, he understood that Elder Su was not lying. The strength of these youths was indeed decent. Although they wouldn't be a match for him if they teamed up, dealing with the students behind him wouldn't be difficult for them.
Considering these people were merely bottom-rankers in previous competitions, yet had made such huge improvements, it was enough to see how rapidly one's strength skyrocketed after entering the Inner Academy.
Fire Energy, the Blazing Qi Refining Tower, the Fallen Heart Flame.
Pondering distant memories in his mind, a thoughtful look flickered in Xiao Yuan's eyes.
It wasn't until Elder Su waved his hand, throwing out a handful of pitch-black crystal cards that hovered in front of everyone, that Xiao Yuan snapped back to reality and reached out to grab one.
As the crystal card touched his hand, Xiao Yuan immediately felt a strange heat seeping from it. He looked down to examine it closely. On the crystal card was a transparent surface, and on this surface, a large red number was printed: "Five"!
Is this the Fire Crystal Card?
Looking at the crystal card in his hand, Xiao Yuan raised an eyebrow. Just as he was about to put it into his storage ring, he noticed the group of young people standing behind the middle-aged men staring at the pitch-black cards in their hands with burning eyes, making no attempt to hide their greed.
They want the Fire Energy? What a coincidence, I want it too!
Xiao Yuan smiled faintly in his heart and stored the Fire Crystal Card into his storage ring.
"Explaining this thing is quite troublesome; you will naturally understand later. However, right now, you only need to know one thing: guard the crystal card in your hand like it's your life. Once you enter the Inner Academy, you will understand its importance to you! Of course, looking at the eyes of these guys, you might understand a little already."
At the end of his speech, Elder Su pointed at the group of young people and laughed.
Xiao Yuan turned to look at Xiao Yan, then at Hu Jia and Wu Hao, and nodded slightly.
Xiao Yan immediately understood and returned the look.
"Next, you need to enter the forest and successfully reach the Inner Academy at the end of the forest." Elder Su's finger remained on the group of young people as he said indifferently, "And while you traverse this forest, be careful of them! According to the rules of the Inner Academy, within this forest, they can attack freely. Meaning, they can attack you.
Remember, the number on the cards in your hands holds a massive temptation for them. So, they will use every means short of killing to obtain the 'Fire Energy' on your cards. You will find this term very familiar and lovable in the future!
And now, you must avoid them, or defeat them. As long as you aren't caught by them and successfully reach the Inner Academy, you will receive a final reward. The earlier you arrive, the richer the reward!"
Having said this, Elder Su suddenly pointed toward the forest behind him and continued:
"This counts as a trial before entering the Inner Academy. We also call it the 'Fire Energy Hunting Competition'!
Now, I declare that this year's 'Fire Energy Hunting Competition' has officially begun! Students, start fleeing!"
As soon as these words were spoken, Xiao Yuan and Xiao Yan went to Hu Jia and Wu Hao's side together.
"What are you doing?"
Seeing the two Xiao brothers crowd around them, the two instinctively became alert, frowning as they asked.
"I have an idea. I think you two would be interested. Want to hear it?"
Xiao Yuan said with a smile.
"Can I choose not to listen?"
Hu Jia fell silent for a moment, then asked in a low voice.
"Nope!"
Xiao Yuan's smile became even more brilliant, like a cunning fox.
"Damn it, then why the hell are you asking for my opinion!"
Hu Jia's pretty face hardened as she cursed.
However, her body very obediently followed Xiao Yuan as he turned and walked toward the forest.
Wu Hao wasn't a fool either. He had already deduced some information from Elder Su's words and knew that Xiao Yuan likely wanted to recruit him and Hu Jia to form a powerful team. Naturally, he wouldn't refuse. If the so-called "Fire Energy" in these black crystal cards was truly that important, having Xiao Yuan's help would certainly be much more reassuring than relying on other students.
The six of them quickly arrived at a quiet spot in the jungle and began to talk.
"Speak. What are you planning?"
Hu Jia asked carelessly. Since she couldn't beat Xiao Yuan, rather than resisting, it was better to cooperate.
Beside her, Wu Hao also cast a curious gaze.
"You all heard what Elder Su said just now."
Xiao Yuan nodded. In his mind, he refined his memories into appropriate words, then began to analyze seriously:
"Since the Fire Energy in these black crystal cards is displayed as a numerical value, and the Inner Academy students covet it so much, it implies that this item is likely some kind of important resource. Its function is probably similar to currency. Judging by how they salivated over a mere five points of Fire Energy, the monetary value of this Fire Energy must be extremely high!
Of course, there is another possibility: the consumption rate of Fire Energy in the Inner Academy is extremely fast. Their demand for Fire Energy is huge, to the point where they won't let go of even a little bit!"
At this point, the other five nodded in agreement. Hu Jia then couldn't help but ask, "So, shouldn't we hurry and find a way to the finish line? Can't you fly? Why don't you just fly us there directly?"
Hearing this, Wu Hao beside her could barely keep a straight face.
After thinking about it during the afternoon, he had already guessed that Xiao Yuan's wings were likely a legendary Flying Dou Technique. Even if such a thing was high-level, it couldn't possibly carry five people, right? Wouldn't that exhaust him to death? Carrying his own girlfriend would be one thing, but carrying outsiders? Heh!
Besides, he had observed earlier that while the Inner Academy students were strong, he might not necessarily lose to them. Cowering before even fighting a single battle—what kind of behavior was that?
"There's no need for that. My brother means that since the Inner Academy students need Fire Energy so badly, the little bit we have in our hands probably won't amount to much once we enter the Academy. In that case, we might as well snatch the Fire Energy from those older students! After all, the rules didn't say we couldn't rob them!
Moreover, regarding the specific use of Fire Energy, we need these seniors to clear up our confusion!"
Xiao Yan couldn't listen anymore and immediately pointed out Xiao Yuan's implied meaning.
"That makes sense! And our strength isn't weak. If we combine forces, those older students might not be our match!"
Hu Jia finally had an epiphany. She slapped her smooth forehead, the corners of her mouth hooking into a smile as she spoke confidently.
"Mm, if no one has any objections, I will command the team, and we split all proceeds equally. How about it?"
Seeing Wu Hao nodding in agreement, Xiao Yuan smiled and proposed.
"I have no objections."
Seeing Xiao Yuan's gaze, Wu Hao didn't hesitate and stated his position directly.
"Hmm, as long as you don't go back on your word, I have no objections either. But you can't treat us as cannon fodder!"
Hu Jia naturally wouldn't refuse, but she still reminded him uneasily.
"Don't worry. Since I actively recruited you, it's naturally for mutual prosperity. I won't burn the bridge after crossing it."
Xiao Yuan smiled and nodded. Then, raising an eyebrow, he continued:
"I sense a wave of unfamiliar auras. I assume it's a team from the Inner Academy. Follow me!"
After speaking, Xiao Yuan resolutely turned and sped into the forest behind them.
(END CHAPTER)
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