In the original story, the war that broke out when the demon race invaded the True Spirit Continent was unimaginably tragic. Many characters Xiao Se knew well from the books had died defending their homeland. Even the protagonist, Ye Chen, was eventually blasted into a mist of blood by the Demon Emperor. If he hadn't comprehended the undying state—rebirth by a drop of blood—in that final moment, the True Spirit World would have been doomed.
Dragon Blood Grass… Sword Intent…
If he one day gained enough strength—and had a chance to travel to the True Spirit World—Xiao Se felt he might have to lend a hand. The thought flickered through his mind. His expression shifted, and he summoned the Hanhai protective barrier around himself.
"System, fuse the three-tenths Sword Intent for me."
He closed his eyes.
Ding. Fusing Sword Intent…
Instantly, Xiao Se's aura underwent an earth-shattering transformation. Previously, his presence was calm and restrained—simple and unassuming.
But now…
A sharpness surged from within him, as if invisible sword-edges radiated in all directions.
The Guigu Zongheng Sword Art moves he used to treat as ordinary close-combat techniques suddenly became crystal-clear in his mind—transparent as polished glass.
Ding. Sword Intent fusion complete.
Huuu—
He exhaled a mist-like breath. Xiao Se slowly opened his eyes. The three-tenths Sword Intent that had erupted around him instantly receded, nearly impossible for outsiders to detect.
After adjusting to the subtle pressure emanating from his body, Xiao Se removed the protective barrier.
At the window, Xiao Yixian and the others were leaning forward. When they saw him appear, Xiao Yixian smiled.
"Seems you've made another breakthrough."
"Something like that."
Xiao Se smiled back, walking over to join them. He glanced through the window.
"We're at Canaan Academy already?"
"Mhm. Right up ahead."
Xiao Yixian pointed outward.
Through the thinning morning mist, an impossibly vast city slowly emerged—so large that even from the sky, the five of them could not take in its full scope. Its sheer size left them breathless.
"Cousin Xiao Se, we're here! Let's go!"
The moment the beast troop landed at Canaan Academy, Xun'er was already impatient, her eyes shining. To her, this place marked a new beginning—for her, and for Xiao Se.
"So this is Canaan Academy?"
"We're finally back!"
The new students all beamed with excitement.
New student mentor Ruolin approached, nodding slightly at Xiao Yixian and Xiao Se.
"Xiao Yixian, Xiao Se—since Canaan Academy has never had new students enter as a Dou Ling or even a Dou Huang, I need to take you two to meet Vice Dean Hu Qian. Yu'er, take Xun'er and Zhuqing to settle in."
"No problem."
Xiao Se and Xiao Yixian exchanged a small smile.
"Xiao Yu, take care of Zhuqing for me. She's still young and unfamiliar with this place."
Xiao Se reminded her.
"Alright, alright. Zhuqing is my good sister—who would dare bully her?"
Xiao Yu huffed.
She, Xiao Yixian, and Zhu Zhuqing all knew each other had… ambiguous relationships with Xiao Se. And after spending nearly a month together on the flying beast, one thing was obvious—Xiao Se doted on Zhu Zhuqing a bit too much. This gave the childhood-friend Xiao Yu a faint sourness in her heart.
Of course, if she knew how Xiao Se treated Long Kui, she might actually explode.
"Come back soon,"
Zhu Zhuqing said softly, a gentle smile on her beautiful face.
"Mm."
Xiao Se took Xiao Yixian's jade-like hand. He was about to leave with Ruolin when—
"Cousin Xiao Se, we'll wait for you."
Xun'er's clear, melodious voice drifted over.
Xiao Se nodded faintly, then followed Ruolin with Xiao Yixian.
The three walked one behind another. Seeing them holding hands like a couple, Ruolin glanced back, then looked ahead at the departing figures of Xiao Yu, Xun'er, and Zhu Zhuqing. A cunning little smile tugged at her lips.
"He really is popular with girls…"
She shook her head in amused disbelief, quickened her pace, and led Xiao Se and Xiao Yixian toward the residence of Outer Academy Vice Dean Hu Qian.
Knock knock!
A warm old voice called from inside, "The door's unlocked. Come in!"
Ruolin pushed the door open.
"Vice Dean, we've returned from enrollment."
"Oh? Ruolin? Come in!
Let me guess—did you bring back some good seedlings?"
Behind a spotless desk, Hu Qian closed his book with a gentle smile.
Ruolin stepped closer and whispered a few words into his ear.
Hu Qian's pupils contracted. His expression grew solemn. After a moment, he gave a small, heavy nod.
Ruolin understood instantly. She turned to the door and waved.
"Xiao Yixian, Xiao Se—come in."
Hu Qian examined the two quietly. Xiao Se was fine—although the boy gave him an inexplicable feeling that he couldn't fully grasp, his cultivation was definitely Dou Ling. Fourteen years old at such a level… even in Central Plains, he would be among the best of his generation.
But when Hu Qian's gaze fell on Xiao Yixian, his brows furrowed instantly.
Even with his peak Dou Huang strength, he felt threatened by this fifteen-year-old girl.
"Ruolin, step outside for a moment. I want to ask these two something."
Hu Qian waved his hand gently.
Ruolin nodded respectfully. She leaned toward Xiao Se and Xiao Yixian.
"The Vice Dean is very kind—don't worry."
She slipped out and carefully closed the door behind her.
"Please don't take offense."
Hu Qian smiled warmly. "I mean no harm. Please, sit."
Xiao Se and Xiao Yixian nodded and took their seats.
"Vice Dean, just speak directly. We don't mind."
Xiao Se said calmly. They had expected this.
"Good. As Vice Dean of Canaan Academy's Outer Academy, I must be responsible for every student."
Hu Qian looked at Xiao Se.
"You are Xiao Se, correct?
I've heard your story from Ruolin—Xiao Clan of Wutan City, broke through to Dou Fighter at twelve, trained alone for over two years, reached Dou Ling, and you're even a skilled alchemist. You are a once-in-a-generation talent. In all of Canaan Academy's history, you would still be ranked among the very best. With your ability, you could directly enter the Inner Academy."
"You flatter me," Xiao Se said politely.
"I'm only stating fact."
Hu Qian shifted his gaze to Xiao Yixian.
"And you must be Xiao Yixian. There's something I cannot understand. Xiao Se is extraordinary—Inner Academy will greatly benefit his future cultivation. But you… you are a Dou Huang. Why enter as a freshman at all?"
"I'm here to accompany him."
Xiao Yixian lifted her hand, interlacing her fingers with Xiao Se's.
"Accompany him?"
Hu Qian finally understood.
(End of Chapter)
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