Ever since Liu Xi reached an agreement with Instructor Zhang Yan, life at Jia Nan Academy had grown much calmer.
Though nominally a member of Zhang Yan's class, Liu Xi almost never attended a single lesson.
When he had first arrived at the academy, he had already broken through to 9-Star Dou Shi. Not wishing to draw too much attention, he had reported his strength as merely 1-Star Dou Shi.
Over time, as Zhang Yan interacted with him more, he grew certain that Liu Xi's cultivation was far beyond what he claimed. But exactly how far, he could not say.
At the beginning, Zhang Yan had still entertained thoughts of "teaching" this new student properly, hoping to reestablish his prestige as an instructor. Yet it wasn't long before he discovered Liu Xi needed no instruction at all in Dou Qi cultivation. At last, he could only sigh bitterly to himself:
"Alas… my dignity as an instructor is gone for good!"
Thus, when Liu Xi proposed not to attend class, Zhang Yan had little choice but to agree. His role shifted instead to acting as Liu Xi's intermediary, managing the requests for pill refinement from Outer Academy students and instructors alike. This alone was enough to elevate Zhang Yan's standing.
Those who sought Liu Xi's pills all came through him, currying favor with gifts and flattery. In the process, Zhang Yan gained both wealth and reputation, enjoying benefits he had never imagined.
As for Liu Xi, his days passed in focused rhythm—either refining pills or seeking Elder Huo's instruction. The elder spared no effort, imparting his insights on advancing from a 3rd Tier to a 4th Tier Alchemist, while also pointing out gaps in Liu Xi's foundations. He even shared many 1st and 2nd Tier pill formulas, broadening Liu Xi's knowledge and sharpening his understanding.
At night, Liu Xi never slept. He continued his practice, cultivating tirelessly. He knew well: no matter how high his alchemy stood, no matter how many admired him, should true malice ever target him, only his own strength would safeguard his life.
'I must remember what happened in the original timeline,' he thought grimly. 'That Liu Xi, arrogant yet hollow, though respected by the Jia Lie Clan for his alchemy, was never truly valued. In the end, he was killed by Xiao Yan, his body never even recovered. That fate will not be mine.'
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Yet he could not deny his current weakness. His path had been too smooth.
From childhood, he possessed extraordinary talent. With his alchemy gift, he had won Master Xuan Hao's tutelage and received a Mid Xuan Class Qi Method. From then on, with the constant aid of pills, his cultivation skyrocketed to 9-Star Dou Shi.
And yet… his Dou Qi felt hollow.
His battles had always been one-sided suppressions through sheer advantage. But if he were to face a true opponent of equal level, he wasn't certain he could prevail. That realization gnawed at him.
'My Dou Qi lacks density. My Dou Techniques are crude. My actual combat experience is nonexistent. This… this is the perfect script for a disposable villain—the kind who gets killed by the protagonist in an "against-the-odds" reversal.'
The thought made his chest tighten with unease.
In Lin City, Master Xuan Hao had indulged him, never pressing him to refine his Dou Techniques. Protected by his status and lacking a protagonist's magnetism for trouble, he had simply never fought. Even now, the students of the Outer Academy were far too weak to be real opponents—battling them felt like an adult bullying children. As for instructors like Zhang Yan, their spars were half-hearted; Zhang Yan always held back.
'No, this won't do.'
Liu Xi resolved that once he broke through to the Da Dou Shi realm, he would request leave from the academy and venture into the Black-Corner Region.
The Black-Corner Region was a land where law meant nothing. Major factions schemed, minor forces struggled to survive, fugitives and criminals flocked there like vultures. Liu Xi had no intention of throwing himself into its deadliest depths. Instead, he planned to visit the border cities near Jia Nan Academy. There, he could fight, temper himself in life-and-death battles, and carve the raw edge he lacked. Only real bloodshed and killing intent would make his Dou Qi solid and his Dou Techniques sharp.
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Half a year passed in this rhythm.
During this time, Liu Xi consciously polished his Dou Qi cyclone, compressing and refining it to raise its quality. Unexpectedly, his alchemy broke through first—he successfully advanced to a 4th Tier Alchemist.
When his cultivation neared its limit, Liu Xi personally refined a One-Stripe Green Spirit Pill for himself.
After thorough preparation, he swallowed the pill. Waves of powerful energy surged through his body, and with a thunderous impact, he stepped across the threshold into the Da Dou Shi realm.
Within his dantian, the once-fluid cyclone of Dou Qi crystallized into a solid core. At a mere thought, Dou Qi surged forth from his body, forming a radiant golden-yellow armor over his skin.
Drawing his treasured sword, he slashed against his own chestplate. Metal rang against metal. The blade skidded harmlessly across the Dou Qi armor, not leaving so much as a scratch.
A satisfied grin tugged at his lips. "As expected, this Dou Qi Armor formed by externalizing my energy has astounding defense. I'm looking forward to this training even more now."
Once his foundation stabilized, Liu Xi formally requested a leave of absence for tempering. At first, Zhang Yan and several Outer Academy elders tried to dissuade him. But when Liu Xi revealed the steady might of his Da Dou Shi cultivation, all arguments ceased. His request was immediately approved.
Thus, on the day of his departure, Liu Xi donned a plain black long robe, modest in appearance. On his hand glimmered a storage ring heavy with pills and gold. A longsword hung at his side. His handsome face bore a bright smile tinged with anticipation as he set out.
The road to true strength awaited.
(End of Chapter)
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