Elder Su's aged face could not conceal his amazement. "To think that after so many years, a freshman has actually managed to pass through the Fire Energy Hunting Competition alone. Little fellow, you are quite impressive."
Since becoming an elder, he had seen countless dazzling geniuses. Some possessed great strength, others remarkable cultivation, yet few stood out in such a way. In the past, even the most talented freshmen, attempting to traverse the Fire Energy Hunting Competition alone, would end up fleeing in disgrace under the relentless pursuit of the seniors. But this youth, Liu Xi—not only had he robbed seniors of their fire energy, he had escaped the coordinated siege of multiple senior groups.
His concealment and transformation techniques were extraordinary. If he had chosen to remain hidden, even Elder Su himself might have struggled to find his true body. Most shocking was that final move: in terms of explosive force, it was already comparable to that of a low-level Dou Ling.
Revealing his pale face after the battle, Liu Xi responded humbly, "Elder flatters me. I am still far from true strength."
Elder Su laughed heartily. "Unarrogant, unimpetuous—such a temperament will achieve great things."
But Liu Xi's eyes flickered with a hint of reminder as he pressed, "Elder, since I've passed, shouldn't you mention… the reward?"
Elder Su's eyes twinkled with amusement at the boy's directness, and he let out a hearty laugh. "Haha! Do you fear I would withhold it from you? Very well. Your reward: your Black Fire Crystal Card will be upgraded to a Green Fire Crystal Card, along with 30 days of fire energy."
"Green Fire Crystal Card!"
The few remaining seniors nearby gasped aloud, eyes filled with envy.
But Liu Xi, hearing only thirty days, could not help sounding disappointed. "Only 30 days…"
Elder Su immediately shot him a glare before slowly explaining, "You still think it little? Listen carefully. Within the Inner Academy, Fire Crystal Cards are divided into five ranks: Black, Blue, Green, Red, and Purple. Your current black card is the lowest, granting access only to the 1st and 2nd floors of the Blazing Sky Qi Refining Tower. Blue cards allow entry to the 3rd and 4th floors, and so on."
"To upgrade, one must pay sufficient fire energy. Upgrading from Black to Blue requires 100 days of fire energy. From Blue to Green requires 200 days more. By receiving this Green Fire Crystal Card, you have saved yourself 300 days of fire energy. Do you understand the value? Among all the seniors who joined this hunt, aside from Yang Xiao, who is a Dou Ling, none possess more than a Blue Fire Crystal Card."
"Three hundred days saved…" Liu Xi's eyes brightened. He had risked his life robbing several senior teams, amassing only a bit over 500 fire energy in total. To now save 300 days in one stroke—it was indeed a massive windfall. 'Though such methods earned him hatred, the benefits were undeniable. By the time I've used all this energy, I'll have broken through to Dou Ling. Then, who would dare touch me?'
Elder Su conjured a green crystal card with a flick of his hand. A stream of light flew into Liu Xi's palm. The mirror-like surface reflected a glowing red "30."
"The reward is already inside. Transfer the fire energy from your Black Fire Crystal Card, then return it to me."
Liu Xi quickly complied. When Elder Su glimpsed the number "538" on the black card's surface before it was drained, his expression twitched. 'This little brat… how many people did he rob? No wonder thirty days left him unsatisfied.'
After collecting the card, Elder Su said, "Come. The other freshmen are not yet here. I'll take you into the Inner Academy first."
Turning to Yang Xiao's companions, he instructed, "Take your captain down to rest." Then, with his hands clasped behind his back, Elder Su led Liu Xi up a flight of stone steps.
As they walked, Elder Su said evenly, "From this moment, you are a member of the Inner Academy. But unless your strength is overwhelmingly superior, life here is not easy for lone wolves. The environment here forces the seniors to divide into factions. By the way, where are your teammates?"
Liu Xi spread his hands helplessly. "Elder, you said the earliest to reach the Inner Academy would receive rewards. Naturally, our team broke apart to compete for it."
Elder Su sighed. "So that's how you understood it. Very well. After you suffer, you'll learn. Remember this: within the Inner Academy, fire energy is everything. With it, you can cultivate in the Blazing Sky Qi Refining Tower and rapidly improve. You'll see soon enough."
"When you need to change your Qi Method or Dou Techniques, you can visit the Scripture Pavilion or Dou Technique Hall—if you have enough fire energy. If fire energy runs short, you can also challenge others in the Arena; victory earns you more."
Soon, they crested the slope. Before Liu Xi stretched a massive basin, as though formed by a meteor's impact. Towering buildings rose within, and even from a distance, Liu Xi could sense powerful auras all around.
Pride laced Elder Su's voice. "This… is the true heart of Jia Nan Academy—the Inner Academy."
Liu Xi's heart surged with excitement. This was the very place he had come for.
---
Inside, Elder Su led him to a small wooden loft. Opening the door, he said, "This will be your residence from now on. Settle yourself here. Afterwards, explore the Academy freely. If you have questions, come to me."
Liu Xi bowed slightly. "Many thanks, Elder."
After Elder Su departed, Liu Xi chose a room, tidied briefly, then sat cross-legged on the bed. Swallowing a restorative pill, he began to recover the heavy losses of Dou Qi from his battles.
As his seals shifted, silvery-white energy from the void flowed into him, while his Nine Nether Ghost Flame Technique circulated at full power. The room's temperature plummeted, all heat siphoned away, speeding his recovery.
An hour later, the energy dissipated. Liu Xi opened his eyes, exhaling deeply. Color returned to his pale face. "Finally, my Dou Qi has recovered. After all these battles, it even feels more condensed than before."
Looking outside at the early sky, he decided to explore.
---
The dormitory area was vast, with rows of identical lofts. After several minutes, Liu Xi reached the exit—only to see three figures approaching. Each bore the tower-insignia badge of a senior student.
The leader, a rough-faced youth, sneered. "Brat, you're a new student, aren't you?"
Liu Xi met their unfriendly gazes calmly. "And if I am?"
The youth grinned wickedly. "Then no mistake. According to Inner Academy rules, all new students must pay a tribute fee of two days' fire energy."
Liu Xi chuckled, eyes narrowing. "Oh? Which Elder set this rule?"
The youth faltered, unable to answer, then barked, "No more nonsense! It's been the rule for years. We're not being excessive, so hand it over obediently. Save yourself some pain."
"Save myself some pain?" Liu Xi's smile turned sharp. "And what disaster exactly am I paying to avoid?"
The youth's tone chilled. "Aside from the Arena, anywhere else in the Inner Academy may see… 'sparring.' Injuries are inevitable. If you don't pay, I can't guarantee you won't suffer some 'unfair treatment.' Don't be rash."
"So fights are allowed anywhere, anytime?" Liu Xi asked lightly.
The youth smirked. "That's right—"
Smack!
Before he finished, Liu Xi blurred forward and slapped him across the face. "Still want tribute?"
The youth's eyes went red with fury. "Damn you—get him!"
All three attacked at once. But Liu Xi's body dissolved into flowing light, reappearing elsewhere. Another resounding slap struck.
Again and again, sharp cracks filled the air. "Still want it?" came Liu Xi's voice from all directions.
By the time he finally reappeared, the three were swollen and trembling, begging, "No more! We want nothing!"
They tried to flee, but Liu Xi's cold voice stopped them. "Don't run."
They froze, turning back in terror. "We'll leave! We won't bother you again!"
Adjusting his clothes calmly, Liu Xi said, "I'm new here. I don't know my way around. You'll show me."
The three quivered, exchanging unwilling glances. Liu Xi's gaze turned cold once more. "What? Not willing?"
They flinched. "W-we'll do it!"
Thus, under Liu Xi's watchful eyes, the three unwilling seniors guided him around the Inner Academy, while he quietly memorized its layout.
(End of Chapter)
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