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Three days later, in front of the main gate of Heaven Dou Royal Academy.
In the faint morning light, Dugu Yan stood heroically on the steps in a dark green school uniform. A silver sash outlined her slender waist, and her emerald-like long hair swayed gently in the morning breeze. She turned to look at Feng Xiao, who was holding "Fuxi," and her red lips slightly parted: "Let's go, Xiao Feng, I'll take you to see the Committee." Her bright smile made passing students turn their heads.
Feng Xiao looked up at the gilded plaque, the morning sun gilding his handsome profile. After the ice and fire body tempering, his aura became even more gentle and refined, possessing a certain elegance in his every move.
"Thank you, Sister Yan." Feng Xiao smiled and nodded, his moon-white long gown fluttering with his steps, and the jade pendant at his waist jingled.
Along the academy corridor, their figures attracted countless surprised glances. Not only because of Feng Xiao's ethereal aura, but also because of Dugu Yan by his side. After all, Dugu Bo's reputation in the Spirit Master's world was not very good; most people would avoid him, and what was even more shocking was that the Poison Douluo's granddaughter was now smiling and chatting happily with the young man in white.
"Did you hear? That young man was personally sent by Lord Poison Douluo."
"He's not afraid."
Amidst the whispers, Dugu Yan seemed to hear nothing, instead moving a little closer to Feng Xiao.
Turning a corner, a handsome young man with golden hair and blue eyes walked towards them. Yu Tianheng saw their intimate posture and his brows furrowed imperceptibly: "Yan Zi, this is…"
Dugu Yan suddenly let go of Feng Xiao and intimately took Yu Tianheng's arm: "Tianheng, let me introduce you." A hint of cunning flashed in her eyes, "This is Feng Xiao, the grandson of Grandpa's old friend. He's here to enroll, and we'll be classmates in the future."
After speaking, she turned to Feng Xiao, a mischievous curve on her lips: "This is Yu Tianheng, my man."
Feng Xiao understood and elegantly bowed: "I have long heard of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon's prestige." His gaze was clear, showing no flaws. The fact that the grandfather and grandson were poisoned could not be known by others. This identity of "grandson of an old friend" could both explain Dugu Bo's special care and prevent the academy from underestimating him.
Yu Tianheng's azure eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze like a knife sweeping back and forth over Feng Xiao. Dugu Yan's introduction made Feng Xiao seem more like a relative trying to curry favor, and the young man's handsome and refined appearance and elegant demeanor, in his eyes, became proof of being flashy but insubstantial. A hint of disdain curved his lips, and he nodded casually in response.
His gaze lingered for a moment on Feng Xiao's slender, long fingers—they were clearly hands for playing the zither and writing, not at all like a Spirit Master's. He had seen too many noble disciples like this in Heaven Dou Royal Academy, spending their days playing the zither and feigning elegance, but unable to even perform the most basic Spirit Ability in practical combat classes.
Dugu Yan keenly sensed Yu Tianheng's contempt, and a hint of displeasure flashed in her emerald eyes. Her red lips parted to retort, but she saw Feng Xiao's expression was normal, his lips still bearing that gentle, jade-like smile, as if he had not taken the slightest offense.
Yu Tianheng raised an eyebrow slightly, a hint of surprise flashing in his blue eyes. At least this seemingly delicate young man was impeccable in his demeanor, much stronger than those pampered noble disciples in the academy who would jump at a few words.
"Alright, Tianheng, I still need to take Xiao Feng to the Committee to report." Dugu Yan interrupted at the right time, her emerald-like long hair swaying gently with her turning motion. When she looked at Feng Xiao, the sharpness in her eyes instantly softened: "Let's go, Xiao Feng, I'll take you to see the three Committee members." Her tone was so gentle it was like she was a different person from her usual self.
Feng Xiao smiled and nodded, his slender fingers unconsciously stroking the patterns on the ancient zither in his arms, his fingertips leaving an almost imperceptible spirit power ripple on the strings. Sunlight passed through the carved railings of the corridor, casting dappled light and shadow on his handsome profile.
"Farewell." Feng Xiao slightly cupped his hands towards Yu Tianheng, his moon-white sleeves fluttering in the wind, and as he turned, the jade pendant at his waist made a crisp jingling sound, the lingering echo subtly harmonizing with some profound rhythm.
Yu Tianheng watched their retreating figures, and for some reason, that seemingly gentle zither music made his heart inexplicably tighten. This young man seemed not as simple as he appeared on the surface.
Dugu Yan sighed softly, her emerald-like long hair swaying slightly with the shake of her head: "Xiao Feng, Tianheng…he actually means no harm. It's just people from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan…" She hesitated, a hint of helplessness flashing in her emerald eyes, "You know, their temperament…"
Feng Xiao chuckled at her words, saying: "Dragons, they're always number one, and he's number two." He winked mischievously, the sunlight gilding his handsome profile, "Maybe it's my face that's too outstanding, making our young master of the Blue Lightning a little jealous."
Dugu Yan was startled at first, then couldn't help but chuckle as she lightly punched Feng Xiao's shoulder: "You…" She suddenly lowered her voice, a cunning glint in her emerald eyes, "But seriously, Lingling is quite pleased with your face."
Soon, Dugu Yan led Feng Xiao through the academy's grand central plaza, ascending the white marble steps to the Ziwu Pavilion, where the Committee members worked.
"The three Committee members are inside." Dugu Yan whispered, "Don't be nervous later, Grandpa has already spoken to them in advance."
"Thanks, Sister Yan." Feng Xiao said with a light chuckle.
Pushing open the carved wooden door, in the spacious hall, three Committee members were discussing over tea. Seated in the center was Dream Machine, the Chief of Academic Affairs, in a purple robe with hair like frost; to his left was Bai Baoshan, the Spirit System Committee member, slightly plump but with eyes like lightning; and to his right was Zhi Lin, the control system Committee member.
"Student Dugu, this is…" Dream Machine put down his teacup, his sharp gaze sweeping over Feng Xiao.
"Lord Committee member, this is my grandfather's old friend's grandson, Feng Xiao." Dugu Yan bowed gracefully, "By my grandfather's command, I specially recommend him for admission."
Bai Baoshan looked at Feng Xiao with interest: "I heard you are quite accomplished in music?"
Feng Xiao cupped his hands neither humbly nor arrogantly: "Just a little, I dare not accept the Committee member's praise."
Zhi Lin narrowed his eyes slightly, examining with interest the ancient zither Spirit that constantly appeared in Feng Xiao's hands. The zither body glowed with a warm luster, emitting a faint, ethereal rhythmic fluctuation.
"Student Feng, why do you always keep your Spirit released?" Zhi Lin stroked his chin and asked, a probing light flickering in his eyes, "This consumes quite a bit of spirit power."
Feng Xiao lightly plucked a zither string, producing a clear, resonant tremor: "Replying to the Committee member, this is my cultivation habit." His voice was as gentle as the zither music, "The way of the zither lies in the connection of hearts. Only by constantly being with the Spirit can one comprehend the profound mystery of musical flow."
As he spoke, he slightly turned his wrist, and a faint golden spirit power ripple spread out from the zither strings. The fluctuation was extremely subtle, but it made Zhi Lin's pupils suddenly contract.
Zhi Lin showed a look of understanding, and suddenly threw a gold coin, which arced through the air directly towards Feng Xiao's face. In a flash of lightning, Feng Xiao lightly plucked "Fuxi" in his arms, and with a crisp "ding," the sound wave precisely deflected the incoming gold coin.
"What exquisite control!" As a control system Spirit Master, Zhi Lin's eyes lit up.
"Interesting…" Bai Baoshan couldn't help but lean closer to observe, "Integrating cultivation into daily life, no wonder your control over spirit power is so exquisite."
Feng Xiao humbly lowered his eyes: "Just a small trick, I've made the Committee members laugh." The zither music subtly rose and fell with his breathing, as if it had a life of its own, resonating with its master.
Dream Machine's profound gaze fell on Feng Xiao as if substantial, a meaningful curve on his lips. As he lightly tapped the table with his fingertips, the air in the entire hall suddenly produced subtle distorted fluctuations.
Feng Xiao immediately felt as if the space around him had solidified, and invisible spirit power surged from all directions like a tide. His slender figure paused slightly, and he was like an insect sealed in amber, unable to move even a fingertip.
"Oh?" A hint of surprise flashed in Dream Machine's calm gaze. He clearly sensed that the young man before him, with only twenty-seven ranks of spirit power, remained calm under his spirit power suppression, not even his breathing disturbed.
His black robe moved without wind, Dream Machine seemingly casually adjusted his sitting posture, but in fact, the spirit power pressure he exerted was rapidly escalating at an astonishing speed. Twenty-eighth rank, twenty-ninth rank, thirtieth rank…
It was only at the thirty-fifth rank that Feng Xiao slightly furrowed his brow. His fingertips trembled lightly, and the "Fuxi" ancient zither in his arms let out a clear hum. Where the zither music passed, Dream Machine was surprised to find that his spirit power seemed to sink into cotton, completely enveloping Feng Xiao, but never touching his body.
"Excellent!" Bai Baoshan couldn't help but clap the table in admiration, "To be able to construct a spirit power barrier with music!"
Dream Machine withdrew his pressure and exchanged a knowing look with his two colleagues. He clapped his hands and laughed heartily: "Good! Good! Good! Indeed, heroes emerge from the young! With such talent, let alone Poison Douluo's recommendation, even without any recommendation, my Heaven Dou Royal Academy would welcome him with open arms!"
Feng Xiao calmly bowed, and amidst the lingering zither music, his voice was as gentle as jade: "Thank you for the three Committee members' kindness, this junior will certainly cultivate diligently."
Dream Machine stroked his beard and smiled, his profound gaze shifting between the two: "In that case, please trouble Student Dugu to take Student Feng to complete the admission procedures." He lightly tapped the table with his fingertip.
Dugu Yan bowed gracefully, her emerald long hair swaying gently with her movement: "Student obeys." Her skirt swirled as she turned, and she winked at Feng Xiao: "Let's go, I'll take you to the Academic Affairs Office."
Dugu Yan led Feng Xiao through various parts of the academy to complete the procedures; the red tape of a noble academy was fully displayed at this moment. They first went to the Academic Affairs Office to get a student ID, then to the Finance Office to pay tuition, and finally to the Logistics Department to get uniforms.
"Two sets each for spring, summer, autumn, and winter, four sets of formal wear, two sets of training clothes…" Feng Xiao looked at the mountain of clothes in his hands and couldn't help but smile, "These uniforms are more than all my belongings combined."
Dugu Yan chuckled, helping him organize the items he received: "This is just the beginning; there's still the tailcoat for etiquette class that hasn't been picked up, and the equestrian outfit for riding class. Of course, for these elective things, you don't need to pick them up if you don't go."
Feng Xiao looked at the dense list of items and exaggeratedly put a hand to his forehead: "Is it too late for me to drop out now?"
"But the Heaven Dou Royal Academy's simulated cultivation environment is the best in all of Heaven Dou. Even the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School cannot compare in this regard. This is a resource advantage, which is why many disciples from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School also come to Heaven Dou Royal Academy to study. On one hand, it's to strengthen the connection between the Sect and the Empire, and on the other hand, it's for this simulated cultivation environment." Dugu Yan smiled and patted Feng Xiao's shoulder.
Feng Xiao nodded as a matter of course; after all, in terms of resources and land, no Sect force, no matter how strong, could compare to an Empire.
Approaching noon, the two arrived at their final destination—the library. As Feng Xiao received the gold-stamped library card, Dugu Yan stretched, her emerald long hair fluttering in the breeze: "Finally done. Shall I take you to see the dorms?"
Feng Xiao, holding a pile of items, a hint of warmth flashed in his eyes: "No need, thank you for today, Sister Yan."
Dugu Yan smiled back, her emerald eyes shining like the finest cat's eye opals: "From now on, we're classmates, no need to be so formal." She suddenly seemed to remember something, her slender eyelashes fluttering gently, revealing a cunning smile: "Oh, I forgot to tell you, your dorm is conveniently arranged next to Tianheng's."
Upon hearing this, a look of helplessness appeared on Feng Xiao's handsome face. His slender fingers unconsciously plucked the strings of "Fuxi" in his arms, producing a soft sound that was both a sigh and a chuckle: "Sister Yan, is this… fearing the world isn't chaotic enough?"
Dugu Yan covered her mouth with her sleeve, but couldn't hide the mischievous glint in her eyes. She leaned closer, her faint delicate fragrance lingering at Feng Xiao's nose, and chuckled: "If you can beat him, help me give him a good beating."
Dugu Yan led Feng Xiao through the ancient and elegant corridor in front of the library, casting dappled light and shadow on the ground.
"All registration procedures are complete." Dugu Yan shook the student ID in her hand, her emerald-like long hair shimmering charmingly in the sunlight, "Let's go, it's about time. I'll take you to try the academy's specialty dishes, and introduce you to a beautiful girl."
The two arrived at the academy's central dining hall, a grand building with a domed ceiling, its interior exquisitely decorated yet elegant. It was midday, and the dining hall was bustling with people, students from various departments gathered in small groups to eat.
After Dugu Yan took Feng Xiao to get their meals, she familiarly walked in a certain direction. Soon, Feng Xiao saw a silver-haired girl sitting alone by the window, the sunlight casting a soft halo on her delicate profile. Several exquisite dishes were placed in front of her, but she had barely touched them.
"Lingling!" Dugu Yan pulled Feng Xiao, quickly walking through the dining hall, her emerald-like long hair fluttering lightly behind her.
Ye Lingling looked up at the sound, her light purple eyes flashing with a hint of surprise the moment she saw Feng Xiao. The silver fork in her hand paused slightly, reflecting tiny specks of light in the sunlight.
"What? Don't recognize this handsome young man after only a few days?" Dugu Yan winked mischievously, deliberately pushing Feng Xiao half a step forward.
Ye Lingling's snow-white cheeks flushed faintly, and the tips of her ears, subtly visible amidst her silver hair, turned a deeper pink. She lowered her eyes, her voice as light as a feather's touch: "Hello."
Feng Xiao elegantly performed a standard chest-bow, a gentle smile on his lips: "Feng Xiao. I didn't expect to see Student Ye again so soon, it's truly an honor."
"Oh, don't be so formal~" Dugu Yan chuckled naughtily, lightly nudging Feng Xiao with her elbow, "Just call her Sister Lingling."
"Yanyan!" Ye Lingling called out in embarrassment, her slender white fingers unconsciously twisting the napkin. The blush had spread from her ear tips to her neck, particularly noticeable against her silver hair.
Dugu Yan smiled even more brightly at this, but stopped teasing her friend: "Alright, alright, I'll stop teasing you." She pulled Feng Xiao to sit down, "Let's eat first, I still need to take him to meet the rest of the team later."