"This..."
Unexpectedly, because Vice Dean Hu Gan had personally come to visit out of concern, Ruo Ling found herself unable to voice what she truly wanted to say. In the end, she made a bitter decision and could only reply, "Xiao Ting has obtained a wonderful opportunity, so he needs to take some time off before registering."
A leave of absence?
The moment those words left her lips, countless people at the scene exchanged bewildered glances. Students taking leave from the academy was nothing new—everyone knew it usually meant they had urgent business outside. But to apply for leave right after registering for the foundation test, without even participating in the formal assessment? This was unheard of. He was probably arrogant, trying to sell himself at a higher price with this excuse. The Vice Dean would surely fly into a rage upon hearing this.
"A leave of absence?" Hu Gan had not anticipated such a response. Yet he merely smiled and said, "Encountering an opportunity is a good thing. Of course, one should seize it. If he wishes to take leave, let him. How long did he say he wanted? Shall I issue a one-year leave certificate for now? If he comes to Peace Town during that period, he can immediately board a Space Boat to the Outer Court."
Everyone: ?!
So this was what it meant for the talented to do as they pleased.
"Um…" Ruo Ling had no idea how much leave to grant, so she turned to Xiao Yan and asked, "Xiao Yan, Xiao Ting said he would do his best to catch up with the formal assessment, right? How much time do you think he needs?"
Xiao Yan was at a complete loss. He had no idea how great a benefit Xiao Ting had obtained from the Life-and-Death Gate of the Misty Cloud Sect, nor how long it would take. If he spoke too much, Xiao Ting might be branded as talented yet arrogant; if he spoke too little, Xiao Ting might fail to arrive on time, putting him in danger.
"Teacher, how many years should I enroll Xiao Ting for? Or should I consult the Vice Dean and enroll him for just one year?" Xiao Yan asked inwardly.
"Xiao Yan, you don't have to worry anymore." Yao Lao's voice rang out, carrying a smile and a hint of mockery. "Your Xiao family has produced an unparalleled genius."
Xiao Yan stood stunned. Before he could react, a sonic boom erupted from the sky. Countless people unconsciously looked up and saw a streak of purple light descending.
Whoosh!
The streak landed beside Xun Er before almost anyone could clearly see what had happened, releasing an invisible pressure that whipped up a gust of wind.
When everyone turned, the newcomer was a tall, handsome youth with charming peach-blossom eyes, a faint smile on his lips, and a lingering childish air about his face.
Judging by appearance and bearing alone, he surpassed every man present. The eyes of many girls in the audience lit up.
"Someone is flying inside Peace Town?!"
Many people looked shocked. According to Jia Nan Academy's rules, flying within a hundred-mile radius of Peace Town was strictly forbidden. Only law-enforcement team members and academy elders were permitted to fly under special circumstances. Inside Peace Town itself, the restriction was even harsher.
Furthermore, anyone entering Peace Town had to consume a special pill crafted by Jia Nan Academy that could detect killing intent. Causing trouble in town would immediately alert the enforcers. Since he had flown straight in, he had clearly not taken the pill.
Whoosh!
As expected, several burly law-enforcement officers from Peace Town appeared in the air moments later. Their leader was a middle-aged man with a resolute expression, exuding a terrifying aura.
"Flying is prohibited within a hundred miles of Peace Town. Anyone who enters without consuming the spirit pill shall be treated as an enemy." The middle-aged man glared at the youth and waved his arm; a blood-red greatsword materialized in his hand.
"There's such a rule in Peace Town?" The youth looked awkwardly toward Ruo Ling. "Instructor Ruo Ling, I'm a student of Jia Nan Academy. I shouldn't be held responsible, right?"
"Xiao Ting!" Ruo Ling's eyes widened in shock. She immediately said to Hu Gan, "Vice Dean, this is the genius student Xiao Ting I mentioned earlier."
"The word 'genius' alone is insufficient to describe Xiao Ting." Hu Gan vaguely sensed Xiao Ting's cultivation level and was both shocked and delighted. How could he not be overjoyed when a once-in-a-century prodigy came knocking on his door?
"Commander Wu, it's fine." Hu Gan looked up at the middle-aged man in the air. "He is a new student of the academy. He was unaware of the rules and rushed here for registration and testing. Ignorance is no excuse."
"This is the last time." Hearing Hu Gan's words, Wu Hao sheathed his blood-red longsword, flapped the Battle Qi wings behind him, and vanished in an instant.
Wu Hao had already guessed Xiao Ting's identity; otherwise, an enemy would never be foolish enough to attack Hu Gan and the others alone. Still, duty compelled him to step forward, clarify his stance, and explain the situation.
"Next time this won't happen." Xiao Ting smiled faintly and reached out to take Xun Er's small hand. "Xun Er, I haven't seen you for more than half a month. I missed you terribly."
Being embraced so intimately in public, even the usually calm Xun Er blushed. Yet she did not pull away. Instead, she called out sweetly, "Brother Xiao Ting, thank you for arriving at the perfect moment."
"Now then, it's time for Instructor Ruo Ling to evaluate the students she selected."
Crack.
Xiao Yan collapsed to the ground, hearing countless heart-wrenching sounds while watching the expressions of the boys around him. A wide smile spread across his face. He had only been curious what faces everyone would make once they learned Xun Er had been taken away—he never expected his wish to come true so quickly. It was truly exhilarating.
"Young Master Xiao Ting," Qing Lin greeted brightly.
"Young Master." The Little Fairy Doctor's smile widened further, her gaze locked on Xiao Ting.
Crack! Crack!
Another group of people sank into deep sorrow.
Xiao Ting seemed unaware that he had just shattered the dreams of countless young men. Smiling at Ruo Ling, he said, "Instructor, shall we begin the evaluation now? How should we proceed?"
"First, go over there and place your hand on the stele to measure your bone age."
Hu Gan personally volunteered as guide and led Xiao Ting to the first test stele.
The moment Xiao Ting placed his hand upon it, a strange energy enveloped him.
[15 years 4 months]
Several large characters appeared on the stone tablet.
The registration instructor immediately called out, "Xiao Ting, fifteen years and four months."
"Next, the most important thing—strength."
With eyes full of anticipation, Hu Gan guided Xiao Ting to the second stele.
Xiao Ting raised his hand, placed it on the test magic stone tablet, and injected his Battle Qi into it.
[Two-Star Dou King]
The instant those words appeared, time itself seemed to freeze across the entire square.
Moments later, cries of astonishment erupted throughout the plaza.
Many people rubbed their eyes or pinched their own skin, wondering if they were hallucinating or dreaming. After several confirmations, they were utterly shocked and began discussing among themselves.
"Two-star Dou King? Hehe, are you seeing things too?"
"He's only fifteen years and four months old, yet he's already a Dou King expert. This is ridiculous!"
"Is this even reasonable? This isn't genius—this is monstrous!"
"In front of this person, ordinary geniuses are nothing but mediocre."
"Maybe the magic stone tablet is broken?"
…
…
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