Seeing Xiao Yan standing under the mist, his clothes completely dry, Instructor Ruo Lin slowly reined in her look of shock. She gave the smiling youth another deep glance and said gently, "You little rascal, you truly have some skill. I really underestimated you."
"Heh heh, just luck, that's all. If Instructor was willing to use her full strength, I definitely wouldn't be able to withstand more than three moves," Xiao Yan said with a chuckle, scratching his head.
"If I had to use my full strength against a new student who's only a Four-Star Dou Practitioner, how do you think I'd be able to stay at the academy?" Hearing this, Instructor Ruo Lin rolled her eyes at Xiao Yan and snapped.
"You've met the conditions. That one-year leave, I'll grant it to you, sigh..." Instructor Ruo Lin sighed softly and shook her head, speaking with a hint of helplessness. Clearly, even though Xiao Yan met the conditions, she was still somewhat reluctant to approve his one-year leave.
"Heh heh, thank you, Instructor Ruo Lin, for your generosity." Hearing this, Xiao Yan let out a heavy sigh of relief in his heart, his face filled with joy.
"Sigh, everyone else wishes they could stay at the academy for as long as possible, but you, this little monster, want to ask for such a long leave. It's truly a headache. After returning to the academy, I'll have to busy myself quite a bit because of your leave," Instructor Ruo Lin said with a wry smile, looking at Xiao Yan's excited expression.
Xiao Yan gave an embarrassed smile but remained silent. He didn't want to say much about such matters.
"Alright, today's recruitment ends here. We'll continue recruiting for the remaining seven days." Seeing that Xiao Yan had no intention of explaining, Instructor Ruo Lin shook her head helplessly, put away her long whip, and said gently.
Xiao Yan nodded slightly. By now, the heavy stone in his heart had finally been lifted. Everything in Wu Tan City was more or less settled. After two or three days of preparation, he could confidently set out on his journey with Yao Lao for experience.
"Instructor, during your time in Wu Tan City, why don't you stay at our Xiao family?" Seeing Instructor Ruo Lin about to turn and leave, Xiao Yu quickly ran up, grabbed her arm, and said with a charming smile.
"Stay at the Xiao family?"
Slightly startled, Instructor Ruo Lin raised her eyebrows slightly and said hesitantly, "Jia Nan Academy also has special accommodations in Wu Tan City. Besides, going to the Xiao family might be a bit of a bother, no?"
"Ah, it's no trouble at all. Being able to host an instructor from Jia Nan Academy is a blessing for our Xiao family. I think, if they knew Instructor Ruo Lin was willing to be a guest of the Xiao family, everyone in the Xiao family would be very happy," Xiao Yan said with a smile as he slowly walked up.
As a renowned academy on the Dou Qi Continent, Jia Nan Academy held immense influence in the Jia Ma Empire. In terms of strength, even the Mi Te Er Auction House was far inferior to the academy.
As a super-powerful force, Jia Nan Academy undoubtedly regarded the forces in Wu Tan City with a dismissive attitude. The clear manifestation of this was that the annual recruitment team rarely interacted with the forces in Wu Tan City, let alone accepted invitations to stay directly in their family residences. Moreover, under these circumstances, these forces were also very self-aware. With such a disparity between the two sides, did you really expect these powerhouses to be polite and courteous to you?
It was precisely because of this mindset that the various powers throughout Wutan City were not so foolish as to show their faces. Therefore, they all maintained a respectful distance from the Jia Nan Academy's recruitment team, lacking the courage to provoke them or shamelessly seek connections, lest they become a laughingstock in the end.
Having lived in Wutan City for over ten years, Xiao Yan naturally understood perfectly what kind of super-power the Jia Nan Academy's recruitment team represented. If he could persuade Instructor Ruo Lin to stay at the Xiao family, then the already powerful Xiao family in Wutan would seize this opportunity to rise another level, perhaps even becoming no weaker than the Mi Te Er Auction House.
Given Instructor Ruo Lin's special status, let alone staying at the Xiao family, even if she casually showed a bit of favor to a minor power, it's likely that by the next day, that previously unknown minor power would experience the vexation of newfound fame.
Although that might sound a bit exaggerated, Instructor Ruo Lin nonetheless held the key to entering Jia Nan Academy. For those who wished for their family's children to quickly gain entry, they would not easily let go of any opportunity.
Therefore, as long as Instructor Ruo Lin accepted Xiao Yan's request to stay at the Xiao family, all the powers in Wutan City would want to show some deference to the Xiao family. The Xiao family's exorbitant profits from healing a while ago were already too substantial. Now, if they could make Instructor Ruo Lin show favor to the Xiao family, then some of the problems arising from the Xiao family's excessive growth a while ago would be perfectly resolved.
Just a temporary stay of a few days could bring so many benefits to the Xiao family, so it was no wonder Xiao Yan spared no effort in making the recommendation.
Hearing Xiao Yan speak, Instructor Ruo Lin's small, red lips slightly parted. With her experience, she naturally knew the value of her status in Wutan City. Ordinarily, recruitment instructors would not pay attention to these various powers.
However, with Xiao Yan personally speaking, Instructor Ruo Lin found it impossible to refuse. This young man could be said to be Jia Nan Academy's most promising student in nearly a hundred years, and she would not casually disregard his opinion. Otherwise, if this little fellow got angry and left, it would be truly difficult for her to find another outstanding student like him.
Frowning in thought for a moment, Instructor Ruo Lin nodded lightly, chuckling, "Alright, then I'll trouble the Xiao family for a few days."
Seeing Instructor Ruo Lin nod in agreement, Xiao Yu's beautiful face lit up with excitement. She giggled and hugged the soft, slender figure.
"Luo Bu, you and Gua La go back to the reception area first. Come back tomorrow. Remember, don't cause me any more trouble!" Dotingly patting Xiao Yu's head, Instructor Ruo Lin turned her head and instructed Luo Bu and the others at the tent.
"En."
With a dry face, Luo Bu nodded. Watching the backs of the laughing and joking girls slowly disappear into the distance, he shook his head helplessly. Since Xiao Yu didn't ask them to follow, they naturally had no face to forcefully tag along. So, without the company of beauties, the male students could only dejectedly pack up their belongings, then disperse from the courtyard, feeling utterly drained.
After hearing the news that the enrollment mentors from Jia Nan Academy had arrived at the Xiao family, Xiao Zhan and the three elders, who were discussing matters in the deliberation room, were momentarily stunned. A moment later, they all exchanged glances, a mix of joy and apprehension on their faces, before rushing out of the main hall to the family's main gate. With beaming smiles, they stood at the entrance, welcoming the beautiful young women who were led into the Xiao family.
Under Xiao Yan's introduction, both parties finally got to know each other initially. After learning that Mentor Ruo Lin and her group had come to stay, Xiao Zhan unhesitatingly agreed, immediately sending someone to the back courtyard to prepare empty rooms. Such swift and decisive action earned Mentor Ruo Lin and her group quite a bit of goodwill.
The sudden addition of a group of beautiful female disciples from Jia Nan Academy made the atmosphere within the family much livelier. Many young clan members lingered, their gazes constantly sweeping over the female students. They even surrounded the girls, asking endless questions, which made Xiao Yan quite envious.
As night slowly fell, the Xiao family, as hosts, naturally offered the highest level of hospitality. After dinner, seeing everyone chatting animatedly, an exhausted Xiao Yan excused himself and slipped back to his room, then collapsed limply onto his bed. The battle with Mentor Ruo Lin today, although ultimately aided by Yao Lao, had left him physically and mentally drained.
The brilliant morning sun shone through the window, illuminating the room. On the bed, the young man, eyes half-closed, groggily sat up. He was dazed for a moment, then yawned widely before crawling out of bed and quickly washing his face.
"Yao Lao, when are we setting off?" Xiao Yan casually asked, rubbing his teacup.
"Wait until you've prepared a bit. Drinking water, dried rations, tents, insect repellent powder, low-grade medicinal herbs, and some healing and qi-restoring pills are all indispensable for cultivation. Prepare thoroughly; you might be experiencing life deep in the mountains for quite some time," Yao Lao's ethereal form suddenly appeared beside the table, saying indifferently.
"Heh heh, I'm really looking forward to it." Quickly putting on his clothes, Xiao Yan said with a smile.
Seeing Xiao Yan's eager expression, Yao Lao frowned and said softly, "You've never experienced a life-or-death duel before. A person's potential can only erupt like a volcano when their life is threatened. If you don't undergo life-and-death tempering as before, I'm afraid you'll forever struggle to become a true powerhouse! You don't lack cultivation talent; what you lack right now is iron and blood!" Casually picking up a teacup, Yao Lao glanced at Xiao Yan, who was slowly dressing, and said indifferently, "Only by successfully undergoing bloody tempering can you truly mature."
Xiao Yan slowly clenched his fists, looking at Yao Lao with a smile, "I believe I can overcome it."
"Such confidence is good." Yao Lao chuckled and nodded, quite pleased with Xiao Yan's self-confidence.
"Heh heh, but, Master... that Dou Skill you mentioned last time... when will you teach it to me?" Xiao Yan chuckled and moved closer, asking with an eager smile. He had been looking forward to this Dou Skill for quite some time.
Glancing at Xiao Yan, who was smiling faintly, Yao Lao's aged face showed a fleeting hint of teasing. "Don't worry, since I said I'd teach you, I won't go back on my word. After we leave Wu Tan City, hehe... you can take your time learning!"
Seeing Yao Lao's expression, Xiao Yan's heart suddenly felt a sense of unease. He chuckled twice, no longer wasting words, and put all his belongings into his embrace before opening the door and walking out.
At this time, Instructor Ruo Lin and the others had already gone to yesterday's spacious courtyard to conduct today's enrollment, so the family compound was quieter.
Casually turning through a few small alleys, Xiao Yan swaggered out of the main gate. As soon as he looked outside, he was startled.
He saw that outside the main gate, it was already packed with carriages. Many emblems were affixed to the luxurious horse-drawn carriages. From these emblems, Xiao Yan could recognize that these were all forces of considerable strength in Wu Tan City.
"Tsk tsk. Those people's information sure travels fast..." Shaking his head in awe, Xiao Yan once again witnessed how powerful the enrollment instructors of Jia Nan Academy were in Wu Tan City.
Xiao Yan casually swept his gaze over them, then paid no more attention to these people, directly swaggering away.
The crossroads also became extremely lively due to Jia Nan Academy's enrollment. Xiao Yan slowly walked towards the auction house in the city center. As he approached, he still wore a black cloak, and only then did he confidently enter the auction house, which was even more bustling than usual.
Ya Fei sat elegantly in her chair, her right leg crossed over her left, her alluring, pale white thighs revealed beneath her long cheongsam.
At this moment, Ya Fei's jade-like hand held a long piece of paper. After a while, she finished reading the document, and a hint of surprise flashed across her charming face. She looked up at the black-robed figure beside her and asked in astonishment, "Brother Xiao Yan, why do you need so many wilderness supplies? Are you preparing for a long journey?"
"Yes, I'll be leaving Wu Tan City in a few days. Perhaps... I won't be able to return for a year or two," Xiao Yan said with a slight smile, taking a gentle sip of tea.
"A year or two?"
Hearing this, Ya Fei was startled again and exclaimed, "Why so long? What are you planning to do?"
"Ah. I've already come of age, so I want to go out and gain some experience. I really don't want to just stay cooped up in Wu Tan City like this..." Xiao Yan said with a calm smile.
"Alas, with your cultivation talent, if you were to remain in Wu Tan City, it would indeed be difficult to become a true powerhouse." Ya Fei nodded and said softly.
"Will that mysterious alchemist also be going with you?" After a moment of silence, Ya Fei asked.
"Yes, he is my master."
"No wonder..." Ya Fei nodded in sudden understanding, giving Xiao Yan a deep look, and mused, "Then you... can also be considered an alchemist?"
"The Xiao family's healing medicine was personally refined by me," Xiao Yan said with a smile, this time without the slightest concealment.
"Ah. Uncle Gu Ni also found some clues from the refinement level of the Blood Coagulation Powder. It's just that he didn't know your relationship with that alchemist, so he didn't guess it came from you." Ya Fei merely nodded calmly at Xiao Yan's words without showing much surprise, evidently having already guessed some of it beforehand.
"Please help me prepare the materials. If you need money, just deduct it from this card. Don't refuse, I don't want to owe you a favor." Xiao Yan pulled a golden card from his chest and handed it to Ya Fei. The card contained four hundred thousand gold coins, all profits from the healing medicine the Xiao family had sold.
"Alright."
Ya Fei nodded helplessly and accepted the card. She waved to a maid, handed her the card and the list, and instructed her to quickly get to work.
"I'm leaving. I hope the Mittel Auction House can take good care of the Xiao family. In the future, if Sister Ya Fei needs help, Xiao Yan will certainly not delay." Xiao Yan looked up at the alluring beauty in front of him and said with a smile.
"Ah, you've called me Sister Ya Fei, so how could I shamelessly refuse? Moreover, for an alchemist with limitless potential, this elder sister can only do her best to please you." Xiao Yan's address carried more sincerity than before, causing Ya Fei's narrow, charming eyes to curve in delight. She propped her chin with her jade hand, her pupils fixed on the handsome face of the young man revealed beneath his black robe. Her long, slender eyelashes fluttered gently, and a faint, captivating charm appeared on her beautiful, mature face.
Her alluring, numbing voice made Xiao Yan's heart tremble. He shook his head with a bitter smile. This woman was truly a born enchantress, specialized in seducing men. If they were in a deserted place and with a man of slightly weaker resolve, he would probably have long since been unable to suppress the lust in his heart and would have forcefully pinned her to the ground... (xxxx abc - everyone probably knows what this means)
"Ah, I won't tease you anymore." The slightly hurried breathing beneath the black robe brought a smug smile to Ya Fei's red lips. She loved making this overly calm young man reveal the naivety and shyness he should possess in front of her.
"Little Brother Xiao Yan, I eagerly await what level you will reach when you return to Wu Tan City!" The alluring smile on her jade-like face suddenly receded, and Ya Fei said softly.
"I also eagerly await it."
Smiling, Xiao Yan looked up at the maid quickly approaching from beyond the curtain. He slowly stood up, waved his sleeve, and said with a smile, "I'm leaving. Finally, I must bid you farewell here."
Gracefully moving, Ya Fei stood smiling in front of Xiao Yan, looking at the young man she had known for a year or two. Although the relationship between them was mostly one of calculated cooperation, Ya Fei felt a certain fondness for this aloof young man, who was several years younger than her. It wasn't like a romantic relationship, but rather very much like a sibling bond.
Extending her jade hand, Ya Fei gently patted Xiao Yan's shoulder, a hint of concern flashing in her bright eyes. "Take care!"
Xiao Yan looked up, calmly gazing at this great beauty, almost universally known in Wu Tan City. Suddenly, he chuckled softly and stepped forward, his arm unexpectedly wrapping around her alluring waist.
With his arm around the perfect waist that countless men in Wu Tan City coveted, Xiao Yan could feel Ya Fei's body stiffen slightly when he embraced her, only to soften again a moment later.
Standing there in a daze, Ya Fei's fair face flushed at Xiao Yan's special "farewell" gesture. Fortunately, Xiao Yan didn't take another step, otherwise, she would have truly wondered if this little fellow had suddenly been overcome by lust.
"Sister Ya Fei, take care! I know your identity is probably more than just a chief auctioneer, but I still want to give you a very careful reminder." Resting his chin on Ya Fei's shoulder, Xiao Yan inhaled the faint fragrance emanating from her body, a playful smirk appearing at the corner of his mouth: "In the future, you absolutely must not let other men hug you like this, because besides me, when other men hug you, what they're definitely thinking about is how to get you into bed!"
Hearing this, Ya Fei was stunned, a captivating blush suddenly appearing on her jade-like face. She snapped, "You little brat, how dare you mock me! I'm afraid you're the only one who thinks that way!"
"Haha." Laughing heartily twice, Xiao Yan no longer lingered on the soft waist in his hands. He withdrew without any reluctance, raised his hand, and directly turned and walked away. You are reading this novel at - http://xtruyen.vn
"Sister Ya Fei, see you again! See you in a year!"
With a light chuckle, Xiao Yan walked over to the maid, who was wide-eyed and agape due to his intimate actions with Ya Fei. He smiled as he took the golden card and the two rings, softly said a word of thanks, and then walked straight out without looking back.
Watching the figure gradually disappear around the corner, the blush on Ya Fei's face slowly receded. Her jade hand gently stroked the spot Xiao Yan had touched, as if a warm current lingered there. The unusual sensation made Ya Fei's fingertips tingle.
"He truly is a little rascal with boundless audacity. However, I really look forward to your return. I don't want to lose such a good partner, and... I'm also very curious, when you return, how far will you be able to climb?"