The news spread through Jia Nan Academy like wildfire: "Liu Xi has returned to the Academy!"
It became the topic of the day — instructors and students alike whispering excitedly about the young prodigy whose talent in both Dou Qi cultivation and alchemy had made him a legend.
After returning, Liu Xi handed his Blue Eagle mount to the instructor in charge of the Academy's griffin stables, then brought Xiao Yixian straight toward the office of Vice Principal Hu Qian.
On their way, many recognized him. A Dou Wang-level genius and a high-tier alchemist — Liu Xi's reputation was not one easily forgotten.
Inside his office, Vice Principal Hu Qian sat upright, his expression brimming with suppressed excitement.
'The reports from our scouts in the Black-Corner Region said a young alchemist possessing an Heavenly Flame had recently risen to fame… and he was from our Jia Nan Academy. The timing fits perfectly. Could it really be Liu Xi?'
Hu Qian's fingers drummed against the desk. 'A 6th Tier Alchemist… truly remarkable! I want to ask him myself… No, calm down, Hu Qian! You're the Vice Principal, not some gossiping elder. Have some dignity!'
Just then, a sharp knock came from the door.
Knock, knock!
A calm, familiar voice followed.
"Vice Principal, are you in? Liu Xi has returned to the Academy and comes to pay his respects."
Hu Qian nearly leapt to his feet. He caught himself halfway, coughed into his fist, and forced his tone into something suitably dignified.
"Ah, Liu Xi! Come in."
Click.
The door opened. Liu Xi stepped in with Xiao Yixian beside him, both bowing politely.
"Vice Principal, it's been a year. You look even more spirited than before!"
Hu Qian chuckled, his mood instantly brightened. "Haha! Flattery suits you well, boy. I can't compare to your youthful vigor!"
Then his eyes glinted with anticipation. "Tell me truthfully — our spies say a 6th Tier Alchemist wielding a Heavenly Flame appeared in the Black-Corner Region. That was you, wasn't it?"
Liu Xi smiled and nodded. "Indeed. I was fortunate enough to acquire a Heavenly Flame in the Jia Ma Empire and used it to advance to a 6th Tier Alchemist."
Hu Qian's laughter filled the room. "Excellent! Truly excellent! The power of a Heavenly Flame is no small thing. To find and subdue one — that is your own capability. With this, Jia Nan Academy has truly produced a 6th Tier Alchemist! What a blessing for our Academy. Ah— and this young lady?"
Liu Xi stepped aside slightly, gesturing toward Xiao Yixian. "This is Xiao Yixian. Her talent is extraordinary. I came today to ask Vice Principal Hu to grant her entry into Jia Nan Academy."
"Good day, Vice Principal." Xiao Yixian bowed softly, her voice like a whisper of wind.
Hu Qian studied her briefly, curiosity flickering in his eyes. Since she came with Liu Xi, he didn't find it strange. "Tell me, young lady — your age and cultivation?"
"Sixteen. 2-Star Dou Shi."
Hu Qian stood up abruptly, eyes widening in genuine surprise. "A genius indeed! Very well — I approve. You'll be placed in the Xuan Class for study."
"Cough, cough!" Liu Xi interjected with a serious expression. "Vice Principal, I intend to return to the Inner Academy soon. Would it be possible to assign Xiao Yixian directly to the Inner Academy? You have my assurance — her progress will be astonishing."
Hu Qian's brows knitted tightly. "What? You want to place a mere Dou Shi directly into the Inner Academy? Impossible! That breaks every rule we have!"
He spoke with such conviction that the room seemed to vibrate from his tone.
Liu Xi blinked, surprised more by his phrasing than the refusal. "Oh? So, someone else tried to do the same?"
Hu Qian huffed, his beard trembling. "Hmph! Don't even think about it. That exception was already used by the Great Elder of the Inner Academy — he brought in a monstrous girl. That's the only reason it was allowed."
"Ah… that must be Zi Yan, the one whose true form is a 5th Tier Ancient Void Dragon," Liu Xi murmured. A faint smile played at his lips. 'Monster? Who isn't one in their own way? If you leave Xian'er in the Outer Academy, Vice Principal, you'll regret it later.'
Hu Qian, misunderstanding his silence, softened his tone. "Liu boy, I understand your concern. Xiao Yixian's talent is remarkable. But if she stays in the Outer Academy, it'll only take her a year or two to qualify for the Inner Academy selection. Why rush?"
Before Liu Xi could answer, Xiao Yixian gently tugged at his sleeve. When he looked her way, she shook her head with a quiet smile — clearly ready to give up. She didn't wish to cause him trouble.
Liu Xi's gaze softened, but then he turned back to Hu Qian with a confident grin. Raising a single finger, he said slowly, "Vice Principal… what if I offer to refine you a Mighty Huang Pill?"
Thud.
Hu Qian's heart nearly skipped a beat. His breathing quickened as he stared at Liu Xi, eyes wide with disbelief.
That pill — a legendary 6th Tier elixir capable of enhancing a Dou Huang's strength by one or even two stars without side effects — was something he'd long dreamed of.
He hesitated. In his mind, a great balance formed: on one side, the Academy's rules and his sense of duty; on the other, the golden, radiant promise of that pill, its aroma practically dancing through his imagination.
His expression twisted with inner struggle. He looked up at Liu Xi's composed smile and sighed. 'This boy… he already knows he has me cornered.'
As the seconds ticked by, the balance began to tilt. The invisible fragrance of the Mighty Huang Pill grew stronger in his mind until it completely tipped the scales.
Hu Qian exhaled slowly. "This matter isn't entirely my decision. To enter the Inner Academy, Elder Su Qian's approval is still required. I can escort you both there — but whether you succeed depends on your own ability."
He paused, respect flickering in his eyes. "And remember — Elder Su Qian is a true Dou Zong. A Mighty Huang Pill holds no temptation for him."
Liu Xi's eyes gleamed with satisfaction. He clasped his hands and bowed. "Then I thank you, Vice Principal. As for the pill — once you gather the ingredients, come to the Inner Academy and I'll refine it for you personally."
Hu Qian chuckled, waving his hand in defeat. "Very well, very well. Let's see how your confidence fares before Elder Su Qian."
Liu Xi smiled faintly, knowing that with Hu Qian's help, the gate to the Inner Academy would soon open before them.
(End of Chapter)
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