Another year, another class on the verge of graduation—and Liu Xi had scarcely found a moment's peace.
Some of the male students, unwilling to leave with regrets, came to challenge him before departing. In truth, they were simply volunteering to be beaten. Others—mostly female students—shed their restraint as the days dwindled, coming forth one after another to confess their feelings. Liu Xi, however, declined them all with a gentle smile.
Then there were the alchemy requests. Countless students came bearing all their savings, hoping to exchange them for a single high-tier pill. After all, a 6th Tier Alchemist was a rarity even within Jia Nan Academy.
Considering they were all once fellow students—and the rewards were generous—Liu Xi accepted more often than not.
And so, two months passed in the blink of an eye.
...
On this day, the Inner Academy's Grand Plaza was filled to the brim. A sea of students crowded the vast square, while in the sky above, numerous Dou Wang Elders hovered on wings of Dou Qi, maintaining order with their formidable presence.
At the center of the square stood fifty students—the graduating class. Each one was a true prodigy of the continent, and even the weakest among them had already reached the 3-Star Dou Ling realm.
But the strongest, without question, was Liu Xi. After a year of cultivation, he had now broken through to become a 6-Star Dou Wang.
When the appointed time arrived, an old man in azure robes drifted gracefully above the crowd, landing lightly upon the elevated platform at the front of the plaza.
"Silence!"
The old man—Elder Qin Xuan—frowned slightly as his sharp voice boomed like thunder. A surge of refined Dou Qi echoed through every ear, shaking the square.
Instantly, the noise died down. Thousands of gazes focused upon him.
Satisfied, Elder Qin Xuan nodded. "Today marks the graduation ceremony for another class of our Inner Academy students. You came here from across the continent, climbing the ranks through the Outer Academy's trials before earning the right to study here. Each one of you is a shining pride of Jia Nan Academy."
His voice grew firm and sonorous.
"Today, you take pride in Jia Nan Academy. Tomorrow, Jia Nan Academy will take pride in you. Now, let us invite our Grand Elder to speak!"
A ripple of excitement passed through the crowd as Grand Elder Su Qian appeared, hands clasped behind his back. His long blue-and-white robes swayed gently as he stepped through the air, each movement leisurely yet impossibly swift. In the blink of an eye, he stood atop the platform, turning to face the students below with a warm, benevolent smile.
"Elders, students—greetings to you all," he began. "I am Su Qian, Grand Elder of the Inner Academy. This speech should have been given by our Dean, but as you know, the Dean travels the continent year-round. Perhaps one day, when you venture into the wider world, you'll meet him yourselves."
"I'm very happy to address you on such an important day. You are graduating today—setting forth from the Inner Academy to begin a new journey in life. As your Grand Elder, I feel the same excitement and pride as each of you…"
...
Three hours later.
"…Five years ago, you first stepped into the Inner Academy. In these five years, I've watched you all grow step by step…"
Among the seated graduates, Liu Xi's expression had long since frozen between polite attentiveness and quiet despair. He sighed inwardly.
'Ah… this must be the curse of all Elders. Once they get a chance to give a speech, they just can't stop. How long is he planning to talk?'
...
Another hour later.
"…So, when facing hardship and adversity, you must remain brave, persistent, and unwavering. Only by doing so can you continue to advance upon the path of cultivation!"
Finally, Su Qian's voice trailed off. The students barely suppressed their collective sighs of relief. Yet judging from the Grand Elder's glowing expression, he clearly wasn't done enjoying himself.
Before he could resume, Elder Qin Xuan quickly stepped forward. "Let us give our hardworking Grand Elder a round of applause!"
Pa! Pa! Pa!
Thunderous applause erupted, echoing across the entire plaza like rolling drums. It went on for quite some time before gradually fading.
Elder Qin Xuan smiled and announced, "Next, we invite our top student—this year's number one on the Strong Ranking, Liu Xi—to share a few words!"
A roar of cheers followed.
Liu Xi rose calmly, meeting countless admiring gazes as he leapt lightly onto the platform. His movements were smooth, effortless—like an arrow loosed from the string.
The plaza erupted once more.
Liu Xi smiled faintly, raising a hand for silence. When the noise subsided, he turned slightly, giving Su Qian and Qin Xuan a brief nod before speaking clearly.
"It's an honor to stand here as your representative today."
"In the past, I was nothing more than a local prodigy from a small place—my background far inferior to many of you here. The reason I stand where I do now... is because of Jia Nan Academy, this extraordinary place that changed my fate."
"So what I want to say is simple: Study more. Compete more. Avoid bad habits. Cultivate harder. If I can do it—so can you."
For a moment, silence hung over the plaza. Then cheers and laughter burst out in waves.
Whether or not his words were profound, the fact that Liu Xi had said them made them gospel.
"Cough, cough!" Elder Qin Xuan cleared his throat. "Everyone, quiet down. There's one final announcement to make."
The plaza gradually stilled again.
Elder Qin Xuan smiled. "Our Academy never interferes with what students choose to do after graduation. However, we always welcome those who wish to stay. After careful discussion, Student Liu Xi will remain in the Inner Academy as an Honorary Elder!"
The announcement drew murmurs—but no surprise. It was expected.
...
When the ceremony ended, news of Liu Xi's appointment spread quickly—from the Inner Academy to the Outer, and soon across the entire Black-Corner Region.
...
Feng City – Deep within the Bamboo Grove
"What did you say? That brat refused to leave?!"
Han Feng's furious voice echoed through the pavilion. His handsome face twisted, veins bulging with rage. "That damned fool! He dares to stay in the Inner Academy?!"
As his anger surged, his face suddenly went pale. He clutched his chest, coughing violently.
"Master, are you all right?" a kneeling man beside him—Han Beng—asked anxiously.
Han Feng waved him off, his tone ice-cold. "Take these command tokens. Send word to the Earth Flame Sect, Eight Gates, and Blood Sect—tell their sect masters to withdraw all preparations."
As Han Beng caught the jade tokens, Han Feng flicked two more toward him—one gold, one silver, each engraved with strange runes.
Han Beng's eyes flickered with surprise. "Master... you're even calling them? Are you planning to—"
"Do as I say," Han Feng interrupted coldly. "Ask no questions."
"Yes!"
With a deep bow, Han Beng vanished into the shadows, leaving the pavilion empty once more.
Han Feng exhaled softly and stepped to the window, gazing toward the distant mountain range. Blue flames danced within his pupils, cold and pure.
"If you won't come out..." he murmured, his voice thick with killing intent. "Then I'll come in. Jia Nan Academy or not—whoever stands between me and the Heavenly Flame... dies."
The faintly handsome features of Han Feng's face twisted into something dark and demonic, his reflection flickering in the blue firelight.
(End of Chapter)
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