As the previous champion of the strong ranking list, Zi Yan, despite appearing as a small girl, possessed terrifying strength.
Although Lin Xiuya was ranked second on the strong ranking list, he knew very well that the gap between his strength and Zi Yan's was considerable.
Therefore, seeing Xiao Yi's close relationship with Zi Yan, he couldn't help but become curious about Xiao Yi's identity and background.
"Liu Qing, who is this person?"
Lin Xiuya slightly turned his head, looking at Liu Qing beside him, and asked.
Liu Qing, with a serious expression, also stared intently at Xiao Yi and shook his head:
"I don't know much..."
"He seems to be a new student who was exceptionally admitted into the Inner Academy not long ago..."
Upon hearing this, Lin Xiuya turned his head again to examine Xiao Yi, muttering softly:
"A new student? Interesting..."
At the same time.
A group of Elders dressed in uniform attire on the high platform also looked towards the arena with smiles on their faces.
"Is this Xiao Yi, whom Outer Court Head personally brought into the Inner Academy?"
Su Qian, who was leading the group, looked at Xiao Yi beside Zi Yan and asked in a deep voice.
Elder Liu, the Tower Guard Elder of the Heavenly Flame Training Pagoda, had a slight smile on his aged face and spoke in a deep voice:
"Precisely..."
Su Qian nodded upon hearing this, then his eyes narrowed slightly:
"This young man has a good demeanor..." "I wonder about his talent?"
Elder Liu, hearing this, a hint of excitement flashed in his eyes as he softly explained:
"Replying to Grand Elder!"
"This person possesses extraordinary talent. When he first entered the Inner Academy, he endured the Heart Fire's scorching in the Heavenly Flame Training Pagoda for a full twenty minutes!"
"And with his powerful Soul Power, he overcame the Heart Fire's scorching by himself. He has now been recognized by Fire Elder of the Alchemy Department and has joined the Alchemy Department..."
"After all, when Xiao Yi first entered the Inner Academy, his strength was only a One-Star Great Dou Shi..."
Upon hearing Elder Liu's explanation, a glimmer of light flashed in Su Qian's cool eyes.
"Twenty minutes of Heart Fire scorching..."
"From a One-Star Great Dou Shi to a Four-star Dou Ling, this talent is indeed somewhat astonishing..."
Su Qian finished speaking and nodded with considerable satisfaction.
Clearly, Xiao Yi had now caught Su Qian's attention... A moment later.
Seeing that all participants for the Strong Ranking Competition had arrived.
Su Qian stepped through the air from the high platform, arriving above the center of the arena.
"A Dou Zong..."
"This person must be Su Qian, the Grand Elder of the Inner Academy..."
Xiao Yi slowly looked up, muttering softly.
Because Xiao Yi vaguely remembered that, besides the two Elders Qian and Bai, the only Dou Zong in Jia Nan Academy's Inner Academy was the Grand Elder, Su Qian.
"Everyone!"
"I don't need to explain too much about the Strong Ranking Competition. Being able to leave your name on the strong ranking list is not only an acknowledgment of your strength but also comes with generous rewards!"
"As in previous years, those who can enter the top ten of the strong ranking list will still receive additional special rewards!"
"I declare this year's Strong Ranking Competition officially open!"
Su Qian's voice echoed from high in the sky, reverberating throughout the entire arena.
When his voice fell, it also marked the official start of this year's Strong Ranking Competition!
Most of the participants in each Strong Ranking Competition were those who had made a name for themselves on the list in previous years.
Everyone hoped to improve their ranking through the Strong Ranking Competition, as each promotion meant a significant increase in monthly Qi rewards.
The first round of the Strong Ranking Competition adopted a drawing lots system, with winners advancing to the next round.
At the drawing lot station, Xiao Yi saw a familiar face, Bai Cheng of the White Gang!
At this moment, Bai Cheng looked at Xiao Yi with a malicious smile, slowly walking towards him: "Kid..."
"Don't think that just because Zi Yan is protecting you, you can do whatever you want!"
"Today, if you have the guts to participate in the Strong Ranking Competition, then pray that you don't draw me..."
"Otherwise, I will cripple you!"
Bai Cheng spoke fiercely with a confident expression, but Xiao Yi didn't care at all. He turned to look at Bai Cheng and said softly:
"Senior Brother Bai Cheng, after all this time, your cultivation hasn't grown, but your verbal skills have improved quite a bit..."
"In my opinion, Senior Brother Bai Cheng, you are not suited for Cultivation. Why don't you drop out now and become a storyteller? That would allow you to utilize your strengths!"
Previously, when Xiao Yi was only a One-Star Dou Ling, he wasn't afraid of Bai Cheng.
Now, Xiao Yi was also a Four-star Dou Ling, just like Bai Cheng, and had even less reason to let Bai Cheng be so arrogant.
However, seeing Xiao Yi casually mock him, Bai Cheng instantly exploded with anger.
"Xiao Yi, you!"
But just as Bai Cheng, enraged and embarrassed, was about to make a move, a voice suddenly appeared, stopping him.
"Bai Cheng, daring to act under the Elder's eyes, are you truly not planning to stay at Jia Nan Academy anymore...?"
The person who came was not Zi Yan, but Senior Sister Han Yue, who had previously offered her Cultivation room to Xiao Yi!
Hearing Han Yue's words, Bai Cheng also calmed down.
"Xiao Yi, last time it was Zi Yan, this time it's Han Yue!"
"If you have the ability, then always hide behind women. If you don't, then just wait for me!"
He left with that final threat and then turned to leave.
Han Yue also slowly came to Xiao Yi's side, giving a polite, slight smile:
"Junior Brother Xiao Yi, I didn't expect you to also participate in this Strong Ranking Competition..."
After Han Yue spoke, she then noticed that Xiao Yi's aura had actually reached a Four-star Dou Ling!
Immediately, a hint of surprise flashed across Han Yue's face, and she quickly said: "I was presumptuous..."
"I didn't expect Junior Brother Xiao Yi to have already reached a Four-star Dou Ling. With such strength, you are indeed qualified to enter the strong ranking list!"
Xiao Yi just smiled slightly, and his fortunate gene appeared in response: "Senior Sister Han Yue exaggerates, I was just lucky..."
"Moreover, if Senior Sister Han Yue hadn't generously lent me her Cultivation room that day, I probably wouldn't have progressed so quickly..."
"So, Senior Sister Han Yue's kindness, I have always kept in mind..."
Upon hearing this, the smile that appeared on Han Yue's face was no longer as formal as before, but a genuine smile from the heart.
Because Han Yue knew that she had made the right gamble!
Xiao Yi was indeed a person of exceptional talent, and befriending such a young Genius was the most correct choice.
While the two were talking, they also successfully drew their opponents.
However, as luck would have it.
Xiao Yi's first-round opponent was none other than the constantly provoking Bai Cheng.
Both Xiao Yi and Bai Cheng were clearly very satisfied with this draw result... "Bai Cheng VS Xiao Yi!"
"Officially begin!"
Accompanied by the command of the presiding Elder.
Xiao Yi and Bai Cheng both ascended the arena.
"Kid, isn't this a coincidence! I really did draw you!"
"Today, I'd like to see who on this arena can protect you!"
Bai Cheng roared excitedly in a low voice.
Immediately, his Battle Qi surged around him, looking as if he intended to kill Xiao Yi.
However, Xiao Yi stood in place, slowly raising his right hand and holding it in front of him.
His surrounding Battle Qi drew the surrounding heaven and earth energy towards his fingertips.
Instantly, gusts of strong wind were stirred up.
"Noisy!"
"First, take my Eternal Treasure Convergence Finger!"