At night, Xiao Jietian and the other five gathered in the hall of the attic.
"Have you formed any impressions of the Inner Academy yet?" Xiao Jietian asked, sitting on a chair and looking around at the others.
Xiao Yan and the others all shook their heads.
"Elder Su mentioned before that the Inner Academy is a complex web of various large and small forces," Xiao Jietian began, "and the academy even encourages students to form their own forces."
"I plan to establish a force within the Inner Academy. I want to ask if you all would like to join me."
He continued, "From what I understand, the Heavenly Flame Training Pagoda in the Inner Academy is divided into low, middle, and high-level sections. To secure a good position there, you need both strength and a reliable team; otherwise, you could be easily pushed out."
Xiao Yan, Hu Jia, and the others exchanged surprised glances. Hu Jia frowned and fixed Xiao Jietian with a serious look. "Are you serious, or is this a joke?"
"Of course I'm serious. What's the matter, Little Enchantress of the Outer Academy—are you scared?" Xiao Jietian teased.
"Scared? When have I, Hu Jia, ever been scared?" Hu Jia crossed her arms defiantly. "If we're forming a force, then we're forming a force. Anyone who chickens out is a grandson."
Xiao Yan stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Just the six of us?"
"For now, yes. But we can recruit other new students. Those who enter the Inner Academy without a background or a force are sure to be exploited by the older students. If we establish our own force and make it known, they will naturally prioritise us—we came in together, after all."
Xiao Jietian looked at them with a smile after finishing.
"We'll join." ×5
The others no longer hesitated. They all knew Xiao Jietian's strength, and being familiar with each other, it was better to join his force than suffer under others' whims.
"Since you've all joined, from now on, you are the elders of this force. We must make it strong and renowned."
Xiao Jietian's smile widened as he saw their agreement.
"Then… what shall we call our force?" Xiao Yu asked eagerly. Being a small fry, she needed to stick close to Xiao Jietian in the Inner Academy or risk being bullied.
"Let's call it Pan Gate. In the future, I hope we can stand like a solid rock among the strong in the Inner Academy," Xiao Jietian said lazily, not wanting to overthink the name.
"Pan Gate? Not bad," Xiao Yan and the others agreed. It was merely a code name; practicality mattered more than flair.
"Then let's work hard and leave our mark in the Inner Academy."
"Pan Gate, let's go!!!"
The six of them stacked their hands together and cheered, full of resolve.
After returning to their seats, Wu Hao looked at Xiao Jietian hesitantly.
"Wu Hao, do you have any questions or opinions?" Xiao Jietian asked, noticing his expression.
"Xiao Jietian… I want to know exactly what realm you're at, so we can have a clear idea and act with more confidence," Wu Hao said, hesitating briefly.
"I am currently a Dou Wang (Battle King)," Xiao Jietian replied openly. He didn't hide his realm; in a force like theirs, revealing such strength would bolster confidence.
"What? You… you're a Dou Wang? Did I mishear?"
Except for Xun'er, everyone else stood in shock, voices rising in disbelief.
"No mistake. Dou Wang it is. No need to panic. You'll reach this level someday—or even higher. Sit down," Xiao Jietian said calmly, waving them down.
The others sank back into their chairs, swallowing hard. Hu Jia muttered distractedly, "Everyone calls me the Little Enchantress, praising my talent. Now, compared to you… it's truly a case of people compared to people, and goods compared to goods. Makes a person want to cry or throw things away."
"So… you don't regret joining my force, right? I'll lead you all into the academy's history books," Xiao Jietian said, smiling.
"From now on, Pan Gate will be managed by the five of you. I trust you can handle it—don't refuse, okay?"
"No, then what about you? You just formed it, and you're already being a hands-off boss?" Hu Jia asked, snapping out of her disbelief, eyes wide.
"Me? I'm responsible for battle power output. If someone causes trouble and you can't handle it, I'll step in. Or… should I swap roles with you?" Xiao Jietian teased.
Hu Jia thought of his strength, then sullenly sat back down, saying nothing. Her six-star Da Dou Shi power wouldn't even last five minutes in the Inner Academy against stronger students.
"And… how do we earn Fire Energy? We can't just exploit people who join us, can we?" Wu Hao asked.
"I've thought about that. We'll sell elixirs," Xiao Jietian replied.
"Elixirs?" Wu Hao and Hu Jia frowned and glanced at Xiao Yan.
"Yes. In the early stages, Xiao Yan and I will refine elixirs for you to sell. You'll gather the ingredients, and profits will be divided fairly. Future development depends on circumstances, and it'd be ideal to recruit some Alchemists."
"That's fine. Elixirs are always popular in the cultivation world. Wait… you said you and Xiao Yan refine elixirs—are you an Alchemist too?"
Hu Jia's eyes widened in disbelief.
"That's right," Xiao Jietian said casually.
"How can you be an Alchemist? Impossible—you're lightning-attributed!"
"I have a Heavenly Flame. I'm not purely lightning-attributed," Xiao Jietian said indifferently.
"Tian Ge's Alchemist rank is even higher than mine," Xiao Yan added. Xun'er, standing beside him, glowed with pride, thrilled at her boyfriend's accomplishments.
When Xiao Jietian's next move became clear, Xun'er quickly covered her face, as if she couldn't bear to watch.
Silently, Xiao Jietian produced his Alchemist robe and donned it.
Hu Jia and the others gritted their teeth. Damn it—he's showing off again.
After a moment, Xiao Jietian removed the robe and returned it to the system space.
"Alright, things are settled for now. It's late, and we've had a long day. Let's rest and sort out the remaining matters later."
He pulled Xun'er upstairs. The others, exhausted yet exhilarated, quietly returned to their rooms.
At the stairwell, Xiao Jietian and Xun'er parted ways, each tidying their own room.
After Xun'er finished, she came to Xiao Jietian's room to help him tidy up, looking every bit the virtuous companion. The two chatted for a long while until Xun'er, adjusting her clothes, dashed out like a startled lamb.
Xiao Jietian looked at his hands, then the closed door, smiled, and began to cultivate.
In Xiao Yan's room, Yao Lao appeared, confirming the faint, unusual aura Xiao Jietian had mentioned.
"Fallen Heart Flame… you are mine, and also Teacher's tool for refining his body. I must obtain you…"
Xiao Yan stood by the window, gazing over the Inner Academy, contemplating in his heart.
The next morning, early.
"Knock, knock."
"Xiao Jietian Ge Ge, it's time to get up."
Xiao Jietian opened his eyes. Rising, he opened the door to see Xun'er standing gracefully at the entrance.
She wore a light green dress, resembling a peerless lotus blooming by a secluded pond deep in the mountains. Her aura radiated elegance and gentle beauty.
"Xun'er… you're truly beautiful. Why are you up so early?" Xiao Jietian said, pulling her into the room with a smile.