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--- Chapter 310 ---
Caw! Caw! Caw!
The cries of the griffons echoed throughout the sky, startling everyone at Jia Nan Academy with their piercing sounds.
Deep in the mountains, within the academy's inner court, a purple-haired girl in a violet dress looked up in amazement as she sensed a kinship with someone.
"A high-ranking ancient magical beast, but why does it feel so odd?" The girl tilted her head in confusion, as the aura she sensed also carried a strong human presence.
At the same time, the arrival of the griffons caught the attention of many in Jia Nan Academy. People from both the outer and inner courts poured out, curious about the commotion. When they had joined the academy, there had been no such grand entrance.
The first elder of Jia Nan Academy, Su Qian, rubbed his head helplessly and said, "This boy... Couldn't he be more discreet?"
"With such a high-profile entry, everyone will definitely know the academy is up to something."
Less than a week ago, Su Qian received great news.
One of the outer court's professors had encountered a genius beyond the academy's usual standards while recruiting new students. Being an elder who valued talent, Su Qian was delighted and had ordered the professor to bring this genius to the academy as quickly as possible.
However, he had not expected such a grand entrance!
Floating in the sky, Su Qian gazed at one of the griffons and spotted a tall, handsome young man surrounded by three beautiful girls. Su Qian was momentarily stunned before he laughed wryly.
"Hehe, it seems this boy is more interesting than I thought. But this does change our plans for him a bit."
"I initially planned to enroll him in the Inner Court due to his exceptional talent, but for now, he will need to stay in the Outer Court until the news calms down," Su Qian explained. "What do you think, fellow elders?"
As he spoke, several figures began to materialize in white or blue around him. These hazy figures were the Inner Court's elders, who usually made decisions in the absence of the Headmaster.
"Let's follow your plan, First Elder," one elder commented.
"Yes, this kid is indeed too flashy," another added.
"The tallest tree is 'naturally' often swept by the strongest winds first, and we can't afford to lose such a genius before seeing him grow."
After listening to the elders' comments, Su Qian smiled. "Then let him stay in the Outer Court for a year or two. I will also create some smokescreens to indicate that we have recruited an exceptional student into our Inner Court."
"What a cunning person you are, First Elder," one elder chuckled in amusement.
Su Qian snorted. "What cunning? I just wanted to save a foolish brat from getting himself killed!"
The other elders laughed at his banter before eventually dispersing to their own secluded areas, leaving Su Qian alone.
Su Qian's lips twitched at their tendency to throw problems onto him, but he understood the responsibilities that came with being the First Elder of Jia Nan Academy.
Not only did he have to look out for the academy's best interests, but he also needed to ensure that the students received what they deserved.
"I'll notify the Outer Court Elder first. After all, they'll be handling this hot potato..." Su Qian muttered to himself as he secretly descended to the Outer Court, just as the griffons landed in a secluded area.
Meanwhile, Ruo Ling wore a serious expression, very concerned that the griffons' cries had caused too much commotion. She discreetly ordered them to land first in the secluded area.
Thankfully, today is the start of the outer court qualification tournament, meaning that the students Ruo Ling brought to the academy were not the only recruits this year.
She scanned the crowd, focusing on Han Yuan's group.
"Listen, everyone. I need you to make a vow before we head to the trial ground," Ruo Ling said firmly. "No one—yes, no one—shall spread rumors about Han Yuan's true strength or his assistance to Sect Master Yun in ten, no, twenty years!"
"I want you to swear on your path of cultivation!"
"This..." Han Yuan was speechless. "Isn't that a bit drastic?"
"No, we truly need it. Your case is unique," a calm voice echoed from the secluded area.
Everyone turned to see a bespectacled elder in a white robe approaching them. He appeared to be chubby and friendly.
"Deputy Headmaster!" Ruo Ling exclaimed in surprise.
Indeed, the chubby elder was none other than Hu Gan, the Deputy Headmaster of the Outer Court.
Hu Gan smiled at the students and introduced himself. "Good morning, everyone."
"As Professor Ruo mentioned, I'm Hu Gan, the Deputy Headmaster of the Outer Court."
"Hello, Headmaster!" the students greeted back in shock.
Han Yuan greeted Hu Gan, though his response was polite rather than enthusiastic.
Hu Gan silently nodded, thinking, 'This kid is steady. Not bad.'
Hu Gan waved his hand and continued, "As I said before, we need to hide Han Yuan's identity."
"Previously, the academy planned to let Han Yuan enter the Inner Court as soon as he arrived, but with your sudden and high-profile arrival, the spies that many factions planted in the academy might find something about this and then. Well, if you know, you know."
"Of course, the academy will still nurture Han Yuan as intended, but he can't appear in the Inner Court too often."
Xiao Yu stepped forward, "I, Xiao Yu, swore that I wouldn't spread about Han Yuan's true strength and feat to others, or else my cultivation will stagnate and never improve!"
"This..." Everyone was shocked, including Han Yuan.
"Xiao Yu, you..." Xue Ni smiled bitterly. 'This best friend of mine is a bit too decisive, right?'
Even then, many admired Xiao Yu. The students glanced at each other and then made a vow one after another that they will keep Han Yuan's matter to the death.
Hu Gan nodded in satisfaction, "Good, now let's move to the trial ground for the outer court qualification tournament."
"What is a qualification tournament?" Qing Lin tilted her head.
Ruo Ling walked to Han Yuan's side and then answered, "The qualification tournament, or should I say competition, is a trial that new students must face to determine their ranking upon arriving at the academy."
"After that, those who achieved top 5 rankings are qualified to enter the Book Collection Hall and choose dou techniques that the academy has stored ever since its founding."
Hiss!
The new students sucked in a cold breath. They didn't expect the Jia Nan Academy to be generous. Although getting Heaven-Rank dou technique is out of question, if they somehow obtained top 5 rankings, getting Earth-Rank dou technique is still a possibility.
Earth-Rank dou techniques!
They couldn't even dream of having one in their lives. Even the best dou techniques their families had are only Black-Rank.
Han Yuan put on a weird expression and shook his head gently. If he said he had quite a lot of Earth-Rank Dou Techniques, and even some Heaven-Rank ones, they would definitely be shocked.
Xiao Yixian noticed Han Yuan's expression and chuckled. She knew her brother was in a dilemma.
Frankly, most of the techniques Xiao Yixian cultivated have no grade or were tailor-made for her, and not many people can use them.
Even if they could, the effect won't be as good.
Hu Gan chuckled and then commented, "Professor Ruo is right, but I have to warn you that the chance of getting into the top five is pretty tough, especially since we have someone amazing here."
Everyone stared at Han Yuan and the girls surrounding him. They clicked their tongue in helpless realization. The top 1 to 4 are 'basically' secured by these people!
And they aren't confident about obtaining rank fifth either. The number of new students is overwhelming, and so are the competitors.
Han Yuan smiled and gave them a reassuring thumbs up, "Don't worry, I won't bully you guys if we meet in the competition."
"It's not like some of you haven't fought me as well."
"..." Everyone, especially those who had challenged Han Yuan at Wu Tan City, stared at Han Yuan dumbly.
Damn it, being in the same generation as a genius is infuriating!
The worst part is that they couldn't beat this guy!
Meanwhile, Han Yuan sighed inwardly. 'My academy life had just begun, and it's already the Tournament Arc? Isn't this a bit too fast?'