Based on Xiao Yan's original speed, traveling from Black Seal City to Canaan Academy would have taken no more than a quarter of an hour. Yet following this Canaan Academy squad, the journey dragged on for a full seven days.
During those seven days, they did run into a few troublemakers looking for a fight. However, the strongest among them was only at the Great Dou Shi level.
For trash of that caliber, Xiao Yan didn't even feel like lifting a finger. With just Ruolin alone, those people were quickly taught to recognize their own limits.
After all, ever since taking the Water Spirit Pill, Ruolin was already among the rare elites within the Great Dou Shi tier.
As for the matter of the Water Spirit Pill, Ruolin could only express her gratitude to Xiao Yan. At one point, she had even suspected that Xiao Yan might have some designs on her.
But along the way, although Xiao Yan's gaze toward her was no different from that of a normal man, Ruolin keenly sensed that he had no intention of taking things any further.
This caused the usually proud Instructor Ruolin to feel a faint sense of frustration.
So it turned out this guy was just purely rich.
Seven days later, a very ordinary small town appeared before Xiao Yan.
By now, Xiao Yan had already changed his appearance—from a refined youth into a mature, handsome young man.
Under the influence of his soul power, none of the group noticed anything amiss.
There was no helping it. A sixteen- or seventeen-year-old Dou Zong suddenly appearing in the Black Corner Region—if Han Feng heard about it, he'd guess Xiao Yan's identity almost immediately.
And once that happened, Han Feng would likely flee to Central Plains or escape elsewhere without hesitation.
However, upon nearing this town, Xiao Yan keenly sensed that the murderous aura on the people around had noticeably diminished. Clearly, they were intimidated by the reputation of Canaan Academy.
"Mr. Yan Xiao, this is the first town near Canaan Academy—Peace Town," Ruolin said.
Looking at the town—so ordinary it couldn't be more ordinary—Ruolin's face finally showed a relieved smile.
Once back on Canaan Academy's territory, even a Dou Huang wouldn't be something to fear.
Seeing the words Peace Town on the signboard overhead, Xiao Yan finally smiled as well.
From far away, he had already sharply sensed the violent fire-attribute energy deep beneath the ground.
As his gaze swept around, he noticed a large tree not far to the left of the town entrance.
The tree was pitch-black from trunk to crown, its branches spreading in all directions, exuding a chilling aura.
Most eye-catching of all were the corpses hanging from its branches.
As the breeze passed through, the bodies swayed gently, like silent wind chimes—but the terror brewing within them was a true dirge of death.
"Mr. Xiao Yan, this tree is one of Canaan Academy's symbols—the Spirit Death Tree," Ruolin said with reverence.
The students behind her all wore solemn expressions.
"I know. I've heard that those hanging from it were once powerful figures of the Black Corner Region," Xiao Yan said indifferently.
"Yes. The strongest among them had reached the Dou Huang level in life," Ruolin nodded gravely.
Yet Xiao Yan still didn't care.
He had done this sort of thing plenty of times—once in the Evil Saint Ruins, and after arriving in the Northwest Continent, he had even tossed the skull of a ninth-rank magical beast beside the Serpentfolk Holy City.
If Ruolin knew about that, she probably wouldn't bother introducing the Spirit Death Tree at all.
Peace Town and the surrounding settlements were all territories under Canaan Academy. Outsiders entering usually had to go through a lot of procedures.
But with Ruolin leading the way, everything went smoothly. It was clear she was well-liked at the academy—many people greeted her along the way.
Riding a Lion Vulture across a stretch of primeval forest, an ancient and majestic city finally appeared before Xiao Yan.
Looking down at the grand city below, Xiao Yan's eyes showed a hint of surprise.
Canaan City's area was hardly any smaller than Black Seal City. Even from high above, it was difficult to take in the entire city at once.
Its sheer scale was undeniable.
"Later, take me to see your Grand Elder, Su Qian," Xiao Yan said casually as they moved along.
"Huh?" Ruolin's smile froze instantly.
"What? Is there a problem?" Xiao Yan glanced at her.
"Mr. Yan Xiao, I'm just a lowly Yellow-rank instructor. How could I possibly have the authority to meet the Grand Elder directly?" Ruolin said helplessly, shaking her head.
"Oh, so that's how it is." Understanding dawned in Xiao Yan's eyes.
Canaan Academy instructors were divided into four ranks: Heaven, Earth, Profound, and Yellow. Above them were the Elders.
To be evaluated as an Elder, even Dou Wang cultivation was merely the most basic requirement.
By analogy to universities from his previous life, Su Qian would be something like the top executive and party secretary combined. Elders would be professors or associate professors, while Ruolin was closer to a teaching assistant or lecturer.
At her level, she indeed had no right to meet Su Qian directly.
"Then how can I meet Su Qian?" Xiao Yan asked.
Ruolin frowned, thought for a moment, and finally came up with a solution.
"I can take you to see the Vice Dean of the Outer Academy, Hu Qian. If Vice Dean Hu Qian agrees, he can bring you to meet the Grand Elder."
"Your academy sure is troublesome," Xiao Yan muttered.
Then he nodded. "Fine. Let's see the Vice Dean first."
"Alright, then I'll take you there now," Ruolin said.
She instructed the students to head back on their own, then led Xiao Yan through the vast campus.
Half an hour later, an ancient and elegant building appeared before them.
"This is the Outer Academy Dean's office building," Ruolin introduced with a smile.
She then knocked on the door.
"Come in," a dignified voice sounded from the hall.
But upon hearing it, Ruolin's expression suddenly darkened.
"What's wrong?" Xiao Yan frowned.
"Nothing." Ruolin forced a smile, then gave Xiao Yan a helpless look. "We might run into a bit of trouble."
"Trouble?" Xiao Yan narrowed his eyes slightly.
After pushing the door open, a spacious, antique hall filled with the scent of books appeared before them. At the front sat a slightly plump, stern-faced middle-aged man.
"Director Li," Ruolin greeted stiffly.
"Oh, Instructor Ruolin." Director Li's eyes lit up when he saw her. Xiao Yan instantly recognized that familiar look—old perverts all had it.
But when Director Li noticed Xiao Yan behind her, he frowned.
"And this is…?"
"His name is Yan Xiao. He's an expert we met on the road. Without him, our entire group would have been captured by the Blood Sect," Ruolin introduced reluctantly.
"He saved you on the road?" Director Li showed no gratitude. Instead, he frowned at Ruolin.
"I don't think it's that simple. Is your friend's background clean? He wouldn't be a spy sent by those scum of the Black Corner Region, would he?"
His gaze lingered on Ruolin again before he said flatly, "The Vice Dean is very busy. I suggest you take your friend and leave, or you might attract an investigation by the Law Enforcement Team."
As he spoke, the lustful gleam in his eyes never faded, as if he wanted to devour Ruolin whole.
"Director Li, Mr. Yan Xiao saved both me and my students. How can you say such things?" Ruolin's usually gentle face darkened.
"Saved your life? Do you have proof? And even if you do, how can you prove he isn't a spy?" Director Li still wore a smiling expression.
"You're protecting this brat so fiercely—could he be your lover?"
"You—!" Ruolin was so angry she couldn't speak.
At that moment, Xiao Yan moved.
Space rippled slightly, and a massive slap landed squarely on Director Li's fat face.
"What the hell are you barking about?"
..............
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