At dawn, when the first ray of sunlight filtered through the window and landed on Xiao Se's face, he exhaled softly and slowly opened his eyes.
The aura radiating from his body was noticeably stronger than it had been during the Inner Academy Selection Tournament two days earlier.
"Seven-star Dou Ling already," Xiao Se murmured with a gentle smile.
"This sword intent really is incredible. Not only does it greatly amplify attack power, it even cuts away distracting thoughts, letting me fully immerse myself in cultivation."
Ever since obtaining sword intent, his mental state had undergone a subtle transformation.
Without realizing it, his cultivation speed had increased significantly as well.
Previously, relying on the Green Lotus Platform Seat, the Green Spirit Fire Ointment, and the Guiyuan Soul Art, it had taken him two full months to advance from five-star to six-star Dou Ling.
This time, breaking through from six-star to seven-star had taken only about a month and a half.
His cultivation speed had increased by more than twenty-five percent—an astonishing improvement.
After the brief joy, Xiao Se took a deep breath and muttered quietly,
"Now isn't the time to celebrate. Sword intent is like rowing upstream—if you don't advance, you regress."
With that, he stood up, put away the Green Lotus Platform Seat, and stepped outside.
Taking out the demonic sword, he began his daily sword practice.
Ever since fusing sword intent, practicing the Ghost Valley Sword Art three times every day had become mandatory.
In this world of cultivation, the raw power of Ghost Valley sword techniques might not compare to the brute-force sword skills of the Dou Qi Continent.
But the concept and intent they contained far surpassed the philosophy of "overpower everything with strength."
After completing several rounds of practice, Xiao Se felt his understanding of the sword deepen yet again.
"Xiao Se, the two days are up," Little Fairy Doctor's voice sounded.
"We're entering the Inner Academy today. It's time to leave."
At some point, she and Zhu Zhuqing had already arrived in the courtyard.
Xiao Se smiled and nodded.
The demonic sword vanished back into his body as he lightly tapped the ground, his figure flashing like a shadow before appearing in front of the two girls.
"Let's go."
As he spoke, the Purple Cloud Wings unfolded from his back.
Little Fairy Doctor and Zhu Zhuqing followed suit, spreading their gray-purple wings and Cloud Bat Wings respectively.
With a powerful flap, the three rose into the sky, turning into streaks of green, purple, and black light that vanished beyond the horizon.
—
When the three arrived outside Hu Qian's study, they found the once-empty courtyard already crowded.
Students stood in small groups, chatting softly among themselves.
Among them, the largest groups were centered around Han Yue and Bai Cheng.
The moment Xiao Se and the others descended from the sky, the noisy space fell silent.
Apart from a handful of people, nearly everyone stared at them with awe.
More precisely—
They were staring at Little Fairy Doctor and Xiao Se.
Little Fairy Doctor needed no explanation.
The youngest Dou Huang elder in Jia Nan Academy's history—whether in strength or beauty, she was the dream figure of countless students.
As for Xiao Se—
During the selection tournament a few days ago, he had defeated three high-level Da Dou Shi who attacked together with just three casual sword strikes, forcing the remaining opponents to surrender outright.
Thus, even though he had only arrived at the academy a month ago, his reputation surpassed that of any Outer Academy student.
"Xiao Se—!"
"Brother Xiao Se!"
Seeing the trio arrive, Xiao Yu and Xun'er—who had been waiting to see them off—hurried over hand in hand, smiles blooming on their faces.
Xiao Se smiled gently.
"You're here so early?"
"Of course! We came to see you off," Xiao Yu said.
Then she proudly lifted her chin.
"I'll have you know—I broke through to two-star Dou Shi yesterday."
She released Xun'er's hand and, just like back in the Xiao Clan, wrapped her arms around Xiao Se's neck and pressed herself tightly against him.
To Xiao Yu, this was completely natural.
But to everyone else present—
It was nothing short of explosive news.
Countless meaningful gazes shot toward Xiao Se.
Some were shocked.
Some accused him silently of being a scoundrel.
But more than anything—
There was admiration.
Most of that admiration came from male students.
Some even raised their thumbs at him openly.
In the past, seeing Little Fairy Doctor, Zhu Zhuqing, Xiao Yu, and Xun'er constantly around Xiao Se, people only joked verbally that he was "walking four boats at once."
Deep down, no one truly believed it.
After all, every outstanding woman possessed pride.
Especially someone like Little Fairy Doctor—a Dou Huang at such a young age.
No one thought she would tolerate sharing a man with three other women.
Thus, everyone subconsciously believed she alone was Xiao Se's true partner.
After all, a dignified Dou Huang had willingly followed him here as a companion student.
But now—
With Xiao Yu openly clinging to him in public, while the other three beauties showed not the slightest displeasure—
That changed everything.
"Cough…"
Even Xiao Se's thick skin began tingling under so many gazes.
Reluctantly letting go of the warmth and faint fragrance in his arms, he coughed lightly and whispered,
"Xiao Yu, everyone's watching. Let's… do this in private, okay? This isn't very appropriate."
Xiao Yu's face instantly flushed crimson.
She nodded lightly and loosened her embrace—though her hand still clung to his arm.
Just like their farewell two years ago in Wu Tan City, the emotions stirred by separation overwhelmed her again.
Right there in front of everyone, she leaned back into Xiao Se's arms.
At that moment, the tightly shut doors of the study finally opened.
Hu Qian stepped out with several elders, followed by Hu Jia.
As they appeared, the courtyard fell silent once more.
All whispers disappeared.
Hu Qian's gaze swept across the gathered students.
Seeing that none were missing, he nodded in satisfaction, then walked toward Xiao Se with Hu Jia and the elders.
"Xiao Se, Xiao Yu—your cousin relationship really is close,"
Hu Qian said meaningfully, glancing at Xiao Yu's arm around Xiao Se before smiling.
Xiao Se's mouth twitched.
He forced a dry laugh.
"We grew up together. Just habits from childhood. Please don't mind."
"Ah, nonsense," Hu Qian waved dismissively.
"I'm not some rigid old man. Besides, I already learned from Ruo Lin that you aren't closely related by blood."
He then turned toward Little Fairy Doctor with a smile.
"Elder Little Fairy Doctor, Xiao Se and the others will first participate in a special competition."
"I know you intend to follow Xiao Se into the Inner Academy."
"So during their competition, you'll accompany me inside first. You'll reunite once inside."
"Thank you for the trouble, Vice Principal," Little Fairy Doctor replied with a soft smile.
"We're colleagues. Helping each other is only natural."
Hu Qian smiled again, then gestured behind him toward Hu Jia.
"Xiao Se, this is my granddaughter, Hu Jia. You've already met during the selection tournament."
Xiao Se nodded politely.
"Miss Hu Jia."
"Hmph!"
Hu Jia snorted and turned her head away haughtily.
It was obvious she still hadn't forgiven him for tossing her off the stage and bruising her backside a few days earlier.
(End of Chapter)
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