The voice was filled with absolute confidence and dominance, as if everyone before him were nothing more than ants.
Bai Shan, Hu Jia, and Wu Hao all looked up toward the source of the voice.
At the center of the arena, Xiao Jietian stood calmly. Crimson lightning erupted from his body, jumping and coiling like living serpents. His figure slowly floated into the air, red lightning flashing through his eyes as his black robes fluttered violently.
He looked like a Demon God descending upon the world. The oppressive aura alone made the surrounding air feel heavy.
Xiao Jietian raised his right hand. Scarlet lightning gathered in his palm, roaring like furious thunder dragons.
"Xiao Jietian, stop showing off! Everyone, attack together and eliminate him!" Bai Shan roared, charging forward with his spear.
Hu Jia, Wu Hao, and the others followed immediately.
Xun'er, Xiao Yan, and Xiao Yu did not move. Xiao Jietian had already told them to stay put.
"Blood Splitting Slash!""Thunderous Eight Desolations!""Ghostwood Piercing Heart!"
Multiple Dou Techniques shot toward Xiao Jietian at once.
The moment they touched the lightning surrounding his body, they were instantly blocked—then completely erased.
Everyone froze.
Even a low-level Dou Ling wouldn't be able to negate attacks so effortlessly.
"Have we underestimated him again?" an elder muttered.
Hu Gan narrowed his eyes, carefully observing Xiao Jietian, unable to determine his true cultivation.
Back on the stage—
"Is this all you have?" Xiao Jietian said coldly. "You disappoint me."
"You are simply not qualified to contend with my strength."
He swung his hand forward.
The crimson lightning exploded outward like a violent storm, transforming into countless lightning beams that tore through the air.
Hu Jia and the others desperately activated their strongest techniques and defenses.
It was useless.
Their attacks shattered instantly.
Screams echoed through the arena as thunder crashed down. Dust and smoke filled the stage.
When the smoke cleared, the scene shocked everyone.
Bodies lay scattered across the ground, scorched black and twitching.
Bai Shan lay unconscious, his white robes torn to rags, black smoke rising from his mouth. Wu Hao was barely better, his face charred and eyes vacant.
Hu Jia, protected by her defensive Dou Qi, fared the best—but still lay on the ground, unable to move, staring at Xiao Jietian in disbelief.
The arena floor was completely destroyed, riddled with deep craters.
"Quick, save them!" an elder shouted.
"There's no need," Hu Gan said calmly. "He held back. They'll recover after resting."
He glanced gratefully at Xiao Jietian, knowing he had deliberately spared Hu Jia.
Xiao Jietian landed slowly, glanced at the fallen opponents, then walked back toward Xun'er and the others.
"Big Brother Xiao Jietian, you were amazing!" Xun'er rushed into his arms.
He wrapped an arm around her waist and spun her lightly. "Am I handsome?"
"You're the most handsome in my heart," Xun'er whispered.
"I actually made the top five!" Xiao Yu shouted excitedly. "Thank you, Xiao Jietian!"
"Basic operation," Xiao Jietian said lazily. "No need to praise me."
Xiao Yan smiled sincerely. There was no jealousy—only pride.
Xiao Jietian extended his fist. After a brief pause, Xiao Yan bumped it back.
The two laughed, childhood memories flooding back.
"How should this be judged?" the referee asked hesitantly.
"They broke no rules," Hu Gan replied. "Judge normally."
"The competition is over!" the referee announced loudly."The top five are: Xiao Jietian, Xiao Yan, Xiao Xun'er, Xiao Yu, and Hu Jia!"
Cheers erupted across the arena.
"Xiao Jietian! Xiao Jietian!"
His figure—like a Demon God—was etched deeply into everyone's memory. In Jia Nan Academy, strength was everything.
The only envy belonged to Xiao Yu, who had "lain flat and won," reaching the top five with only a five-star Dou Shi cultivation.
Everyone: Painful. Envious. But… we want it too.
After the injured were taken away, the four left the shattered arena under countless gazes.
"This feels worse than being zoo animals," Xiao Yu muttered.
With that, the Inner Academy selection competition came to an end.
And Xiao Jietian's name would echo through the Outer Academy for years to come.