Chapter 13: Admission Ended
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“Well, I’m glad that it’s not just Xun’er and me who passed the admission. By the way, I don’t see Young Master Ding and Young Master Li,” Xiao Hua asked.
He knew about these two, and their talent was strong enough that they should have passed the Jia Nan Academy recruitment. Although he was aware they wouldn’t be joining the academy, the reason was never revealed in the novel. Curiosity got the better of him, and he couldn’t help but ask why they were missing out on such a huge opportunity.
“Ah… That’s right, you didn’t know. Young Master Ding and Young Master Li chose not to register. The reason is something only they know,” Xiao Yang replied.
“I think I can guess their reason. It’s probably because of the Third Young Master. The First Young Master and the Second Young Master are always spoiling Third Young Master Xiao Yan,” Xiao Tao added.
“That’s possible…” Xiao Hua nodded, though he was disappointed not to learn the actual reason. He wondered if it was related to the novel's setting.
Given the storyline, it seemed obvious that attending Jia Nan Academy would benefit Xiao Yan greatly and even protect the other clan members from being utterly decimated when the Yun Lan Sect attacked.
‘I understand the desire to protect Xiao Yan from harm, but I don’t see why they would avoid Jia Nan Academy. Maybe their role in the Tager Desert was crucial to Xiao Yan's journey, and even my reincarnation can’t change that...' Xiao Hua thought inwardly.
Xiao Hua, Xiao Xun Er, Xiao Tao, and Xiao Yang. These four waited for a while, yet they realized the one that passed the admission test was only them. They both shook their heads at the strict criteria of Jia Nan Academy and pity the others who failed.
While waiting for the admission test to end, these four continued to chat with each other, exchanging points and such. They didn’t realize how much time passed, but the number of people has increased by a dozen.
“Still, isn’t this a bit much, Brother Tao? While we’re out here suffering in the sun, the senior students are just chatting and laughing in the tent, enjoying the coldness. No one has even come to check on us. We’ve been roasting here since morning, and now it’s already afternoon! Damn it!” Xiao Yang cursed.
“Have you forgotten, Yang’er? We’re under the shade, not sunbathing. The older students are keeping their distance because they fear Cousin Xiao Hua and Cousin Xiao Xun Er after they caught the attention of the three senior instructors,” Xiao Tao reprimanded his younger brother.
“I know, but still. I thought they’d at least lend us a tent or something…” Xiao Yang grumbled.
Xiao Hua shook his head, while Xiao Xun Er smiled wryly at Xiao Yang’s complaints. Although the three instructors had offered them better accommodations, they refused, knowing it could attract envy from the senior students.
Besides, this was Jia Nan Academy, not the Xiao Clan. A single mistake here could lead to a harsher downfall.
“Don’t forget, Cousin Xiao Yang. This is Jia Nan Academy, a place where geniuses are nurtured. They probably have an unwritten rule to frustrate new students during admission, to show that this place isn’t easy and isn’t for the spoiled.”
“After all, those who pass the admission threshold are generally quite talented, so it’s easy for conflicts to arise. They likely want to make sure new students understand their place and sharpen their mentality right from the start.”
Xiao Tao nodded in agreement with Xiao Hua’s words. If this place were easy, it wouldn’t be considered a powerhouse that surpasses even the Yun Lan Sect (Misty Cloud Sect), which boasts a Dou Emperor powerhouse and a Sixth-Tier Alchemist, Pill King Gu He.
Xiao Yang finally realized that, within the Xiao Clan, he had been sheltered from ridicule and teasing, which had caused him to be pampered. He shook his head, determined to change his mindset, lest he attract unwanted attention towards himself and the Xiao Clan in Jia Nan Academy, where countless outstanding people gathered.
---
After hearing countless of muttering and complains from Xiao Yang, the instructors finally declared the end of the admission. The others who failed to take the admission test have no choice but to leave dejectedly.
“Now then. Everyone, you may enter.” Instructor Li announced.
Hearing the instructor’s words, all of the newly entered students quickly stood up and stretched their bodies high while feeling relief that they don't have to sunbathe again.. Afterwards they walked towards the tent as they were filled with joy that the admission finally ended.
"Let's go, Brother Tao!" Xiao Yang excitedly shouts and pulled Xiao Tao.
"Wait, Yang'er! There's no point in going quickly!" Xiao Tao scolded his little brother while being dragged by him
Xiao Hua, seeing that, shook his head and put out his arm to help Xiao Xun Er stand up. Xiao Xun Er understood Xiao Hua and she put her hands on top of his. Xiao Hua gently and slowly pulled Xiao Xun Er without making her feel uncomfortable and in pain.
“Thank you, Brother Xiao Hua.” Xiao Xun Er said.
“No problem, Xun Er.” Xiao Hua smiled softly at her.
Once they entered, they heard the laughter of those three instructors that they saw earlier in the morning. They greet them once again, to which the instructors nodded in satisfaction at seeing Xiao Hua and Xiao Xun Er politeness. It wouldn’t be surprising to see them being arrogant and spoiled, yet they haven’t shown a single slight of arrogance and spoiled child.
‘Not bad. Truly a jackpot, these two.’ The three instructors thought inwardly.
Instructor Li waved his hand, and a scroll and brush appeared from his Storage Ring. With a smile on his face, he addressed the group.
“First of all, congratulations on passing the admission test. You have successfully entered Jia Nan Academy. However, we need to assess your potential, as the school requires us to categorize it.”
Instructor Li then explained the grading system for student potential, based on their cultivation realm, which is applicable to those under twenty:
8-Star Dou Disciple: F Rank
9-Star Dou Disciple: E Rank
1-Star Dou Practitioner: D Rank
2-Star Dou Practitioner: C Rank
.
.
.
5-Star Dou Practitioner: S Rank
“Now, with that said,” Old Ming continued, “it’s been some time since we’ve seen an S Rank potential. We don’t hold extravagant hopes for such a high rank, but we’d be satisfied with at least a C Rank potential in this batch.”
“State your strength and age. Starting with you, boy,” Old Hei added, pointing at the first student.
“Yes, instructor! Chen Li, 16 years old, 8-Star Dou Disciple.”
“F Rank potential. Next!”
“Wang Jie, 18 years old, 9-Star Dou Disciple.”
“E Rank! Next!”
“Lu Ming, 18 years old, 9-Star Dou Disciple.”
“E Rank! Next!”
“Li Qiang, 15 years old, 8-Star Dou Disciple.”
“F Rank! Next!”
…
“Xiao Tao, 16 years old, 3-Star Dou Practitioner.”
“Oh? Good! We have a B Rank potential in this batch! Next!”
“Xiao Yang, 15 years old, 3-Star Dou Practitioner.”
“Ahahaha! Another B Rank potential! This is very good!”
The test continued until Instructor Li reached Xiao Hua and Xiao Xun Er. He simply patted them on the head with a smile before returning to the front.
Those who don’t know wondering why they didn’t have to announce themselves and thought that the instructors are spoiling them because they were still children. They all were whispering until Instructor Li glared at them.
“If you think I’m giving these two special treatments just because they are young, then you’re absolutely correct! They are only 5 years old and yet they already have reached Dou Practitioner!”
Hearing Instructor Li’s shouts, when those who were grumbling about unfair treatment heard Instructor Li shouts, they all went silent. After all, these two children are just too monstrous. The people that grumble sensed something and turned their attention to Xiao Tao and Xiao Yang. These two were smirking at them and treated them like fools. They swore that they would at least punch them in the face once when they reached Jia Nan Academy later.
Besides that, Xiao Tao and Xiao Yang puffed their chest. Proud of being in the same clan as these two monsters and proud of their clan member being praised by one of the Jia Nan Academy’s instructors.
After the test was completed, Instructor Li told everyone they go home and come back here seven days later. There would be a flying carriage that would arrive and bring the new students to Jia Nan Academy.
Everyone was excited and shouted in happiness, while raising their hands up. Some were even jumping in joy and thanking their ancestors for their blessings.
Well, everyone except Xiao Hua and Xiao Xun Er. These two were already guaranteed to pass so they didn’t react at all. So, instead of reacting like them, they just turned around and walked back to Xun Er courtyard while having a happy conversation.
---
“Welcome back, Young Miss.”
When they entered Xiao Xun Er's courtyard, Ling Ying was inside and already prepared cold tea for them. He knew that they were sitting outside, sunbathing for hours while waiting for the admission to be over.
“It's amazing how you can make tea. I thought Old Ling are one of those bodyguards who will not learned anything that is unrelated to being bodyguards.” Xiao Hua amazed with Ling Ying.
“I do learned it in my free times. After all, there times when the master are too tired and it is up to us the servants to create and serve the tea to our master.” Ling Ying stated.
"How loyal." Xiao Hua nodded in approval to his loyalty towards Xiao Xun Er.
Xiao Xun Er giggled at their interactions. Ling Ying and Xiao Hua wondered was there anything funny with their interactions, but ignored it since they know that they wouldn't be able to understand it.
“Big Brother Xiao Hua. I wondered about this for a while, but are you going to have Heavenly Flame?” Xiao Xun Er asked.
“Heavenly Flame? Like one of yours?” Xiao Hua replied.
Xiao Xun Er put her hand on her chest and declared, “Yeah. If you want, I can give it to you.”
“Young Miss, that’s—!”
Ling Ying was surprised at Xiao Xun Er remarks and wanted to stop her. However, she silenced him by raising her hand.
“Old Ling, you might think it’s excessive, but you should know. The reason for my growth speed and dominance over this wild Heavenly Flame is because of Brother Xiao Hua. He has suffered a lot because of me, so if he desires it, I will give it to him without any resistance.” Xiao Xun Er firmly stated and wouldn't budge on this matter.
“That… If that’s what you wish, then this old servant won’t say anything more.” Ling Ying sighed.
Seeing Ling Ying back off, Xiao Xun Er nodded and looked at Xiao Hua. She’s currently waiting for his answer, despite already knowing what he’s going to say.
“I refuse. Rather, why do you want to give it to me for?”
“What are you talking about? Didn’t you mention about the special requirement of your Dou Qi Method from your bloodline?”
‘Bloodline? Ah… Totally forgot about that setting. I forgot that I told them about my bloodline have a unique Qi Method where it required special material like Heavenly Lightning, Heavenly Flame and Ancient Celestial Frost. Although it was pure bullshit, they believed it due to the uniqueness of my bloodline.’ Xiao Hua inwardly thought.
“I do need it. However, I will find a different Heavenly Flame to complete that troublesome requirement, you don’t have to worry about it. Besides, I’m currently focusing on stabilizing my foundation so I’m in no rush to increase my strength.” Xiao Hua refused.
Xiao Xun Er nodded at his explanation. She knows that quickly increasing would make one’s foundation too weak and fragile, making one weaker than stronger.
However, she also knows finding Heavenly Flame is extremely hard. She decided that if he ever needed Heavenly Flame, she would give it to her without a single hesitation as she considers this Heavenly Flame a gift from him. After all, she was able to fully control, without harming herself, because of him.
Knowing what she was thinking, Xiao Hua and Ling Ying shook their heads wearily. After all, they know just how hard she has fallen for Xiao Hua, and they can’t really say anything as part of it is their fault.
For Ling Ying, is unable to stop Xiao Yan lecherous plan and unable to do anything during the clash of Heavenly Flame and Frozen Netherworld Fruit.
For Xiao Hua, he had caused the clash with her Heavenly Flame and the Frozen Netherworld Fruit that he had received from the System, to which he still curses his immaturity for putting a little girl like her in trouble.