After comprehending the abilities of the two Lightning Beasts and bidding farewell to Xue Yue, Xiao Hua withdrew from his Spiritual Sea.
His eyelids trembled lightly as his consciousness returned to his physical body. Slowly, he opened his eyes and urged the System to display the rewards he had drawn from the Gacha.
The System promptly summoned a translucent screen before him, listing the rewards. As Xiao Hua scanned through the items, his expression remained calm. Some of the rewards piqued his interest—a collection of rare medicinal ingredients that ignited his alchemist's instincts and multiple corpse of Magical Beast corpse that could be of great use to his brothers and sisters.
However, aside from these, there was little else that seemed particularly appealing.
Just as his gaze continued to sweep across the list, his eyes abruptly froze on the final line.
[You received: 75,500 ACP, 57,140 ACP, 45,500 ACP, 956,200 ACP, 36,800 ACP.]
[In total, you have received: 1,171,140 ACP]
[Adding to the ACP that is in possession: 1,717,580 ACP.]
Xiao Hua's eyes gleamed with excitement as he noticed the ACP Rewards displayed before him. To his delight, he had received more than five of them. He felt a strong urge to immediately upgrade his ACP Rate, but after careful thought, he restrained himself. If he upgraded it to gain 100 ACP per hour, his current accumulated ACP would exceed the storage limit, and the surplus would be wasted.
Checking the restrictions, he saw that his storage was would be capped at 280,000 ACP. He drew 50 times from the Gacha, and while he could have drawn a few more, the disappointing results led him to lose the desire to draw one more time.
Before closing the System, Xiao Hua proceeded to upgrade his ACP Rate, boosting it to 110 ACP per hour.
Satisfied, he stretched his body lazily, feeling his muscles relax. Lifting his head, his gaze fell upon the clear, boundless sky that had finally calmed after the violent storms and the vanishing of the enormous spatial crack.
"It has been a while since I returned to Jia Nan Academy," he murmured softly, a faint warmth in his voice. "I wonder how my brothers and sisters are faring... And more than anything, I miss Xun'er. I truly miss her and wants to stay by her side."
A gentle smile curved his lips, yet a trace of wistfulness lingered in his gaze at the thought of Xun'er. He deliberately ignored the surrounding devastation, feeling slightly awkward about the destruction left in his wake.
With a subtle tremor, his back shook as vibrant wings materialized behind him. The radiant wings fluttered gracefully, shimmering with an ethereal glow. In the next instant, his figure soared into the sky, transforming into a streak of light that shot across the heavens with unimaginable speed, heading toward Jia Nan Academy.
As Xiao Hua arrived in Peace Town, he was promptly guided to the Flying Zone. To his surprise, the place had undergone a significant transformation.
What awaited him was not the usual Griffon Magical Beast, but instead, a massive Griffon Carrier—a flying ship reminiscent of those he had seen in Donghua. It was clear that during his seven years of retreat, Jia Nan Academy had undergone a tremendous overhaul.
The changes, as explained by the attendant beside him, were due to the surplus of treasures and wealth obtained from the treasure vault of Demon Flame Valley.
"It seems this hasn't taken you too much by surprise, Elder Xiao,"
Xiao Hua let out a soft laugh, with a trace of awkwardness lingered in his expression. "Compared to the fact that I somehow became an elder of Jia Nan Academy, this is slightly more manageable, Instructor Lei..."
It was clear that Xiao Hua still felt somewhat out of place hearing Instructor Lei, who was overseeing Peace Town, address him with such deep respect and admiration.
Xiao Hua was left speechless when he heard the news: the First Elder had ordered and formally announced to all of Jia Nan Academy that, upon his return, Xiao Hua would ascend to the position of an Elder, sharing equal status with the First Elder himself.
To his surprise, no one expressed rejection or dissatisfaction with the decision. Instead, everyone regarded it as inevitable.
After all, Xiao Hua had founded the strongest faction within the Inner Academy, a faction that tirelessly protected the students. They were always the first to rally whenever danger loomed, showing unwavering loyalty and unshakable strength.
At the age of eight, Xiao Hua had become Jia Nan Academy's first eighth-tier alchemist, a feat that shocked the entire Black-Corner Region. His alchemical skills elevated the strength of both students and elders alike, further solidifying Jia Nan Academy's dominance and prestige within the region.
During the Demon Flame Valley attack, Xiao Hua had defeated the mastermind behind the plot, saving countless students and returning their souls to their rightful bodies.
Furthermore, he had already reached the Dou Wang class—a prerequisite for becoming an Elder—before he even turned ten years old. Yet, with unrelenting ambition, Xiao Hua had declared that he would not leave his retreat until he had reached the Dou Zong class.
That meant that by the time he exited his retreat, he would return as a Dou Zong powerhouse!
With such monumental achievements and contributions stacking up, anyone foolish enough to feel dissatisfied would likely be beaten black and blue—slapped awake to face reality. Throughout the long history of Jia Nan Academy, no one had ever reached such heights before.
Even the academy's most arrogant seniors had nothing to say. Instead, their expressions were filled with admiration and delight, particularly as they reminisced about the times when they had crossed blades with him. The knowledge that they had once faced such a genius filled their hearts with awe and pride.
Xiao Hua felt a slight sense of embarrassment as Instructor Lei continued chatting with him at the admission tower. The conversation had persisted while they waited for the students to prepare the Griffon Carrier, and he silently hoped they would hurry up.
Fortunately, the students were swift. It didn't take long before the Griffon Carrier was ready, sparing Xiao Hua the embarrassment of having his ears turn red from Instructor Lei's persistent chatter.
With that thought, Xiao Hua stepped forward and boarded the Griffon Carrier. Just as he was about to bid farewell to the instructor, however, Instructor Lei mentioned something that piqued his interest.
"By the way, Elder Xiao, two of your cousins have joined Jia Nan Academy and are determined to enter the Inner Academy this year."
"Oh? What are their names?" Xiao Hua asked, his brow arching slightly.
"Xiao Yu and Xiao Ning," Instructor Lei replied with a smile.
Hearing the names, Xiao Hua's eyes widened slightly in surprise. 'Those two siblings? I understand Xiao Yu, but Xiao Ning?' His thoughts churned with curiosity.
'I thought that guy preferred to remain at the Xiao Clan, constantly bullying Xiao Yan… What could have changed his mind?'
Unbeknownst to Xiao Hua, Xiao Ning harbored a deep affection for Xun Er. During Xiao Hua's time in seclusion, Xun Er had once returned to the Xiao Clan. During that brief visit, Xiao Ning had been entranced by her beauty, grace, and elegance.
Although Xiao Ning knew it was futile to gain Xun Er's attention—let alone her heart—he still wished to admire this elegant flower from afar. It was this desire that spurred Xiao Ning to register for Jia Nan Academy.
"If that's the case, I'll visit those two first before returning to the Inner Academy." Xiao Hua nodded thoughtfully.
The idea of heading back to the Xiao Clan had lingered in his mind for some time, and having Xiao Yu and Xiao Ning accompany him might not be a bad idea. They could update him on everything that had happened at the Xiao Clan during his long absence.
Pausing briefly, he cupped his hands respectfully toward Instructor Lei. "Thank you, Instructor Lei."
"There's no need to thank me, Elder Xiao," Instructor Lei replied with a laugh. "If anything, those two have probably been waiting eagerly for your return. They idolize you, after all. They're constantly making a ruckus about you and endlessly hunting for news of your past exploits."
"Idolize me, huh?"
Xiao Hua's lips curved into a faint yet weary smile. He hadn't expected Xiao Yu and Xiao Ning to hold him in such high regard. After all, he had only returned to the Xiao Clan once before disappearing into his cultivation-focused seclusion. The thought that they admired him so much felt somewhat surreal.
With the conversation concluded, the Griffon Carrier began to move, gliding smoothly through the skies. Xiao Hua turned his gaze forward as it sailed toward Jia Nan City, where Jia Nan Academy awaited.
...
Jia Nan Academy, within the residence of Ruo Ling.
"Sister, do you think we'll see Cousin Xiao Hua this year?"
The one who spoke was a slender young man. Upon closer inspection, his features were quite handsome, with a youthful charm that hinted at future maturity.
"How should I know?" replied a tall and beautiful young woman standing nearby. Her voice carried a slight edge of impatience, though her demeanor remained composed. "Even my master once said that not even the elders know when he will emerge from his retreat."
This striking woman was none other than Xiao Yu, the elder sister. She exuded a confident, heroic aura, further emphasized by the sword she carried at her waist. Yet, the most captivating feature about her was her long legs—legs so stunning that they could overshadow even Ya Fei's, a beauty Xiao Hua himself had once admired.
The young man beside her, Xiao Ning, was her younger brother. Together, they were the siblings whom Instructor Lei had mentioned earlier.
"Xiao Yu!"
A young lady's voice rang out from outside the residence, clear and cheerful. Recognizing the familiar voice, Xiao Ning and Xiao Yu swiftly made their way to the entrance.
When they opened the door, they were greeted by the sight of a lady dressed in a flowing green robe, a gentle grin adorning her face. Her pretty features radiated warmth, and her bright eyes quickly scanned the surroundings. The tenderness in her gaze had a mesmerizing quality, carrying a vivid gentleness that could make one feel instantly at ease.
"Teacher Ruo Ling!"
Seeing the graceful woman just as she was about to knock, Xiao Yu cried out in surprise. Without hesitation, she pounced forward, her face lighting up with joy as she tightly hugged the woman's seemingly plump yet slender waist.
"Hehe, Yu'er, are you enjoying your leave?" Ruo Ling chuckled softly, her tone as gentle as a breeze, as she affectionately embraced Xiao Yu.
"Good morning, Instructor Ruo Ling," Xiao Ning greeted with a wry smile, slightly embarrassed by his sister's overly enthusiastic behavior. Nonetheless, his tone remained respectful as he bowed slightly to his sister's master.
"Good morning, Xiao Ning," Ruo Ling replied with a soft nod, her warm gaze turning to him. "It seems you're both here, which makes things much easier."
"Easier? Does Teacher Ruo Ling have something for us?" Xiao Yu stepped back, finally releasing her embrace.
"That's right. It's someone you both have been wanting to see the most." Ruo Ling nodded, her gentle smile deepening.
She paused for a moment, then turned her head to glance behind her. "Elder Xiao, Yu'er is here, along with Student Xiao Ning."
As Ruo Ling gracefully stepped aside, Xiao Yu and Xiao Ning's gazes fell upon the figure behind her.
A young man stepped into view.
He was tall and slender, his presence exuding an ethereal charm. His most striking feature was his mismatched eyes—his left eye a deep, crimson hue that seemed to pierce through one's very soul, magnetic and commanding. His right eye, however, shone a serene cyan, captivating and enchanting, as though capable of calming the storm within anyone who dared gaze into it.
The two eyes, as radiant as heavenly jewels, glimmered under the soft morning light, pulling those who looked into them into a trance-like state.
His jet-black hair flowed freely, cascading down his back even though it was loosely tied into a ponytail. His sculpted face was extraordinarily handsome, as though carved by the heavens themselves. Each line and feature harmonized perfectly, exuding both grace and authority.
He was clad in a flowing black robe with dark purple outlines, the mystical patterns upon it adding to his enigmatic aura. The robe seemed to flutter slightly in the breeze, its fabric catching the light and enhancing his noble and otherworldly presence.
Under the morning sun, the young man looked nothing short of otherworldly—a figure unforgettable and impossible to ignore.
For a long moment, Xiao Yu froze in place. Her expression went blank as she stared at the young man before her, her heart pounding rapidly within her chest.
Seeing Xiao Yu's expression, a troubled smile appeared on the young man's face. He had never once considered himself particularly handsome, but it seemed the world thought otherwise.
Ever since his arrival, countless young ladies had stared at him in a trance, their blank expressions filled with mesmerization. Even now, when he subtly glanced at Ruo Ling, he caught the same dazed look flickering across her face, though she quickly composed herself.
In truth, Xiao Hua had remained unaware of his charm for a long time. When he used to walk among people, he was still a child—his appearance considered no more than a blend of youthful handsomeness and innocent cuteness.
But after seven years of secluded cultivation, his appearance had undergone a dramatic transformation, maturing into something far more striking. Yet, having spent those years entirely focused on his advancement, he had little awareness of the overwhelming impact his looks now carried.
'It must be the Heavenly Lightning,' Xiao Hua mused inwardly, his gaze flickering with a trace of introspection. 'Its constant refinement of my skin, bone marrow, skeletal structure, and veins must have played a role in this transformation.'
He sighed inwardly, his wry expression betraying his mixed feelings. 'Regardless, it seems I'll have to get used to this…'
"Cousin Xiao Yu, Cousin Xiao Ning, it has been a long time." Xiao Hua smiled gently, his tone carrying a hint of warmth. "If I recall correctly, the last time we met was a few years ago."
"Cousin?" Xiao Ning muttered, his mind still fogged with disbelief. But as realization struck, his eyes widened in astonishment. "Wait… are you Cousin Xiao Hua?!"
"That's right, Cousin Xiao Ning." Xiao Hua nodded calmly.
Hearing Xiao Ning's exclamation, Xiao Yu also snapped out of her stupor, startled. She instinctively covered her mouth, her expression a mixture of shock and disbelief. "You're really… Cousin Xiao Hua?"
"I am," Xiao Hua confirmed with a slight nod, his gaze steady as he met hers.
Xiao Yu and Xiao Ning exchanged glances, still stunned. Even after hearing his words, they struggled to reconcile the ethereal, almost otherworldly man before them with the cousin they once knew.
Observing their reaction, Xiao Hua sighed inwardly. 'It seems they'll take a while to process this.'
Deciding not to dwell on their astonishment, he changed the subject. "I'm planning to return to the clan a week from now," he said in a calm yet inviting tone, his gentle smile never wavering. "Would you both like to accompany me, Cousin Xiao Yu, Cousin Xiao Ning?"
'He's returning to the clan?!'
Xiao Yu and Xiao Ning were momentarily frozen, their minds racing with excitement. They exchanged a glance, each catching the gleam of exhilaration in the other's eyes. They both understood that the Xiao Clan would be abuzz with celebration upon hearing of Xiao Hua's return.
"Of course, we will!" they exclaimed in unison.
"We'd be thrilled to accompany you, Cousin Xiao Hua!" Xiao Yu added with an eager smile.
Xiao Hua nodded approvingly. "Then, I will first return to the Inner Academy to report my exit to my master and the First Elder. In the meantime, both of you should prepare and wait for me at the Flying Station."
"No problem, Cousin Xiao Hua!" they responded enthusiastically, their faces glowing with excitement.
"Very well, I shall take my leave first." Xiao Hua smiled faintly, his tone calm yet amiable. He turned to Ruo Ling, bowing slightly with cupped hands. "Instructor Ruo Ling, thank you for taking care of my cousins in my absence."
As he spoke, the Mysterious Heaven Ring on his finger flickered subtly. A moment later, a Storage Ring appeared in his hand.
"This is a token of my gratitude for looking after them," Xiao Hua said as he handed it to Ruo Ling. His expression remained serene, but his words carried a faint edge of detachment. "If you don't wish to keep it, Instructor Ruo Ling, feel free to discard it. I have no particular attachment to it."
Ruo Ling was about to refuse the gesture, but upon hearing Xiao Hua's final sentence, she had no choice but to accept it with a helpless smile. Without inspecting the contents of the ring—her interest in such things being minimal—she simply placed it away.
"It's no trouble at all, Elder Xiao Hua," Ruo Ling replied with a soft giggle. "When I took Xiao Yu as my disciple, I had no idea she was your cousin. I was truly shocked when I learned of her connection to you."
Her words were sincere. Initially, she had been drawn to Xiao Yu's potential as a One-Star Dou Shi and had decided to guide her without investigating her background. But when she later uncovered the relationship between Xiao Yu and Xiao Hua, everything became clear—her strength and talent were undoubtedly linked to her extraordinary background.
"Fate works in mysterious ways, Instructor Ruo Ling," Xiao Hua replied, shaking his head with a gentle smile. His elegant demeanor and composed tone lent an air of grace to his words.
Xiao Hua didn't linger long, turning around and leaving Ruo Ling's residence with a calm stride. His focus was now on reporting his return to his master.
Watching his departing figure, Ruo Ling shook her head slightly, a faint smile tugging at her lips. She never imagined she would one day meet the person responsible for countless legendary feats in Jia Nan Academy.
After a moment, her gaze shifted toward the Storage Ring in her hand. "Let's see if there's anything here that can help Yu'er with her cultivation," she murmured to herself as her spiritual senses delved into the ring.
But her smile quickly froze as she probed the ring's contents.
Inside were an astounding number of fourth-tier and fifth-tier medicinal pills, all perfectly suited for aiding in cultivation and recovering strength. To her utter shock, there were even a few sixth-tier medicinal pills—a treasure trove that would leave even high-ranking elders in awe.
Her amazement didn't end there. She noticed the Storage Ring itself was of high grade, crafted with exceptional quality and, most strikingly, free of any spiritual imprint. This meant she could claim the ring as her own by imprinting her spirit upon it.
"This… this is incredible!"
Ruo Ling's eyes widened as she turned to look in the direction Xiao Hua had left. She had heard of his reputation as an eighth-tier alchemist, but to be so generous with his gifts was truly astonishing.
'No wonder the other instructors were envious when I took Xiao Yu under my wing,' Ruo Ling mused, her thoughts tinged with helpless amusement. 'Just the thought of me casually receiving this from him would make their hearts bleed with jealousy.'
As Ruo Ling grappled with the enormity of Xiao Hua's gift, Xiao Yu's thoughts lingered on her cousin himself.
She was still reeling from the unexpected sight of Xiao Hua. The cousin she hadn't seen in years had transformed beyond recognition. But what struck her the most was his unusual, dual-colored eyes—one crimson, the other cyan.
No one else she had ever met possessed such striking, unique eyes. This distinctive feature had captivated countless young girls when Xiao Hua was still a child, and now, paired with his refined demeanor, it was nothing short of mesmerizing.
She stole a glance at her brother, Xiao Ning, and inwardly shook her head. There was no room for comparison between the two. Xiao Hua's presence was on an entirely different level.
Yet, amidst her admiration, a peculiar feeling stirred within her. Something felt… off. It took only a moment before realization struck her like lightning. Her eyes widened as she gasped audibly, exclaiming, "Since he has exited his retreat, doesn't that mean he has advanced to Dou Zong?!"
Her voice was loud enough to snap Ruo Ling and Xiao Ning out of their own thoughts. Both turned toward her in shock, their faces mirroring her stunned expression.
For a moment, silence filled the room, each of them processing the implications of her words. Yet, within their minds, entirely different thoughts swirled as they grappled with the enormity of what she had just said.
If their memories served them right, Xiao Hua was only fifteen this year. In the long history of Jia Nan Academy, there had never been a precedent of nurturing a Dou Zong at such a tender age.
Though they knew little of the ancient Dou Qi Continent's history, one thing was certain—Xiao Hua had claimed the title of the youngest Dou Zong in the current era of the Dou Qi Continent.
'Elder Huo is going to start bragging again about his beloved student's achievements…' Ruo Ling's lips curled into a faint, tired smile.
It wouldn't be the first time. Whenever Elder Huo boasted about Xiao Hua, he always wore a teasing smile, as though daring others to surpass his student. Each time, it stirred an almost irrepressible urge among the listeners to silence the old man by any means necessary.
'It seems the clan will turn the entire Wu Tan City into a festival when they heard this news. Might be better to keep quiet about the news and act ignorant about the it, or there will be no peaceful days for the next entire week since grandfather would keep asking when they would arrive…'
Xiao Ning pursed his lips, coming to a similar conclusion. The thought of their grandfather bombarding them with letters—each demanding detailed explanations—was enough to make him shudder.
Naturally, Xiao Yu, who had finally calmed down, shared their thoughts. The news of a fifteen-year-old Dou Zong would undoubtedly send shockwaves through the entire Jia Nan Academy, the Jia Ma Empire, and beyond. For now, discretion seemed the wiser course of action.
...
Meanwhile, Xiao Hua—the very person responsible for troubling their thoughts—was feeling a hint of disappointment. The Deputy Headmaster had just informed him that his master wasn't in the Outer Academy.
Apparently, ever since Xiao Hua entered his long retreat, his master had remained in the Spiritual Chaos Forest, a forest that stood beside the Inner Academy now named in honor of Xiao Hua's remarkable achievement in restoring the souls of countless students to their physical bodies.
This forest, serving as the headquarters of Chaos Gate, was a faction Xiao Hua had established alongside his sworn brothers and sisters within the Inner Academy.
Shaking his head lightly, Xiao Hua turned his attention to the Deputy Headmaster. "By the way, Deputy Headmaster, I don't see Hu Jia around. Where is she?" His piercing eyes swept the area, clearly puzzled by her absence.
It was uncharacteristic of Hu Jia to be missing. Typically, she treated this place as her personal castle, strutting around with her usual haughty demeanor.
"She's taken on a mission in the Black-Corner Region," Hu Gan replied while stroking his beard. A mischievous glint flickered in his wizened eyes as he teased, "Why? Feeling lonely without her around?"
Xiao Hua let out a weary sigh, shaking his head. "I wouldn't go that far, but Deputy Headmaster, you know how I feel about her."
Hu Gan's smile faded slightly, his expression turning contemplative. "Ah, yes… I know. But that lass is as stubborn as they come. No matter how many men confess their feelings for her, she remains steadfast in her loyalty to her first love. She refuses to let go, no matter what."
He paused, sighing heavily. "And don't forget her infamous response to those poor souls who confess to her. A harsh whipping tends to be their reward. She's never been one to show mercy."
"It's likely because they're drawn to her background and appearance. If they truly saw Hu Jia as a person and not just her status or beauty, I doubt she'd reject them so harshly—or even resort to whipping them," Xiao Hua replied calmly.
"What do you know?" Hu Gan scoffed, rolling his eyes. As her grandfather, he was all too familiar with Hu Jia's actions and knew that it was impossible for her to take an interest in other men.
'That stubborn lass only has eyes for Xiao Hua and completely ignores everyone else, no matter how many suitors she has,' Hu Gan thought to himself, frustrated. 'Even after being rejected by him a couple of times, she's refused to let go.'
What irritated him more, however, was her extreme approach to making her feelings known. 'To make her point, she's started focusing on women more than men, as if to declare she'd rather never fall in love or marry anyone except Xiao Hua!'
Hu Gan sighed heavily, his thoughts growing more desperate. 'For the sake of continuing my family line, I must find a way to get Xiao Hua and Hu Jia together… or it'll all end with her!'