Chapter 244: What Are You Barking About?
Originally, it would have taken Xiao Yan only a quarter of an hour to reach Jia Nan Academy from Black Seal City. However, traveling with the group from Jia Nan Academy had stretched the journey to seven full days.
Over the course of these seven days, they encountered some troublemakers. However, the strongest among them were merely at the Da Dou Shi (Great Fighter) level. Such minor threats didn't even interest Xiao Yan enough to intervene. Even the enhanced strength of Instructor Ruo Lin, thanks to the Water Spirit Pill, was enough to make short work of them.
After taking the pill, Ruo Lin's abilities had greatly improved, making her nearly unbeatable at the Da Dou Shi level. She expressed her gratitude to Xiao Yan repeatedly for the pill. At first, she had even suspected Xiao Yan might have ulterior motives.
But as the days passed, Ruo Lin became keenly aware that although Xiao Yan occasionally gave her normal appreciative glances, there was no deeper interest in his eyes. This realization left Ruo Lin who was used to being admired a little defeated.
"So he's just... rich," she thought bitterly.
After seven days of travel, a small, unassuming town finally came into view. By this point, Xiao Yan had altered his appearance, shifting from a handsome teenager to a mature and attractive young man. His companions, unaware of the transformation thanks to his soul manipulation, continued as if nothing had changed.
Bringing his original face to Jia Nan Academy wasn't an option. If Han Feng caught wind of his presence, the man would undoubtedly flee back to Zhongzhou or find some other hiding spot.
Upon arriving near the town, Xiao Yan immediately noticed a shift in the atmosphere. The aura of bloodlust that had permeated the Black Corner Region seemed to have dissipated here, replaced by a sense of subdued caution clearly a result of Jia Nan Academy's deterrent power.
"Sir Yanxiao, this is Peace Town, the first settlement within Jia Nan Academy's territory," Ruo Lin said, her tone tinged with relief.
Gazing at the town's humble appearance, Xiao Yan allowed himself a faint smile. Though simple in design, the town exuded a subtle authority. More notably, deep underground, Xiao Yan could feel the wild, fiery energy of a hidden power source.
His attention was soon drawn to a massive black tree standing just outside the town gates. The tree's twisted, ebony branches spread outward, emanating a chilling, ominous aura. But the most striking feature was the dozens of corpses hanging from its limbs, swaying like silent wind chimes in the breeze.
"Sir Xiao Yan, this is our academy's symbolic Dead Spirit Tree," Ruo Lin explained, her expression respectful.
The students behind her, who had been lively moments before, now grew solemn at the sight of the tree.
"I see. I've heard that the bodies on this tree once belonged to some of the Black Corner Region's most infamous figures," Xiao Yan said casually.
"Correct," Ruo Lin nodded seriously. "The strongest among them was said to have reached the Dou Huang level before falling to the academy's enforcement team."
Her words drew an indifferent chuckle from Xiao Yan. The sight of a few corpses wasn't particularly shocking to him. After all, he had done far more gruesome things like hanging a ninth tier magical beast's skull outside the Snake Person Holy City.
If Ruo Lin knew about that, she would probably think twice before boasting about the Dead Spirit Tree.
As they continued into the town, Xiao Yan noted that Peace Town and its neighboring settlements were all under Jia Nan Academy's jurisdiction. Outsiders were typically required to undergo rigorous checks before entering. However, with Ruo Lin leading the way, the group passed through unimpeded.
Their journey eventually brought them to a wide forest, where a mighty fortress loomed in the distance.
"Jia Nan City," Xiao Yan muttered, a hint of surprise flickering in his eyes.
The city sprawled over an enormous area, rivaling even Black Seal City in scale. From high above, it was difficult to take in the entirety of the fortress, a testament to its grandeur.
As they approached the city gates, Xiao Yan casually said, "When we arrive, take me to see your Grand Elder, Su Qian."
"Ah?" Ruo Lin froze mid step, the cheerful smile that had been plastered on her face since their return to academy territory vanishing instantly.
"What's wrong? Is there an issue?" Xiao Yan asked, raising a brow.
Ruo Lin hesitated for a moment before cautiously responding, "Sir Xiao Yan... The Grand Elder is extremely busy overseeing the academy's affairs. He rarely meets with visitors unless it's something urgent. May I ask what business you have with him?"
Xiao Yan's gaze sharpened slightly. "That's for me to discuss with him. Just take me to him."
The pressure in his voice left no room for negotiation.
Ruo Lin bit her lip but ultimately nodded. "Understood. I'll take you there as soon as we enter the city."
A short while later, the group passed through the gates of Jia Nan City, greeted by the vibrant hustle and bustle of the ancient stronghold. Its streets were filled with students, merchants, and guards, creating a lively yet orderly atmosphere.
As they walked, a loud and arrogant voice cut through the noise.
"Oi! You there! Who do you think you are, strutting around like you own the place?"
The voice belonged to a burly, muscular student flanked by several lackeys. His disdainful gaze locked onto Xiao Yan, who stood out with his calm demeanor and commanding presence.
Without even sparing the student a glance, Xiao Yan asked coolly, "What are you barking at?"
The words, laced with a faint pressure, silenced not only the loudmouthed student but also the surrounding crowd.
"You..." The student's face turned red with anger, but he found himself unable to say another word. The oppressive aura emanating from Xiao Yan seemed to weigh down on him like a mountain.
Ruo Lin stepped forward, her voice stern. "This is an honored guest of Jia Nan Academy. Mind your tongue!"
The student froze, his confidence crumbling under Ruo Lin's authoritative glare. His lackeys quickly pulled him away, mumbling apologies before vanishing into the crowd.
With the disturbance resolved, Xiao Yan turned to Ruo Lin.
"Lead the way," he said calmly, as if nothing had happened.
"Yes, Sir Xiao Yan." Ruo Lin nodded, her respect for him deepening.
And so, they continued toward the heart of Jia Nan Academy, where Su Qian awaited.
(End of Chapter)
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