A few days passed quickly, and just as expected, the long-awaited day finally arrived—
The admissions team from Canaan Academy had officially entered Utan City.
The entire city became restless.
News spread like wildfire.
Young cultivators from various families gathered, each hoping to grasp this rare opportunity to step into a greater world.
Within the Xiao Family—
Everything had already been prepared.
On that morning, as Xiao Feng stood calmly in his courtyard with Xiao Yan, Xiao Yu, Xiao Li, Xiao Yi Xian, and the selected ten members behind him, a powerful aura suddenly descended from above.
A figure appeared at the entrance.
An elder.
His presence alone caused the surrounding air to grow heavy—
A Dou King expert.
The moment he stepped forward, even Xiao Zhan and the elders felt a slight pressure, their expressions turning serious.
The elder's gaze swept across the courtyard before finally landing on Xiao Feng.
After observing him for a brief moment, he nodded slightly, as if confirming something.
"You are Xiao Feng?" he asked calmly.
"I am," Xiao Feng replied without hesitation.
The elder gave a small nod.
he introduced "i am one of the elders in the inner academy known as Lightning elder"
"Elder Fire has asked me to inform you—"
He paused slightly.
"—that you are to return with us."
Hearing this, Xiao Feng's expression did not change, but a faint understanding appeared in his eyes.
The elder then glanced at the group behind him.
"These are the ones you recommended?"
"Yes," Xiao Feng replied.
Without wasting time, the elder waved his hand.
"Then let them take the test."
What followed was swift and efficient.
Under the supervision of the Dou King elder, the entrance tests were conducted on the spot.
Strength.
Control.
Potential.
One by one, the selected members stepped forward.
With Xiao Feng's preparation and guidance over the past month, their performances far exceeded expectations.
None of them failed.
All of them passed.
Ranks were assigned accordingly—
Most of them falling into the B rank, while a few were placed in the C rank, depending on their current strength and potential.
Even so—
Every single one of them had successfully secured their place in Canaan Academy.
Among them…
Xiao Yi Xian stood out the most.
In just two months—
She had already broken through from a Dou Disciple to a Dou Master.
Her aura was stable.
Her energy refined.
Her control far beyond what her level would normally suggest.
Clearly—
She had not only advanced rapidly…
But had also spent time properly stabilizing her realm.
Even the Dou King elder could not help but take a second glance at her.
"Interesting," he muttered softly.
Xiao Feng remained calm, but inwardly, he was satisfied.
Everything had gone exactly as planned.
After the testing was completed and the results were officially confirmed, the Dou King elder stepped forward once again, his presence calm yet carrying a natural authority that made everyone in the courtyard instinctively focus on him as his gaze slowly settled on Xiao Feng.
"Xiao Feng," he said in a steady and composed tone, "all of them have passed."
A subtle wave of relief spread through the group standing behind Xiao Feng, even though most of them tried their best to remain calm and not show too much emotion, their slightly relaxed expressions already revealing how tense they had been until this moment.
The elder did not linger on that and continued speaking without unnecessary words, "We will be leaving in two days," his voice neither hurried nor slow, but firm enough to make it clear that everything had already been decided.
He paused for a brief moment before adding, "When the time comes, you are to gather at the Flying Beast Station. You will depart with us, and I will personally supervise the departure."
Xiao Feng gave a slight nod, his expression unchanged as he replied calmly, "Understood."
The elder looked at him for a moment longer, as if confirming something in his mind, before finally turning around to leave, his movements smooth and unhurried, yet carrying the presence of someone far above everyone present.
However—
Just before he stepped out of the courtyard…
His gaze shifted.
It was only for a brief moment.
So quick that most people did not even notice it.
But Xiao Feng did.
The elder's eyes had moved—
Toward Xiao Li.
There was no obvious expression on his face, no words spoken, no reaction shown, yet that single glance carried a meaning that was not difficult for someone like Xiao Feng to understand.
Then, as if nothing had happened at all, the elder simply turned away and left, his figure gradually disappearing beyond the courtyard entrance, leaving behind a quiet and slightly heavy atmosphere.
For a few moments, no one spoke.
But Xiao Feng stood there silently, his eyes calm, his mind already processing what he had just seen.
With his keen perception, even the smallest details did not escape him, and that brief glance—though insignificant to others—was enough for him to understand the situation clearly.
So… he has taken an interest in Xiao Li, Xiao Feng thought inwardly, his expression remaining completely unchanged.
A faint understanding formed in his mind, but he did not say a single word about it.
Because he knew very well—
This was not something he needed to interfere with.
Having a master…
Especially someone from Canaan Academy…
Was not a bad thing.
In fact—
It was a great opportunity.
It meant better guidance.
Better access to resources.
A clearer and faster path toward strength.
But at the same time—
It was not something that could be forced upon anyone.
Xiao Feng's gaze shifted slightly toward Xiao Li, who was still standing there, unaware of what had just happened, his attention focused on the upcoming departure rather than that fleeting moment.
Xiao Feng looked at him for a brief second…
Then calmly looked away.
Everyone has their own path, he thought quietly.
He would never stop anyone from the Xiao Family from accepting a master.
Nor would he interfere in such decisions, even if he had the ability to do so.
Because in the end—
What truly mattered was not control…
But growth.
And as long as they continued to grow stronger—
That was enough.
After understanding the current situation of Udan City and the true standing of the Xiao Family, the members of the Canaan Academy admissions team could no longer treat this visit as an ordinary recruitment trip.
The Xiao Family was no longer just another local clan.
It had already become the undisputed overlord of Udan City.
And more importantly—
Xiao Feng himself was not someone they could overlook.
A 5th Rank Alchemist…
At such a young age.
And a direct disciple of Elder Fire Huo.
Just these two points alone were enough to elevate his status far beyond that of an ordinary academy student.
So when Xiao Feng calmly invited them to stay at the Xiao Family residence during their remaining time in the city—
There was not even a moment of hesitation.
The leading elder gave a slight nod almost immediately.
"If it is convenient, we will accept your arrangement."
The others followed without objection.
In fact—
Some of them were already somewhat eager.
Because staying at the Xiao Family did not just mean comfort.
It meant proximity to Xiao Feng.
And that alone…
Was valuable.
Xiao Zhan and the elders naturally understood the implication of this and quickly made arrangements, treating the guests with the highest level of hospitality the Xiao Family could offer.
Within a short time, the residence prepared for them was set up properly—quiet, spacious, and well-guarded, ensuring that nothing would disturb their stay.
As the arrangements were completed, one of the academy members glanced toward Xiao Feng, a hint of curiosity and respect mixed in his expression.
"Fifth Rank Alchemist… and still so young…" he muttered softly.
Another person beside him added in a low voice,
"And a disciple of Elder Fire Huo… no wonder even the elder personally sent word for him."
Xiao Feng, however, did not react to any of it.
He simply stood there calmly, as if all of this was only natural.
But in truth—
This quiet arrangement had already revealed something important.
The Xiao Family was no longer in a position where it needed to seek recognition.
Recognition…
Had already come to them.
Soon, the two days passed in what felt like the blink of an eye, and the time for departure finally arrived, bringing with it a quiet heaviness that settled over the entire Xiao Family as all the members gathered at the entrance, knowing that this moment marked not just a journey—but a separation that would last for a long time.
The courtyard, which had once been filled with training, laughter, and movement, now stood still, as everyone looked toward Xiao Feng and the group that would be leaving with him.
Xiao Feng stood at the front, his expression calm as always, but his eyes slowly moved across the familiar faces before him—people who had stood with him through everything.
Xiao Zhan stepped forward first.
"Feng'er," he said, his voice steady but carrying a depth of emotion, "you've done more for this family than anyone could have imagined."
He paused slightly before continuing,
"Out there… things won't be as simple as here. Be careful. No matter how far you go, this will always be your home."
Xiao Feng nodded lightly.
"I understand, Uncle," he replied calmly. "Take care of the family while I'm away. With the formations and resources in place, everything should remain stable."
Xiao Zhan gave a firm nod.
"Leave it to us."
The Grand Elder stepped forward next, his aged eyes carrying both pride and seriousness.
"You've raised this family to a level we never thought possible," he said. "Don't hold back out there. The world beyond Udan City is vast—go and see it properly."
Xiao Feng gave a slight bow of acknowledgment.
"I will."
Xiao Ding then stepped forward, a faint smile on his face.
"Brother, looks like I'll be following you this time," he said lightly, though there was excitement hidden beneath his calm tone.
Xiao Feng glanced at him and smiled faintly.
"Stay focused when we get there. It won't be like here."
Xiao Ding chuckled.
"I know… but with you there, I'm not worried."
Beside him, Xiao Li stepped forward, his expression more serious than usual.
"I'll catch up quickly," he said firmly. "Don't think you'll stay ahead forever."
A faint smirk appeared on Xiao Feng's face.
"Then don't fall behind."
The two exchanged a brief look—
No more words were needed.
Then Xiao Yu stepped forward, crossing her arms at first as if trying to maintain her usual confident attitude, but her eyes betrayed her emotions.
"You better not forget us once you reach inner Academy," she said, trying to sound casual.
Xiao Feng looked at her and gently reached out, lightly tapping her head.
"When have I ever?"
Xiao Yu's face flushed slightly as she turned her head away.
"Hmph… just make sure you don't."
Then—
Xun'er stepped forward.
Unlike the others, she did not speak immediately.
She simply walked up to Xiao Feng…
And hugged him tightly.
Like a younger sister…
Who did not want her elder brother to leave.
For a moment—
Everything became quiet.
"Brother Xiao Feng…" she said softly, her voice slightly trembling, "you just came back… and now you're leaving again."
Xiao Feng's expression softened slightly.
He gently placed his hand on her head.
"I'll be back," he said calmly.
Xun'er tightened her grip for a brief moment, then slowly let go, nodding lightly as she tried to regain her composure.
Xiao Feng then looked toward Xiao Yan.
Xiao Yan stepped forward, his fists clenched slightly, his eyes filled with determination.
"I'll catch up to you," he said firmly. "No matter what it takes."
Xiao Feng looked at him for a moment, then gave a small nod.
"I'll be waiting."
There was no need for more words between them.
Finally, Xiao Feng took a slow breath and turned around.
"It's time."
With that, he began walking forward—
Toward the path that would take him beyond Udan City.
And behind him—
The Xiao Family stood in silence.
Watching him leave.