Chapter 109: Geniuses Emerging One After Another (Ninth Update – Please Subscribe)

The young girl’s clear and melodious voice caused a sudden silence to fall within the tent. Every gaze was transfixed, stupefied, on the green-clad maiden standing by Xiao Yan’s side, her expression calm and faintly smiling.

A six-star Dou Practitioner! And only fifteen years old! Such potential seemed to have already surpassed the boundaries of the S-rank—this kind of talent was even more formidable than that witch from the academy!

Glancing at the silent tent, Xiao Yan could only smile bitterly and shake his head. Xun’er’s revealed statistics had surprised even him. He had originally guessed her to be at about five stars, but he hadn’t expected this girl to be so terrifying—her potential had forcefully surpassed the S-level.

Inside the tent, Xiao Yu was equally dumbfounded by Xun’er’s words. She had never seen Xun’er make a move in the clan, so she wasn’t clear on the girl’s strength, nor had anyone ever told her about Xun’er’s mysterious identity. To her, Xun’er was simply a member of the younger generation in the Xiao family with exceptional talent. She had never imagined that “exceptional” could reach such an extent.

“…Looks like that witch from the academy has finally met her match.” Xiao Yu muttered with a wry smile and a shake of her head.

“Tsk tsk, I hadn’t expected to come across a new student whose potential surpasses S-rank. Heh, it seems I’m in luck today.” The shock slowly faded from Instructor Ruolin’s face, her eyes gleaming with a peculiar light as she fixed them on Xun’er. After a moment, she smiled, “Of all the new students this year at Canaan Academy, I fear none are more outstanding than Xun’er.”

Hearing this evaluation, Xun’er smiled gently, but to everyone’s surprise, she shook her head.

“Uh…” Ruolin was taken aback by Xun’er’s reaction. Blinking in disbelief, she hesitated, “Could there really be someone more outstanding than you?”

“Yes, Instructor Ruolin.” Xun’er nodded crisply, her autumn-water eyes curving into crescent moons, making her look exceedingly adorable. “Compared to Cousin Xiao Xie, I am nothing exceptional.”

“That’s right! There’s also Xiao Xie!” Only then did Xiao Yu and the others recall him. People who had heard of Xiao Xie’s feats would almost instinctively exclude him from any comparison, because there was simply no basis for it. It was like the Alchemist Tournament—even though Xiao Xie was of the younger generation, his participation would be unfair to his peers. Even the veteran alchemists wouldn’t really consider him a junior.

Ruolin followed Xun’er’s gaze and only then noticed the badge on Xiao Xie’s chest. Her delicate figure trembled—Five-star Alchemist. So young, and already a five-star Alchemist. Compared to Xiao Xie, Xun’er’s achievements indeed seemed less impressive. This was only because Canaan Academy had just arrived in Wutan City; otherwise, after a few days, they would have heard the legendary stories about Xiao Xie as well.

Ruolin’s gaze toward Xiao Xie turned into one of respect. With his qualifications as a five-star Alchemist, he could easily serve as an elder in the inner academy at Canaan.

“All right, there’s no need to keep staring at me, is there? Let’s continue with the evaluations!” Seeing that all attention had turned to him, Xiao Xie shrugged innocently.

“It’s my turn.” With a clear and crisp voice, Qinglin brought everyone back to their senses.

Ruolin finally collected herself. In truth, she had seen five-star Alchemists before, just never someone as young as Xiao Xie. As an instructor at Canaan Academy—even if only for the outer court—she was certainly well-traveled and knowledgeable.

“All right, go ahead,” Ruolin said with a gentle smile to the adorable Qinglin, her emotions now calmed.

“Qinglin, one-star Dou Master, age thirteen.” Qinglin’s voice was crisp and clear.

Once again, silence fell throughout the tent.

“…One-star Dou Master!” Ruolin’s pen halted mid-air. Facing the innocent look on Qinglin’s face, she was at a loss for words.

Qinglin ignored the reactions of the others, returning to Xiao Xie’s side. In her view, this was nothing—compared to Little Doctor Fairy and Xiao Xie, her cultivation had grown slowly.

“Sister Xian’er, it’s your turn.” Qinglin said sweetly to Little Doctor Fairy.

“Mm, I know.” Little Doctor Fairy smiled, stepped forward, and with a voice both ethereal and clear, announced, “Little Doctor Fairy, three-star Dou Spirit, age sixteen.”

A collective gasp sounded in the tent.

Ruolin was momentarily speechless—her face felt as if it had been soundly slapped. Just a moment ago she had claimed Xun’er would be the most outstanding among this year’s candidates, only for even more remarkable people to appear one after another.

Little Doctor Fairy smiled gently, returning to Xiao Xie’s side, her beautiful eyes resting on him.

“My turn now.” Under everyone’s gaze, Xiao Xie stepped forward and said indifferently, “Xiao Xie, one-star Dou Emperor, age sixteen.”

…

“O-one-star Dou Emperor!”

With the exception of Xun’er, who had known beforehand, everyone else was dumbfounded.

Even Little Doctor Fairy was startled. Just over a month ago, Xiao Xie had only been a one-star Dou King. How had he advanced so quickly to a Dou Emperor? She wasn’t aware that Xiao Xie had spent a year in the world of The Smiling, Proud Wanderer.

As for Qinglin, she gazed at Xiao Xie with utter adoration. In her eyes, even if he suddenly became a Dou Saint, it wouldn’t surprise her—she believed him capable of anything.

Xiao Yan and the others, too, looked upon Xiao Xie with deep admiration. When the gap in strength is similar, it’s natural to compare or feel envious, but the gulf between a Dou Practitioner and a Dou Emperor is only something to look up to.

After a long moment, Ruolin finally calmed herself and exhaled softly. “Xiao Xie, with your cultivation, only the Vice Dean of the inner court at Canaan Academy would be fit to guide you.”

“So long as Canaan Academy can help me advance my cultivation, that is enough,” Xiao Xie replied with a gentle smile. He certainly had other reasons for going to Canaan Academy, but now was not the time to reveal them.

“Heh, then today’s registration will end here. We will remain here for seven days. Those of you who registered today—congratulations, you are now members of Canaan Academy. I hope all of you can make your preparations within these seven days. After that, the flying convoy from Canaan will arrive at Wutan City, and then we will proceed directly to the academy.” Rolling up the parchment, Instructor Ruolin spoke softly with a smile.

At her words, everyone in the tent beamed with delight.

“Instructor, during your stay in Wutan City, why not stay with our Xiao family?” Seeing Ruolin about to leave, Xiao Yu hurried over, holding her arm and laughing sweetly.

“With the Xiao family?” Ruolin was taken aback, her brows gently knitting as she hesitated. “Canaan Academy has a designated reception area in Wutan City, and staying with you… would it not be an imposition?”

“Not at all. As the Fourth Elder of the Xiao family, I invite Instructor Ruolin and Xiao Yu’s friends to stay as guests. I believe everyone in the Xiao family will be very happy,” said Xiao Xie with a smile.

At Xiao Xie’s words, Ruolin pondered for a moment, then nodded with a bright smile. “Very well, then I’ll trouble the Xiao family for a few days.”

Seeing Ruolin agree, Xiao Yu immediately grinned and hugged her soft, slender waist with delight.

“Ge La, you all return to the reception area for now. Come back tomorrow, and remember—don’t cause any trouble!” Ruolin affectionately patted Xiao Yu’s head, then turned to instruct Ge La and the others.

“Mm.” Ge La and her group nodded. Watching the laughing and joking girls depart, they could only shake their heads helplessly. Since they hadn’t been invited, it would be awkward to follow, so the group of boys, now without any beauties for company, could only pack up their things listlessly and drift off toward the far side of the square.

When news that the Canaan Academy’s recruitment instructor had arrived at the Xiao household reached the council chamber, Xiao Zhan and the three elders, who had been discussing clan affairs, were stunned. A moment later, their faces lit up with joy as they all rose to their feet. With a glance at one another, they hurriedly left the hall, making their way to the family gates with beaming smiles, where they warmly welcomed the group of beautiful young women.

With Xiao Xie’s introduction, the two sides quickly became acquainted. Upon learning the purpose of Ruolin and her party’s visit, Xiao Zhan agreed without hesitation and immediately ordered preparations to be made for their stay. His prompt and efficient hospitality earned him much goodwill from Ruolin and her companions.