Xiao Yan walked unhurriedly toward the tent, with Xiao Yu glaring daggers at his retreating back from behind. She hadn't expected him to be so dismissive of her.
As the group approached the large green tent, they could see more than a dozen young men and women lounging in the shade, chatting in small clusters. Their relaxed demeanor suggested they were fellow students of Jia Nan Academy, much like Xue Ni.
Outside the shade, over twenty young men and women stood under the blazing sun, lined up in a neat formation. Their faces were flushed, and sweat dripped from their chins, but not one of them dared to step into the shade.
"Huh? Another group of stragglers." A handsome young man with a golden star embroidered on his chest stepped forward, his lips curling into a smirk. He looked at Xiao Yu and the others with an air of authority. "New students are supposed to line up under the sun. Didn't you hear the instructions?"
Xiao Yu's eyes narrowed. She recognized the insignia on his chest—he was a senior student, likely a Four-Star Dou Warrior. "We were told to come here by Instructor Ruolin," she said coolly. "We don't need your permission."
The young man—Luo Bu—chuckled. "Instructor Ruolin's orders don't apply until you've passed the preliminary test. Until then, you follow Academy rules. And that means standing in the sun like everyone else."
Xue Ni stepped forward, her playful demeanor replaced by a hard edge. "Luo Bu, save it. You're just looking for an excuse to make things difficult."
Luo Bu's smile didn't waver. "I'm simply enforcing the rules. If you have a problem, take it up with the instructors." His gaze drifted past Xiao Yu and landed on Xiao Yan, who stood with his hands in his pockets, looking thoroughly uninterested. "And who's this? A new student who thinks he's too good to follow the rules?"
Xiao Yan glanced at him, then looked away as if he hadn't heard a word.
Luo Bu's expression darkened. "I'm speaking to you."
"I heard you," Xiao Yan said mildly. "I just don't care."
A tense silence fell over the group. Luo Bu's eyes flashed with irritation, but before he could respond, Xue Ni burst out laughing. "Oh, I like this one!"
Luo Bu's jaw tightened. He turned to Xiao Yu. "Your friend has quite the attitude. Perhaps he should learn some respect."
Xiao Yu shrugged. "You're welcome to try teaching him yourself."
Luo Bu's gaze sharpened. He studied Xiao Yan for a long moment, then forced a smile. "Fine. Since you've arrived through official channels, you may join the others. But don't expect any special treatment."
He stepped aside, and Xiao Yan walked past him without a second glance. The others followed, and they found a spot in the shade near the other students.
Xiao Yan settled against a wooden post, his eyes half-closed. Around him, the other new students whispered and glanced their way. He could feel their curiosity—and in some cases, their suspicion.
"You know," Xue Ni said, sliding up beside him, "most new students would be nervous. But you look like you're about to take a nap."
"Napping would be more productive than listening to that windbag," Xiao Yan replied, his eyes still closed.
Xue Ni snorted with laughter. "You really don't care what anyone thinks, do you?"
"Not particularly."
"Bold." She tilted her head, studying him. "So, Xiao Yan—what level are you? Dou Warrior? Five-Star? Six-Star?"
Xiao Yan opened one eye. "Does it matter?"
"It does if you want to skip standing in the sun."
He closed his eye again. "Then I suppose it doesn't matter."
Xue Ni stared at him for a moment, then shook her head with a grin. "You're a strange one."
A few minutes later, a soft voice rang out from inside the tent. "All right, enough theatrics. Let the new students in."
The voice was warm and gentle, carrying an authority that brooked no argument. Luo Bu straightened immediately, and the other senior students snapped to attention.
From the tent emerged a woman in a green dress, her features delicate and refined. She carried herself with an easy grace, and when she smiled, it was like a spring breeze.
"Instructor Ruolin!" Xue Ni called, waving enthusiastically.
Ruolin smiled at her, then turned to the new students. "Welcome to Jia Nan Academy. I'm Instructor Ruolin, and I'll be overseeing your assessment." Her gaze swept over the group, pausing briefly on Xiao Yan. "I trust you've all been treated fairly?"
A few of the new students exchanged glances. Xiao Yan simply nodded.
Ruolin's smile widened. "Good. Now, let's begin the formal evaluation. Each of you will step forward and state your name, age, and current level of cultivation. This will determine your placement within the Academy."
One by one, the new students stepped forward. Most were at the eighth or ninth stage of Dou Power, with a handful of Dou Warriors scattered among them. Ruolin recorded each assessment with meticulous care, her expression never wavering.
When Xiao Yan's turn came, he pushed off the post and walked to the front. Ruolin looked at him expectantly.
"Xiao Yan," he said. "Sixteen years old. Three-Star Dou Warrior."
A murmur rippled through the crowd. A Three-Star Dou Warrior at sixteen was exceptional—well above the average for new students.
Ruolin's eyebrows rose slightly. "Impressive. And how long have you been cultivating?"
"About a year and a half, officially."
The murmuring grew louder. Ruolin studied him for a moment, then nodded. "Very well. You're placed in the advanced track."
Xiao Yan returned to his spot, ignoring the curious stares. Xue Ni leaned over. "Advanced track? That's the top tier for new students. You must be thrilled."
"I suppose," Xiao Yan said, though his tone suggested otherwise.
The evaluation continued until all the new students had been assessed. When it was over, Ruolin addressed the group. "You are now officially students of Jia Nan Academy. Your dormitories and schedules will be assigned tomorrow. Until then, rest well—you have a long road ahead."
As the students began to disperse, Luo Bu approached Xiao Yan. His earlier smirk had returned. "Advanced track, huh? Don't get too comfortable. The Academy isn't like the outside world."
Xiao Yan looked at him, his expression flat. "Is there something you want to say?"
Luo Bu's smile tightened. "Just a friendly warning. Some new students learn the hard way that talent isn't everything."
"Thanks for the advice," Xiao Yan said. "I'll keep that in mind."
He turned and walked away, leaving Luo Bu standing there with a dark expression. The first day at Jia Nan Academy had ended, and for Xiao Yan, it was clear that the challenges here would be no less fierce than anything he had faced before.
---
That evening, Xiao Yan stood on the balcony of his new dormitory, gazing out at the sprawling campus of Jia Nan Academy. The moon hung high, casting silver light over the ancient buildings and winding paths.
A soft voice drifted from behind him. "Beautiful, isn't it?"
He turned to see Xun'er standing in the doorway, her hair catching the moonlight.
"It's not bad," he said.
She stepped up beside him, her eyes on the horizon. "I'm glad you're here, Brother Xiao Yan."
Xiao Yan looked at her, then back at the moon. "Me too."
They stood in silence for a long moment, the cool night air wrapping around them. Whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together.