The Mid-Temple auction hall today was undoubtedly the most bustling event in six months. Inside the spacious hall, crowds surged, their clamorous chatter making even the newcomers—Xiao Yan and his companions—feel momentarily disoriented. The noise was so intense it sounded as though countless flies were darting across their ears, leaving them restless and distracted. Observing the packed hall, Xiao Zhan shook his head in resignation, and with no other choice, he allowed the auction staff to guide them through the VIP entrance, only then finding a peaceful spot within the hall. Xiao Yan lounged comfortably, one leg crossed over the other, his eyes slightly half-lidded as he drifted off into a drowsy state. Suddenly, he heard Xiao Ning's slightly eager inquiry, and his brow furrowed slightly at the special name. The Gan Nan Academy, renowned across the Qi Continent for its mastery of Qi cultivation, is far more powerful than most people imagine. It's said that to become a mentor at Gan Nan, one must possess at least the rank of Grand Combatant; when it comes to depth and overall strength, even Yun Lan Sect would likely fall short. On the Qi Continent, academies differ from sects: once you join a sect, you're subject to certain restrictions imposed by the sect, and your future actions represent the sect's interests. In contrast, academies operate differently—after graduation, there's no mandatory connection between you and the academy. Nevertheless, humans are not emotionless beings. In such a pure, academic setting as the academy, students often develop a deep sense of affection for it. After graduation, this subtle emotional bond frequently inspires many to offer their support within their means. While the contribution of a single individual may seem insignificant, the cumulative effect of thousands or even tens of thousands of such individuals creates a powerful, undeniable influence—this very influence is precisely what all academies strive to achieve. Entering the academy is the most effective path to acquiring cultivation techniques and combat skills. At an academy of迦南's caliber, outstanding performance or recognition by certain instructors may even grant access to advanced techniques and cultivation methods. With these assets, students significantly shorten the path toward becoming powerful. Techniques, combat skills, and medicinal elixirs are the three most attractive elements on the Continent of Qi. The Canaan Academy holds two of these, making it a place of exceptional promise. In the hearts of countless people across the Continent, entering the Canaan Academy essentially guarantees a bright future. Every graduate from the Academy is eagerly sought after by various powers, ensuring a promising career path. As a result, each year, countless young people from the Gama Empire strive tirelessly, going to great lengths to gain admission to the Canaan Academy. … Upon hearing Xiao Ning’s inquiry, Xiao Yu gave a slight nod, glanced at Xiao Yan, and said with a touch of pride, “Don’t worry— you already have the qualification for admission. The person in charge of recruiting students in Wutan City is actually my mentor. She’s a Five-Star Grand Battle Master! With me advocating for you, there’s no doubt things will go smoothly.” “Ah, that’s great!” Hearing this, Xiao Ning’s face immediately brightened with joy and he enthusiastically nodded. Listening to the exchange between the two, Xiao Yan gave a slight frown. Previously, he had only aimed to enter the Gan Nan Academy in hopes of obtaining more advanced techniques and battle skills. But now, with his enigmatic teacher, Yao Lao, the Gan Nan Academy no longer holds much appeal. “Xiao Yan, won’t you be planning to apply to Gan Nan Academy in six months?” Nearby, seeing Xiao Yan’s lackluster enthusiasm, Xun lightly asked. As she listened to Xun'er's question, Xiao Yu, with her dark brows arched, also turned her gaze toward him. She had already made up her mind: if this young rascal also wished to join the Gan'an Academy, she would surely secretly make her mentor give him a good deal of trouble. Xiao Yan idly rubbed his nose and lazily remarked, "I don't really have much interest. Spending time with a bunch of little kids—what could I possibly learn from them? If I want to study combat techniques, I'd rather jump off a cliff in search of treasure; that would be more exciting." "Hmph! Your tone is quite boastful—do you think the academy will be begging you to join? With just a bit of talent, you've grown proud. In fact, students with your level of talent aren't uncommon at Gan'an Academy. You're lucky you're not joining at all. If you do, with your stubborn nature, you'll probably end up making things worse for yourself." Hearing Xiao Yan so dismissively downgrade the academy he held in such high regard, Xiao Yu's delicate face grew cold, and she coldly rebuked him. Xiao Yan lifted his eyes to scan Xiao Yu, who was filled with righteous indignation, then gave a dismissive shrug—there was no point in engaging with her. His agreement with Nalan Yanran had only been less than two years old, and his sole objective now was to surpass that woman. Time was running short, yet the gap between them remained substantial. He firmly believed that within the Gan Nan Academy, no one could enable him to overtake Nalan Yanran within the remaining two years. If he couldn’t achieve it, then what was the point of going to that crumbling academy? Could they possibly teach him the art of alchemy like the Ye Elder did? And even if they could, could they match the Ye Elder’s skill? Shaking his head, Xiao Yan dropped the debate about the academy and shifted his gaze slightly toward the side, where he noticed representatives from the other two noble families had also arrived at the auction. Amid a gathering of people, Xiao Yan suddenly sensed a somewhat cold gaze. Turning his head slightly, he found it was Galio—the one who had previously clashed with him at the market. At that moment, the young lord of the Galie family was glaring at him with ill intent, occasionally casting lingering glances at Xun'er's graceful figure beside him. When Xiao Yan looked at him, the lord chuckled darkly and subtly shifted his lips. Gently observing Galieao's open and closed mouth, Xiao Yan managed to make out his meaning: "The little waste of the Xiao family—has your coming-of-age ceremony finally been completed? From now on, avoid meeting him in Wutan City. Otherwise… hehe!" With a slightly narrowed gaze, watching Galieao proudly chuckling, Xiao Yan smiled gently, and a fierce glint flashed in his lowered eyes.