Canaan Academy. Along a shaded avenue, numerous students moved back and forth, radiating the vibrant energy typical of youth. Unaware of the great battle looming ahead, they remained calm and composed. In their conversations, the atmosphere remained much as it had been when Xiao Yan first appeared—filled with admiration and fervor. On a towering giant tree, Xiao Yan rarely found himself so relaxed, lying there and gazing at the azure sky. The root he was chewing had gradually developed a subtle bitterness—how many years had it been since he last managed such quiet stillness, simply lying in the academy and watching the sky? Xiao Yan smiled gently, his arms crossed behind his head, remaining silent. He particularly enjoyed this quiet atmosphere. For years, he had felt increasingly suffocated under the weight of the Huan Palace and the Huan Clan, knowing that only through relentless, tireless cultivation could he avoid being crushed into powder beneath that towering mountain. And when he became powder, his family and his clan would follow suit. A great battle was imminent, and Xiao Yan understood it might very well be the decisive one. Yet precisely because of this, the sense of urgency in his heart had eased. He had done everything he could, giving his utmost effort to become the strongest he could be. Now, it was simply time to wait for the outcome. Xiao Yu gently pursed her lips. Over the years she has taught at Ganan Academy, she has seen many so-called young talents—some of whom even launched passionate pursuits toward her—yet all of them ultimately fell short. Every time she compared them to the man before her, she would shake her head. Through these years of experience, she now fully understands just how exceptional and brilliant the man before her truly is. "If only we weren't related by blood..." Sometimes, strange thoughts would rise within Xiao Yu, making her blush and silently scolding herself for being awkward. "About falling in love with someone?" At some point, Xiān's eyes opened, and he gazed at the beautiful female mentor beside him, gently biting her lower lip, smiling. "Yes," Xiao Yu blinked her bright eyes, and smiled warmly. "Er..." Such a response surprised Xiao Yan. Under normal circumstances, Xiao Yu would have charged him with punches and kicks. Now, he lifted his gaze to meet her beautiful eyes, where something seemed to be flowing subtly. Then he cleared his throat and lowered his gaze. Noticing that Xiao Yan had withdrawn his gaze, Xiao Yu bit down firmly on her silver teeth, gradually calming the subtle tremor, and stared steadily at him, speaking softly, "Thank you." "Huh?" Xiao Yan was taken aback once again, then smiled, "That's rather unexpected." "This is what the members of my clan said to you when we returned to the Jima Empire last time," Xiao Yu smiled. Xiao Yan paused, his smile now warm and sincere. "Now, even among the younger generations, and even some of the older ones in the Xiao family, everyone treats you like a god. Others may criticize them, but if they even touch you, they have to face you with tears in their eyes and act decisively. Once, a family member actually went alone to confront a sect over this." Xiao Yu spoke softly, her tone gentle and warm, as though recounting a simple family tale. "Heh, back then, that very 'god' was mocked and called a useless waste." Xiao Yan smiled. "Such petty concerns—those were all from when they were young, and you still remember them?" Xiao Yu gave Xiao Yan a graceful, slightly scolding look. Xiao Yan smiled, listening to Xiao Yu's soft, flowing words about the family's stories, gazing up at the clear, vast sky. It felt like he hadn't enjoyed this kind of peaceful moment in years. "Xiao Ning and Xiao Mei returned to the Jima Empire a few years ago, and it's said they are now independent and powerful figures..." "A few years ago, when our clan was selecting a clan leader, every vote ended up being for you—making the elders both amused and embarrassed." "...” Xiao Yu spoke softly, pausing after a while, then gently looked at the man beside her—his eyes closed, his breathing now calm and even. At this moment, Xiao Yan was so still and peaceful, he seemed like a newborn infant. He was asleep. When Xiao Yu saw Xiao Yan's current state, she couldn't help but be momentarily stunned, her eyes then softening with tenderness. With delicate care, she lifted Xiao Yan's head and placed it gently upon her soft thighs, then lowered her gaze to his face, her smile now gentle and warm. "Everyone in the clan knows how much you've given them—those burdens, you've carried them all alone..." "To protect the family, you've tirelessly struggled between life and death. Haha, now many of the younger members are diligently training. They say that by growing stronger, they'll be able to help you..." "..." Xiao Yan nodded slightly, then stood up, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon, speaking softly, "They've arrived..." Hearing this, Xiao Yu was startled, as she had always been aware of the secrets between Xiao Yan and himself—given their close relationship, she naturally knew who "they" were. "Too fast..." Xiao Yu frowned. "Notify the Senior Elder to gather all the students. Otherwise, once the battle begins, they won't be able to withstand it." Xiao Yan said firmly. "Understood." Xiao Yu quickly nodded, then moved to withdraw. But Xiao Yan hesitated a moment, and added, "Thank you, Sister Xiao Yu." Hearing this title, Xiao Yu was momentarily taken aback—this was the first time Xiao Yan had ever called her "sister." Since childhood, their relationship had always been strained; they had argued every time they met. "Hehe, dear younger brother, I've been watching you shine so brilliantly..." Xiao Yu smiled gently, then gracefully descended. As she turned, her gaze slightly dimmed—after all, they were, indeed, sister and brother. Xiao Yan stood atop the tree, arms folded. He glanced at the graceful figure of Xiao Yu as she landed and sighed softly. He wasn't foolish—he clearly saw many things. Yet, some things, perhaps, would never come to fruition. Shaking his head to dispel the lingering melancholy, he turned his gaze steadily toward the horizon, where he sensed a powerful surge of energy. This fluctuation was no stranger to him now. "Whoosh! Whoosh!" As Xiao Yan concentrated, several figures flashed into view—Xun'er and Cai Lin. "Has the Huan clan arrived?" the two women asked, looking toward the distant horizon. Xiao Yan nodded, looking down at the academy below. At this moment, every mentor was leading their students toward the plaza, creating a tense atmosphere that enveloped the entire space. "Be careful during this battle," Xiao Yan said softly to Xun'er and Cai Lin beside him. "You too," the two women replied, gently nodding. Xiao Yan smiled, then stepped forward, extending his arms and embracing both women, his hands resting gently on their slightly flushed cheeks. He whispered, "If we can resolve this matter peacefully, we'll hold a grand wedding." "Yes," the two women replied, their eyes shimmering with both bashfulness and joy. With a moment of tender warmth, Xiao Yan leapt down from the great tree and landed on the plaza. With a simple gesture of his hand, the space split open, revealing a vast crack that led deep into the Heavenly Tomb. "Senior Elder, don't worry. I've already instructed the creatures within—the students will be safe." "Open the spatial passage," Xiang Yan said, looking at Su Qian. "Thank you, little one..." Su Qian nodded slightly, deeply bowing to Xiang Yan, then didn't hesitate—immediately leaping into the spatial passage. Behind him, the students flowed in like a tide, one after another. As the students entered the Heavenly Tomb, Xiang Yan ascended once more, gazing toward the distant sky where dark clouds suddenly emerged, rushing in at a speed that seemed like thunder. Within those clouds, an overwhelming aura spread throughout the heavens. Watching the magnificent and awe-inspiring scene, Xiang Yan exhaled deeply, his fists clenched. "The allied forces have arrived..." With that breath, Xiang Yan's gaze shifted to the northern sky, where intense spatial tremors were now unfolding, and countless figures surged forth, breaking through the sky with a roar of wind that echoed across the land, charging directly toward the Gan Nan Academy! Gazing at the vast array stretching across the heavens on either side, a surge of boldness surged within Xiao Yan's heart. He roared skyward, his voice echoing like thunder, spreading out in mighty waves across the sky, clearly heard throughout a hundred li. "Spirit Clan, if you wish to fight, then today we shall fight until the very last breath!"