Chapter 412: Jia Nan Academy’s First Exception—Advancement to Inner Court Exam!

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After testing Xiao Yan's strength, Hupo turned his attention to evaluating Xiao Xun'er's capabilities.

Xiao Xun'er closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Her Dou Qi gathered on her skin's surface, forming a faint halo that emitted a profound and powerful aura.

As he observed Xiao Xun'er, Hupo's expression turned serious, instantly perceiving the immense and mysterious energy radiating from her. When she released her full Dou Qi, the entire room seemed bathed in a sacred light.

"This... this is a Five-Star Dou Master!" Hupo's voice trembled as he looked on, incredulous. The young girl before him possessed such astonishing strength; it left him utterly speechless.

Xiao Yan, too, found himself in awe as he looked at his sister, feeling an indescribable admiration swell within him. Although Shui Wuya had already told him that Xiao Xun'er was a Dou Master, witnessing it firsthand still left him shaken.

He realized his sister's talent surpassed his own, yet he was undeterred; instead, he was even more resolute.

Taking a deep breath, he resolved in his heart, "Thankfully, I have Master Shui Wuya's support now. I will make sure I don't fall behind my sister!"

Vice Dean Hupo gazed intently at Xiao Yan and Xiao Xun'er, his mind awash with astonishment. A Dou Fighter and a Dou Master, each so young, yet each so incredibly powerful. Their talent was exceedingly rare, the kind seen perhaps once in a century, marking them as undeniable prodigies.

He knew that such gifted individuals would have boundless potential in the cultivation world. But as he looked at the formidable Bo Haidong and Ling Hai standing behind them, uncertainty resurfaced within him.

These two, at the Dou Emperor level, were actually the bodyguards of these two young prodigies. If they accompanied the pair into the academy and caused trouble, who would be able to contain them? Their presence could very well endanger the entire academy's safety.

Hupo fell into deep thought. This was not just an admission test; it was a consideration of the academy's security. He began weighing the risks, considering how to secure these two talents while also safeguarding the academy.

Naturally, Xiao Yan and Xiao Xun'er sensed Hupo's concern and proactively offered reassurance. "Dean, please rest assured. Our bodyguards will only act to protect us if we are in danger; otherwise, they'll be as good as invisible. They won't disrupt the academy's order in any way!"

Though their promise was sincere, Hupo remained uneasy.

Noticing this, Xiao Yan turned to Bo Haidong and said, "Without my command, you are not to act within the academy. Remain hidden in the shadows." Bo Haidong readily accepted the command, nodding solemnly in compliance.

Xiao Xun'er gave Ling Ying similar instructions: "You as well—without my permission, do not act within the academy. Stay out of sight." Ling Ying also nodded in affirmation, demonstrating his willingness to follow her orders.

With their assurances in place, Vice Dean Hupo finally breathed a sigh of relief, realizing that the powerful strength these two prodigies brought would not be a liability to the academy. His concerns gradually dissipated.

Hupo observed Xiao Yan and Xiao Xun'er in silence, a mix of admiration and awe he couldn't fully express. His gaze lingered on them, and he couldn't help but marvel, "A Dou Fighter and a Dou Master—so young, yet already so powerful. Such talent is indeed rare.

"At Jia Nan Academy, we seek to gather talent from all corners. Naturally, we won't turn away students like the two of you!"

"Having the two of you join is a great fortune for Jia Nan Academy!"

"Thank you, Dean, but we have one more request," Xiao Yan said calmly, his expression resolute.

"Oh? Another request?" Hupo raised an eyebrow, a hint of surprise crossing his face.

Xiao Yan took a deep breath, his tone firm. "We wish to enter the Inner Court. Given our talents and abilities, we shouldn't waste time in the Outer Court."

Hupo listened, his brows knitting slightly as he thought it over. After a moment's reflection, he nodded. "You do indeed qualify for that."

"However, the Inner Court assessment isn't available at all times, and the next round won't take place for a while yet," Hupo said, his voice carrying a note of apology.

Xiao Yan and Xiao Xun'er felt a wave of disappointment. They had no interest in idling away their time in the Outer Court. Glancing at each other, a trace of uncertainty crossed their eyes.

Seeing their expressions, Hupo quickly grasped their feelings. After a moment of thought, he said, "However, I can make an exception for you both and begin the Inner Court assessment ahead of schedule!"

Xiao Yan and Xiao Xun'er's faces brightened immediately at his words. They knew this was an invaluable opportunity.

"Thank you so much, Dean!" Xiao Yan replied, his eyes full of gratitude.

"Consider it a gesture of my trust in you—and a recognition of your exceptional talents," Hupo said with a warm smile, inwardly looking forward to their promising futures.

"We won't let you down!" Xiao Xun'er added confidently, her eyes shining with determination.

Hupo nodded, his tone solemn. "Then, in one month, the Inner Court assessment will be held ahead of schedule. Prepare yourselves well, and aim for the best results!"

"Yes! We won't disappoint you!" Xiao Yan and Xiao Xun'er responded in unison, their hearts brimming with excitement and anticipation for what lay ahead.

For them, this Inner Court assessment was a fresh start and the perfect chance to showcase their strength.

Hupo then guided Xiao Yan and Xiao Xun'er into Jia Nan Academy's Outer Court. Though less grand than the Inner Court, the Outer Court was a lively place, bustling with students' laughter and conversations.

"Welcome to Jia Nan Academy. This is the Outer Court!" Hupo's voice was both gentle and authoritative. "Until the Inner Court assessment, you'll be residing here temporarily."

Xiao Yan and Xiao Xun'er nodded, understanding that while their true goal was the Inner Court, this Outer Court stay would only be brief.

Hupo then instructed staff to arrange for two single dormitory rooms, the most luxurious accommodations available in the Outer Court.

"Take some time to familiarize yourselves with the academy," he said. "If you need anything, feel free to come to me."

"Thank you, Dean!" they replied gratefully, appreciating the honor of being personally attended to by the vice dean himself. This respect felt like recognition of their abilities and potential.

Meanwhile, the other Outer Court students couldn't help but notice the newcomers and started whispering among themselves.

Curious about Xiao Yan and Xiao Xun'er's identity, they couldn't help but wonder why Hupo was giving them such preferential treatment.

"Look at those two newcomers! They've been given single dorms, and the vice dean personally escorted them. That's unheard of!"

(End of Chapter)