"Junior Xiao Tian, this year's new students—under your and your younger brother Xiao Yan's leadership—are truly in a league of their own."
Xiao Jietian spread his hands casually. "Senior Han Yue, you flatter me. It's just that the new students from my year have endured a bit."
"From your words, Junior Xiao Tian, it seems you care only for other new students and not for yourself. You must be confident in your own strength. I take it you've already observed some of the divisions within the Inner Academy? Are there any considerations on your part?"
Han Yue's bright eyes fixed on Xiao Jietian, probing.
"Senior, I heard Moon Spirit only recruits female students. I am a male. There's no need for further probing; you'll discover everything in time anyway."
Xiao Jietian chuckled. He remembered Moon Spirit's reputation—it was entirely female and recruited only women.
"If Junior Xiao Tian were to join, I could still make the decision, and with your peerless appearance, I doubt others would object," Han Yue said, her voice cool yet laced with an alluring, subtle charm.
"Then I absolutely cannot join. A man must protect himself when abroad," Xiao Jietian replied lightly.
Han Yue could not maintain her composure. A delicate laugh escaped her, and she covered her mouth.
Even Elder Liu, standing nearby, raised a brow. The Han Yue before him seemed almost… mischievous. Could such a honey trap exist?
"We have already established a new student faction. Most of our classmates have joined. So, Senior Han Yue, I appreciate your kindness," Xiao Jietian added calmly.
"You've formed a faction… composed entirely of new students?"
Han Yue frowned, surprised. Elder Liu glanced on in disbelief.
"Senior Han Yue, are you implying that recruiting only new students might earn the displeasure of other factions?"
Xiao Jietian smiled faintly. "It seems you understand the intricacies here. New students entering from the Outer Academy are prime recruits for existing factions. We simply claimed our own path."
Han Yue shook her head, expression grave. "I see… what you've done is bold indeed."
"I understand the risks, but I am fearless. If anyone dares to interfere, they will not find me easy to deal with. To hesitate is to lose the chance for greatness," Xiao Jietian said, hands clasped behind his back, radiating a confidence that made even passersby instinctively defer.
"It seems Junior Xiao Tian already has a plan," Han Yue murmured. She remembered the terrifying aura he had exuded while controlling the Heart Flame.
"Then I will trouble you no further. If you ever reconsider, Moon Spirit's doors are always open. And should you require assistance, I will do my utmost to help."
"Moon Spirit has always remained neutral; it will not become your enemy. You may rest assured."
"Then I thank Senior Han Yue in advance," Xiao Jietian replied, smiling faintly. He knew her words were sincere—she had recognised his talent and potential.
In a world where strength commanded respect, this was perfectly normal. Any other faction might have kept their distance or attempted interference—but Han Yue had offered advice and possible aid, far more than most.
Meanwhile, Xiao Yan, standing beside them, successfully quelled the Heart Flame and opened his eyes. In only a few minutes, he felt his strength rise slightly.
"As expected of the Fallen Heart Flame… truly a cheat for cultivation," he thought, his eyes bright with anticipation.
"Little ones, very good. Two brothers, and both of exceptional talent. I truly envy your family," Elder Liu said, smiling at the pair.
Xiao Jietian introduced Elder Liu and Han Yue to Xiao Yan. Han Yue nodded briefly to Xiao Yan, and they exchanged a brief acquaintance.
"Junior Xiao Tian, I won't delay you further. I must cultivate on the sixth floor. We shall speak again when the time comes. Moon Spirit looks forward to your arrival."
Han Yue bowed slightly and departed, leaving behind an air of elegance and command.
Xiao Jietian watched her leave, a faint smile on his lips.
"Xiao Jietian, you're the only man in Moon Spirit's long history at the Academy to shake hands with her. I think highly of you," Elder Liu teased.
"Elder, please don't play matchmaker. Senior Han Yue and I are barely acquainted," Xiao Jietian replied, glaring at the elder.
Xiao Yan chuckled, knowing his brother's flirtatious tendencies, and silently wondered if that silver-haired beauty might one day become family.
"Now, I'll show you the Heavenly Flame Training Pagoda," Elder Liu said.
"Then we'll trouble you, Elder Liu," Xiao Jietian replied politely.
"No trouble—it's part of my duty," Elder Liu said.
Under his guidance, the two brothers toured the first floor of the tower. Xiao Yan, as usual, lingered near the black hole trapping the Fallen Heart Flame Fire Python, fully absorbing knowledge of the Pagoda.
Each floor was divided into high, medium, and low-grade cultivation rooms. The speed of cultivation varied, but costs were equal, and spots were claimed by strength. Fighting was allowed inside; the elders would not intervene unless death occurred.
Elder Liu located a medium-grade room for them. "Insert your crystal card into the stone platform. Generally, only one person per room—but this time, an exception is made for you two."
Xiao Jietian flicked a crimson crystal card into the groove. The invisible flame manifested within them as they sat cross-legged, eyes closing in cultivation.
Half a day passed. Fire energy meant for a full day had been shared, yielding only half a day of cultivation. Xiao Jietian felt his Dou Qi grow denser. Even his Gui Shui Spirit Thunder subtly absorbed a trace of the Heart Flame.
During this time, Xiao Yan broke through to Eight-Star Da Dou Shi.
"Let's return. Pan Gate has just been founded, and Hu Jia will likely scold us if we delay."
They exited the cultivation room, bidding Elder Liu farewell, and walked towards their pavilion.
At the entrance, two factions confronted each other. On one side were Pan Gate members; on the other, ten young men in white, led by a strikingly handsome man.
Pan Gate's members sneered—it was Bai Shan, the traitor during the Fire Energy Hunting Competition.
"Xun'er, Hu Jia, it seems Xiao Jietian and Xiao Yan are cowards… perhaps they've fled," Bai Shan taunted.
"Do you take everyone for fools? Trash like you betrays only himself," Hu Jia shot back coldly. Bai Shan's smile faltered.
"Bai Shan, enough talk. Defeat them, and the new students will leave naturally," a burly man instructed.
"I'll handle this," said Fu Ao, stepping forward. He eyed Xun'er, whose small, elegant face was ice-cold.
"I only need five students. Hand them over, and that will suffice."
Bai Shan's expression shifted. His orders had included more than five, but before he could speak, Fu Ao continued:
"These five must include Junior Sister Xun'er. Otherwise… prepare to face my wrath."
"Oh? I'd very much like to see this wrath of yours," Xun'er replied, eyes narrowing, voice icy.