Chapter 17: Chapter 17: The Journey to Jia Nan Academy
The wind whistled through the trees, carrying the faint scent of pine as Xiao Yan rode steadily on his horse, the vast, rugged mountains now behind him. The journey had been long, and the challenges he faced were more numerous than he had anticipated. Despite the difficulties, he was determined to reach Jia Nan Academy and continue his path of cultivation. The path ahead was unclear, but his mind was resolute.
After days of travel through dangerous forests and treacherous mountain paths, the towering gates of Jia Nan Academy finally came into view. The gates were large, easily visible from a distance, guarded by a group of disciplined cultivators standing watch at the entrance. The academy itself sat on an expansive plateau, surrounded by lush, green fields, and the academy's buildings stretched toward the skies— magnificent, imposing, and full of promise.
Xiao Yan's heart raced with excitement and anticipation as he approached the gates. Despite all the setbacks on his journey— the rogue cultivators, the wild beasts, and the seemingly endless stretches of wilderness— he had made it. He could see the future unfolding before him, and he was ready to take the next step in his quest for strength.
As Xiao Yan approached the gate, the guards eyed him with curiosity. They weren't hostile, but their gazes were wary, sizing him up. Xiao Yan dismounted and walked toward the gate, the weight of his past experiences grounding him.
One of the guards, a tall, broad-shouldered cultivator, stepped forward. "State your name and purpose," he said, his voice firm but not unkind.
"I'm Xiao Yan," he replied. "I've come to join Jia Nan Academy as a student."
The guard studied him for a moment before nodding. "You've come at an interesting time, Xiao Yan. The academy is always open to promising cultivators. Enter freely, but remember— every step you take here is a test of your resolve."
Xiao Yan nodded in acknowledgment, a spark of determination in his eyes. He knew this was only the beginning.
As he passed through the gates, a sense of awe washed over him. The campus was far larger than he had imagined, with towering structures of stone and wood, winding pathways lined with trees, and numerous training grounds where students practiced their techniques. Xiao Yan could feel the energy of the place— a place where powerful cultivators honed their skills, a place where he would have to fight to rise above.
As Xiao Yan made his way deeper into the academy, he was quickly greeted by a young man with short, dark hair and a bright smile.
"Hey there!" the boy called out as he approached Xiao Yan. "You must be new around here. I'm Li Mu, a second-year student. What's your name?"
"I'm Xiao Yan," he said, a hint of curiosity in his voice.
"Xiao Yan, huh?" Li Mu's eyes gleamed with interest. "I've heard a lot about you. You're that kid who woke up with his past memories, right? I'd say that's pretty impressive, but I've got a feeling you're going to be a serious rival here. Good luck!"
Xiao Yan raised an eyebrow, feeling the weight of Li Mu's words. It was true that he had gained great strength since awakening his past memories and the tenfold cultivation system, but he knew that Jia Nan Academy was filled with talented cultivators. It would be no easy task to stand out, let alone survive.
"Thank you," Xiao Yan replied, offering a small smile. "I'll do my best."
Xiao Yan spent the next few days settling into his new surroundings. His days were filled with orientation sessions and brief introductions to the academy's curriculum. He learned that the academy offered a wide range of classes, from basic cultivation techniques to more advanced strategies for refining Dou Qi. The students were divided into several grades, with each year representing a different level of skill and experience. Xiao Yan was eager to begin his training, but he also realized that in this sea of talent, he would have to push himself harder than ever to catch up to the more experienced students.
One morning, during his first official class, Xiao Yan found himself seated among other first-year students in a large lecture hall. The instructor, a tall woman with short, dark hair and a stern expression, stood at the front of the room, ready to begin.
"Welcome to your first class at Jia Nan Academy," she said, her voice calm yet authoritative. "Here, you will learn not only the basics of cultivation but also the importance of discipline, focus, and strategy. The path to becoming a powerful cultivator is not one of brute strength alone, but one of intelligence and patience."
Xiao Yan sat upright, fully focused. He had already learned a lot on his journey, but he knew that the academy could provide him with the knowledge and resources he needed to truly unlock his potential.
A few weeks passed, and Xiao Yan's training progressed rapidly. His tenfold cultivation system allowed him to cultivate at an accelerated pace, but it also brought its own set of challenges. He could feel his Dou Qi growing stronger, but controlling it and using it effectively was a different matter altogether. The more powerful he became, the harder it was to maintain control over his energy, and it was in this area that Jia Nan Academy proved invaluable.
One day, the academy announced its first major test for all first-year students. The test was simple: each student had to spar against another student, demonstrating their mastery over their cultivation techniques and their ability to handle combat situations.
Xiao Yan's heart raced with anticipation as he entered the arena. His opponent, a tall, lean young man with silver hair and cold, calculating eyes, stood across from him. The crowd of students gathered around the arena, their murmurs filling the air.
"I'm Liu Feng," the young man said with a smirk. "I've heard about you, Xiao Yan. Let's see if you live up to the hype."
Xiao Yan stood tall, his mind calm despite the tension in the air. "We'll see."
The battle began with a sudden burst of energy. Liu Feng immediately launched a flurry of attacks, his movements precise and fluid. Xiao Yan quickly realized that his opponent was no slouch— Liu Feng's techniques were honed to perfection, and his control over his Dou Qi was exceptional.
But Xiao Yan had the advantage of his tenfold cultivation system. He swiftly dodged Liu Feng's strikes, using Iron Shadow Steps to move in a blur, making it difficult for Liu Feng to land a hit.
With a flick of his wrist, Xiao Yan unleashed a Flame Serpent Palm, sending a wave of searing flames toward Liu Feng. The attack was powerful, but Liu Feng was quick to counter with his own technique, a sharp wind blade that sliced through the air.
The two continued to clash, each testing the other's abilities. Despite the intensity of the fight, Xiao Yan remained focused, using his enhanced cultivation to keep up with his opponent's rapid movements.
In the end, it was Xiao Yan who emerged victorious, his opponent unable to maintain the pace. He stood over Liu Feng, panting heavily, but with a satisfied smile.
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End of Chapter 17
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