C21 Famous in the Academy

As Lin Xi exited the scene, the other students at Celestial Azure Academy slowly emerged from their astonishment. No one had anticipated that Ye Yuen's fiancé, the newcomer Lin Xi, would possess such formidable strength. And to top it off, he was incredibly handsome!

He didn't just overpower Kuan Yuan, one of the three most talented students, but he was also gearing up to challenge Su Ding. Lin Xi was taking on the challenge of defeating two of the academy's finest talents single-handedly. His strength, assertiveness, and good looks immediately made him a sensation among the female students.

Hovering above, Beize couldn't help but smile, "Your disciple is going to make waves at Celestial Azure Academy. There's a change in the wind here!"

Sima Shangqing responded with a smile, "The academy has been quiet for far too long. It's about time we shook things up."

"The title of Chief Student is bound to change at this rate," Beize remarked gravely.

Sima Shangqing replied, "However, I doubt Lin Xi is interested in that title. He's aiming for a grander stage. And besides, there's someone else at the academy who might be a better fit for that role."

Indeed, aside from the disciples of the three Special Level Mentors, the Academy Dean also had a protégé.

Beize suddenly inquired, "How does Lin Xi stack up against him?"

"It's difficult to say, but I'm certain that even in that life-and-death battle, the kid didn't show his full capabilities," Sima Shangqing stated before turning to leave.

...

Back in the main hall, Lin Xi shed his damaged clothes, preparing to treat his wounds when Sima Shangqing appeared unexpectedly. Seeing the charred flesh on Lin Xi's chest, Sima Shangqing expressed her displeasure, "Why resort to such a life-threatening tactic? You could have easily avoided Kuan Yuan's punch."

Lin Xi replied with a smile, "The injury is trivial. I chose not to dodge because I wanted to gauge the true strength of the academy's top geniuses. Besides, dodging seemed too bothersome. Honestly, I had the opportunity to end Kuan Yuan on our first encounter by going straight for his throat.

"However, Kuan Yuan was manipulated into this deathmatch with me. He may be a bit naive, but it would be a shame to squander the academy's talent, even if he's somewhat lacking..."

Sima Shangqing, while tending to Lin Xi's wounds, suddenly pinched him hard. "The more you talk, the more excited you become. Don't get cocky!"

Lin Xi winced in pain and quickly apologized, "True, I won with speed."

Lin Xi's injuries were minor. Kuan Yuan's flames paled in comparison to the magma core fire Lin Xi had previously endured.

It was merely his skin that had turned black from the Spiritual Force flames engulfing Kuan Yuan's fist, but underneath, there was no real damage.

Sima Shangqing was taken aback when she saw this. "Bad boy, you're not hurt at all."

Lin Xi felt a bit awkward. Right when Sima Shangqing had come in, he had wanted to tell her he was fine, but she didn't give him the chance to speak. She had climbed onto the bed, straddled him, and began wiping his body with a towel.

After cleaning off the blackened skin, Sima Shangqing was surprised to find that Lin Xi had no injuries.

She ran off, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

"Bad boy, why didn't you say you were fine earlier!"

Lin Xi straightened his clothes and said with a look of grievance, "You didn't give me the chance to explain."

Sima Shangqing glared at Lin Xi, "Then focus on your cultivation!" With that, she turned and left.

Lin Xi didn't dwell on it. He took out the Heaven Rank Heart Method that Sima Shangqing had purchased for him and began to practice.

Soon, Lin Xi grasped the essence of the Heart Method. As he activated it, the surrounding spiritual energy grew denser and of much higher quality.

"Things bought with money truly have their worth. This is some good stuff!"

The Heaven Rank Heart Method was indeed impressive!

As he was about to dive back into his cultivation, Lin Xi suddenly asked, "Ms. Loong Yuv, how is my talent?"

Loong Yuv answered coolly, "It's very poor!"

Lin Xi couldn't believe it. Loong Yuv went on to explain, "Bad boy, you are indeed strong, but you must realize that in the vast expanse of the Infinite Worlds, there are those who reach the Profound Sovereign Stage by the age of ten. I'm not trying to discourage you, but you've got a long way to go!"

Lin Xi fell silent for a moment, then ceased his pondering and began his cultivation practice with the Heaven Rank Heart Method.

Atop a mountain peak, an elder and a youth stood side by side—Gu Dian and Su Ding.

Gu Dian let out a soft sigh. The elder, Su Ding, spoke, "If he dared to challenge you while injured, it's clear he didn't give his all against Kuan Yuan. He must still have reserves of strength to face you!"

Su Ding's face darkened, "I'm confident I can take him down!"

Gu Dian bellowed, "But can you defeat Kuan Yuan in such a short time?"

"Even if Lin Xi's victory is due to his speed, it's obvious that his strength is on par with Kuan Yuan's!"

Su Ding fell silent.

"I know about the conflict between your Su family and the Lin family. If you're set on revenge, you shouldn't resort to underhanded tactics. Now, you've also made an enemy of Kuan Yuan!"

Gu Dian looked at the silent Su Ding and sighed. He then retrieved a scroll from his Storage Ring and handed it to Su Ding.

Su Ding looked puzzled, "What's this?"

Gu Dian replied calmly, "Open it and see for yourself."

Su Ding unfurled the scroll, his expression shifting, "A Heaven Rank Combat Skill!"

Gu Dian stated, "Since I've agreed to the challenge on your behalf, you must dedicate this month to training. Only by defeating Lin Xi can you secure your place at Celestial Azure Academy!"

Su Ding bowed deeply, "Thank you, Teacher!"

"Let's not dwell on thanks. I'm taking you to a place where you can train." With that, they vanished from the spot.

Inside the hall, Lin Xi was in deep meditation, cultivating with the Heaven Rank Heart Method, when a woman's voice reached him from a distance.

"Lin Xi."

Lin Xi turned to see a woman standing at the entrance of the hall, looking at him with a smile.

She was dressed in a black gown, her features as if painted, standing with a grace that commanded attention. Her hands clasped behind her back gave her a playful air.

Upon recognizing her, Lin Xi was momentarily taken aback. He quickly got to his feet and hurried over to the woman, embracing her gently, "Sister Yiran!"

It was Lin Yiran.

Lin Changqing's eldest daughter, and Lin Xi's older sister, had been chosen by the outer court of the Celestial Azure Academy quite some time ago to come here and train.

Lin Xi held a profound memory of her sister, who had been a constant presence throughout most of her childhood. Lin Yiran expressed her displeasure, "You've been here for so long and haven't even come to see me."

Scratching her head, Lin Xi replied with a hint of embarrassment, "Sister, I'm sorry. That was my mistake."

Lin Yiran didn't take it to heart. She patted Lin Xi on the head and remarked, "You've grown even taller than me."

With a smile, Lin Xi suggested, "Sister Yiran, how's life at the academy? Why don't you move in with me? I've got plenty of space."

Lin Yiran chuckled and responded, "I'm doing well, thanks. I won't move in with you, though. It wouldn't be proper."

Lin Xi reluctantly let the matter go, but then she pulled out a Storage Ring and offered it to Lin Yiran. "Sister, here are two thousand Spirit Crystals for you to keep."

"That's not necessary. I don't need them. You should save them for your own training," Lin Yiran declined promptly.

Lin Xi insisted earnestly, "There's no need for such formality between us. Take it; I have more. Don't worry about it."

Lin Yiran accepted the gift in silence, then also retrieved an item from her Storage Ring.

"See what I've brought for you," she said.

Lin Xi watched as Lin Yiran slowly opened the cloth bag. Upon seeing the contents, she cried out in delight, "Roast chicken!"

"I knew you'd love this. You haven't had it in ages, have you? Go on, try it. I made it myself!"