Chapter Twenty-Eight: Canaan Academy

Xiao Yan pondered for a moment, then his eyes suddenly brightened as he said, "I have it! I can leave her a letter, clearly stating the general direction we’re heading and the time of our return. Then I’ll give the letter to my father and ask him to pass it on to Jiu You. That way, when she comes back, she’ll know what’s happened to me."

Xiao Yan immediately rose and fetched paper and pen, beginning to write the letter carefully. In the letter, he explained in detail the reason for going out to train with Yao Lao, expressed his longing and concern for Jiu You, and promised to return as soon as possible.

After finishing the letter, he folded it carefully and tucked it into his bosom. Then, he went to find Xiao Zhan.

Xiao Zhan looked slightly surprised to see Xiao Yan return and asked, "Yan’er, why have you come back? Is there something you haven’t told me?"

Xiao Yan hesitated briefly before saying, "Father, I’ve written a letter to Jiu You. I’d like to trouble you to hand it to her when she returns. I’m worried she’ll be anxious if she comes looking for me while I’m out training and can’t find me."

Xiao Zhan looked at Xiao Yan with a teasing glint in his eyes and said, "Tsk tsk, why didn’t you say you wanted to write a letter to your old man too?"

He then pursed his lips, watching Xiao Yan blush, and said, "Alright, don’t worry. I’ll make sure she gets the letter. You take good care of yourself out there; don’t make us worry."

"I will," Xiao Yan promised.

…

Recently, Utan City was abuzz with a major event—the enrollment period for Canaan Academy.

Canaan Academy, as one of the most renowned institutions on the Dou Qi Continent, held an immensely influential position.

In this land where strength commands respect, Canaan Academy is the cradle of warriors. Countless young cultivators, filled with dreams and ambition, longed to cross its threshold.

Graduating from Canaan Academy almost guaranteed a bright future. Alumni had risen to become powerful figures renowned across the land, or held prestigious positions within great factions, enjoying enviable status and wealth.

Located at the border between the Empire of Jiama and other empires, Canaan Academy occupied a geographically unique and critical position.

This region, once a hotspot of conflicts among the three great empires, had seen near a century of peace largely due to the Academy's stabilizing presence.

Canaan Academy bore much responsibility for this.

On one hand, the Academy boasted a congregation of formidable masters—powerful mentors and exceptionally gifted students alike.

These mighty forces deterred any faction from harboring rebellious ambitions. Should any empire attempt to ignite war, Canaan Academy would never stand idly by.

On the other hand, the Academy upheld principles of fairness and neutrality.

In resolving disputes among the three empires, the Academy always acted impartially, never favoring any party. Its prestige and credibility encouraged all three empires to heed its rulings, thus preventing the outbreak of war.

Moreover, Canaan Academy provided a platform for the younger generation of the three empires to exchange ideas and learn together.

Students from different empires competed and progressed side by side, fostering mutual understanding and friendship.

Xiao Yan was naturally well aware of the Academy’s importance and influence.

Entering this institution was not only about strengthening one’s power but also about experiencing a broader world and forging connections with like-minded friends on a higher stage.

…

Time passed swiftly as the enrollment period for Canaan Academy drew near.

While preparing for his upcoming training journey, Xiao Yan kept a close eye on the latest developments concerning the Academy’s admissions.

In just a few days, the Academy’s enrollment instructors would arrive in Utan City.

The Academy’s admission criteria were notoriously stringent. Among the most crucial requirements was that applicants must reach the eighth level of Dou Qi before the age of eighteen.

Such a harsh standard was an almost insurmountable barrier, causing many aspiring young cultivators to give up on their dreams.

After all, reaching the eighth level of Dou Qi before eighteen demanded not only talent but also extraordinary effort and perseverance.

However, for Xiao Yan, who was already a four-star Dou Zhe, these seemingly tough conditions posed no real challenge.

His strength far surpassed the Academy’s baseline.

Recalling his past—from a prodigious youth to the subject of ridicule as a failure, and now steadily rising again—Xiao Yan felt a swell of emotion.

Those trials and hardships had forged him into a tougher and stronger person.

“Teacher, do you think this time the Canaan Academy will have any special examination components?” Xiao Yan asked.

Yao Lao paused thoughtfully, then said, “The Academy’s admission tests have always been unpredictable.”

“But with your strength and talent, as long as you remain calm and adaptable, you shouldn’t face much trouble. Besides, the Academy wants to recruit truly promising and capable students—you just need to showcase your strengths.”

…

There was a knock on the door.

“Xun’er?”

“Brother Xiao Yan, I heard the enrollment for Canaan Academy is imminent. Aren’t you going to attend?”

Xiao Yan was momentarily taken aback, then smiled and replied, “Of course I’m going. Canaan Academy is a rare place for cultivation; how could I miss such an opportunity? It’s just that I also have some personal matters to handle first…”

Xiao Xun’er furrowed her brow slightly and gazed intently at Xiao Yan, as if trying to read something from his eyes.

She spoke softly, “Is it because of Nalan Yanran? The marriage pact from those years ago, and the promises between you…”

“Since the promise was made, I can’t break it. I want her to know that the choice she made back then was wrong. Besides, this is also my chance to prove myself,” he said with a pause before continuing, “Moreover…”

Before Xiao Yan could finish, Xiao Xun’er blurted out, “Is it also because of Jiu You?”

Xiao Yan looked at her in surprise, his face showing astonishment. He hadn’t expected Xiao Xun’er to mention Jiu You so directly.

He opened his mouth slightly, stammering, “D-Do I show it that plainly?”

Then he hesitated again, “Then why… why can’t she see it herself?”

Xiao Xun’er’s heart ached subtly at his words, but she maintained her smile.

A faint trace of melancholy flickered in her eyes as she whispered, “Brother Xiao Yan, matters of the heart are always hard to grasp. Perhaps Jiu You just hasn’t realized your feelings yet.”