Chapter Thirty-Two: Potential Value

As the crowd focused on the test proctors announcing the rules, a crisp, melodious female voice echoed across the grounds: "The little one truly has high talent... It seems we have found a treasure this time."

Xiao Yan felt a sudden stir; his keen perception prompted him to turn around quickly, scanning the direction from which the voice originated. A woman in pale green robes approached slowly, her demeanor exuding a gentle, soothing aura.

Xiao Yan swept his gaze over her. She possessed a warmth as soft and fluid as water, and her face held a light smile that seemed capable of melting one's heart, naturally drawing others to her.

At this moment, the previously tense expression on Xiao Yu's face blossomed into surprise. She rushed directly into the woman's arms, pouting playfully: "Mentor Ruolin, I missed you so much!"

Ruolin reached out to pat Xiao Yu gently, her face illuminated by a warm, doting smile: "Was your vacation pleasant?"

Xiao Yu looked up, smiling as she replied, "It was quite good, Mentor. But I still looked forward to returning to the academy early to see you. Out there, I always felt like something was missing; only here at the academy, with you around, do I feel truly at ease."

Mentor Ruolin chuckled softly. She released Xiao Yu and turned her gaze toward Xiao Yan and the others, her eyes filled with a blend of scrutiny and curiosity.

"Are these the ones you brought with you?" As she spoke, her gaze lingered on Xiao Yan for a moment longer. A glimmer of appreciation flashed in her eyes as she nodded slightly, praising: "Very good."

Mentor Ruolin then clapped her hands lightly to capture the attention of all the new students.

"Welcome, new students, to Jia Nan Academy. This will be the place where you pursue your dreams and hone your strength. I hope you all demonstrate your true capabilities in the upcoming tests and leave no regrets. Now, please follow me."

The group followed Ruolin into the testing area.

Once inside, Ruolin turned to Xiao Yan and said, "Luo Bu didn't have any malicious intent... he was just a bit impatient and acted rashly. His methods might have been inappropriate, and I hope you do not hold it against him."

Xiao Yan smiled, showing no sign of resentment, and replied respectfully, "Mentor is too kind. I bear no grudge; we are all here for the academy’s selection, and minor conflicts are inevitable."

The surrounding students twitched at his words. To speak so nonchalantly after having just kicked someone flying—this was essentially twisting the knife in Luo Bu's heart!

Looking at Xiao Yan, Ruolin realized that despite having taught many students over the years, she might have encountered a prickly one this time. The boy was talented, and his words were watertight; he appeared gentle, but he clearly possessed his own firm convictions.

However, she did not show it, merely nodding slightly without further comment.

Soon, noticing students injured during the earlier conflict with Luo Bu, Ruolin walked over and quickly formed hand seals. Gentle water-attribute Dou Qi flowed from her body, enveloping the injured students. Within moments, their pale complexions returned to a healthy flush, and their wounds healed at a speed visible to the naked eye.

Seeing Ruolin’s water-attribute Dou Qi, Xiao Yan couldn't help but wonder about his own fire-attribute, and what attribute Jiuyou possessed.

"Teacher, what about Jiuyou?"

"I am not sure either. Her cultivation technique is unique, and her attribute has never been revealed. Perhaps it is linked to her mysterious identity. You can ask her yourself next time you see her."

"For now, focus on your test and don't be distracted."

"Students, let me explain our grading criteria for potential at Jia Nan Academy."

"Eight stages of Dou Qi are classified as F-grade potential; this is the basic standard for entry."

"Nine stages of Dou Qi belong to E-grade potential."

"A one-star Dou Zhe corresponds to D-grade, two-star to C-grade, and so on."

"The highest level is S-grade, achieved by those who are five-star Dou Zhe."

"However, all these tests come with a prerequisite: the candidate must be under twenty years of age."

Mentor Ruolin paused, scanning the new students before continuing: "In over a decade, we have only seen one student with S-grade potential here at Jia Nan Academy. That was a true genius."

"Such geniuses are rare and hard to come by. I do not dare to hope for an S-grade student, but I would be very satisfied if I could recruit someone with B or C-grade potential."

As she spoke, Mentor Ruolin’s gaze swept over Xiao Xun'er and Xiao Yan, lingering on Xiao Yan for a longer duration. She pondered to herself what his potential level might be—could he be that rare S-grade?

She quickly suppressed the thought and said, "Well, no more talk. Let us begin the test. Start from the left; register your names, state your ages, and proceed with the potential test."

The senior students watched the testing process with great interest.

One senior whispered, "Xiao Yu, what grade of potential do you think that freshman who kicked Luo Bu possesses?"

Xiao Yu frowned, thinking for a moment before replying, "I’m not entirely sure, but given his strength, perhaps B-grade or something similar."

Hearing this, the surrounding girls sighed with envy.

"It would be wonderful to have such a powerful and handsome guy as a partner. I wonder if he has a crush on anyone."

"Yes, I'm so curious."

Listening to the girls' chatter, Xiao Yu also pondered. She truly didn't know if her cousin Xiao Yan had someone he liked, especially since his changes lately had been so drastic.

The other freshmen began their tests one by one.

Some were at eight stages of Dou Qi, meeting the basic standards, and stood aside after registering. Others were at nine stages, and a few were one-star Dou Zhe, but so far, no one had exceeded C-grade potential.

After a while, it was finally Xiao Xun'er’s turn.

She walked to the testing area, her expression calm and composed. Ruolin nodded, signaling her to begin.

After stating her name and age, Xiao Xun'er began to manifest her Dou Qi.

Ruolin’s eyes widened slightly as she felt the intensity of Xiao Xun'er’s energy. She was secretly astonished; this seemingly delicate girl possessed such extraordinary strength.

"Xiao Xun'er, six-star Dou Zhe, grade..."