Chapter 028: The Academy of the Small Town (Seeking Recommendation Votes at Dawn)

In the blink of an eye, three days had passed. Xu Xuan had become increasingly adept at the fourth transformation of the Dragon Serpent technique, the “Entwining” formula, and had even begun to attempt the fifth level of the Breathing Formula. Over these days, aside from keeping a wary eye on Xu Dahu and plotting how to deal with him, Xu Xuan was also filled with anticipation for his imminent entrance into the Town Academy—a step into a new realm.

Waking early in the morning, as he calmed his breath and focused his spirit, two luminous stars suddenly appeared in his mind’s eye, accompanied by countless grains of stardust scattered between them. Xu Xuan’s consciousness entered the first star, allowing him to personally experience the memories and information related to the “Nine Transformations of the Dragon Serpent,” as though he were reliving them firsthand. The second star was a bit smaller, its contents sparse yet profound, leaving a lingering mystery deep in Xu Xuan’s heart: In his previous life, at the crossroads of fate, what choices had he made, and what path had he taken?

One book, “The Twelve Principles of Immortal Arts,” and another, “The Origin Scripture of Martial Ways,” represented two distinct methods of cultivation—one entering the Way through immortal arts, the other through martial discipline. Whether cultivators of immortality or martial arts, both were revered and admired by ordinary folk. Among them, “The Twelve Principles of Immortal Arts” required at least the seventh level of body refinement to even begin practicing, while the “Origin Scripture of Martial Ways” demanded an eighth level of refinement. With his current fourth level, Xu Xuan could not hope to practice either of these treasured foundational texts.

“The Body Refinement stage is the foundation of all cultivation. Without reaching at least the seventh level, the gates of cultivation remain closed…” Xu Xuan keenly felt the arduousness of the path. Those able to ascend to the ranks of the immortals were one in a thousand—the darlings of fate.

“Brother, today is the day you register at the Town Academy,” his sister Huilan’s voice interrupted his thoughts.

“Mm, I’m just about to leave,” Xu Xuan nodded, noticing that his sister’s qi and blood flowed with a gentle vitality, her cheeks glowing like rosy dawn, her aura stronger than in previous days.

Unbeknownst to him, Huilan had advanced from the first to the second level of body refinement. The introductory body refinement techniques from the immortal sects of his past life were far superior to those outside the sects; after a few days of practice, Huilan had actually broken through the stagnation that had lasted for years.

“Not bad. In our village, girls who reach the second level of body refinement at thirteen or fourteen are as rare as phoenix feathers,” Xu Xuan praised with a smile, then suddenly asked, “By the way, how is your study of the array techniques I gave you?”

“I’ve finished comprehending them all,” Xu Huilan replied, producing a thick stack of papers covered in dense lines and patterns of arrays, making Xu Xuan’s scalp tingle.

“You’ve understood them all?” Xu Xuan felt incredulous—his sister’s talent for array refinement was even more astonishing than he had imagined. Previously, she had only assisted an array master in town, never having received formal theoretical instruction.

“It was simple. I studied them twice over, but I lack the materials to actually refine and set up arrays…” Xu Huilan replied matter-of-factly.

Xu Xuan was deeply shocked. All signs pointed to his sister being a prodigy in the art of array refinement. From his past life’s memories, he knew that the most accomplished array masters held exalted status in the cultivation world, and such talent was exceedingly rare.

Masking his elation, he said calmly, “When I have the chance, I’ll bring you some basic materials. Also, don’t let anyone know about your study of these array theories.”

“I knew you’d always look out for me,” Xu Huilan glanced at him, her long, lovely lashes fluttering as she cheerfully bent over her papers, sketching complex lines, her lips slightly pursed. “Hmm, I’ll adjust the positions of the array corners and the core according to this method…”

Relieved and proud, Xu Xuan bid farewell to his parents and set off for the Town Academy alone.

As usual, he hurried toward Pinghua Town, employing the “Floating” formula—his steps appeared slow, yet rivaled a brisk jog.

On the main road, most passersby were villagers from Yangmu. Compared to before, their gazes carried a newfound respect and awe. Many greeted him warmly along the way.

Xu Xuan responded with composure, neither arrogant nor humble.

Suddenly, the sound of a carriage rolling behind him caught his ear—a familiar sound. With his keen senses, he could almost identify the owner.

“Oh, isn’t this young Xu? Off to register at the Town Academy, I presume?” Uncle Yang, the coachman, was far more cordial than before, a stark contrast to his previous brusque manner. It was indeed the carriage of Miss Da Yang’s family.

Xu Xuan smiled and stepped aside.

“Brother Xuan, are you also headed to town?” The maid Xiaohong peeked out, her eyes filled with admiration, even her address had changed. In the past, she’d called him “Little Xuan” with a teasing smile.

Xu Xuan felt a strange discomfort, but responded with a smile. Through the bead curtain, he could faintly see Yang Xiaoqian sitting gracefully, her face as flawless as snow jade, her long arched brows accentuating her fresh and delicate beauty—enough to stir any young man’s heart.

At that moment, Yang Xiaoqian’s bright eyes glanced at Xu Xuan outside, lighting up briefly before returning to their usual calm, maintaining her dignified aloofness.

Xu Xuan said nothing, merely smiled at her in greeting, his manner bold and free. He regarded Yang Xiaoqian with appreciation, but the innocent affection of his youth had faded, leaving only a faint imprint from years gone by.

Inside the carriage, Yang Xiaoqian watched Xu Xuan’s upright figure and composed demeanor as he stepped aside, and her heart stirred ever so slightly.

Given her background, talent, and aptitude, few in Pinghua Town could meet her standards; even the likes of Young Master Xu Yuan were unworthy in her eyes.

In her life, only the “Zhang Family’s Young Master”—the immortal cultivator who had briefly dazzled Pinghua Town—had ever moved her heart, and no other peer had sparked even the slightest interest.

Without doubt, since the day Xu Xuan defeated the Xu family’s scion, his presence now nearly touched her heartstrings.

Yet, today’s youth was not the same as before. Xu Xuan, bearing the memories of two lifetimes, was far more mature in matters of the heart.

From start to finish, Yang Xiaoqian saw in him neither infatuation nor nervousness—only freedom and composure, which left her secretly disappointed and a bit irritated.

…

This time, Xu Xuan arrived in Pinghua Town earlier than ever. The streets bustled with carriages and crowds. No longer insignificant, his upright figure stood out even in the busy street.

With his fourth level of body refinement, he was not to be underestimated in Pinghua Town—especially at the age of fifteen.

Heading north of the town, after walking a mile or two, he glimpsed the ancient academy sprawling over a hundred acres amidst lush greenery. Its tallest pavilion soared to over ten stories, shining with strange brilliance under the sun, clearly fortified by arrays.

Ordinary academies were established by local powers to cultivate a new generation of cultivators—open to all, regardless of wealth, status, or talent, so long as one had the strength.

Entering an academy meant access to higher levels of cultivation, meeting more immortals, and the possibility of rising above the ranks of ordinary body refiners.

Pinghua Town Academy had a history of two or three centuries, its foundation among the strongest of the nearby town academies.

A black stone road led straight into its depths. At the academy gate, many carriages were parked, including the delicate carriage of Yang Xiaoqian.

Arriving at the grand silver-hued entrance, Xu Xuan produced his “admission token.” The two burly guards glanced at it and did not block his way.

Passing the guards, Xu Xuan activated his Breathing Formula, sensing their powerful qi and blood—each likely as strong as Xu Dahu.

Even the academy guards were fourth-level body refiners. Xu Xuan was secretly astonished and grew even more eager as he strode into the academy.

After some inquiries, he found the registration office—a separate pavilion at the center of a lake, accessible only by a floating bamboo raft. Many students leapt from the raft into the pavilion.

Entering, Xu Xuan saw most students, after registering, gathering to exchange words. Among them, Yang Xiaoqian’s graceful figure was the focus of attention—many young men approached to strike up conversation.

As Xu Xuan entered, Yang Xiaoqian’s clear eyes flickered, then returned to their natural state.

“Name and admission token,” a gaunt old man at the stone table said coolly to Xu Xuan.

“Student Xu Xuan. Here is my admission token.” Xu Xuan respectfully handed it over.

“Xu Xuan? You are Xu Xuan?” The old man’s expression changed; he did not even look at the token, but stared at Xu Xuan with cold eyes.

Had his reputation reached even the academy? Xu Xuan was startled, but quickly realized something was amiss. In this region, talented youths were numerous—his cultivation was not extraordinary. Moreover, the old man’s demeanor was distinctly cold.

“Yes, I am the student,” Xu Xuan replied, puzzled.

“Leave the token. You may go now.” The old man’s face was expressionless.

“What!” Xu Xuan’s face changed—go?

“Do you not understand what I mean?” The old man’s eyes shone with power, and Xu Xuan felt a pressure—even if not an immortal, this man was at least a sixth-level body refiner.

“Senior, could you explain more clearly?” Xu Xuan forced down his anger, feeling utterly baffled.

“The academy’s higher-ups, at the final review, have expelled you,” the old man said with a sneer.

Expelled!

Xu Xuan’s heart trembled—how could this be?

(Midnight update—begging for recommendation votes~~~~ Monday rush for the rankings, number of chapters will depend on recommendations)