34 Grand Elder Yu Yan
Grand Elder Yu Yan’s words lifted the spirits of the dejected examinees. The proctors, who had been feeling awkward, also smiled.
“Wise words, Grand Elder!”
The examinees, realizing that this gentle-looking, mature beauty with narrow eyes was the Grand Elder of the Inner Academy, bowed respectfully.
“Thank you, Grand Elder!”
Grand Elder Yu Yan maintained her amiable smile.
“You’re welcome. Everyone has worked hard. Now, some senior students will escort you to your new dormitories. As for the rewards for this special examination, besides the first and second place, everyone else will be ranked tenth. Any objections?”
Most examinees had no objections, but Qi Yuxuan and Chu Nan, who had been aiming for the top ten, were reluctant.
Points were essential for cultivation in the Inner Academy.
The first-place reward was 3000 points, second place 2000, third place 1000, and so on, decreasing by 100 points for each subsequent rank, with tenth place receiving only 300 points.
The difference from their expectations was significant.
Moreover, as representatives of their respective academies, they were proud and felt that being ranked tenth alongside others was beneath them.
Qi Yuxuan clasped his hands. “Grand Elder, I have an objection. I believe I’m strong enough to compete for the top five.”
Chu Nan added, “Instead of being ranked tenth, I’d like to request another attempt. Please grant my request, Grand Elder.”
Grand Elder Yu Yan saw through their thoughts, but her expression remained calm, and she said gently, “I understand your feelings, but you should consider this: some people still managed to arrive on time despite the unforeseen circumstances, while the rest of you passed only because of an exception.”
Qi Yuxuan, Chu Nan, and the others were taken aback, then they all looked at Yan Zhen and Huangfu Wenqing. The former had been delayed by the Jiao Venerable, and the latter had waited for him. They had been far behind, yet they still managed to overtake them.
“That’s all I have to say. Instructors, distribute the academy cards.” Grand Elder Yu Yan turned to Yan Zhen and Huangfu Wenqing. “As for you two, student Yan Zhen landed first, so he’s first place, and student Huangfu is second. Is that acceptable?”
They both nodded.
Grand Elder Yu Yan smiled and handed them two academy cards.
“These cards contain points. Points are very important in the Inner Academy, as you’ll soon learn. Use them wisely.”
They accepted the cards and nodded in understanding.
Grand Elder Yu Yan hummed in acknowledgment. “Student Huangfu, you can go with the senior students to your new dormitory. Student Yan Zhen, come with me.”
Huangfu Wenqing, hearing this, asked worriedly, “Where are you taking Yan Zhen, Grand Elder?”
“Don’t worry, I won’t do anything to him,” Grand Elder Yu Yan said gently. “All students are valuable members of the academy. As instructors and elders, we should respect, care for, and guide your growth.”
Huangfu Wenqing was speechless.
Yan Zhen patted his fiancée’s shoulder reassuringly, then turned to Grand Elder Yu Yan.
“Please lead the way, Grand Elder.”
“Such a good boy. Let’s go.”
Grand Elder Yu Yan patted Yan Zhen’s head, then transformed into a stream of clear water, carrying him away, disappearing from everyone’s sight.
Ling Fei, seeing this, said sourly, “I feel like the Grand Elder is showing special favor to this junior… Yu Die, do you know why?”
Wen Canglan pushed his glasses up his nose. “She’s probably asking him what the Jiao Venerable said.”
Yu Die chuckled. “What you don’t know is that this Junior Brother Yan Zhen is my cousin Xuan’er’s… love interest.”
“Yu Xuan’s love interest?” Ling Fei’s eyes widened in shock. “But he looks only fifteen or sixteen. Isn’t he a bit too young?”
“Younger has its advantages. What do you know, you single dog?” Yu Die curled her lip. “He’s not only handsome but also incredibly talented. He even faced the Jiao Venerable without flinching.”
“He’s indeed quite impressive.” Wen Canglan agreed, then added, “However, he seemed quite close to that green-haired junior sister as well…”
Their gazes fell on Huangfu Wenqing.
Yu Die, observing Huangfu Wenqing, said, “If I remember correctly, that Huangfu girl is Junior Brother Yan Zhen’s fiancée.”
What? Ling Fei was shocked again.
Yan Zhen, unaware that he had become the topic of discussion among the seniors, was taken by Grand Elder Yu Yan to her office.
“Sit down.”
Yan Zhen didn’t sit but said directly, “Grand Elder, do you want to ask about the Jiao Venerable?”
“That’s one of the reasons, but since you brought it up, let’s talk about that first.” Grand Elder Yu Yan, her eyes still narrowed into slits and a gentle smile on her face, asked, “The Jiao Venerable must have been awakened by the draconic might you emitted. Did it say anything to you?”
Yan Zhen told her the truth: “It made a trade with me, exchanging a Dragon Pearl and a scale for a wisp of Extreme Flame.”
“I see. Just as I suspected.” Grand Elder Yu Yan nodded. “The Jiao Venerable suffered a Dao injury and needs dragon-type treasures to recover. Your Evil Spirit Dragon Breath Fire, being Yin in nature, is perfect for it.”
“It seems you’ve already heard about me from Younger Aunt Dean.”
“Younger Aunt Dean?” Grand Elder Yu Yan paused, then chuckled. “Is that what Xuan’er calls her?”
“Is there a problem? I’m not giving up on Instructor Yu Xuan.”
“Not at all. You can even call me ‘Great Aunt’.” Grand Elder Yu Yan said gently. “But on one condition.”
“What condition?”
“Your talent, background, and age all meet our Yu family’s criteria for a husband. You’re also Xuan’er’s love interest. As long as you’re willing to… sever ties with the other girls, you can marry into our family anytime and become Xuan’er’s husband. I can even take you as my disciple and personally nurture your talent.”
So that was her plan.
“I’m sorry, Grand Elder, but I won’t marry into your family, and I won’t abandon them.”
—I’m even planning to seduce my wife in the Inner Academy and have children with her!
Grand Elder Yu Yan opened her narrow eyes slightly, revealing a cold, light blue gaze. “If you refuse to marry into our family, then give up on Xuan’er. The Yu family heir will never marry outside the clan.”
“I’ve already said, I won’t give up on Instructor Yu Xuan.”
“Such a stubborn child.” Grand Elder Yu Yan narrowed her eyes again. “Are you challenging the Yu family’s rules?”
“If I were the Jiā Lán Holy Son, would the Yu family agree to let Instructor Yu Xuan marry me?”
“The Holy Son? Ambitious…” Grand Elder Yu Yan praised him, then shook her head. “The Holy Son’s Dao companion is chosen by the Sacred Ground’s higher-ups, not someone Xuan’er can aspire to. If she were to marry the Holy Son, she would only be a concubine, a pointless endeavor.”
“Then what if I were the Jiā Lán Sacred Lord? Would you still object to me marrying Instructor Yu Xuan?”
“You child, such bold aspirations.” Grand Elder Yu Yan didn’t answer but chuckled. “The Sacred Lord is at least a Demigod. Reaching that realm isn’t just about talent, effort, and resources. It also requires opportunity and luck. The path is fraught with peril, and one could fall at any moment. Mere words are meaningless.”
“But I have a better chance than others, because…”
Yan Zhen paused, and behind him, the shadows of a gray dragon, a crimson valkyrie, and a gold and silver sword appeared. Three Extreme Flames, of different colors and forms, ignited on his forehead, his body, and his palm.
“!”
Grand Elder Yu Yan’s narrow eyes slowly widened.
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