95: College life begins

Canaan Academy, a colossal entity situated on the edge of the Black-Corner Region, was currently experiencing its most boisterous season of the year.

On the vast bluestone plaza, a cacophony of voices rose and fell. Young talents from the Gama Empire and even surrounding countries gathered here, the air thick with excitement, apprehension, and vibrant youthful energy, like countless tiny sparks crackling and popping.

The towering academy buildings cast solemn shadows, silently proclaiming their accumulated prestige and power.

Mo Yuhan's small figure, swept up in this youthful torrent, appeared remarkably conspicuous.

At nine years old, his height barely reached the chins of many of the surrounding youths, yet his back was held ramrod straight. A well-fitted dark green training outfit accentuated his still-childish face, which held an unusual serenity.

His obsidian-like eyes were clear to the bottom, but deep within them lay a composure unbefitting his age.

Around him, several equally striking female figures clustered.

Lin Fei and Xue Mei, a pair of “twin lotuses” under Great Master Otto and President Frank of the Black Rock City Alchemist Guild, one in red, one in white, were distinct in style yet equally radiant.

Lin Fei, in a fiery red dress, was like a dancing flame. She was chattering incessantly, her small mouth opening and closing rapidly, her fair fingers excitedly pointing towards the center of the plaza.

“Little Han Han, quickly look! That Xiao Yan, I heard he’s only at the third stage of Dou Qi? I really don’t know what Instructor Ruo Lin is thinking, to actually let him take a year off. Isn’t that a waste of a spot?!”

She wrinkled her upturned nose, her tone full of indignation on Instructor Ruo Lin’s behalf.

Xue Mei was much quieter, dressed in an elegant moon-white long dress, her demeanor as pure and cold as a nascent lotus on a snow mountain. However, when her icy blue eyes fell upon Mo Yuhan, the ice and snow quietly melted, transforming into a gentle warmth.

She gently tugged Lin Fei’s sleeve and whispered, “Fei’er, don’t talk nonsense. Instructor Ruo Lin has her own considerations.”

Her gaze, however, remained softly fixed on Mo Yuhan.

The tall and slender Xiao Yu stood on Mo Yuhan’s other side. Her honeyed skin gleamed with a healthy luster under the sun, and her long legs, encased in tight leather pants, appeared even more agile.

It’s worth mentioning that her biological younger brother was assigned to a different class, so he wasn't walking with her.

Beside Xiao Yu, Xue Ni was slightly leaning in, close to Mo Yuhan’s ear, a mischievous smile on her face, her lowered voice carrying a unique, dashing charm.

“Did you hear that, Yu Han, Junior Brother? Junior Sister Lin Fei is defending Instructor Ruo Lin, but…”

She deliberately paused, watching Mo Yuhan’s slightly embarrassed expression, before continuing with a laugh, “I, your Elder Sister, think that Xiao Yan really isn’t as pleasing to the eye as you are.”

A warm breath brushed his ear, and the roots of Mo Yuhan’s ears subtly flushed red.

“Elder Sister Xue Ni…”

Mo Yuhan called out helplessly, his voice clear and possessing the distinct purity of a youth.

Then there was Xiao Mei. She also enrolled in Canaan Academy with Mo Yuhan. At this moment, she stood gracefully beside Mo Yuhan, not feeling inferior at all about her status as a small maidservant; instead, she carried a hint of pride.

A little further away was Xiao Xuner, holding Xiao Yu’s hand.

Xiao Xuner, in a light green dress, had a graceful figure and an ethereal, pure aura, as if untouched by dust.

She simply stood quietly, her gaze calmly sweeping over the surging crowd in the plaza, like a goddess overlooking the bustling mortal world, possessing an innate detachment and nobility.

When Mo Yuhan occasionally looked at her, he could only catch her exquisitely beautiful profile and eyes as serene as a deep pool; it seemed that all the surrounding clamor could not stir a single ripple in her heart.

“Quiet!”

A gentle yet incredibly penetrating voice rang out, instantly overpowering the plaza's din.

Instructor Ruo Lin stood on the high platform, her water-blue instructor’s robe outlining her mature and graceful figure, a smile on her face that made one feel as if bathed in a spring breeze.

Her gaze swept over the young faces below, lingering for a moment especially on Mo Yuhan and the girls around him, her smile deepening a few shades.

“Welcome, new students! Canaan Academy will be a new starting point in your lives! The Outer Courtyard is divided into Xuan and Huang classes. I am responsible for Huang Jie Class Two. I hope that in the coming years, we can make progress together!”

The class assignment ceremony proceeded systematically.

When Mo Yuhan’s name was called, the middle-aged instructor responsible for registration clearly paused, his gaze repeatedly confirming his tender face several times before announcing in an incredulous tone: “Mo Yuhan, nine years old, peak One-star Dou Master… assigned to Huang Jie Class Two.”

Though not loud, the voice was like a stone dropped into a calm lake, stirring up suppressed gasps and whispers among the crowd around Mo Yuhan.

“Nine years old? Dou Master? Are you kidding?!”

“Fake, right? How is this possible?”

“Look at who’s with him… tsk, what’s this kid’s background?”

Eyes filled with surprise, scrutiny, and even a hint of jealousy, like tangible beams, converged on Mo Yuhan.

His expression remained normal, as if those gazes were merely a gentle breeze, and he walked forward calmly to register.

Lin Fei and Xue Mei immediately straightened their backs, like two proud little peacocks, their eyes sweeping over the doubters with a silent display of defiance.

Xue Ni, meanwhile, rather boisterously patted Mo Yuhan’s shoulder and said loudly, “Well done, Junior Brother Yu Han, you’ve really brought honor to our Instructor Ruo Lin!”

Her voice was clear, drawing more curious glances.

Xiao Xuner’s gaze finally, for the first time, clearly fell upon Mo Yuhan.

Deep within her unruffled eyes, a fleeting hint of extremely subtle surprise flickered, like a dragonfly skimming the water, gone in an instant.

A nine-year-old Dou Master, though she had heard of this before, she was still somewhat surprised.

Such talent, even among the Central Plains and the Ancient Eight Clans she knew of, was exceedingly rare.

The cumbersome class assignment process finally concluded.

Instructor Ruo Lin gracefully approached, her smile gentle. Her gaze swept over Mo Yuhan and the group of distinctly styled yet equally outstanding young women around him, a hint of understanding and amusement flashing in her eyes.

“Alright, little ones, follow me. Considering your… well, harmonious relationships, the Academy has specially arranged a quiet residence for you. I hope you will get along well and make progress together.”

She led them through the bustling main plaza, along a lush, gravel path that wound deeper into the grounds.

On both sides stood tall ancient trees, their branches and leaves dense, sunlight cut into fragmented golden patches that scattered down.

After about fifteen minutes of walking, the clamor was completely cut off behind them. The view suddenly opened up to a delicate and elegant pavilion nestled behind a verdant bamboo grove and several magnolia trees in full bloom.

The pavilion wasn't large, but it had two stories, with blue tiles and white walls, upturned eaves, appearing ancient and serene.

A babbling brook flowed around it, making pleasant tinkling sounds. The air was filled with the fresh scent of grass and trees, and the sweet fragrance of magnolia, invigorating the senses.

“Wow! So beautiful!”

Lin Fei was the first to cheer, rushing over like a joyful little bird, circling the stone path in front of the pavilion.

Xue Mei’s eyes also showed clear delight, a faint smile blooming on her cool face.

Xue Ni whistled, hands on her hips, nodding contentedly: “Not bad, not bad, spacious enough and quiet enough. Now Yu’er won’t have to worry about disturbing people when she practices her sword.”

As she spoke, she didn’t forget to wink at Xiao Yu.

Xiao Yu, holding Xiao Xuner’s hand, said, “Xuner, this place is so much better than the dorms we imagined before. As expected, with Junior Brother Yu Han here, the Academy’s treatment of us is different.”