254: Building forces

Facing the decision and gift from Great Elder Ye Tianxing, Jiang Donghua did not show excessive excitement or panic.

He simply stepped forward calmly, respectfully receiving the shimmering purple fire crystal card with both hands, which symbolized the extremely high status and authorization within the Inner Academy.

This composed bearing once again caused the several elders observing in secret to nod subtly.

Great Elder Ye Tianxing looked at him, his gaze seeming to penetrate the surface and perceive the essence.

He smiled slightly, his tone carrying a hint of emotion and certainty as he spoke.

“Little fellow, your Dou Qi is solid and profound, only one step away from that barrier. Your aura is well-rounded, your sharp edge is contained yet poised to strike. I’m afraid it won't be long before you step into the Dou King realm, will it?”

“A Peak Dou Ling aura like this cannot escape the notice of these old eyes of mine.”

As soon as these words were spoken, they once again caused a low uproar!

Although everyone had already guessed that Jiang Donghua was a Nine-Star Dou Ling, hearing the Great Elder personally confirm that he was at the Peak Dou Ling and about to break through to Dou King still brought intense shock.

A Dou King!

That was a true watershed for powerhouses, a realm that many Senior Students in the Inner Academy struggled to reach even after years of arduous cultivation!

He had actually touched the threshold on the very first day of entering the Academy!

Great Elder Ye Tianxing changed the subject, his tone becoming slightly profound.

“With your strength, once you advance to Dou King, you will absolutely not be an unknown figure within this Inner Academy.”

“The situation in the Inner Academy is complex, with numerous factions. While it is certainly possible to remain aloof, the group of New Students from the Outer Academy who followed you here will inevitably run into trouble later if they lack support.”

He was subtly reminding and suggesting to Jiang Donghua that while great strength ensures self-preservation, establishing one's own faction to protect followers is practically an unwritten rule of the Inner Academy.

Hearing this, Jiang Donghua displayed a knowing smile.

He naturally understood Great Elder Ye Tianxing’s advice and already had plans for this, so he nodded slightly, his tone calm yet carrying an undeniable resolve.

“Thank you for the Great Elder’s guidance. We have already discussed this matter.”

“Oh?”

A genuine hint of surprise flashed in Great Elder Ye Tianxing’s eyes. He hadn't expected that Jiang Donghua was not only exceptionally strong but also so meticulous and seasoned in his thinking, having already settled the subsequent arrangements.

This level of foresight and leadership was far beyond what an ordinary youth could possess.

He couldn't help but size up Jiang Donghua once more, the admiration in his eyes almost overflowing, finally transforming into a heartfelt exclamation.

“Good! Meticulous thinking, planning before action! Truly worthy of being Mo Xuan, that old fellow's Disciple! He certainly has good luck, picking up such a treasure!”

Great Elder Ye Tianxing seemed to recall something, pausing briefly, then smiling knowingly. He lowered his voice slightly, yet it was still audible to those nearby.

This statement undoubtedly illuminated a part of Jiang Donghua’s background.

It turned out he had a teacher named Mo Xuan, and this teacher seemed to be acquainted with Great Elder Ye Tianxing. Furthermore, his title was enough for a figure like Great Elder Ye Tianxing to call him an old fellow, making his strength and status imaginable.

This also explained why Jiang Donghua possessed such terrifying strength and foundation at such a young age—his lineage was extraordinary!

As everyone suddenly realized the truth, their reverence for Jiang Donghua deepened further.

Many Senior Students in the Inner Academy who heard this name were also able to figure out who his teacher was.

Monstrous personal talent and astonishing lineage—this was simply an impeccable, perfect background.

Hearing his teacher’s name, Jiang Donghua merely smiled faintly and said nothing, taking it as an acknowledgement.

Seeing this, Great Elder Ye Tianxing said no more, nodding in satisfaction.

“Since that is the case, the matters of the Inner Academy shall be for you young people to tackle on your own. I look forward to your ranking on the strong ranking list.”

Having said that, his figure slowly moved forward, and he quietly departed along with the other elders.

Left behind were Jiang Donghua and the multitude of New Students, along with countless Inner Academy Seniors whose moods were complicated and who were still processing the series of shocking messages from today.

After the Great Elder and the other elders departed, the tense, volatile atmosphere at the entrance of the Inner Academy finally dissipated completely, replaced by the complete relaxation and excitement of the New Students, and the complex, gradually dispersing onlookers among the Senior Students.

Jiang Donghua put away the purple fire crystal card, his gaze sweeping over the companions beside him—a group who had gone through a battle together and whose eyes were now filled with excitement and anticipation for the future.

He knew deeply that, just as the Great Elder had said, the rules of the Inner Academy were far wilder and more realistic than those of the Outer Academy.

Here, the Senior Students’ factions were deeply entrenched. While powerful individual strength could certainly earn respect, establishing their own faction was an indispensable step if they truly wanted to gain a foothold and protect the New Students who chose to follow him.

And the core and leader of all this, without a doubt, could only be Jiang Donghua himself.

Lin Xiu, Bai Ling, Wang Han, Zhao Ming, and the other core figures—who were the strongest and contributed the most to this operation—naturally gathered around Jiang Donghua.

The few of them exchanged glances, all understanding that the matter they were about to discuss was crucial.

Lin Xiu was the first to speak, his tone calm and practical.

“Brother Jiang, establishing a faction is imperative. Our biggest advantage right now is our unity, and the one hundred points of fire energy we just acquired.”

“This is also our greatest temptation. Without a unified organization, we will quickly become fat sheep in the eyes of other established factions, either being individually courted or suppressed.”

Bai Ling nodded, her clear, cool voice sounding out.

“That’s right, we must stick together. However, what should our New Students’ faction be called? A good name is key to firing the first shot in the Inner Academy.”

She looked towards Jiang Donghua, clearly handing the naming authority over to him.

Wang Han rubbed his fists, speaking in a muffled, booming voice.

“I think the name has to be loud! It has to be dominating! It needs to let others know we’re not easy to mess with the moment they hear it! Preferably something related to Brother Jiang!”

His thoughts were straightforward, believing that all honor should belong to the leader.

Zhao Ming, whose temperament seemed slightly gloomy but whose thoughts were meticulous, also added.

“The name needs to have deep meaning, both reflecting our origin and showcasing our goals and momentum.”

The discussion among the few of them immediately attracted the attention of all the New Students.

The dozens of remaining New Students quieted down, their gazes fixed intently on this spot.

They had long recognized Jiang Donghua as their leader and were keenly aware of the necessity of sticking together for mutual support.

Given their individual strength and the sudden acquisition of one hundred points of fire energy—enough to make countless Senior Students envious—

If they lacked a powerful faction for protection, they would certainly find it impossible to move forward in the Inner Academy and would quickly be plundered, suppressed, or even annexed by those wolf-like Senior Student factions.

Joining the New Students’ faction led by Jiang Donghua was not only born out of admiration and trust but was also the wisest and most realistic choice.

Therefore, they were filled with anticipation for the name of this soon-to-be-born faction.

All eyes were focused on Jiang Donghua, waiting for him to make the final decision.

Listening to the suggestions of his core companions, Jiang Donghua slowly scanned the vibrant and trusting faces before him, pondering for a moment.

He needed to think of a name that could both represent the characteristics of their group, and simultaneously awe the Inner Academy and foreshadow their future.