223: Chapter 223 The Separate Courtyard!

One must know that Chen Hanshan, the top-ranked freshman of this year's class who also hailed from Modu Jiaotong University, possessed formidable strength and a solid foundation.

Currently, he had only recently stabilized his cultivation at the third grade early stage, and there was still a significant distance to cover before reaching the mid-stage.

While Wen Ning had performed well during the Exchange Competition...

...compared to Chen Hanshan, there was a clear gap in both strength and reputation.

How much time had passed since then?

Wen Ning had actually managed to quietly overtake him in cultivation level, even touching the threshold of the third grade mid-stage?

This speed of progress was simply unheard of!

Qin Yan's heart stirred as he asked tentatively, "Did you break through the second grade limit?"

"I did," Wen Ning replied.

"I see."

The two chatted casually for a few more moments about what had happened since they last met.

Wen Ning did not go into detail about her specific life and cultivation within the Elf Clan, and Qin Yan tactfully refrained from asking too much.

Everyone had their own secrets and opportunities.

The group passed through a relatively open area, and on the right, an independent manor appeared, surrounded by tall silver maple trees, its elegant style tinged with a sharp aura.

At the entrance of the manor stood a simple wooden plaque carved with five powerful characters—"Sword Arts Refinement Court."

Between the strokes, a peerless and sharp sword intent faintly emanated, inspiring awe in anyone who looked upon it.

Wen Ning signaled to Qin Yan and Jian Lu, "I'm going over there to train."

After saying that, Wen Ning walked with light steps into the arched gate of the "Sword Arts Refinement Court," her figure soon disappearing amidst the green trees.

Jian Lu spoke up at the right time to explain, "That is a place of secluded cultivation and teaching for some of our clan's top sword dao experts.

They occasionally hold lectures there to teach the essence of sword techniques and provide guidance to our clan's young swordsmen, as well as privileged guests like Miss Wen Ning.

There are several similar courtyards within the Royal Palace, corresponding to different fields such as archery and spears."

Qin Yan nodded.

It seemed that Wen Ning's presence in the Elf Clan was not merely for seeking refuge or as a guest, but that she had truly been integrated into some kind of training system.

It was even possible that she had taken one of the Elf Clan's sword dao experts as her master.

Otherwise, how could an ordinary guest freely enter and exit such a place that was clearly a vital center of inheritance?

However, why would Princess Anya... treat a human girl like Wen Ning, who had once been involved in a murder case and seemingly had no powerful background, with such high regard?

Not only did she provide protection during her crisis and take her away from the center of trouble, but she also provided her with top-tier resources, arranging a Gao Ming mentor, and even allowed her to enter the core inheritance grounds of the Royal Palace?

What exactly was Anya after?

What was so special about Wen Ning that she was worth such an investment from an Elven Princess?

"Could it be Wen Ning's special spirit power talent?"

Many thoughts flashed through Qin Yan's mind in an instant.

The group continued forward under Jian Lu's lead.

After passing through two more palace gates, the scenery before them changed once again.

A relatively independent and secluded courtyard appeared before everyone.

Unlike the buildings filled with elven charm they had seen before, the style of this courtyard was clearly closer to the modern aesthetics of the human race.

The layout of the courtyard was well-arranged, with lush green grass and neatly trimmed trees and flowers.

Independent two-story buildings were scattered throughout.

"Here is 'Listening Pine Court,' a residence specially designed and built for distinguished guests from the human race."

Jian Lu stopped and introduced the place to everyone, "Considering your living habits, the internal facilities all follow Blue Star's modern standards.

You may freely choose any currently unoccupied building to stay in.

There is an indicator light in front of each building; a red light means it is occupied, while a green light means it is vacant and available for selection."

She paused, her gaze sweeping over the crowd, and continued, "After choosing your residence, you may familiarize yourselves with the environment and take a short rest.

Information regarding the basic rules within the Royal Palace, activity areas, dining locations, and so on will be provided in detail by the guides later."

After speaking, Jian Lu lightly clapped her hands.

Accompanied by the sound of light footsteps, more than thirty young female elves dressed in light green skirts filed out from behind the pillars on one side of the courtyard.

Each was beautiful and well-mannered, with a gentle and friendly smile on their faces as they stood before everyone.

"These are the guides arranged for you."

Jian Lu pointed at the elves and said, "For the coming period, if you encounter any inconvenience in your activities inside or outside Xiguang City, or have any inquiries or needs in your daily life, you can find them at any time.

They will do their best to assist you and answer your questions."

Having finished her instructions, Jian Lu bowed slightly to everyone again: "Then, I shall take my leave. I wish you all a pleasant stay in Xiguang City.

If there is anything important, you can contact me or the Palace Internal Affairs Office through the guides at any time."

After saying this, the capable lady-in-waiting turned and left gracefully along the path she came from.

After Lady-in-waiting Jian Lu left...

...the twenty or so young female elven guides each walked toward the Human Prodigies they were assigned to follow.

They walked with light steps and elegant postures, wearing well-trained, appropriate smiles.

Soon, an elven girl arrived in front of Qin Yan.

She looked to be about eighteen or nineteen years old in human years.

She had a bright, heart-shaped face, her skin was fair and translucent, and her eyes were the emerald green common to the Elf Clan.

Her eyes sparkled with curiosity and a faint hint of admiration.

Her figure was slender and well-proportioned, her dress outlining her graceful curves.

"Greetings, Young Master Qin Yan. My name is Hua Lu, and I will be serving you in the coming days."

The girl bowed slightly. "If you have any questions about your daily life, cultivation, or the Royal City, you can find me at any time.

I will do my best to answer and arrange things for you."

Qin Yan also politely nodded in return: "Thank you for your trouble, Miss Hua Lu."

"You're very welcome, Young Master."

Then, under Hua Lu's guidance, Qin Yan finally chose a relatively secluded two-story building located at the edge of the courtyard.

The building was half-hidden by a small grove of lush green bamboo, and the environment was quiet and peaceful.

Hua Lu walked to the door of the building, took out a small crystal token, and lightly pressed it against an inconspicuous groove next to the door.

A faint light flashed, a soft click came from the door lock, and then the indicator light in front of the door turned from green to red.

"Young Master, this room now belongs to you.

Please keep the token safe; it serves as proof for entering and exiting, as well as for simple control of some facilities in the house."

Hua Lu handed the token to Qin Yan and began to introduce some basic functions and precautions of the house.

After thanking her, Qin Yan stepped inside.

The interior space was even more spacious and comfortable than he had expected.

The first floor was the living area, with an overall color scheme of off-white and light wood, simple yet cozy.

Climbing the spiral staircase on one side of the room, he arrived at the second floor.