It wasn't that Xiao Yan didn't want to hide his relationship with Xiao Feng, but rather that it was simply impossible to conceal it.
During the days when Ruolin and the others were recruiting in Wutan City, they stayed directly at the Xiao family's villa due to Xiao Yu's enthusiastic invitation. As a result, the fact that Xiao Yan and Xiao Feng were twins had long ceased to be a secret.
"Indeed!"
After getting the answer he wanted from Xiao Yan, Hu Gan nodded with an expression of inevitability and said, "With a peerless genius like Elder Xiao Feng, his twin brother's cultivation talent wouldn't be lacking either."
"Elder Xiao Feng?"
Ruolin, upon hearing this, couldn't help but ask curiously, "Vice Principal, are you saying that Xiao Yan's elder brother is already a Dou King?"
"Dou King? Of course not!"
Before Ruolin could breathe a sigh of relief, Hu Gan continued, "Elder Xiao Feng is a Dou Emperor—only sixteen years old! Even in the Central Continent, he would likely be regarded as a top-tier genius."
"Dou... Dou Emperor?!"
Ruolin's beautiful eyes widened abruptly, her red lips slightly parted, her pretty face full of disbelief.
[I didn't expect Brother Feng to already be a Dou Emperor. That's wonderful!]
Hearing this, Xiao Xun'er's eyes flashed with a gleam, and she couldn't help but smile.
After all, the greater the talent Xiao Feng displayed, the fewer obstacles there would be to their arranged marriage.
If Xiao Feng could break through to Dou Ancestor before the age of eighteen, even among the younger generation of the ancient clans, he would be one of the top-tier individuals. The elders in the clan would then have no reason to oppose their marriage.
[Dou Emperor? Damn! Even leveling up with a rocket wouldn't be this fast!]
Xiao Yan couldn't help but curse inwardly. Although he knew Xiao Feng's cultivation speed was rapid, he hadn't expected it to be this fast!
[A sixteen-year-old Dou Emperor... Truly a monstrous talent. What a pity...]
Even Yao Lao, residing in the Bone Flame Ring, couldn't help but sigh, his face full of regret.
Had Xiao Feng possessed the talent to become an alchemist, Yao Lao would have undoubtedly taken him as a personal disciple.
During the three years of testing Xiao Yan, Yao Lao had also observed Xiao Feng's progress.
Before awakening his unique physique, Xiao Feng's cultivation talent wasn't as impressive as Xiao Yan's. However, his acts of loyalty and righteousness greatly impressed Yao Lao.
Moreover, Xiao Feng's luck was extraordinary. While ordinary alchemists might spend a lifetime searching for an exotic flame to no avail, Xiao Feng had found two in less than a year during his training journey.
If Xiao Feng had cultivated the Flame Mantra, he might have evolved it into a Heaven-tier technique within just a few years.
Unfortunately, Xiao Feng lacked the talent for alchemy and couldn't inherit Yao Lao's legacy.
Recovering from her surprise, Xiao Xun'er suddenly thought of something and couldn't help but ask Hu Gan, "Vice Principal, you referred to Brother Feng as 'Elder Xiao Feng.' Does that mean he has also joined Jia Nan Academy?"
"You're quite sharp, young lady."
Hu Gan smiled and nodded. "Elder Xiao Feng joined Jia Nan Academy several months ago as an honorary elder. However, I've heard he's been in seclusion within the Heavenly Flame Qi Refining Tower in the Inner Academy.
"If you wish to meet Elder Xiao Feng, you'll need to work hard and strive to enter the Inner Academy."
Upon learning that Xiao Feng was currently in the Inner Academy, Xiao Xun'er was unwilling to waste time in the Outer Academy. She immediately asked, "Vice Principal, what are the requirements to join the Inner Academy?"
"It's simple," Hu Gan stroked his beard. "You just need to rank in the top fifty during the Outer Academy's annual selection competition."
"Oh, right! This year's selection competition will begin in about half a month. If you're confident in your abilities, you can register to participate."
Hu Gan's sharp perception allowed him to discern that both Xiao Yan and Xiao Xun'er had reached the Dou Master realm. His words were clearly directed at them.
Hearing this, Xiao Yan and Xiao Xun'er's expressions shifted slightly, then revealed eager smiles.
Confident in their abilities, they spoke in unison, "Brother Feng, see you in the Inner Academy in half a month!"
With her exceptional cultivation talent, Xiao Xun'er was confident she could break through to Dou Grandmaster within half a month. Coupled with her mastery of combat skills and secret techniques, winning the competition shouldn't be difficult.
Although Xiao Yan's cultivation was slightly weaker, his possession of the Green Lotus Core Flame and the Earth-tier combat skills taught by Yao Lao made it relatively easy for him to secure a spot in the top fifty.
More than half a month later
Black-Corner Region, Demon Flame City
After two months of anticipation, the annual auction hosted by the Demon Flame Valley finally began.
Amid the reverent and awestruck gazes of the crowd, numerous renowned experts from the Black-Corner Region entered the Demon Flame Auction Hall one after another.
"Those are the members of the Mad Lion Gang? I didn't expect their leader to attend in person. He's ranked seventh on the Black Ranking!"
"Even the people from Rakshasa Gate are here! Although the Rakshasa Gate leader is ranked eighth, she's the only female Dou Emperor on the Black Ranking. Those who underestimate her don't live to regret it."
"Look over there! Even the third-ranked Medicine Sovereign has arrived..."
Watching these seldom-seen Dou Emperor experts gather at the auction hall's entrance, even many typically arrogant Dou King cultivators adopted a much humbler demeanor.
After standing in line for more than half an hour, the crowd finally entered the spacious auction hall.
With only 2,000 seats available, not everyone could participate in the auction.
According to the rules set by the Demon Flame Auction Hall, only those at the Dou Grandmaster realm or above, or those able to present proof of assets exceeding a million gold coins, were eligible to attend.
Despite these strict entry requirements, the Black-Corner Region's hidden talents ensured that the hall's seats filled quickly. Many latecomers, unable to meet the criteria, were turned away by the guards and missed the event entirely.
In addition to the general seating, the second floor featured several dozen VIP suites reserved for the high-ranking members of major powers, all of whom required at least one Dou Emperor expert as an escort.
Suddenly, the lights in the auction hall dimmed, plunging it into darkness. A spotlight illuminated the auction platform in the center.
A voluptuous woman in a purple gown, wearing high heels, swayed gracefully as she ascended the stage.
(End of Chapter)
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