The surroundings of the passage had long since cleared out, leaving a vast empty space. Whether new students or old ones, the moment they saw the golden lightning and felt the energy fluctuations and overwhelming pressure emanating from it, they instantly retreated at high speed.
The hook-nosed young man stared fixedly at the approaching golden lightning, his heart pounding in terror.
A deep sense of foreboding told him that this lightning had already locked onto him—there was no way to dodge, no way to escape. He could only take it head-on!
"Boom!"
The lightning struck with unstoppable force, arriving in the blink of an eye. It crashed directly into the thick yellow earth-attributed energy armor, igniting a dazzling burst of golden light.
The deafening sound made the onlookers instinctively squint as they tried to see more clearly.
The instant the golden lightning made contact with the armor, ripples spread across the earth-attributed energy layer.
"Crack!"
A crisp, cracking sound echoed. The sturdy, heavy armor, which had seemed so solid, suddenly showed a fracture as if it were fragile crystal.
This crack was like a primer—soon, more cracking sounds followed, one after another, as if the armor itself was wailing in agony.
The cracks spread rapidly, like a spider web, reaching every corner of the armor.
"Ah!"
A painful howl burst forth as shards of energy from the armor shattered under the lightning's impact, resounding through the air.
Even those watching from a distance couldn't help but shudder.
Pain!
Intense pain!
A pain that felt like being torn to pieces!
This was what the hook-nosed young man was experiencing at this moment. The golden lightning carried an aura of destruction, an overwhelming, deathly intent.
For a brief moment, he felt as if this lightning was going to reduce his body to dust and scatter him into the wind!
Yet, the continuous agony flooding his mind made him realize—he was still alive. But the pain was worse than death!
The golden lightning was controlled with extreme precision. It did not damage a single blade of grass or leaf around it.
It was as if all its energy had been focused entirely on the hook-nosed young man.
When the golden light finally dissipated, everyone looked toward the figure standing stiffly in the center—charred black, without the slightest trace of vitality. He resembled a burnt tree stump struck by lightning.
Instinctively, they swallowed hard, their breathing growing cautious.
"Is he dead?"
That was the unanimous thought in everyone's mind.
Even though they were hundreds of meters away from the figure, the tingling sensation on their skin made them acutely aware of just how terrifying the attack the hook-nosed young man had endured truly was!
---
About two thousand meters away from the new students' area, several figures stood atop the treetops, observing the commotion from afar.
"That guy didn't actually kill him, did he?"
Lin Yan wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and muttered softly.
"He shouldn't have… In the Inner Academy, beating someone half to death is fine, but killing—well, that would get you in serious trouble with the Enforcement Team. He doesn't seem like someone that reckless."
Liu Qing shook his head, his gaze flickering with apprehension. "That golden lightning… it's strange. And terrifying!"
"So, this is the Xiao Bai you've been talking about?"
Beside them, a handsome young man in a cyan robe, usually composed and unbothered, now appeared slightly taken aback. He remarked in admiration:
"Impressive! No wonder he single-handedly dominated the Hunting Competition! To take down a four-star Dou Ling without even showing himself—just by the sound of his voice. I've never heard of such a method before!"
"Indeed! That golden lightning appeared out of nowhere—it doesn't look like a Dou Technique. It feels more like a legendary Heavenly Tribulation Lightning!"
A dark-skinned man spoke solemnly. "With just that single strike… Forget Mao Jin—even if you, Lin Xiuya himself took that hit, I doubt you'd probably come out unscathed!"
"If I wouldn't, then neither would you, Yan Hao!"
The handsome young man rolled his eyes and replied in exasperation.
"Enough bickering! Pay attention—Mao Jin moved! That guy really didn't kill him!"
Lin Yan waved a hand, cutting off their conversation.
---
At the passage in the new students' area, the charred figure stirred slightly, exhaling a wisp of black smoke.
Only then did the onlookers gradually sense a faint trace of life remaining in him.
Xiao Bai's indifferent, ethereal voice rang out once again: "Now… if anyone still wants to collect tribute, feel free to speak up!"
"These new students barely have any Fire Energy. I have three thousand Fire Energy. If anyone wants it, come face me in the arena—if you win, it's all yours!"
"But if you lose, you'll have to give me three thousand Fire Energy in return!"
"Anyone dare to take the challenge?"
The old students felt as if an indifferent gaze swept over them from the sky.
As throats swallowed nervously, a drop of cold sweat dripped from a forehead, and heads shook frantically like rattles.
What kind of joke was this? Three thousand Fire Energy was tempting, but with Mao Jin's charred remains still in front of them, who would dare to accept?
Even Lin Yan and his group felt an invisible gaze sweep over them, exchanging puzzled looks. 'Why is he looking at us? We never even tried to collect tribute!'
"Since no one is willing to step forward, the matter of new student tribute ends here!"
As the voice fell and no one objected, the strange oppressive aura that had filled the surrounding space gradually dissipated.
The older students exchanged glances, wiping the cold sweat from their foreheads. A long breath of relief escaped their lips, their tense expressions easing.
Those who had participated in the Hunting Competition kept muttering in their hearts: "This demon is becoming more and more terrifying!"
"Yeah! Boss Xiao is invincible!"
The new students, finally recovering from the shock, erupted in cheers. In unison, they bowed toward Xiao Bai's pavilion and called out, "Thank you, Boss Xiao!"
"No need to thank me. In the Inner Academy, strength is everything. Train hard! I can protect you once, but I can't protect you forever. Whether you can establish yourselves here depends on your own abilities!"
A clear voice rang out. It no longer carried the distant indifference from before, now tinged with human emotion.
The older students, hearing this, looked at the new students, their eyes filled with deep envy.
When they had entered the Inner Academy, they had stumbled and struggled on their own.
No one to rely on. No one to stand up for them. If they were bullied, they could only endure in silence.
But this generation of new students had someone like Xiao Bai—not only did he stand up for them, but he even taught them.
"Tsk, tsk… This Xiao Bai, not only is he powerful, but he also has quite the charisma!" Lin Xiuya shook his head in amazement as he watched the new students, their eyes filled with gratitude. "If he were to give the command, these new students would follow him without hesitation!"
"Charisma?" Lin Yan's eyes flickered with an odd expression before he scoffed coldly, "That's because you haven't seen his deranged methods. The guy's practically inhuman!"
"Hahaha…"
The others, having heard about Xiao Bai's threat to hang Lin Yan from a tree, burst into laughter.
"What the hell are you laughing at!"
Lin Yan, flustered and annoyed, growled, "Damn it! if I ever find out who spread that story, I'll smash their stupid heads in!"
As they bantered, on the other side—
Tu Shan quickly shot Mu Chuan a meaningful look, who immediately understood. His eyes lit up with anticipation as he carefully chose his words before speaking:
"Boss Xiao, do you… have any plans to establish a faction in the Inner Academy?"
The moment Mu Chuan spoke, all the new students held their breath, eagerly waiting for the answer.
If that person truly intended to form a faction, they would join without hesitation.
Seeing Xiao Bai remain silent, Mu Chuan wasn't discouraged and continued, "I know that with Boss Xiao's strength, you don't need any faction to survive here. No one would dare mess with you. But…"
"No matter how strong a person is, sometimes they still need others to handle the smaller matters. If Boss Xiao is willing, just say the word, and all of us freshmen will gladly follow you!"
"We will gladly follow you!"
The forty or so new students, their faces flushed with excitement, shouted in unison.
Young people were always full of passion.
If Xiao Bai was willing to take the lead, they would follow without hesitation. After all, the older students already disliked them—why should they continue putting up with their oppression?
"Xiao Bai-gege, if you want to establish a faction, now is the perfect time. If you wait until this moment passes, it will be much harder to find such an opportunity again!"
"If you agree, I'll take care of everything—you can focus on alchemy without any worries!"
Far away, Xun'er watched the scene quietly before speaking in a gentle voice, knowing that Xiao Bai could hear her.
"Very well!"
The sudden voice from above filled the new students with joy.
Mu Chuan let out a sigh of relief, as if a weight had been lifted from his heart. Then, as if recalling something, he grinned and said, "Boss, since we're forming a faction, we need a name. Otherwise, we won't be able to establish our presence. What should we call it?"
After a brief silence, two words suddenly echoed in everyone's ears.
"Purple Heaven."
"Purple Heaven?" Xun'er softly repeated the name with her rosy lips.
She recalled a story Xiao Bai had once told her, which mentioned the Purple Heaven Divine Thunder.
Back then, she hadn't given it much thought, but now, it was clear that this name wasn't chosen randomly—it must be closely related to Xiao Bai's inheritance.
Hearing this, Mu Chuan turned to face the new students and laughed boldly, "Everyone, from today onward, our new student faction shall be known as 'Purple Heaven.' Xiao Bai is our leader. From this moment on, we follow his command without question. Anyone who defies it shall be scorned!"
"Anyone who defies it shall be scorned!" The new students roared in unison.
"Tu Shan, Mu Chuan!"
"Present!"
"You two will assist Xun'er in handling all related matters. She takes the lead—you must not disobey her!"
"Understood!" The two men quickly cupped their fists in acknowledgment.
"Lin Yan! It's time for you to get to work! Otherwise, you can look forward to hanging from a tree!"
At the mention of his name, the group standing on a distant treetop immediately turned their attention toward Lin Yan.
Liu Qing, Lin Xiuya, and the others cast amused glances at him.
"Damn it! This guy isn't seriously making me join this 'Purple Heaven' faction, is he?"
Lin Yan was speechless. He had lived his life freely and unrestrained, avoiding joining any faction to escape restrictions. He never imagined this day would come.
---
Inside the pavilion, Xiao Bai withdrew his spiritual power from the outside world, refocusing on the cauldron before him. His face was slightly pale, and a fleeting trace of exhaustion appeared in his eyes.
A pair of delicate hands gently rested on his head, massaging it with soft, soothing motions.
"Xiao Bai, am I useless?" Xiao Yi Xian murmured as she continued her gentle massage. "Xun'er can help you manage your faction, but I can't do anything to help!"
"Aren't you helping me right now?" Xiao Bai chuckled softly, his attention still fixed on the magical core being refined within the cauldron.
"That's not the kind of help I mean!" Xiao Yi Xian pouted, dissatisfied with his perfunctory response.
"Why don't you tell me what I can do? Otherwise, I'll feel completely useless!"
"Be patient! There will be times when I need you." Xiao Bai reassured her with a smile.
"Really? What can I do?" Xiao Yi Xian's eyes lit up. She had been thinking for a long time and couldn't figure out how to be useful.
But hearing that he actually had a task for her lifted her spirits instantly.
"Have babies!" Xiao Bai teased with a smirk. "That's something you can definitely help with!"
"Pfft! You pervert!" Xiao Yi Xian's hands pressed down harder in embarrassment, her face flushing red. Her beautiful eyes glared at the head beneath her hands as she playfully scolded him.
"Haha! Stop, stop! I'm in the middle of refining pills!" Xiao Bai quickly pleaded for mercy, feeling the increasing pressure on his head.
"Hmph! That's what you get for talking nonsense!" Xiao Yi Xian huffed, though her touch gradually softened again.
At that moment, Xiao Bai sensed that the magical core inside the cauldron had completely refined into a pile of azure-blue powder. He let out a slow breath of relief.
This sixth-tier magical core had put up far greater resistance to the flames than any of the previous medicinal ingredients.
Due to their opposing elemental properties, the dense water-attribute energy inside had nearly burst out of the cauldron several times.
Fortunately, Xiao Bai had been prepared for this in advance, preventing any major losses.
Now that the most difficult stage of refining the magical core had passed, he was finally able to intervene.
If this had happened during a critical moment, he wouldn't have been able to split his focus, let alone help the new students.
At this point, all the medicinal ingredients had been fully refined. The next step was to fuse them with the essence of the magical core.
Fusion was the most crucial step in alchemy. Even the slightest mistake could instantly ruin the meticulously refined ingredients.
Xiao Bai's expression turned serious, his previous ease completely gone.
Seeing this, Xiao Yi Xian sensibly stepped aside, remaining silent so as not to disturb him.
One by one, the medicinal ingredients were tossed into the cauldron, while the flames inside fluctuated in size.
This was a critical moment in the fusion process. Controlling the flames with absolute precision was essential to ensure the medicinal properties blended harmoniously.
Xiao Bai's powerful soul perception closely monitored the changes inside, making constant adjustments.
As time passed, a pill embryo slowly began to form within the cauldron—a deep red pill speckled with tiny blue glimmers.
The moment this embryo took shape, Xiao Yi Xian clearly sensed an unusual fluctuation in the surrounding energy of heaven and earth.
It was as if a massive boulder had been dropped into a calm lake, sending waves rippling outward.
Xiao Bai paid no attention to the external energy disturbances. His full focus was locked onto the evolving pill embryo.
This was the final and most crucial stage. Any mistake now would render all his previous efforts worthless!
As time went on, the initially irregular red-and-blue embryo gradually became more refined and rounded.
The red glow turned translucent, while the blue specks shimmered like stars in the night sky, spreading brilliant radiance from its surface, making it appear exceptionally stunning.
Just as the light reached a dazzling peak, Xiao Yi Xian was shocked to witness an incredible sight.
From within the cauldron, wave after wave of solid-like energy ripples burst outward in all directions, surging continuously like an unstoppable tide—a truly breathtaking spectacle!
"Xian'er, go! Get down there and tell them to leave the pavilion—get as far away as possible!"
Xiao Bai hadn't anticipated that a sixth-tier pill would release such an overwhelming surge of energy.
Since he needed to remain fully focused on the pill's transformation, he couldn't spare any attention to protect Xiao Yi Xian—he had no choice but to send her away!
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