The economic rivalry between the two leading families of Wutan City ultimately concluded with Xiao's victory, while the Galé family, as the loser, saw its influence rapidly shrink and could no longer regain its former prominence. After a vibrant week-and-a-half of widespread discussion and excitement, the residents of Wutan City, growing weary of the constant shifts in preference, gradually turned their attention to another significant development: the recruitment drive at the Cana College. As one of the renowned elite institutions on the Qi Continent, Cana College stands almost as a holy ground in the hearts of young people. Graduates who successfully pursue their studies there enjoy a remarkably smooth career path, not only returning home with pride and honor, but also becoming highly sought-after assets, eagerly pursued by various power factions. The Canaan Academy is situated at the intersection of the territories of the Gamma Empire and two neighboring major empires. In such a tri-jurisdictional region, the Academy has effectively become a miniature nation. By right, the three empires would never remain indifferent to such a neutral power nestled between them—after all, who knows when this force might be drawn into the fold of one of their rivals, posing a serious threat to their frontier defenses. Of course, this holds true only if the intermediate power remains relatively weak. Should, however, that power grow strong enough to challenge the three empires directly, the empires themselves would then quietly withdraw all ambitions, ultimately allowing the Canaan Academy to flourish like a great dragon, entrenched along the empire's periphery, with no major power daring to challenge it. And over the course of many years of development, the present-day Canaan Academy has not only become a renowned elite institution across the Qi Continent, but also, due to its subtle collaborations with the royal families of the three empires, has gained an increasingly strong reputation among the people of the three empires. The stable peace that has endured for nearly a century among the three empires, which at times have been historically at odds, is largely attributable to the academy's behind-the-scenes influence and mediation. All these factors have solidified Canaan Academy's prestige among the three empires, with the academy annually dispatching numerous instructors to recruit outstanding students from the three empires. The royal families of the three empires have all independently and unanimously expressed strong support for the Canna Academy's initiative. After all, the academy is not a religious sect and lacks substantial constraints—once graduates secure their positions, the majority will return to their home nations. Any indirect measure that strengthens national strength naturally finds favor with the royal families, provided they haven't had their minds crushed by a door hinge. In a few days, the recruitment advisors from the Canna Academy will arrive in Wutan City. As a result, all attention in Wutan City has shifted away from the two prominent families that were previously at the center of the spotlight. This development has quietly eased the mounting pressure on the Xiao family, which had recently been under intense scrutiny. The Gan-Can Academy emphasizes cultivating innate talent over social status or lineage. Without sufficient talent, aspiring students consistently struggle to gain entry through the threshold symbolizing a smooth path—though not absolutely so. If one comes from a powerful backing, the Academy will certainly not mind having an annual high-contributor among its students. … Compared to the heartfelt expectations of these people, Xiao Yan had been extremely busy. As he was preparing for his upcoming journey, he had been working tirelessly to produce healing medicines. Seeing Xiao Yan's relentless efforts, the medicine elder felt deeply moved and could only offer his support. With the medicine elder—whose expertise was of no ordinary level—assisting him, large quantities of finished healing medicines were continuously being delivered to the Xiao family's warehouse. Based on these reserves, as long as the Xiao family sold them steadily, they would be able to sustain their sales for an entire year without running out of stock. Once these healing medicines were fully sold, the Xiao family would likely achieve a highly profitable return that would be eye-catching. This intense process of alchemy, while leaving Xiao Yan extremely fatigued, steadily enhanced his mastery over the control of his qi, particularly in regulating the temperature of the flame—his skill in this grew increasingly refined. Combined with his soul perception, which even the Elder Pharmacist praised repeatedly, Xiao Yan's success rate in crafting the Blood-Clotting Powder now reached nearly six layers—a level typically achieved only by experienced second-tier alchemists. While his alchemical techniques were advancing, his own combat strength was also gradually and steadily improving, thanks to the carefully tailored elixirs provided by the Elder Pharmacist. After completing his final alchemical session, during his subsequent cultivation, the qi within him naturally coalesced and flowed smoothly, surging powerfully into the four-star warrior level. Overwhelmed by this unexpected achievement, Xiao Yan was filled with delight—clearly, this rigorous alchemical practice was proving to have a notably positive impact on his overall strength. Of course, although the alchemy process offered some enhancement effects, it was still quite energy-consuming. Once the final batch of herbs had been successfully refined by Xiao Yan, the Elder of Medicine stopped him, his expression stern. Considering that the inventory was already sufficient, Xiao Yan had no further reason to insist. Thus, after returning to his room and spending the entire day sleeping quietly, his days once again became relaxed and leisurely. Standing by the edge of the training ground, Xiao Yan lazily glanced at the field before turning away with mild boredom. He had little sympathy for these individuals who only showed up when it mattered—those who, like him when he first awakened his innate potential, often ended up exhausted, working like dogs. These people, though lacking in natural talent, constantly relied on their family's influence, seeking favors and connections everywhere. Such behavior left Xiao Yan rather indifferent toward them. The recruitment standards at Jia Nan Academy were quite high—candidates had to reach the Eighth Segment of Combat Qi before turning eighteen. This rigorous requirement dashed the hopes of many. In Xiao Yan’s view, however, the number of students currently on the training field who met or could meet this threshold was no more than two. Holding his head with both hands, Xiao Yan pushed the group of people out of his mind. It didn't matter how many of them made it—none of that was his concern. Shaking his head slightly, Xiao Yan turned into a narrow path leading toward the back garden. There, standing gracefully among the blooming flowers, was a familiar girl's silhouette, looking especially beautiful. "Are you not going to the Canaan Academy?" Xin'er softly said, letting Xiao Yan fondly play with the silken hair—hair that had never been touched by any other man besides herself. "Yes," Xiao Yan nodded gently, smiling lightly. "I have my own matters to attend to." "Is it because of Nalan Yanran?" Water Ling's eyes flickered with an unfamiliar coldness; Xin'er bit her red lips and murmured softly. Xiao Yan's hand paused in its gentle caress, and he shrugged, speaking with a calm tone. "I made that promise in front of so many people. How could I possibly break it? If I did, even you would surely look down upon me." Xin'er slightly furrowed her brows, sighed softly, and whispered in a voice only she could hear, "Back then, I truly should have let her live." "Don't worry," Xiao Yan smiled warmly. "After I finish my affairs, I'll come to the Canaan Academy to see you. Well, maybe one and a half years—no, even one year—" Seeing Xin'er's face suddenly fall into a look of deep worry, Xiao Yan quickly adjusted his words with a smile. "Xiao Yan brother, actually... if you stay with me, I believe I can help you defeat Na Lan Yan Ran within the agreed timeframe." After pausing and thinking deeply, Xun'er hesitated. A gentle breeze brushed through the garden, making the willows sway softly. The young man clung tightly to the young woman, their bodies perfectly aligned, as if they were one. Startled by Xiao Yan's sudden gesture,薰儿 stood momentarily speechless. After a brief struggle, a delicate blush rose to her delicate ears, and with a shy hesitation, she settled, her cheeks glowing with a charming rosy hue. "Xun'er, in one year, I'll go to the Cangnan Academy to find you. I'll be waiting for you." With her head buried deep in his smooth, flowing dark hair, the young woman, once at a loss, finally nodded in quiet agreement.