Five freshmen, their bodies streaked with bruises and blood trickling from their mouths, stared in wide-eyed disbelief at Xiao Yan and his companions. Only now did they fully grasp what had transpired—these people had been stealing the "fire energy" of the senior students! Their faces contorted with shock as they watched the five senior students from the Inner Court, who had been knocked unconscious despite having their fire energy taken by Xiao Yan and his group. Earlier, these freshmen had fought the seniors directly and had only faltered after a few exchanges, ultimately succumbing to the seniors' superior strength and battle experience. Yet now—those very seniors, who had previously dominated the scene—had been swiftly defeated by Xiao Yan and his companions within just a few minutes, ending up just as badly off as the freshmen had. The sheer contrast was utterly staggering, leaving the younger students utterly stunned. "Indeed, these stand out as top five picks from the preliminary selection—how strong their prowess truly is." As newcomers to the academy, they naturally knew the five members of Xiao Yan's group, yet they still hadn't expected that together, they could defeat even the senior students within the academy. This team was truly formidable. "...Well, I never thought it would be so unique. Truly, no waste of my expectations." Hugua twirled the fire crystal card in her hands, glanced at the five senior students bound to the tree trunk and forcibly knocked unconscious by Xiao Yan, and smiled softly. Earlier, she had extracted eighteen days of "fire energy" from one of the seniors she interrogated, so the number on her card had now risen from five to twenty-three. "It's a pity, though, that I couldn't seize all the 'fire energy' they used—having to reserve seven days as a safety margin." She sighed, looking at the card with a touch of regret. "It seems that the Sky-Consuming Qi Tower in the Inner Courtyard must be the reason why the Inner Courtyard students are able to advance so swiftly in their cultivation—truly astonishing." Xun'er smiled softly. "Indeed, quite unexpected," Lu Hao nodded slowly, saying, "though I'm more interested in that so-called 'Strong List.' Once I enter the Inner Courtyard, I'll find an opportunity to challenge them." Hearing the underlying passion in Lu Hao's voice, Xiao Yan shook his head in resignation—this battle-mad man. "What should we do next?" The usually cold expression on Bai Shan's face now carried a touch of warmth, naturally because he had recently gathered twenty days' worth of 'Fire Energy' from a rather unfortunate student. Xiao Yan scanned the faces of the five freshmen who had fallen unconscious, only lifting his head after confirming they showed no signs of response. He then withdrew a rather crude map from his storage seal, studied it for a long time before hesitating slightly and pointing to a specific spot: "This forest is indeed enormous. Our current position should be somewhere around here. If we continue along this path, we might be able to exit the forest within a single day." "Then let's move quickly—don't waste any more time," White Shan urged promptly. Xiao Yan glanced at him but remained motionless. The black crystal chips spun rapidly at his fingertips, his dark eyes flickering subtly. After a moment, he moved his finger, precisely inserting the crystal card between his fingers, and smiled. "Since you all now understand the importance of 'Fire Energy' within the inner academy, would any of you like to gain a little more?" "Who wouldn't?" "I'd really like to secure enough 'fire energy' to train for a full year within that so-called 'Heaven-Burning Qi Tower,' wouldn't you agree?" Huiga said, her lips curling slightly. The others nodded in quiet agreement, having clearly grasped from the older students' words just how essential and indispensable fire energy was within the inner courtyard. "So, are you willing to take a risk for this 'fire energy'?" Xiao Yan asked with a warm, cheerful smile. "What do you mean?" Bai Shan furrowed her brows, her expression suddenly lifting in surprise. "Are you suggesting you'd go after other senior students' teams instead?" "If they can take us, why can't we take them?" Xiao Yan replied calmly, with a gentle smile. "Moreover, in terms of strength, aside from those two teams composed of the so-called Black and White Gate Guardians, all others—provided they don't unite to attack us—cannot stand against us individually. That, right there, is our opportunity! So, are you ready to give it a try?" Hearing Xiao Yan's words, the three of Hu Jia fell into silence. Xun'er chuckled softly, still standing by Xiao Yan's side, demonstrating through her actions her clear choice. After a moment of silence, Wu Hao nodded first, speaking with conviction, "There's always something to gain when there's risk—once you're willing to take it, I won't hesitate a single moment!" "Ah, such a passionate one. Well, well, who could blame me when I've also been longing for that 'fire energy' all along?" Hu Jia spread her hands, expressing her resignation. "Alright, I'm not opposed either." Seeing everyone agree, Bai Shan glanced once more at the crystal card in her hands, then clenched her teeth, saying, "Then I'll go for it!" "Very well. Since everyone has agreed, let's settle on this then." With a clap of her hand, Xiao Yan smiled, but then paused slightly, speaking seriously, "Before we finalize, however, I'd like to propose that we clarify—should we succeed in securing another team's 'fire energy' later on, how should we distribute it?" "I certainly don't want the team to fall apart simply due to uneven distribution." Upon hearing this, Bai Shan and the others were momentarily stunned, then nodded in agreement. If this issue weren't handled well, the team might indeed fracture. In such a place, if the team broke apart, each individual would likely be unable to make it out of the forest on their own—what was needed here wasn't just personal bravery, but teamwork. "Let's distribute it evenly. If at any time someone can't receive an equal share, we'll prioritize completing their share in the next round, how does that sound?" Xun'er paused thoughtfully before speaking. "I have no objections," said Huo Jia and Wu Hao, who also nodded. Bai Shan followed suit. "Then let's proceed with this distribution model." "Only when he saw this most practical and immediate issue—something that could easily fracture the team—being resolved did Xiāo Yīn finally feel at ease. He turned and glanced at the five newly arrived students, their faces streaked with bruises, then waved his hand, sending several jade vials flying toward them: "These are healing potions to ease your external injuries." The five students, initially caught off guard by the sudden delivery, eagerly grasped the vials, a warm sense of gratitude flowing through them. They nodded firmly to Xiāo Yīn, their eyes brimming with appreciation. Acts of genuine support in times of need always resonate most deeply. With a casual wave, Xiāo Yin called out to Huáng Jīa and the others, and then five figures darted into the forest, swiftly vanishing into the undergrowth. Now, the prey must begin to seek out the hunters. ... High atop a massive tree within the vast forest, two elders sat in stillness, their bodies motionless as if carved from stone. Though the gentle breeze rustled their robes, their forms remained as rigid as steel, appearing remarkably unusual. At a certain moment, two elderly men who had been closed-eyed suddenly slowly opened their eyes, locking gazes with one another and each reading a mixture of astonishment and amusement in the other's expression. "Hey, hey," said the elder in gray robes, smiling first, "this year's new recruits are far more interesting than in past years." "The five youngsters—aren't they the top five from this year's selection competition? Their abilities are solid, and their potential is truly impressive. It's no wonder they managed to defeat even the senior team from the inner courtyard." The elder in blue robes nodded slightly, expressing his approval. "And that leading youngster—Xiao Yan, isn't it? Excellent courage. I like him." The gray-robed elder chuckled, stroking his beard, as though he had observed every move of Xiao Yan and his companions with keen attention. "Hehe, indeed quite impressive. The team originally wasn't very harmonious, but this young one has managed to bring them all together. In past years, the students who ranked in the top five of the selection matches often carried a strong sense of pride, refusing to yield to one another, and ultimately fell to the older students' teams. This year, perhaps this team will truly surprise everyone." The elder in blue robes smiled. "Still, it's hard to make a final judgment. This year's Black and White Shattered team consists of fighters who emerged directly from the arena—no ordinary team in terms of strength. Should Xiao Yan's team face them, it's far from certain who will come out on top." The elder in gray robes said with keen interest. "Yes, each of those members has seen countless battles and boasts an exceptionally rich combat experience. Their coordination is seamless. I suspect Xiao Yan's team will face a tough challenge. Still, I particularly enjoy the intensity of such a clash between equally strong teams." The elder in blue robes chuckled, his voice carrying a touch of anticipation. "Now, things won't be so dull anymore. Sit back and enjoy the show." The two elders exchanged a glance, both smiling lightly before slowly closing their eyes once more. As the leading man shouted, a light, sudden laugh rang out from a distance ahead. The five senior students from the inner courtyard were startled, quickly lifting their heads only to be amazed to see a group of five freshmen—three men and two women—smiling warmly and directing their gaze toward them. "Catch them!" The astonishment on the leading man's face gradually gave way to exhilaration. With a sharp cry, he gestured, and the five students suddenly surged forward, encircling the group of freshmen. "Old routine—one per person. Crystal cards secured, then collectively distributed," the black-robed youth said, his expression brightening as he observed the five who had stepped forward with initiative. He turned to his companions behind and offered a gentle smile. "Understood." "Then, let's go—for our 'Fire Energy'!" With a warm smile, the black-robed youth spoke, and at once, five powerful streams of combat energy surged forth, bursting through the dense forest.