After stepping out of Su Qian's study, Xiao Yan stood on the stone staircase, gently exhaled upward, while Meidusa followed closely behind, her face cold and silent, saying not a word. Occasionally, internal division elders would pass by the study entrance. Yet, upon seeing Xiao Yan, these elders—known for their high status—would pause and engage him in warm, enthusiastic conversation, completely shedding their usual formal demeanor. Of course, they were well aware that, in front of this young man, their title of elder held little weight. Only after sending these greeting elders away did Xiao Yan finally allow himself to breathe a quiet sigh of relief. After all, hadn't it only been a few months since he last saw them? Did they really need to be so enthusiastic? Xiao Yan turned to gaze at Medusa’s cold face, her brows slightly furrowed, and smiled. However, whenever Xiao Yan teased her, Medusa would once again tighten her expression, and at this, Xiao Yan could only shake his head in resignation, saying, “Let’s go. First, we should visit the ‘Pánmén’. Once we return to the Jiaema Empire this time, we never know when we’ll be able to come back next. So it’s best to settle everything now.” With those words, Xiao Yan stepped forward first, heading out, while Medusa followed like a ghost, step by step. Pank门's main hall, Wu Hao, Hu Jia, Lin Yan, Xiao Yu, and other senior officials had all gathered here again, thanks to Xiao Yan's return. "As soon as Xiao Yan finished speaking, the joyful atmosphere in the hall instantly froze. Everyone exchanged glances, knowing something about Xiao Yan's past experiences, so when he mentioned returning to the Jima Empire, they naturally understood his intentions—no one spoke up to try to persuade him to stay. After a moment of silence, Huojia finally broke the quiet, asking, 'So soon?' Looking at the now noticeably silent group, Xiao Yan smiled faintly and sighed, 'Yes. I've already made all the arrangements. My family at the Xiao family is waiting for me back—there's no more time to delay.' The group fell silent once again. Then, suddenly, voices began to rise, as if they had all agreed in advance: 'I'm going with you!' Xiao Yan was momentarily stunned, looking at the group who were all exchanging puzzled glances. Yet a warm feeling stirred in his heart, and he smiled, saying, "I'd have liked to, but this return journey to Jima Empire is quite dangerous. Cloud岚 Sect's strength probably isn't weaker than the force they sent two years ago to heavily attack the inner academy, when Han Feng hesitated and mobilized a large number of elite warriors. Moreover, if all of you leave, what will become of Panmen? That's our hard-earned effort." Hearing this, Wu Hao Huaji immediately slumped. "I told you this long ago," Lin Yan said, spreading his hands and smiling at Xiao Yan, "Now that I'm staying at the inner academy, I don't really have much to contribute. To go with you and experience the journey might actually be better." Seeing Lin Yan's cheerful expression, Xiao Yan hesitated slightly before nodding, saying, "I won't say anything overly complimentary—your strength is solid, and I'm confident in you. Besides, you don't seem to have much of a role at Panmen either. So, coming with us is fine." Upon hearing Xiao Yan's words, Lin Yan's face couldn How rude he is! "Then what about me? If he can go, why can't I?" A clear, youthful voice suddenly broke in. Xiao Yan stared at the white-robed little girl, her small waist propped up as she stood up, and found himself once again hesitating. Though Zi Yan's strength was indeed stronger than Lin Yan's, this return trip to the Jima Empire wasn't just a leisure visit—it carried significant risks. He didn't want to drag this adorable young girl into it. "Are you refusing to prepare the Transformation Dan for me? You deceitful one—aren't you going to fight me?" Seeing Xiao Yan's hesitation, Zi Yan immediately raised her small willow brows, clenched her fists tightly, and glared at him. After years of enduring the inner courtyard, she was eager to venture out now. She naturally wanted to seize every opportunity. Most importantly, being close to Xiao Yan meant she wouldn't have to endure the unpalatable herbs anymore. Of course, all these thoughts were silently tucked away—her reasons would surely be the most noble and righteous. Watching Xu Yan's adorable, furious expression, Xiao Yan found himself both amused and at a loss for words. After a moment's pause, he finally nodded, saying, "I'll go with you—though I must emphasize that everything will be at my discretion. Otherwise, I'll have to send you back! Though you may be naive, your strength is truly undeniable. In the past two years, I suspect your remarkable strength has grown even more formidable. That kind of power would surely make even a Duke-Class warrior suffer if they faced it head-on." Shifting his gaze once again to Huiga and Wu Hao, Xiao Yan paused for a moment before speaking slowly, "I'm sure you've heard some news about my efforts. In the Black Spire Territory, I've established a force known as the 'Xiao Sect.' The Academy's 'Pán Sect' shows immense potential, yet it suffers from an inherent flaw—graduates consistently leave after completing their studies. Moreover, the 'Fire Energy' resources available within the inner academy are insufficient to support them in the wider world. Therefore, I would like to kindly ask you to pay close attention to this matter. Should any of your graduating students be interested, please introduce them to the 'Xiao Sect.' Of course, this is entirely voluntary—should they wish to remain with the Pán Sect, there's no need to insist. I've always held the potential of the 'Pán Sect' in high regard. The students who enter the inner academy are typically those with strong talents. With proper cultivation, they will undoubtedly achieve significant accomplishments. If we can gather them effectively, this will form a powerful, latent force. Would it be inappropriate to ask them to join the 'Xiao Sect'? The Xiao family has established itself within the HeiJiao Region, thus qualifying as a significant force there—a point you're well aware of. The students from the Canaan Academy have always harbored deep reservations about that region. Upon hearing this, Wu Hao and Huo Jia both furrowed their brows and pondered. "Of course, I'm well aware of this. However, the relationship between the Canaan Academy and the HeiJiao Region has been consistently strained. Maintaining vigilance against the HeiJiao Region isn't a sustainable long-term strategy. Moreover, should the Xiao family grow in strength and include many of its members who are former students from the Inner Courtyard, what do you think would happen when this growing force encounters the Academy's student expeditions—would they be friendly or hostile?" Xiao Yan smiled gently and spoke thoughtfully. "Furthermore, once the Xiao family matures into a well-established power, it might even serve as a mediator between the Canaan Academy and the HeiJiao Region." Wu Hao and Hu Guan furrowed their brows, thinking deeply. They naturally knew the various factions within the academy, which, unlike the external sects and guilds with their strict protocols, were less formal. After all, they were students themselves and couldn't possibly establish revolutionary bylaws or similar reforms. Instead, Xiao Yan had transformed the "Pan Sect" into a talent reservoir for the "Xiao Sect." As a key force in Black Angle Domain, the "Xiao Sect" maintained rigorous internal regulations. Its ability to reassign and reorganize personnel naturally far surpassed that of the "Pan Sect" by tenfold, if not a hundredfold. If they could begin planning now for their eventual departure from the inner academy, it would indeed be quite beneficial. "If you're still uncertain, then it's precisely during my absence that the 'Xiao Sect' is short on administrators. You two could temporarily take charge—this way, you'll gain a full understanding of the dynamics between the two." Xiao Yan smiled calmly. "You are truly the true leader of the Pan Sect. You hold the authority to make these decisions. Since you've come up with this plan, then let it be." Wu Hao and Huo Jia smiled slightly, paused thoughtfully, and then nodded. "Without you two, the Pan Sect would have dissolved long ago—what does it have to do with me?" Xiao Yan sighed. "If it weren't for your relentless efforts building up your reputation, what could we two possibly achieve?" Wu Hao shook his head. They both knew that although Xiao Yan had indeed been involved in the Pan Sect's affairs only occasionally, without his established reputation, the Sect would have found it impossible to grow to the scale it had today. As for Xiao Yan's standing among the Pan Sect members, the recent stir caused by his return clearly demonstrated it. "Stop flattery between yourselves," Huo Jia said, rolling her eyes. "Let's follow what Xiao Yan suggested. As for me and Wu Hao, our abilities are still too weak. Even if we go back to the Jima Empire with you, we won't be able to do much. So we'll stay here to manage the Pan Sect and get to know the Xiao Sect. Once we reach the Duke-level rank, we'll come to assist you." Xiao Yan nodded gently with a smile, his mind gradually easing. The most crucial Panchen Sect had now been securely settled—this truly lifted the heavy weight off his shoulders. For the coming one or two months, he would simply remain calm and patient, waiting until Xiao Li had gathered all his personnel, after which the return plan could be officially launched.