Battle Through the Heavens: Harmony of Flame and Shadow

Wang Shan's response was very timely, but unfortunately, with Zi Yan's strength on par with a Dou Huang expert, even a casual attack carried considerable power. 

Though Wang Shan was known for his defensive earth attribute Dou Qi, his Dou Qi armor shattered instantly and completely upon contact with Zi Yan's attack. 

In a remarkably short moment, the armor collapsed entirely, and the fierce force penetrated without mercy, hitting Wang Shan's chest.

"Ah—!"

A painful scream echoed across the square. 

Wang Shan's body, resembling a kite with a broken string, crashed heavily off the stage and couldn't get up again. The only sign that he was alive was the rapid heaving of his chest.

At that moment, the audience seemed choked, staring dumbfounded at the scene in the arena. 

Seeing Wang Shan, who fell to the ground and couldn't rise, everyone couldn't help but swallow. What just happened? Was this harmless-looking and cute little girl really that powerful? Was she so ruthless in her attack?

Wang Shan was one of the few significant Dou Shi in the Outer Academy and a strong contender for the top five. To be defeated so easily?

The crowd exchanged bewildered looks. Has the world changed? First Jiang Yun, now Zi Yan. Are the standards for geniuses so high this year? Are we really in the same cohort? How come we didn't know?

"What a domineering power, completely relying on physical strength! What kind of magical beast is this girl?" Wu Tianlang on the elevated platform stared intently at Zi Yan with a look of shock.

Based on the power Zi Yan just showcased, even he might not be able to contend. And he was a peak Dou Huang!

Facing Wu Tianlang's question, Hu Qian shook his head, equally clueless about Zi Yan's origins, only knowing she was some terrifying magical beast.

At this moment, the referee on the field finally recovered, confirming that Wang Shan was not in mortal danger, before swallowing hard and stammering, "Class Three, Yellow Section, Zi Yan wins!"

However, he never dared to look Zi Yan in the eye.

"Tch, boring!" With a pout, Zi Yan waved her hand in boredom, stomped her foot on the ground, and her petite body shot into the air, gracefully landing beside Jiang Yun, smiling at him.

In an instant, the two garnered most of the attention, with surrounding classmates looking at them with both reverence and curiosity.

"You went a bit heavy-handed," Jiang Yun commented softly, looking at Zi Yan's adorable, jade-like appearance.

"Humph—! How was I to know that guy was so weak!" Zi Yan retorted unhappily, muttering that she hardly used any strength and had already gone easy.

"Not everyone has the physical strength of a magical beast." Jiang Yun chuckled, rubbing Zi Yan's little head.

"Well, Xiao Yun, you're not that weak either!" Zi Yan shook her head, trying to shake off the 'annoying' big hand on top of her, but Jiang Yun's years of experience prevented Zi Yan from succeeding, leaving her reluctantly letting him ruffle her hair.

Hearing this response, Jiang Yun was momentarily stunned and chuckled helplessly, "You can't hold others to my standards!"

For the past three years, Zi Yan had either been roaming the Magical Beast Forest or practicing fighting techniques with Jiang Yun, so she hadn't adjusted to the 'ordinary' standards of geniuses.

"Hehe, understood!" Seeing Jiang Yun's helpless expression, Zi Yan giggled, revealing her cute little fangs, and patted Jiang Yun's shoulder proudly. "My Xiao Yun is indeed the strongest."

Looking at the adorable Zi Yan, Jiang Yun laughed, his eyes softening.

For the following days, the tournament proceeded smoothly.

The matches continued in one-on-one mode, with Hu Qian not arranging for any chaotic battles but directly allowing Zi Yan to pass the assessment, not counting her in the fifty slots, automatically considering her the champion of this selection.

This naturally earned unanimous applause from the participants, but Zi Yan seemed a bit disgruntled. Her three major loves were eating, Jiang Yun, and fighting. Now Hu Qian had restricted one of her major loves, which was simply outrageous. However, she couldn't beat him and could only vent her frustration by gulping down three large bottles of pills, finally feeling somewhat better.

In contrast, Jiang Yun wasn't as fortunate as Zi Yan, honestly participating in the 'qualification matches'. However, with his strength as an eight-star Dou Shi, far surpassing opponents at the same level, Jiang Yun easily dispatched every opponent, never needing to use a second move.

This caused Jiang Yun's popularity in the Outer Academy to soar. After all, a genius with looks, strength, and talent is always a sought-after prize.

This day, Jiang Yun faced his final opponent in the tournament, which would determine the second place. As for the first, it was already assumed to be Zi Yan, lounging in the stands, eating pills one by one.

Looking at the youth before him, the Outer Academy's top genius, Song Yun, a six-star Dou Shi, Jiang Yun appeared relaxed.

Conversely, Song Yun was highly vigilant, having heard of Jiang Yun's feats these past few days. The last three-star Dou Shi was beaten by Jiang Yun with one palm strike, showing no depth to his abilities, something Song Yun knew he couldn't achieve.

In the stands, the three old men watched.

"Where do you think Jiang Yun's strength lies?" Hu Qian curiously asked, watching the two face off.

"At least not weaker than a nine-star Dou Shi!" Wu Tianlang's eyes gleamed with sharpness.

Elder Li, standing next to him, nodded in agreement. Judging from Jiang Yun's previous performances, he is indeed a deep-seated talent.

"Let's hope Song Yun can force him to exert a bit more strength!"

The three fixated their gazes on the ring, hoping to discern Jiang Yun's depth. He was simply too intriguing. 

So, Song Yun, go for it!

"Match begins!" The referee announced once the two were ready.

Upon command, Song Yun drew his precious sword, which ignited with bright yellow flames, and swiftly lunged at Jiang Yun, thrusting his sword toward Jiang Yun's chest.

Jiang Yun's eyes flashed as he stepped forward, closing in rapidly, leaving afterimages on the stage. Seeing Song Yun's sword thrust, Jiang Yun struck with his palm, intending to send him off stage, as he previously did.

However, Song Yun, with rich battle experience, quickly changed his sword technique, shifting from thrusting to slashing. If this strike landed, Song Yun believed it would sever Jiang Yun's hand.

Unfortunately, Jiang Yun seemed oblivious, continuing his attack, his palm flashing with a crystalline white light.

"What?" Song Yun was aghast at Jiang Yun's 'reckless' demeanor, momentarily losing his momentum.

Seizing the opportunity, Jiang Yun deftly caught Song Yun's sword with a 'ding—' and followed through with a palm strike.

"Bang—"

The sound of a heavy fall echoed as Song Yun landed at the edge of the stage. Before he could get up, the sound of air slicing through reached his ears.

"Ding—"

With a cold sweat breaking on his forehead, Song Yun looked at Jiang Yun's distant, indifferent silhouette and felt a pang of fear. Was this someone he could hope to defeat?

The moment this thought emerged, he lost all will to fight, slumping in defeat. "I concede."

"Wow—"

With Song Yun's surrender, the second place in the Inner Academy selection tournament was decided. These top two were the unexpected dark horses, sparking much discussion among the audience.

"Senior Jiang Yun is amazing, defeating everyone with just one move. It seems no one could force him to use even thirty percent of his strength!"

"Not only that, Senior Jiang Yun always seems so composed, his moves so precise. At such a young age, he already has the demeanor of a true expert."

"I wonder if Senior Jiang Yun is betrothed. I could..."

"Wait, aren't you older than him? Didn't you enroll earlier?"

"So what? Learning knows no bounds; the accomplished become teachers. Doesn't Jiang Yun merit being called 'senior'?"

"You have a point!"

Voices of admiration filled the air, inspiring many freshmen as they gazed at the highly esteemed Jiang Yun, filling them with grand ambitions and a singular thought.

'He sets the standard!'

Oblivious that he had become an ideal in the minds of many students, Jiang Yun soon returned to his class.

In Class Three of the Yellow Section, everyone cheered for him. Though not many were close to Jiang Yun, they were still classmates, bound by fate, and potentially destiny.

Jiang Yun noticed how his peers' looks had changed, making him somewhat puzzled.

But Instructor Wu En was nearly moved to tears. Even if he had high expectations for Jiang Yun and Zi Yan's strength, he never dreamed they'd bring such glory to their class. Both first and second places were from his class, elevating his status immensely.

"Nicely done." Just as Jiang Yun sat down, Zi Yan casually stood up, her gaze level with his, and patted his shoulder with an air of seniority.

Jiang Yun's face darkened, lifting his hand to lightly tap Zi Yan's head.

"Bam—" The crisp sound signaled a 'good hit!'

"Ouch—! How dare you hit me! I'll fight you!" Zi Yan shouted, covering her head and pouncing on Jiang Yun, her small hands tugging at his cheeks.

Clearly, she was a repeat offender!

As the first and second places, Jiang Yun and Zi Yan attracted much attention. However, their antics stunned the spectators.

Is this the world of prodigies?

"Did you figure it out?"

"No, that kid hides his strength well! Or perhaps Song Yun was too weak to push him to reveal more."

"That's fine. Let the Inner Academy students test his limits!"

"I can't believe those from the Inner Academy won't catch his attention!"

After a few murmurs, Hu Qian stood and addressed the central arena. Following an exhilarating speech, the Inner Academy selection tournament concluded successfully. The participants, including Jiang Yun, were asked to visit his office the next day.

The following day. 

In a spacious, brightly-lit room filled with crisscrossing bookshelves brimming with ancient texts, five figures stood before a broad desk: Jiang Yun, Zi Yan, Liu Zhicun, Ling Feng, and Su Quan—the top five finalists.

"Well done. You are the most talented students of this cohort. But remember, the Inner Academy differs greatly. Those entering are prodigies like yourselves, and strength reigns supreme. In the Inner Academy, whoever has the stronger fist gets the best training resources. So, students often form factions. If you don't, the outcomes may be grim!"

Hu Qian looked at the five with satisfaction, especially Jiang Yun and Zi Yan, a smile he couldn't hide. But to prevent complacency, he spoke solemnly.

"Won't the academy step in?" Su Quan, one of the two females, frowned, pondering something before asking.

"We warriors must be courageous and progressive. The academy only ensures your safety but encourages competitive battles among students." Hu Qian patiently explained the Inner Academy's harsh realities.

Canaan Academy aims for students to understand the continent's cruelty, fostering a robust, combative spirit, granting privileges to the strong. If you seek superiority, train hard and let strength earn you everything.

Except for Jiang Yun and Zi Yan, the remaining three looked grave, realizing the dire situation. In the Outer Academy, they were top-class warriors, but in the Inner Academy, they'd start fresh.

"Humph, anyone who dares mess with Xiao Yun and me will get a beating!" Zi Yan's clear and domineering voice broke the solemn atmosphere, making Hu Qian's face stiffen. Looking down, he saw the indifferent Zi Yan waving her small fist.

Hu Qian knew how terrifying the power within that small fist was.

Why did this cohort produce such a monster as Zi Yan?

"Ahem..." To mask his embarrassment, Hu Qian coughed tactically.

Jiang Yun, amused by Hu Qian's awkwardness, rubbed Zi Yan's silky head, finding it still as smooth.

"As the top five, you may visit the academy's library for a chance encounter." Unable to handle Zi Yan's bluntness, Hu Qian shifted the topic.

He led them to a dark wall, which opened into a dark passage with a wave, revealing a continuance.

Hu Qian entered first, with Jiang Yun and Zi Yan following suit, the rest in tow.

The passage gleamed softly from embedded night pearls, their subtle hues sufficient for the group.