While in Battle Through the Heavens, one can pre-appoint oneself as an emperor.

Chen Xiao originally had a plan in mind regarding Qing Lin's arrangements.

Once she officially begins her cultivation, this girl's progress will be unbelievably fast.

All Chen Xiao needs to do is bring her to Canaan Academy and let her stay in Canaan City for a while. Once the inner court selection begins, Chen Xiao will have the opportunity to meet the person in charge of the inner court, Elder Su Qian.

At that time, Chen Xiao will reveal a little about Qing Lin's talent. Given the nature of that elder, there is a good chance that he will bring Qing Lin along.

Moreover, even if Su Qian rejects the proposal, it won't be a big problem.

It takes others a long time to cultivate to the point where they can enter the inner courtyard, but for Qinglin, it might only take a year or two, and then she will still be able to stay by Chen Xiao's side.

Furthermore, with the resources of the academy and the ability of Chen Xiao to utilize the advances in his mind, Qing Lin's improvement speed will definitely not be slower than that of going to the Heavenly Serpent Mansion.

Furthermore, when the time is right in the future, Chen Xiao may even be able to receive advance payment for the inheritance of the Heavenly Serpent Mansion.

Based on all of the above, Chen Xiao never considered sending this girl to the Heavenly Serpent Mansion.

However, plans can't keep up with changes.

He clearly remembered that when he returned from Qingshan Town, Qinglin was full of curiosity about Canaan Academy and had even asked about it.

But after returning to Wutan City for a few months, the girl's thoughts had quietly changed.

The reason…

"Tell me, what happened?"

Returning to Xun'er's courtyard from the admissions square, Chen Xiao looked at the two women sitting opposite him.

Qinglin is very obedient and inexperienced in the ways of the world. Unless there are other influences, the possibility of her changing her mind is extremely small.

Therefore, the root cause probably lies with Xun'er.

"Sister Xun'er said that the young master's strength has improved too quickly over the years. After entering Canaan Academy, he will receive systematic learning and his accumulation will become more and more profound. At that time, there will definitely be another qualitative change."

"Although Qinglin has the three-flowered eyes of the Jade Serpent, if she continues to stay by the young master's side, her growth rate may still not be able to keep up with the young master's pace, and she may become a burden. So Sister Xun'er thought of finding a better place for Qinglin. Sister Xun'er said that when she gets there, Qinglin will receive the best training, and within ten years, she will definitely be able to surprise the young master."

Without any hesitation, Qinglin revealed the secrets Xun'er had told her in private, revealing a lot of information at once, which was quite unusual for her.

A hint of helplessness flashed across Xun'er's pretty face after being "betrayed" by the little girl, but she did not stop it.

It's good to talk about this openly.

After listening, Chen Xiao nodded slightly, he roughly understood.

After spending five months together, Xun'er had indeed developed a fondness and pity for Qing Lin. In addition, Qing Lin possessed the Jade Serpent Three-Flower Pupil, which meant she was already quite talented, so Xun'er decided to help her.

If Chen Xiao wasn't mistaken, that so-called good place must be the ancient clan.

The Heavenly Serpent Mansion is not worthy of such praise from Xun'er.

The ancient clans are giants on the entire continent, so it would be easy for Xun'er to take care of Qinglin.

In this way, Qinglin received better training, and Xun'er had a companion after returning home, which can be described as killing two birds with one stone.

Did Xun'er tell you where she would take you and how she would train you?

Qinglin shook his head, looking slightly bewildered.

"Aren't you afraid that Xun'er is lying to you?"

"Sister Xun'er is very kind to both you and me, so Qinglin trusts her. Young master, Qinglin isn't stupid; I won't easily trust others."

Chen Xiao was indeed somewhat worried about Qing Lin's personality, as she was too easily trusting of others.

He and Xun'er certainly didn't have any ill intentions, but if it were someone else, it's hard to say.

However, the girl could sense his worry, which shows she is quite clever.

Chen Xiao nodded slightly and said nothing more, then turned to look at Xun'er beside him.

"I know Xun'er's background is extraordinary, and she certainly won't stay in Wutan City forever. Judging from what Qinglin just said, is Xun'er also planning to leave?"

Chen Xiao knew perfectly well why Xun'er had come.

Having lived in the Xiao family for seven years, I can say I had a relatively good childhood.

As for the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jade, Ling Ying probably searched the Xiao family thoroughly in private, and they should have some guesses about its whereabouts.

Therefore, whether to talk to the Xiao family directly or to put the matter aside, it all depends on Xun'er's decision.

Therefore, it is not surprising that she returned to the ancient clan ahead of schedule.

"Well, I'll stay for a few more months at most. Xun'er still has some small matters to take care of. When Xun'er is about to leave, I'll take Qinglin to Canaan Academy to say goodbye to Brother Chen Xiao."

Xun'er has never denied her origins, though she has never gone into detail.

For an ordinary person to try to find someone at Canaan Academy would be extremely difficult, but for Xun'er, it was no problem at all.

Hearing Xun'er's answer, Qinglin's face lit up with surprise. She thought that after Chen Xiao left in a few days, it would be a long time before she could see him again. She never expected that she would be able to visit him at Canaan Academy.

This was an unexpected surprise for her.

Chen Xiao nodded slightly. "Then I will entrust Qinglin to Xun'er's care. I will wait for you at Canaan Academy. By the way, these are two Earth Fire Lotus Seeds and a lotus platform. They are the fruits of my last journey. They are byproducts of a strange fire. Unfortunately, they are of limited use to me. I will give them to Xun'er as well."

Xun'er's expression changed slightly as she looked at the two jade bottles and lotus platform that Chen Xiao had taken out.

"Brother Chen Xiao, I consider Qing Lin my younger sister. Even if you hadn't said anything, I wouldn't have let her suffer any losses, these things..."

"Xun'er, don't misunderstand. I know about your relationship with Qinglin. These Earth Fire Lotus Seeds and Lotus Platforms are not a reward, but a farewell gift from me. In my hands, they can only be used as bargaining chips, but they may be of some use to you in the future. Don't worry, I still have two Earth Fire Lotus Seeds on me."

The Earth Core Lotus Platform is a good thing; those with the fire attribute can accelerate their cultivation speed by sitting cross-legged on it.

The lower the level of attainment, the more significant the effect.

Chen Xiao was reluctant to sell this item, and giving it to an outsider was out of the question. After much thought, he decided to give it to Xun'er instead.

Chen Xiao had taken advantage of Xun'er several times in the past, which was one reason; now that their relationship is getting closer, that's another reason.

Giving it to Xun'er wouldn't break my heart.

The same applies to the Earth Fire Lotus Seed, except that its value is slightly less than that of the Earth Core Lotus Platform.

Chen Xiao kept two as spares, which was enough.

Ultimately, with the advance payment, he wasn't actually lacking in cultivation resources.

Hearing Chen Xiao's explanation, Xun'er finally smiled.

"Since it's a gift, Xun'er won't refuse. However, Xun'er will accept the lotus platform and one lotus seed. Brother Chen Xiao, please keep one extra, just in case."

Xun'er was unaware that Chen Xiao could use the advance payment method, so she immediately made an excuse to return one of the coins.

As the daughter of the ancient clan chief, she was not short of resources. Whether it was the lotus platform or the lotus seeds, the commemorative significance was greater, and leaving behind a single lotus seed was enough.

"Alright, let's do as Xun'er says." Chen Xiao didn't stand on ceremony and accepted the result readily.

"Brother Chen Xiao did remind Xun'er, but Xun'er isn't ready yet. I'll give Brother Chen Xiao this gift when I go to Canaan Academy to say goodbye."

...

In the following days, Wutan City remained bustling, especially the admissions square, which was packed with people.

During the peak of the recruitment season, a rumor gradually began to circulate in Wutan City.

It is said that one of the new students who passed the assessment this year is a monster, having already reached the three-star Dou Ling level at the age of only twelve!

The recruitment team's female mentor has been beaming with joy these past few days after recruiting such a new talent.

The news spread like wildfire, and Chen Xiao's name frequently appeared in the public's conversations.

Unfortunately, without seeing it with their own eyes, most people remain skeptical.

In fact, within the Jia Ma Empire, they had never heard of such a monstrous talent. Even Xiao Yan, who was previously unparalleled in fame, paled in comparison.

In comparison, many people suddenly realized that it seemed like they hadn't heard any news about that Xiao family genius for quite some time.

Even when Canaan Academy was recruiting students, Xiao Yan didn't show up. Isn't there something fishy going on?

For a time, Xiao Yan was frequently mentioned.

Chen Xiao saw and heard the commotion outside, but paid it no heed.

In these last few days, he relaxed and spent most of his time with Xun'er and Qinglin, except for his medicinal baths every three days.

They went to the Mittel Auction House together and bought Qinglin a storage ring at the incredibly low price of 20,000 gold coins. They also went out of the city together and waited on the only road leading to Wutan City from the surrounding cities. They saw young men and women arrive full of vigor and leave dejected.

And just like that, six days passed in the blink of an eye.

The day finally arrived for the recruitment team to leave.

The new students who passed the assessment changed into their most beautiful new clothes and headed towards the city center under the envious gazes of many in the city.

Teacher Xiwen looked at the newcomers with a broad smile.

Even setting aside that little monster, the quality of the new recruits she has taken in this year is not bad. In her experience, this would rank in the middle to upper range among all the mentors' achievements.

Nodding in satisfaction, Instructor Xiwen glanced at the rising sun, feeling slightly puzzled.

Where is my SSR card? Why hasn't it arrived yet?

Urgent!

What she didn't know was that Chen Xiao had just emerged from a state of cultivation.

Opening his eyes, Chen Xiao clenched his fist slightly, feeling the powerful energy within his body reaching a new level, and a smile spread across his face.

"I never expected that taking a few days off would lead to a breakthrough sooner than anticipated. No wonder everyone says we need to balance work and rest; the ancients were right!"

Chen Xiao jumped off the bed and opened the door.

Then I saw Xun'er and Qinglin waiting outside, looking pretty and charming.