The scale of the Long Yan Academyâs market is no less impressive than the Capital, with a dazzling array of cultivation resources that are all-encompassing. Even Han Yan, who considers himself discerning and knowledgeable, was somewhat surprised by what he saw.
After asking Tan Yu, Han Yan learned that after being enrolled in the academy for a year, Academy Disciples would take on academy tasks, traveling across the Continent and bringing back significant amounts of Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures. Besides handing over a portion to the academy, they can also keep some for private transactions. Under the influence and training of Long Yan Academy, their skills and insight are unmatched by regular cultivators, not to mention the merchants traversing the Continent, making the treasures they bring back naturally rarer.
Initially, Han Yan thought his fortune of billions might classify him as quite wealthy, but upon arriving at this market, he realized that this fortune isnât quite enough to spend lavishly in the Long Yan Market.
Considering he still had to help Huayue and others purchase Trial Tokens, Han Yan was cautious not to spend indiscriminately, searching for Trial Tokens while browsing around.
Suddenly, Han Yan halted his steps, staring intently at a figure ahead.
"Master, whatâs the matter?" Tan Yu asked, perplexed.
Han Yan didnât reply, quickening his pace to catch up.
Just moments ago, an inexplicable thrill arose in Han Yanâs heartâa primal sense of danger flooding his mind.
With his Six Senses growing increasingly strong, Han Yanâs trust in his intuition has deepened, sensing an immense threat from that person.
Noticing Han Yanâs strange expression, Huayue and the others followed him.
Unfortunately, amidst the bustling crowd in the market, that person quickly blended in, disappearing from view. Even when Han Yan activated the Divine Martial Refining Soul Technique, he couldnât detect the personâs aura.
"Who was that?" Huayue asked gravely.
"Iâm not very sure, perhaps I was mistaken," Han Yan replied ambiguously.
Gradually calming down and recalling the intuition that caused her extreme unease, Han Yan realized it was strikingly similar to the sense of danger she felt when confronted by the temple assassin right after her reincarnation.
Could it be someone from the temple? But how could someone from the temple enter Long Yan Academy? Han Yan was momentarily unsure.
Although she couldnât catch up to that person or verify her suspicions, an inexplicable unease remained with Han Yan, dampening her spirits to continue browsing.
Guided by Tan Yu, Han Yan purchased the Trial Tokens for Huayue and others, along with some entry-level books on Medical Elixir Method, Alchemy Technique, and Beast Sealing and other strange and mysterious arts, before leaving the market.
Her initial fortune of billions was mostly spent, with even a large portion of the elixirs used.
Of course, Huayue and others felt embarrassed letting Han Yan bear all the expenses and contributed all their savings.
Fortunately, Ling Baobao helped them win a considerable sum during the Sword Dao assessment yesterday; otherwise, even if they pooled Han Yanâs assets with their own, they might not have been able to purchase all the Trial Tokens.
Counting the remaining scarce silver notes, Han Yan sighed in her heart, realizing how costly the Cultivation Path truly isâselling herself might not suffice for everyoneâs cultivation needs.
Only now did Han Yan experience firsthand how challenging it is to maintain a flourishing family long-term, and how arduous it is to build a thriving family from scratch.
Han Yan wasnât particularly interested in establishing a family but couldnât let down these people fighting tirelessly by her side.
Seems like sheâll need to think of new ways to make money once things settle down.
In the following days, the Sword Dao assessment and other evaluations in various halls continued, and those who obtained sufficient Trial Tokens began preparing for the Illusion Dragon Hall trials after the assessments.
Han Yan and her group were no exception, all intensifying their cultivation and tuning their bodies to peak condition; meanwhile, Han Yan didnât neglect studying various strange and mysterious arts.
Though mastering their essence within these few days is unrealistic, according to Tan Yu, every bit of understanding increases the chance of meridian clearing and marrow washing, so Han Yan wouldnât slack off.
...
At the same time, the atmosphere was heavy around Jiang Yunhe and Jiang Qiling in the Soaring Dragon Tower.
"Qi Ling, you shouldnât reveal your strength so early. Just put on a show and manage to pass the assessment; why were you so impulsive this time?" Jiang Yunhe sighed and said.
"I am not satisfied, Father," Jiang Qiling said almost obsessively.
"Are you talking about Han Yan?" Jiang Yunhe frowned with contemplation.
"Yes, as you said, both he and I are descendants of the Guardian of the Gods and both had our Bloodline Awakening before turning sixteen. Why should I be inferior? I want to prove that I am the strongest Guardian of the Gods!" Jiang Qiling stated.
"If you want to prove youâre superior to him, you simply need to defeat him at the new studentsâ competition; why rush?" Jiang Yunhe sighed and said.
"But I canât wait," Jiang Qiling said.
"I understand." Jiang Yunhe sighed again, empathetic towards his daughterâs feelings.
Having endured for so many years, she had grown accustomed to being viewed as a pampered, reckless, and unruly girl by everyone. Yet, deep inside, she harbored extreme confidence, dismissing ordinary people entirely. However, Han Yanâs presence dealt a severe blow to Jiang Qilingâs confidence.
Although they had never faced off directly, Han Yanâs astounding feats consistently overshadowed Jiang Qiling, something her proud nature couldnât accept, thus her eagerness to prove herself.
"Well, anyway, after the Illusion Tower Hall trials, the new studentsâ competition will occur, so exposing your strength sooner isnât a bad thing. Use these days to cultivate diligently and gain insight into more Power of Laws for a successful meridian clearing and marrow washing in the Illusion Dragon Hall," Jiang Yunhe understood his daughterâs mind and decided not to reprimand her, comforting himself.
"Yes, rest assured father; I certainly wonât disappoint you," Jiang Qiling nodded before departing.
"Wait, during these days, be extremely cautious, and if you notice anyone suspicious, donât engage, come straight to me," Jiang Yunhe advised.
"Father, isnât this a bit overly cautious? Iâve heard you say this many times each time my Realm improves, but Iâve never encountered any danger. Besides, the affairs of our Jiang Family ancestors happened long ago. As youâve mentioned, it has been tens of thousands of years without any ancestor facing calamity," Jiang Qiling replied somewhat dismissively.
"You mustnât be complacent; they are them, you are you. Also, currently in Long Yan Academy, both you and Han Yan had your Bloodline Awakening before turning sixteen; who knows if it might catch someoneâs attention? So be very careful," Jiang Yunhe warned sternly, urging caution once again.