Once everyone had arrived, Ge Hu flipped his palm. A storage ring on his finger flashed, and a scroll of green parchment along with an ink brush appeared in his broad hand.
Raising his eyes, Instructor Ge Hu said with a smile, "Students, congratulations on passing the preliminary test. You can now be considered to have entered the gates of Canaan Academy. However, because the academy needs to distinguish the potential values of students, I need to know your current exact strength."
"Eight-stage Dou Disciple belongs to Rank F potential; this is Canaan Academy's standard."
"Nine-stage Dou Disciple belongs to Rank E potential."
"One-star Dou Practitioner is Rank D, two-star Dou Practitioner is Rank C, and so on. The highest Rank is a five-star Dou Practitioner. Of course, the age limit here is under eighteen."
"Canaan Academy hasn't recruited a Rank S potential freshman in many years. I don't expect any of you to be Rank S, but I'll be satisfied if there's a Rank A."
After speaking, Ge Hu looked at Xiao Feng expectantly. Since Xiao Feng had passed the preliminary test at such a young age, he still held high hopes. Sometimes, age is a significant bonus factor.
"Alright, come forward one by one and report your age and Rank, starting from the left."
"Ma Xi, 17 years old, nine-stage Dou Disciple..."
"Rank E, next."
"Zhao Shuang, 18 years old, eight-stage Dou Disciple..."
"Rank F, next."
"Wang Hai, 18 years old, one-star Dou Practitioner..."
"Not bad, Rank D, next."
"..."
Most of those who reported were below the level of Dou Practitioner. Of course, there was no shortage of those who were originally at nine-stage Dou Disciple but had dropped to eight-stage after failing to break through to Dou Practitioner.
Finally, it was Xiao Feng's turn. He didn't plan to hide his strength.
"Xiao Feng, 10 years old, three-star Dou Practitioner…"
A wave of gasps erupted around him.
Ge Hu's eyes shone with excitement. "Ahem, based on your current strength, it should be Rank B, but since you are only ten, I'll give you Rank S treatment. This is the highest treatment I can offer. Is that acceptable?"
Xiao Feng nodded politely, naturally accepting the recognition.
After the statistics were completed, Ge Hu instructed everyone to go home and bid farewell to their families, then return in three days. In three days, Canaan Academy's flight convoy would arrive at Wutan City to take the students directly to the academy.
During the next three days, Xiao Feng, together with Xiao Yan and Xunner, paid little attention to the spreading news of his fame. Instead, the three of them spent their time shopping and preparing for the journey ahead.
The trio went out into Wutan City, visiting bustling streets and crowded marketplaces to buy necessities and new clothes. The air was thick with the scent of street food, the chatter of merchants, and the clatter of carts on stone roads.
Xunner, as extravagant as ever, treated the shopping trip like a royal affair. She picked up every item that looked good and insisted that Xiao Feng and Xiao Yan try them on.
"This tunic! It will make you look striking, Xiao Feng!" she exclaimed, tossing a fine silk piece over his arm. "And this one suits Xiao Yan perfectly! You must take it!"
Xiao Feng tried not to laugh at her fussing. "Xunner, you don't have to buy everything," he said, though a small smile betrayed his amusement.
"Of course I do!" Xunner declared, sweeping through the store like a wealthy lady. "You are going to Canaan Academy! You must look your absolute best. Farewell gifts are essential!"
Xiao Yan rolled his eyes but let Xunner have her way. "I suppose there's no stopping you," he muttered, though he was secretly enjoying the attention.
Xunner didn't stop at clothes. She bought little trinkets, accessories, and practical items for the journey, fussing over each one like they were treasures.
"Remember, Brother Xiao Feng always take care of yourself !" she said, giving him a firm shake of the shoulders. "And don't forget me while you're at the academy!"
Xiao Feng chuckled. "I won't forget, Xunner. Thank you for everything."
As they walked through the streets, Xunner continued to chatter about the journey, the academy, and the importance of being presentable and prepared. She paused frequently to show off her latest purchases or make sure they looked perfect in their new clothes.
As Xiao Feng walked through the bustling streets of Wutan City with Xunner and Xiao Yan, his mind often drifted to Xunner herself. He thought about how she had first appeared in his life—loud, extravagant, and completely unafraid to speak her mind. Back then, her energy had been almost overwhelming, and he had wondered how someone so spirited could ever feel like family. Yet, over time, her presence had become a constant source of warmth, a reminder that loyalty, care, and laughter could coexist even in the chaos of their busy lives.
Xiao Feng reflected on the countless little moments they had shared. The way she fussed over Xiao Yan and him during their shopping trips, treating them like precious treasures to be adorned and prepared for the academy. The way she insisted on picking out clothes, provisions, and small gifts for their journey, her hands never still, her voice always full of energy. At first, he had been amused, sometimes slightly embarrassed, but gradually he realized he enjoyed it—enjoyed seeing her happiness, the care she put into everything, and the way she connected with everyone around her.
Even as they moved through the crowded streets, Xiao Feng found himself noticing the little things—how Xunner would glance at him with a protective sparkle in her eyes, how she fussed over his comfort while joking and teasing like an older sister making sure her younger sibling was alright. He realized that his place in her heart had grown alongside hers in his. What had started as casual companionship and playful banter had blossomed into a bond of trust and affection, one that felt equal to the bond he shared with Xiao Yan as a close friend.
By the end of the three days, Xiao Feng understood the truth of it clearly. Xunner wasn't just a friend, nor simply a spirited companion; she had become like a sister to him. Someone whose laughter, energy, and care had carved a permanent place in his daily thoughts, and someone he instinctively wanted to look out for in return. Over time, she had come to rely on him, trust him, and treat him as a part of her family, just as he had done for her. Their relationship, from the moment she had come into his life until now, had grown into something steady and unshakable—a true sibling bond that would endure even as they prepared to leave for Canaan Academy.
As they returned from their last errands, laden with clothes, provisions, and little trinkets, Xiao Feng glanced at Xunner and smiled quietly to himself. From the first day she had entered his life to this moment, their journey together had strengthened not only their friendship but their familial bond, and he knew that no matter what challenges awaited at the academy, they would always have each other's backs like true brother and sister.
After the three busy, laughter-filled days, the time to depart finally arrived. Xiao Feng stood at the edge of Wutan City, his travel bags packed and provisions ready, while Xiao Yan, Xiao Xan, and Xunner had come with him to see him off. The marketplace was bustling, but the group's small corner seemed quieter, filled with a sense of both excitement and bittersweet farewell.
Xiao Yan stepped forward first. "Take care of yourself, Xiao Feng. Don't get into trouble at Canaan Academy," he said, clapping a hand on his friend's shoulder with a grin. There was warmth and camaraderie in his eyes, the unspoken bond of two friends who had grown together over shared experiences. Xiao Feng nodded, a small smile crossing his face. "I will. And you take care too, Xiao Yan. Keep pushing yourself—you're going to do great."
Xiao Xan, ever the observant one, looked up at him with a shy but earnest expression. "Be careful… and don't forget what we talked about," he said softly. His trust and reliance on Xiao Feng were clear in his tone, the quiet bond of comrades forged in both play and training. Xiao Feng reached out, patting him on the shoulder. "I won't forget. I promise."
Finally, Xunner stepped forward, her usual flamboyance softened by the moment. "Xiao Feng… be careful out there, alright? And… remember, you're part of my family now. I'll be thinking of you " she said, her voice unusually tender, a contrast to her usual playful teasing. She handed him a small bundle of provisions and trinkets she had insisted on buying for him, her hands lingering slightly as if reluctant to let go.
Xiao Feng looked at Xunner, at the way she fussed over him and her siblings, and felt the depth of their bond. "Thank you, Xunner. I'll take care of myself. And I'll make sure to look out for everyone, just like you always do," he said sincerely. She gave a small, satisfied nod, letting out a dramatic sigh of relief.
With one last wave and shared smiles, the three—Xiao Yan, Xiao Xan, and Xunner—watched as Xiao Feng prepared to leave Wutan City. It wasn't a sad farewell; it was the promise of a journey ahead, one where their bonds of friendship and sibling-like care would endure no matter the distance or challenges awaiting them at Canaan Academy.
As he turned toward the path leading out of the city, Xiao Feng glanced back once more, seeing their faces—each reflecting trust, affection, and hope—and felt a steady warmth in his chest. No matter where the journey led, these bonds, built over days of laughter, guidance, and care, would remain unbroken.