45: Deep in the Black Horn Region and Canaan Academy

Bidding farewell to Blood Axe Xiao Chen, Xiao Yan, Hai Bodong, and the others, Xiao Chen ventured alone into the more chaotic and dangerous heartland of the Black-Corner Region. Unlike when he was with the Mittel Merchant Guild, he was now by himself. Though he had no companions to look out for him, he was also freer and more agile.

He did not rush straight towards Jia Nan Academy. Instead, he chose to move circuitously through the lawless Black-Corner Region, gaining experience and accumulating resources. He knew that without sufficient strength, even if he reached Jia Nan Academy, he might not be able to obtain the resources he desired. And the Black-Corner Region, though dangerous, was the best whetstone for rapidly improving his strength.

Relying on the powerful perception of his Spirit Realm Soul and the assistance of the system's [Scan] function, Xiao Chen could always avoid large-scale bandit gangs or strongholds with Dou Ling or even stronger individuals. He specifically targeted scattered groups of evildoers whose strength was around the Fighting Master level.

[Iron Bone Fist] and [Swimming Fish Steps] became increasingly refined through these life-and-death battles. Although he had no Dou Qi, the precise pre-judgment brought by his Spirit Realm Soul, his extreme control over his body's muscles, and the explosive power from synthesizing power storing pills made his combat ability far exceed what his apparent "zero-stage Dou Qi" suggested. Often, at the moment his opponents were astonished by his lack of Dou Qi fluctuations and underestimated him, Xiao Chen's fist, carrying enough power to shatter stone, would accurately strike their vital points.

At the same time, he continuously used his soul power to interfere, deter, and even attempt more refined operations, such as simulating faint Dou Qi fluctuations to confuse enemies, or using Soul Impact to directly attack the opponent's consciousness. These practical applications steadily improved his cultivation progress in the Spirit Nurturing Art, and his control over soul power became increasingly exquisite.

In terms of resources, he used a "dog-eat-dog" approach, seizing a considerable amount of gold coins, medicinal herbs, and low-grade magic cores. Gold coins were used to purchase necessities and intelligence, while medicinal herbs were largely synthesized into power storing pills and qi recovery powder. Some of these pills were for his own consumption and emergencies, while others were quietly sold through black market channels to exchange for more funds and scarce resources. His energy pool, through recycling some useless spoils of war and daily [Energy Absorption], grew slowly and steadily, gradually approaching [500 / 10000].

During this process, he also gained a deeper appreciation for the cruelty of the Black-Corner Region. There were no rules here, only the naked law of the jungle. Betrayal, sneak attacks, and murder for treasure were commonplace. He had also encountered dangers, being ambushed by more cunning opponents or caught in skirmishes between multiple factions, but with his cautious nature and the early warning from his soul perception, he always managed to narrowly escape, or even turn the tables and profit from the situation.

Two months later, Xiao Chen's figure appeared on the edge of a relatively "orderly" area. In the distance, the outline of a massive city was faintly visible. Above the city, a transparent energy cover (shield) could be vaguely seen, emitting a faint pressure. Around the city, the flow of people noticeably increased, many of whom were young people in uniform attire with formidable auras, wearing different badges on their chests.

"Is this Peace Town? The outer gateway to Jia Nan Academy." Xiao Chen stood on a sand dune, gazing at the city in the distance. According to the intelligence he purchased, Peace Town was a buffer zone established by Jia Nan Academy on the edge of the Black-Corner Region, protected by academy rules, where fighting was forbidden, making it an oasis in the chaotic Black-Corner Region. Passing through Peace Town would lead to Jia Nan City, where Jia Nan Academy was located.

At this time, after two months of intense combat and experience, Xiao Chen's demeanor had become more composed and reserved, his eyes sharp, and he carried a faint aura of bloodlust. He was like a completely different person from the youth who had left Wutan City. His soul realm was completely stable at the early Spirit Realm, and had even subtly improved. His combat experience was incredibly rich.

"Jia Nan Academy, the continent's number one academy..." A hint of anticipation flashed in Xiao Chen's eyes. There, he would find more systematic knowledge, richer resources, stronger opponents, and perhaps even more clues about the system and his transmigration. More importantly, it was a relatively safe place for development, allowing him to accumulate strength with peace of mind.

He did not immediately enter Peace Town. Instead, he found a secluded spot, changed into clean clothes, and reined in his bloodlust, making himself appear like an ordinary young man coming to study. Then, he joined the flow of people, walking towards the city that represented order and hope.

At the entrance to Peace Town, he saw students wearing Jia Nan Academy enforcement team uniforms, strictly checking entrants. Xiao Chen noticed that these enforcement team members were quite strong, at least at the Fighting Master level, with the leader possessing the aura of a Great Dou Master. Their discipline was strict, completely different from other forces in the Black-Corner Region.

"Please show your identification or admission pass," an enforcement team member stopped Xiao Chen and said in a businesslike manner.

Xiao Chen had already prepared his explanation. He took out an ordinary identity token (a blank token purchased from a black market in the Black-Corner Region, which he had slightly processed himself) and calmly said, "My name is Xiao Chen, from Wutan City in the Jia Ma Empire. I have heard of Jia Nan Academy's great reputation and have come specifically to participate in the enrollment assessment."

The enforcement team member checked the token and then scrutinized Xiao Chen for a few moments, seeming somewhat puzzled by the faint, strange aura (soul fluctuations) on Xiao Chen's body. However, he did not detect any Dou Qi, assuming it was some special physique, and nodded: "Go in. The enrollment assessment is three months from now. During this time, you may stay in Peace Town, but you must abide by the academy's rules and not cause trouble."

"Understood, thank you." Xiao Chen cupped his hands and entered Peace Town.

Inside the town, it was indeed a different world from the Black-Corner Region outside. The streets were clean, and shops lined the roads. Although people of all sorts could still be seen, the atmosphere was noticeably much more peaceful. Young people from all over the continent and the Elders (Mentors/Seniors) escorting them were visible everywhere, and the air was filled with a vibrant energy.

Xiao Chen found a clean inn to stay in, planning to use these three months to further consolidate his strength, gather more detailed information about Jia Nan Academy, and prepare for the enrollment assessment.

He did not know that as he stepped into Peace Town, deep within Jia Nan Academy, an Elder responsible for monitoring soul fluctuations slightly opened his eyes, a hint of surprise appearing on his face: "Oh? Such pure soul power... Spirit Realm Soul? Such a young Spirit Realm Soul? It seems this enrollment has brought an interesting young fellow..."

Meanwhile, at another end of the Black-Corner Region, several Black-Robed Men quietly gathered, conversing in low voices:

"The target has entered Peace Town."

"Jia Nan Academy's territory, it's a bit troublesome..."

"No matter, we'll wait for the right moment. When Dean Mang Qianchi is not in the academy, that will be our chance to act. Our master is very interested in the secrets on that boy..."

A new stage, new challenges, had already begun. Xiao Chen's journey to Jia Nan Academy was destined not to be peaceful.