Chapter 72: Can This Thing Really Kill the Fiery Cloud Demon Lord?

Xiang Nan, standing nearby, had already discerned the truth: Elder Kang from the Spirit Martial Association had come specifically for the Taiji Diagram.

"Elder Kang, is it? That's not very fair of you," Xiang Nan pouted, feigning innocence. "Everyone knows Firecloud Evil God was slain by me, Xiang Nan. I heard that your Spirit Martial Association rewards those who exorcise demons, right? Don’t tell me you’re being stingy and making up stories just to avoid giving me my reward."

Kang Jiacheng scrutinized Xiang Nan, his stern, shadowed face forcing out a faint smile. "Young Xiang Nan, rest assured. You’ve rid society of a great evil. The Spirit Martial Association will certainly not withhold your reward. However, you must clarify the origin of that artifact you used."

His tone carried a subtle threat.

Feigning innocence, Xiang Nan replied, "Elder Kang, is this the artifact you mean?" He handed over the rotating concealed weapon crafted by Su Yao, his expression serious and earnest, so much so that Sun Liren nearly laughed.

Seeing Xiang Nan so cooperative, Kang Jiacheng could barely hide his excitement. "Good child, your willingness to hand it over proves you’re upright and kind—a youth worth nurturing!"

A Spirit Martial Association member received the device and handed it to Kang Jiacheng. As soon as it touched his hand, his expression darkened again. "This is just an ordinary hidden weapon, without a trace of spiritual power. Do you take me for a child? Such a thing could kill Firecloud Evil God?"

"Of course not," Xiang Nan replied, "but my luck was extraordinary. Just as Firecloud Evil God attacked, a sudden surge of blue light shot skyward; it nearly knocked me over. He was unlucky—struck down in a flash by that blue light."

As he spoke, Xiang Nan gestured animatedly, painting a vivid picture. "Wouldn’t you say his evil finally brought divine retribution upon him? But regardless, he died in a battle with me, so the Spirit Martial Association’s reward must not be shortchanged!"

He glanced sideways at Sun Liren—this line of reasoning was supplied by the principal himself.

Kang Jiacheng narrowed his eyes, sizing Xiang Nan up. "So, the artifact wasn’t what killed Firecloud Evil God? You know, stealing an artifact is a grave crime."

Xiang Nan smirked. "Elder Kang, you said it yourself: theft is a crime. If it’s my own property, others have no say in it."

"Principal Sun, my student is a first-year with only second-tier cultivation. Even if he possessed a remarkable artifact, his abilities wouldn’t allow him to wield it," Sun Liren interjected, sounding objective.

This made Kang Jiacheng hesitate, uncertainty flickering across his face. "Are you really only at second-tier cultivation?"

Xiang Nan shrugged, "Want me to test it on the machine?"

At that moment, another person entered, whispering in Kang Jiacheng’s ear. Kang Jiacheng looked at Xiang Nan with surprise. "No need. You’re just a student—unlikely to hide an artifact for yourself."

He turned to Sun Liren, forcing a smile. "Principal Sun, it seems this was all a misunderstanding. The death of Firecloud Evil God was indeed bizarre, but it appears to have been caused by recent changes in the world. Sorry for the intrusion."

"Then, take care," Sun Liren replied with a strained smile.

"Let’s go," Kang Jiacheng said, his face hardening as he led his subordinates away, defeated.

Behind them, Xiang Nan called out, "Elder Kang, don’t forget the reward from the Spirit Martial Association!"

He then turned to Sun Liren, bowing slightly. "Thank you, Principal."

"No need to thank me. Your journey is just beginning, and troubles like this will not be scarce. You must learn to take care of yourself."

"Rest assured, Principal. As long as it's something I don’t want to do, no one can force me," Xiang Nan declared, the arrogance of youth shining through—a trait Sun Liren admired.

Back in the classroom, Su Yao and Xu Jiya immediately surrounded him.

Xu Jiya asked, "What did the principal want with you?"

Xiang Nan grinned, "What else? I rid the world of evil, so he praised me—and gave me a reward."

He produced a box of spirit beads, around ten in total, including two third-tier beads; the rest were second-tier. He’d gotten them from the principal just before leaving. Had he gone to the spirit bead office, he’d never have gotten third-tier beads.

Xiang Nan kept the two third-tier beads for himself, distributing the remaining eight second-tier beads to Su Yao and Xu Jiya.

The two girls were so delighted they jumped for joy. For Xu Jiya, who had only recently reverted to her ancestral cultivation, second-tier beads were ample for her daily practice and would greatly accelerate her progress. Although the Eagle League had spirit beads, they were scarce, and every member needed them. Su Yao, with higher cultivation, needed even more, so these were a timely supplement.

"Did you know? This year’s Spirit Void Expedition has been moved up. It’ll be held next week. While you were battling the beast tide, many people already started forming teams," Su Yao reminded.

"The Spirit Void Expedition? That’s practically the all-star tournament for every Spirit Martial Academy in the city! It’s usually held at the end of the semester. Why so early this year?" Xu Jiya asked, curious.

"Rumor has it the Spirit Martial Education Bureau sent scouts into Spirit Void and detected some anomalies. To prevent major safety issues, they moved the date forward. No one knows what’s changed in Spirit Void, but it’s making everyone uneasy," Su Yao said mysteriously.

"I’ve heard about it too. It’s just the monsters in Spirit Void acting a bit more restless than usual—nothing too serious," Xiang Nan said calmly. "As for forming teams, there’s nothing to worry about. Four people per team: the three of us, plus a damage-absorbing shield—perfect!"

"The three of us? We’re all freshmen—you’re sure about this?" Xu Jiya asked, a little anxious.

"Hey, hey, Jiya, what’s that supposed to mean? Don’t think we’re not up to it! Both of us are second-tier," Su Yao pouted in protest.

"That’s not what I meant. The school allows cross-grade teams, right? We’re all newbies, no experience in Spirit Void. Besides, my cultivation is only first-tier, one-star—I might drag you down," Xu Jiya voiced her concern.

"Don’t worry about that. We’ll have a shield to take the hits. I’ve already decided—we’ll use Li Xiang from the upper grades. He’s experienced and strong. As for you, your cultivation may be weak, but your concealed weapons are powerful—you’ll have no trouble keeping yourself safe," Xiang Nan said with a smile.

Xu Jiya pursed her lips, "So you’re saying I’m just going for self-preservation?"

Xiang Nan and Su Yao replied in unison, "What else?"

…