Chapter Thirty-Four: Asking for Leave

Ruolin looked at Xiao Yan and said, "Let us stop here for today. I will remain in this area for another seven days."

"I would like to congratulate all the new students on passing the preliminary assessment, bringing you one step closer to entering Canaan Academy."

"Seven days from now, a convoy from the academy will arrive in Wutan City, and at that time, we shall all travel to the school together."

A wave of joyful smiles spread across the students' faces as they offered their thanks to Instructor Ruolin.

Just then, Xiao Yan stepped forward, drawing everyone’s attention. "Instructor Ruolin, there is something I would like to discuss with you."

Seeing it was Xiao Yan, a gentle smile appeared on her face. "It is fine. We have seven days, so if you have matters to attend to, take your time. There is no need to rush."

Xiao Yan interrupted, hesitating slightly. "It’s just that... I was thinking..."

"I may not be able to join you all to the academy. I need to request a leave of absence, so I wanted to ask if you could grant me some time off?"

Looking at Xiao Yan and recalling his terrifying level of talent, Ruolin replied, "A leave of absence? That is possible. How much time do you need? After all, you are a genius, and it is understandable for a genius to have special circumstances..."

Before she could finish, Xiao Yan said, "I need about a year."

Ruolin stared at him, stunned, wondering if she had misheard.

Upon hearing Xiao Yan's request, the once-bright expression of Xiao Xun'er instantly dimmed. As for the other new students, they were so shocked by the duration of the leave that they nearly gasped for air, staring at Xiao Yan as if he were a monster.

Feeling the strange gazes around him, Xiao Yan shifted uncomfortably.

"You brat," Ruolin said, "you aren't joking with me, are you?"

Xiao Yan shook his head solemnly. "I am serious, Instructor."

Observing his earnest expression, Ruolin fell silent for a moment. "This leave is far too long; I cannot make that decision on my own. Could you perhaps ask for less time?"

Xiao Yan replied, "A year is already... the shortest possible duration. Instructor, I truly have something of great importance that I must do."

Ruolin rubbed her forehead in frustration. "This leave..."

Xiao Yan continued, "If this puts you in a difficult position, I can withdraw from this year's enrollment..."

Alarmed, Ruolin quickly said, "Don't be impulsive. Think about it again. A genius like you is exactly what the academy needs."

Xiao Yan bowed to her. "I know the leave is long, but it is truly necessary. I ask for your understanding."

Ruolin, feeling a mix of annoyance and exasperation, stepped forward and grabbed Xiao Yan by the collar. "Can you not make things easier for me? Who asks for such a long leave right after passing the assessment?"

Sensing how close she was, Xiao Yan felt awkward and instinctively tried to step back. But every time he retreated, Ruolin stepped forward, giving him no room to dodge.

"I might as well take the next enrollment..." Xiao Yan began.

"Are you truly set on this leave?" Ruolin interrupted. She looked him up and down, then seemed to reach a decision. "Tell you what: if you can last twenty rounds against me, I will grant your request."

Delighted by this alternative, Xiao Yan quickly said, "Very well, Instructor! It's a deal!"

Xiao Yan and Instructor Ruolin stood facing each other. As a Da Dou Shi, Ruolin possessed immense power, and a natural sense of pressure radiated from her. Though Xiao Yan appeared calm on the surface, he did not dare to be the least bit careless.

"Begin," Ruolin said coolly.

Watching her hold her weapon, Xiao Yan knew this leave would not be easy to secure.

As soon as she finished speaking, Ruolin surged forward like a phantom, her speed so great that her movements were barely visible. Xiao Yan’s pupils contracted; he channeled his Dou Qi, pushed off the ground with a powerful thrust, and leaped backward. Simultaneously, he unleashed a barrage of fire-attribute Dou Qi toward her.

A faint smile touched the corner of Ruolin’s mouth. With a wave of her hand, a water screen manifested from thin air, easily blocking his flames. She then lightened her step, closed the distance once more, and struck out with a palm toward his chest.

Xiao Yan’s expression shifted. He dodged to the side while simultaneously throwing a punch to meet her palm.

A loud "bang" echoed out, and a powerful shockwave rippled from the point of impact. Xiao Yan felt a massive force surge through him, causing him to stagger back several steps, while Ruolin remained firmly in place, her smile growing wider.

"Not bad. To be able to take a few of my moves—it seems your strength truly has some merit."

Xiao Yan gritted his teeth, his inner competitive spirit ignited. He raised his sword and swung it forward.

"Boom!" A violent sound erupted as fire and water collided, creating a chaotic storm of energy. Caught in the backlash, Xiao Yan was sent flying backward. However, he quickly regained his balance in mid-air, landed on his feet, and charged forward once again, unleashing various Dou Techniques in a fierce exchange.

As time passed, the twenty rounds were soon finished.

Xiao Yan stood panting, his clothes slightly torn and his hair disheveled, yet his eyes burned with an unyielding will.

Ruolin squinted at him. "Unexpected. To think that at such a young age, you could last twenty rounds against a Da Dou Shi like me and perform so well."

Xiao Yan offered an embarrassed smile. "I hope you will grant the leave, Instructor."

Ruolin sighed and finally nodded. "I grant your leave." She stepped closer, her gaze fixed on him. "It seems your strength is more than just a five-star Dou Zhe. You have kept quite a few secrets."

"However, I look forward to seeing how you return to the academy in a year. I hope you do not disappoint me."

Xiao Yan felt a surge of tension, but he replied respectfully, "Thank you, Instructor. I will certainly not disappoint you."

'Yo! Little Yan, not bad! Lasting twenty rounds against a Da Dou Shi—you truly are my disciple!'

'...Yes, yes! It is all thanks to your teaching, Master. Your smirk is about to reach the heavens.'

'You brat, show some respect!'

Standing there, Xiao Yan’s mind drifted to the image of Jiu You, and a flicker of tenderness unconsciously crossed his face.

Instructor Ruolin, who had been observing his change in expression, asked, "Is there something else? Say it now, don't dawdle."