Starting as a supporting character in Doupo

"Hmph! Ungrateful." Bai Shan watched Xiao Fan walk away, a venomous glint in his eyes, and nodded slightly in a certain direction. "Since you don't see it as kindness, then we'll play around in the academy from now on..."

As Xiao Fan walked through Canaan Academy, he had to admit that Canaan Academy truly lived up to its reputation as the number one academy on the continent. The outer academy was merely the tip of the iceberg. What allowed Canaan Academy to stand firm on the Dou Qi Continent were the geniuses and core members of the inner academy, the Heavenly Burning Qi Refining Tower, or rather, the Fallen Heart Flame.

At this point, most of the students in the foreign language department are receiving instruction from their mentors and are only building a foundation. So, on weekdays, the students are mostly in class, and in their free time, they are probably improving themselves through various means.

After all, those who can enter Canaan Academy are no fools. Surrounded by such outstanding individuals, it's hard to slack off. There's a saying that goes, "It's not that I'm afraid of someone smarter than me, it's that I'm afraid of someone smarter than me who also works harder." This saying perfectly encapsulates the learning atmosphere at Canaan Academy.

After determining the direction, Xiao Fan headed towards the Fighting Hall of Canaan Academy.

To learn combat techniques at Canaan Academy, one needs credits. However, Xiao Fan has only just enrolled and naturally doesn't have any, so he cannot view the academy's combat energy. It is rumored that the academy's library even contains combat techniques of the Earth Rank.

Xiao Fan came to the Martial Arts Pavilion not to find martial arts techniques, but to learn them. He hadn't yet learned the Void Blade he bought in the Black Corner Region because he was rushing to Canaan Academy. Now he could take this opportunity to cultivate it.

The Arena of Canaan Academy is a place where students can practice their combat skills. Here, you can simulate opponents according to your own ideas to hone your skills, which is very convenient. The Arena is divided into many small cubicles, each of which can be used freely by each person. The cubicles are not connected to each other, which also helps to protect the students' privacy.

After registering at the entrance of the Fighting Arena, Xiao Fan went to one of the empty cubicles.

Xiao Fan carefully examined the "Void Blade" fighting technique he had acquired at auction, guiding his internal fighting spirit along the meridians described on it. His physique made this effortless, and after about half an hour, he had cleared all the meridians through which his fighting spirit needed to pass.

Instead of taking out the Sky-Piercing Blade, Xiao Fan casually picked up an ordinary weapon and closed his eyes to review his combat skills.

"Void Blade!"

With his eyes snapping open, Xiao Fan swung his weapon forward in a crescent-shaped arc, striking the puppet in front of him.

Frowning, Xiao Fan was not satisfied with his attack. It seemed to have been unleashed in an instant, but in reality, it had no power at all. It was just Xiao Fan releasing his internal fighting spirit, without actually displaying the strength that a Xuan-rank fighting technique should have.

Xiao Fan wasn't in a hurry. He had plenty of time, enough for him to learn.

With about a month left before the Inner Academy Selection Tournament, Xiao Fan planned to learn the Void Blade in this month. His alchemy skills had also reached the peak of the fourth rank, and he would try to reach the fifth rank in this month.

Chapter 97 The Changes in the Xiao Family

Wutan City! The Xiao Family!

The Xiao family is bustling with activity today. Everyone knows about the three-year agreement between Xiao Yan, the young genius of the Xiao family, and the Yunlan Sect.

News has arrived from the Yunlan Sect today.

The elders of the Xiao family were all sitting in the council hall, looking at Xiao Zhan, who was sitting in the main seat, with complicated expressions.

Even the usually hot-tempered Third Elder could only look at Xiao Zhan with a sense of unease, unable to understand how Xiao Yan had actually defeated Nalan Yanran of the Yunlan Sect. Moreover, if the news was correct, Xiao Yan's strength had reached the level of a Great Dou Master.

An eighteen-year-old Grand Dou Master! This shocked everyone in the Xiao family.

Unlike the others, Xiao Zhan, sitting in the main seat, looked at the news in his hand with tears welling up in his eyes. His mouth stretched from ear to ear without stopping, and his face was stiff with laughter.

"Hahahaha..." Xiao Zhan held the news in one hand and slapped his chair hard with the other, glancing sideways at the elders sitting to the side.

"Elder, has this kid brought shame to the Xiao family?"

"No, no, the clan leader is joking..." The elder smiled awkwardly.

"Second Elder, this brat's strength is not bad, is it?" Xiao Zhan winked at the Second Elder.

The Second Elder's face turned green, and he hurriedly waved his hand, saying, "Xiao Yan is a young genius; who can compare to his strength!"

“Third Elder…” Xiao Zhan turned his head to look at the Third Elder, who was sitting to the side with a livid face.

"Not bad, this lad has lived up to the clan leader's expectations..." the Third Elder said quietly.

"Hahahaha..." Xiao Zhan laughed even louder.

While the Xiao family was in a state of great excitement, a group of people were discussing something in a secluded courtyard not far from the Xiao family.

The group in this courtyard belonged to Han Jue and his Iron Cavalry Mercenary Group. After receiving Xiao Fan's message, he led most of his elite troops to Wutan City in batches.

He bought this courtyard as a wealthy businessman. It's not far from the Xiao family's place, so even if something happens to the Xiao family, they can get there quickly.

Moreover, ever since he received Xiao Fan's message, he knew that the Xiao family must be very important to the young master. So he specially arranged for a member of the Iron Cavalry Mercenary Group to wait in the capital of the Gama Empire, so that as soon as the news of the three-year agreement came out, he could send back the message as soon as possible.

"The news of the three-year agreement has come out. Xiao Yan of the Xiao family defeated Nalan Yanran of the Yunlan Sect." Han Jue looked at the news in his hand and instructed the people around him, "From now on, you all stay near the Xiao family and keep watch. If anything happens to the Xiao family, go in and support them immediately. Understand?"

"Yes, Captain."

One by one, the high-ranking members of the Iron Cavalry Mercenary Group led small teams out of the courtyard and hid near the Xiao family's residence.

That evening, a grand party was held in the Xiao family courtyard, filled with singing and dancing, a truly joyous occasion.

Just as the Xiao family was thoroughly drunk, a cold voice appeared at the head of the Xiao family's gun.

"Wow, you guys are really making quite a scene."

A chilling voice came from the sky. Xiao Zhan looked up and his pupils suddenly contracted.

A figure was flying in mid-air, its sinister eyes fixed on the Xiao family members below.

"Battle Qi transforms into wings, this is... a Battle King!"

"How could a Dou Wang level expert be here?!"

Xiao Zhan cupped his hands towards the mysterious figure in the sky and said in a deep voice, "I wonder who you are? If you have any requests, please let me know, and my Xiao family will do our best to help!" Since his strength was inferior to the mysterious figure's, a mere Dou Wang could easily wipe out the Xiao family. Therefore, Xiao Zhan had no choice but to lower his stance. He turned his back to the mysterious figure and then signaled behind his back, instructing the Xiao family elders to lead the rest of the clan members away from the shadows.

"Heh!" The mysterious man chuckled coldly. "You must be Xiao Yan's father. No wonder you were able to raise such a genius." When he spoke of the genius, the mysterious man gritted his teeth, and the hatred in his voice was palpable to everyone.

"It seems to be Yan'er's enemy." After a moment's thought, Xiao Zhan realized that the enemy Xiao Yan had now offended was the Yunlan Sect. However, Xiao Zhan did not expect that the Yunlan Sect, the leading power of the Jia Ma Empire, would take action against the Xiao family because of a small three-year agreement.

Without saying a word, the mysterious man lunged forward and attacked Xiao Zhan.

Xiao Zhan did not engage in battle, but instead ran towards the outside of the Xiao family compound. He knew he was no match for this Dou Wang, but he wanted to buy time for the rest of the Xiao family.

The moment that Dou Wang appeared at the Xiao family's residence, the Iron Cavalry Mercenary Group noticed him and looked at Han Jue with fear on their faces. After all, he was a Dou Wang-level expert, and even if they went up, they would not be his match.

Without the slightest hesitation, Han Jue waved his hand and was the first to re-enter the Xiao family's courtyard. He happened to encounter Xiao Zhan, who was trying to escape. Han Jue said, "Clan Chief Xiao, someone has sent us to assist the Xiao family. We'll discuss everything later." With that, he brandished his weapon and attacked the mysterious Dou Wang.

Xiao Zhan's expression changed the moment he saw Han Jue. He thought the other party was a subordinate of that Dou Wang, and wondered if the Xiao family was really going to be wiped out today. He never expected that the other party had come to support him.

Seeing that the opponent had attacked the mysterious Dou Wang first, Xiao Zhan was also worried about him and didn't want to escape alone, so he turned around and joined the battle.

"Hmph!" The mysterious Dou Wang sneered disdainfully. "Two mere Great Dou Masters, they truly don't know their own mortality." With a wave of his hand, he unleashed a profound Dou Technique, releasing a fierce hurricane that easily blocked the attacks of Han Jue and Xiao Zhan. The subsequent force sent Han Jue and Xiao Zhan flying, crashing into the wall behind them.

Just as the mysterious Battle King continued his pursuit, he discovered that only Han Jue had stood up from the ruins. A trickle of blood flowed from the corner of Han Jue's mouth, clearly indicating that he had been seriously injured by the mysterious Battle King's attack.

"Where is he?" the Mysterious Battle King exclaimed in surprise, carefully examining the ruins. A large, living person had escaped right under his nose. The Mysterious Battle King's anger intensified, and he looked at Han Jue, who had remained behind. "Heh, is this the Xiao family patriarch? He abandoned his allies who came to his aid and fled alone."

Because of Xiao Zhan's disappearance, the mysterious Dou Wang's anger intensified, and he acted recklessly, destroying most of the Xiao family's buildings, including the ancestral hall.

After venting his anger, he looked down at the ruins, his fury subsiding slightly. He glanced at the wailing Xiao family members amidst the rubble, grinned, and shouted, "Hmph! This is what happens when you anger me!"

Then, amidst the awe-inspiring gazes of the crowd, the pale blue wings of battle aura on his back fluttered gently, and he flew away from Wutan City.

Chapter 98 Xiao Yan Arrives!

After the mysterious man left, only the ruins of the Xiao family and some of the remaining members of the Xiao family remained at the scene.

The First Elder and Third Elder of the Xiao family remained where they were, having sustained minor injuries in the battle. The Second Elder, however, covered the rest of the Xiao family members as they left from the rear, and therefore did not appear here.

The First Elder strode to Han Jue's side and cupped his hands in thanks. "Thank you for your help!" Because of Xiao Zhan's disappearance, Han Jue had assumed that Xiao Zhan had abandoned him and fled. Although the young master's mission was to protect Xiao Zhan, Han Jue felt disgusted by Xiao Zhan's actions. He replied sarcastically, "No need to say more. The Xiao family patriarch was able to retreat safely, so I suppose the Xiao family will be fine even without us."

The First Elder thought Han Jue was referring to Xiao Zhan's escape. After hesitating for a moment, he said, "Your Excellency, I know you don't believe me, but I still have to say it. Our clan leader is not the kind of person who would abandon his clan and leave alone. There must be something we don't know about this."

Upon hearing the Grand Elder's words, Han Jue suddenly recalled the young master's instructions to him. "The ones who kidnapped Xiao Zhan weren't from the Yunlan Sect..." Han Jue's pupils constricted sharply as he suddenly realized that if Xiao Zhan had wanted to escape, he wouldn't have turned back when he first encountered him. It seemed there was more to the story.

Thinking of this, Han Jue's expression softened. Then, under the arrangement of the First Elder, the Iron Cavalry Mercenary Group stayed at the Xiao family. Han Jue also instructed those who were not injured to help the Xiao family clean up the battlefield and rescue their clansmen.

The other two clans in Wutan City, upon hearing the news of Xiao Yan of the Xiao family, were initially envious of the Xiao family, believing that with such a genius, the Xiao family would surely rise to even greater heights. However, they never expected that the Xiao family would suddenly suffer such a calamity. The heads of the two clans met privately, and it is unknown what they were discussing.

The day after the Xiao family incident, the heads of the other two major families in Wutan City arrived at the Xiao family with their entourage. Ostensibly, they were there to help the Xiao family rebuild their power, but in reality, they were there to absorb the Xiao family's territory and expand their own forces. When they saw Han Jue, Jia Liebi's eyes narrowed, seemingly not expecting that the Xiao family had another force.

After exchanging a glance with Obapa, the two of them uttered a few harsh words at the Xiao family and temporarily left the Xiao family with their clansmen. Anyway, they now had powerful backers, so they were not afraid of the small Xiao family at all.

Not two days later, a figure sped over from outside Wutan City. Upon closer inspection, it was Xiao Yan, who had been away from home for two years.

Looking at Wutan City so close at hand, a flash of anger crossed Xiao Yan's eyes. On his way back to the Xiao family, he had heard about the changes in the family, which was why he had rushed here with all his might, not knowing...

In Wutan City, the Xiao family's market staff were deserted, and not even a single guard from the Xiao family could be seen. Xiao Yan felt a bad premonition and went to the Xiao family's courtyard, where traces of a battle still remained.

The door was opened, and the Xiao family members had returned. Upon hearing the news of Xiao Yan's return, they rushed over. Seeing that most of the Xiao family members were present and there had been no major casualties, Xiao Yan breathed a sigh of relief. However, he did not see his father and became nervous again.

"Elder, where is my father?" Xiao Yan asked the elder nervously.

The First Elder looked at Xiao Fan, sighed, hesitated for a moment, and said, "I...we don't know either. When that Dou Wang appeared, the clan leader lured him away and then joined forces with this Mr. Han to fight against him. But then the clan leader disappeared."

Upon hearing the Elder's words, Xiao Yan also looked at Han Jue. Realizing that Han Jue was only a Great Dou Master, Xiao Yan frowned slightly. How dare a Great Dou Master attack a Dou King? What is Han Jue's background?

Seemingly knowing what Xiao Yan wanted to ask, Han Jue took the initiative to step forward and said to Xiao Yan, "How about we find a more secluded place to talk?"

Xiao Yan nodded, and then, led by the First Elder, Han Jue, Xiao Yan, and the elders of the Xiao family went to the Xiao family's council hall.

Upon entering the hall, Han Jue said to Xiao Yan, "We came to Wutan City on your orders, young master."

"Young Master?" Xiao Yan looked at Han Jue in confusion. "Who is your young master, and why did you come to our Xiao family?"

"This..." Han Jue hesitated for a moment, not knowing what to say, so he shook his head and continued, "I can't tell you who the young master is, but when the young master sent us here, he told us to do our best to protect the safety of Clan Chief Xiao Zhan. Also, if Clan Chief Xiao Zhan goes missing, let me tell you that Clan Chief Xiao Zhan's disappearance was not done by the Yunlan Sect, and he is currently safe."

"Young Master also said that if you want to know more information, you should go to Canaan Academy immediately."

After listening to Han Jue's words, Xiao Yan frowned even more. He seemed to be thinking, but in his mind he was communicating with Yao Lao.

"Teacher, what Han Jue said..."

The old doctor said calmly, "There shouldn't be any problem. He has no reason to lie to you. Moreover, the fact that he dared to attack a Dou Wang with the strength of a Great Dou Master shows that the young master holds a very high position in his heart, so he has no fear of the strength of a Dou Wang."

"Moreover, I just used my soul power to sense it, and there is indeed some residual battle qi on the ground. Judging from the aura, it should be Yun Leng, the Grand Elder of Yunlan Sect at that time."

"So it was him!" Xiao Yan gritted his teeth. "I never expected him to be so despicable."

"I suspect she harbors resentment. Yun Yun is actually connected to your senior brother; she must be the Dou Huang from the Tagor Desert. She let Mo Cheng off the hook because of your senior brother, but Yun Leng holds a grudge and probably came to attack the Xiao family in secret. Your father was taken away while they were caught in the chaos," Yao Lao said calmly to Xiao Yan. "To be able to take away a grown man from under the noses of a Dou Wang without anyone noticing, it seems that the people behind the scenes are not simple either."