As the saying goes, one never stops learning. This body was not suited for her past life's cultivation techniques, so Yan Jiaojiao, after living for thousands of years, had to re-learn five new cultivation methods at Gunan Academy.
Furthermore, the cultivation method taught by Dongfang Cangwu was unique, seeming to better suit the laws of this world's operation.
Ever since Yan Jiaojiao switched to practicing Dongfang Cangwu's method, she felt her progress was astonishingly rapid. It flowed even more smoothly than the five methods from Gunan Academy's sects, so she resolutely abandoned them.
While Yan Jiaojiao was happy, Dongfang Cangwu was furious.
This was because whenever Yan Jiaojiao had free time, she would incessantly ponder why Xuan Chen had saved her when she had suffered a qi deviation.
Whenever this happened, Xiao Hei would scamper off to find a pile of food, perch beside the golden pots and jade ladles, and wait for Yan Jiaojiao to cook for him, displaying an attitude of transforming grief into appetite.
Thus, time slipped by, winter giving way to spring. Half a year had passed in this silent, unhurried manner.
It was still the season of chilly spring air when Yan Jiaojiao was cultivating. She heard a faint sound from the barrier. By the time Yan Jiaojiao opened her eyes, the barrier had already vanished.
Yan Jiaojiao stood up. Over the past half year, she had grown considerably taller, her features becoming even more exquisite, and her body gradually developing curves. Her every movement now possessed a touch of feminine grace.
Moreover, she was naturally gifted, and coupled with her diligent cultivation using Dongfang Cangwu's method day and night, her cultivation had advanced from the third stage of the Orange rank to the second stage of the Yellow rank in just half a year, nearly a whole tier higher. Such a speed of cultivation left all the disciples of Gunan Academy in awe.
The little black dog by her side had also grown, now reaching her knees, no longer the tiny, infantile puppy it once was.
Yan Jiaojiao raised her hand and swept the items in the cave into her spiritual jade space. The wind cave was left with only the stone bed and table, as if not a trace remained.
Yan Jiaojiao glanced back at the wind cave, patted Xiao Hei's head, and softly said, "Let's go down the mountain."
Gunan Academy was as busy and lively as ever. The moment Yan Jiaojiao's feet touched the ground before the academy gates, she saw the long-lost scene of prosperity.
It seemed the academy would not be lacking anything in Yan Jiaojiao's absence, but it would be changed once more by her return.
"Is that... Yan Jiaojiao!"
Someone spotted the young maiden at the entrance and, after careful identification, let out a gasp.
Those nearby couldn't help but turn to look. Seeing that it was indeed Yan Jiaojiao, the crowd immediately erupted in excitement.
The sensation caused by Yan Jiaojiao's arrival at the academy was nothing compared to the current fervor.
After all, upon entering the academy, she had forced the sect leader to change the school rules. She had repeatedly challenged the sect leader's authority and emerged victorious on multiple occasions. It was only later that she was punished with confinement for provoking Master Xuan Chen. These incidents were all vivid strokes in their otherwise peaceful cultivation lives.
Especially now, Yan Jiaojiao's reappearance was as composed as ever, perhaps even more beautiful and ethereal than before.
A beauty plus a legend, how could she not attract attention?
Yan Jiaojiao had barely walked from the main gate to the entrance of the Water Sect's courtyard, and the news of her confinement ending and her return to the academy had already spread throughout Gunan Academy!
"Jiaojiao!"
Sheng Mobai was the first familiar face to appear. He had arrived via teleportation. A flicker of astonishment crossed his eyes as they landed on Yan Jiaojiao, followed by a step forward with a look of guilt.
"Jiaojiao, you were in confinement for so long, it must have been difficult. The sect leader forbade anyone from going to Lone Peak, I really..."
Yan Jiaojiao raised her hand to stop him. She simply smiled faintly, "There's no need to say these things. This has nothing to do with you, and it was peaceful there for me."
Feeling Yan Jiaojiao's distance, Sheng Mobai felt a void in his heart. In his haste, he reached out to take Yan Jiaojiao's hand, but she sidestepped and evaded him.
Disappointment flickered across Sheng Mobai's face.
"Back already and already flirting with men. Yan Jiaojiao, it seems your confinement wasn't long enough?"
A cold taunt rang out, carrying the familiar tone of Yan Ruxue.
Yan Jiaojiao turned to look. She saw Yan Ruxue surrounded by several female students. It appeared Yan Ruxue's exceptional social skills had been quite effective during this time, gaining her quite a few followers.
Furthermore, Yan Ruxue's gaze, fixed on Sheng Mobai, was filled with disgust, devoid of any trace of her past admiration.
Yan Jiaojiao raised an eyebrow. The social order had indeed been reshuffled during these past six months.
"Yan Ruxue, are you ever going to stop? Jiaojiao just returned, and you're already eager to cause trouble?" Sheng Mobai responded unceremoniously. He wasn't even willing to humor Yan Ruxue anymore.
Yan Ruxue clutched her snakebone whip and let out a haughty snort, "I was merely passing by. Even if someone wants to cause her trouble, it certainly won't be me."
Everyone fell silent, knowing full well that Yan Jiaojiao's confinement was due to her conflict with Tang Xiye. Now that she had returned, Tang Xiye would likely not let her off the hook.
Those who had initially wanted to strike up a conversation with Yan Jiaojiao immediately retreated.
Yan Jiaojiao couldn't be bothered with them and turned to head back to her room.
"Jiaojiao."
Sheng Mobai still wanted to say something, but the little black dog beside Yan Jiaojiao looked back at him. Its dark, round eyes were exceedingly cold, causing him to close his mouth. He could only watch Yan Jiaojiao's receding figure.
Unexpectedly, a dart flashing with blue light suddenly flew from behind Yan Jiaojiao, heading straight for her head!
The surrounding students cried out in alarm, but the dart moved too fast. No one could react in time to block it. Even as Sheng Mobai attempted to leap forward, the dart was already half an inch from Yan Jiaojiao, too close to intercept. And Yan Jiaojiao was still walking as if nothing had happened.
Everyone thought Yan Jiaojiao's return would be short-lived. However, Yan Jiaojiao merely tilted her head slightly. The dart grazed her hair and flew past, leaving her completely unharmed!
The crowd was stunned once again. Her reaction speed was simply incredible!
Yan Jiaojiao straightened her head and, without looking back, calmly said, "Tang Xiye, you're still as undignified as ever, always resorting to such sneaky tactics."
Everyone followed the direction from which the dart had been thrown and saw Tang Xiye standing there.
The dart then clattered to the ground. Tang Xiye's expression was grim as he glared at Yan Jiaojiao's back and said coldly, "You dare to come back and put on an act. You'll regret this!"
The crowd couldn't see Yan Jiaojiao's expression, but they could hear her clear, melodious voice, still calm, "I stand by my words. I'll accompany you anytime."
The power dynamic shifted instantly. The crowd began to anticipate the outcome. After all, besides Yan Jiaojiao, no one dared to provoke the arrogant and overbearing Tang Xiye. Who would emerge victorious in the future?