Of course, Chi Muyao couldn't use the Twenty-Four Killing Formations during the Nuan Yan Pavilion's tests. That formation was too fierce and could expose his original identity as a demonic faction disciple.

Luckily, he had studied formation basics before and had some means at his disposal.

Since he was here anyway, Chi Muyao went to the Nuan Yan Pavilion's library pavilion to find the related books and solidify his knowledge of righteous faction formations.

There were many kinds of books in the cultivation world as well.

If it was a bamboo slip written by the cultivator, anyone could pass their spiritual energy inside and have the contents of the bamboo slips stored in their sea of consciousness to browse at their own leisure. Very convenient.

However, this type of book needed a constant supply of spiritual energy while being written, so only important information was written in this slow, tedious way. It should come as no surprise that bamboo slips couldn't be mass produced.

Some of the very basic secret manuals were produced as ordinary books made of paper. This method of production was so simple that it could be left to the people of Fang City to do instead of taking up a cultivator's time.

Chi Muyao found a few basic books on formations and went to sit cross-legged at the academy to read them.

He had great patience for reading and could go for several hours at a time without being distracted. He was also quick to process what he read and could get the gist almost immediately after.

He liked studying even before transmigrating, so much so that he died from overdoing it. That's what led him to become less studious in his new life. But now after he had a fortuitous encounter in the form of the devil core, he wasn't going to pass this opportunity up. Thus, he decided to try once more.

After reading for a while, other cultivators filed into the classroom and sat down wherever they pleased.

The lecturing senior hadn't arrived yet, so most people started dutifully reading like him after entering.

Then, a couple of familiar faces walked in.

It was Mu Ren as well as Ming Shaoluo's admirer Tang Ming. Tang Ming smiled playfully once he saw Chi Muyao and headed in his direction. "Isn't this Chi-shidi? Long time no see."

Yet he deliberately mispronounced 'Chi-shidi' so that it sounded more like 'eat shit'. It was obviously meant to humiliate Chi Muyao.

His greeting caused many people nearby to laugh.

Chi Muyao looked up like he hadn't heard anything. There was nothing but sincerity in his eyes as he smiled and greeted, "So it's Tang-shixiong. I didn't get to see you during the latter half of the expedition at all. It really is long time no see."

Tang Ming was one of the disciples who hid until the Array reopened and greatly angered his shifu.

Tang Ming's expression immediately became twisted.

Mu Ren walked over and glanced at the cover of the book Chi Muyao was reading. He quickly scoffed, "Isn't it a bit late to be learning the basics of formations?"

Tang Ming's expression changed when he heard that. He laughed loudly as well. “And here I thought you had some skills when you registered. Are you going to the test to just be a patsy?"

Chi Muyao was a little helpless looking at the two of them. He didn't even know how to answer. Thank goodness Yi Qianxi was still taking her afternoon nap, or else she would definitely start an argument.

Mu Ren has always disliked demonic faction disciples. His dislike even extended to people associated with demonic faction disciples like Chi Muyao.

Additionally, he was quite prideful and hated how Chi Muyao got one over him before.

There was no need to mention Tang Ming. He was a brainless side character in the original novel, one that grovelled at the feet of those stronger than him and bullied those that were weaker. He had feelings for Ming Shaoluo, who had feelings for Xi Zihe. That was the reason Tang Ming bullied Xi Zihe so much in the novel.

Of course, he met with a very tragic end.

There was an ironclad rule in novels: cannon fodder who act out get their just desserts. And these two really, really acted out.

Perhaps it was because girls tend to appreciate beauty in other girls and boys.

But some men hated effeminate men with a passion, despising them for not being 'manly'. Especially when they were referred to as beauties because that really straddled the line.

They could admit that Chi Muyao was good-looking, but they couldn't appreciate it.

Actually, Chi Muyao's beauty made them feel disgusted instead. A feeling they showed off quite liberally.

Mu Ren tossed the book back to Chi Muyao, but it landed on the floor instead of the desk. The book looked quite lonely on the floor with the spine facing up.

He advised with a disdainful look on his face, "People like you show no respect for the Exam. The Exam is a chance for many cultivators to prove themselves and use their scores to get the resources they need most. It's a very serious matter. People like you who randomly sign up and treat this like a game of chance show that you have no respect for yourself or the efforts of other cultivators."

Tang Ming crossed his arms and shot a glance at Xi Zihe for the heck of it. "Not everyone is born equal. Some are born with subpar potential that no amount of hard work can make up for. They'll make anything of themselves. And you? You're even worse than trash that can work hard. You're basically like a rabbit that runs towards the hunter."

Chi Muyao replied as he picked up his book, "I just wanted to take the opportunity to browse the Nuan Yan Pavilion's books. It's not that I haven't studied this before. Thank you both for your concern. I will try my best on the test."

Tang Ming grumbled, "Like that would make any difference..."

At this time, someone’s cold laughter could be heard. This person strode forward and said, "Impure spiritual roots looking down on your fellow impure spiritual roots?"

Xi Huai walked over and took a seat beside Chi Muyao. He smiled at Mu Ren and the others with killing intent in his eyes. There was obviously no humour in his stare.

Xi Huai's words flustered Mu Ren and Tang Ming.

Single element spiritual roots were already rare existences in the cultivation world. Those with mutated spiritual roots like Xi Huai were even rarer, appearing only once a millennia.

Even the Nuan Yan Pavilion's first seven houses were comprised mostly of dual element spiritual roots.

Those with three element spiritual roots only appeared outside the first seven houses.

So in the eyes of dual element spiritual root people, their potential was already quite good.

Especially Mu Ren. Although he had a dual element spiritual root, one of the spiritual roots was so weak that he cultivated solely wood element spiritual root spells.

Having more spiritual roots meant requiring more time to learn the spells of other spiritual roots.

Which meant wasting more time and energy to achieve the same result. And having many elements could cause the overall purity of the spiritual root to dull, making it impossible to bring out the best of any one element.

So less was more in this instance.

Dual element spiritual roots were good, but they were just impure spiritual roots compared to Xi Huai.

Wasn't it laughable then to see impure spiritual roots try and put down other impure spiritual roots?

Mu Ren clenched his fists in answer. "Of course we can't compare to someone who was specifically engineered like you."

Song Weiyue immediately withdrew his hammer to beat Mu Ren up at those words.

They never got into arguments with other people because they just killed everyone who got on their nerves.

Xi Huai didn't stop him. "Cut his tongue out."

"Then let me switch artefacts." Saying that, Song Weiyue recalled his hammer in favour of his sword.

Chi Muyao casually spoke as he flipped through his book. "People are born the same way rice is farmed. The same steps are taken from sowing seeds to harvest. His parents may not love each other, but he has exceptional talent. Your parents do love each other, but alas you turned out to be an impure spiritual root like the rest of us. Everyone has their own advantages and disadvantages. There is no need to break it down too much to compare."

Mu Ren spat out, "I'm not like you."

Song Weiyue appeared very puzzled. "So you're like us then?"

Mu Ren was rendered instantly speechless. His face became the colour of a pig’s liver.

Chi Muyao flipped to the next page. "Thanking both Shixiongs for imparting such sage advice to me. I will definitely remember it well and carve it into my heart. I believe the lecture will be starting soon. Please take a seat."

Mu Ren and Tang Ming had no interest in starting something with Xi Huai's group. Especially Tang Ming who couldn't even speak after Xi Huai came in because he was a cowardly bully. He pushed Mu Ren away and sat as far from Chi Muyao as possible.

On the other hand, Xi Huai took a seat right by Chi Muyao, clearly planning to pass the time here again. Not long after sitting down, he started staring at Chi Muyao with one hand supporting his chin.

Just looking would be one thing, but Xi Huai's gaze was as intense and piercing as that of a wild beast. When he looked at things he desired, his gaze burned as hot as the sun.

Chi Muyao: "..."

Cultivators tended to have a more sensitive sixth sense. Chi Muyao picked up on something and turned in Xi Zihe's direction.

As expected, Xi Zihe was looking at him. He even flashed Chi Muyao a friendly smile.

Chi Muyao could sense that Xi Zihe had a pretty good impression of him. He breathed a sigh. Not getting on the protagonist's bad side was like saving half a life.

But he soon noticed Xi Zihe becoming alarmed and flustered when he turned to Xi Huai.

Chi Muyao didn't even need to look to know that Xi Huai was intimidating Xi Zihe with his gaze. He could only quickly look down at his book again.

Xi Zihe had no intention of staring at Chi Muyao either. He quickly adjusted his posture and waited for the lecturer.

He found that Xi Huai was basically a large dog that liked to eat vinegar and bared his fangs at anyone Chi Muyao interacted with.

If he was bullied, Xi Huai would valiantly 'protect his master'. He was also exceptionally sticky and remained at his side at all times.

Alas, he couldn't be described as a loyal dog, only as 'dog-like' because he was human.

Xi Huai noted that Chi Muyao was getting used to being stared at by him.

He remembered that A-Jiu also knew about formations, and quite a bit at that. Unfortunately, they rarely talked about it.

There were also traces of a formation the last time the Hui Dragon Flames injured someone.

And now, Chi Muyao had registered for the extra credit formation test.

Is he giving up on hiding?

The thought made the corner of Xi Huai's lips quirk up.

Chi Muyao was no idiot. He probably knew that Xi Huai had basically figured out who he was and given up the ruse. He wasn't the type to take a loss just to deceive him.

Yet if Chi Muyao insisted on not admitting who he was, he and Xi Huai would continue to be at a stalemate. After all, Xi Huai couldn't find any other way of confirming his identity.

The Golden Core stage cultivator suddenly became tense and sat up in the middle of his lecture.

The other cultivators in the academy also felt a sense of pressure.

A Nascent Soul stage Heavenly Venerable had arrived.

When a Nascent Soul stage Heavenly Venerable appeared, lesser cultivators would feel a sense of pressure.

The difference between Nascent Soul and Foundation Building stage was so vast that a Nascent Soul stage seniors need only raise a hand to take their lives. There wouldn't even be time to struggle.

Xian Yue Heavenly Venerable stood at the classroom entrance with her arms crossed. Her gaze landed on Xi Huai and the others.

Xi Huai sensed this and looked up at Xian Yue Heavenly Venerable with a teasing look in his eyes, seemingly not finding anything wrong with being stared at by a Nascent Soul stage Heavenly Venerable.

His gaze carried arrogance, disdain, and no desire to play along.

After the lecture was over, Xian Yue Heavenly Venerable said to Xi Huai, "The three disciples from Qing Ze Sect, come with me for a moment."

As she turned to leave, she seemed to cast a faint glance in Chi Muyao's direction. The corners of her mouth turned downwards before she quickly strode out.

Xi Huai's group didn't pay her much mind. Xi Huai seemed to still want to follow Chi Muyao around. He even said, "We're going to take the Sky Pavilion out for a stroll above the Nuan Yan Pavilion, do you want to come?"

Chi Muyao shook his head. "No."

"There's nothing to do anyways."

"I still have to read these books."

"That formation book? Aren't you skilled at formations? You seemed to have some insight into them." Xi Huai asked with a raised eyebrow.

Chi Muyao put his belongings into his Qiankun bag and replied, "Only a rudimentary understanding."

Xi Huai was about to say something else when many golden lights appeared before him and forced him back.

The person controlling the golden lights seemed to be able to anticipate Xi Huai's actions, for the golden lights forced him to follow the path she wanted him to follow.

Xi Huai had no choice but to leave the academy and come to Xian Yue Heavenly Venerable's side.

This caused many cultivators to scurry away. However, curiosity made them stop at a distance to watch what was going on.

Some people with insider knowledge spoke quietly to others.

Xi Huai sent a blast of Hui Dragon Flames over as soon as he got his footing. He wasn't polite about it. In fact, he didn't even hesitate.

Xian Yue Heavenly Venerable immediately used a suppression spell that lessened the intensity of the Hui Dragon Flames and allowed her to resist the blow. "I didn't want to make a move at first."

"Heh. And I didn't want to bother with you either." Xi Huai coldly laughed as he looked at her with his chin slightly raised.

"I know you were brought here to repent by Guan Nan Heavenly Venerable, but you have been too insolent towards the Nuan Yan Pavilion. Do you think this is a place to play? Wandering around all day...you even dared to hurt our disciples and burn down a gazebo yesterday."

Xi Huai's group was bored yesterday night so they wandered around until they saw a place with a nice view at the fifth house's boundary.

Song Weiyue and Zong Sichen liked to drink so they indulged while idly chatting in the gazebo. Xi Huai on the other hand leaned back against a pillar and rested his eyes.

Disciples of the fifth house spotted the trio and immediately confronted them. They said this was the fifth house, which did not welcome demonic faction disciples.

Song Weiyue has always had a bad temper, so of course he started arguing with them. Those Golden Core stage disciples thought these were mere Foundation Building stage juniors and tried to teach them a lesson.

Xi Huai was very protective of his people and so he summoned the Hui because this was a battle across realms.

The Hui was actually quite reserved this time, only burning down one gazebo.

Not only did the fifth house disciples fail to beat Xi Huai together, they even sustained serious injuries.

Xian Yue Heavenly Venerable was of the fifth house, so she came to the third house to find Xi Huai's group and give them a warning or two.

Xi Huai played with the Hui Dragon Flames like they were an amusing toy as he asked, "So what?"

"This isn't your Cloudy Outer Heaven. It's not a place for you to do as you wish. Our Nuan Yan Pavilion doesn't welcome guests like you. If you're so desperate to leave, then leave. I will speak with Guan Nan Heavenly Venerable."

Xi Huai understood what she meant and perked up in interest. "You're here to drive me away? Do you really think I'm someone you can order around as you wish? Isn't it embarrassing for a Heavenly Venerable like you to come to speak with a junior like me? Oh...I get it. You're afraid your Golden Core stage disciples can't handle me so you came yourself?"

Zong Sichen and Song Weiyue both laughed at that.

Xian Yue Heavenly Venerable's expression darkened.

Xi Huai had hit the nail on the head.

Five Golden Core stage disciples had clashed with Xi Huai yesterday.

In the cultivation world, there was supposed to be an insurmountable gap between each cultivation realm, yet Xi Huai was an exception.

He had stayed at Foundation Building peak stage for a long time, always unwilling to enter closed-door cultivation and form his core. Yet because he contracted with the Hui, he could even put up a fight against Nascent Soul stage Heavenly Venerables.

Five Golden Core stage cultivators were far from a match for Xi Huai. He beat the stuffing out of them.

If this matter was allowed to pass, where would their fifth house put their face?

Xian Yue Heavenly Venerable had always been quick to react, a trait that had persisted despite her being several hundred years old. That's why she came personally to find Xi Huai, to kick him out.

Xian Yue Heavenly Venerable spoke once more, "In light of the fact that you are a junior young in age, I won't pursue the matter if you sincerely apologise and leave the Nuan Yan Pavilion."

Xi Huai didn't want to bother with her. He decided to call out the Hui to chase her off.

He was actually enjoying himself at the Nuan Yan Pavilion, plus Chi Muyao was here. Why would he leave just like that?

It wasn't until he tried to summon the Hui but failed that he noticed another Nascent Soul stage Heavenly Venerable by Xian Yue Heavenly Venerable's side. One who looked like a middle-aged man. A narrow beard lined his furrowed face. His lips were pressed into a thin line, revealing his serious demeanour.

He was casting seals with one hand with his eyes fixed on Xi Huai. Apparently he was using the Suppression Technique.

When a cultivator with an earth element spiritual root reached the Nascent Soul stage, they could learn suppression techniques.

This type of spell required the caster to be completely still while the spell was in effect and leave attacking to others.

After the spell took effect, it could suppress the intensity of the other side's attacks. Some talismans and formations would outright be unable to function, and contracted spirit beasts couldn't be summoned either.

If Xi Lin was standing here, he would naturally be able to break this sort of suppression with his Nascent Soul peak stage cultivation.

But Xi Huai couldn't do it because his cultivation was only Foundation Building peak stage and without the Hui's help.

Song Weiyue had the lowest defence among the three. His knees were buckling as he almost keeled down due to this Nascent Soul stage Heavenly Venerable's suppression.

Xian Yue Heavenly Venerable's lips lifted a fraction. She was quite pleased to see the dark expressions of these three upstart, arrogant kids as they were being suppressed.

These demonic faction people had been acting up more and more since the peace agreement was signed. Especially this Xi Huai, who simply didn't put renowned righteous sect seniors like them in mind. Yet this Xi Huai also had a tendency to do good deeds on a whim.

She also wanted Ming Shaoluo to shine in the previous expedition, but Xi Huai stole the spotlight instead. He had been a thorn in her eyes ever since.

To put it plainly, Xi Huai was nothing but an ant before her with his Foundation Building stage cultivation.

With Heavenly Lightning being used to send letters before, and now burning gazebos at their Nuan Yan Pavilion, if these demonic faction kids didn't get a taste of his own medicine, they would think themselves invincible!

At this time, something suddenly appeared in front of her. It was already too late to dodge by the time she noticed. The concealed weapon flying over grazed her cheek.

Leaving a paper thin wound that bled a bit.

The cultivator casting seals noticed that he was the main target of the concealed weapon and immediately twisted to avoid it.

The trajectory of this concealed weapon was extremely tricky to be able to injure Xian Yue Heavenly Venerable and attack the cultivator casting seals in one fell swoop. So the one who threw it either had very rich combat experience, or...they were a top student able to use geometric calculations to enhance his skill with throwing weapons.

Xian Yue Heavenly Venerable's full attention was on Xi Huai's group. She also felt that the inside of the Nuan Yan Pavilion was absolutely safe and no one would dare to hurt her, so she didn't have her guard up.

This concealed weapon came out of nowhere and caused little damage, but it was key to overturning the situation.

One moment of negligence was enough for Xi Huai to call out the Hui and block Xian Yue Heavenly Venerable's attack.

At the same time, several divine senses probed in the direction of the hidden weapon, but they did not detect anyone.

However, it can be inferred from the technique that they were dealing with...

Someone from the He Huan Sect.

Xian Yue Heavenly Venerable was somewhat frustrated to see the Hui, but she still retrieved her sword from her dantian to fend off any attacks from Xi Huai.

However, it wouldn't be good if word got out that she actually fought with a Foundation Building stage junior.

She hadn't expected this to happen.

The person who threw the concealed weapon left her between a rock and a hard place.

Luckily, Guan Nan Heavenly Venerable quickly came and stopped the fight. "Xian Yue Heavenly Venerable, he is my guest. If he has done something wrong, then talk to me first. Haven't you overstepped your boundaries by coming to find him directly?"

Xian Yue Heavenly Venerable was even more embarrassed after seeing Guan Nan Heavenly Venerable. She stood there fuming with sword in hand.

Xi Huai might attack at any time so she still had to guard against him. Yet on the other hand she didn't know how to face Guan Nan Heavenly Venerable. She was both ashamed and infuriated.

"He Huan Sect disciples have infiltrated the Nuan Yan Pavilion." She simply changed the subject.

Guan Nan Heavenly Venerable didn't seem to care. "Many cultivators have come to take the Exam. What's so strange about one or two He Huan Sect disciples mixing in?"

"Aren't you afraid that they'll disrupt this Exam?"

"Their objective is nothing more than using their methods to cultivate. This will also serve as a lesson to the less scrupulous male disciples about the dangers of this world."

"..." Isn't it because you can't be bothered with the trouble of finding those He Huan Sect disciples?

Guan Nan Heavenly Venerable then said to Xi Huai, "Pay this no mind. I'll have a disciple come find you once I make things clear to her."

Xian Yue Heavenly Venerable was a peer in the end, meaning Guan Nan Heavenly Venerable had to come in person.

As for dealing with Xi Huai later? He didn't have the patience for that, thus leaving it to a disciple.

Yet Xi Huai quickly recalled the Hui and left with a few words in passing, "I don't mind because I'm too lazy to bother with her in the first place."

With that he hurriedly left.

Xi Huai did stop fighting with Xian Yue Heavenly Venerable, yes. But his words were so insulting that Xian Yue Heavenly Venerable's face went blue for a moment.

Not only did she not recover the face she had lost, she even disgraced herself.

With so many disciples watching on the sidelines, her attempt to make an example of the demonic faction disciples had backfired. News of this joke would probably soon spread.

After Xi Huai left, Song Weiyue and Zong Sichen both followed with a bounce in their steps: it was time to catch A-Jiu!