Hu Jia's mind was filled with question marks.
She even doubted whether Xu Ran understood some sort of sorcery, having cast a spell on her grandpa.
"You shut your mouth!"
"You girl, you're going to reflect behind closed doors later. With each passing day, you're losing the demeanor of a young lady." Hu Qian scolded. He, too, wished his granddaughter could get together with Xu Ran; that way, the Hu Family would have a future, and even in the afterlife, he would have done right by his ancestors.
But Hu Jia just had to…
He didn't know what sins the Hu Family had committed.
"Grandpa…" Hu Jia was so upset, she stopped talking and pouted, looking utterly wronged.
"Vice Dean, you can't completely blame Hu Jia for this. The girl is actually quite good," Xu Ran referred to Hu Jia's figure. "Though she may have a fiery temper, in some aspects, she's quite impressive."
Bound by a whip, her stunning figure indeed drew many eyes. Even Xu Ran, who was used to seeing beautiful women, took an extra second look.
"No need for Lord Xu Ran to plead for Hu Jia. When I take her back, I will discipline her well. Lord Xu Ran, may I ask if we could find another place to have a proper talk?" Hu Qian said with a smile.
"Grandpa, right, this guy Xu Ran also killed Bai Shan," Hu Jia suddenly remembered and hastily said. She hoped the academy would quickly convict Xu Ran and arrest this great demon.
When the Time came for Xu Ran to beg for mercy, she would decide whether to forgive him or not, depending on her mood.
Hu Jia's ideas were wonderful, but reality was cruel.
"Bai Shan had committed many misdeeds during his time at the academy. Did he think I hadn't noticed? I was already planning to capture him, but Lord Xu Ran took action first, helping us to execute this villain Bai Shan. This is a significant contribution to Canaan Academy, and I will suggest to the Elders that we record a merit for Lord Xu Ran."
Uh...
Hu Jia was disheveled in the wind.
Meanwhile, the outer court disciples contemplated the situation.
From Hu Qian's tone, they could even sense his fawning over Xu Ran.
It indicated that Xu Ran's identity was definitely not simple.
That was the Vice Dean of the outer court, someone whom not even an average Douzong would cause to act this way, right?
Bai Shan was a genius the outer court was focusing on developing. His death didn't call for holding Xu Ran accountable? Instead, Xu Ran was to be rewarded? This was surely rewarding for the sake of rewarding.
One day, would Xu Ran receive a special award from Canaan Academy just for stepping out of his room with his left foot?
For crying out loud…
Even Xu Ran twitched at the corner of his mouth; he was nowhere near matching Hu Qian's ability to fabricate stories.
A merit for that? Keep dreaming.
If you're going to suck up to someone, at least find a more believable excuse! There are so many people watching, does the Vice Dean have no shame?
Well, what's the value of face anyway? These old hands do have thick skins.
Ruo Lin also stood aside speechless. The Vice Dean had always seemed so serious in her eyes, and she hardly dared to speak in front of him. She never expected the Vice Dean to have such a side to him.
It seems people are indeed treated differently.
Only by enhancing your own strength, showing others your value, can you earn their respect.
…
"Xiao Jia, quickly apologize to Lord Xu Ran." At a long pavilion, Hu Qian personally poured tea for Xu Ran, while Hu Jia stood behind him, sullen and holding back her anger.
Seeing Xu Ran just made her angry.
Not only did she fail to bewilder Xu Ran, she had ended up embarrassing herself.
And her grandpa didn't show the slightest bit of pity for her.
"Grandpa... I..." Hu Jia pouted, but the words she was about to say were quelled by a stern look from Hu Qian.
"Xu Ran, I'm sorry, this was my fault, and I apologize to you," Hu Jia said, though she did so very reluctantly, heeding Hu Qian's advice.
She didn't want to offend Xu Ran, that demon.
"No need. My words from before still stand. If you want to come to me, feel free at any time. But your strength is still too weak," Xu Ran teased.
Hu Jia said nothing, her mouth turned up haughtily.
As if she would debase herself by seeking out Xu Ran!
If her grandpa lacked backbone, was she, Hu Jia, also without pride?
There were so many talented and mighty individuals in Canaan Academy, and the Alchemy Department's Grandpa Huo was a good friend of her grandfather. She could ask Grandpa Huo to help concoct a few elixirs for her. Once she consumed those, her "Cultivation Level" would skyrocket. Perhaps, she might even have the chance to regain her glory.
"Sigh. Such a good opportunity, I'll wait for you to beg me. When the time comes, remember to dress up nicely," Xu Ran said with a chuckle upon seeing Hu Jia's expression. He was actually looking forward to the moment this proud girl would come to him.
"Alright, you can go now. Elder Hu Qian and I have matters to discuss," Hu Qian didn't know about any promise between Hu Jia and Xu Ran and planned to inquire about it later.
The key point now was to establish a good relationship with Xu Ran!
The Deputy Head of the Outer Court might seem glamorous, but in reality, it was a tiresome job, not as carefree as the Elders of the Inner Court.
Although he was a Douhuang, that was probably as far as he would go. Advancing even a small rank was difficult, let alone making a major breakthrough. That's why he was so eager to seek Xu Ran's help.
If he could become a high-rank Douhuang, he would have some status in Canaan Academy.
After a lengthy conversation, Hu Qian finally managed to obtain a Sixth-Grade Elixir from Xu Ran, albeit at a price.
This type of elixir could remove hidden ailments within the body and clear away impurities in the meridians.
For Hu Qian, although this elixir might not instantly enhance his power, it could increase his future potential "Points." As long as his bodily condition improved, breaking through a few more levels would be no problem.
"Thank you very much, Elder Xu Ran. Having an Elder like you in Canaan Academy is truly a blessing for us," Hu Qian sincerely expressed, planning to immediately show off the elixir to Old Man Huo.
When combined, all the alchemists of Canaan Academy couldn't compare to Xu Ran's brilliance.
He also wanted to see how Elder Huo would envy him.
Heh heh...
...
With the elixir in hand, and in high spirits, Hu Qian didn't go to find Elder Huo from the Alchemy Department but called Hu Jia over directly. He was quite curious about what Xu Ran had actually said to Hu Jia.
Cutting off Hu Jia's explanation, Hu Qian looked as if he was about to die.
"What? You're going to be the death of me! What sins did the Hu Family commit to produce such a dissolute granddaughter?" Hu Qian clutched at his chest, visibly angered.
Heavens!
How could Hu Jia miss out on such a good opportunity?
"Grandpa, although Xu Ran is strong, I don't think he's stronger than you. You can teach me "Cultivation," and after I properly cultivate, I will definitely be able to defeat Xu Ran," Hu Jia muttered dejectedly.
Defeating Xu Ran and reclaiming her pride had become her obsession.