Female Protagonist Assistance System

Chapter 85 : . Strong Ranking Top Ten

It seemed that everything had returned to its normal course. Somehow, news of Hun Jin's departure had spread, and a portion of the senior students who disapproved of the Gate of Transmigration came one after another to cause trouble, apparently believing that without Hun Jin, a new student organization was not to be feared. However, they were unaware that Hun Jin had actually died, simply assuming that he had returned home and might not come back to the academy.

These disturbances came to an abrupt halt when Xiao Han severely injured two five-star Dou Spirit with a single palm strike.

Due to the recent events exceeding her expectations, Xiao Han felt somewhat irritated and didn't bother to save face for others. This move effectively subdued the entire Inner Court.

It's worth noting that even a nine-star Dou Spirit couldn't severely injure two five-star Dou Spirit with a single palm strike.

Naturally, some felt dissatisfied, especially those who ranked on the Strong Ranking. However, after Liu Qing, ranked third on the Strong Ranking, suffered a miserable defeat at Xiao Han's hands, no one dared to challenge her again.

Consequently, Xiao Han rose to the third position on the Inner Court's Strong Ranking.

Thereafter, no one dared to trouble the Gate of Transmigration, and the new students who had suffered harassment from the senior students once again felt their own weakness, thus cultivating more diligently and earnestly. Those who could enter the Inner Court were not foolish to begin with, all possessing good talent. With additional effort, their cultivation could be said to advance by leaps and bounds.

However, these matters were unimportant to Xiao Han. Her current concern was the upcoming Inner Court Competition. According to the original story, the top ten in the competition would be led by the elders to enter the deepest part of the Sky Burning Qi Refining Tower for the most thorough tempering, and it was during this time that the Fallen Heart Flame would erupt.

Xiao Han's interest was not in the heart flame tempering, but in the Fallen Heart Flame itself, and its eruption undoubtedly presented an excellent opportunity.

Rubbing her temples, Xiao Han watched the students competing on the stage, exhaling softly. She only hoped the competition would end sooner so that she could obtain the Fallen Heart Flame earlier and head to the Central Plains to search for Xun'er.

At the thought of her beloved, Xiao Han's expression visibly softened, though almost everyone's attention was on the competition stage, so no one witnessed her rare display of gentleness.

However...

Xiao Han extended her spiritual sense, scanning the area, and wondered with some confusion, "Xiao Yan isn't here?"

[Oh, right.] The system only now realized Xiao Yan's absence. Since the three-year agreement at the Cloud Mist Sect, it had lost its positioning and monitoring of Xiao Yan. Moreover, with so many events occurring during this period, it had long forgotten about the male protagonist, relegating him to some obscure corner of its memory. Only now, hearing Xiao Han mention him, did it react, realizing it hadn't seen Xiao Yan for a long time.

Instinctively frowning, Xiao Han felt a sense of unease. The Inner Court Competition was such a good opportunity for display; how could Xiao Yan give it up?

[Host, don't worry. At present, more than half of Xiao Yan's karmic fortune has been taken by the female protagonist. Even if he wants to do something, he probably won't succeed. Moreover, with your strength, even if you can't kill him due to his stronger karmic fortune, he can't harm you either,] the system said earnestly.

Xiao Han lightly tapped the armrest of her seat, pondering for a moment before suddenly asking, "Can karmic fortune be forcibly taken?"

The system didn't quite understand why Xiao Han suddenly asked this but still answered seriously: [It's possible, but such methods are extremely vicious. Even if one succeeds in taking it, they would die an unnatural death afterward and be unable to reincarnate. So, very few people would attempt to forcibly take another's karmic fortune.]

[Moreover, karmic fortune is a very mysterious thing. At least in this world, there doesn't seem to be a way to forcibly take it.]

Hearing this, Xiao Han's expression relaxed somewhat, but she still didn't completely set her mind at ease.

Never mind, she thought. She would deal with problems as they arose. She didn't believe Xiao Yan could cause any significant waves.

The Inner Court Competition could be considered a grand event in Jia Nan Academy's Inner Court, lasting a full five days before concluding.

Xiao Han casually entered the top ten and stopped challenging further, but others didn't dare underestimate this new student ranked third on the Strong Ranking.

As mentioned in the original text, the first place on the Strong Ranking was indeed the little dragon girl, Zi Yan. Because the tribulation lightning in Xiao Han's body contained powerful heavenly essence, Zi Yan, as an ancient dragon, was very close to this heavenly essence. Therefore, this girl was very drawn to Xiao Han and wanted to fight her. Xiao Han, annoyed, tossed her a few bottles of fifth-grade pills as candy to quiet her incessant chatter.

Xiao Han rubbed her brow, somewhat headache-inducing, feeling that this dragon child was truly talkative. If not for her fear of the tribulation lightning aura on Xiao Han, she would probably cling to her and refuse to let go.

The next day, the Inner Court, which had been peaceful for a while, became lively again. Today, the top ten of the Strong Ranking would enter the Sky Burning Qi Refining Tower to receive the tempering of the Origin Heart Flame. Everyone in the Inner Court knew that enduring this tempering would pave the way for future advancement to the Dou Wang realm. Such a rare opportunity was enough to make anyone envious and covetous.

Inside the Gate of Transmigration, a large group of members crowded in front of the small tower, gazing at the closed door and whispering among themselves.

"Creak!"

Amidst the murmuring, the closed door suddenly emitted a faint sound. Instantly, all whispers ceased, and a multitude of gazes, burning with fervor and reverence, fixed upon the door.

Under the watchful eyes of all, a white-robed woman slowly emerged. Her expressionless face and cold demeanor stirred a sense of excitement in all the Gate of Transmigration members.

As the true leader of the Gate of Transmigration, Xiao Han's every move affected the entire organization's morale. As long as she remained undefeated, regardless of the opponent, the members would be filled with endless fighting spirit and confidence.

Xiao Han's gaze slowly swept over everyone present, then she said in a calm voice, "Let's go."

With these words, Xiao Han took the lead towards the exit of the Gate of Transmigration. Xiao Mei, Hu Jia, and Wu Hao followed closely behind, with a large group of members marching after them.

Such a large group moving through the Inner Court naturally caused quite a stir. Gazes shot towards them from all directions. When they saw the white-robed woman leading the group, they immediately understood and looked with envy at the high-spirited Gate of Transmigration members following her.

Now, due to their pill sales, the Gate of Transmigration could be said to monopolize the Inner Court's pill market. Moreover, as the Gate of Transmigration's strength increased, even the Inner Court's old power—the Medicine Faction—found it increasingly difficult to compete for market share.

The abundant fire energy brought by pill sales also allowed the Gate of Transmigration to establish its own fire energy reward and punishment system. Therefore, in the Inner Court, even students who had already joined other factions envied the treatment of Gate of Transmigration members.

When Xiao Han and the others arrived outside the Sky Burning Qi Refining Tower, the place was already crowded with people. Today, because the top ten of the Strong Ranking were to enter the bottom of the tower, the Inner Court had prohibited other students from entering. Although this caused some complaints, everyone understood it was a long-standing rule and had no choice but to accept it.

The appearance of Xiao Han's large group immediately drew attention from all sides. As the most famous student in the Inner Court currently, she was recognized almost instantly by everyone.

After waiting for nearly half an hour, a sudden wind-breaking sound came from the sky, and several elderly figures appeared outside the tower door. The one in the lead was none other than Grand Elder Su Qian.

"It seems everyone has arrived. Then, I won't waste words," Su Qian's gaze swept around the circle. Without further ado, he waved his hand, and the heavy tower door slowly opened with a creaking sound.

"The top ten of the Strong Ranking, follow me inside. Others are not allowed to enter today. Otherwise, you won't be able to enter for half a year," Su Qian said indifferently. Ignoring the crowd shrinking back at this severe punishment, he turned and headed into the tower.

Watching Su Qian's back, Xiao Han stood up first, then stepped into the Sky Burning Qi Refining Tower under the envious gazes of others.

Upon entering the Sky Burning Qi Refining Tower, the bright light immediately dimmed. Xiao Han raised her gaze to see Su Qian waiting for them.

Seeing Xiao Han enter first, Su Qian smiled at her. As the only person in the Inner Court who knew his true cultivation level, Xiao Han also gave a slight bow.

"Friend Xiao Han, do you plan to act today?" Su Qian asked, feigning casualness.

Xiao Han glanced at him, pondered for a moment, and gave an ambiguous answer: "We'll see."

Su Qian smiled and reminded her, "However, for some unknown reason, the Fallen Heart Flame seems to show signs of eruption recently. The last time you took leave to go home, the Fallen Heart Flame had an eruption."

Xiao Han nodded. Having read the original story, she naturally knew this, but she still quietly thanked him.

The others gradually entered, and Su Qian stopped talking, resuming his original aloof manner.

"Xiao Han, Xiao Han, I've finished all my food. When we get out of here, you must give me more," Suddenly, Xiao Han's sleeve was tugged, followed by a childish voice.

Xiao Han looked down to see the purple-haired little loli's disgruntled expression.

Zi Yan ignored Su Qian and muttered in a low voice, "I hate coming to this tower the most."

"Mm." Xiao Han nodded. She knew Zi Yan's true form was a magical beast, so she had a slight aversion to fire. The so-called Origin Heart Flame tempering wasn't of much use to her either, as Zi Yan had already advanced to the Dou Wang realm, so further paving the way was useless.

However, it was better than nothing. A free body tempering session would still have some benefits, so Zi Yan wouldn't oppose it too much. Although she had a simple personality, she could still discern these things.

Su Qian cleared his throat and glared at the unconcerned Zi Yan, then helplessly turned his gaze to Xiao Han and the others, saying seriously, "Follow me closely, don't walk alone. When we reach the lower levels of the tower, don't move around randomly. No matter what sounds you hear, don't go investigating. Otherwise, I will immediately cancel your qualifications. Understand?"

Hearing this, everyone was a bit surprised but still nodded.

Seeing everyone nod, Su Qian finally turned and led the way. The route he took was different from the usual descending path.

Walking along the edge for a few minutes, Su Qian led everyone into a dimly lit, winding downward passage. Following the constantly turning stairs downward, Xiao Han could sense that they were descending deep into the bottom of the Sky Burning Qi Refining Tower.

This stairway passage was heavily guarded, enough to shock everyone. Almost every few minutes of descent, a guard would appear, standing like a statue. Such tight security, coupled with the surrounding dim atmosphere, made several people secretly swallow.

If they didn't have complete trust in the Inner Court, some might have suspected Su Qian was leading them to some forbidden area.

In this oppressive atmosphere, almost no one was in the mood to talk, except for Zi Yan, who kept muttering around Xiao Han throughout the journey. The others all had tense expressions. The entire passageway was filled only with the sound of slightly chaotic and heavy breathing.

This oppressive journey, after continuing for nearly half an hour, was finally broken by the appearance of light at the end of the dim passage.

"We've arrived!" Su Qian's indifferent voice, as he quickly walked towards the end, immediately invigorated everyone. They hurriedly quickened their pace, finally rushing out eagerly.

Stepping out of the dim passage, the bright light made Xiao Han and the others instinctively squint, then open their eyes again to carefully observe the area.

This was an extremely spacious and empty area within the tower, occupying a vast space. At a glance, it seemed larger than any floor above, and because there weren't many cultivation rooms here, it gave a sense of emptiness.

Xiao Han's gaze stopped at the central area, where there was a huge hole about several dozen meters wide. As her gaze slowly moved upward, Xiao Han's eyes suddenly narrowed. At the top of the nearly hundred-meter-high ceiling, an equally enormous hole precisely aligned with the deep hole below. Evidently, every floor of the Sky Burning Qi Refining Tower seemed to have such a hole, and these holes were interconnected.

She withdrew her gaze and looked towards the distant darkness. For some reason, the unease in her heart grew stronger.