At Canyon View Institute, after finishing their theory class in the afternoon, Harleen and Ivy took a break on a grassy area in the inner courtyard.
The Institute was divided into inner and outer courtyards. Generally, newly enrolled students could only become outer courtyard disciples at first. The inner courtyard held an annual selection test for the outer courtyard, and only those who passed could enter the inner courtyard.
Harleen and Ivy were able to directly become inner courtyard disciples because they were special recruits.
They had only been at the Institute for a few days but were already deeply impressed. Only by coming here did they realize what it meant to be among truly talented geniuses.
In terms of cultivation level alone, they were only slightly above average and definitely not at the top. The Canyon View Institute had a ranking list for talented geniuses called the Canyon View Talented Genius List. The list included only fifty people, each one an exceptional talent. Even the person ranked fiftieth was at the eighth-rank Holy Realm, while the top ten were all at the Otherworldly Realm.
The comparison was disheartening for Harleen and Ivy, who had their confidence shaken over the past few days.
It was worth mentioning that Canyon View Institute not only taught martial arts but also imparted lessons on personal conduct. There were many courses available, and students could choose according to their interests, which was something the two hadn’t expected.
Despite having just joined the Institute, Harleen and Ivy had already become its star figures. This was partly due to their potential shown during the selection contest and partly because of their looks.
Although the Institute had no shortage of female students, many of whom were quite beautiful, they paled in comparison to Harleen and Ivy. As a result, the two had become goddess-like figures at the Institute, attracting many talented geniuses daily.
Even though Harleen repeatedly mentioned that she was married and had children, it didn’t deter the geniuses. Ivy also declared that she was married to avoid trouble, but it was equally ineffective. Perhaps these geniuses simply didn’t believe they were married with children.
“I wonder how Billy and the others are doing now,” Harleen said thoughtfully as they sat on a stone bench.
“Harleen, don’t worry too much,” Ivy responded. “According to Aubree, the old master should be in Sky City, so Billy and the others will be fine.” Though she said this, she was just as worried.
“I’m concerned that if whatever is inside Billy leaks out, powerful beings from higher civilizations might go to Sky City,” Harleen said anxiously.
“I don’t think so. Didn’t Aubree say Sky City is very safe?” Ivy continued.
“Let’s hope so,” Harleen nodded slightly.
“Harleen, according to Aubree, once the dean comes out of seclusion, the Institute might give us a second body refinement,” Ivy said again. “If we can break through to the Otherworldly Realm, we can go back and help Billy.”
“Yes,” Harleen nodded. This was what she looked forward to most. She knew that without breaking through to the Otherworldly Realm, they would be of no help even if they returned.
“Harleen, Ivy, are you done with class?” A female voice called out as a figure approached.
The woman was a few years older than Harleen and Ivy, with a beautiful face and graceful figure. Dressed in a green robe, she exuded an outstanding aura.
“Catherine!” Harleen and Ivy greeted her as they stood up.
The woman’s full name was Catherine Foreman. She had been at Canyon View Institute for many years and was quite skilled, already at half-step into the third-rank Otherworldly Realm at a young age.
Vice-President Tyler Bailey had introduced Catherine to them when he brought them to the Institute, saying they could go to her if they had any difficulties. Over the past few days, Catherine’s guidance had helped them avoid many pitfalls.
“No need to be so formal. Sit down,” Catherine smiled at them.
“Catherine, is there something you need?” Harleen asked after they sat down.
“Have you heard of the Ramsey brothers?” Catherine asked.
“The Ramsey brothers?” Harleen and Ivy were puzzled; they hadn’t heard of them.
“Catherine, who are they?” Ivy asked.
“They are students of the Institute from the previous batch, around your age,” Catherine replied. “Both have good martial arts talent and are at half-step into the eighth-rank Holy Realm. They can even challenge higher ranks, with real combat power enough to contend with ninth-rank Holy Realm.”
“Catherine, why bring them up? Do they have something to do with us?” Harleen asked.
“Indeed they do,” Catherine smiled. “They’ve set up a challenge platform in the front square,” she pointed to the right. “They claim you two have accepted their courtship and that no other men should pursue you from now on. If anyone disagrees, they can challenge them on the platform.”
Harleen and Ivy exchanged glances, their mouths twitching slightly.
Seeing their expressions, Catherine smiled again. “They’re really bored!” Ivy pouted.
“Do you want to go take a look?” Catherine asked after stifling her laughter.
“We’d rather not,” Harleen replied.
“I suggest you go,” Catherine continued. “If you let them continue this nonsense, it will affect you negatively. Also, it’s a good opportunity to reiterate that you’re married so people will stop bothering you.”
“Harleen, should we go?” Ivy asked after hearing Catherine’s suggestion.
“Alright,” Harleen agreed after a brief thought.
“Let’s go then,” Catherine said.
The three of them headed towards the square.
Meanwhile, in the square, hundreds of Institute disciples were gathered around a platform where two men stood. They were about twenty-eight or twenty-nine years old, handsome and imposing.
“Didn’t we hear that Harleen and Ivy are married? What’s this about the Ramsey brothers?”
“Isn’t it obvious? They probably said they were married to avoid trouble.”
“So why did they accept the Ramsey brothers’ courtship?”
“The Ramsey brothers have status, looks, and talent. How many women wouldn’t be moved by that?”
A buzz of discussion rose from below the platform.