"Hahaha… Xiao Yan, the Heavenly Flame!"
The Earth Demon Old Ghost burst into hearty laughter the instant he heard the elder's desperate shout.
"Excellent! Truly excellent! Not only do I get Xiao Yan today, but a Heavenly Flame as well. The heavens favor me indeed!"
Su Qian's expression darkened. His body trembled with exhaustion and rage, blood still staining his robes, yet his voice roared through the sky:
"Don't even think about it! Xiao Yan is a student of Jia Nan Academy—he'll be handled by us!"
'All Inner Academy Elders, seize Xiao Yan immediately and recover the Heavenly Flame—this must not fail!"
The second command was directed toward the rear ranks. Without the Fallen Heart Flame, the Inner Academy's foundation itself would crumble.
"Yes!"
The elders—already fuming with righteous anger—responded in unison, their Dou Qi erupting and sweeping through the heavens.
Provoked by the Earth Demon Old Ghost's arrogance and now enraged by Xiao Yan's betrayal, their fury blazed uncontrollably.
The Earth Demon Old Ghost stood high above the sky, hands clasped behind his back, his laughter eerie and shrill. "Disciples of the Demon Flame Valley, stop them! Let that brat bring the Heavenly Flame to me—today, both man and flame belong to this old ancestor!"
"As you command!"
The powerhouses of the Demon Flame Valley—each exuding a murderous aura—answered loudly, their Dou Qi wings spreading as they shot across the sky to intercept the Inner Academy elders.
High above the clouds, a massive confrontation between the two great forces—Jia Nan Academy and Demon Flame Valley—was about to erupt.
Su Qian's already pale face turned ashen. What should have remained a duel confined to the Dou Zong level had now, because of Xiao Yan's interference, escalated into a full-scale war.
Glaring at the old ghost, Su Qian growled through clenched teeth. "Earth Demon Old Ghost, so be it! If I die today, I die! But if you dare destroy the Inner Academy, do you not fear the wrath of the Headmaster when he returns?"
At the mention of Mang Tianchi, even the Earth Demon Old Ghost's heart skipped a beat—but he hid it well, sneering coldly. "Mang Tianchi? That relic vanished years ago. No one knows whether he's dead or alive. Why would this old ancestor fear a ghost?"
"You—!"
Su Qian bit back his fury. His dwindling Dou Qi flared once more, his eyes firm with unshakable resolve.
---
Meanwhile, Xiao Yan streaked through the Inner Academy like a black comet. In his hand gleamed a crystalline, hollow sphere that shimmered faintly with heat.
Inside it coiled a tiny, transparent serpent shrouded in formless flame—quiet and unaware of the chaos raging beyond.
Excitement flashed in Xiao Yan's eyes. He hadn't expected the Heavenly Flame to fall into his hands so easily. Other than three Dou Wang elders, no one had managed to stop him.
For years, the Inner Academy had weakened its seal around the Fallen Heart Flame's fragments. That negligence was precisely what gave him his chance.
Still, the tiny, docile flame-serpent made him frown. "Teacher, isn't a Heavenly Flame supposed to be destructive beyond measure? Why is this one so weak?"
Yao Chen's teasing voice echoed in his mind.
"This flame is still young—nurtured within the Academy for years. Naturally, it's tame. But once you begin refining it, you'll understand its true ferocity."
His tone softened, filled with a faint pride.
"This is the 14th-ranked Fallen Heart Flame. If not for its immature state, even you, a mere Da Dou Shi, couldn't hope to refine it. But with this, your Flame Mantra will undergo a tremendous evolution."
"Be careful!"
Before Xiao Yan could reply, a sharp spear-light split the air—aimed straight at his throat. The chill wind howled, carrying deadly intent.
Xiao Yan's instincts screamed. His figure halted mid-flight, and with a heavy swing of the Heavy Xuan Ruler, he smashed it toward the oncoming black spear.
Bang!
The impact roared through the sky. The black spear trembled violently before flying backward, dragging its wielder—Liu Qing—several dozen meters away.
Liu Qing steadied himself, his arms quivering from the force transmitted through his weapon. His gaze locked onto Xiao Yan in astonishment.
"You've changed… once, you were like me—proud, unyielding, unwilling to bow. But now…" He raised his spear again, eyes solemn. "I, Liu Qing, have never repaid kindness with betrayal. Leave the flame behind, Xiao Yan. I'll let you go."
Xiao Yan's tone was calm, his gaze unwavering. "Do you know how much I've risked for this Heavenly Flame? I don't wish to kill you. Move."
"Then fight!"
Liu Qing's aura erupted—half-step Dou Wang strength—his spear pointing straight at Xiao Yan.
Xiao Yan shook his head. "I have no time to play with you. You're not my opponent anymore."
"Then add me to the fight!"
A loud voice echoed as another figure appeared—Lin Yan—wielding a blazing spear, his aura surging at the high Dou Ling level.
"Brother Lin Yan… you too?" Xiao Yan frowned.
"If you still think of me as your brother, leave the Heavenly Flame," Lin Yan roared. His eyes burned with anger and disappointment.
Xiao Yan sighed softly. "Then I have no choice. I will claim this flame. No one can stop me."
"Xiao Yan, if you continue down this path, don't blame us for being ruthless!"
A cold, clear female voice echoed. Han Yue stepped forward, sword gleaming, her aura sharp and fierce.
"Xiao Yan, how could you do this?" Another voice, gentle yet firm, followed. Lin Xiuya appeared, his long robe fluttering as his eyes fixed on Xiao Yan. "Have you thought of how hurt Xun'er will be when she learns of this?"
"No need for you to worry," Xiao Yan replied coldly. "Xun'er understands me. She's with me in this. You may be a Dou Wang, Senior Lin, but you still can't stop me today."
Lin Xiuya's expression darkened. He had long harbored admiration for Xun'er, yet she had eyes only for Xiao Yan. His heart twisted with bitterness.
Invoking the full strength of Yao Chen's Spiritual Power, Xiao Yan's aura exploded. Power not inferior to a Dou Huang erupted outward, shaking the ground beneath his feet.
"You all want to stop me? Then come together. I don't have time to waste."
The oppressive aura silenced the group. None could comprehend how a mere Da Dou Shi could exude such terrifying power—but the truth stood before them.
Lin Xiuya gripped his sword, his gaze resolute. "With the elders gone, we—students—must uphold the Academy's honor. We've received its teachings and resources; now we defend its legacy!"
"Xiao Yan, Lin Xiuya challenges you!"
"Xiao Yan, Liu Qing challenges you!"
"Xiao Yan, Lin Yan challenges you!"
"Xiao Yan, Han Yue challenges you!"
Xiao Yan lifted the Heavy Xuan Ruler, his tone calm and unshaken.
"Then come."
(End of Chapter)
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