Under the guidance of Mang Tianchi, they quickly arrived at the entrance of the Inner Academy.
A faint spatial barrier guarded the area, one that Mang Tianchi had left behind when he departed years ago.
Once they reached the entrance, Mang Tianchi activated the barrier.
Before their eyes lay an enormous, sunken basin, carved as if a massive meteor had struck the earth, leaving a giant crater behind.
Inside the basin, towering buildings rose from the ground. From above, countless black silhouettes flitted and leaped across the rooftops. Looking far ahead, only the endless tall buildings and lush greenery stretched as far as the eye could see.
"This Canaan Academy's grounds are quite impressive," said Lei Qi.
"Heh," Mang Tianchi replied. "Years ago, when I wandered across the lands, I came upon this chaotic place. Though the Black Horn Domain is perpetually in turmoil, those who can grow and train here are undoubtedly the elite students of the Academy. If not for their longing for family, perhaps Canaan Academy would have reached even greater heights."
He paused, then added, "Still, Su Qian and the others in recent years have done well. While no truly monstrous geniuses have emerged, the Academy is still well-known across the continent."
The Black Horn Domain had no formal laws. Only a single principle existed: the Law of the Jungle—the strong dominate the weak.
As a chaotic region renowned across the continent, the domain lived up to its reputation. Every day brought the death of powerful beings, while outsiders continuously flooded in. Here, death, danger, and temptation coexisted. Rare treasures could be found, from advanced techniques and martial arts to divine weapons, armor, medicinal cauldrons, herbs, and high-grade pills. Rumor even had it that ground-level techniques appeared twice in an auction hall in this domain!
For a powerful clan like the Lei Clan, these were minor gains, but in the northwest continent, ground-level techniques were nearly impossible to come by.
Mang Tianchi was remarkable in establishing order amid this chaos.
The Inner Academy was vast. Soon, they arrived at a black tower buried underground, its spire barely visible above the surface.
This tower, the Tianfen Refining Qi Tower, was one of the Academy's most treasured sites. It was here that the Fallen Heart Flame was restrained.
The black tower was now open, and Mang Tianchi explained: "The Fallen Heart Flame has been compressed into its origin. But this is a heavenly flame, a spiritual essence of the world. Absorbing it requires preparation."
Lei Qi smiled. "No need. If I cannot absorb it, I'll simply abandon it."
He intended to use his mutated Black Thunder to swallow the Heavenly Flame. If it failed, he would consider other options later.
Mang Tianchi hesitated, aware of Lei Qi's importance. Should anything go wrong, the responsibility would fall entirely on him. He could even be branded a traitor to the Lei Clan.
"Rest assured, Elder Mang. I won't recklessly risk my life," Lei Qi said.
Mang Tianchi could only nod, and together they descended into the tower.
Inside, Lei Qi focused on the transparent flame, channeling the power of his mutated Black Thunder.
"Zzzz—zsss—"
The Black Thunder surged forward, enveloping the Fallen Heart Flame's origin.
"Hisss!!!"
Although the flame attempted to resist, it had already been suppressed by Mang Tianchi. In front of Lei Qi's mutated Black Thunder, its resistance was quickly nullified.
Sensing that his body could indeed contain the Fallen Heart Flame, Lei Qi began to absorb it.
Mang Tianchi remained nearby, surprised at the lack of backlash. Clearly, Lei Qi had obtained a tremendous opportunity.
Absorbing a heavenly flame was extremely difficult. Even alchemists relied on pills and endured great pain. But for Lei Qi, there was no pain—only a sense of comfort and satisfaction.
Time passed quickly.
Three days later, Lei Qi successfully compressed the Fallen Heart Flame into his body.
Although he did not immediately advance like Xiao Yan, the daily absorption and feedback were substantial.
The first heavenly flame had been swallowed. In time, with full digestion, Lei Qi would gain yet another level of power.
"Elder Mang, I plan to continue refining here for a few more days. You may leave for now," Lei Qi said.
"Very well. If you need me, just summon me," Mang Tianchi replied.
As Mang Tianchi departed, Lei Qi sank deeper into the tower to refine the flame.
Outside, Mang Tianchi saw Su Qian waiting.
"Director…" Su Qian hesitated.
"I understand your concerns," Mang Tianchi said. "But this is a request from the clan. Even I cannot refuse."
"Besides, does the Academy really need the Tianfen Refining Qi Tower to cultivate top students?" Mang Tianchi added.
"Yes," Su Qian admitted, though he sighed. He understood that, as the founder, Mang Tianchi had the authority to handle the Fallen Heart Flame.
After all, no one had expected the flame to have reached this level. Without Lei Qi's intervention, it could have become a major hazard for the Inner Academy.
Mang Tianchi patted Su Qian on the shoulder. "Canaan Academy is my creation. If anything happens, you can always inform me."
"Yes," Su Qian said.
They left the tower, accompanied by two hidden elders of the Academy, each a peak Dou Zong. Together, even a Dou Zun would struggle to contend with them.