After the high level meeting finalized the "Substitute Heavenly Flame Plan," everyone dispersed, and Lin Yuan returned to the Inner Academy together with Su Qian.
During the journey, now that Lin Yuan's status as the designated successor to the position of First Elder had been officially confirmed, Su Qian informed him of all the matters that every First Elder of the Academy was expected to know. This included Gu Xun'er's true identity as well as Jia Nan Academy's connection to the Lei Clan.
Simply put, Jia Nan Academy had been founded solely because Headmaster Mang Tianchi wished to do so. It had no direct affiliation with the Lei Clan.
However, after the Academy was established, perhaps because of Mang Tianchi's standing within the Lei Clan, or perhaps because the reclusive Lei Clan still wished to maintain a subtle influence over the Dou Qi Continent, they secretly provided Jia Nan Academy with a certain degree of support, despite never interfering directly.
The Academy's most outstanding graduate in history, the genius with a special bloodline who had broken through to the Dou Ancestor Realm before graduation, was in fact a member of the Lei Clan.
The Lei Clan's backing of Jia Nan Academy had always been an unspoken secret among the Continent's top experts.
To the great powers of the continent, Jia Nan Academy was regarded, to some extent, as one of the Lei Clan's affiliated forces. Because of this, they usually extended it a measure of respect and convenience.
This subtle connection with the Lei Clan was undoubtedly one of the key reasons why Jia Nan Academy had stood firm on the continent and become the number one academy.
That Night
Under the moonlight, within Lin Yuan's courtyard.
The lively banquet held earlier had long since ended. Having eaten to her heart's content, Zi Yan was already sleeping soundly, while a faint, pleasant fragrance still lingered in the air.
Lin Yuan sat beside the stone table in the courtyard, gazing up at the full moon as countless thoughts filled his mind.
At that moment, the Little Fairy Doctor emerged gracefully from the room in a white dress, an ancient book in her hand. She slowly walked over, sat beside him, and asked softly,
"What are you thinking about?"
"Some of my plans going forward."
Lin Yuan withdrew his thoughts before smiling at her.
"What about you? Have you gotten used to living here?"
The Little Fairy Doctor smiled and nodded gently.
"I've never experienced an atmosphere like this before. I quite like it."
"And your friends are interesting as well."
"Hu Jia and Wu Hao?"
Lin Yuan chuckled.
"Although their cultivation isn't particularly high, they're both trustworthy friends. If you have any questions about the Academy, feel free to ask them. They're much more familiar with it than I am."
After a brief pause, he added.
"But be careful around Hu Jia. That girl's practically a female hooligan. The way she was looking at you earlier didn't seem quite right."
Hearing that, the Little Fairy Doctor rolled her eyes at him before lifting her gaze toward the vast night sky.
"As for friends, having you alone is enough for me."
"That's a rather heavy statement."
Lin Yuan clicked his tongue.
The corners of the Little Fairy Doctor's lips curved upward into a faint smile.
Without warning, she suddenly reached over and pinched the soft flesh around his waist.
"Lin Yuan."
"I'm still a young girl."
"If you keep acting like this, it'll trouble me."
Her calm voice carried a trace of embarrassment as her delicate fingers twisted mercilessly.
"Ah!"
A miserable cry immediately echoed beneath the night sky.
After quite some time, their playful quarrel finally subsided.
Lin Yuan cleared his throat and said seriously,
"Little Fairy Doctor, I need your help with something."
"Use your Spiritual Strength to resonate with your Heavenly Flame and carefully inspect my Soul Ring. See if you can sense the aura of the Sea Heart Flame."
The Little Fairy Doctor nodded.
Closing her eyes, she fully unleashed her perception and attempted to detect the aura of another Heavenly Flame.
A long while later, she opened her eyes and slowly shook her head.
"No."
"I can only sense the aura of the Green Lotus Core Flame."
"I can't detect the Sea Heart Flame at all."
Hearing that, Lin Yuan finally let out a sigh of relief.
Even with the Little Fairy Doctor conducting such a close and targeted inspection, she still couldn't detect the Sea Heart Flame.
The sealing technique he had developed, using one Heavenly Flame to conceal another, had performed even better than expected.
The time he had spent researching it had not been wasted.
With this, whether he encountered Gu Xun'er and Yao Lao, or ventured into the Central Plains in the future, his safety would be greatly increased.
Heavenly Flames were priceless inheritances coveted by every major faction.
After all, while Seventh-Grade and Eighth-Grade alchemists were not particularly rare across the continent, Heavenly Flames were exceedingly scarce.
To an alchemist, the attraction of a Heavenly Flame was simply irresistible.
If he were to head into the Central Plains carrying multiple Heavenly Flames without taking any precautions, he would essentially be delivering priceless treasures to others.
As for Gu Xun'er, if she were to discover that he possessed multiple Heavenly Flames, there was no guarantee she wouldn't take a desperate gamble against him for Xiao Yan's sake.
After all, even Lin Yuan couldn't accurately predict Gu Xun'er's way of thinking.
Human nature simply could not withstand temptation.
Some precautions were better taken in advance.
"Since all the preparations are complete..."
"I suppose it's time to invite our guest."
Lin Yuan let out a hearty laugh.
His eyes suddenly sharpened.
The Green Lotus Core Flame instantly surged within his body.
He stomped heavily with his right foot.
A wave of scorching heat, accompanied by the unique mystical fluctuations of a Heavenly Flame, spread outward in every direction with Lin Yuan at its center.
Inner Academy. Pan Gate
"Collect!"
Inside a secret chamber, accompanied by a low shout, a powerful suction force erupted.
A three-pattern medicinal pill flew out of the cauldron before gently landing in a fair hand.
Looking at the pill before him, Xiao Yan smiled.
"The Three Pattern Green Spirit Pill is complete."
"Perfect."
Yao Lao's soul emerged from the Bone Chilling Ring with a satisfied smile.
"Little Yan, you've basically mastered the technique of controlling multiple flames simultaneously."
"Next, it's time for you to learn that Flame Lotus Technique."
At those words, excitement immediately appeared in Xiao Yan's eyes.
Ever since Yao Lao had first mentioned that technique, he had never stopped thinking about it.
Buddha's Fury Flame Lotus!
His instincts told him that this technique was extremely important.
It was perfectly suited to him.
However, according to Yao Lao, although the Flame Lotus Technique was extraordinarily powerful, it was also extremely dangerous.
It required exceptional flame control and the ability to manipulate multiple flames simultaneously.
Because of this, Yao Lao had deliberately given Xiao Yan the prescription for the Three Pattern Green Spirit Pill.
While refining it, Xiao Yan could practice controlling multiple flames and at the same time earn operating funds for Pan Gate.
After all, a Fourth-Grade alchemist was more than capable of supporting a student organization.
Seeing the unconcealable anticipation and excitement on Xiao Yan's face, Yao Lao smiled and handed him a scroll.
"This scroll contains the Flame Lotus Technique after I've reorganized and perfected it."
"It's an extremely dangerous technique."
"Begin by practicing with the Wind and Thunder Fury Flame and Beast Flame."
"Only after you've become completely proficient should you attempt combining the Wind and Thunder Fury Flame with the Bone Chilling Flame."
Xiao Yan eagerly accepted the scroll.
Unable to wait any longer, he immediately opened it and pressed it against his forehead.
An enormous flood of information poured into his mind.
After a while, Xiao Yan stored the scroll back into his storage ring, his eyes filled with eager anticipation.
"You want to blow up Pan's Gate?" Yao Lao glanced at Xiao Yan and scolded with a smile, "Brat, don't be so impatient. This technique needs to be practiced in an open area. Go to the back mountain."
"Hehe!" Xiao Yan laughed awkwardly and scratched his head. "Yes, Teacher!"
After putting everything away, he turned and left the secret chamber.
As he entered the main hall, he saw two beautiful young women chatting together. They were none other than Xun'er and Hu Jia.
The moment Xiao Yan entered Xun'er's sight, the elegant girl, as graceful and pure as a green lotus, lit up with delight. A faint blush and gentle joy appeared on her delicate face.
"Brother Xiao Yan!" Xun'er called softly as she turned toward him.
"Xun'er."
A heartfelt smile spread across Xiao Yan's face as he walked over and gently rubbed the girl's head.
"You've worked hard, girl. I've left all of Pan's Gate's affairs for you to handle."
"It wasn't hard at all! Besides, Sister Hu Jia helped a lot too!"
Xun'er stepped forward, wrapped herself around Xiao Yan's arm, and laughed sweetly.
"Thank you as well, Hu Jia."
Xiao Yan nodded gratefully toward her.
Hu Jia crossed her arms and glanced at Xiao Yan, especially at the arm Xun'er was holding. She huffed indignantly.
"If you really want to thank me, then hand Xun'er over to me!"
Hearing that, Xiao Yan could only laugh helplessly.
He had never imagined that his romantic rival would turn out to be a woman.
"Where's Wu Hao?"
Looking around, Xiao Yan asked curiously.
"That battle maniac was hit pretty hard. After today's gathering, he ran straight to the Arena. He'll probably stay there for several more days."
Hu Jia sighed helplessly.
"Oh?"
A trace of curiosity flashed across Xiao Yan's eyes.
"What could have affected him that much?"
At that moment, a blazing aura accompanied by a mysterious fluctuation surged over from the distance, instantly sweeping through the entire hall.
Xiao Yan's and Gu Xun'er's pupils contracted sharply.
That familiar fluctuation it was a Heavenly Flame. And that person was.
"Teacher! This aura..."
Xiao Yan immediately called out inwardly to Yao Lao.
"It's Lin Yuan."
Yao Lao's voice sounded in Xiao Yan's mind, confirming his suspicion.
"It seems he's returned to Jia Nan Academy."
"Who else could it be but the Lin Yuan he's always been chasing?"
Hu Jia hadn't sensed anything unusual herself, but her words confirmed both of their guesses.
"Who besides him could push Wu Hao that far?"
"I really don't know how he cultivates. The more we chase after him, the greater the gap becomes."
Although Hu Jia spoke calmly, a trace of unwillingness flashed across her face.
Xiao Yan and Xun'er exchanged a glance, both seeing the deeper meaning reflected in each other's eyes.
Late that night, a young man and a young woman quietly made their way toward Lin Yuan's residence.
Late that night, inside the small courtyard of the Inner Academy.
Lin Yuan and the Little Fairy Doctor were discussing various topics related to alchemy, medicine, and poison, something that had become part of their daily routine lately.
In many ways, the two were kindred spirits.
Both were deeply interested in medicinal herbs and pharmacology.
The Little Fairy Doctor hoped to become an alchemist, while Lin Yuan had developed a strong fascination with the art of poison. Their interests aligned perfectly, and they often spent their free time exchanging ideas.
Recently, the topic of their discussions had been Yan Li's theory of combining alchemy and poison.
"Little Fairy Doctor, this is for you."
Lin Yuan took out an elder's token engraved with the character "Lin" and handed it to her.
"This is my Elder's Token. I no longer need it. With this, you'll be able to access every book in Jia Nan Academy's library."
"Thank you."
The Little Fairy Doctor accepted it without hesitation.
Her growth had been far too rapid, and at present she truly needed Jia Nan Academy's enormous collection of knowledge to strengthen her own foundation.
After placing the token into her storage ring, she looked into the distance.
"Lin Yuan, you sensed it too, didn't you?"
"Mhm."
Lin Yuan nodded with an amused smile.
"The guests I invited have arrived."
Not long afterward, two figures entered the courtyard.
Lin Yuan smiled calmly as he looked at the newcomers.
"It's been a long time, Brother Xiao. Miss Xun'er, it's our first meeting. Since you've come all this way in the middle of the night, why not have a seat?"
"Senior Yao as well. Please come out and join us. We're all old acquaintances here."
"Don't worry. This place has already been completely sealed off by my Soul Power. Nothing inside can be sensed from the outside."
As he spoke, he made a welcoming gesture toward the three chairs before him.
"Thank you for your hospitality, Brother Lin. Then I'll gladly accept."
Xiao Yan let out a long breath before taking a seat, with Xun'er following beside him.
Only after both of them had sat down did Yao Lao's soul body materialize upon the remaining chair.
"It's been a long time, Lin brat."
Yao Lao greeted him before shifting his gaze toward the Little Fairy Doctor.
"So this is the friend you mentioned who possesses the Woeful Poison Body? She truly is exceptional. No wonder you were willing to put in so much effort for her."
Hearing Yao Lao's words, the Little Fairy Doctor's gaze softened slightly.
However, she remained silent, tacitly leaving the conversation entirely to Lin Yuan.
As expected of an old veteran. He really knows how to earn goodwill effortlessly.
Lin Yuan secretly praised Yao Lao inwardly.
He nodded and introduced everyone.
"This is the Little Fairy Doctor, my closest friend."
"Little Fairy Doctor, allow me to introduce them. This is Senior Yao, the greatest alchemist on the continent. This is his disciple, Brother Xiao Yan."
"And this is Miss Gu Xun'er."
As he introduced everyone, Lin Yuan poured each of them a cup of tea.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Lin Yuan got straight to the point.
"Everyone, how is the Xiao Clan's evacuation proceeding?"
"It's going very smoothly."
Xiao Yan nodded.
Xun'er had already informed him that every member of the Xiao Clan who had originally been scheduled to relocate to the Black-Corner Region had safely arrived.
Using some of her own resources, Xun'er had repeatedly changed the identities of the Xiao Clan members, making them completely impossible to trace.
At present, the Xiao Clan's direct descendants were under the leadership of Xiao Ding and Xiao Li. With the support of Xiao Yan's medicinal pills, they were living quite comfortably.
"That's good."
Lin Yuan nodded before turning toward Yao Lao.
"Senior Yao, several months have passed. Is there any news regarding the Bodhisattva Transforming Body Saliva?"
Yao Lao glanced at the visibly nervous Little Fairy Doctor before flipping his hand.
A transparent crystal box appeared in his palm.
Inside floated a fist-sized mass of strange, sticky substance with a faint emerald-green tint.
It drifted slowly within the box, wriggling gently like some soft-bodied creature as layer after layer of viscous liquid rippled across its surface.
"So this is the Bodhisattva Transforming Body Saliva..."
Feeling the overwhelming life force seeping out of the crystal box, Lin Yuan murmured softly.
Beside him, the Little Fairy Doctor stared fixedly at the strangely glowing viscous substance, excitement flashing deep within her beautiful eyes.
As her emotions surged, the aura of a Dou Ancestor that she had carefully concealed slipped out uncontrollably.
Sensing that overwhelming pressure, Xiao Yan's eyes widened in shock as he stared at the Little Fairy Doctor.
"A Dou Ancestor?"
At the same instant, Gu Xun'er also felt an oppressive pressure descending upon her.
Only after a strand of golden flame flickered within her eyes did the pressure finally subside.
Looking at the Little Fairy Doctor, the calm indifference in her eyes disappeared, replaced by unmistakable solemnity.
"My apologies."
The Little Fairy Doctor quickly restrained her aura.
"I got a little too excited."
The oppressive atmosphere within the courtyard immediately vanished.
"A three-star Dou Ancestor?"
Even Yao Lao couldn't help but be astonished.
"The Woeful Poison Body has already reached maturity? The compatibility between the Nether Poison Flame and the Woeful Poison Body has actually reached such a degree?"
The Little Fairy Doctor's astonishing speed in fully maturing her Woeful Poison Body had already surpassed every recorded owner of the Woeful Poison Body throughout history.
Meanwhile, Gu Xun'er's expression gradually returned to its usual calm elegance as she looked away toward the white jade teacup resting on the table.
Yet her hand unconsciously tightened.
For the first time in her life, an inexplicable desire to compete quietly arose from the depths of her heart.
Most of the time, Gu Xun'er never cared much about victory or defeat.
Even during friendly competitions, as long as Xiao Yan wasn't involved, she could easily accept losing to Hu Jia or Han Yue.
She knew those defeats were merely playful exchanges.
If she became even slightly serious and revealed just a fraction of her true strength, she could effortlessly reverse the outcome.
However, the white-haired woman sitting across from her was different.
Although they were nearly the same age, the other woman was someone she could not defeat, no matter what methods she used.
The other party merely possessed the Woeful Poison Body.
Yet she herself carried the most supreme bloodline on the Dou Qi Continent.
"Have I become complacent all these years?"
For the first time ever, such a thought quietly surfaced within Gu Xun'er's heart.
----
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