After finalizing the arrangements with Su Qian, Chen Xiao wasted no time. He pointed a finger at the severely weakened Fallen Heart Flame, and soon, a fire snake less than a foot long was drawn out.
This was the seed of the Fallen Heart Flame.
"Grand Elder, I'll hand this seed over to you as well. After we leave, I'll set up another formation, and the Inner Academy will no longer have any hidden dangers. Also, this lava world needs to remain sealed. It's best if no one enters rashly, as there's a peculiar race within the lava..."
Su Qian was completely trustworthy, which was why Chen Xiao had come specifically to help the Inner Academy resolve its troubles.
Similarly, there was no need to hide the dangers within the lava from Su Qian; informing him would have no negative consequences.
As for the two Fallen Heart Flames...
Chen Xiao had considered taking one before.
But his thoughts had changed now, as there was simply no need.
With the pre-payment system in his mind, Chen Xiao could find many Heavenly Flames that Xiao Yan yearned for but couldn't obtain. It was the same with Cao Ying; as long as the demoness Cao had the ability to control them, Chen Xiao could provide the relevant information, making it unnecessary to fixate on the Fallen Heart Flame.
Besides this, there was another reason: after dealing with the matters at Jia Nan Academy, Chen Xiao wouldn't be returning to Central State for the time being. He had to make a trip to the Jia Ma Empire.
"I never imagined that such creatures would exist within this lava. Fortunately, they can't leave the lava."
After hearing Chen Xiao's explanation, Su Qian was thoroughly startled.
The Inner Academy had been operating here for so many years, yet they were completely unaware of the dangers in the lava world. Upon hearing of this race's existence, Su Qian had already prepared to relocate the academy.
Chen Xiao smiled in agreement, not mentioning the matter of the Ancient Emperor Cave being located here.
This secret was too significant to be revealed.
"Let's go, Grand Elder. There's no better day than today to settle the matter of the Fallen Heart Flame. We'll gather at the Purple Firmament Pavilion tonight."
"We should indeed gather. It's been a while since I've seen the Ice Emperor, and I'm also curious about Zi Yan's whereabouts."
Without further delay, the four of them chatted as they returned to the lowest level of the Sky Burning Qi Refining Tower.
With his newfound strength, dealing with the two Fallen Heart Flames was simple. Chen Xiao didn't need anyone else's help. He asked Su Qian to fetch the Inner Academy's fire pot, which would serve as the container for the lesser Fallen Heart Flame.
Then, he moved his fingers, casting one hundred and eight Rune Seals in succession. The seed of the greater Fallen Heart Flame was placed beneath the lesser Fallen Heart Flame, and the grand formation immediately began to operate.
"Mysterious Yellow Dragon Locking Array?" Little Fairy Doctor looked at Chen Xiao.
Among those present, only she had some understanding of it.
After all, she had also received the first half of the inheritance.
On their way back from the Extreme Northern Land, although the group focused on traveling, neither she nor Chen Xiao had stopped comprehending their inheritance, and they had been continuously condensing more Rune Seals.
By now, Chen Xiao had condensed over a hundred Rune Seals within his body, which was why he could easily set up this formation.
"That's right. This formation doesn't possess offensive power; its function is special, making it suitable for this purpose. With this formation, the lesser Fallen Heart Flame can continuously absorb energy from the greater Fallen Heart Flame without needing supervision. It won't take long for it to grow," Chen Xiao nodded.
Watching the formation operate, Su Qian's eyes lit up, but he didn't ask further questions.
Qing Lin, standing beside them, remained composed.
On their way back to the Northwest, Chen Xiao and Little Fairy Doctor had not kept their knowledge to themselves and had also taught Qing Lin how to condense Rune Seals.
Unfortunately, Qing Lin had little interest in it and had no intention of delving deeply into this path.
However, Qing Lin had inquired if there was a formation that could gather the strength of her subordinates and unleash their maximum power.
It was easy to understand why Qing Lin asked this. Within her Three-Flower Pupils space, she controlled five Dou Zun powerhouses. If the strength of these 'puppets' could be combined, it would undoubtedly be an extremely potent method.
Regrettably, Chen Xiao did not have any inheritance related to that.
What Qing Lin was referring to seemed more like the methods of Battle Array Masters from the Great Thousand World.
What Chen Xiao and Little Fairy Doctor had received was a revised inheritance of Spirit Array Masters.
A single word difference, yet a world of difference.
While Qing Lin was not interested, Heavenly Flame Honored One, who was residing in the Storage Ring, had his eyes gleaming at this moment. He wanted to ask something, but hesitated, then wanted to ask again, repeatedly trying to speak.
...
In the evening, Purple Cloud City.
The night was already deep, yet the city was still brightly lit.
As it was rare for him to return, Chen Xiao, as the Pavilion Master, naturally had to make an appearance.
After commending his subordinates, rewarding some and punishing others, and handling these minor matters, Chen Xiao led Hai Bo Dong and the others closest to him to the upper-level rooms.
They were all close associates, and the atmosphere was much more relaxed. After a long chat, Su Qian finally asked about Zi Yan.
Despite often being disliked by Su Qian when she was in the Inner Academy, when it came to caring about Zi Yan, the Grand Elder was definitely among the top.
"Zi Yan's situation went quite smoothly. When we were on our way to Central State, I had already determined Zi Yan's true form. She has a natural advantage in spatial abilities and an instinctive aversion to the Heavenly Demon Phoenix corpse. Apart from the Void Ancient Dragon, there could be no other answer."
"So, after arriving at the Cao Family in Central State, I had the Cao Family help contact the Void Ancient Dragon's affiliated races in the Beast Region. About a year ago, we stopped at Falling God Ravine for a period. It was then that someone from the Ancient Dragon clan arrived and took Zi Yan back to Eastern Dragon Island."
"I have some understanding of the Void Ancient Dragon race. Eastern Dragon Island is loyal to the Dragon Emperor lineage, and Zi Yan is of Dragon Emperor blood. There will be no problems with her returning to Eastern Dragon Island. By the time we see her again, that girl will likely have the strength of a Dou Zun."
Mentioning Zi Yan, Chen Xiao also felt a sense of longing.
Of course, it was more anticipation.
When that girl left, she was at the peak of the sixth rank, on the verge of advancing. After returning to the Dragon Island, advancing to the seventh rank was a certainty. Whether she could advance to the eighth rank in a short period, however, was uncertain.
Having understood the full story, Su Qian finally relaxed, filled with emotion.
"When I first found Zi Yan in the deep mountains, I could tell that girl was extraordinary. I never expected her true form to be a Void Ancient Dragon. But it's good this way. With her personality, she could easily cause trouble in the Central State without any backing. Now, even if something happens, very few forces can deal with her."
Learning about Zi Yan's background and origins, Su Qian was genuinely happy for her.
"However, this matter is also a bit strange. Why would such a powerful magical beast race leave its Dragon Emperor bloodline behind? There are probably some secrets involved."
This was a question for a certain gatekeeper.
Chen Xiao knew the inside story, but it involved too much, so there was no need to say more.
"Oh, and there's a small matter. The Grand Elder has already met Qing Huan and Xing Yao. They have a history with me, and I want them to train systematically in the Outer Academy for a while."
The Inner Academy wasn't suitable for those just starting cultivation. It lacked guidance and was all about competition. The Outer Academy, however, was good. After a few years of study there, they would surely integrate completely into the Dou Qi Continent.
"That's simple enough. But I have a suggestion. Instead of letting them stay in the Outer Academy, why don't I take them? When Zi Yan was here, she was always so boisterous. It's been quiet these past few years, and I do miss her a bit. I've also seen those two girls; they are good seedlings for cultivation."
Chen Xiao felt a slight surprise at Su Qian's suggestion.
"This is good. I'll ask them their opinions tomorrow morning, and then I'll trouble the Grand Elder."
"No trouble at all. I need something to do as well. With them, it will be convenient for me to travel between the academy and Purple Cloud City."
Chen Xiao nodded slightly. This was safer and more secure.
He hadn't asked the White Dragon Honored One how the White Tribe's resources were allocated. That was their business, and it wasn't appropriate to pry.
However, Chen Xiao had already noticed the high-level Storage Rings on the two girls' fingers.
Given how much the White Dragon Honored One valued them, it was highly possible that some very important items of the White Tribe had been entrusted to them.
Wealth could stir hearts. Although Chen Xiao had no ulterior motives, he couldn't guarantee others wouldn't.
Even with the protection of the Purple Firmament Pavilion and the academy, the probability of an incident was very small, but precautions still had to be taken.
Now that Su Qian had brought it up, Chen Xiao was completely at ease.
The night passed quickly with their conversation.
On the new day, Chen Xiao first found Qing Huan and Xing Yao and told them about his conversation with the Grand Elder the previous night.
Without any surprise, both girls nodded in agreement.
Thus, Chen Xiao's final promise to the White Dragon Honored One was fulfilled.
At noon, Chen Xiao watched as the Grand Elder took the two girls back to the Inner Academy and did not accompany them further.
"Old Hai, Cai Lin is still in the Jia Ma Empire. We need to go back. It's been many years since you've returned, hasn't it? Do you want to come along?" Chen Xiao asked Hai Bo Dong.
Hai Bo Dong hesitated slightly, but then he thought about it. The Purple Firmament Pavilion was now as stable as Mount Tai in the Black-Corner Region, and they had the Jia Nan Academy for support. Leaving for a while wouldn't cause any problems.
Most importantly, he was now at the Peak Dou Huang!
As the saying goes, returning home in brocade is like walking in the dark.
Thinking this, Hai Bo Dong immediately changed his mind.
"Yes! We must go! That old fellow in the royal family probably doesn't have many years left. As an old friend, I want to see him one last time before he dies."
Hai Bo Dong said it convincingly, but Chen Xiao and the other two couldn't help but smile.
Knowing Hai Bo Dong, the Ice Emperor definitely wasn't going back for a reunion; he wanted to show off.
"And that old fellow Yun Shan. He's already a Dou Zong, yet he still troubles a junior. He's shameless. When we go back this time, I want to spar with him."
Hai Bo Dong clasped his hands behind his back, already eager.
Indeed, the current Hai Bo Dong practiced an Earth Rank Cultivation Technique and possessed Earth Rank Dou Skills. Coupled with his Peak Dou Huang strength, he truly had the capital to contend with Yun Shan.
Of course, the outcome was self-evident.
Dou Huang and Dou Zong were two different realms.
"In that case, let's arrange the affairs of the pavilion, and then we'll set off for Jia Ma!"
...
In the azure sky, the space quietly rippled.
The next moment, the calm space suddenly tore open, revealing a temporary spatial channel.
Following that, four figures emerged one after another.
It could be seen that one of them stumbled slightly in mid-air. He quickly unfurled his magnificent Dou Qi wings and thus stabilized his figure.
"Jia Ma Empire..."
Without paying attention to Hai Bo Dong's small movements, Chen Xiao, Little Fairy Doctor, and Qing Lin all showed a hint of nostalgia as they gazed at the distant landforms.
They were all from the Jia Ma Empire. Although they no longer had any relatives there, this old land held many of their memories.
Wu Tan City, Green Mountain Town, Mo City, Stone Desert City, Tagor Desert...
Familiar place names flashed through their minds, and Chen Xiao looked at Little Fairy Doctor and Qing Lin.
The girl who once stood behind the counter and treated mercenaries from a wooden box had now grown into a Dou Zun expert comparable to the Pavilion Masters of the Four Directions Pavilion.
The girl who followed him meekly and obediently back then had now leaped to become a high-level Dou Zun.
Reflecting on it now, time truly felt like it had flown by.
"I wonder if the Ten Thousand Medicines Pavilion is still there?"
When thinking of the past, Little Fairy Doctor's first thought was the Ten Thousand Medicines Pavilion.
It was there that she and Chen Xiao first met.
Qing Lin gazed towards the direction of Mo City and Stone Desert City, a faint smile gracing her slightly cool, pretty face.
"We'll know in a few days when we go to see. Let's go, Tagor isn't far ahead."
Suppressing the stirrings in his heart, Chen Xiao took a step forward, leading the way towards Tagor, his pace quickening.
Little Fairy Doctor and Qing Lin followed closely, step for step.
Hai Bo Dong lagged behind, his speed a little slower.
Crossing the vast expanse of sand, the desert city gradually came into view.
Just as Chen Xiao was eagerly about to stride forward, Hai Bo Dong's voice suddenly rang out.
"Chen Xiao, I won't be entering the Holy City. I'm going to see an old friend first and will come to congratulate you in a few days."
By now, Hai Bo Dong no longer feared Cai Lin as much. After all, given Chen Xiao and Cai Lin's relationship, Cai Lin wouldn't make a move against him.
However, the shadows of the past hadn't entirely dissipated. When Cai Lin was present, Hai Bo Dong remained more serious, not daring to joke around casually, which was telling enough.
Chen Xiao understood the reason behind this. Seeing Hai Bo Dong's earnest demeanor, he smiled and nodded.
"Old Hai, please do as you please."
For those just beginning their cultivation journey, the Jia Ma Empire was quite vast. But for Chen Xiao and the others now, as long as they were within the Jia Ma borders, meeting up was effortless.
Hai Bo Dong cupped his hands slightly and, without further hesitation, soared towards the Imperial Capital.
Watching Hai Bo Dong depart, the three of them shook their heads and chuckled softly.
Snake-People Race, Holy City.
Inside the Medusa Shrine.
Cai Lin leaned lightly on her throne, as graceful and alluring as ever.
But those familiar with her could clearly sense that Her Majesty the Queen had changed significantly compared to a few years ago.
For instance, in the shadows of the hall, there was the Snake Guard leader, Hua She'er, who almost seemed to have no presence.
As the person who interacted with Cai Lin the most among the Snake-People Race, Hua She'er's experience was the most profound. After returning from the Black-Corner Region, Her Majesty the Queen's personality had undergone a great change.
She no longer seemed as cold and proud as before. She often appeared lost in thought, and when she occasionally caressed her lower abdomen, she couldn't help but reveal a faint smile.
Initially, Hua She'er was bewildered.
It wasn't until one day, when Her Majesty the Queen was arguing with the Four Great Elders that the matter of her pregnancy was revealed.
Then, Hua She'er understood everything.
"Hua She'er."
Suddenly, Cai Lin's voice echoed through the hall.
"Your Majesty the Queen."
Hua She'er quickly emerged, bowing to receive orders.
However, a long while passed, and Hua She'er still heard no further command.
Filled with confusion, Hua She'er slightly raised her head.
She immediately saw that Her Majesty the Queen, in her graceful posture, had risen at some unknown time. A look of astonishment was on her beautiful face, followed by a rare, gentle smile.
And behind Hua She'er, a somewhat familiar voice also sounded.
"Cai Lin, I'm back."
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