"Oh… so those two have already left Jia Nan Academy, huh…"
Xiao Hua murmured softly as he listened to Xun Er recount the recent developments within the Xiao Clan. His thoughts drifted to Xiao Yang and Xiao Tao, the two cousins who had followed him throughout their time at Jia Nan Academy.
Xiao Yang and Xiao Tao had graduated at the top of the Inner Academy, earning the first and second positions on the Strong Ranking. Yet, neither of them had grown arrogant or flaunted their achievements. They, along with everyone in the Inner Academy, understood an undeniable truth in their hearts.
The true pinnacle of their generation was represented by the six founders of Chaos Gate—Xiao Hua, Xun Er, Ming Cheng, Li Mei, Xin Yu, Mei Ling, and Wei Jie.
To honor their legacy, Su Qian and the other elders had commissioned a statue of the six founders, which now stood proudly in front of the Sky Refining Tower. It served as a symbol of their unparalleled achievements and as an inspiration for future students.
As for Xiao Yang and Xiao Tao, their rise to the top of the Strong Ranking was only possible because the six founders, having far surpassed the student level, had chosen to step down from the rankings and leadership of Chaos Gate. Their focus had shifted to grooming the next generation of leaders, leaving the Strong Ranking behind as a relic of their past.
"That's right," Xun Er said with a soft nod. "The last I heard, those two have reached nine-star Dou Wang and have become some of the most influential figures in Jia Ma Empire."
"Did they not travel to gain experience?" Xiao Hua asked curiously.
"No," Xun Er replied, shaking her head. A faint glimmer of amusement lit her eyes as the corners of her lips curled upward. "The Xiao Clan's fame doesn't allow them to leave so easily. Another reason for their decision to stay is that both of them have married within the clan."
"Cousin Xiao Yang and Xiao Tao?" Xiao Hua's eyes widened in shock. "This is… a bit sudden for me."
"Apparently, when they were children, they each made a promise to marry the girl who held their hearts. Their love and affection for those girls never faded, even with time and distance."
"That's… surprising." Xiao Hua murmured softly, still processing the revelation.
"If you think that's surprising," Xun Er said with a mischievous smirk, "wait until you hear this: three months ago, it was confirmed that Cousin Xiao Tao's wife is pregnant. And a month later, Cousin Xiao Yang's wife was also found to be expecting."
Xiao Hua's jaw dropped. "Both of them… at the same time? That's… unexpected."
Xun Er chuckled, her laughter carrying a mix of amusement and warmth. "Why don't Brother Xiao Hua prepare a gift to celebrate their marriages and pray for their wives' successful pregnancies?"
Xiao Hua remained silent, still too stunned to speak. The thought of his two cousins, once so focused on clan affairs, now embarking on family life was difficult to process. He had always pictured them buried under responsibilities, with no room for personal joys. And yet, here they were, preparing to welcome children into the world.
'Should I refine a First Start Pill for their children?' Xiao Hua mused inwardly.
The First Start Pill was a tier-eight medicinal pill specially crafted for children. Unlike other medicinal pills that were potent and often too violent for a child's developing body, the First Start Pill had a uniquely gentle medicinal strength. It was designed to be safely consumed by children, without any risk of harm.
Moreover, its effects were extraordinary. It would enhance a child's constitution during their formative years, ensuring their physique and cultivation foundation grew closer to perfection. With the First Start Pill, their potential would be significantly elevated, paving the way for extraordinary achievements in the future.
A faint smile crossed Xiao Hua's lips as he resolved himself. 'If I can create it in time, this will be my gift to them and their children—something that will truly benefit their lineage and honor their trust in me.'
"In addition, just as you requested, those two have been protecting Xiao Yan and ensuring the other clan members couldn't bully him," Xun Er added softly.
She paused for a moment, taking a deep breath. "At first, they kept this matter quiet. They didn't want Xiao Yan to grow complacent or arrogant. But after he lost his status as a genius, they had no choice but to intervene."
"It seems he was being bullied after that, huh…" Xiao Hua sighed deeply. He understood the personalities of Xiao Yang and Xiao Tao well. For them to step in meant the situation must have been unbearable to witness.
"That's right," Xun Er affirmed with a solemn nod. "He was ruthlessly mocked, ridiculed, and insulted by members of the Xiao Clan to the point it felt as if they weren't even from the same clan. The ones from the First Elder Faction were particularly vicious."
She continued, her tone sharpening slightly, "It wasn't until Cousin Xiao Tao and Cousin Xiao Yang publicly declared that Xiao Yan was under your protection that the harassment finally subsided."
"The situation must have been truly dire for them to get involved," Xiao Hua said, his voice heavy with a mix of gratitude and sadness.
Although he didn't like it, Xiao Hua had expected such a reaction from the clan. With the Xiao Clan's rising fame and strength, the intensity of the insults, mockery, and ridicule Xiao Yan had endured was far more ruthless than what was described in the novel.
"Regardless, I will refine medicinal pills for them as both a congratulatory gift and a token of appreciation for their efforts in managing the Xiao Clan," Xiao Hua said with a grateful smile, thinking about Xiao Yang and Xiao Tao's dedication.
'Incidentally, I should also prepare some medicinal pills for Xiao Yan after assessing his condition,' Xiao Hua thought to himself. 'That way, I can show him my support.'
He understood Xiao Yan's personality well. If he offered help during this critical time, Xiao Yan would undoubtedly be forever grateful. With such a gesture, any distance or misunderstanding between them could be erased, and they could one day stand side by side, defending the Great Thousand World together.
A faint, bitter smile tugged at Xiao Hua's lips as he thought about the week ahead, knowing full well it would leave him with little to no free time.
Regardless, Xiao Hua had no choice but to press forward—for the sake of his future and a far greater objective. He sought to uncover the true reason behind his reincarnation and the System's purpose. He was not so naïve as to believe his reincarnation was merely a result of luck or a miraculous coincidence.
'Everything will be revealed once I complete this world,' Xiao Hua thought, his gaze drifting toward the two functions within the System that remained locked.
The Soul Function and Reincarnation Function being inaccessible could only mean they held significance for the future.
His mind wandered back to a moment nine years ago, just before the registration for the Inner Academy Qualifying Competition. As he prepared for the competition, an unsettling realization struck him—he had never truly questioned the sudden appearance of these two functions, which had emerged shortly before he entered Jia Nan Academy.
When he first received the Auto-Cultivation System, he had meticulously reviewed every function. Back then, the Soul Function and Reincarnation Function were nonexistent.
Yet, after practicing the Chaos Mantra—a Qi Method received from the System—these functions had quietly appeared. This revelation suggested a deep connection between the Chaos Mantra and the locked functions, making it evident he would need them in the future.
What troubled Xiao Hua most was how he had received these functions without even realizing it, nor had he questioned their presence until much later.
It wasn't until Lady Azure spoke about the fragility of the soul while teaching him Alchemy during his preparations for the Qualifying Competition that he began to reflect. Her words had reignited his curiosity, pushing him to question the true nature and purpose of the System.
However, the only response Xiao Hua received from the System came in the form of a cryptic quest—a vague directive urging him to "complete the world."
Since that moment, his heart had been consumed by an unrelenting desire to uncover the System's true intentions. Despite the ambiguity of its completion objective, Xiao Hua resolved to see it through, no matter the cost.
'Regardless of the System's motives or the schemes of the Gu Clan's Elders, I must grow stronger to face whatever lies ahead,' Xiao Hua thought, his determination solidifying as a steely resolve to gain strength filled him.
Yet, he exhaled softly, allowing his expression to relax as a gentle smile graced his face. 'However, now is not the time for such concerns.'
His gaze softened, filled with warmth. 'Now is the time to cherish these moments with Xun'er and let everything else fade into the background.'
"Regardless, aren't you afraid of the challenges and trials ahead because of me, Brother Xiao Hua?" Xun Er's voice quivered, her gaze fixed on him with eyes brimming with worry, fear, and sadness.
Xiao Hua could see the tears threatening to spill over as she looked at him. Her emotions were unmistakable—worry that he might suffer because of her, fear that he could fall victim to the schemes of the clan's elders, and sadness that his path was riddled with difficulties because of her presence.
Understanding the turmoil in her heart, Xiao Hua smiled—a gentle, warm expression imbued with boundless affection and unwavering love. His voice, soft yet resolute, carried the weight of an unbreakable promise.
"I would face the fury of ten thousand storms, scale the highest peaks, or dive into the deepest abyss, for there is no challenge too great if it means standing by your side forever."
He leaned closer, his eyes burning with an unyielding resolve that seemed to pierce through all her fears. "For your happiness, your safety, your peace. If it takes a thousand lifetimes, I will ensure you never shed another tear, that your heart remains untouched by sorrow. And I swear upon my very soul, I will not fall until I have fulfilled this vow."
Without hesitation, Xiao Hua closed the distance between them, his lips meeting hers in a deep, passionate kiss. The tender act swept away the tears brimming in her eyes and banished the sorrow clouding her gaze.
In that moment, Xun Er's worries and fears melted into the warmth of his embrace, the world around them fading into insignificance. Even the watchful eyes of their brothers and sisters, secretly peeking at them from a distance, seemed to vanish into the ether, leaving only the two of them in a perfect, timeless bubble of love and reassurance.
...
"Are you sure you're not planning to flirt more with Xun'er, Hua'er?" Mei Ling teased with a playful smirk.
"Xun'er is busy preparing for our return," Xiao Hua replied with a faint smile.
"Well, you could always ask Sister Li Mei and Sister Xin Yu to handle the preparations so you can keep her company," Wei Jie chimed in, his tone carrying a mischievous edge.
The three were currently navigating the vast ravine nestled deep within the Chaos Forest. Their purpose for venturing here was clear: to refine medicinal pills far from the prying eyes of students. Refining tier-eight medicinal pills was inherently dangerous, and the risk only multiplied when attempting multiple pills simultaneously.
"Anyway, we're almost there, so let's put the teasing aside for now," Wei Jie said with a satisfied grin.
"I never imagined we'd one day refine tier-eight medicinal pills together like this," Mei Ling remarked, her eyes alight with excitement.
"It's not without its challenges," Xiao Hua sighed. "We're refining several tier-eight pills simultaneously, and last time I tried refining ten at once, the Pill Lightning that appeared merged into a single, devastating strike—far more terrifying than usual."
"Ke ke, that's the price of refining multiple eighth-tier medicinal pills at once," Wei Jie said, chuckling in amusement. "It saves time, sure, but it's taxing on the soul and incredibly draining."
"That's precisely why most people wouldn't dare attempt it," Mei Ling added with a wry smile. "The only reason we've managed to pull it off is thanks to the Heavenly Astral Lightning you gave us, Hua'er. It's significantly strengthened our souls."
"Speaking of Heavenly Astral Lightning…" Xiao Hua raised an eyebrow, curiosity flickering in his eyes. "When do you plan to refine the four seeds of Primordial Heavenly Flames I gave you?"
"Probably once we're at your clan," Wei Jie replied with a thoughtful expression. "Refining even one of those flames is already a monumental challenge, and we have four to deal with…"
"Indeed," Mei Ling added, her tone serious. "We'll need to ensure we're in peak condition and fully prepared before attempting such a feat."
"Enough talk for now," Wei Jie said, cutting through the conversation with a grin. "Let's focus on refining these medicinal pills. We don't want to delay the gathering next week."
Mei Ling and Xiao Hua nodded in agreement. Without further words, the three of them spread out slightly to give each other space. They exchanged a brief glance of acknowledgment before settling into their positions.
With a synchronized motion, all three sat down cross-legged, their expressions calm and resolute.
A green flame burst forth from the palms of both Mei Ling and Wei Jie, causing the surrounding temperature to spike dramatically, as if the very air itself was ignited.
Meanwhile, a cascade of flames in various hues surged from Xiao Hua's body, each one converging into a dazzling display of light and power on his palm. The golden-green flame shimmered vibrantly alongside the crystal-blue flame, deep-purple flame, autumn-orange flame, and emerald-green flame, creating a mesmerizing spectrum of colors that danced like living entities in perfect harmony.
The golden-green flame was the Tribulation Lotus Flame, a merger of the Primordial Green Lotus Core Flame and Heavenly Tribulation Lightning, its brilliance pulsing like a sacred lotus caught in an endless storm.
The crystal-blue flame was the Glazed Astral Flame, the fusion of the Primordial Fallen Heart Flame and Heavenly Astral Lightning, radiating an overwhelming and soul-pressuring presence
The deep-purple flame, known as the Thousand Immortal Flame, combined the raw power of the Primordial Three Thousand Burning Flame and Heavenly Mortal Lightning, its glow resembling the infinite depths of a starry sky.
The autumn-orange flame, called the Wrathful Chilling Flame, was the result of the Primordial Bone Chilling Flame merging with Heavenly Wrathful Lightning, its fiery hue tinged with a sense of wrath and bone-chilling frost.
Finally, the emerald-green flame was the Life Execution Flame, formed by the union of the Primordial Life Spirit Flame and Heavenly Execution Lightning, exuding an infinite aura of life.
These flames, though born from unimaginable fusions, did not attempt to blend with one another. Instead, they created invisible boundaries, each maintaining its individuality while swirling in perfect synchronization on Xiao Hua's palm. The vibrant colors danced wildly yet harmoniously, as though the flames themselves were excited by their collective presence.
However, the intensity of their combined power was undeniable. The temperature around Xiao Hua began to rise relentlessly, the searing heat radiating outward without a single sign of abating. The very air seemed to shimmer and warp under the overwhelming pressure, as if nature itself was struggling to accommodate the sheer force of these elemental flames.
Wei Jie and Mei Ling paid no attention to the rising intensity around Xiao Hua. Instead, they exchanged a quick glance and nodded, silently confirming that they were all ready to proceed.
Without delay, the three of them extended their hands, forming intricate hand seals as powerful Spiritual Strength surged from their brows.
Xiao Hua's flames and Spiritual Strength moved gracefully, merging in an elegant dance to form twenty radiant medicinal cauldrons. These vibrant cauldrons hovered silently in the air around him, exuding a faint, otherworldly glow.
The same process unfolded for Mei Ling and Wei Jie. However, unlike Xiao Hua, they each formed ten emerald-green cauldrons. Suspended in midair, the cauldrons were a clear manifestation of their flames and Spiritual Strength working in harmony.
With a fluid motion of their hands, an overwhelming number of medicinal ingredients flew out of their Storage Rings. A quick glance would reveal that their combined total exceeded a hundred, a testament to the scale and complexity of this refinement.
Refining tier-eight medicinal pills was a monumental task, with intricacies that could overwhelm even seasoned alchemists. However, the three of them displayed a mastery far beyond the norm. Their proficiency in pill refinement had reached a level that surpassed most alchemists of their rank.
For them, this advanced method of simultaneous refinement posed no significant issue, save for a slight discomfort caused by splitting their attention across multiple cauldrons. Even in less-than-peak condition, the likelihood of failure remained as low as fifteen percent—a figure most alchemists could only dream of achieving.
However, the true challenge lay elsewhere. The attraction of Pill Lightning—a phenomenon that marked the success of high-tier medicinal pills—was unpredictable. For cultivators of their caliber, anything less than a six-colored Pill Lightning would be considered disappointing.
As they began their refinements, their minds shut out the external world, immersing themselves fully in the refinement of medicinal ingredients within their cauldrons. Their focus was absolute, each movement precise and deliberate, as they guided the delicate process to perfection.
Moreover, this technique allows medicinal ingredients to be refined into medicinal liquid separately and simultaneously before merging them once the process is complete. Naturally, this technique has both advantages and disadvantages.
The primary advantage is that it eliminates the need to refine medicinal ingredients one by one, significantly reducing the time required to form a pill. However, the disadvantages are notable: it demands exceptional spiritual control, an immense amount of Spiritual Strength, and carries a high risk of failure if complete mastery is not achieved.
...
"It seems they've begun refining medicinal pills," Ming Cheng remarked, his tone tinged with awe.
"Indeed, they have," Su Qian responded, his gaze turning toward the source of the disturbance.
Deep within the Blazing Sky Qi Refining Tower, both men could sense the shift in the energy of heaven and earth caused by Xiao Hua and his companions as they initiated their pill refinement.
"Back when I trained in the Central Plains during my youth, witnessing a tier-seven alchemist refining a medicinal pill was an exceedingly rare event," Su Qian said, stroking his beard thoughtfully. A soft smile formed on his face as he reflected on the remarkable students under his care. "Yet, over the past few years, such occurrences have become routine here at Jia Nan Academy."
His heart swelled with pride as he thought of this extraordinary generation of talents. Never in his life had he imagined that six prodigies—Xiao Hua, Ming Cheng, Li Mei, Xin Yu, Mei Ling, and Wei Jie—would emerge within the walls of Jia Nan Academy. Their brilliance had transformed what once seemed miraculous into the mundane, where even a phenomenon as grand as Pill Lightning had become a regular sight.
'Even though the little girl from the Gu Clan lags slightly behind these six, she still far surpasses the younger generation within Jia Nan Academy,' Su Qian mused, his thoughts wandering to Xun Er. 'However, her relationship with Xiao Hua...'
He let out a quiet sigh, contemplating the complications that might arise. The Ancient Clans were known for their pride and exclusivity, and the union between Xiao Hua and Xun Er was bound to face resistance.
Yet, despite the potential challenges, Su Qian felt no anxiety. The Eight Ancient Clans may have a storied history and unfathomable inheritances, but even among their younger generation, no one could rival Xiao Hua. Whether in talent, perseverance, or sheer determination, Xiao Hua stood unmatched.
'Regardless, I should inform the Headmaster that our talented students are preparing to enter the Central Plains. He may assist them if they encounter any danger,' Su Qian thought, a sense of responsibility filling his heart.
During Xiao Hua's seclusion, Mang Tian Chi had returned to Jia Nan Academy briefly. Unfortunately, the two hadn't crossed paths, as the Headmaster didn't remain at the academy for long.
However, Mang Tian Chi had met Ming Cheng and the others. The sight of their progress had filled him with excitement for their future. Su Qian was confident that, should these students face peril, Mang Tian Chi wouldn't simply stand by and do nothing.
Su Qian also recalled the moment Mang Tian Chi had learned of the academy's remarkable growth and the demise of the Old Ground Demon Ghost—an achievement attributed to Xiao Hua. The Headmaster's shocked and stunned expression had been unforgettable.
"Anyway, First Elder," Ming Cheng's voice pulled Su Qian from his thoughts. "About this snake—has it been behaving well?"
"It has," Su Qian replied with a nod, immediately understanding the question. "With Xiao Hua's presence, the Fallen Heart Flame has remained obedient, showing none of its previous rebellious tendencies."
"If that's the case, then why did you request Xiao Hua to refine this Heavenly Flame?" Ming Cheng asked, raising an eyebrow in confusion. "Since the Fallen Heart Flame is behaving, I don't see the need for such a request."
The question was valid. The Fallen Heart Flame was a crucial, secret treasure of Jia Nan Academy, essential for nurturing students at an extraordinary speed. Su Qian's request seemed unusual, even counterintuitive.
"Xiao Hua mentioned something to me once," Su Qian said, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "Within the lava world, he sensed a faint but similar presence to the Fallen Heart Flame."
"Faint but similar?" Ming Cheng murmured, his brows furrowing as he mulled over the words.
After a moment, his eyes widened in realization. "A flame seed of the Fallen Heart Flame? Are you planning to nurture this seed so that, when it matures, it won't reject Jia Nan Academy?"
"That's right." Su Qian nodded firmly, his gaze shifting toward the sealed chamber where the mature but volatile Fallen Heart Flame was contained. Its flickering light reflected in his eyes.
"However," he continued, "to enter the lava world, we need to deal with this Fallen Heart Flame first. It serves as the only gateway to the lava world."
"I see…" Ming Cheng nodded slowly, his sharp gaze locking onto the faint, nearly invisible serpent-like form slithering within the seal. "I'll relay this matter to Xiao Hua, but I suspect he'll only address it after resolving the issues within the Xiao Clan."
"Thank you." A faint, grateful smile spread across Su Qian's face. If they could retrieve the Fallen Heart Flame's seed and ensure it integrated seamlessly with Jia Nan Academy, the Blazing Sky Qi Refining Tower could remain open permanently. They would no longer live under the looming threat of destruction should the Fallen Heart Flame break free.
As for Xiao Hua refusing the task, Su Qian wasn't concerned. There was no chance Xiao Hua would decline—after all, this involved a Heavenly Flame capable of significantly enhancing cultivation speed. For someone like Xiao Hua, who sought constant improvement, such an opportunity was too valuable to ignore.
As expected, Xiao Hua accepted the offer, but his reasons differed from what Su Qian had anticipated. The Fallen Heart Flame itself did not hold much appeal to him. Instead, Xiao Hua planned to gift it to Xiao Yan, though he intended to keep this plan a secret for the time being.
Besides, he would only give the Fallen Heart Flame after Xiao Yan successfully refined the Green Lotus Core Flame. Xiao Hua believed it was crucial for Xiao Yan to stabilize his foundation first by refining a weaker Heavenly Flame.
The process of refining a Heavenly Flame was incredibly perilous, requiring an unwavering determination, a deep resolve, and an unshakeable will.
A single misstep in maneuvering the Heavenly Flame through one's Qi Paths could result in catastrophic consequences—an eruption of flames that would reduce Xiao Yan to ashes. Xiao Hua knew it was far safer for Xiao Yan to attempt refining the mature and volatile Fallen Heart Flame only after his foundation was solid and his resolve unshakable.