Chapter 267: Testing the Elder Like This?
As soon as the Transformation Pill entered Zi Yan's mouth, it became the final surge she needed to break through her bottleneck. Her large, bright eyes gradually grew heavier until she eventually slipped into a deep sleep.
Seeing her fall into slumber, Xiao Yan remained calm. With a casual wave of his hand, a powerful force locked down the surrounding space completely. Soon after, Zi Yan's fair skin began to emit a radiant purple glow, which filled the room before retracting to form a cocoon of violet light about a meter in diameter, enveloping her entirely.
Watching this protective cocoon form, Xiao Yan let out a small sigh of relief. He placed layer upon layer of defensive formations around the cave and even instructed Wen Lao and Wu Lao to add their own formidable protections.
With this level of safeguarding, even a Dou Zun (Dou Venerate) would need over a year to break through. Additionally, the cave was a carefully selected location, with Su Qian discreetly keeping watch over it, ensuring nothing could go wrong.
A Visit from Su Qian
Standing at the entrance of the cave, Su Qian greeted Xiao Yan with a warm smile.
"Elder Yan Xiao, it seems your cultivation has advanced yet again during these past two months!"
Su Qian's tone was cordial, but deep down, he felt a sense of awe.
Previously, Su Qian still believed that if the entire Inner Academy, including its Guardians, were to join forces, they might pose a challenge to Xiao Yan. But now, even that possibility felt absurd.
Hearing Su Qian's words, Xiao Yan chuckled lightly. "I have the Fallen Heart Flame to thank for that."
Then, as if the thought had just occurred to him, he turned to Su Qian with a probing look.
"By the way, Elder Su, have there been any updates regarding my senior brother?"
Su Qian's expression shifted slightly, a hint of pride creeping onto his face. "Heh, Elder Yan Xiao, you've come to the right person! While we haven't pinpointed Han Feng's exact whereabouts yet, we've uncovered some leads regarding the Gold and Silver Elders."
"Those two old scoundrels again?" Xiao Yan frowned but nodded for Su Qian to continue. "Alright, Elder Su, please share what you've found."
Su Qian cleared his throat, clearly eager to share the information. "Two months ago, the Gold and Silver Elders were sighted near the Spring God Canyon!"
After delivering this tidbit, Su Qian's expression practically screamed, Praise me! Isn't my information great?
Xiao Yan's response, however, was silence.
This... is the formidable intelligence network of the Inner Academy?
The same information had already been uncovered by the scouts of Yan Alliance months ago. However, given the Inner Academy's structure, which primarily relied on teachers, elders, and even students, Xiao Yan chose to forgive Su Qian's small moment of pride.
A Quiet Period
After this brief exchange, Xiao Yan returned to the Pill Refining Department to enjoy a rare, peaceful period.
During this time, he refrained from tirelessly chasing after flames or serving as everyone's go to helper. Instead, his days consisted of cultivation, refining pills, and occasionally mentoring the elders and students of the Pill Refining Department.
Although Xiao Yan only shared the most basic techniques from the Pill Tower, even this was enough to benefit the department greatly.
During this period, both Lin Xiuya and Lin Yan successfully gathered the ingredients for the Heart Flame Tempering Pill, and Xiao Yan generously helped them refine a pill each.
Others were less fortunate, as they had yet to collect all the necessary materials. Xiao Yan decided that if they still hadn't succeeded by the time he left the academy, he would have no choice but to say, "I gave you the opportunity, but you didn't take it."
Visits from Han Yue
Han Yue visited Xiao Yan twice during this time. The two conversations were lighthearted and mostly involved her thanking him for his previous help.
Xiao Yan wasn't in a rush to push for anything further. Having matured through numerous experiences, he had learned the art of patience. The casual chats served to build their connection, laying the groundwork for future interactions.
Trouble with Liu Fei
However, not all interactions were as pleasant. Liu Fei, the younger sister of Liu Qing, began pestering Xiao Yan relentlessly.
Her inexplicable obsession with him was baffling. Every few days, she would show up trying to flirt, much to Xiao Yan's irritation.
"This level of beauty, and she dares to try seducing me? Absolutely ridiculous!" Xiao Yan scoffed internally. "She doesn't even wear stockings when she comes to see me. How does she expect to impress me like this?"
At the entrance to the Pill Refining Department, two disciples were growing equally frustrated with Liu Fei.
"Liu Fei, Elder Yan Xiao has made it clear he doesn't wish to see you. Please don't make this difficult for us!"
Frowning, Liu Fei retorted sharply, "What does it matter to you if I want to see Elder Yan Xiao? Who gave you the right to speak for him?"
Her persistence was fueled by Xiao Yan's indifference toward her. The more uninterested he seemed, the more determined she became to win him over.
In her mind, conquering such a powerful and proud man would be the ultimate thrill.
The two disciples were left speechless. They couldn't fathom what had gotten into her. She used to be arrogant but somewhat dignified; now, she seemed utterly shameless.
At that moment, a Pill Refining Department elder appeared at the entrance.
Liu Fei's face lit up as she prepared to speak, but the elder cut her off with a single, stern word:
"Leave!"
The elder's tone was harsh, and Liu Fei's expression froze.
"Liu Fei, if you continue harassing Elder Yan Xiao, don't forget that while the Inner Academy is lenient, there are still rules. If you cross the line, you'll be expelled!"
The elder's warning was like a bucket of cold water poured over Liu Fei's head. Her face turned pale.
"Understood, Elder…"
As she prepared to leave, a black robed figure suddenly appeared in the hall.
Seeing the newcomer, the elder's demeanor shifted, becoming much more respectful.
It was none other than Su Qian.
Unlike his usual composed self, Su Qian looked unusually flustered. Without hesitation, he strode toward Xiao Yan's quarters.
"Elder Yan Xiao! Something big has happened!"
(To be continued...)
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