At the base of the Heavenly Burned Qi Tower, four internal chamber elders sat cross-legged with their eyes slightly closed. Precisely between them lay the deep entrance to the molten world.
"Senior Elder, first retrieve the Convergence Cauldron and test its effectiveness. As for Han Feng's matter, we don't need to rush right now." Gazing at the slowly descending Su Qian, Xiao Yan didn't immediately summon his team, but instead offered a gentle smile and said so. Upon hearing this, Su Qian nodded in agreement and then gestured with his hand, causing the Convergence Cauldron to drift out of his storage relic and gently settle before the four elders. With a smile, he said, "Since all of you practice fire-based cultivation techniques, channel your ki into it and see how far you can awaken your inner flame."
As the qi surged in, a powerful glow erupted suddenly on the surface of the young heart-flame embryo that had fallen. Then, much like a still lake disturbed by a massive stone, concentric waves of invisible energy rapidly spread out from within the gathering pot... These invisible waves rose gently, spiraling upward, and eventually penetrated the tower layers, fully enveloping the entire Tian-Fen Lian Qi Tower.
At that very moment, numerous students who were quietly meditating within the Tianfen Qi-Tower suddenly opened their eyes, instinctively reaching their hands to their chests—there, a gentle, burning heart flame suddenly appeared. Some of the older students from the Inner Courtyard were not unfamiliar with this heart flame, as they had once personally experienced its refining benefits during their earlier years. However, since the heart flame had dwindled and eventually dried up in the Inner Courtyard, that sweet experience had been shattered. They had once believed that they might never again enjoy such a privilege until graduation. Yet, to their surprise, it had quietly returned.
Even though Xiao Yan and the others were stationed at the base of the tower, they could still hear the multitude of cheers emanating from within. Upon exchanging a glance with Su Qian, both of them exhaled in relief. "It seems to have worked after all," Su Qian exclaimed, then turned his gaze toward the four elders, with a teasing tone. "It appears we'll have to rely on our inner courtyard elders who specialize in fire-based qi cultivation quite a bit from now on. Fortunately, this little one isn't absorbing qi at an exceptionally rapid pace, so most of the elders should be able to manage."
Hearing Su Qian's words, the four elders couldn't help but sigh and shake their heads, clearly anticipating that they would soon become the long-term "meal allowance" for the heart flame that had perished within the "Converging Fire Pot." Seeing the elders' faces as flat as bitter gourds, Su Qian laughed heartily, waved at Xiao Yan, and then strode off, chatting as he went, "I'll go inform the other elders who specialize in fire-based cultivation techniques. From now on, you might have to rotate shifts. Heh, after all, it's good for you—there's always consumption, and only with consumption does growth occur. That'll benefit you all as well..." As soon as Su Qian finished speaking, he had already stepped out of the gate. Xiao Yan, seeing the elders' sympathetic gestures, promptly spread his hands in resignation and hurried after him, after all, he himself practiced a fire-based cultivation technique.
When Xiao Yan and his companion arrived at the council hall, Xiao Yixian, Zi Yan, Xiao Li, and several other strong members of the Xiao family were already seated. Upon seeing Xiao Yan enter, everyone's eyes sparkled with surprise.
"You've finally made it, kid," Xiao Li rose and smiled warmly at Xiao Yan.
Xiao Yan nodded in return, then found a spot and sat down beside Xiao Yixian and Zi Yan, glancing at the two beautiful women and teasing, "It's been several months now—seems like both of you have grown even more attractive!"
"Hmph! Don't think just saying nice things will excuse you from the offense of abandoning us to go off and have your own fun!" Zi Yan pouted, giving Xiao Yan a rather dismissive chuckle.
"Excuse me, really?" Xiao Yan shook his head, laughing, and gently rubbed his palm over the young woman's head. Then, turning his gaze to the quiet, smiling Xiao Yixian beside him, he softened his tone and asked, "Have you been well these past few months?"
"What he mentioned was precisely the so-called 'Calamity Poison Body' that Xiao Yi Shen referred to.
"Good news—currently, it's still manageable," Xiao Yi Shen gently brushed aside a strand of snow-white hair from her forehead, murmuring softly. Her graceful, gray-purple eyes then scanned over Xiao Xin, a touch of astonishment flickering in them. "Another rank advancement?"
Xiao Xin nodded with a smile. Xiao Yi Shen's prowess surpassed that of Su Qian, the Senior Monastic, so she could easily perceive the subtle shift in his aura.
"Ah, let me just have a private conversation with you when we find a suitable moment—right now, let's focus on the matter at hand," Xiao Li said, observing the slightly distracted expressions of Xiao Xin and himself, and clearing his throat.
As soon as he spoke, a ripple of laughter spread throughout the hall. While Xiao Xin remained composed, Xiao Yi Shen's slightly pale cheeks flushed with a delicate, alluring warmth, only to quickly fade away.
"What about Han Feng lately?" Xiao Xin returned his focus, his expression now more serious.
"That guy is quite cunning. I originally thought he had already escaped the Black Angle Domain long ago, but it turns out he's been hiding right within the Magic Flame Valley... "Xiao Li frowned, "Magic Flame Valley has always been a major force within the Black Angle Domain. Even though the current leaders—Di Mo the Elder and the three senior elders, Fangyan—have all perished, and their strength has significantly diminished, they still can't be overlooked. Han Feng has taken advantage of the valley's current disarray, leveraging his established networks and connections from his time in the Black Angle Domain to quietly take control of Magic Flame Valley." "Moreover, according to my latest intelligence, Han Feng is now secretly reaching out to numerous former allies from the Black Angle Domain, aiming to reestablish a coalition—indeed, even the Black Emperor Sect and Elder E Jing are now being invited into this effort..." Hearing this, Xiao Yan was momentarily stunned, then coldly remarked, "This guy truly never seems to settle down. He's always up and doing something."
"Han Feng has always had considerable ambition. Though he's been repeatedly defeated by you in the past, he has steadily cultivated his network within Black Corner Domain. Now, having reached the peak of Douzong strength, his influence and appeal there remain undiminished. If he truly forms an alliance with various Black Corner Domain factions and powerful figures, it would pose a serious threat not only to our College of Gan, but also to the Xiao family's influence." Su Qian said solemnly. "On our side, the only Douzong-level masters we currently have are myself and Xiao Yixian—perhaps one more, Xiao Yan. Therefore, if Han Feng succeeds in forming such an alliance, at the peak strength level, he will not fall short of us. As for the thousand and more elders in the Inner Academy, they will never intervene in such matters— their primary duty is merely to ensure the survival of the College of Gan. Thus, all else will have to rely on us." "Therefore, we must absolutely prevent the other Black Corner Domain factions from forming a successful alliance—otherwise, they will gain a real chance to turn the tide." Xiao Li added, his tone equally grave.
Xiao Yan nodded silently, lightly tapping the table with his fingers. After a moment, he spoke slowly: "When did he invite these factions?" "Tomorrow!" Xiao Yan nodded slightly, leaning back against the chair, his voice calm. "Brother Er, mobilize all the strong warriors from the Xiao Clan, and send representatives to other factions with good relations to the Xiao Clan as well—have them dispatch their own strong forces as well. All of them will depart tomorrow. This time, I want Han Feng to never rise again!" Hearing this, Xiao Li nodded firmly, a grim smile spreading across his lips. "The Magic Flame Valley has long been at odds with our Xiao Clan. This is the perfect opportunity to eliminate it entirely. It will also show the other factions in Black Angle Region that the Xiao Clan is no mere player—someone who can't be taken lightly!" "Moreover, the Magic Flame Valley has been in deep conflict with the Ganavan Academy. The Academy will also send all its strongest forces, ensuring that the roots of this conflict are completely eradicated."
There was also a glint of determination in Su Qian's eyes. Over the years, numerous students from Gan'an Academy had fallen victim to the poison of the Moli Valley, and the relationship between the two sides had long since reached a point of irreconcilable conflict. Xiao Yan nodded slightly, then slowly stood up, his gaze directed toward the location of the Moli Valley, a cold, resolute smile spreading across his youthful face.