Three days had passed since Xun Er's departure. Thanks to the efforts of Little Fairy Doctor, Cai Lin and Zi Yan, the somber and heavy air surrounding Xiao Hua gradually dispersed, allowing his spirit to lighten once more.
Within the towering halls of the ivory tower, Xiao Hua moved in silence, his footsteps soft as he passed through the lively corridors. Students bustled past him, their faces lit with excitement and joy, yet many eyes were drawn toward him—each gaze carrying its own sentiment.
The male students looked upon him with fervent awe and deep respect. The female students, meanwhile, bore fiery gazes, filled with admiration—and something more.
Xiao Hua had never been an ordinary student. Even in his early years at the academy, he had left behind a string of achievements that most could only dream of attaining.
Foremost among them was a feat that still echoed throughout the Black-Corner Region: as a mere seven-year-old Dou Wang, he had astonishingly defeated the Old Ground Demon Ghost, a formidable Dou Zong and veteran of the same generation as the current Headmaster.
Though the tale bordered on the unbelievable and was difficult for many to accept, its truth had been affirmed by the powerful factions of the region. No one dared question it now—for the legend had already taken root.
This feat alone was enough to make even the most talented students of the Inner Academy abandon any hope of ever catching up to Xiao Hua.
On the Dou Qi Continent, the strong would always become the focus of admiration and desire.
Naturally, such legendary accomplishments drew the fervent respect of young male students—and the deep attraction of their female peers.
Though Xiao Hua had long since graduated and now held the title of Elder within Jia Nan Academy, the younger generation still revered him. The men regarded him as an untouchable idol; the women saw in him the very embodiment of the man they dreamed of.
Thus, it was no surprise that many of them harbored envy toward the white-haired young lady and the alluring beauty with long, shapely legs who walked at Xiao Hua's side.
"It seems you've drawn quite a bit of attention, Junior Sister Han Yue, Cousin Xiao Yu," Xiao Hua remarked with a sidelong glance at the two young ladies following closely behind him, his eyes glinting with quiet amusement.
"And may I ask whose fault that is, Senior Brother Xiao Hua?" Han Yue responded, rolling her eyes at his teasing. Her voice carried a faintly biting tone, though a trace of playfulness lingered beneath it.
Xiao Yu, on the other hand, offered a helpless smile. "That's right, Cousin Xiao Hua. Even for me… this is a bit overwhelming."
Since entering the Inner Academy, Xiao Yu had inherited the mantle of Chaos Gate's leader. Han Yue, meanwhile, formed and stood at the helm of Moon Spirit, a faction that welcomed only female disciples.
As the two most powerful female students—both widely acknowledged for their beauty and talent—the bond they shared had grown naturally close. And with such status, it was only inevitable that they attracted a long line of admirers, many of whom had boldly stepped forward to confess, only to be firmly, turned away.
Yet even with their composure and long-standing indifference to heated gazes, they had to admit—the sharp, envious stares they now faced were somewhat difficult to ignore.
Xiao Hua merely chuckled at Han Yue's biting remark and Xiao Yu's helplessness, clearly finding amusement in their predicament.
The two young ladies could only sigh in quiet resignation. This morning, they had met by chance and were preparing to head toward the Sky Blazing Qi Refining Tower—until they unexpectedly ran into Xiao Hua, a rare encounter that caught them both by surprise.
In the past few days, neither of them had seen any trace of him. After all, the innermost region of the Chaos Spiritual Forest was a forbidden area, accessible only to the six founders of Chaos Gate, Elder Huo, First Elder Su Qian, and the three women who always accompanied Xiao Hua.
Upon learning that Xiao Hua intended to visit the Sky Blazing Qi Refining Tower, the two immediately offered to join him.
Little did they know, their decision would stir up such a commotion—drawing countless envious glares from the female students and leaving both of them feeling bitter and regretful on the inside.
'If I had known this would happen, I wouldn't have followed this man…'
The same thought crossed both Han Yue's and Xiao Yu's minds as they subtly cast resentful glances at Xiao Hua's back. Of course, Xiao Hua sensed their gazes—but simply let them pass, responding with nothing more than a faint, amused smile.
Seeing that Xiao Hua remained completely unfazed, Han Yue and Xiao Yu exchanged a glance before letting out another dejected sigh.
Xiao Hua chuckled softly, then turned his head slightly to glance behind him, a gentle smile on his lips.
"By the way, once I'm done with this matter, I'll have some time. If you wish, I can offer you some guidance," he said lightly. "Though… I'm not sure what I can do for someone at your current level."
"That's more than enough, Senior Brother Xiao Hua. Perhaps you can help us identify the flaws in our techniques and how to properly fix them," Han Yue replied with a graceful smile.
"Or maybe," Xiao Yu added with a playful chuckle, "you could give us a few pills to help consolidate our strength."
Xiao Hua let out a wry smile. "You're starting to sound like a certain little girl I know…"
Her words reminded him of Zi Yan, and for a moment, a helpless warmth flickered in his eyes.
He rubbed his chin in thought, then continued, "If I recall correctly, the Inner Academy Grand Competition is approaching soon, isn't it? I'll help strengthen your physical bodies beforehand. That way, you'll gain even greater benefit when refining the Essence Heart Flame."
"Thank you, Senior Brother/Cousin Xiao Hua."
Han Yue and Xiao Yu's faces lit up at his words. The two spoke in unison, nodding with sincere gratitude.
The Inner Academy Grand Competition was a competition held once every five years. It gathered all those ranked within the Strong Ranking, allowing them to battle for the top.
Only the top ten would earn the qualification to become Elders—and more importantly, to receive an extraordinary reward.
That reward was the chance to temper one's body using the source of the Academy's Heart Flame—known as the Essence Heart Flame. Through this body-forging process, one could obtain a breakthrough opportunity that opened the path to the Dou Wang class, provided the recipient was not plagued by extraordinary misfortune.
In the realm of Dou Qi cultivation, Dou Wang was a watershed realm—one that seemed to defy the heavens themselves. Many talented cultivators had reached the peak of Dou Ling, only to find themselves stuck, unable to take that crucial step forward for years, if not for life.
Thus, while the title of Elder might not carry much allure for the more ambitious students, the chance to undergo the forging of the Essence Heart Flame was more than enough to ignite their fervor.
As the Grand Competition drew near, countless hearts across the Inner Academy began to burn with anticipation.
It had already been some time since the last Inner Academy Grand Competition, and the next one was still two years away.
Even so, Han Yue and Xiao Yu were clearly moved by Xiao Hua's offer. They understood that tempering their bodies now would not only allow them to draw greater benefit from the Essence Heart Flame in the future but would also help solidify their places among the top ten contenders.
After all, they weren't the only ones looking forward to the upcoming competition. Countless students ranked within the Strong Ranking—especially those already in the top ten—had long since entered closed-door cultivation.
From time to time, these students would emerge briefly, not to rest, but to refine their fighting skills through battle in the Fighting Arena, honing their Dou Techniques to the highest degree.
From this, it was easy to see just how seriously the students of those entered Strong Ranking regarded the Grand Competition.
Not everyone was like the six founders of Chaos Gate—Xiao Hua, Xun Er, Ming Cheng, Li Mei, Xin Yu, and Wei Jie—who had all advanced to the Dou Wang class without much difficulty.
Of course, their circumstances were far from ordinary; they had the guidance and support of Lady Azure and Lady Xue Yue.
Naturally, Xiao Hua was sensible enough to keep his earlier words from being overheard. If the other students caught wind of his offer, it would undoubtedly stir up a great commotion.
After parting ways with Han Yue and Xiao Yu on the sixth floor, Xiao Hua proceeded deeper into the Blazing Sky Qi Refining Tower, heading straight for the tower's deepest level.
Upon entering the room, his eyes fell upon several elders—each of whom cultivated fire-affinity Qi Methods. They were seated in deep concentration, channeling their Dou Qi with focused effort into an invisible flame within a pot. This flame bore a faint crimson tip and was housed within the Flame Gathering Pot.
From the tiny flame, circular invisible ripples pulsed outward. These waves curled and ascended in silence, spreading rapidly through the entire Blazing Sky Qi Refining Tower, enveloping every floor in a continuous flow of unseen energy.
Naturally, the elders' efforts were meant to keep the Blazing Sky Qi Refining Tower active, increasing the training speed of the students within its depths.
After all, while the Chaos Spiritual Forest was rich in natural energy, the tower itself was what truly defined the Inner Academy in the eyes of its students.
"It really is effective…" Xiao Hua murmured to himself, his gaze shifting toward the elders who continued to pour their fire-affinity Dou Qi—each stream varying in hue—into the heart of the Flame Gathering Pot.
A trace of pity flickered in his eyes.
How could he not know? These elders had essentially been reduced to long-term nourishment for the Fallen Heart Flame sealed within the pot. Though they took turns in rotation, it didn't change the bitter reality—they were all silently enduring their task, crying within their hearts as they fed the flame.
Worse still, the absorption rate of this infant Fallen Heart Flame was painfully slow, forcing the elders to maintain their output for an unbearably long time.
'These elders are truly pitiful...' Xiao Hua chuckled inwardly, a hint of helplessness in his heart. He glanced once more at their bitter expressions, silently wishing them good luck in their thankless, ongoing efforts.
Xiao Hua shook his head and shifted his gaze, landing on the old man with the wide-brimmed hat standing before the sealed opening. It was none other than First Elder Su Qian, who stood watch with a solemn expression, ensuring that no mishaps occurred around the flame.
"Xiao Hua, are you planning to enter the chamber again?" Su Qian noticed him and greeted him with a faint smile.
Xiao Hua stepped forward and cupped his hands respectfully. "Yes, First Elder. I hope I won't trouble you or the elders when I unseal the entrance."
"Ke ke, there's no need to worry," Su Qian chuckled, stroking his beard with a smiling expression. "As long as you follow the method I taught you, opening and closing the seal won't disturb anyone. You may access the magma world whenever you need."
Xiao Hua had previously informed Su Qian of his intention to use the magma world, though he hadn't explained the exact reason. Regardless, Su Qian had passed on the sealing method without pressing further.
After all, there was little need for Su Qian to be overly cautious. With Xiao Hua's current strength—strong enough to suppress even an ordinary Dou Zun—it was unlikely he'd require protection.
Moreover, Xiao Hua had made it clear that he would remain in the outer region of the magma world and would not venture into the deeper layers. Naturally, that eased Su Qian's concerns further.
Xiao Hua nodded lightly and turned his focus toward the seal laid down by the Headmaster of Jia Nan Academy. His fingers moved gracefully, forming a series of intricate hand seals. In response, faint spatial ripples stirred the air, and a silent opening emerged within the barrier.
The moment the passage was formed, Xiao Hua stepped in without delay, promptly closing the seal behind him. Though it lasted only an instant, a wave of scorching heat surged outward, momentarily sweeping through the chamber. Fortunately, the seal was shut before the heat could disturb the elders.
Letting out a quiet sigh of relief, Xiao Hua confirmed that none of the elders had been affected. His figure flickered, vanishing in a blur.
A breath later, he reappeared high above the magma world—his figure suspended in the air, still and calm amidst the oppressive heat.
"Little one, it's time to wake up…" he murmured softly.
Lifting his hand, he gently tapped the snow-white serpent coiled around underneath his sleeves. At his touch, a wave of refreshing coolness surged from the snake's body. It was akin to parched earth—scorched and dry for countless years—suddenly being nourished by the downpour of spring rain.
As the serpent uncoiled from Xiao Hua's arm, its snow-white scales shimmered faintly, reflecting a mesmerizing seven-colored radiance.
"Little one," Xiao Hua said gently, his fingers brushing across its cool, smooth scales, "as we agreed, could you let Cai Lin take over now?"
The Heaven Swallowing Python responded with a soft flick of its tongue, seemingly enjoying his touch, a trace of joy and contentment flowing through its small frame. A moment later, its movements stilled. The color in its bewitching eyes began to rapidly changing.
Suddenly, a brilliant seven-colored glow burst forth from its body.
The python gave a sharp twist of its tail, and with a flicker of light, a small figure shot out, slipping effortlessly from Xiao Hua's hand. The serpent coiled back rapidly, writhing within the glow as its form began to transform.
A moment later, the seven-colored light surged, and from within it emerged a graceful, captivating figure.
A woman now hovered before Xiao Hua, her face stunningly alluring, her skin like flawless jade kissed by moonlight. Her presence exuded an otherworldly charm, enchanting and regal. Cai Lin had appeared.
Xiao Hua's face lit up with joy the moment Cai Lin appeared. Without hesitation, he stepped forward and gently wrapped his arms around her slender waist, drawn in by her irresistible allure.
His expression softened as he leaned in, inhaling the faint, enchanting fragrance at her neck—as if fearful he might one day forget it.
"You've grown quite bold since confessing your feelings and having them returned," Cai Lin remarked sharply, though her voice lacked reproach. Instead of pulling away, she leaned in closer, resting against his chest—as though cherishing his warmth, uncertain when she might feel it again.
"I can't help it," Xiao Hua murmured, his voice low and filled with worry. "What we're about to do is far more dangerous than anything we've faced… even more so than your evolution."
Cai Lin remained silent, but her gaze softened. More than anyone, she understood the burden that weighed on Xiao Hua's heart.
The method they were about to attempt—the Glazed Soul Flame method—was far from simple. The goal is to completely merge her spirit with the Heaven Swallowing Python and restore her control over her physical form.
The process itself was perilous and demanded a terrifying level of mental fortitude.
Xiao Hua would have to ignite the Glazed Soul Flame and use it to condense a strand of 'Soul Heart Flame'—a fragment of the Glazed Soul Flame itself—then embed it within Cai Lin's heart. From there, he would need to maintain perfect control over both flames, guiding them with precision to initiate the fusion.
Now came the most perilous stage of the Glazed Soul Flame method—where the true difficulty began to soar.
To initiate the merging process, the two spirits—Cai Lin's and the Heaven Swallowing Python's—had to be brought to the brink of annihilation, refined by flame until they hovered on the very edge between life and death.
Anything less, and it would be nothing more than prolonged torment, achieving nothing but suffering. Anything more, and both spirits—bound within a single body—would be reduced to ashes, their existence erased entirely.
Thus, Xiao Hua needed absolute control—flawless and unwavering—over the Soul Heart Flame. Not even the slightest fluctuation in its power could be allowed. He had to measure its strength down to the final wisp, never exceeding the critical threshold.
Lifting his arm, Xiao Hua summoned the Glazed Soul Flame. A gentle sky-blue flame rose silently upon his palm, its elegant dance soft and ethereal—yet carrying unimaginable danger beneath its beauty.
His gaze fell upon the sky-blue Glazed Soul Flame hovering silently before him. A trace of hesitation flickered in his eyes, the weight of the task pressing heavily upon him.
Cai Lin stood quietly at his side, not daring to disturb him. She understood all too well the inner storm raging in his heart—how deeply he feared failing her.
After what felt like half an incense stick's time, Xiao Hua finally shifted his gaze from the flame and lifted his head. A flicker of unwavering resolve surged within his eyes.
Cai Lin immediately understood—he was ready.
A gentle smile curved her lips. This was the side of Xiao Hua she cherished the most. The same unyielding expression he wore when he shielded her from Lady Azure's divine flames. The moment when his will stood unshaken, and his heart knew no retreat.
"Let's begin, Cai'er. Rest assured... I will not fail, even if it costs me my life," Xiao Hua said solemnly, his voice carrying a quiet, unshakable determination.
"I've trusted you from the very beginning," Cai Lin replied, her voice soft yet certain. "You are the reason I chose this path, Xiao Hua."
Her smile bloomed like a gentle lotus in the midst of chaos—filled with trust, warmth, and conviction. From the depths of her heart, she believed he would succeed.
Xiao Hua felt gratified and gave a small nod. With a subtle movement of his mind, the Glazed Soul Flame trembled in response. From its core, a thin wisp of flame slowly emerged.
Though nearly invisible, the wisp pulsed with faint arcs of blue lightning—quiet and ethereal, yet carrying the terrifying might of soul destruction and refinement.
This was no ordinary flame—it was a split body of the Glazed Soul Flame, known as the Soul Heart Flame.
'According to Sister Azure, if Cai'er succeeds in merging with this flame, she will no longer need to fear either fire or lightning…'
Without hesitation, Xiao Hua flicked his finger. In that instant, the cluster of Soul Heart Flame shot forth from the main body and burrowed deep into Cai Lin's heart.
A wave of scorching heat erupted. The clothes upon Cai Lin's body were instantly reduced to ash, revealing her flawless, jade-like skin and snow-pale figure. As the invisible flame made contact, crisp sounds of burning quietly echoed in the air.
Chi…! Chi…!
As the Soul Heart Flame entered her heart, Cai Lin's delicate hand grasped the area over her chest. Her teeth clenched tightly, her entire body trembling—but not a single cry escaped her lips.
She knew all too well: if she faltered, if even a whisper of her pain reached Xiao Hua's ears, it might disturb his concentration—and they could not afford even the smallest mistake.
Xiao Hua saw the pain etched on her face—the strain she endured just to remain silent. His own jaw clenched so tightly it threatened to crack. Drawing a deep breath, he steadied the storm within his chest.
"Channel your Dou Qi, Cai'er!" he called out with resolve.
The moment Cai Lin heard Xiao Hua's voice, her Dou Qi erupted like a surging torrent. It coursed through her meridians and swiftly wrapped around the flame that had suddenly ignited within her body.
Xiao Hua's expression eased slightly upon seeing her Dou Qi circulate, enveloping the Soul Heart Flame and guiding it through her spirit. Yet, he dared not relax. Even the slightest lapse in concentration could lead to complete failure—and reduce Cai Lin to ashes in both body and soul.
Time flowed like molten iron. As the Soul Heart Flame continued to temper both Cai Lin's spirit and that of the Heaven Swallowing Python, her face contorted with agony. She suddenly clutched her head, her body trembling under the immense pressure.
A moment later, two illusionary figures—one in human form and the other in the shape of a snake—flickered into view just above her head. They twisted and tangled together as the invisible fire grilled them mercilessly, their outlines flickering under the refining blaze of the Glazed Soul Flame.
Xiao Hua's eyes reflected a storm of concern, but his expression remained calm and unshaken. His will did not waver for even a moment.
'Even if Heaven collapses and the Dou Qi Continent is plunged into chaos... I swear, I will not fail!'
Xiao Hua roared silently within his heart, his focus sharpening to a razor's edge. His control over the Glazed Soul Flame reached a level of precision and depth far beyond his usual limits—an unwavering will fueled by love, fear, and the promise he had made.
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