.
Su Qian gazed at the two brilliant flames. After a moment's silence, he slowly said, "Then I'll do as you say, but you must protect yourself."
Xiao Ling gratefully said, "Thank you, Great Elder!"
Xiao Ling's excitement was unbearable upon receiving Great Elder Su Qian's approval.
"Great Elder, rest assured. I will never betray your trust!" Xiao Ling solemnly assured Su Qian.
Su Qian nodded slightly and asked Xiao Ling, "When do you plan to begin?"
Xiao Ling pondered for a moment and replied, "Great Elder, I still need some time to prepare. I will go to subdue the Fallen Heart Flame in approximately seven days."
Su Qian, his face serious, instructed, "During these seven days, you must be fully prepared and absolutely not be careless."
Xiao Ling said respectfully, "Yes, Great Elder. I will return to make the preparations."
After discussing the details with Su Qian, Xiao Ling left Su Qian's courtyard and hurried back to his own residence. After Xiao Ling and Great Elder Su Qian reached a consensus on the plan to devour the Fallen Heart Flame, the Inner Court elders quickly mobilized.
Elders stationed in the Outer Court were urgently summoned back, tasked with activating the Thousand-Layer Sealing Array to prevent the Fallen Heart Flame from escaping during the devouring process. The elders were unfazed by this sudden assignment. They knew that once Xiao Ling successfully devoured the strange fire, the Skyburn Refining Tower would no longer need to be heavily fortified, providing them with a respite. Furthermore, given their cordial relationship with Xiao Ling, they naturally welcomed this mutually beneficial initiative. The Inner Court students also sensed this change. Many students planning to train at the Skyburn Refining Tower were informed that the tower's gates would be temporarily closed. This decision was regrettable for some diligent practitioners, but given the limited duration of the closure, it did not cause widespread unrest. With all preparations complete, Great Elder Su Qian and the other elders began the work of sealing the Fallen Heart Flame. There was one more crucial step involved in this process. Grand Elder Su Qian personally extracted a portion of the essence from the Fallen Heart Flame, meticulously transferring it to the Fire Gathering Pot. This extracted fire energy would be used as a resource for the inner court students' future cultivation, ensuring they would benefit from it even while the tower gates were closed. The elders were well aware that it was the unique properties of the Fallen Heart Flame that gave Canaan Academy a distinct advantage over other factions. However, Xiao Ling's devouring of the strange fire was not a one-shot process; it required considerable preparation and completion. Therefore, the Heart Flame needed during this special period must be stockpiled in advance. ... While the academy elders were busy, Xiao Ling was also busy. After returning to his own courtyard, he began preparing the various ingredients needed to devour the Fallen Heart Flame. He had naturally prepared the Earth Spirit Pill that Yao Chen had prepared for Xiao Yan in the original novel. He also prepared two sixth-grade elixirs. These two elixirs, based on Yao Chen's recent in-depth research into the properties of the Fallen Heart Flame, had been specially formulated for Xiao Ling, making them ideal for his use during the engulfment of the Fallen Heart Flame. One of these pills, the "Spirit Flame Heart Protecting Pill," protected Xiao Ling's heart meridians from the flame's violent energy while he consumed the alien fire. The other, the "Clearing Flame and Detoxifying Pill," cleared any heat or toxins contained within the alien fire, ensuring Xiao Ling's safety during the process. Both pills were high-grade, sixth-grade. Given Xiao Ling's current financial resources, they were not only reasonably priced but also exceptionally cost-effective, offering a perfect blend of economy and effectiveness. Furthermore, Xiao Ling carried with him the Heavenly Chill Qi he had obtained from his old friend, Han Feng. This aura, imbued with extreme cold, could suppress the alien fire's violent rage at crucial moments, providing an additional layer of safety during the process of consuming the Fallen Heart Flame. With all preparations complete, Xiao Ling remained at ease. He chose a quiet time, enjoying the company of several women and a rare moment of gentleness and tranquility. During this peaceful time, he not only refined several pills for Zi Yan to help stabilize and improve her cultivation, but also took the opportunity to rest his mind. All of this was done to achieve the optimal state of mind, to be in perfect condition for the challenge of absorbing the Fallen Heart Flame. … On the eve of Xiao Ling's preparations to devour the Fallen Heart Flame, the area surrounding the Skyburn Refining Tower was already bustling with activity. Numerous students stood, their expressions a mixture of anticipation and unease. For the past few days, the academy's Skyburn Refining Tower has been abruptly closed, strictly prohibiting all students from entering or leaving. Today marks the seventh day of the closure. While the academy hasn't publicly announced the specific reason for the closure, each student has been given a corresponding amount of fire energy as compensation. Even so, the students' curiosity and concern remain lingering. They worry that if the Skyburn Refining Tower remains unusable for an extended period, it will undoubtedly be a significant blow to their cultivation. "What the hell is going on? It's been seven days, and there's still no news," one student complained. "Who knows? But the academy is giving us fire energy compensation, which is a bit conscientious," a nearby student chimed in. "So what if fire energy compensation is worth? If we can't cultivate in the Skyburn Refining Tower anymore, this compensation is simply not enough," another student said worriedly. "The Skyburn Refining Qi Tower hasn't been opened for several days. This is unprecedented." A blue-robed student nervously pinched his fingers, brow furrowed. "Hey, I heard it seems to be closely related to Elder Xiao Ling," another student said in a low voice, his tone revealing barely concealed excitement and curiosity. "Elder Xiao Ling? Hasn't he been in seclusion practicing? Could he have..." someone speculated, but didn't dare to finish the sentence. "Don't talk nonsense! Elder Xiao Ling is our pride. He's been in seclusion for so long, he must have made a major breakthrough!" A student immediately retorted, his eyes gleaming with admiration. As everyone was discussing, several heart-pounding auras suddenly emerged from the sky, like the calm before a violent storm, shattered. The students looked up at once. "What is that?!" someone exclaimed, as several figures appeared in the students' sight, appearing above Canaan Academy with a might that shook the world.
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"A Dou Huang powerhouse! And the aura of a Dou Zong!" a knowledgeable student exclaimed in a trembling voice, and the surrounding students immediately held their breath, their faces filled with disbelief.
At this moment, Great Elder Su Qian, accompanied by a group of elders, approached the Tianfen Refining Qi Tower with steady steps.
Their presence was like a shot of adrenaline to the somewhat agitated students, and the situation gradually calmed down.
In the deep sky, three brilliant beams of light streaked across the sky, rapidly approaching like a meteor chasing the moon.
Everyone's eyes were involuntarily drawn to this magnificent sight.
Soon, the light faded, revealing three figures: Xiao Ling, Zi Yan, and Han Yue.
Zi Yan possessed Dou Huang power, and Han Yue had also reached the Dou Wang realm, so naturally, Su Qian had summoned them to participate in this operation.
At that moment, the students below seemed to hold their breath, their eyes filled with shock and admiration.
"Ah, isn't that Elder Xiao Ling?" A female student's eyes sparkled with stars, and she covered her mouth excitedly and exclaimed, "He is still so handsome. I really envy my junior sister Xiao Xun'er."
A student next to her immediately nodded in agreement: "That's right, Elder Xiao Ling has been extremely handsome since he was a child. He can be called our school idol."
Another student pointed at Zi Yan, his eyes revealing envy: "Look, that's the 'King of Brute Force' Zi Yan. She reached the level of Dou Wang even earlier. I heard that she successfully broke through to the Dou Huang realm not long ago. It's incredible!"
"Yes, she has achieved such achievements at such a young age. She is simply a role model for us to learn from." Another student said with emotion.
At this moment, someone pointed at Han Yue, their tone filled with admiration: "The one standing shoulder to shoulder with Elder Xiao Ling is Elder Han Yue of the Supreme Freedom Sect. She has already reached the Dou Wang realm at such a young age. Her talent and strength are awe-inspiring."
A nearby student, captivated by Han Yue's elegant demeanor, couldn't help but exclaim in admiration: "Look at Elder Han Yue! Not only is her strength extraordinary, but her beautiful face and ethereal demeanor are breathtakingly beautiful."
The people around them immediately nodded in agreement, their eyes lit with admiration: "Indeed, Elder Han Yue's beauty is one of the finest in the academy. Aside from junior Xiao Xun'er, who can compare, the other female students are far behind."
Suddenly, someone in the crowd murmured, "Do you think the relationship between Elder Han Yue and Elder Xiao Ling is more than just fellow disciples?"
This question, like a pebble thrown into a lake, instantly stirred even greater waves.
Everyone began to whisper, speculating about the relationship between these two outstanding figures in the academy.
"I think they look quite a good match standing together," someone said with an ambiguous smile.
"Don't be ridiculous! Elder Xiao Ling and Junior Xiao Xun'er are childhood sweethearts. Elder Han Yue and Elder Xiao Ling are both the pride of our academy. They should just be classmates," another student retorted, but there was a hint of uncertainty in his tone.
The students were discussing enthusiastically.
Xiao Ling, leading Zi Yan and Han Yue, walked steadily to the presence of Great Elder Su Qian. Great Elder Su Qian smiled, his eyes gleaming with approval. He greeted warmly, "Xiao Ling, you're finally here. Are you ready?"
Xiao Ling bowed respectfully and replied, "Great Elder, everything is ready. We just need to act."
Great Elder Su Qian nodded slightly, his gaze lingering on Zi Yan and Han Yue for a moment. He stroked his beard and said with a smile, "Haha, with the help of you two girls, plus a few of us old men, this operation should be no problem."
Great Elder Su Qian spoke highly of Han Yue and Zi Yan. While their cultivation talents might not compare to Xiao Ling's astonishing, their talents were still rare within Canaan Academy. It was a pity that
several young talents, such as Lin Xiuya, chose not to remain at the academy after breaking through to the Dou Wang realm. Instead, they eagerly followed Xiao Ling's example and embarked on journeys of training and seeking their own opportunities.
It was unknown whether these young men would ever return to Canaan Academy.
Zi Yan crossed her arms, her brows etched with casualness. She waved her clenched fists, her tone brimming with confidence and boldness: "Old Man Su, with this young lady here, this operation will be a success. We cannot afford to fail."
Meanwhile, Han Yue gently tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. Her smile, like the warm spring sun, was gentle yet resolute: "I, too, look forward to contributing my own small part to this operation, and to achieving our shared goal."
Great Elder Su Qian glanced around and announced in a resounding voice: "Then, let us begin!"
As his words fell, an invisible aura permeated the air, drawing everyone's attention.
Great Elder Su Qian turned to the curious and excited students, gently pressing his hands against them. He spoke gently but firmly: "Students, we will now open the thousand-layer seal. This process is no small feat. For your safety, please step back a distance."
The students, though filled with reluctance and curiosity, knew the Great Elder's orders were unquestionable.
The crowd began to slowly retreat, orderly, to the safety line. Although they had moved away from the central area, their gaze remained fixed on the spot where the great commotion was about to unfold.
After the students had withdrawn, Great Elder Su Qian's expression hardened. He nodded to Xiao Ling, then turned to the surrounding elders and solemnly instructed, "Elders, follow the plan and immediately activate the Thousand-Layer Sealing Array."
As Great Elder Su Qian's voice sank, the elders still on the ground instantly rose from the ground, hovering in mid-air.
Han Yue and Zi Yan, without hesitation, joined the elders' formation.
The elders responded in unison, their voices resonating through the sky. Dozens of powerful Dou Qi, like brilliant beams of light, surged from their bodies, piercing the sky and interweaving into a web of light.
These Dou Qi collided and merged in the air, instantly forming a series of smaller but denser energy rays. These intertwined, layer upon layer, as if created by nature, forming a dazzling and solid energy barrier.
Under the sunlight, this energy net reflected a rainbow of light, one layer covering the next. From a distance, it looked like countless layers of colorful gauze. Its defensive power was breathtaking.
Elder Su Qian's face was solemn. He quickly formed seals with his hands in front of his chest, and his fingers suddenly pointed at the center of the energy net.
With his movements, a huge amount of energy surged out like a torrent, rushing straight into the sky, and finally merged into the colorful energy net.
Feeling the help of this powerful energy, Elder Su Qian pulled his hands hard, as if controlling the spool between heaven and earth.
The energy net in the sky, about a hundred meters wide, suddenly contracted, and a layer of colorful energy shield shot down from the edge.
This energy shield slowly descended like an upside-down rainbow, and finally covered the top of the Tianfen Refining Qi Tower tightly, forming an indestructible defensive barrier.
(End of this chapter)