.
At this moment, Venerable Skyfire's voice rang out again, his voice sounding a little weaker than before.
"Xiao Ling, my soul power is already very fragile and cannot maintain its physical form for much longer. The task of repairing my soul is now left to you. Please remember that my soul is currently unstable and time is running out. You must act swiftly."
His gaze slowly fell on Xiao Ling, a hint of anticipation in his tone.
After listening to Venerable Skyfire's account, Xiao Ling nodded earnestly and responded,
"Senior Skyfire, rest assured. Once we arrive at Canaan Academy and complete the necessary matters, I will immediately begin preparing the materials needed to repair my soul."
"I have a number of methods for restoring soul power."
Inheriting Yao Chen's secret manual and Canaan Academy's wealth of elixir recipes, Xiao Ling possessed numerous elixir formulas, including many valuable ones capable of restoring the soul.
Therefore, restoring Venerable Skyfire's soul was a piece of cake for Xiao Ling.
Upon hearing this, Venerable Skyfire smiled lightly. He said softly,
"Thank you very much. If you encounter any difficulties while practicing the 'Five-Whirl Separation Fire Method,' feel free to ask me for advice. Since you're willing to help me, I'll naturally share my knowledge and experience."
Xiao Ling nodded and said with a smile, "Then I thank you in advance, Senior."
Xiao Ling held a great interest in the "Five-Whirl Separation Fire Method."
It was not only a high-level Earth-level fighting technique, but also held unfathomable potential.
If the alien fire within his body could be used as a medium to unleash this fighting technique, its power would be earth-shattering, even rivaling that of Heaven-level fighting techniques.
It's no exaggeration to say that the Five-Whirl Separation Fire Method is undoubtedly the best choice for a cultivator like Xiao Ling, who is capable of integrating the power of multiple alien fires.
As time passed, Venerable Skyfire's soul seemed to become more transparent. He nodded gently, indicating that he was about to return to his ring.
Seeing that Skyfire Venerable had returned to his ring, Xiao Ling wasted no time. He turned toward the deep cavern leading to the Skyburn Refining Qi Tower and charged forward without hesitation.
A
moment later, Xiao Ling emerged from the tower's deep opening. His figure, like a blue meteor in the night sky, landed gracefully on the platform at the tower's base. His
long hair fluttered gently behind him, its blue-gold strands shimmering softly under the moonstone's light, drawing a striking presence.
At that moment, two elders, currently cultivating, sensed the spatial fluctuations within the tower.
Their gazes were instantly drawn to him, their sharp eyes piercing the surrounding darkness as they looked toward the cavern's entrance.
A young man with blue hair appeared, seemingly defying gravity, hovering steadily in mid-air without any aid.
When they saw the blue-haired youth's face clearly, they couldn't help but exclaim, "Xiao Ling?"
Xiao Ling smiled and nodded. His eyes swept over the two elders, and he recognized them.
He landed lightly on the ground, bowed, and said, "Elder Liu, Elder Zhao, I see you are here. I just returned from training below. I apologize for interrupting your quiet retreat."
Elder Liu, a burly man with a resolute face, was a renowned combat instructor at the academy; Elder Zhao, a gentle and refined alchemist, was a senior elder at Canaan Academy. Both had helped Xiao Ling in his youth.
Elders Liu and Zhao exchanged a glance, each seeing the surprise and relief in the other's eyes.
Elder Liu was the first to recover, smiling and responding, "Xiao Ling, there's no need to apologize to us. We're here to guard and observe. Your return from training beneath the Skyburn Refining Tower shows your cultivation has advanced further. Congratulations!"
Elder Zhao hesitantly asked, "Xiao Ling, what's this?" He was clearly surprised by Xiao Ling's ability to walk on air without any external aid.
Xiao Ling smiled faintly and explained, "I devoured most of the essence of the Fallen Heart Flame in the Skyburn Refining Tower, and my cultivation has improved. I've now reached the Dou Zong realm."
Upon hearing Xiao Ling's confirmation, the two elders involuntarily took a deep breath.
Although they had long anticipated that Xiao Ling's strength would increase significantly after his retreat, perhaps even reaching the Dou Zong realm,
their premonition seemed insignificant when Xiao Ling actually stood before them, confirming his breakthrough.
Xiao Ling's achievements were astonishing, especially given his youthful appearance—only a teenager, yet he had already reached the Dou Zong realm, a realm many only dream of.
This talent and strength were truly unbelievable, yet undeniably admirable.
Seeing the shock on the two elders' faces, Xiao Ling simply raised the corners of his mouth, revealing a faint smile.
He didn't dwell on the matter, instead brushing the subject aside, as if, for him, this was simply a natural outcome.
Then, with a faint smile, Xiao Ling pulled out an ancient pot-shaped container from his bosom. It was the Fire Gathering Pot, which contained the Fallen Heart Flame.
"Elder Liu, Elder Zhao, this Fire Gathering Pot contains the Fallen Heart Flame. I have already devoured most of its essence, and now it must be handed over to the academy for care."
Xiao Ling's voice was filled with relief as he handed the Fire Gathering Pot to the two elders.
"I have absorbed most of the Fallen Heart Flame's essence. Although its power is not as great as it once was, its intelligence has been affected, becoming as pure as a child," Xiao Ling continued, his voice calm and firm.
"As long as the academy can carefully nurture it and establish a deep emotional bond with it, it will provide its students with sufficient Heart Flame power, accelerating their cultivation progress. Over time, the Fallen Heart Flame will not only regain its former strength, but will also likely grow into the guardian spirit fire of Canaan Academy, providing an additional layer of security for the academy in times of crisis."
Elder Liu and Elder Zhao's smiles deepened upon hearing this.
They had cultivated for many years in the Tianfen Qi Training Tower, shouldering the heavy responsibility of protecting the Fallen Heart Flame, and had long cultivated a deep affection for this unique fire.
"Xiao Ling, your words really make us feel extremely relieved." Elder Liu said with deep emotion, "In the past, the Fallen Heart Flame had a violent temperament and it was difficult for us to get along harmoniously. Now that we have this opportunity to re-establish our emotional connection, we must cherish it."
Elder Zhao also agreed and said, "That's right. We have spent many years with the Fallen Heart Flame and have a special feeling for it. Now that it has become so docile, it is a good time for us to deepen our feelings with it."
As they spoke, the two elders carefully opened the fire pot, and a faint flame floated out of it. Although the power was not as strong as before, it still emitted a unique light and warmth.
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The Fallen Heart Flame slowly drifted out, its form becoming infinitely smaller, like a newly lit flame, flickering with a soft, faint glow.
It swayed gently in the air, seemingly curious yet somewhat shy about its sudden freedom.
Like a child never before seen, its movements seemed hesitant and uneasy under the gazes of the two elders, filled with expectation and loving affection.
It danced gently in mid-air, as if waving a greeting.
Elders Liu and Zhao gazed at this once powerful, now fragile, strange fire, a deep pity welling in their eyes.
At this moment, the two elders began to banter with each other.
Elder Liu held the Heart Flame in his palm and smiled at Elder Zhao.
"I've cared for the Fallen Heart Flame for fifteen years and understand it far better than you do. I should be the one teaching it."
Elder Zhao, unwilling to be outdone, retorted, "I've cared for it for twenty years and know its temperament intimately. I'm more qualified to train it."
With that, he reached out and tried to snatch the Fallen Heart Flame from Elder Liu's grasp.
The two elders argued back and forth, their smiles never fading.
Xiao Ling stood aside, watching the exchange, a faint smile spreading across his face.
At that moment, the voice of Skyfire Venerable echoed in Xiao Ling's mind: "Leaving the Fallen Heart Flame in the care of these people, I believe it will receive the utmost care. This is truly an ideal arrangement for it."
His tone revealed a sense of reassurance, as if he was genuinely happy that the Fallen Heart Flame had found an environment that offered care and protection.
Xiao Ling nodded slightly, silently responding, "Please rest assured, Senior. Canaan Academy will cherish the Fallen Heart Flame like a precious treasure. If you ever miss it, you're always welcome to visit after you've rebuilt your physical body."
Without further ado, Xiao Ling gave the two elders a gentle nod and headed out of the Skyburn Refining Tower.
Passing by the Skyburn Refining Tower's training area, the attention of many students was drawn to Xiao Ling.
Upon seeing him, they paused their training, saluted, and greeted him warmly.
"Elder Xiao Ling, it's been a long time since we last met. I sense you've grown even stronger," a male student exclaimed, his eyes filled with admiration.
"Yes, Elder Xiao Ling, your demeanor is becoming even more extraordinary!" another student echoed, a hint of envy in their tone.
At this moment, a female student's voice was particularly resounding: "It's been over six months, Elder Xiao Ling. You seem even more handsome!" Her words were tinged with shyness, yet they couldn't conceal her infatuation.
Xiao Ling smiled faintly, nodded, and replied, "Thank you for your concern. I'm also happy to see your progress. The path of cultivation is long and arduous. I hope you will all persevere and constantly strive to surpass yourself."
At Canaan Academy, Xiao Ling always treated the students with kindness.
Whenever he was in the Alchemy Department and students came to him for advice, he would patiently answer their questions whenever time permitted.
It was this humble and approachable demeanor that earned him the respect of many students at Canaan Academy.
His words were warm and inspiring, filling the students present with a sense of strength.
Xiao Ling's figure gradually faded from their sight, but his words and encouragement, like seeds, took root in their hearts.
As word spread among the students, the news of Xiao Ling's return from seclusion quickly spread throughout the inner courtyard, becoming a hot topic of discussion.
Everyone speculated about how far Xiao Ling's strength would reach after nearly a year of seclusion.
... A subtle spatial fluctuation gently rippled through
the Canaan Academy's inner courtyard , and Xiao Ling's figure silently appeared in the courtyard of Great Elder Su Qian. Inside, Great Elder Su Qian was buried in a mountain of official business when he suddenly sensed something unusual happening in the courtyard. His gaze, like lightning, inquired about the source of the fluctuation. Seeing Xiao Ling's figure, Great Elder Su Qian's face showed surprise. He put down the pen in his hand, stood up, and laughed out loud: "Haha, Xiao Ling, you are out of retreat? Judging from the aura emanating from you, you must have broken through to the Dou Zong realm, right?" Xiao Ling nodded slightly, smiling, and responded: "That's right. Thank you for the trust of the academy and Great Elder Su Qian. It allowed me to devour the original power of the Fallen Heart Flame. Now I have successfully broken through to the Dou Zong realm." Great Elder Su Qian laughed heartily, his voice full of relief: "Good, good! I'm glad you're okay. You are the pride of our academy. This matter will be of great benefit to both you and the academy. Naturally, I fully support it." Xiao Ling smiled faintly, "Without the academy's cultivation, there would be no Xiao Ling today." Suddenly, Great Elder Su Qian seemed to remember something, a playful gleam in his eyes, he chuckled and said, "By the way, Xiao Ling, those girls have been incredibly concerned for you. Lately, they've been coming to my place frequently, asking about your retreat. They seem quite concerned about you." Upon hearing this, Xiao Ling couldn't help but let a faint smile creep across his face. He coughed lightly and deftly changed the subject: "Great Elder Su Qian, I need to give you a detailed update on the latest developments regarding the Fallen Heart Flame." Xiao Ling then recounted the details of the Fallen Heart Flame to Great Elder Su Qian. As Great Elder Su Qian listened, a flicker of eagerness flashed in his eyes, clearly filled with interest in the Fallen Heart Flame's current state. He was almost eager to witness the situation for himself. The two chatted in the courtyard, their topics ranging from the cultivation of the Fallen Heart Flame to the future of the academy. The gentle glow of the setting sun gradually filled the courtyard. Elder Su Qian slowly stood up, preparing to leave. He said to Xiao Ling, "Xiao Ling, I need to check on the condition of the Fallen Heart Flame, so I won't talk to you for long." Xiao Ling did not linger here for long. He watched Elder Su Qian's figure gradually disappear into the distance, then turned and set off on the road back to his own courtyard. (End of this chapter)