After a night of rest, Liu Xi awoke refreshed, the weariness of his journey completely gone. Stretching lazily as he rose from his bed, his youthful face shone with renewed vigor.
"Ah, that's better. Nothing like a good night's sleep."
After washing up and donning his academy robes, he stepped outside. Since he had returned to the academy, it was only proper to first report back to his instructor. At the same time, he planned to sort through the harvest of his months of training.
'Through constant battles, my Dou Qi has grown far more condensed with every cycle of depletion and recovery. Even without deliberate cultivation, I've firmly advanced into a 3-Star Da Dou Shi.'
'The Blazing Flame Sword Technique that Teacher gave me is among the stronger techniques of the Xuan Class. I can now wield it smoothly in battle. Compared to three months ago, my combat strength has increased tremendously.'
'And the greatest gain of all—by chance, I obtained the Illusionary Heart Technique. At the very least, it's a Di Class, perhaps even a Tian Class soul skill. To draw an enemy into such an inescapably real illusion and then cut them down… this is the perfect trump card.'
'Against it, only formidable Spiritual Power can resist. And most cultivators cannot strengthen their souls until reaching Dou Zong. Unless I provoke such powerhouses, I finally have the means to ensure my own survival!'
For the first time since crossing into the Dou Qi Continent, Liu Xi felt a glimmer of genuine security. Though his transmigrated soul was resilient and his talent in cultivation and alchemy superior, he was still alone in this ruthless world, without allies or backing. Fear of death and disaster had always shadowed him. But now, with Illusionary Heart Technique in hand, even if he encountered a Dou Huang lacking in Spiritual Power, he could still escape with his life.
Arriving at Instructor Zhang Yan's office, Liu Xi knocked lightly on the door.
'It's still early. I wonder if Instructor is in yet?'
"Enter," came Zhang Yan's voice from inside.
"Good morning, Instructor. I've returned from my training." Liu Xi pushed open the door with a warm smile.
Zhang Yan looked up, surprise flashing in his eyes. During Liu Xi's absence, many requests for alchemy had piled up. Yet more than that, as his gaze settled on the youth, he felt a start of awe. Liu Xi's aura was deeper, calmer, his smile gentle yet his eyes razor-sharp. Compared to three months ago, this student was almost unrecognizable.
For Zhang Yan, who had barely taught him a single day, the emotions were complicated. Ever since he recruited Liu Xi, this so-called student had done nothing but astonish him, surpassing his own abilities in every way.
"Finally back. Do you know how many people have been looking for you to refine pills?" Zhang Yan laughed, shaking his head.
"Oh? Then just send the recipes and ingredients to my alchemy room later. I'll refine them when I have the time." Liu Xi spoke with casual ease, not even bothering to ask what rank of pills they were.
Zhang Yan chuckled wryly. "Compared to three months ago, your confidence has grown. With your talent, you may soon join the senior students in competing for the Inner Academy Selection Tournament."
At those words, Liu Xi's heart stirred. "The Inner Academy Selection Tournament? When does it begin?" His true purpose for joining Jia Nan Academy was the Inner Academy, after all.
"Hahaha, don't be so anxious," Zhang Yan replied with a smile. "With your gift, entry into the Inner Academy is only a matter of time. The next tournament won't be held until this year's graduating class is sent off. That's the main group it targets—the best will enter the Inner Academy to continue their studies, while the rest graduate from the Outer Academy."
Zhang Yan's tone carried reverence. Across the continent, Jia Nan Academy's fame rested upon its Inner Academy. Graduates there had the minimum requirement of reaching Dou Ling, while the most gifted often left as Dou Wangs. Such powerhouses spread the academy's renown across the continent, and every one of them was an asset to its glory.
"Good," Liu Xi said, his eyes gleaming. "Then I'll be sure to participate in the next tournament."
"With your current strength, entering the Inner Academy is almost guaranteed. If you do it within a year of admission… well, that will shock plenty of jaws open." Zhang Yan grinned. If Liu Xi succeeded, it would also serve as a fine achievement to support his own advancement as an instructor.
"Instructor, I'll leave it to you then. For now, I'll visit Elder Huo." Liu Xi gave a polite smile and took his leave.
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He made his way to the Alchemy Department. Elder Huo usually resided there, and in the past half-year had looked after him with unusual care. Though they had no bond of master and disciple, Elder Huo had patiently answered every question Liu Xi asked. For this, Liu Xi was deeply grateful.
The moment he arrived, a student hurried up, eyes shining with reverence. "Master Liu Xi, Elder Huo instructed us to bring you straight to him when you returned."
"Is that so? Then I'll trouble you to lead the way." Liu Xi smiled warmly.
From the day he entered the academy, when Elder Huo recognized him as a 3rd Tier Alchemist, Liu Xi had become an object of admiration in the Outer Academy. Some had doubted, but with every pill he refined, the disbelief dwindled until admiration remained. Wherever he walked, paths opened before him, students bowing respectfully.
At last, he was led to a chamber.
"Elder Huo is inside. Please, go on in."
"Thank you," Liu Xi replied courteously before stepping in.
"Ah, so you've returned!" Elder Huo's booming laughter greeted him. "When you first said you were heading into the Black-Corner Region, you gave me quite a scare!"
"It was necessary. Too many pills had left my Dou Qi hollow. I needed to temper it with real battle." Liu Xi's heart warmed at the elder's concern.
"Indeed, I can see your aura is far more stable, your gaze sharper, and your confidence greater. It seems the trip bore fruit." Elder Huo nodded in approval.
"Just some small gains," Liu Xi said modestly.
"Hmph, and you didn't even warn me. Had you told me in advance, I could have taught you a protective technique first." Elder Huo scolded lightly, though his eyes carried warmth.
"I'll be sure to tell you next time. That's why I came to see you the moment I returned," Liu Xi answered with a sheepish smile.
"You slippery-tongued brat," Elder Huo said with mock irritation. Then his tone grew serious. "Since you're back, I'll teach you a method unique to us alchemists—the Pill Flame Technique."
His voice deepened. "We alchemists deal with flame all our lives. Pill Flame is a means of turning that mastery into a weapon. Its power can be heightened with special flames, such as the innate flames of certain magical beasts. Of course, the greatest would be Heavenly Flames—but those are rarer than miracles." A wistful look crossed his face.
"Well, such things cannot be forced. But if news of beast flames arises, I'll let you know. They would strengthen both your Pill Flame and your alchemy."
"Thank you, Elder," Liu Xi said with heartfelt gratitude. In Elder Huo, he caught a glimpse of his teacher, Xuan Hao, who had once cared for him just as tenderly.
(End of Chapter)
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