The morning mist slowly dispersed under the rising sun. Stepping into the golden light, Liu Xi pressed off the ground with his toes, leaping gracefully onto the back of a Griffin Beast.
Although Liu Xi was now a Dou Wang, fully capable of traversing the endless mountains infested with Magical Beasts on his own, the Inner Academy's location was well hidden. Returning to the Outer Academy still required the guidance of a Griffin Beast.
Standing nearby were several elders and students who had heard Liu Xi was leaving for training and had come to see him off. Among them, Elder Liu looked on with pride as Liu Xi mounted the Griffin. He said warmly, "Young men must venture outside and temper themselves. But with a little monster like you, having entered the Inner Academy only a few years ago, your position as number one on the Strong Ranking will remain unshaken for the next two years until graduation."
Liu Xi smiled and replied, "With a Dou Wang holding down the Strong Ranking, the others will only feel more motivated, don't you think?"
The students who came to send him off couldn't help but give bitter smiles. Ever since Liu Xi had surpassed them in cultivation, they had never been able to catch up. Especially among those who had entered the Inner Academy with him 3 years ago — many had climbed onto the Strong Ranking after arduous cultivation, but all were far behind him. The best among them was Wang Shan, who now possessed the strength of a 6-Star Dou Ling, his earth-attribute Dou Qi as solid as stone, making him difficult to shake.
"Liu Xi, once I break through to Dou Wang, I'll challenge you again!" shouted Wang Shan. Though defeated many times, he still dared to challenge.
"Senior, safe travels."
Hearing everyone's blessings, Liu Xi gave a carefree smile. "I'll be going first."
With that, the Griffin Beast, guided by its handler, soared into the sky. It passed through the protective space barrier of the Inner Academy and then sped directly toward the direction of the Outer Academy.
---
As the Griffin glided over the endless mountains, memories surged through Liu Xi's mind. 'Three years ago, I needed Vice Principal Hu Qian's protection to reach the Inner Academy. But now…'
He released his overwhelming aura as a Dou Wang. Crimson flames shaped into a massive lion appeared faintly around him, the scorching heat distorting even his figure.
From below, roars of Magical Beasts echoed throughout the mountains, but when they felt the crushing aura above, they only roared in intimidation without daring to act.
Half an hour later, a flock of low-rank flying beasts rushed toward the Griffin. Each carried the aura of a Rank 3 Magical Beast.
'So brainless… Perfect chance to test my strength!'
With a flick of his hands, streams of flame burst forth, streaking through the air with pinpoint accuracy. One by one, the flying beasts exploded into blood mist, and under the searing heat, they were reduced to ash.
Sensing the might of his Dou Wang strength, Liu Xi was more than satisfied.
Trailing a path of blood mist through the sky, the Griffin soon arrived at the Outer Academy, descending onto an open clearing.
---
Liu Xi's first stop was to visit Elder Huo, who had looked after him when he was in the Outer Academy.
When Elder Huo saw him, his face lit with delight. Learning that Liu Xi had already become no less than a 5th Tier Alchemist, he laughed heartily and slapped his shoulder. "Back when you first came to the Academy, I knew your alchemy talent would one day surpass mine. But I never thought it would be this fast!"
The last line carried a faint sigh.
Liu Xi smiled. "It was only thanks to Elder Huo's tireless help, especially that Beast Flame, the Scarlet Flame. It aided me tremendously."
Elder Huo chuckled and nodded. He had indeed gone through much trouble to secure that flame.
"I've learned much these years at the Academy," Liu Xi continued. "Now I plan to return home for a while, then travel across the continent. I came here today to bid you farewell."
Elder Huo nodded gently. "If you ever encounter danger, remember to reveal your identity. High-tier Alchemists like us are respected everywhere. Always protect yourself."
"I will. Thank you, Elder," Liu Xi replied sincerely.
After bidding farewell, Liu Xi went to seek Vice Principal Hu Qian.
Although he was technically an Inner Academy student, and no longer under Outer Academy management, traveling home required crossing the Black Plains and journeying deep into the Jia Ma Empire before reaching Lin City. Such a long distance couldn't be done just by flying himself. The Outer Academy had flying beasts available, but only with the Vice Principal's approval.
He soon arrived at Hu Qian's office and knocked gently.
"Come in."
Liu Xi entered respectfully. "Vice Principal, forgive me for disturbing you."
Hu Qian looked up with a smile. "So it's Liu Xi. What brings you here?"
"I wish to return home and need to borrow a flying beast from the Academy," Liu Xi said directly.
Hu Qian tilted his head. "That's no problem. But why the sudden—" His words halted as he sensed Liu Xi's aura. His eyes widened with joy. "You've broken through to Dou Wang!"
Liu Xi nodded with a faint smile. "The Inner Academy has already approved my leave. I want to see my parents first, then travel the world."
Hu Qian readily agreed. As a recognized genius of Jia Nan Academy, Liu Xi naturally received special privileges.
---
After more than ten days of flight, Liu Xi finally reached the outskirts of Lin City. Seeing the familiar city walls in the distance, his heart surged with emotion. 'I lived here for 14 years after arriving on the Dou Qi Continent. This place has already become another root of mine. It's been 4 years since I last saw it. Mother, Father… your son has returned!'
Unfurling the crimson flame wings of a Dou Wang, Liu Xi turned to the beast handler. "I'll go on from here. Thank you."
With a flap of his fiery wings, he transformed into a streak of crimson light, soaring toward Lin City.
At the city gates, he dismissed his wings and entered on foot, blending among the bustling crowds.
He strolled through the busy market streets, among merchants and mercenaries, memories of his youth flooding back. A smile naturally curved his lips.
Finally, he stopped at the gates of the Liu estate and knocked.
A servant opened the door, startled for a moment before his face lit with joy. "Young Master has returned!" He rushed forward to welcome Liu Xi in.
As Liu Xi stepped into the familiar courtyard, his gaze softened. Soon, he saw his mother approaching with a baby in her arms, her face radiant.
He quickly bowed in greeting. Then, looking at the child, he asked curiously, "Mother, who is this little one?"
Li Yue teased the child with a fond smile. "This is your younger brother — his name is Liu Cheng."
The baby stared up at Liu Xi with big round eyes, innocent and bright. Liu Xi couldn't resist reaching out to tickle his cheek. 'So this is the fruit of Father and Mother's love during the years I was gone. Good. Even when I travel the continent, they'll still have this child to accompany them.'
Not long after, Liu Ming rushed over upon hearing the news. The usually stern father wore an uncharacteristically joyous expression.
"Xi'er, you left for Jia Nan Academy years ago and never returned until now. Why so long?"
Liu Xi smiled. "After my year in the Outer Academy, I entered the Inner Academy through the Fire Energy Hunt. Now I've returned, stronger than ever."
He shared with his parents his experiences, revealing that he had already broken through to Dou Wang and reached the level of a 5th Tier Alchemist. Liu Ming and Li Yue were stunned beyond belief. In just 4 years, their son had become a figure of true renown.
He also learned that after his departure, his teacher Xuan Hao had continued to support the Liu family. With the backing of an Alchemist, Liu Ming's status in Lin City had risen rapidly, allowing the family to expand their enterprises. And with Liu Xi away, Liu Ming and Li Yue had decided to give the family another son — Liu Cheng.
Liu Xi also learned that Xuan Hao had returned to the Alchemist Association in the imperial capital. Gratitude welled in his heart. 'To have a teacher who respected my choice to attend Jia Nan Academy instead of holding me back… I'm truly fortunate.'
For the next month, Liu Xi remained home to accompany his parents, making up for lost time.
During this period, he also planned his next steps. The fragmented map of the Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame hidden within the Magical Beast Mountain Range must eventually be obtained — it was the only way to summon the remnant soul of the Purifying Lotus Demon Saint and control the flame. But there was no need to rush. For now, his focus was the Green Lotus Core Flame buried beneath the Tager Desert.
His plan was clear: first the Tager Desert, then the imperial capital to see his teacher, and afterward a trip to the Magical Beast Mountain Range.
Finally, he picked up his brush and penned a letter to Xuan Hao in the imperial capital: "Teacher, I have returned. I will visit you soon."
(End of Chapter)
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