The conversation between Su Qian and Liu Xi was heard clearly by every Elder of Jia Nan Academy present.
When they learned that the Fallen Heart Flame still existed—and more importantly, that it had lost its sentience—each Elder's eyes gleamed with unconcealed joy.
Once Su Qian gave the order, no one hesitated.
The Elders exchanged glances, withdrew their Dou Qi in unison, and the barrier that had been sealing Liu Xi instantly shattered, dispersing into motes of light.
Then—
All of them immediately crowded around Su Qian, shoving each other with excitement as they tried to peek at the tiny flame quietly burning in his palm.
Even Liu Xi, who was pushed to the corner, could only stare at the scene in mild disbelief.
"So this is the cause of the tower's riot? I've guarded it for twenty-three years—let me see it properly!"
"Hmph, I've guarded it for thirty-eight years! Step aside, youngster, don't shove!"
"Out of the way, all of you! I cultivate fire-type Dou Qi, so obviously I'm the one best suited to nurture this little 'Heart Flame!'"
…
The longer they had watched over the Fallen Heart Flame, the longer they had suffered from its temper.
Now that the "culprit" had turned into such a docile, harmless little flame, their joy was overflowing.
From the corner, Liu Xi couldn't help but smile.
He had learned everything he knew at this academy; his feelings toward it ran deep. Seeing it at peace again… this was enough.
At that moment, Yao Tianhuo's voice echoed faintly in his mind. "What power is this place? And you—little friend—went to such lengths for a second Fallen Heart Flame… yet you didn't refine it yourself. Why?"
The Fallen Heart Flame was a heaven-defying treasure. To restrain its temptation and willingly give it away—Yao Tianhuo truly couldn't fathom it.
Liu Xi glanced at the white Storage Ring on his finger—the only witness to everything—and replied with his spiritual power, "This is Jia Nan Academy. As for why… you'll understand in time, Yao Lao. For now, I must ask you to keep it secret."
"Hehe, I understand."
Meanwhile, a few overly curious Elders couldn't resist trying to touch the newborn Heart Flame.
The tiny flame quivered pitifully in Su Qian's palm, flickering with a clear sense of fear.
Su Qian's expression darkened. "Enough! Wipe those creepy smiles off your faces—you're frightening the little one!"
Chastised, the Elders finally drew back, chuckling awkwardly.
Su Qian straightened and spoke in a commanding tone:
"What are you all still standing here for? Hu Qian, take the Outer Academy Elders back to stabilize the defenses. Elder Huo, Elder Zhao, Elder Su—stay behind and develop a method to cultivate the Heart Flame. The rest of you, return to the Inner Academy and oversee reconstruction and the students' resettlement. No mistakes allowed."
"Yes!"
All the Elders—except Huo, Zhao, and Su—bowed respectfully and withdrew their wings of Dou Qi.
As Su Qian finished assigning tasks, he finally noticed Liu Xi standing quietly at the edge.
Grinning, the others gathered around him, escorting him as they ascended toward the surface.
"Elder Liu, truly extraordinary! To eliminate both Han Feng and the Fallen Heart Flame—the Inner Academy's two greatest threats—in one stroke! We old fellows are in awe."
"Haha, you flatter me! I only took advantage when they both perished together. The ones who truly fought bravely were you Elders, facing the Black-Corner Region's powerhouses head-on!"
"Hahaha!"
Laughter echoed through the air.
---
Back at the Inner Academy
After parting from the other Elders, Liu Xi walked alone through the ruins. The once-grand courtyards were reduced to rubble, and the air was heavy with lingering smoke and scorched earth.
He frowned slightly. 'The Inner Academy has taken quite the hit… I wonder where Zi Yan and Xiao Yixian are hiding.'
Spreading his Spiritual Perception outward, he scanned the academy.
Dozens of young faces appeared within his mind's eye—students working together to clear debris, their expressions determined despite exhaustion.
Before long, he located two familiar auras in a small, still-standing courtyard.
Inside, Zi Yan and Xiao Yixian sat quietly. Both were unharmed, but their faces were pale and gloomy—they must have already heard that he had been dragged into the Blazing Sky Qi Refining Tower.
'Good, they're safe,' Liu Xi thought in relief. 'I made them worry for nothing.'
Outside the door, Zi Yan's voice came softly, tinged with guilt.
"It's all my fault… I should've stayed with Big Brother. At least then I could've helped him escape…"
Xiao Yixian's gentle tone followed.
"Don't blame yourself, Zi Yan. It's my fault too… But Young Master will come back. He definitely will…"
Her voice trembled slightly near the end.
Liu Xi's chest warmed. He pushed open the door and smiled. "I'm back."
Both girls froze—then turned sharply, eyes wide with disbelief.
Xiao Yixian's jade-white hand covered her lips, tears glimmering in her eyes. The next moment, she threw herself into his arms, her fragrance washing over him.
"Young Master! You scared me half to death… I thought—you…"
Liu Xi held her close, speaking softly. "When have I ever done something I wasn't sure of? See? Perfectly fine."
"Big Brother!!!" Zi Yan squealed, eyes glistening.
Liu Xi looked up and chuckled, meeting her indignant little face. "Zi Yan, you did well—thank you for protecting Xiao Yixian."
At the praise, her expression instantly brightened, though she quickly crossed her arms and puffed her cheeks. "Big Brother, did you send me away on purpose so you could fight that bad guy alone? Did you forget our promise?"
Liu Xi blinked, then answered solemnly.
"Of course not! I only left our home in your care because I trust you completely, Zi Yan."
"Really?" Her lips curled into a proud little smile.
Beside them, Xiao Yixian softly repeated, "Home…"
A rosy blush spread across her delicate cheeks, but a sweet smile followed. Realizing Zi Yan was still there, she quickly stepped back—though her hand refused to release Liu Xi's arm.
Zi Yan giggled mischievously.
"Hehe, then should I call you Sister Xian'er… or Sister-in-law?"
Xiao Yixian shot her a mock glare but didn't refute it, which only made Zi Yan giggle harder.
Liu Xi smiled helplessly. "Call her whatever you like."
Then Xiao Yixian looked up at him again. "Young Master, everyone said you and Han Feng were taken into the tower by the fire python and vanished. What really happened?"
Liu Xi laughed lightly. "That's true—but in the end, I won. So here I am, safe and sound. And now…" He paused, eyes bright.
"The three Heavenly Flames are finally gathered."
Xiao Yixian's body trembled; her lips parted in disbelief. Hope — pure and unrestrained — shone in her eyes. "You… you still remember…"
"How could I forget?" Liu Xi said warmly.
Zi Yan blinked. "What are you two talking about? I don't get it."
Liu Xi smiled. "Your Sister Xian'er is ill. She needs three Heavenly Flames to recover."
Zi Yan nodded firmly. "Oh! Then if you need my help, Big Brother, just say the word!"
Liu Xi chuckled. "Heh… I might really take you up on that."
(End of Chapter)
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