Chapter 254: Su Qian's Shock
In response to Su Qian's question, Xiao Yan smiled faintly but neither confirmed nor denied it. Instead, he glanced at Su Qian and said calmly:
"I heard that entering the lowest level requires the First Elder's explicit permission. I wonder if the First Elder could grant me this opportunity?"
Su Qian fell into a moment of silence.
Although Xiao Yan's words sounded reasonable, Su Qian couldn't help but hesitate, especially after recalling what had happened with Han Feng. Could this man in front of him truly be more trustworthy than Han Feng?
As Su Qian deliberated, another tremor rippled through the bottom of the Heavenly Flame Refining Qi Tower. This time, Su Qian could clearly sense that even the Fallen Heart Flame within the tower had been affected.
"Very well," Su Qian finally said. "I'll take you to see the Fallen Heart Flame, Elder Yan Xiao. But remember our agreement if you break it, even if it costs me my life, there are still those in this academy capable of restraining you."
Hearing this, the two elders nearby couldn't help but pale slightly. Su Qian's words implied that even he might not be able to defeat this Elder Yan Xiao.
The realization left them glancing at Xiao Yan with growing fear.
Half a year ago, Han Feng, another Alchemy Department elder, had secretly killed two guards here and ventured underground. If Su Qian hadn't intervened in time, the Inner Academy might have been destroyed.
Even so, Su Qian had nearly lost his life in that confrontation. If Xiao Yan harbored similar intentions, these two elders might not escape this place alive.
"Apologies, but no one in Jia Nan Academy can restrain me," Xiao Yan thought smugly.
Given his current strength, even without the assistance of the Twin Saints, he was practically invincible below the Dou Zun (Battle Saint) level. The academy's few Dou Zong (Battle Sect) experts were no match for him, even if they worked together.
With Su Qian's permission, Xiao Yan finally passed through the bottommost layer of the tower and reached the sealed area.
Standing outside the energy barrier alongside Su Qian, Xiao Yan gazed at the dark, blood red magma within, a faint smile appearing on his lips.
"Ch ch ch! Ch ch ch!" Xiao Yan made a strange sound akin to calling for a dog, leaving Su Qian dumbfounded.
What happened next shocked him even more.
In response to Xiao Yan's peculiar sound, the red magma sea began to shift unnaturally, as if being divided by an invisible force. It was as though a giant serpent was swimming within.
Moments later, through their soul perception, everyone present saw a massive, translucent fire python, spanning over twenty to thirty meters, appearing in their spiritual vision.
"How has it become this strong?" Su Qian's expression darkened as he watched the Fallen Heart Flame.
The invisible fire python emerged in the magma world but paid no attention to Su Qian or the others. Instead, it fixed its nearly transparent triangular eyes warily on Xiao Yan.
"Ke ke, little Fallen Heart Flame, it's time for you to obediently fall into my grasp," Xiao Yan said, his tone filled with excitement, as though he were looking at a delicacy.
Unlike Su Qian and the others, who were filled with trepidation, Xiao Yan seemed exhilarated. Consuming the Fallen Heart Flame might not push him to the Dou Zun realm, but it would undoubtedly elevate him to the peak of Dou Zong.
Sensing Xiao Yan's intent, the fire python coiled its body tightly and emitted a low, warning growl.
However, Xiao Yan paid no heed to its caution. Turning to Su Qian, he said casually, "First Elder, you'd better start evacuating the students. Once the fight begins, they might get caught in the crossfire."
Su Qian's expression darkened further. He looked at Xiao Yan suspiciously and asked, "Are you planning to take the Fallen Heart Flame right now? Don't forget "
"Don't forget our agreement?" Xiao Yan interrupted with a smile. "Relax, I'm only going to weaken it for you. If it goes berserk, many students could be seriously injured or even die."
Hearing this, Su Qian hesitated for a moment before nodding reluctantly. "Fine."
He quickly instructed the two elders behind him to evacuate the students on every level.
Elsewhere, on the third floor, Han Yue and Elder Hao both appeared puzzled.
"What's going on? Why is the Heavenly Flame Refining Qi Tower suddenly being sealed off?" Han Yue muttered, frowning. She had planned to spend the day cultivating here.
Elder Hao looked equally confused. However, upon receiving a transmission through his messaging token, his expression changed drastically.
"The thing at the bottom of the tower is stirring again! Quickly, evacuate the students!"
Elder Hao immediately began organizing the evacuation and urged Han Yue to help. His face, however, showed a trace of shock.
Han Yue noticed this and seemed to recall something, her delicate features paling. "Could this be because of Elder Yan Xiao?"
Elder Hao nodded slightly but warned her sternly, "This is a serious matter. Do not mention it to anyone."
Han Yue nodded solemnly and began assisting with the evacuation.
Inwardly, however, her curiosity about Elder Yan Xiao deepened. The mysterious and powerful elder seemed to grow more enigmatic with each passing moment.
At the base of the tower, Xiao Yan turned to Su Qian and said, "Open a gap in the seal and let me in."
Su Qian studied Xiao Yan carefully before responding, "What you're about to do could determine the future of Jia Nan Academy. I hope you take this seriously."
With that, Su Qian extended his hand and created a human sized opening in the energy barrier.
The moment the gap appeared, the fire python's eyes lit up with frenzied excitement, and it charged at the opening with reckless abandon.
Before it could escape, Xiao Yan stepped forward, appearing directly in front of it.
"Beast, you dare to run?" Xiao Yan sneered. With a wave of his hand, a giant, multicolored flame condensed into a massive hand, slamming down on the python.
The fire python's body was smashed back into the magma, sending a massive wave of molten rock surging through the cavern.
"ROAR!"
The Fallen Heart Flame let out a furious, ear piercing screech that could shatter the soul of an ordinary Dou Ling.
Even Su Qian's face paled at the sound. But before he could react, another massive flaming hand materialized and slammed into the python.
To Su Qian's horror, the once terrifying fire python struggled helplessly under Xiao Yan's attacks.
Cold sweat trickled down Su Qian's back as he realized just how powerful Xiao Yan truly was.
(End of Chapter)
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