Chapter 256: Liu Qing
Before Xiao Yan lay over a hundred translucent flame serpents, each one containing the pure energy of the Fallen Heart Flame, burning steadily.
These serpents represented immense potential enough to elevate dozens of Dou Ling practitioners to the Dou Wang level.
With a sweep of his wide sleeves, Xiao Yan collected all the refined Heart Flame Essences. Under Su Qian's apprehensive gaze, he flew toward the glowing barrier above.
"Ha ha, Elder Yan Xiao, your strength is truly astounding! The Fallen Heart Flame, which the entire Inner Academy couldn't subdue, was tamed so easily by you," Su Qian said, his tone filled with admiration.
Xiao Yan, of course, could see through Su Qian's flattery. With a flick of his hand, he released half of the refined Heart Flame Essences.
The sudden appearance of over fifty Heart Flame Essences made Su Qian gulp audibly.
He had never imagined that Xiao Yan would be so generous, offering half of the precious flames. Su Qian had assumed that even a quarter or at most a third would be a generous share, given their rarity.
Each Heart Flame Essence was a treasure capable of creating a Dou Wang powerhouse, and Xiao Yan had just casually handed over fifty of them.
Under Xiao Yan's watchful gaze, Su Qian carefully transferred the Heart Flame Essences into a special jade storage device.
Seeing Su Qian's cautious behavior, Xiao Yan couldn't help but chuckle.
"Set aside three essences each for Zi Yan and Han Yue. As for the rest, distribute them as you see fit," Xiao Yan said casually.
Su Qian nodded quickly, but his attention remained fixated on the stored flames.
Xiao Yan then glanced back at the subdued Fallen Heart Flame, still bound tightly by the Heavenly Flames, and added, "Later, I'll gather the elders from the Alchemy Department to develop a pill that maximizes the utility of these Heart Flame Essences. This will ensure they're used to their full potential.
"After dealing with these matters, I'll assist the academy in locating another Fallen Heart Flame."
Hearing Xiao Yan's confident and methodical planning, Su Qian was momentarily stunned. His respect for Xiao Yan deepened, and his tone grew more enthusiastic.
"Elder Yan Xiao, if you truly accomplish all of this, your contributions to our academy will rival even those of the Headmaster! I wouldn't hesitate to hand over my position as First Elder to you!"
Su Qian's excitement was evident. Initially, he had been wary of Xiao Yan, fearing he might be another Han Feng, seeking only personal gain from the Fallen Heart Flame. But Xiao Yan's words and actions suggested otherwise.
Not only was Xiao Yan fulfilling his promises, but his proposal to develop a pill for the Heart Flame Essences could greatly enhance the academy's future strength.
"Who cares about being a glorified worker?" Xiao Yan mused silently, but outwardly, he maintained a polite smile.
"First Elder, your position carries great responsibility. Someone as capable as you should continue to hold it. I'm merely a wanderer, unfit for such duties," Xiao Yan said tactfully.
Su Qian beamed, his grin so wide it resembled a blooming flower.
Ignoring Su Qian's joyful expression, Xiao Yan quickly left the Heavenly Flame Refining Qi Tower.
The Heart Flame Essences required specialized storage to prevent them from dissipating into the air as pure fire energy. Without his Heavenly Flame to envelop them, they would be lost.
These refined flames were a significant resource, even for the Yan Alliance, capable of nurturing countless new talents.
Xiao Yan also had plans to use them for his own family. Within a few years, members like Xiao Mei and Xiao Ning would be ready to attempt breakthroughs to the Dou Wang level.
Even Ya Fei, Yao Ye, and other women close to him were nearing the stage where the essences could help them ascend to Dou Wang.
Developing a pill to maximize the flames' efficacy was largely for their benefit.
For safety, Xiao Yan reminded Su Qian to stay behind and continue guarding the sealed Fallen Heart Flame.
As Xiao Yan stepped out of the tower, the golden sunlight made him squint after three days of darkness.
He quickly noticed a group of students gathered at the tower's entrance, loudly complaining.
"Look! Someone's coming out of the tower!" one student exclaimed.
Having experienced the rapid cultivation benefits of the Heavenly Flame Refining Qi Tower, many students had become addicted to it, finding normal cultivation unsatisfactory.
The sight of Xiao Yan leaving the tower surprised the elders stationed at the entrance. Elder Hao was the first to approach him.
"Elder Yan Xiao, can the tower be used again?" Hao asked hopefully.
Xiao Yan glanced at the frustrated elders dealing with the students and shook his head with a smile. Without saying a word, he continued walking away.
"Why does he get to leave the tower freely?" a disgruntled student demanded. "Elder, is he your grandson or something?"
"What nonsense are you spouting? That's Elder Yan Xiao from the Alchemy Department! You kids better behave, or I'll fail you in my class!" Hao snapped, glaring at the student.
"Pfft, you're a logistics elder what do you know about grades? I don't believe you. That guy must have connections!" the rebellious student shot back, leaving Hao fuming.
As Xiao Yan walked toward the Alchemy Department, he encountered an unexpected figure blocking his path.
The young man was tall and muscular, with a black spear strapped to his back. His demeanor exuded confidence and dominance.
"Kid?" the young man said, narrowing his eyes at Xiao Yan, his tone turning sharp.
Among Jia Nan Academy's younger generation, no one had ever dared to call him a "kid."
"You injured my cousin in the Heavenly Flame Refining Qi Tower. While she may have been in the wrong, don't you think you were a bit too heavy handed?" the young man said coldly.
"Your cousin?" Xiao Yan blinked before recalling Liu Fei's face.
"Oh, you mean that flask?" Xiao Yan said indifferently.
"Flask?" The young man's brows furrowed, clearly not understanding the insult but sensing its derogatory tone. He reached for the spear on his back.
"Brother! Brother!"
Before the tension could escalate, a crisp, youthful voice rang out.
A petite figure in white suddenly dashed toward Xiao Yan, clinging to his side.
The sight of this figure made the young man's expression change drastically, his sharp gaze softening instantly.
(End of Chapter)
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