Upon hearing Yao Yan's precise answer, a glint of light flashed in Yao Lao's eyes. He knew very well the value of the Fallen Heart Flame. Without exaggeration, for cultivators below the Dou Zong level, the Fallen Heart Flame was a divine object that could directly increase cultivation speed, allowing them to cultivate at any time without human intervention. It could autonomously absorb the energy of heaven and earth and convert it into pure Dou Qi.
This was equivalent to boosting the cultivator's talent several times over.
Although it became somewhat useless in the later stages, in the early stages, the value of the Fallen Heart Flame was enough to tempt, even drive, anyone. Everyone's cultivation speed was linked to their talent, and there were very few things in the world that could enhance a cultivator's talent, and something as direct as the Fallen Heart Flame was extremely rare.
"I didn't expect the rumors to be true..." Yao Lao stroked his white beard and said softly.
The claim that Canaan Academy possesses the Fallen Heart Flame remains a rumor, never confirmed. Unfortunately, when he learned of this, he already possessed the Bone Spirit Cold Flame and his strength had long since broken through to the Dou Zun level, so he naturally had little interest in the Fallen Heart Flame. Furthermore,
due to certain unspoken rules in the Black Corner Region, Dou Zun-level experts cannot freely participate in the region's conflicts.
This is perhaps why Canaan Academy has kept the Fallen Heart Flame hidden until now.
If Yao Yan knew what Yao Lao was thinking, he would probably explain. Canaan Academy's ability to maintain the Fallen Heart Flame to this day has never been based on luck. Neither the two old immortals of the inner courtyard nor the vanished dean are easy to provoke.
Those qualified to know these things would certainly not cause trouble for Canaan Academy for a mere Fallen Heart Flame.
As for those unqualified to know the inside story, how could they possibly pass the test of the two elders?
In the original story, Han Feng and his group were able to break into the inner courtyard only because the two elders, Qian Bai and
his companions, were in seclusion, attempting to reach the Dou Zun realm. Otherwise, what trouble could a few mere Dou Huang peak 'little guys' cause? They could probably be wiped out with a single glance. Those nine-star Dou Zong peak experts were extremely skilled in using spatial power, capable of instantly killing the weak.
Those who didn't understand spatial power didn't even have the qualifications to fight them.
Cai Lin's cold and beautiful eyes flickered slightly as she looked at the indifferent Yao Yan. Her gorgeous red lips parted slightly, and her soft, alluring voice carried a hint of curiosity: "Now that the existence of the Fallen Heart Flame has been confirmed, when do you plan to make your move?"
As she spoke, a hint of eagerness appeared in her eyes.
As Queen Medusa, she was never a quiet little girl. Deep down, she remained a cold, ruthless, and proud queen. However, this pride would unconsciously soften when facing Yao Yan. Perhaps even she herself didn't want to admit it, but she was somewhat impressed by Yao Yan.
Yao Yan shook his head, his expression slightly serious, and slowly said, "I don't intend to take it by force. There are quite a few strong individuals in Canaan Academy. With our strength, it's impossible for us to snatch the Fallen Heart Flame from Canaan Academy."
"A lot?" Cai Lin frowned slightly and asked.
"There's only one Dou Zong on the surface, Elder Su Qian of the Inner Court. His strength should be around a two-star Dou Zong. However, I can sense that there are several other powerful figures hidden within the Inner Court, whose strength is no less than Su Qian's. Judging from their ability to use spatial power, I suspect their strength is no less than a seven-star Dou Zong."
Yao Yan said to Cai Lin with a serious expression, trying to intimidate her. He was genuinely worried that Cai Lin would recklessly charge in. She preferred to solve problems with force and even traded lives, truly embodying the essence of the Dou Qi Continent's powerful figures. She
would rather fight than talk.
This was the complete opposite of Yao Yan, who preferred verbal communication and would only resort to physical combat as a last resort, perhaps influenced by his memories from his previous life.
"...That certainly needs careful consideration." Elder Yao paused for a moment before slowly speaking.
He then paused.
He looked at Yao Yan, his eyes darkening slightly, and said, "Why not give up the Fallen Heart Flame and go find my traitorous disciple first? He also controls a strange fire. As long as you can obtain the Sea Heart Flame and then devour my Bone Spirit Cold Fire, the Fallen Heart Flame won't be so important."
Given the unique nature of the Burning Technique, once the three strange fires fuse, their power will definitely not be weaker than those ranked higher. Compared to that, the Fallen Heart Flame is naturally somewhat insignificant. And the so-called accelerated cultivation doesn't seem that important to this little monster.
"The strange fire is related to the evolution of the Burning Technique; I won't give it up."
Yao Yan shook his head, disagreeing with Yao Lao's words. He was determined to have that strange fire from Canaan Academy, because if he didn't refine it now, it would inevitably break its seal and cause big trouble in the future. If someone discovered the secrets deep within the magma, things would get very complicated.
Although the possibility was slim, Yao Yan couldn't take the risk. Before leaving the Black Corner Region, all potential threats within Canaan Academy had to be dealt with.
Therefore, he wouldn't mind purging the Black Corner Region as well, allowing it to maintain relative stability for decades.
"The risk is too high, it's unnecessary!" Yao Lao said in a deep voice, staring at Yao Yan with some confusion. With the other party's talent, why would he keep taking such risks? Was he so eager for strength?
"It won't be too high. That Fallen Heart Flame already possesses the power of a different kind of fire, and its intelligence is not low. It is filled with hatred and a desire to destroy Canaan Academy. The spatial power that sealed it has been burned down to only the last layer. With just a little push, it can break free, and that will be my opportunity."
Yao Yan gave Yao Lao a general overview of the Fallen Heart Flame's situation, and also mentioned the Heavenly Burning Qi Refining Tower.
"The person who founded Canaan Academy back then was truly a genius, actually coming up with such a method. However, he handled things terribly. He probably didn't consider the feelings of the Fallen Heart Flame back then, leaving a seed of disaster... This Fallen Heart Flame will eventually become the catalyst for the entire Canaan Academy."
The old apocalypse showed a hint of amazement in his eyes, followed by a sense of helplessness.
Yao Yan smiled and said softly, "Once a strange fire is born with the power of strange fire, it possesses considerable intelligence. However, to many powerful individuals, it is ultimately just a strange fire, a tool to assist others in their cultivation. Who would care about the thoughts of a strange fire?"
Yao Lao was somewhat surprised by this. He hadn't expected Yao Yan to say such a thing, a stark contrast to his former disciple, Han Feng. If Han Feng had had this mindset back then, perhaps things wouldn't have turned out this way. He pondered for a moment and asked, "What do you plan to do?"
"I plan to make Han Feng the villain. If nothing unexpected happens, he should have also cultivated the Burning Technique, otherwise he wouldn't still be at the Dou Huang level at this age."
Yao Yan looked at Yao Lao, his tone carrying a hint of mockery.
Given Yao Lao's methods and status back then, Han Feng's talent must have been cultivated to perfection. He should have broken through to the Dou Zong level before the age of thirty. But now, Han Feng is almost fifty, yet he remains at the Dou Huang level, which is clearly problematic.
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Even if Han Feng later wasted his talent, he couldn't have cultivated so slowly. He wasn't lacking in cultivation resources or Earth-rank techniques.
"...He peeked at it back then."
Yao Lao fell silent after Yao Yan's words. After a long while, he closed his eyes and sighed softly.
The Burning Technique, the cause of everything.
When he obtained this technique back then, he should have destroyed it. Who could have imagined that this technique could actually be successfully cultivated? He didn't let Han Feng cultivate it back then entirely to protect him. Anyone with a bit of knowledge would never allow their junior to cultivate such a technique; it's a technique that's purely a matter of life and death.
Strange Fire is a rare thing born of heaven and earth, full of the power of destruction and regeneration. It's already a blessing for an ordinary person to refine even one, but it needs to feed on it. Is this a technique that you would allow someone to cultivate?!
"Then your disciple is obviously quite bold~" Yao Yan smiled nonchalantly.
To be fair, Han Feng's temperament and talent were indeed formidable. He dared to cultivate with only a fragmented technique, even using it to devour the Sea Heart Flame. If it were Yao Yan, he would never have dared to do such a thing.
"His audacity wasn't just a matter of courage; it also stemmed from a problem with his body. After my care, his talent had already reached perfection. Had he followed the proper path, he should have broken through to the Dou Zong realm around the age of twenty-five. Unfortunately, he later listened to others and went astray, attempting to refine the essence of others into his own body… As a result, his almost perfect talent vanished, and even his Dou Qi was affected…"
Yao Lao lowered his gaze, slowly recounting the past, his eyes filled with regret, annoyance, and a hint of resentment.
Han Feng was his greatest achievement, but now he seemed like a joke, an invisible mockery.
Cai Lin remained silent, listening to their conversation. She felt how insignificant the world she had ever known was. Reaching the Dou Zong realm at around twenty-five years old—what a shock! Thinking of the centenarians of the Jia Ma Empire, the difference was almost despairing.
She then glanced at Yao Yan, perhaps this guy could redefine her understanding once more.
"A talent indeed! Is he going to follow the path of the Ruthless Great Emperor?" Yao Yan thought to himself. He had to admit, Han Feng possessed talent, but only a little, very limited. To try and follow that path in the Dou Qi Continent was simply asking for trouble.
The taboo of alchemy—refining another's essence and everything else—was something Yao Yan was well aware of. His teacher was Hun Xuzi, a big name in the alchemy world. To put it bluntly, Hun Xuzi's alchemy skills were at least in the top three, perhaps even second or first. And what Han Feng was doing was clearly something Hun Xuzi had grown tired of.
Yao Yan's achievements are also due to these factors. Even his strongest abilities remain hidden, with no intention of revealing them. Even occasional desires are suppressed, because without power, if it were discovered that he possesses the bloodline of the Devouring Spirit Clan, even the Soul Clan might not be able to protect him.
After all, the Soul Clan's primary goal is to collect the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jade. Until then, everything can be tolerated; they would never wage war against other clans for the sake of Yao Yan.
Yao Yan even suspects that the Soul Clan might preemptively kill him to silence him.
Hun Xuzi is absolutely capable of doing such a thing.
As for the so-called master-disciple relationship… Yao Yan doubts that Hun Xuzi even had such a thought. If he did, Hun Xuzi wouldn't have conspired with the Soul Clan to kill his teacher, not even sparing his soul. He inexplicably feels that Hun Xuzi and Han Feng are a perfect match.
"If you want to purify your body, there's nothing better in this world than a strange fire, and the Burning Flame Technique is clearly a perfect match for what he's learned."
Old Yao, now completely disregarding the consequences, laid everything bare. Perhaps because he'd vented his feelings all at once, his expression relaxed considerably.
"Then he definitely won't miss the Fallen Heart Flame." Yao Yan chuckled. He planned to set a trap for Han Feng, but before that, he needed to confirm one thing: "I heard at Canaan Academy that a city in the Black Corner Region was completely wiped out. What do you think, Elder?"
Whatever he thought, he figured he'd pin the blame on the Soul Palace; it was sure to work.
Without a second thought, Yao Lao bluntly stated, "It was the Soul Hall's doing. Only they in the entire Black Corner Region have the ability to turn a city into a ghost town overnight... For those guys, even low-level cultivators would be valuable cultivation resources; their souls and flesh could be used for cultivation." "
?!"
Cai Lin's pupils constricted in surprise. This was the first time she had heard of such cruel methods. Killing someone was merely crushing them, yet someone was engaging in cannibalism? Was this
some kind of magical beast? "This is quite similar to your wicked disciple,"
Yao Yan said softly.
Yao Lao sneered, his tone carrying a chilling killing intent, and said coldly, "Back then, Han Feng did those things because he was instigated by someone, and that person was also from the Soul Hall. It's normal for their methods to be similar."
Compared to his hatred for Han Feng, his hatred for Elder Mu Gu ran deeper. He also bore responsibility for Han Feng's mistakes; he hadn't taught him properly and had overlooked certain things. But for what Elder Mu Gu had done, he wished he could obliterate his ancestral graves.
After Yao Lao finished speaking, Yao Yan calmly added, "I plan to contact Han Feng and subtly leak information about the Fallen Heart Flame, then have him join forces with Demon Flame Valley to seize it." "
..."
Yao Lao and Cai Lin were both silent, surprised by Yao Yan's idea.
"The plan is good, but difficult to execute,"
Yao Lao said frankly. He didn't think Yao Yan's plan would succeed. According to Yao Yan, the inner court of Canaan Academy had a deep foundation; how could Han Feng and his group possibly cause any trouble? Even if they succeeded, how would Yao Yan clean up the mess?
Yao Yan smiled but didn't say much, as he planned to subtly reveal some of his 'young master' identity.