Chapter 286: Departing (End of Jia Nan Academy Arc)

Word Count: 3,021 Words

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When he first met Zi Yan, Xiao Yan was already quite certain that she must be a dragon-type magical beast because she could understand the Dragon Language and had even corrected him. Without her help, he wouldn't have been able to cultivate the Ancient Dragon Roar successfully.

However, many dragon races could understand Dragon Language, so he couldn't precisely determine what kind of magical beast Zi Yan actually was.

But after observing her today, he could confirm that Zi Yan possessed a supremely noble dragon bloodline.

Although the Amethyst Winged Lion King wasn't considered an exceptionally rare magical beast and couldn't compare to the Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python, it was undeniably stronger than Zi Yan in terms of cultivation. Moreover, it was not of the dragon race. Yet even so, it found itself overwhelmingly suppressed by her. One could only imagine how extraordinary Zi Yan's bloodline must be.

Xiao Yan reached out and pinched Zi Yan's fair, tender cheek, grinning as he said, "Zi Yan, stop making a fuss. The Lion King once did me a favor, and besides, when I'm able to refine the Body Transformation Pill, it's not like I would run off with your pill."

With a slap, Zi Yan knocked away the hand that was taking liberties. She rubbed her small face and snorted coldly, "Hmph! Who knows if you humans can be trusted? You've all got slippery tongues."

A glint flashed in Xiao Yan's gaze. He narrowed his eyes slightly, thought for a moment, then smiled and said, "If you don't trust me, there's a simple solution. Come along with me. That way, you won't have to worry about me running away, and I can also make pills for you. Besides, with your current strength, staying in the academy doesn't offer much benefit."

Little Fairy Doctor's expression suddenly became a bit strange. From her angle, Xiao Yan looked exactly like a creepy uncle trying to lure away a little girl.

Zi Yan heard these words and was indeed somewhat tempted. If not for Xiao Yan entering the Inner Academy last year, she would have long since grown bored, having been undefeated in the Inner Academy the year before last. Now, her strength surpassed that of many Dou Emperors; staying in the Inner Academy wouldn't benefit her much, and even the Blazing Sky Qi Refining Tower held little use for her anymore.

Moreover, Xiao Yan was an alchemist, and coupled with her own innate treasure-hunting talent, she would have an even better chance to increase her strength.

Xiao Yan saw Little Fairy Doctor's strange expression and used spiritual voice transmission to say, "Don't underestimate this little girl. She has a talent for treasure hunting and is particularly sensitive to heavenly treasures. With her help, finding that Clear Soul Nether Orchid will be much easier."

With Mao Wu's help in finding Heavenly Flames and Zi Yan's assistance in locating heavenly treasures, how could they not succeed?

Hearing that, Little Fairy Doctor's beautiful eyes flickered as she studied the petite Zi Yan, who looked around twelve or thirteen.

"Fine, I'll go back and inform the First Elder," Zi Yan thought for a moment before nodding, agreeing to Xiao Yan's suggestion.

The poor girl failed to notice that Xiao Yan's shadow behind him looked suspiciously like the silhouette of a fox.

…

Having handled all the lingering affairs in the Black-Corner Region, Xiao Yan led Little Fairy Doctor, the Amethyst Winged Lion King, and the others back to the Inner Academy.

Standing on the wide pathways of the Inner Academy, Xiao Yan watched the energetic students come and go. His face, which had grown somber from killing Han Feng and executing the Gold Silver Elders, gradually softened. Unknowingly, he had already spent two full years at Jia Nan Academy.

From first bringing Xiao Ning and the others to participate in the Inner Academy Qualifying Competition from the Outer Academy, to rising from a mere freshman to tying with Zi Yan for first place on the Strong Ranking within just one year, to entering the Blazing Sky Qi Refining Tower to refine the Fallen Heart Flame, to finally besieging Feng City and purging the traitor.

Indeed, much had happened in those two years.

Accompanying Xiao Yan were Little Fairy Doctor and Zi Yan, as well as the big and small Amethyst Winged Lion Kings.

Zi Yan was well-known to the Inner Academy's students, but Little Fairy Doctor instantly drew countless curious and admiring gazes. Her graceful presence and the subtle aloofness that lingered around her possessed an indescribable allure for these hot-blooded young students living in the academy.

Especially some of the older students who found it hard to take their eyes off this serene beauty that seemed to repel people from a thousand miles away.

However, Little Fairy Doctor acted as if she didn't notice the astonished gazes around her. Unlike Medusa's icy and intimidating aura, her face was merely composed and elegant. Yet an unapproachable indifference seemed to surround her, dissuading even the boldest from trying to start a conversation.

Not to mention, who in the Inner Academy didn't know Xiao Yan's reputation by now? No one in their right mind would attempt to flirt with the woman walking beside him.

Xiao Yan shook his head helplessly. His steps quickened, and in a flash, they disappeared.

"Tsk, tsk. Senior Brother Xiao Yan is truly Senior Brother Xiao Yan. Just one trip outside, and he brings back another beauty."

"Isn't that so? Back then, Senior Sister Xun Er already outshone everyone. Plus, there's also Xiao Yu and Xiao Mei from the Xiao Clan... Tsk, I wish my surname was Xiao too."

After recognizing Xiao Yan, many people clicked their tongues and sighed inwardly. Indeed, only heroes could attract such beauties.

They also marveled at how his circle of female companions seemed to be growing larger by the day.

…

After having Zi Yan take Little Fairy Doctor and the others to settle in at the Xiao Hall, Xiao Yan headed to the study where First Elder Su Qian often spent his time. Su Qian looked up upon hearing his footsteps and couldn't help but smile faintly when he saw Xiao Yan walking in.

"You little rascal! In just one short day, you've not only incorporated those three factions into Feng City but also plan to bring Feng City into your Xiao Clan's sphere of influence?"

Xiao Yan smiled calmly, walked slowly into the study, and sat down on the chair in front of Su Qian. How could he not understand the implication in the First Elder's words?

Jia Nan Academy had always been unwilling to see an overly powerful faction emerge in the Black-Corner Region, as it could threaten the academy's safety.

"First Elder, no matter how the Dou Qi Continent changes in the future, I, Xiao Yan, will always be a student of Jia Nan Academy. If the academy ever needs help, this student will certainly provide full assistance," Xiao Yan put away his smile and spoke very seriously.

Su Qian was stunned for a moment, then laughed helplessly and shook his head. "You little fellow really are not easy to handle, are you? All right, since you've said that… In truth, you have a point. After the incident with Han Feng, Jia Nan Academy really needs to change."

"Although Jia Nan Academy has students all over the world, as the saying goes, 'distant water can't quench a nearby fire.' Having a friendly faction in the Black-Corner Region means that if something like Han Feng's matter happens again, we'll at least have a place for students to evacuate to."

After discussing matters related to Feng City, Xiao Yan cut straight to the heart of his visit: "First Elder, this student has come not only to hope that Jia Nan Academy will take extra care of the Xiao Clan, but primarily to bid you farewell."

Su Qian sighed. With Xiao Yan's current strength, there was hardly any room for improvement within the Inner Academy. Moreover, Xiao Yan, who possessed the Essence Flame of the Fallen Heart Flame, no longer needed to use the Blazing Sky Qi Refining Tower.

"First Elder, I plan to return to the Jia Ma Empire within the next month," Xiao Yan gazed steadily at Su Qian, his expression gradually becoming solemn.

"That makes sense. The Dou Qi Continent is vast, and with your talent, you're destined to become renowned across the continent. As for that clan's matter... sigh, never mind. How you handle your affairs can only be decided by you. However, if you need assistance, you can seek out Headmaster Mang Tian Chi," the First Elder sighed, and his expression became grave when he mentioned Xun Er.

"Mang Tian Chi? Is that the name of our academy's Headmaster?" Xiao Yan asked.

"Yes, and his clan, like the Gu Clan, is one of the ancient Dou God Clans. He is an elder of the Lei Clan."

Xiao Yan's expression changed. No wonder the First Elder knew about Xun Er's clan; it was because of the Headmaster! And he's even an elder!

"This is the academy's letter of certification. If you meet him, this letter will prove your identity." Su Qian then handed him a sealed envelope.

A warm feeling spread through Xiao Yan's heart as he accepted the envelope. Although he had initially come to Jia Nan Academy solely for the Heavenly Flame, after two years, he had gradually come to appreciate the atmosphere and culture here.

"Since this student has received such a significant gift from the First Elder, it wouldn't be appropriate to leave without giving something back to the academy."

"Oh? What are you planning to do?" The First Elder looked wary. This kid always makes a big fuss when he does things.

As a result, over the next month, Xiao Yan transformed from a student into a teacher, even becoming a teacher to the elders.

He decided to impart his alchemy knowledge!

His return to Xiao Hall caused an instant uproar among everyone there. They were even more excited when they heard Xiao Yan would teach and answer questions about alchemy. The members of the Medicine Gang were so thrilled they nearly jumped to the rafters, immensely grateful that they had lost to him back then.

Not just the Medicine Gang; alchemists from the Alchemy Department came flocking from all directions. In order to accommodate the Outer Academy's Alchemy Department students, Xiao Yan even announced that he would 'set up an altar and perform the ritual' in the Outer Academy.

Everyone knew how formidable Xiao Yan's alchemy skills were. There was no need for excessive praise. All the Alchemy Department students at Jia Nan Academy offered their admiration and cheers for Xiao Yan's selfless generosity and indiscriminate teaching.

Xiao Yan's current prestige in the Inner Academy had reached an unprecedented level. No student from any previous year had ever achieved such heights.

"You little rascal caused such a big commotion as soon as you came back. Who knows how many people are waiting outside now to see your grand appearance," Xiao Yu glanced at Xiao Yan sitting in the seat of honor, listened to the commotion outside the pavilion, and couldn't help but shake her head helplessly.

Xiao Yan smiled. He had naturally anticipated that his lectures on alchemy would cause such a stir.

Early the next morning, he donned his long-unused 5th-tier alchemist robe and took out the most ordinary tier 5 medicinal cauldron to begin refining pills. This time, he didn't even use his Heavenly Flame, nor did he conceal his alchemy techniques. Instead, he selected a relatively easy-to-learn alchemy method from the Bone Flame Ring to perform alchemy.

Over ten days, Xiao Yan refined and explained pills ranging from tier 1 to low tier 6. Not just the Inner Academy Alchemy Department geniuses from the Medicine Gang but even Little Fairy Doctor, who had no foundational knowledge of alchemy, listened in complete fascination.

Xiao Yan's explanations were very straightforward, without any hidden techniques or secrets. He meticulously explained the alchemy methods, precautions during refinement, and his experiences step by step.

After refining the final pill on the last day, Xiao Yan merely flicked his sleeve and quietly departed while everyone was still immersed in his alchemy techniques, their minds continuously recalling and absorbing the knowledge.

After an unknown period, Elder Huo, who possessed the highest alchemy skills, was the first to come to his senses. He bowed respectfully toward the platform where Xiao Yan had just refined pills, and subsequently, more and more alchemists from the Alchemy Department paid their respects.

Undoubtedly, to all the alchemists who had attended the lectures, Xiao Yan's selfless actions had bestowed upon him the status of a half-master.

That same evening, many people's alchemy skills improved. Even Elder Huo, a middle-grade 6th-tier alchemist, advanced by a small grade.

…

For the remaining twenty days, Xiao Yan didn't cultivate Dou Qi but instead focused on refining pills and cultivating the God Seal Technique. He also visited the bottom of the Blazing Sky Qi Refining Tower to use the Ten Thousand Beast Flame to strengthen Medusa's bloodline strength and accelerate the condensation of her serpent body.

"Here are a few tier 6 Purifying Fire Ice Spirit Pills. They can effectively cleanse the remnant fire poison in your body." Xiao Yan tossed Medusa a pill bottle containing several tier 6 pills.

Medusa lightly raised her finger, and the pill bottle hovered motionlessly in front of her. Her breathtakingly beautiful face, verging on bewitching, possessed an indescribable allure even without her saying a word.

Even though Xiao Yan had given her the pills, she acted as if she hadn't seen them. Her alluring face remained as cold as ice, with that unapproachable indifferent aura still surrounding her body.

Seeing Medusa's still icy demeanor, Xiao Yan could only shrug and say, "I'll be leaving Jia Nan Academy soon. At your current progress, you should be able to exit the tower in about a year or so. I've already informed the First Elder. When you leave, remember to return to the Snake-People Tribe. The Yan Alliance may need you to hold the fort then."

By Xiao Yan's estimation, Medusa's strength would likely rival that of an advanced Dou Ancestor once she truly completed her Heavenly Flame Serpent Body with the power of three kinds of Heavenly Flames.

With her guarding the Yan Alliance, neighboring empires like the Chu Yun Empire and the Luo Yan Empire would have no choice but to submit.

Having said his piece, Xiao Yan turned to leave.

"Hey."

Hearing Medusa's voice, he turned his head and asked in confusion, "Hmm?"

After a moment of silence, Medusa's eyes narrowed and she said coldly, "Scram."

"Uh...???" Xiao Yan was completely baffled. You called me back just to tell me to scram??? What's that supposed to mean?

Unable to figure it out, he unfolded his Dou Qi wings and left the Blazing Sky Qi Refining Tower. Medusa frowned while watching his departing figure and muttered to herself, "What's happened to him..."

In the Xiao Hall, Xiao Yan bid farewell to Hu Jia, Wu Hao, and the others one by one.

"Here are some medicinal pills ranging from tier 1 to tier 5 Four Lines White Spirit Pills. In the future, clan members coming from Wu Tan City can be given pills to support their cultivation based on their diligence and potential. I'll have to rely on you to take care of the Xiao Clan members who come to the academy." Xiao Yan handed Xiao Yu a storage ring containing a large number of pills.

Xiao Yu was stunned upon hearing this. Her eyes dimmed slightly as she frowned and said, "You don't have to push yourself so hard... about Xun Er..."

Xiao Yan rubbed his nose and revealed a somewhat forced smile. "Xun Er just went home, that's all. Besides, as the Little Clan Leader, it's time for me to return to the Jia Ma Empire to see Father."

Xiao Yu felt an inexplicable pang of heartache looking at the brilliant yet sorrowful smile on the young man's face before her. Having grown up with Xiao Yan, how could she not understand the feelings between him and Xun Er?

She slowly walked up to Xiao Yan and looked at this young man who had unknowingly grown to be about the same height as herself. Her slender hand suddenly and boldly caressed his cheek as she said softly, "Big pervert, we all believe in you. Whatever you set your mind to, you will achieve it. No one can stand in your way."

Xiao Yan's eyes flickered, and he twisted his mouth helplessly, "Who are you calling a pervert? Really..."

"Hmph, back when you barged into the place where I was bathing, not only did you get handsy, but afterward you claimed you were being chased by a magical beast and stumbled in panic. Did you really think I was that stupid? Your mind was already full of bad thoughts at such a young age. If you're not a big pervert, then what are you?" Xiao Yu rolled her eyes dramatically at him as her pretty face blushed slightly.

"Cough... I was really being chased by a magical beast," Xiao Yan coughed violently. His face flushed slightly for some unknown reason as he tried to clear his name of certain childhood actions. However, while explaining, his gaze inadvertently swept over that pair of slender, well-rounded, sexy legs opposite him. He couldn't help but shake his head inwardly, wondering which lucky man would eventually enjoy those unforgettable jade-like legs.

Though his gaze was subtle, it was still noticed by the perceptive Xiao Yu. A light blush spread across her pretty face as she glared at him fiercely.

"Make sure you come back."

"Of course, my Xiao Clan's property is here. I'll definitely be returning."

With a whoosh, Xiao Yan unfolded his Dou Qi fire wings, waved to the people below, and said, "Don't worry, I won't say 'if fate allows, we'll meet again.' I won't be gone long. See you soon!"