A colossal surge of energy frantically poured into that Dou Sheng physique at this moment.
At the same time, flecks of Life Origin, brimming with boundless vital force, also descended upon the Venerable Skyfire during this moment.
Generally speaking, even if one were resurrected using another body, there would still be a sense of incompatibility with the commandeered body, and it would be quite difficult to further strengthen one's cultivation based on this new form.
However, with Elder Xu Ran's assistance, Venerable Skyfire would not encounter such an issue.
The Life Origin fused Venerable Skyfire's Soul Body with the Dou Sheng body, seamlessly integrating them without any sign of rejection.
An hour later, the surrounding Heavenly Energy no longer surged crazily into the body of Venerable Skyfire.
And Venerable Skyfire—no, he should now be called the Saint of Heavenly Fire.
His power had been elevated to that of a Dou Sheng.
Under Xu Ran's transformation, his Soul Body's Soul Power was now countless times stronger than during his prime.
"Saint of Heavenly Fire pays respects to Master. From this moment forth, I vow to serve you as my lord, to be at your command without regret or betrayal, forever loyal," said the Saint of Heavenly Fire as he knelt and paid three deep respects to Xu Ran, the first thing he did upon opening his eyes.
Elder Xu Ran had granted him a favor akin to rebirth, a grace on par with that of one's own parents. Not to mention, his power...
He had actually become a Dou Sheng so easily.
A Dou Sheng, ah. In Zhongzhou, one could summon the wind and command the rain.
Dou Sheng, a status that would cause even the Imperial Clans to treat him as a distinguished guest, eagerly courting his favor.
And to become a Dou Sheng, besides innate talent, one also needed many stringent conditions. For someone like him, a lone cultivator without the backing of a major family, who had an inadequate foundation from childhood—even if later, through risking life and limb, he obtained various cultivation resources, the importance of a strong foundation in the later stages of cultivation became increasingly crucial. Therefore, in an era without the emergence of Imperial Clans, there were practically no Dou Sheng walking the Continent.
Because, Dou Sheng had almost become the exclusive domain of those great families.
Now, he could also become a Dou Sheng.
In his heart, Xu Ran was almost like a deity. Having witnessed Xu Ran's methods, he now held nothing but deep admiration and reverence for him.
"Rise. From now on, your mission is to protect Ya Fei."
"After you get to the auction house, just report my name," Xu Ran said, informing the Saint of Heavenly Fire of Ya Fei's situation; after which the Saint of Heavenly Fire, expressing his loyalty without hesitation, left with a sense of satisfaction.
He wasn't foolish; this Ya Fei was clearly someone with a close relationship with Xu Ran. Being able to protect a close associate of Xu Ran, establishing a good relationship, and then having a great chance to be heavily relied upon...
Now, he too, had become a Dou Sheng.
…
The turmoil within the Heavenly Flame Qi Tower had returned to normal, and the effects of cultivation were even several times better than before. At this moment, the entire Canaan Academy Inner Court was basking in jubilant celebration.
Many inner court disciples had smiles plastered across their faces as they hurried toward the Heavenly Flame Qi Tower, eager to secure good spots as quickly as possible. With the cultivation effects of the tower having drastically improved—now one day of cultivation within the tower equated to three days prior, without any change in the Fire Energy deducted—this was a significant boon.
This was not an opportunity they could afford to miss.
Thus, all disciples of the Inner Court were now racing toward the Heavenly Flame Qi Tower as swiftly as they could.
"Elder Xu Ran, we have troubled you once again," Su Qian and several other Inner Court elders arrived together, greeting Xu Ran. Compared to Su Qian, the other Inner Court elders appeared much more restrained.
Though Xu Ran was also an Inner Court elder, they were all very much aware of his strength, especially given that Xu Ran was an Alchemist. On the Continent, Alchemists were highly esteemed.
"It is my duty, after all, I am also an elder of the Canaan Academy," Xu Ran said with a smile.
"However, I have requisitioned the bottom layer of the Heavenly Flame Qi Tower for myself. Now that young Fallen Heart Flame no longer requires your concern, I have already communicated with it; it won't betray Canaan Academy," Xu Ran said with a smile. The lowest level, that was the place where Canaan Academy contained the Fallen Heart Flame, and also connected to the Magma World.
And now, that place had been transformed by Xu Ran into the zone with the densest Dou Qi energy.
"Of course, Elder Xu Ran. Whatever you wish to use that space for is fine with us. Now that the Heavenly Flame Qi Refinement Tower is even stronger than before, all credit goes to Elder Xu Ran. However, the cultivation effect there must be much better than in the upper levels of the tower, right?" Su Qian said with a beaming smile.
He didn't mind Xu Ran's personal interests; after all, Xun Er and the others were also part of the Canaan Academy. He would be thrilled to see Xun Er and the others become Dou Zun Dou Sheng or such. By then, Xun Er and her equals would be walking advertisements, letting all the powers of the Continent recognize the strength of Canaan Academy.
"Now that the crisis of the Fallen Heart Flame has been resolved by Elder Xu Ran, and the cultivation-enhancing effects of the Heavenly Flame Qi Tower have been enhanced, why don't we hold a celebratory banquet tonight at Canaan Academy? It's a chance for us elders to familiarize ourselves with Elder Xu Ran," suggested one Inner Court elder cheerily.
"Indeed. Elder Xu Ran has joined our Canaan Academy and has helped resolve so many issues…"
Other elders chimed in, supporting the idea.
They were all eager for a suitable opportunity to form a connection with Xu Ran. Even if they couldn't get close enough to ask for Elixirs, familiarizing themselves with Xu Ran was a great advantage. And if they could receive guidance from Xu Ran, that would be even better...
"You old fellows," Su Qian said, knowing he could no longer contain them. When Xu Ran was in the Outer Court, these elders had all been angling to make their way there. Now that Xu Ran had come to the Inner Court, Su Qian dared not stop the elders from seeking out Xu Ran any longer.
In the Academy, there were even those who said he was deliberately blocking other elders, while he alone networked with Xu Ran.
Cough cough... It wasn't entirely true that Su Qian had no such intentions.
At the banquet, many elders racked their brains to talk with Xu Ran, discussing both cultivation and Alchemy. In response, Xu Ran was almost inexhaustibly knowledgeable, unraveling the perplexities that the elders had amassed over many years of practice. In their eyes, Xu Ran was nothing short of a monster—able to provide fluent responses to any query.
After experiencing Xu Ran's erudition, they held him in even greater adoration. With Xu Ran's guidance, they could avoid many detours in both cultivation and Alchemy.
And the next day, Zhukun took his leave from Xu Ran.
However, he did not take Zi Yan with him, leaving her instead at Canaan Academy. Zhukun's intentions were clear to everyone. In Zhukun's heart, with Zi Yan following Xu Ran, her future was bright, and there was a chance she might even surpass him to become a Dou Di. Plus, since Xu Ran was an Ancestral Dragon, Zhukun also intended for Zi Yan to stay and serve by Xu Ran's side. But given Zi Yan's personality, it would be some time before Xu Ran could enjoy her tender service.