Chapter 189: Absorbing the Fallen Heart Flame, Ling Hua's Regret
"Do you think the Xiao Clan is behind this?"
In the Gu Clan, Gu Yuan's residence, this question from Gu Lie deepened Gu Yuan's frown.
When he first learned that the team sent to retrieve Xun'er had disappeared, his mind had briefly entertained the idea that the Xiao Clan might be involved.
But he quickly dismissed it.
"It shouldn't be them. Given their strength and status, there's no reason for them to act in this way," Gu Yuan muttered, his tone uncertain.
"If it wasn't them, then who else could it be?" Gu Lie asked, his voice tinged with frustration.
Seeing Gu Lie's agitation, Gu Yuan sighed and shook his head.
**"The priority now is finding Xun'er. Everything else can wait.
"Don't worry Xun'er has a jade pendant imbued with my soul imprint. As long as she has it, I can find her.
"I'll handle this personally. While I'm gone, you will oversee all clan matters."**
Not waiting for Gu Lie's response, Gu Yuan waved his hand. A spatial vortex appeared, and with a single step, he disappeared into it.
Fallen Heart Flame's Defeat
Jia Nan Academy, bottom of the Blazing Sky Qi Refining Tower, within the seal.
For several days, Xiao Yan and Yao Chen had been locked in a battle of wits and endurance against the Fallen Heart Flame, which had taken the form of a massive fire python.
Thanks to the tower's sealing formation, they weren't worried about the flame escaping. However, the fire python's relentless focus on the Tuo She Ancient Emperor Jade around Xiao Yan's neck left them constantly on edge.
"Roar! Damn human!"
After days of endless struggle, the Fallen Heart Flame's source fire had finally been completely absorbed by the Tuo She Ancient Emperor Jade.
As the last remnants of its source fire dissipated, the colossal hundred meter long fire python crumbled into nothingness.
"Huff… huff… It's finally over, Teacher!" Xiao Yan panted, his body drenched in sweat as relief washed over him.
Yao Chen removed the Tuo She Ancient Emperor Jade from Xiao Yan's neck and gazed at the concentrated source fire it now contained. A hint of awe flickered in his eyes.
"Yes, it's finally done. Xiao Yan, rest and recover your Dou Qi. Once you're ready, we'll refine the Fallen Heart Flame here."
Xiao Yan hesitated.
"Teacher, isn't this… a bit much?"
Though he had absorbed the source fire, Xiao Yan couldn't shake the guilt gnawing at him. The Fallen Heart Flame was the cornerstone of the Blazing Sky Qi Refining Tower and, by extension, Jia Nan Academy's reputation and foundation.
Without it, the tower would lose its purpose. Xiao Yan couldn't help but feel conflicted.
Understanding his student's concerns, Yao Chen offered a gentle yet firm response.
**"Xiao Yan, we must take the Fallen Heart Flame to help you evolve your Flame Mantra. Only then will your strength grow rapidly.
"As for the academy, we can find ways to compensate them later."**
Despite his calm demeanor, Yao Chen couldn't shake a nagging suspicion. He recalled how, back in Wu Tan City, they had encountered that mysterious Xiao Clan expert.
There was also the incident in the Black Corner Region when they had been cornered by Han Feng, only for a group of mysterious experts to intervene.
Every one of these individuals had been at least Dou Emperor level, and some even Dou Ancestor. Their sudden appearance was far too coincidental.
And now, the Tuo She Ancient Emperor Jade was acting on its own, perfectly absorbing the Fallen Heart Flame's source fire.
Putting all these pieces together, Yao Chen couldn't help but suspect a deeper connection.
"Xiao Yan might not realize it, but everything from Xiao Zhan's disappearance to the delivery of this Emperor Jade, to the Black Corner Region rescue must be tied to the Xiao Clan."
The thought unsettled Yao Chen.
"Could the Xiao Clan really be investing this much into a seemingly ordinary youth? If so… just how much potential does Xiao Yan truly have?"
Xiao Yan Prepares for Refinement
On hearing Yao Chen's reasoning, Xiao Yan's resolve solidified.
"Alright, Teacher. I'll follow your lead. After I absorb the Fallen Heart Flame, I'll discuss how to compensate the academy with them."
With that, Xiao Yan sat cross legged, closing his eyes to recover his depleted Dou Qi.
Watching over him, Yao Chen examined the jade and its intricate seal.
"What a mysterious technique. The person behind this must be extraordinary. I fear we'll only uncover the full truth once Xiao Yan reaches his peak."
When Xiao Yan had regained his strength, Yao Chen handed him the Tuo She Ancient Emperor Jade, giving a final piece of advice:
**"Xiao Yan, though you've successfully absorbed two Heavenly Flames before, every time is a life threatening challenge.
"Once you begin, you'll have to rely on your own strength. My ability to assist you will be limited. Are you ready?"**
Xiao Yan nodded firmly.
**"Teacher, don't worry. I won't fail.
"If I succeed, I'll have three Heavenly Flames under my control. That will make me stronger than ever.
"Once I've refined the flame, we'll find a seventh rank magical beast's core and blood essence to craft a body for you.
"Whether it's for you, Teacher, or for my own strength I have no reason to fail."**
Hearing his determination, Yao Chen's eyes misted over.
"My disciple… I truly didn't choose wrong."
Xiao Yan smiled as he began preparing for the refinement process. He retrieved a small jade bottle from his storage ring and removed a pill the Earth Spirit Pill.
Years ago, when absorbing the Green Lotus Core Flame, Xiao Yan had used a Blood Lotus Pill to assist him.
Now, for this challenge, Yao Chen had prepared the Earth Spirit Pill, a sixth tier elixir specifically designed to aid in absorbing powerful flames.
Fortunately, they had managed to collect the necessary ingredients from the Black Corner Region, particularly during their confrontation with Han Feng.
"You think the Xiao Clan is behind this?"
In the Gu Clan, at Gu Yuan's residence, Gu Lie's question caused Gu Yuan to frown deeply.
When he first learned that the team sent to retrieve Xun'er had vanished, he had briefly considered that the Xiao Clan might be involved.
But ultimately, he dismissed the notion.
"It's unlikely. With their strength and influence, there's no need for them to act in this manner," Gu Yuan muttered.
"If it's not them, then who else could it be?" Gu Lie asked, his tone tinged with frustration.
Seeing Gu Lie's agitation, Gu Yuan shook his head and sighed.
**"Right now, the most urgent task is to find Xun'er. Everything else can wait.
"Fortunately, Xun'er has a jade pendant imbued with my soul imprint. That will help us locate her."**
Without waiting for Gu Lie's response, Gu Yuan activated his spatial abilities, creating a vortex. With a single step, he disappeared.
The Absorption of the Fallen Heart Flame
Jia Nan Academy, bottom of the Blazing Sky Qi Refining Tower, within the seal.
After several days of relentless battle, Xiao Yan and Yao Chen had finally managed to deplete the Fallen Heart Flame's core fire, with its energy fully absorbed into the Tuo She Ancient Emperor Jade.
The once mighty, hundred meter long flame python dissipated into nothingness.
"Huff... Huff... It's finally over, Teacher!" Xiao Yan panted heavily, feeling as though he had narrowly escaped death.
Yao Chen held the Tuo She Ancient Emperor Jade, now brimming with the Fallen Heart Flame's core fire, his expression a mix of relief and awe.
"Yes, it's done. Xiao Yan, rest and recover your Dou Qi. Once you've regained your strength, we'll begin refining the Fallen Heart Flame."
Xiao Yan hesitated, a trace of guilt crossing his face.
**"Teacher… isn't this a bit much?
"The Fallen Heart Flame is the foundation of the Blazing Sky Qi Refining Tower, and by extension, Jia Nan Academy.
"If I absorb it, the tower will lose its purpose. The academy doesn't deserve this."**
Understanding his disciple's dilemma, Yao Chen responded gently but firmly.
**"Xiao Yan, I understand your concerns. But you must absorb the Fallen Heart Flame to advance your Flame Mantra.
"Your growth in strength is paramount.
"As for Jia Nan Academy, we'll find a way to make amends in the future."**
Yao Chen's mind drifted to the mysterious Xiao Clan expert they had encountered years ago. From Xiao Zhan's disappearance to the jade's unexpected properties, to the sudden rescues in the Black Corner Region, he couldn't help but feel that the Xiao Clan was orchestrating everything from the shadows.
Xiao Yan Begins the Refinement Process
After some deliberation, Xiao Yan nodded.
**"Alright, Teacher. I'll listen to you.
"Once I've refined the Fallen Heart Flame, I'll discuss compensating the academy."**
With that, Xiao Yan sat cross legged and began recovering his Dou Qi.
When his energy was fully restored, Yao Chen handed him the Tuo She Ancient Emperor Jade.
**"Xiao Yan, refining a Heavenly Flame is always a dangerous endeavor, even for someone with your experience.
"Once you start, you'll have to rely on your own strength. Are you ready?"**
Xiao Yan nodded resolutely.
**"Don't worry, Teacher. I can do this.
"I've absorbed two Heavenly Flames already. Once I absorb this one, I'll have three under my control.
"After that, we can find a seventh grade magical beast's core and blood essence to create a body for your revival.
"For both our sakes, I cannot fail."**
Hearing this, Yao Chen's eyes glistened.
"You truly are the right disciple for me."
Xiao Yan took a deep breath, retrieving a Earth Spirit Pill from his storage ring.
This sixth grade pill, refined by Yao Chen himself, was specifically designed to aid in absorbing powerful flames by protecting the mind and purging fire toxins.
After swallowing the pill, Xiao Yan took out the Green Lotus Throne he had obtained from the magma depths of the Tagore Desert and sat atop it.
The Refinement Begins
Xiao Yan activated the Flame Mantra.
As he did, the seals on the Tuo She Ancient Emperor Jade gradually faded, allowing the Fallen Heart Flame's core fire to flow out like a steady stream of water, seeping into Xiao Yan's body.
"Hmm? What's going on?" Yao Chen muttered in surprise.
Typically, the core fire would cause unbearable pain as it entered Xiao Yan's body.
But this time, Xiao Yan's expression remained calm, almost serene, as if the process was effortless.
"Could this be due to the jade's seals?" Yao Chen speculated.
Regardless, as long as Xiao Yan could safely absorb the flame, the reason didn't matter.
Gu Yuan's Search for Xun'er
Meanwhile, Gu Yuan tracked Xun'er's jade pendant to the Stone Tribe's territory.
When he arrived, he found the pendant in the possession of a Stone Tribe Dou Zun.
Furious, Gu Yuan restrained the Dou Zun with a single move, snatching the pendant from his hand.
"Where is my daughter?" Gu Yuan demanded coldly.
The Stone Tribe Dou Zun was baffled. "Your daughter? Senior, I have no idea what you're talking about! I found this pendant two days ago and kept it because it looked extraordinary."
Seeing the genuine confusion in the Dou Zun's eyes, Gu Yuan frowned. After carefully examining the man and finding no trace of Xun'er's aura, his suspicions deepened.
"This can't be… If the pendant is here, Xun'er and her group must have been here as well."
In his frustration, Gu Yuan killed the Dou Zun with a single squeeze.
He then unleashed his powerful soul force, scouring the surrounding area.
Though he couldn't find Xun'er or her companions, he discovered multiple objects belonging to his clansmen scattered across the Stone Tribe's territory.
"The Stone Tribe dares to provoke the Gu Clan? Fine, I'll grant them their wish!" Gu Yuan roared, summoning Gu Clan experts to prepare for battle.
The Ling Clan's Plight
At the same time, Yan Jin, the Flame Clan leader, ordered his forces to march on the Ling Clan's territory.
In the Ling Clan, Ling Hua, who was being held captive by his own clan members, cursed his situation.
"Fools! Do you not see that opposing the Xiao Clan will lead us to ruin? If this continues, the Ling Clan will face total annihilation!"
Just then, a mocking voice rang out.
"Oh? You've finally realized this?"
Ling Hua turned to see Tian Luo stepping out of the void.
"Tian Luo?" Ling Hua gasped, hurriedly kneeling in respect.
"You've disappointed me, Ling Hua. Despite the Xiao Clan's support, you've failed to secure control over your clan. Instead, you've allowed a group of weaklings to imprison you." Tian Luo shook his head, visibly disappointed.
Ling Hua's Regret
Ling Hua bowed his head deeply, acknowledging his failure.
"Tian Luo, I have failed the Xiao Clan's trust. Please grant me another chance."
Tian Luo sighed.
**"You've shown loyalty, which is why I'm here to give you one last chance.
"Make your decision: leave with me now, or stay and perish with the Ling Clan when the Flame Clan arrives."**
Stunned, Ling Hua asked, "The Flame Clan? How is that possible? Didn't we form an alliance with them?"
Tian Luo sneered.
**"Do you truly think the Xiao Clan would let you off after your betrayal?
"The Flame Clan will carry out the Xiao Clan's will and wipe out your people. You can either join us or share their fate."**
Ling Hua's spirit shattered. He realized he had overestimated his own importance to the Xiao Clan and underestimated their wrath.
"How did it come to this?" he murmured, despair gripping his heart.
(Chapter End)
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