While the four ladies chatted merrily in the garden, their faces adorned with delighted smiles as they discussed Xiao Hua, the young man himself remained unaware of Xun Er's sudden return. At that moment, he had already stepped into a mysterious space left behind by a fallen Dou Zun expert—Tian Huo Zun-zhe.
Passing through the faint white glow, Xiao Hua found himself transported to a strange new realm. The blazing world of crimson magma had vanished, replaced by a desolate land cloaked in ashen gray, pale white, and muted black.
The land was cracked and uneven, with jagged, blackened spires jutting out like claws piercing the heavens. Thick mists clung low to the earth, coiling and swirling about, casting a veil of eerie stillness over the desolation.
At the center of this lifeless land, where a shaft of brilliant light broke through the gloom, a lone figure leaned against a crystalline tree. The figure wore a flowing white robe, beneath which a crimson garment could be faintly seen.
Yet beneath those robes, what remained was no longer flesh—but bone. A skeleton, serene and undisturbed. And yet, though long departed, the bones remained pristine, gleaming faintly with a soft glow—proof that in life, this person had once stood at the pinnacle of power.
Resting quietly upon the skeleton's right palm was a small, ethereal flame. It was nearly transparent, with a faint crimson hue flickering at its tip. From time to time, tiny fire seedlings would leap out, dancing gently before vanishing into the air.
This flame was undoubtedly a genuine Fallen Heart Flame. Yet the heat it emitted was far weaker than that of the fully matured Fallen Heart Flame Xiao Hua had once sealed. If the one he sealed could be likened to a fully grown celestial beast, then the one before him was but an infant—still in its early stages of growth.
Even so, whether in its infancy or peak, a Heavenly Flame remained a Heavenly Flame. The formation of such a flame required an unfathomable accumulation of time and chance. It was not something that could be replicated by ordinary means.
And though this particular flame appeared calm and subdued—its presence far from domineering—it had likely existed for a long, long time. With sufficient nurturing, by continuously channeling vast amounts of Dou Qi into it, this flame could once again awaken the legendary Blazing Sky Qi Refining Tower, also known by many as the Training Accelerator.
Thus, not only would the Inner Academy benefit from this infant Fallen Heart Flame, but with time and careful nurturing, it would gradually evolve. One day, it was certain to grow into a fully matured Fallen Heart Flame. Moreover, a Heavenly Flame raised from its infancy would be far easier to tame than one forcibly subdued.
The tragic rebellion of the previous Fallen Heart Flame—which once brought disaster—would no longer repeat itself. A century hence, should this flame complete its evolution, it might even become a formidable guardian for the Inner Academy!
After all, Heavenly Flames were destined to develop spiritual intelligence over time. When that moment came, it would no longer be a mere flame—it would become a living being, no different from a cultivator in thought and will.
Naturally, such a flame would regard the Inner Academy as its home and defend it with its life. Would that not mean the Inner Academy had gained an ultimate protector?
It was precisely because of the existence of another Fallen Heart Flame—sealed within the magma world—that Xiao Hua did not hesitate to entrust the violent, untamed one to Xiao Yan.
However, retrieving the flame was not his sole purpose for coming here.
Xiao Hua descends slowly and unfurled his two pairs of majestic wings after reaching the ground. He did not act rashly. Instead, he stood before the skeleton with a composed demeanor, hands clasped respectfully. A calm yet courteous voice echoed from his lips.
"Senior, there is no need to remain in hiding. This junior wish to discuss a matter with you… in exchange for the flame resting upon your hand."
Bang!
As his voice drifted through the desolate realm, the air suddenly trembled. A ripple of fiery-red aura surged out from the skeleton. In the next instant, a soft white glow emerged from the bones and swiftly condensed into an illusionary human figure—translucent yet brimming with presence.
The figure was that of an old man with hair as pure as snow, tied into a traditional topknot and secured with a red band. His eyebrows were thick and white, and a long, flowing beard cascaded down his chest.
His face was broad and round, radiating both kindness and solemnity. He wore a deep crimson robe, emblazoned with a golden flame insignia upon the chest. Draped over it was a flowing white outer robe, its high collar outlined in black and gold.
"It is quite unexpected for someone so young to have already reached the Dou Zong class," the illusionary figure remarked, his gaze sweeping over Xiao Hua from head to toe. A flicker of surprise passed across his aged face.
"Senior overpraises me. Reaching this level was merely a stroke of luck," Xiao Hua replied with an awkward smile, humbled by the old man's words.
Truthfully, whenever someone praised his talent or cultivation, he couldn't help but feel uneasy. Without the aid of the AC System—without the guidance of Sister Azure, the support of Sister Xue Yue, and the protection of the nine Lightning Beasts—how could he have possibly ascended to such heights on his own?
Feeling a touch of embarrassment, Xiao Hua cupped his hands and asked respectfully, "May this junior be so bold as to inquire—how should I address Senior?"
The white-robed old man smiled, a quiet pride radiating from deep within his bones as he spoke. "This old one is named Yao Tian Huo. In the past, others addressed me as Tian Huo Zun-zhe."
"Zun-zhe... So Senior was indeed a Dou Zun expert," Xiao Hua responded with solemn respect. Though he had already known this fact, he still chose to show genuine reverence—for in the novel, this old man was one who valued bonds and loyalty above all, a trait Xiao Hua deeply admired.
Tian Huo Zun-zhe's smile deepened slightly at Xiao Hua's composed and respectful attitude. He was clearly pleased by the young man's demeanor—one that was humble without being servile, reverent yet not groveling.
He had encountered countless so-called geniuses in his life, and nearly all of them carried an innate arrogance that seeped from their very bones. To find someone like Xiao Hua, who possessed both strength and proper etiquette, was exceedingly rare.
With a wave of his hand, the old man spoke with a calm, indifferent tone, "There's no need for such formality. That title belonged to me when I was still among the living. Now, I am but a lingering soul. With your current strength, taking my life would not even pose a challenge."
"Anyway, it seems you're quite interested in this Fallen Heart Flame?" Tian Huo Zun-zhe shifted the topic, his gaze falling upon the infant, nearly invisible flame flickering in the skeleton's palm.
"That's right," Xiao Hua replied honestly, his tone steady. "The place where I trained has long relied on the Fallen Heart Flame to temper and nurture its students. I wish to exchange this one for the flame I previously took…"
He had no intention of hiding his motives—there was no need for pretense before someone like Tian Huo Zun-zhe.
"Oh?" The old man's brows lifted slightly, a hint of intrigue flickering in his eyes. "Then you intend to refine that one?"
As he spoke, his spiritual sense subtly swept over Xiao Hua. A flicker of surprise passed through his expression. Within this young man's body, he could faintly sense not just one—but five distinct Heavenly Flame auras.
Under normal circumstances, a person could only possess a single Heavenly Flame. This limitation was not imposed by the heavens or the laws of the world, but by the very nature of the flames themselves.
Each Heavenly Flame was inherently proud and violent—born to devour, to dominate, and to reign supreme. Housing even two was a near-impossible feat… yet this youth held five.
"No. I plan to give it to someone," Xiao Hua replied calmly.
He could feel the old man's spiritual sense brushing against him, probing gently. Yet he made no attempt to conceal the presence of the Primordial Heavenly Flames within his body—though distinct from ordinary Heavenly Flames, they bore a similar aura. Revealing this truth would help move the conversation forward without unnecessary explanation.
"I see," Tian Huo Zun-zhe nodded, a flicker of understanding in his eyes. Though part of him felt conflicted at the thought of his own flame being gifted to another, he could clearly sense that Xiao Hua already possessed a matured Fallen Heart Flame. There was no need for this one.
Still, a wry smile formed at the corner of his lips.
To give away a Heavenly Flame... such a thing was unheard of unless one possessed an unimaginably deep and unfathomable background. He couldn't help but feel a trace of envy for the recipient of this gift. To be presented with a Heavenly Flame—even in its infancy—was nothing short of a blessing.
Tian Huo Zun-zhe's gaze grew distant as he lifted his head to the pale sky above. Nostalgia flickered in his aged eyes. After a brief silence, he began to speak, his voice low and filled with regret.
"If I hadn't grown greedy for another Fallen Heart Flame—just a seed, no more—I wouldn't have suffered a backlash. The conflict between the flame within me and that seed nearly tore me apart. It left me severely weakened, and I was relentlessly hunted by those fire lizards... until I was finally forced to seal myself here."
Xiao Hua listened quietly. He had already known this part of the old man's story from the records, but hearing it directly from Tian Huo Zun-zhe himself carried a weight that ink on paper never could.
"It is fortunate those beasts were ignorant of spatial strength," Xiao Hua said softly. He turned his gaze outward, and in that moment, his vision transcended the current realm.
The sealed space began to blur, and the familiar sight of the magma world unfolded before his eyes.
There were no fire lizards lingering in the area, but a faint residual aura still lingered in the air—proof that one had only just departed not long ago.
"My soul was bound to the seed of the Heavenly Flame," Tian Huo Zun-zhe spoke slowly, his voice carrying the weight of countless years. "I had hoped to use it to preserve myself... but after so many years, my soul has worn thin. Had no one entered this place within the next few years, I fear I would have faded into nothingness."
A faint, distant light flickered in his eyes—memories of that desperate battle still etched deep within his soul. The scars of the past had long since cooled, but the pain had never truly vanished.
He shook his head bitterly, a wry smile tugging at his lips as he reflected on the greed that had once led to his downfall. Then, turning his gaze to Xiao Hua, he asked in a calm but solemn tone, "Since you wish to exchange something for this Fallen Heart Flame… may I put forth a condition?"
He paused briefly, then continued, "I would like you to help repair my soul."
With his earlier probing, Tian Huo Zun-zhe had clearly sensed the presence of an extremely strong fire-affinity Dou Qi within Xiao Hua's body. Even more surprising was the faint trace of a wood element aura, barely perceptible yet undoubtedly present.
Combined with the presence of five distinct Heavenly Flames, it left no doubt in the old man's heart—this young man was not only an alchemist, but an extremely high-tier one at that. To be capable of subduing five Heavenly Flames and still maintain a calm spirit... such talent was monstrous.
"Not only will this junior assist in repairing Senior's soul," Xiao Hua said with a calm and confident smile, "but if Senior is willing to accept one additional condition, I am also willing to refine a new body for you."
"Truly?! Little fellow, are your words genuine?" Venerable Tian Huo's illusory form flickered slightly, as though his excitement had shaken even the spiritual foundation of his soul.
Xiao Hua simply nodded, his expression composed, unshaken by the weight of his own offer.
"Ha ha ha!" Tian Huo Zun-zhe burst into hearty laughter, the sound echoing across the desolate land like the roar of flames. Never in his wildest thoughts did he expect such fortune today.
"Very well! As long as your condition does not go against my principles—and is within this old man's ability—I shall agree, Little Friend!"
How could a strong Dou Venerate, who had once roamed freely across the continent, resign himself to quietly fading away beneath the dark depths of magma?
At the same time, Tian Huo Zun-zhe was fully aware that Xiao Hua was offering far more than what a single Heavenly Flame could ever repay. Without hesitation, and with the decisiveness befitting a former powerhouse, he made his move.
He raised his hand slightly, and the snow-white storage ring resting on the skeletal remains beside him trembled before flying into his grasp. With a flick of his finger, a scroll materialized in midair. Its surface shimmered faintly with light, and vivid illustrations of flame-wreathed flying beasts danced across it, exuding a fierce and majestic aura.
"This is the technique that earned me renown in my prime—the 'Five Ring Flame Expelling Technique', comparable to a Tian-Class Dou Technique!"
He chuckled lightly, eyes gleaming with pride. "Though to call it a Dou Technique may not be entirely accurate. Rather, more correct to call it as a flame controlling method."
Tian Huo Zun-zhe gently tossed the scroll toward Xiao Hua and said with a calm voice, "Since you have shown such sincerity, I shall respond in kind. This flame control technique shall be my gift to you. From the way you wield flame, your mastery is clearly extraordinary."
Xiao Hua caught the scroll but regarded it with only mild interest. His expression remained indifferent. When it came to Tian-class Dou Techniques, he already possessed many—some obtained through the AC System, others co-created with her. There was little that could impress him in this regard.
Tian Huo Zun-zhe couldn't help but be startled by Xiao Hua's lack of reaction. Yet the more he thought about it, the more he found it reassuring. A person capable of subduing five Heavenly Flames would naturally not be moved by an ordinary flame technique. It only affirmed that this youth was far from ordinary.
That meant... there was a very real possibility Xiao Hua could truly fulfill the bold promise he had just made.
With a faint smile, Tian Huo Zun-zhe placed his hands behind his back and said calmly, "Now then, little friend... feel free to state your condition."
Xiao Hua's serene smile remained unchanged as he looked at Tian Huo Zun-zhe and spoke calmly, "I am planning to head to the Central Plains. If possible, I would like to request the old mister to protect me once you've recovered your strength."
"Protect you?" Tian Huo Zun-zhe was momentarily stunned. A smile tinged with amusement and deeper meaning surfaced on his face. "Little fellow, you really know how to make good deals. Are you asking this old man to serve as your bodyguard? You should know, a Dou Zun expert is not someone an ordinary person can simply ask for protection."
"Perhaps," Xiao Hua replied, his tranquil smile deepening into something more profound and inscrutable. "But wouldn't it also be a great fortune to form a good relationship with a Tier 9 Alchemist?"
"T-Tier... 9?" Tian Huo Zun-zhe felt as though a bolt of lightning had struck his mind. For a brief moment, he stood dazed, his thoughts thrown into disarray by Xiao Hua's casual revelation.
"That's impossible!" Tian Huo Zun-zhe exclaimed, his voice tinged with disbelief and a trace of indignation.
"Little friend, do you understand how young you are? Are you mocking this old man?" His expression grew sharp, and a surge of powerful aura erupted from his illusionary form near the end of his words.
Yet Xiao Hua remained indifferent and completely unfazed, as calm as still water. He didn't feel the slightest pressure. After all, the current Tian Huo Zun-zhe was no longer a true Dou Zun; his soul's strength barely reached the level of a six-star Dou Zong.
Xiao Hua had already defeated two Dou Zuns with his own power. Before him, a mere six-star Dou Zong was hardly worth mentioning. Still, he understood the old man's reaction.
To become an alchemist of high tier required decades—if not centuries—of study and practice. Even reaching Tier 8 was a feat that only a rare few could achieve, let alone advancing to the legendary Tier 9.
For someone not yet twenty years of age, such a claim was indeed absurd. Even if one had started learning alchemy from the moment they were born—or from within their mother's womb—it would still be an impossible dream.
Therefore, Xiao Hua took no offense to Tian Huo Zun-zhe's outburst. He understood well that his words, though true, must have sounded more like a provocation than a statement of fact.
"Senior," Xiao Hua's voice remained calm and composed, as if entirely unaffected by the pressure emanating from Tian Huo Zun-zhe. "I am planning to refine a Tier 9 Treasure Pill in about a week. When that time comes, I invite you to witness it yourself and confirm the truth of my words."
"This…" Tian Huo Zun-zhe furrowed his brows, falling into deep thought. After a brief silence, he took a long breath, suppressing the remnants of his agitation.
"…Very well. I shall come and observe," he finally said with a nod. "Forgive this old man for his earlier outburst."
"Ke ke, think nothing of it." Xiao Hua smiled and gently shook his head. "Rather, I fully understand how senior must have felt. Please rest assured."
"I don't even know whether I want you to be bluffing or not…" Tian Huo Zun-zhe chuckled helplessly, his expression tinged with a trace of complex emotion.
"Whether it's truth or illusion, senior will see clearly for yourself in a week time." Xiao Hua spoke mildly, a calm glint flickering in his eyes as he lightly shook his head.
Tian Huo Zun-zhe handed over the infant Fallen Heart Flame with a faint, dry chuckle, lightly shaking his head as he did so.
Xiao Hua accepted it with great care. The moment his fingers touched the flame, he could clearly sense its feeble and fragile aura. Without delay, he retrieved the Flame Gathering Pot from his Storage Ring and gently placed the flame within it.
The Flame Gathering Pot was a peculiar item forged from a blood-red, crystal-like glass, its surface gleaming with a mysterious luster. It was crafted by a Hall Guardian of the Inner Academy, following the urgent orders of Su Qian, after learning that Xiao Hua had discovered a second Fallen Heart Flame—this one still in its infant state.
Once a thread of true Fallen Heart Flame essence is embedded into it, this pot would be capable of continuously producing Heart Flame, as long as one kept supplying it with Dou Qi over time. It was a rare and practical treasure, especially for nurturing young alchemists within the academy.
A satisfied smile surfaced on Xiao Hua's lips as he watched the infant Fallen Heart Flame rest quietly within the Flame Gathering Pot. With a casual wave of his hand, he stored the pot back into his Storage Ring.
He then lifted the Five Ring Flame Expelling Technique scroll and gave a light wave with it toward Tian Huo Zun-zhe. With a calm smile, he said, "This junior shall respectfully accept this gift."
After speaking, he unceremoniously stored the scroll into his Storage Ring as well.
Tian Huo Zun-Zhe could only shake his head helplessly upon seeing Xiao Hua's composed demeanour. This youth was perhaps the only one capable of leaving him feeling so conflicted.
If Xiao Hua failed to refine a Tier 9 Treasure Pill a week later, the claim he made would be nothing more than a joke, casting doubt on his ability to reconstruct a body for him. Yet if he truly succeeded—proving himself to be a genuine Tier 9 Alchemist—it would place Tian Huo Zun-zhe in an awkward position, especially after his earlier outburst.
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