"Why does this look so much like the Hidden Book Pavilion?"
"That's right. This tower operates on a similar principle—it's not only fortified against external threats, but it also forms one of the steps designed to trap the Fallen Heart Flame."
"So that's it. The Inner Academy places immense importance on the Fallen Heart Flame," Xiao Yan muttered, suddenly feeling the task ahead was far more daunting. Retrieving it would be like pulling teeth from a tiger's mouth.
Whoosh!
A series of whooshing sounds echoed as figures appeared, each wearing a badge resembling a leaf on their chest. They arrived directly at an open space a dozen metres in front of the black tower, divided into several areas. Within, many students bore their faction's badges, seated respectfully.
Behind the open space, the crowd pressed close, curious.
"Is this what Tian Ge meant about powerful factions claiming the best cultivation spots? Truly overbearing," Xiao Yan whispered.
"That's right. In the Heavenly Flame Training Pagoda, some factions treat public cultivation rooms as private domains, except for a handful of individuals assigned fixed rooms by the academy," Xiao Jietian explained.
Xiao Yan frowned. "That's allowed?"
"This is a world, as Elder Su said, where the strong are respected. Nothing is impossible, only unimaginable," Xiao Jietian replied with a faint smile, arms crossed.
Dong!
A dull bell rang, resonating across the open space.
The seated students rose instantly, eyes fixed on the black tower.
"Open the tower!"
An aged voice echoed, and the tightly shut black gate creaked open.
Once fully open, a scorching wave surged out. The students in the open space stepped forward, followed by others queued behind them.
"Let's go in too. The Fallen Heart Flame produces Heart Fire. Old Yao must have explained it to you, right?" Xiao Jietian glanced at Xiao Yan, who nodded, signalling his understanding.
Without hesitation, Xiao Jietian leapt into the tower.
As they stepped inside, they froze. A faint white mist rose from their bodies, their flesh sizzling audibly. Observing from behind, some older students murmured:
"These two… must be this year's new students. They entered unprepared…"
Several ran to summon Elder Liu, the tower's guardian.
Inside, Xiao Jietian felt an invisible flame ignite within him, searing his meridians, flesh, and organs. He drew a few wisps of Dou Qi through the flame; they shrank in volume but became denser and more solid.
Xiao Yan fared worse. His handsome face was roasted red. Following Xiao Jietian's prior instructions, he began condensing Dou Qi to counter the flame.
"Move aside! Elder Liu is coming!" shouts rang out as the crowd parted, and an old man approached.
"Reckless youngsters, didn't report or study beforehand. Suffering needlessly," Elder Liu said, watching them endure the Heart Fire.
Some older students snickered, recalling their own initial hardships.
"It's normal for new students to misunderstand the rules. What's so amusing?"
A clear, cold voice interrupted. A young woman in a silver gown stepped forward, flanked by others. Her tall, elegant figure, flawless face, and rare, waist-length silver hair drew every gaze.
Xiao Jietian vaguely heard her scolding the older students, but focused on controlling Dou Qi through the Heart Flame. After passing the fifth wisp, the flame dissipated completely.
Only four minutes had passed. Xiao Jietian opened his eyes; four-coloured lightning flashed across them.
Boom!
A gust of wind erupted from his body, pushing everyone back, including Elder Liu. The silver-haired woman stumbled ten steps back, eyes wide in disbelief. Though unaware of his realm, she sensed his unconsciously unleashed aura.
"Can new students be this powerful? No wonder they reclaimed what they did from older students," she muttered, curiosity sparking.
"You… dispelled the Heart Flame's scorching?" Elder Liu asked, astonished.
"Yes. What's wrong?" Xiao Jietian replied innocently.
"No… nothing. You're the first in years to overcome the first Heart Fire purely by your own power. May I know your name?"
Elder Liu stiffened slightly, smiling kindly.
"I am Elder Liu, guardian of the first floor of the Heavenly Flame Training Pagoda. That you dispelled the Heart Fire so quickly demonstrates your great potential."
Xiao Jietian inclined his head politely. "I am Xiao Jietian. Thank you for your praise, Elder Liu."
Elder Liu's eyes brightened. "You are Xiao Jietian? The one who defeated Sha Tie and Luo Hou? Truly as those old fellows described."
At this moment, Han Yue, the silver-haired woman, returned to her stance.
Elder Liu gestured towards her. "Xiao Jietian, allow me to introduce someone. This is Senior Han Yue. She ranks among the strongest and leads the faction Moon Spirit, which is formidable."
Xiao Jietian scrutinised her, noting her beauty rivalled Little Fairy Doctor's, the silver hair adding a rare, mysterious allure.
He remembered she had first discovered the Earth Core Body Tempering Fluid but lacked the strength to claim it. Her aura, that of a Six-Star Dou Ling, was truly that of a benchmark female student.
"Junior Xiao Tian, greetings." Han Yue smiled faintly and extended her hand.
Elder Liu's jaw dropped. Han Yue had always kept men at a distance, never extending a hand—rumours even suggested she was somewhat of a germaphobe.
"Senior Han Yue, greetings." Xiao Jietian lightly touched her hand, feeling its softness and coolness, and withdrew immediately, maintaining perfect etiquette.
Elder Liu regarded them, then looked at Xiao Jietian's finely sculpted face. Understanding dawned.
A hero is easily swayed by a beauty… and in the Inner Academy, Xiao Jietian's appearance and talent made him unmatched, even surpassing Lin Xiuya.