Xiao Jietian heard the voice and felt the terrifying strength it carried. From this, he roughly guessed who it was.
Flapping the wings behind him, he transformed into a streak of light, quickly arriving at the location indicated by the voice.
At the peak of a mountain stood an old man dressed in black.
"Grand Elder, may I ask what arrangements you have for me this late at night?"
Xiao Jietian stepped forward, clasped his hands in a salute, and asked.
The one who had summoned him was none other than the Grand Elder of the Inner Academy, Su Qian. This was the first time Xiao Jietian had met him since entering Jia Nan Academy.
Su Qian wore a simple black robe. Though his face appeared youthful, his white hair and gaunt features betrayed his age. He radiated an air of amiability, yet his body subtly exuded the prestige of a high-ranking individual and a powerful aura.
"Oh, I didn't expect my young friend to know me. It seems you are quite familiar with our Inner Academy," Su Qian said with a meaningful smile.
"Although my cultivation isn't too high, I can vaguely sense yours. In the entire Inner Academy, only Grand Elder Su Qian possesses this level of strength."
"Haha, not bad," Su Qian laughed heartily.
"My young friend is indeed clever. But tell me—what is your true purpose in coming to the Academy? I sense you have broken through to Dou Huang, yet you haven't been here long."
"With your current strength, there's no need for you to study here, is there?"
Su Qian's gaze was like a torch, fixed intently on Xiao Jietian.
Xiao Jietian slightly cupped his hands and replied calmly, "Grand Elder, you may rest assured. My visit to the Inner Academy is purely out of personal interest in some cultivation methods here. I harbor no ill intentions."
Su Qian raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Personal interest? Your words do make me curious."
"For you to reach this level at such a young age, you must have had excellent opportunities. I can't imagine what here could interest you."
Su Qian thought of Xiao Jietian's identity as an Alchemist, remembering that Medicine Emperor Han Feng of the Black-Corner Region had investigated the Academy's strange flames.
Xiao Jietian continued, "Jia Nan Academy has a long history and a profound foundation. I believe it possesses many mysterious aspects unknown to others—things I need to learn."
"Grand Elder should also know that I am from Boundless Heaven Hall, and Jia Nan Academy has always been neutral in the Black-Corner Region."
"Although it appears glorious, independence comes with challenges. Allies provide extra support against external threats."
Su Qian listened, eyes narrowing slightly, a hint of scrutiny in his gaze.
"My young friend's words are sincere, but how can I trust you?"
"Since Grand Elder has investigated my connection to Boundless Heaven Hall, you should understand our intentions based on Boundless Heaven Hall's current actions."
"Grand Elder need not decide immediately. We can first engage in short-term cooperation to understand each other before discussing anything further."
Su Qian's gaze sharpened as he pondered silently. He believed half of Xiao Jietian's words. More importantly, Xiao Jietian's strength startled him. To be a Dou Huang at such a young age meant that, barring calamity, becoming a Dou Zun was inevitable.
A hint of surprise flashed in Su Qian's eyes, but his expression remained calm. "It seems my young friend holds a high position in Boundless Heaven Hall. I have felt your sincerity, and I, Su Qian, am not unreasonable. I will arrange for this matter to be handled."
Xiao Jietian smiled faintly. "My identity will naturally become clear in time, but for now, I am merely a student of the Inner Academy."
"Very well. I will await news from Grand Elder," he said, bowing respectfully before flapping his wings and leaving.
Su Qian watched his retreating figure, deep in thought. Cooperation with Boundless Heaven Hall might bring new opportunities, but also potential crises. For the sake of the Academy, he had to carefully weigh the pros and cons.
"Why do I feel this young man's intentions aren't so simple?"
If Xiao Jietian had heard this, he would have thought, You judge well. I came here to prepare Boundless Heaven Hall for the future.
Xiao Jietian returned to his room and entered Eternal Heaven World.
In Yun Yun's room, she cultivated on the central jade platform, her figure graceful, her long hair cascading like a shimmering waterfall. Her fair skin radiated a soft glow under the world's energy.
Xiao Jietian chose not to disturb her, quietly admiring her stunning beauty.
He went to her bathroom, poured the Earth Core Body Tempering Fluid and medicinal powder into the bathtub, and the water turned green.
"What are you doing?"
Yun Yun's soft voice, tinged with curiosity, sounded behind him.
"This is the Earth Core Body Tempering Fluid I prepared for you," Xiao Jietian replied.
He pulled her over, briefly explaining its effects, and exaggeratedly described the hardships of acquiring it—packaging effort, as it were.
Looking at the green water, Yun Yun, full of emotion, threw herself into his arms and kissed him deeply.
When the kiss ended, her eyes overflowed with affection, making Xiao Jietian feel as if he were melting.
"You should go and absorb this first," he said.
"Okay, I'll listen to you," Yun Yun nodded, pulling her sash aside. Her long dress fell away, revealing ivory-white skin. She stepped elegantly into the bathtub.
Xiao Jietian watched, eyes dry, tongue parched, and a fire burned within him, which he forcibly suppressed.
As time passed, Yun Yun's aura grew stronger. Xiao Jietian felt her flesh and meridians becoming several times more powerful than before; her skin became firmer and more lustrous.
Finally, the last wisp of the Earth Core Body Tempering Fluid's energy was absorbed. Yun Yun stood, slowly opening her eyes, large and radiant, meeting Xiao Jietian's gaze with a fiery connection.
Xiao Jietian's body trembled as he flashed forward.
Late into the night, only the water rippled, rising and falling in waves.
"Yun'er, someone from Jia Nan Academy will contact Boundless Heaven Hall. You can have Big Brother arrange the specific matters," Xiao Jietian whispered, embracing her soft, delicate body.
"Mm, I'll have Big Brother arrange it tomorrow," Yun Yun said, face flushed, nestled in his arms.
"Mm, I'll also ensure it's handled properly. I know your plan—you want Jia Nan Academy to provide us with fresh blood."
"Yun'er truly understands me! I'm relieved to leave Boundless Heaven Hall in your hands," Xiao Jietian laughed, stroking her hair.