By the time Liu Xi parted ways with Vice Principal Hu Qian, night had already fallen. It was too late to head for the Inner Academy — even cultivators needed rest once in a while.
Following Hu Qian's arrangements, Liu Xi arrived at the courtyard prepared for him. Standing outside his room, he turned to the girl beside him.
"Xian'er, if you're tired, go ahead and rest first. I still need to pay a visit to an elder tonight."
Xiao Yixian froze, then quickly asked, "Is it still about letting me enter the Inner Academy? You don't have to do so much for me. I can just train quietly in the Outer Academy, away from others — it's fine, really!"
Liu Xi smiled faintly and shook his head. "Not entirely. That elder has helped me a great deal. No matter what, I owe him a proper visit — though yes, I do plan to ask for his advice about this matter."
"Then I'll come too!"
There was a glint of determination in her soft eyes. "I can't do much to help you yet… but at least I can be by your side. If only my Dou Qi improved faster…"
Liu Xi sighed lightly, then smiled. "All right, come along then."
---
The two made their way through the quiet night toward the Alchemy Department of Jia Nan Academy.
Along the way, passing instructors and students greeted him warmly — some were even alchemists he had personally helped refine pills for.
When they reached the department grounds, the night was still bright with lamplight, and the faint fragrance of herbs hung in the air.
Here, within the Academy's sacred ground for alchemists, Liu Xi could come and go freely — no one stopped him.
"Is Elder Huo in? Liu Xi requests an audience."
"He's here, Master Liu. The elder instructed that you be brought in directly whenever you return."
---
Inside Elder Huo's Office
The elderly man's face lit up the moment Liu Xi entered. He dismissed the two middle-aged instructors in the room, then turned back toward Liu Xi, his expression serious yet full of excitement.
"You've reached the rank of 6th Tier Alchemist, haven't you?"
Liu Xi nodded with a gentle smile.
"Hahahaha!" Elder Huo's booming laughter echoed off the walls. His eyes gleamed with pride and relief. "Good! Excellent! I've been stuck at 5th Tier all my life, and now one of my own students has finally reached 6th Tier. Truly… worth every effort!"
Liu Xi's gaze softened. 'If my teacher was the one who guided me onto the path of alchemy, then Elder Huo is the one who built the foundation that made me who I am today.'
Once Elder Huo's excitement settled, his sharp eyes turned toward Xiao Yixian, who had been standing quietly beside Liu Xi. His tone grew teasing.
"So this is the girl you were so determined to bring into the Inner Academy — the one you even bribed Hu Qian with a Mighty Huang Pill for. She's beautiful, and I can sense her talent from here."
Flushing slightly, Xiao Yixian stepped forward, voice gentle. "Elder Huo, it's an honor to meet you."
"Good, good," Elder Huo replied with a chuckle. But his expression soon turned serious again. "Even with your status, Liu Xi, convincing Elder Su Qian won't be easy. Rules exist for a reason — fairness keeps the Academy stable. Those who bled through the Inner Academy trials would never accept special exceptions easily. Even the children of our own elders must first pass through the Outer Academy before earning entry."
The conversation turned heavy. Liu Xi straightened his posture and bowed slightly.
"Even so, Elder Huo, I must take Xian'er into the Inner Academy. I ask you to guide me — no matter the cost."
Elder Huo sighed deeply. "You're too stubborn, boy. Can't even wait a single year?" After a pause, he asked, "You still have one year before your graduation from the Inner Academy, don't you?"
"That's right."
Elder Huo's expression hardened slightly. "Normally, the Academy doesn't interfere with what students do after graduation. But if you truly wish to convince Elder Su Qian, then consider staying on as a resident elder after graduation. That way, you'll have the standing to persuade him — and the others will accept it."
Liu Xi's eyes brightened. The Inner Academy housed the Fallen Heart Flame, a priceless cultivation treasure. As long as staying didn't restrict his freedom, the title of "Elder" was a small price to pay.
"That's acceptable," Liu Xi replied calmly. "I owe much to the Academy anyway. As long as it doesn't interfere with my movements, I'll gladly serve in name."
Elder Huo's gaze softened with satisfaction. "A student who remembers gratitude is far better than one who turns his blade on his own sect. Good."
With that, the conversation relaxed. Liu Xi shared tales from his travels and alchemical encounters in the Black-Corner Region, and laughter occasionally filled the room.
Only Xiao Yixian's smile wavered, her eyes carrying quiet emotion. 'I owe him so much… and I can never repay it all.'
---
The Next Morning
After a night's rest, Hu Qian led Liu Xi and Xiao Yixian — with the Blue Eagle soaring beside them — toward the Inner Academy.
Reaching the shimmering spatial barrier, Hu Qian began forming seals. A silver gate of light opened before them, swirling with powerful spatial energy.
"Vice Principal, you're coming with us?" Liu Xi asked, mildly surprised.
Hu Qian snorted. "Convincing Elder Su Qian won't be easy. If this fails, I might have to personally escort Miss Xiao Yixian back to the Outer Academy. But don't you forget, brat — whether he agrees or not, you still owe me that Mighty Huang Pill!"
Liu Xi couldn't help a helpless chuckle. "Don't worry, Vice Principal. A promise is a promise. I'll refine it for you. But I'm confident — Elder Su Qian will agree."
As they passed through the dense forest surrounding the Inner Academy, several powerful auras stirred from within.
Moments later, sharp sounds of air breaking echoed — several elders, their Dou Qi wings spread wide, arrived to intercept them.
"So that's why the barrier opened today — Liu boy, you've returned!" a yellow-robed elder laughed heartily. "Vice Principal, what brings you to the Inner Academy in person?"
Hu Qian looked somewhat awkward but maintained composure. "Elder Qin, the matter's a bit complicated. In short, Liu Xi subdued a Heavenly Flame and advanced to 6th Tier Alchemist. He wishes to request something from Elder Su Qian."
Of course, Hu Qian had no intention of saying what that request was.
He wasn't about to admit he'd been swayed by the temptation of a pill — a Vice Principal had to maintain some dignity, after all.
But the moment the elders heard his words—
"What?!"
"Hiss!"
"Oh heavens—!"
One even yanked out part of his own beard in shock.
Their gazes instantly locked on Liu Xi, blazing with excitement.
Jia Nan Academy had never had a 6th Tier Alchemist — not even among the Inner Academy. Their best, Elder Huo, was only at the 5th Tier's peak.
This was monumental.
"Hahaha, splendid! Truly splendid!" Elder Qin's laughter boomed. "Elder Su Qian already sensed your arrival. Come — I'll take you to him myself."
Hu Qian exhaled in relief. 'Good. Now it's on you, boy. I'll keep my hands clean of this rule-bending business.'
(End of Chapter)
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