Under the blazing gazes of the Inner Academy Elders, Liu Xi remained calm and composed, his smile serene — every gesture revealing the poise of one truly in command of himself.
The Blue Eagle was quickly taken away by handlers, and for the moment, no one questioned how Xiao Yixian — clearly not a student of the Inner Academy — had managed to enter.
At last, the group reached the deepest part of the Inner Academy — a quiet, secluded pavilion.
Creak—
Elder Qin pushed the wooden door open and turned back toward Hu Qian and Liu Xi. "The Grand Elder is inside. Come with me."
Liu Xi stepped forward first, Xiao Yixian following closely behind. Hu Qian hesitated for a brief moment before sighing and stepping in as well.
Elder Qin's gaze swept over the young girl walking beside Liu Xi, his brows furrowing slightly. "And this young lady is…?"
Seeing Xiao Yixian's faint nervousness since arriving in the Inner Academy, Liu Xi offered her a reassuring glance before answering, "This is Xiao Yixian. My visit today is related to her."
Elder Qin simply grunted an acknowledgment and refrained from asking further.
They ascended to the second floor, where Elder Qin stopped before a closed chamber door. His tone turned respectful. "Grand Elder, they've arrived."
"Come in."
The aged but powerful voice within carried natural authority.
When Liu Xi and the others entered, the old man who had been standing with his hands clasped behind his back turned from the window. His gaze fell upon Liu Xi, surprise flashing in his wise eyes.
"The fire in your eyes burns with an azure glow, like magma deep beneath the earth… It seems your journey outside the Academy bore quite a harvest." Su Qian's voice was warm, yet dignified.
Liu Xi bowed slightly, speaking with humble composure. "Just a bit of good fortune. I was lucky enough to find the Green Lotus Core Flame, and with its power, I advanced to become a 6th Tier Alchemist."
Su Qian's expression brightened. "A fine achievement — and your blessing indeed. With a Heavenly Flame, your alchemy will soar to greater heights. Since you've returned, settle here for another year. With your talent, the Central Plains will one day be your stage… You may even meet our elusive Academy Principal."
"The Central Plains…" Liu Xi murmured, ambition flashing in his eyes. Then, regaining focus, he said, "Grand Elder, I came today to ask a favor — please allow Xiao Yixian to enter the Inner Academy."
He stepped aside, gesturing toward her.
Su Qian's brows lifted slightly as his eyes measured the girl's cultivation. "She's only at the Dou Shi level… You want me to admit her directly?"
"That's right."
The room fell into brief silence. Su Qian's expression turned solemn; Elder Qin looked confused, not expecting this to be the matter. His gaze shifted toward Hu Qian, who looked visibly uncomfortable — unable to meet the Grand Elder's eyes.
With a sigh, Su Qian spoke patiently, "This breaks our rules, Liu Xi. If I make such an exception, what will the other elders and students think? Besides, this girl's talent isn't bad. She'll soon rise naturally within the Outer Academy."
Liu Xi's heart tightened. 'Xian'er's body may seem ordinary, but she carries the Woeful Poison Body. Keeping her in the Outer Academy would endanger not just her, but everyone around her…'
At least the Grand Elder hadn't rejected him outright — he was explaining instead. Clearly, Su Qian was showing him respect as a 6th Tier Alchemist.
Seeing that, Liu Xi made his move. "Grand Elder, what if… I agree to stay after graduation and serve as an Elder of the Academy? Would that earn me one small exception?"
"Oh?"
Su Qian blinked in surprise, his eyes glinting with interest. A 6th Tier Alchemist joining the Academy would greatly strengthen its foundation. He only needed to look at Han Feng's fame in the Black-Corner Region to know how valuable such people were.
"You're willing to remain here?" he asked, visibly delighted.
Both Hu Qian and Elder Qin's faces lit up — they were old loyalists to the Academy, and the idea of adding such a prodigy to its ranks filled them with pride.
"I won't stay permanently," Liu Xi clarified. "Like you said, Grand Elder — I still intend to travel to the Central Plains and grow stronger. But I'll bear the title of an Academy Elder if that helps."
Su Qian pondered for a moment, then nodded slowly. "That's acceptable. The Academy doesn't need another Dou Wang for battle power, nor does it constantly rely on 6th Tier pills. But…"
He paused, as though something occurred to him, and suddenly chuckled. "The girl may stay in the Inner Academy, but she won't hold student status for now. When she breaks through to the Dou Ling realm, I'll admit her as a special recruit. As for you — after graduation, you'll serve as an Honorary Elder, free to come and go. How does that sound?"
Liu Xi frowned slightly. "No student status, huh…"
Su Qian gave a half-exasperated laugh. "What, you think you're the only one who can bend the rules? Every student here earned their place through the trials. No one waltzes in for free!"
Liu Xi chuckled softly. "Fair enough. I just need her near me — to ensure her… condition doesn't harm others. This works."
"Then it's settled," Su Qian said with a faint smile. "Satisfied now?"
"Satisfied," Liu Xi answered, bowing gratefully.
---
After bidding farewell to Su Qian, Liu Xi and Xiao Yixian returned to his former residence.
As the former top-ranked student on the Strong Ranking, Liu Xi had his own courtyard. Here, Xiao Yixian could safely refine and absorb her poisons without fear of exposure.
Creak—
Liu Xi pushed the door open. "Xian'er, I used to live here alone. There are plenty of empty rooms — pick whichever you like."
Behind him came her soft, trembling voice — full of gratitude and emotion.
"Young Master… thank you."
Liu Xi turned slightly, teasing lightly, "Oh? And how do you plan to repay me, then?"
But when he faced her fully, the sight of her small, uncertain face instantly softened his heart. Smiling gently, he said, "Don't worry about it. Since I brought you here, it's my duty to make sure you're safe. The Outer Academy would've been far too dangerous — for both you and others."
Then, without warning, determination flickered in Xiao Yixian's eyes.
She stepped forward quickly, tiptoeing as her slender arms wrapped around his neck.
Liu Xi froze — and before he could react, their faces drew closer… until their lips met.
Time seemed to stop.
When she finally released him, she lowered her head, cheeks flushed crimson, and pressed her lips together as though still savoring the warmth.
Without another word, she brushed past him and darted into the inner room.
Liu Xi stood there for a long while, a crooked smile tugging at his lips. 'Come to think of it… Xian'er's already sixteen.'
---
Elsewhere, within the Inner Academy—
A petite girl with violet hair and eyes, looking no older than eleven or twelve, held several high-grade medicinal herbs in her arms. Without hesitation, she bit into one.
"Bleh— disgusting!" she muttered, wrinkling her little nose.
Her sharp ears twitched. From nearby, faint voices carried on the wind.
"…The top-ranked 'Demon Lord' Liu Xi has returned…"
The girl's violet eyes glimmered with irritation. "That guy who's always above me finally came back? Hmph. Tomorrow, I'm gonna beat him up!"
That little girl — known by others as the Brute Force Queen, ranked second on the Strong List — clenched her tiny fists.
(End of Chapter)
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