To become one of the overlords of the Black-Corner Region, Earth Demon Old Ghost was naturally no fool.
However, he had no choice but to accept Lin Yuan's provocation.
As the number one expert of the Black-Corner Region, if he failed to respond adequately to the almost humiliating provocation from a mere junior of Jia Nan Academy, then neither he nor Demon Flame Valley would be able to maintain their foothold in the Black-Corner Region in the future.
All the provocations Demon Flame Valley had directed at Jia Nan Academy over the years under his indulgence would become nothing more than a laughingstock.
This time, he had to strike with overwhelming force.
Even so, Earth Demon Old Ghost did not act recklessly. Although he spoke arrogantly, he knew Mang Tian Chi's strength quite well.
Therefore, he immediately activated the spies he had hidden for many years to investigate Mang Tian Chi and Lin Yuan.
After hearing the reports from his spies, although Earth Demon Old Ghost's expression remained cold, he secretly breathed a sigh of relief. The five spies, including a high-ranking elder-level spy, had all obtained the same result. There was no mistake. Mang Tian Chi was definitely not in the Inner Academy.
He understood Mang Tian Chi's personality well. The latter was flamboyant and would never deliberately hide himself to set up a trap.
Since Mang Tian Chi was absent.
Earth Demon Old Ghost let out a cold laugh, his voice filled with killing intent.
"Xu Qian, what exactly is the background of that brat called Lin Yuan to dare provoke my Demon Flame Valley like this?"
Dou Emperor Elder Xu Qian organized his thoughts before respectfully replying, "That man is merely a student of Jia Nan Academy and also a high-tier alchemist. Three years ago, he broke through to the Dou King class and became an elder of Jia Nan Academy."
Before long, Earth Demon Old Ghost had learned all of Lin Yuan's publicly known information.
Not yet twenty years old.
A Dou Emperor.
A Sixth-Grade alchemist.
"Interesting." Earth Demon Old Ghost lightly tapped the armrest of his throne, the chill on his face deepening. "The future Great Elder of Jia Nan Academy. A Sixth-Grade alchemist and Dou Emperor before the age of twenty. No wonder he dares to be so arrogant."
At the same time, his killing intent intensified even further.
Not only was this person extraordinarily talented, but he was also one of Jia Nan Academy's core members.
Someone like this absolutely could not be allowed enough time to fully realize his potential.
If he was not eliminated while the opportunity still existed, then once he matured, wouldn't Jia Nan Academy become even stronger? Wouldn't Demon Flame Valley forever remain beneath Jia Nan Academy within the Black-Corner Region?
Now that he had confirmed Mang Tian Chi was absent.
This brat had to die!
"Xu Qian, gather everyone in the valley, including those who have recently joined us. Prepare to march toward Jia Nan Academy. This time, not only will I avenge Fang Yan and the others, but I will also make Jia Nan Academy lose all face and restore the prestige of Demon Flame Valley."
Xu Qian's eyes lit up.
These past few days, Demon Flame Valley had become the subject of ridicule throughout the outside world. It was finally time to wash away their humiliation.
"Yes, Valley Master!"
Before long, more than twenty streams of light shot up from Demon Flame Valley. Like shooting stars chasing the moon, they sped toward Jia Nan Academy.
Their overwhelming aura was completely undisguised, immediately drawing the attention of countless experts throughout the Black-Corner Region.
"Jia Nan Academy and Demon Flame Valley, these two colossal forces are finally going to clash head-on. The sole overlord of the Black-Corner Region is about to be decided."
Inner Academy, Pan's Gate.
After Xiao Yan returned to Pan's Gate, Xun'er, who had been waiting for him all along, immediately concealed the worry in her eyes and walked over with a smile.
"Brother Xiao Yan! How did the meeting go? The Great Elder didn't make things difficult for you, did he?" she asked softly.
Seeing this, Xiao Yan smiled gently and reached out to rub her head.
"Don't worry. The Great Elder is a good person. The meeting went very well."
After returning from the back mountain where he had practiced the Flame Lotus technique, he had immediately been taken away by Su Qian for a private meeting.
However, Su Qian had not made things difficult for Xiao Yan. Instead, he told him not to worry and to continue cultivating peacefully within the Inner Academy. He also briefly welcomed Yao Lao's arrival and promised to provide assistance in helping him reconstruct his physical body.
In summary, aside from Yao Lao's existence being exposed, there were no other problems.
"By the way, Xun'er, why does the atmosphere in the Inner Academy feel much heavier? The Great Elder just reminded me not to wander around recently. Has something happened?" Xiao Yan asked.
Hearing his question, Gu Xun'er's expression became much more serious.
"Brother Xiao Yan, there may soon be a major battle in the Inner Academy."
"A major battle?" Xiao Yan looked at her in confusion.
"Brother Xiao Yan, come with me."
Xun'er pulled Xiao Yan into a room on the second floor before softly calling out,
"Elder Ling."
The shadows stirred, and Ling Ying's figure appeared before the two of them.
"Elder Ling, we parted too hastily last time, and I never had the chance to thank you. Now that we've met again, I would like to sincerely thank you once more for protecting me on so many occasions."
Xiao Yan slightly bowed as he spoke.
"Young Master Xiao Yan, you're too polite. I merely acted under orders," Ling Ying hurriedly replied, waving his hands.
"Elder Ling, tell Brother Xiao Yan about the recent situation in the Black-Corner Region and the Xiao Clan," Xun'er said softly.
"Yes, Miss."
Ling Ying nodded before speaking in a solemn tone.
"With the medicinal pills provided by Young Master Xiao Yan, the Xiao Clan is currently doing very well. The clansmen have been scattered across different locations. Some are stationed in Peace Town, while others are living in various cities throughout the Black-Corner Region."
"Young Master Xiao Yan's two elder brothers have both advanced to the Dou Grandmaster class. The two of them have established the Iron Xiao Mercenary Group in Black Seal City."
"A mercenary group? That's good."
A trace of nostalgia flashed across Xiao Yan's eyes before he continued,
"What about the Black-Corner Region? Is it related to the battle Xun'er mentioned?"
Ling Ying nodded and looked seriously at the two of them.
"Miss, Young Master Xiao Yan, please stay close to me and do not leave my side. I just received an urgent message. Under the leadership of Earth Demon Old Ghost, Demon Flame Valley has begun advancing toward Jia Nan Academy. The great battle is about to begin."
"Demon Flame Valley? Earth Demon Old Ghost?"
Xiao Yan asked in confusion.
"Who are they? What happened?"
"Demon Flame Valley is one of the overlord factions of the Black-Corner Region and has always had a terrible relationship with Jia Nan Academy. Their Valley Master is Earth Demon Old Ghost. Lin Yuan killed their three great elders and even openly provoked them afterward. Earth Demon Old Ghost has personally led his forces here to seek revenge."
Ling Ying briefly summarized the situation.
"So that's what happened."
Xiao Yan nodded.
After understanding the situation, he immediately returned to his own room and impatiently asked.
"Teacher, what do you think? With this great chaos, do we have a chance to fish in troubled waters?"
Yao Lao's figure floated out as he sighed helplessly.
"There you go again, being impatient. Even if this gives us the opportunity to come into contact with the Fallen Heart Flame, how exactly do you plan to deal with an Heavenly Flame at the Dou Ancestor level? Have you prepared the Earth Spirit Pill? Have you completed all the preparations for refining it?"
Yao Lao sighed.
His disciple excelled in every aspect, except that he was far too obsessed with Heavenly Flames. Whenever an Heavenly Flame was involved, he completely lost his composure.
The series of questions struck Xiao Yan like a bucket of cold water, forcing him to calm down.
"I'm sorry, Teacher. I was too impatient."
Xiao Yan smiled bitterly.
"It doesn't matter. I understand."
Yao Lao sighed softly.
"Perhaps my original plan was flawed. With your current strength and my present condition, trying to scheme for a masterless Heavenly Flame was never a wise choice."
"Perhaps we need to change our strategy."
"This battle is actually a good opportunity for us to observe Jia Nan Academy's true situation. How we proceed afterward will depend on the outcome of this battle."
Hearing the deeper meaning behind Yao Lao's words, Xiao Yan looked at him in confusion.
"Teacher, what do you mean?"
Yao Lao looked directly at Xiao Yan and said solemnly,
"If the Heavenly Flame of Jia Nan Academy proves too difficult to obtain, then we won't waste any more time in the Northwestern Region. I will take you to the Central Plains. The resources and opportunities there are abundant and will allow your cultivation to advance rapidly."
"Once your cultivation reaches a higher level, obtaining Heavenly Flames will no longer be so restrictive. It will become much easier."
Taking advantage of this opportunity, Yao Lao finally revealed his plans to Xiao Yan.
"The Central Plains..."
Xiao Yan softly repeated the name several times before nodding.
"I'll follow Teacher's arrangements!"
Inner Academy, Medicine Garden.
Within the courtyard where the Little Fairy Doctor had recently transplanted numerous medicinal herbs, countless fragrances intertwined, forming a refreshing and pleasant aroma.
At the edge of the courtyard, a graceful figure was carefully watering a pot of flowers. Sunlight shone upon the young woman's tall and slender figure, making her resemble a gently swaying white lily—elegant, refined, and naturally captivating.
Resting his chin on one hand, Lin Yuan lazily sat on a stone chair, his gaze slightly absent-minded as he quietly admired both the beautiful scenery and the beautiful woman before him.
At this moment, his heart was exceptionally peaceful.
While the outside world had been thrown into turmoil by the storm Lin Yuan had stirred up, he himself had been enjoying a remarkably tranquil life within the Inner Academy.
Each day, he cultivated in moderation. During his free time, he cultivated Dragon Qi together with Zi Yan, discussed medicinal theory with the Little Fairy Doctor, and planned battle strategies with her.
His days were exceedingly comfortable.
"Finished!"
The Little Fairy Doctor's gaze swept over her handiwork before her, and a satisfied smile appeared on her face.
She gently set down the watering can in her hand, gracefully brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, turned to look softly at the lazy-looking Lin Yuan, walked over, sat beside him, and said gently, "Now this place finally feels like a home."
"Thank you for your hard work." Lin Yuan smiled softly as he placed a cup of tea in front of her.
The Medicine Garden had originally been Lin Yuan's courtyard. After the Little Fairy Doctor moved in, she expressed her disdain for his sense of aesthetics and had dragged him into rearranging and redecorating the place over the past few days.
Although the changes were simple, the courtyard unexpectedly gained a comforting sense of warmth, making it truly feel like a home.
The Little Fairy Doctor gently caressed the watering can with her jade-like hand and softly said, "Although you've cultivated a body-refining technique, the gap between your cultivation and Earth Demon Old Ghost is still far too great. Once the battle begins, we'll stick to the second battle plan. I'll hold him off head-on while you prepare the finishing blow."
"If necessary, I'll temporarily release the Woeful Poison Body during this battle to create an opportunity for you."
Lin Yuan did not refuse. He nodded and said solemnly, "Thank you, Little Fairy Doctor. As for the Woeful Poison Body, don't worry. I already have a foolproof plan."
"Mhm! I believe in you." The Little Fairy Doctor nodded gently.
Seeing this, Lin Yuan's gaze became even gentler. He took out an ancient scroll and smiled. "By the way, about the question we discussed yesterday, I."
Before he could finish speaking, his expression suddenly changed drastically.
He abruptly raised his head and looked toward the northeast. A large number of powerful auras had suddenly entered the range of his Soul Perception. Among them was one especially terrifying aura, powerful and icy cold...
"Old Ghost Earth Demon has he arrived?"
The Little Fairy Doctor noticed the change in Lin Yuan's expression, and a trace of seriousness appeared on her beautiful face as she asked.
"Mhm, he's here." Lin Yuan nodded gently. He then closed his eyes briefly to focus his mind. When he opened them again, his deep eyes were filled with eager anticipation.
He stood up, extended his hand toward the Little Fairy Doctor, and smiled.
"Let's go, Little Fairy Doctor! It's time to welcome the resources waiting for us on our path forward!"
The Little Fairy Doctor placed her hand into Lin Yuan's palm. A flicker of light flashed through her violet-gray eyes, and an elegant yet merciless smile bloomed upon her exquisite face.
"No matter who your enemy is, I will eliminate them."
As soon as she finished speaking, the space within the courtyard rippled gently. Their figures trembled before disappearing in an instant, leaving behind only two slowly fading afterimages.
A moment later, an aged voice thundered across the sky like rolling lightning.
"Brats of Jia Nan Academy, your Ancestor has come in person, and none of you are coming out to welcome me?"
The violent sound wave exploded outward, sweeping across the Inner Academy. The lingering echoes reverberated like the chanting of countless Brahma voices, shaking everyone's minds. Numerous students with insufficient strength were left dizzy and disoriented by the thunderous shout.
Not long after the old voice echoed across the academy, figures shot into the sky from every corner of the Inner Academy.
Meanwhile, Su Qian, who had been meditating at the very bottom of the Blazing Sky Qi Refining Tower, suddenly opened his eyes. He glanced at the lava sea beneath the energy barrier, which had abruptly fallen silent, before disappearing from where he sat.
A short while later, Su Qian appeared inside a grand hall.
Looking at the several dozen Elders who had already gathered there, he calmly said, "Everyone, proceed according to the plan. Today, we cannot allow the beast beneath the tower to cause any trouble."
"Yes, Great Elder!" everyone answered in unison.
Su Qian rapidly formed hand seals. At the same time, he let out a loud shout that echoed throughout the Blazing Sky Qi Refining Tower.
"The Blazing Sky Qi Refining Tower is to be closed immediately! All students are to evacuate at once without delay!"
As soon as his words fell, the Great Elder led several dozen Elders, all of whom possessed the strength of a Dou King or above, in pouring their vast Dou Qi into the prearranged seal.
Very soon, a majestic energy barrier took shape. The instant it formed, the surrounding space rippled continuously. Clearly, the energy barrier created by combining everyone's Dou Qi possessed an extraordinarily overwhelming amount of energy.
The brilliantly colored barrier resembled a massive, solid lid, completely sealing off the tower entrance and isolating the inside from the outside world.
After letting out a long breath, Su Qian turned toward Hu Qian beside him and instructed, "Old Hu, I'll deal with Earth Demon Old Ghost. I'll leave the suppression of the Fallen Heart Flame to you. Take these. If you can't hold it back, give that beast a taste of them."
As he spoke, Su Qian took out several jade bottles from his Storage Ring and handed them to Hu Qian.
Hu Qian accepted the three jade bottles, each of which emitted an intensely frigid aura, and said firmly, "Don't worry, Great Elder. Leave this place to me."
Su Qian nodded before flying at full speed toward the northeastern outskirts of the Inner Academy.
The northeastern outskirts of the Inner Academy.
By the time Su Qian arrived, more than ten Elders of Jia Nan Academy had already gathered there. Lin Yuan, the Little Fairy Doctor, and Zi Yan stood suspended in the sky.
"Great Elder!" Everyone lowered their heads slightly in greeting.
"No need for formalities." Su Qian raised a hand before turning toward Wu Tianlang among the Elders. "Tianlang, Fang Yan and the other two died while pursuing you. Don't stay here and give him an excuse. Go assist Hu Qian in suppressing the Blazing Sky Qi Refining Tower. Leave this place to us."
A trace of determination appeared on Wu Tianlang's face as he said, "This crisis for the academy started because Lin Yuan saved me. How can I..."
Before he could finish, Su Qian glared fiercely at him.
"Stop making pointless sacrifices. We already have a battle plan. Staying here will only create unnecessary variables. That fellow beneath the tower isn't behaving himself. Go help immediately."
Under Su Qian's stern gaze, Wu Tianlang let out a long sigh before flying toward the Blazing Sky Qi Refining Tower.
Lin Yuan secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Had the Great Elder arrived even a little later, he would have been forced to resort to more forceful measures.
Wu Tianlang knew nothing about Elder Qian and Elder Bai. He truly believed this was a life-or-death crisis for the academy and would probably have chosen to sacrifice himself to settle the matter. If such an unnecessary sacrifice had occurred because of this misunderstanding, it would have been rather absurd.
Still, Lin Yuan did not dislike someone like Wu Tianlang.
Looking toward the Great Elder, he said after a brief pause, "Great Elder, leave Earth Demon Old Ghost to the Little Fairy Doctor and me. You only need to hold off the others from Demon Flame Valley."
He then turned toward Zi Yan beside him and said seriously, "Zi Yan, our opponent this time is unlike any we've faced before. Don't join the battle recklessly. Follow the plan I told you about. Make your preparations and wait for my signal. Understood?"
Zi Yan's eyes lit up. She pounded her small chest confidently and replied, "Don't worry! Leave it to me!"
Lin Yuan nodded and looked into the distant sky.
Soon, waves of rushing wind echoed across the horizon as countless tiny black dots appeared within everyone's sight. In just a few blinks, they transformed into more than twenty fierce-looking figures that stopped above the edge of the Inner Academy.
At the very center of the group stood Earth Demon Old Ghost, standing proudly in the air. Two figures, one dressed in gold and the other in silver, stood to either side of him like loyal guards.
Lin Yuan stared intently at Earth Demon Old Ghost and nodded inwardly.
The man's immense aura far surpassed that of Protector Wu, who had devoured Protector Sun's soul. He was undoubtedly the strongest opponent Lin Yuan had encountered thus far.
Su Qian stepped forward and slowly said, "It's been many years. I never expected your strength to improve to such an extent."
"Su Qian?" Earth Demon Old Ghost glanced at him indifferently. "I didn't expect you to have broken through to the Dou Ancestor class as well. The last time we met, you were only an Elder at the peak of the Dou Emperor class."
"Enough idle chatter. Tell that brat named Lin Yuan to come out. I've brought what he asked for to redeem Fang Yan and the others' corpses."
As he spoke, he took out five jade bottles containing Sixth-Grade medicinal pills and suspended them around himself.
"I've already prepared the five Sixth-Grade medicinal pills. Let him come and take them, provided he has the courage to stand before me. Heh, heh."
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