Chapter 290: Leaving

When he first met Zi Yan, Xiao Yan had already been almost certain she was a Dragon Clan beast, because she understood Dragon Speech and even corrected Xiao Yan—otherwise, he never would have mastered Ancient Dragon Roar.

But many Dragon Clan members can understand Dragon Speech, so Xiao Yan couldn't precisely determine what kind of beast Zi Yan truly was.

But today, seeing her, Xiao Yan was certain Zi Yan's true bloodline was extremely high-ranking.

Though the Crystal-Winged Lion King wasn't a rare or exotic beast, inferior to the Seven-Colored Devouring Sky Serpent, its own strength surpassed Zi Yan's, and it wasn't even from the Dragon Clan—yet it was still suppressed by Zi Yan, which clearly showed how high-ranking Zi Yan herself was.

Xiao Yan reached out and pinched Zi Yan's pale, soft little cheek, smiling: "Stop fooling around, Zi Yan. The Lion King once saved my life, and when I can craft a Transformation Pill, do you think I'd run off with your pill?"

*Snap! * Zi Yan swatted away Xiao Yan's hand, touching her own cheek and snorting: "Hmph, who knows what you're really thinking? Humans never keep their word."

Xiao Yan's eyes flickered, he narrowed them slightly, thought for a moment, then smiled warmly: "Since you don't trust me, then come with me. That way, you won't fear I'll disappear—and I'll still craft pills for you. Besides, your current strength gains nothing from this academy."

Xiao Yixian's expression turned strangely uneasy; from her angle, Xiao Yan looked exactly like a creepy uncle trying to lure a little girl.

Hearing Xiao Yan's words, Zi Yan was indeed tempted. If Xiao Yan hadn't entered the Inner Court last year, she, who had dominated the Inner Court undefeated in the previous cohort, would have long grown bored—and now her strength surpassed many Dou Huangs; the Inner Court offered her nothing, not even the Tian Fen Lian Qi Ta had any effect on her.

And Xiao Yan was an Alchemist—combined with her own treasure-finding talent, this would greatly boost her power.

Seeing Xiao Yixian's strange expression, Xiao Yan used Soul Resonance: "Don't underestimate this girl—she has a treasure-finding talent, extremely sensitive to Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures. With her help, finding the Qing Hun You Lan becomes far more certain."

For finding Infernal Flames, there's Mao Wu; for finding Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures, there's Zi Yan—what's not invincible?

Hearing Xiao Yan's words, Xiao Yixian's beautiful eyes flickered as she gazed at Zi Yan, who looked no older than twelve or thirteen.

"Fine, I'll go tell the Grand Elder." After thinking for a moment, Zi Yan nodded, agreeing to Xiao Yan's proposal.

Poor Zi Yan didn't notice that Xiao Yan's shadow behind her resembled a fox.

After finishing all matters, Xiao Yan returned to the Inner Court with Xiao Yixian and the Crystal-Winged Lion King.

Standing on the wide path of the Inner Court, Xiao Yan gazed at the energetic students coming and going, and his face—once cold and stern from slaying Han Feng and exterminating the Gold and Silver Elders—softened gradually. Unconsciously, he had already spent two years at Jia Nan Academy.

From first arriving in the Outer Court and leading Xiao Ning and others into the Inner Court Selection Exam, to rising from New Student to top-ranked alongside Zi Yan in just one year, to entering the Tian Fen Lian Qi Ta to refine the Fallen Heart Flame and finally besieging Feng Cheng to purge the traitors.

The events of these two years had indeed been too many.

Those who entered the Inner Court with Xiao Yan were Xiao Yixian and Zi Yan, as well as the large and small Crystal-Winged Lion Kings.

All Inner Court students knew Zi Yan, but Xiao Yixian naturally drew countless astonished and curious glances—her cloud-like beauty and moon-like grace held an indescribable allure for these young, blood-hot students.

Especially among the older ones, such a cold, distant flower of elegance made them unable to tear their eyes away.

Yet for the surrounding admiring stares, Xiao Yixian acted as if she heard nothing; though her face wasn't as icy or murderous as Mei Du Sha's, her cool, elegant aura remained unchanged, and the chilling, aloof aura radiating from her dispelled any bold attempts at conversation.

Not to mention everyone knew Xiao Yan's reputation—flirting with a woman beside him was suicide.

Xiao Yan sighed helplessly, shook his head, and vanished instantly with a gust of wind.

"Tsk tsk, Senior Student Xiao Yan is truly Senior Student Xiao Yan—just one trip out, and he brings back another beauty."

"Isn't that right? Back then, Xun Er outshone all others, and the Xiao Clan still has Xiao Yu and Xiao Mei—tsk tsk tsk, I wish I could take the surname Xiao."

After learning Xiao Yan's identity, many secretly clicked their tongues, then sighed inwardly: Only heroes deserve such beautiful companions.

They also marveled at how many beauties surrounded Xiao Yan.

When Xiao Yan had Zi Yan take Xiao Yixian and the others to Xiao Hall to settle in, he entered the study where Su Qian often stayed. Su Qian heard his footsteps, looked up, and smiled faintly at Xiao Yan as he entered first.

"You brat—in just one day, you've brought the Tian Yin Sect and two other sects under Feng Cheng's control, and now you're planning to absorb Feng Cheng into the Xiao Clan's sphere of influence?"

Xiao Yan smiled calmly, walked slowly into the study, and sat in the chair before Su Qian—he couldn't miss the implication in the Grand Elder's words.

Jia Nan Academy had always opposed the rise of overly powerful factions in the Black Horn Region, as it threatened the academy's safety.

"Grand Elder, no matter how the Dou Qi Continent changes in the future, I, Xiao Yan, will always be a student of Jia Nan Academy. If Jia Nan Academy ever needs aid, I will give my all to help." Xiao Yan's smile vanished, his tone solemn.

Su Qian froze, then chuckled softly, shaking his head: "You little rascal really isn't easy to handle. Since you've said this… you're right. Since Han Feng's incident, Jia Nan Academy truly needs change."

"Though Jia Nan Academy has disciples scattered across the land, distant water cannot quench near fire. If there were a faction allied with Jia Nan Academy in the Black Horn Region, should such an event happen again, at least our students would have a place to retreat."

After discussing matters concerning Feng Cheng, Xiao Yan got straight to the point: "Grand Elder, besides hoping Jia Nan Academy will show more care toward the Xiao Clan, I've come primarily to bid you farewell."

Su Qian sighed. With Xiao Yan's current strength, there was little left for him to gain in the Inner Court; with the Origin Flame Seed of the Fallen Heart Flame, he had no need for the Tian Fen Lian Qi Ta.

"Grand Elder, I may return to Jia Ma Empire within this month." Xiao Yan fixed his gaze on Su Qian, his expression growing increasingly serious.

"That's true. The Dou Qi Continent is vast, and with your talent, you're destined to become famous across it. And about that family's matter… sigh, enough. Your choices must be yours alone—but if you need help, seek out Dean Mang Tianchi." The Grand Elder sighed, then, mentioning Xun Er, his face turned grave.

"Mang Tianchi? That's our Dean's name?" Xiao Yan asked.

"Yes. And his clan, like the Gu Clan, is one of the Dou Emperor Families—the Lei Clan. He's an Elder."

Xiao Yan's expression changed. No wonder the Grand Elder knew Xun Er's family—it was because of the Dean! And he was an Elder!

"Here's the academy's letter of authentication. If you meet him, this letter will verify your identity." Grand Elder Su Qian handed Xiao Yan an envelope.

Taking the envelope, Xiao Yan felt a warm surge in his heart. Though he originally came to Jia Nan Academy only for Infernal Flames, after two years, he had gradually grown fond of its atmosphere and its people.

"Since I've accepted such a generous gift from the Grand Elder, it seems improper to leave nothing behind for the academy."

"Huh? What are you planning?" The Grand Elder eyed him warily—this kid always caused big trouble.

In the following month, Xiao Yan transformed from student to teacher—even teaching Elders.

He was going to teach Alchemy Techniques!

When Xiao Yan returned to Xiao Hall, everyone erupted instantly—especially the Yao Bang members, who nearly leapt through the ceiling upon hearing he'd teach Alchemy, endlessly grateful they'd lost their bet.

Not just Yao Bang—even Alchemists from the Alchemy Department flooded in from everywhere. To accommodate Outer Court students, Xiao Yan announced he would "hold a lecture platform" in the Outer Court.

Xiao Yan's Alchemy skill needed no exaggeration; all Jia Nan Academy Alchemy students offered admiration and cheers for his selfless, inclusive teaching.

Xiao Yan's prestige in the Inner Court had now reached its peak—no previous cohort had ever achieved such heights.

"You brat, you come back and cause such a commotion—now who knows how many are waiting outside just to catch a glimpse of your holy presence?" Xiao Yu glanced at Xiao Yan seated at the head, then heard the clamor outside the pavilion, and sighed helplessly.

Xiao Yan smiled—he'd expected his Alchemy lectures to cause such a stir.

Early the next morning, Xiao Yan donned his long-forgotten Five-Rank Alchemist Long Robe, took out a simple Five-Grade Alchemy Furnace, and began refining pills. This time, he didn't use an Infernal Flame, didn't conceal his Alchemy Technique, and chose a relatively easy technique from the Bone Flame Ring.

Over ten days, Xiao Yan refined and explained pills from One Grade to Six-Grade Ji Di. Not just the Inner Court Alchemy geniuses from Yao Bang—even Xiao Yixian, with zero Alchemy foundation, listened, entranced.

Xiao Yan explained simply, revealing every technique, hiding nothing, detailing every step, every precaution, every experience.

On the final day, after finishing the pill refinement, Xiao Yan swept his sleeve, and quietly departed while everyone remained lost in reverie, mentally absorbing the knowledge of his Alchemy Technique.

After some time, the highest-ranking Alchemist, Fire Elder, was the first to awaken. He bowed respectfully toward the lectern where Xiao Yan had refined the pills. One by one, more Alchemy Department Alchemists followed suit.

Without doubt, for all the Alchemists attending the lecture, Xiao Yan's selfless act granted him the status of a half-teacher.

That night, many people's Pill Alchemy improved, even the Sixth-Grade Senior Elder Hu's Pill Alchemy rose by a minor Rank.

In the remaining twenty days, Xiao Yan did not cultivate Dou Qi; instead, he forged Elixirs, cultivated the Emperor Seal Technique, and descended to the base of the Tian Fen Lian Qi Ta to use the Ten Thousand Beasts Spirit Flame to strengthen Mei Du Sha's Bloodline Power and accelerate the refinement of her Three-Flame Serpent Body.

"Here are several Six-Grade Qinghuo Bingling Pills—they can effectively purge fire toxins from the body." Xiao Yan tossed Mei Du Sha a Pill Bottle filled with multiple Six-Grade Pills.

Mei Du Sha lightly lifted her finger, and the Pill Bottle hovered motionless before her; even without uttering a word, her exquisitely beautiful, almost demonic face carried an inexplicable, seductive allure.

Though Xiao Yan had given her the Pills, Mei Du Sha acted as if she saw nothing—her alluring face remained as cold as ice, radiating a chilling aura that repelled all others.

Seeing Mei Du Sha still as cold as ice, Xiao Yan could only shrug and said, "I'll be leaving Jia Nan Academy soon. At your current progress, you should be able to exit the tower within another year or so. I've already spoken with the Grand Elder—when you leave, remember to return to the Snake People Empire. The Yan Alliance may still need you to hold the fort."

According to Xiao Yan's estimation, with the power of the Three Infernal Flames, when Mei Du Sha's Three-Flame Serpent Body is fully completed, her strength might rival that of a High-Level Dou Zong.

With her guarding the Yan Alliance, surrounding empires like Chu Yun Empire and Luo Yan Empire would have no choice but to submit.

After speaking, Xiao Yan did not linger—he turned and left.

"Hey."

Hearing Mei Du Sha's voice, Xiao Yan turned his head and asked in confusion, "Huh?"

After a moment of silence, Mei Du Sha's gaze sharpened, and she said coldly, "Go."

"Huh???" Xiao Yan was utterly baffled—she stopped me just to tell me to go?? What does that even mean?

Xiao Yan couldn't understand it. He spread his Dou Qi wings and left the Tian Fen Lian Qi Ta. Watching Xiao Yan's retreating figure, Mei Du Sha frowned slightly and murmured to herself, "What happened to him?"

In Xiao Hall, Xiao Yan bid farewell one by one to Hu Jia, Wu Hao, and others.

"Here are some Pills—from First-Grade to Fifth-Grade Four-Stripe Baoling Pills. For future clan members coming from Wutan City, give them Pills based on their diligence and potential to support their Cultivation. From now on, when Xiao Clan members come to the Academy, you'll have to look after them." Xiao Yan handed Xiao Yu a Storage Ring filled with vast quantities of Pills.

Hearing this, Xiao Yu froze, her eyes dimming slightly as she furrowed her brow and said, "Don't push yourself so hard—about Xun Er…"

Xiao Yan rubbed his nose and forced a slightly false smile. "Xun Er is just returning home. Besides, as Young Clan Leader, it's time for me to return to Jia Ma Empire and see my father."

Looking at the youthful face before him, where a brilliant smile concealed sorrow, Xiao Yu inexplicably felt a pang of sadness—she had grown up with Xiao Yan; how could she not know the depth of his feelings for Xun Er?

Slowly stepping forward, Xiao Yu gazed at the young man who, without her noticing, had grown nearly as tall as herself. Suddenly, her slender hand boldly caressed Xiao Yan's cheek, and she whispered softly, "Big pervert, we all believe in you—you'll accomplish what you set out to do. No one can stop you."

Xiao Yan's eyes flickered, then he smirked and sighed helplessly, "Who's the pervert? Really."

"Pfft—back then you broke into my bathing place, groping all over, and afterward claimed you were being chased by a beast and panicked into stumbling in. You really think I'm stupid? Even as a child you were full of wicked thoughts—what else could you be but a big pervert?" Xiao Yu's cheeks flushed slightly as she shot Xiao Yan a furious side-eye and sneered.

"Cough—I really was being chased by a beast!" Xiao Yan coughed violently, his face inexplicably flushing. He tried to clear his childhood misdeeds, yet even as he defended himself, his gaze secretly flickered toward the slender, rounded, sensual legs across from him—and he couldn't help but shake his head inwardly: such unforgettable legs—who would ever get to claim them?

Though Xiao Yan's gaze was subtle, Xiao Yu, with her keen perception, noticed it instantly—her cheeks flushed faintly red as she glared fiercely at him.

"Remember to come back."

"Of course—I've got Xiao Clan assets here."

Whoosh—the sound of air splitting as Xiao Yan unfurled his Dou Qi fire wings, waving to those below: "Don't worry—I won't say 'until we meet again.' I'll be back soon."

【End of the Jia Nan Academy Arc】

(End of Chapter)