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Xiao Yan had anticipated this reaction; he had no qualms about sharing the recipe, knowing that apart from his master, Shui Wuya, no one else in the world could refine this pill. Su Qian nodded, a glint of appreciation in his eyes.
"Xiao Yan, your alchemical skill is truly admirable. I hope you'll continue to train here at the academy and, one day, become a pillar of support for us."
Xiao Yan gave a slight smile and replied, "Thank you for your kindness, Elder Su Qian, but I won't be able to stay at the academy indefinitely."
As soon as Xiao Yan spoke, the surrounding atmosphere seemed to freeze. The senior members of Canaan Academy were stunned, their faces filled with disappointment.
"You mean to say you don't intend to stay here?" Su Qian asked, somewhat unwilling to accept this, his brow furrowed.
"Yes, Elder. I feel there are still many things I need to accomplish and numerous training goals yet to be achieved," Xiao Yan replied, his tone firm and resolute.
"Sigh...what a shame," the chief alchemist said, letting out a regretful sigh. "A rare talent like yours is precisely what our academy needs."
"Indeed, Wuya, won't you reconsider? The resources and environment here at the academy would be highly beneficial to your training," another elder added, a look of disappointment on his face.
With a gentle smile and unwavering gaze, Xiao Yan responded, "Elders, I'm deeply grateful for your kindness, but I have my own path to follow. I'll stay at the academy for a while longer, and rest assured, I won't forget what Canaan Academy has done for me. If there's ever a chance, I'll certainly return."
The senior members, though still regretful, recognized that trying to force Xiao Yan to stay was unrealistic. After all, such a young alchemy genius, backed by a powerful lineage, a master, and other forces, was not someone they could easily compel. Reflecting on their earlier consideration to confront Xiao Yan, they felt a cold sweat on their backs.
Su Qian slowly nodded, sighing. "Xiao Wuya, by refining the Shengzong Pill for me, our past grievances are resolved. However, that Falling Heart Flame belongs to all of Canaan Academy, not just me alone. Now that you've taken it, the academy's students will lose a crucial place for rapid training. This leaves us in a difficult position."
Xiao Yan had foreseen this, and his master, Shui Wuya, had already instructed him on how to handle it. Calmly, he replied, "Elder, the Heavenly Flame within the Blazing Sky Qi Refining Tower isn't solely the Falling Heart Flame. Deep within the tower lies another seed of a Heavenly Flame, enough to sustain your training needs."
At his words, the crowd gasped, faces filled with astonishment.
The chief alchemist furrowed his brows and asked in confusion, "Wuya, is this really true?"
"Absolutely true, as my master told me," Xiao Yan replied with conviction.
"Let's go see for ourselves!" Su Qian immediately decided, leading the senior members in a rush toward the tower's depths.
The group swiftly arrived at the bottom of the tower, carefully investigating the area. Sure enough, they discovered a Heavenly Flame seed at the tower's deepest point. In the darkness, its dazzling flame danced, releasing powerful energy.
"This...it really exists!" an elder murmured in disbelief, his eyes filled with amazement.
"But how did he know about it?" another elder muttered softly, a mix of confusion and respect in his tone.
Su Qian, gazing at the Heavenly Flame seed, felt a complicated surge of emotions. He turned to Xiao Yan and solemnly said, "Xiao Yan, you truly didn't deceive us. The existence of this Heavenly Flame seed indeed compensates for the loss of the Falling Heart Flame. Rest assured, we won't trouble you any further."
Xiao Yan gave a slight smile, cupping his hands in a respectful gesture. "Thank you, Elder Su Qian, for your understanding." As the tension in the room eased, a bright voice suddenly rang out from the crowd, "Xiao Yan-gege, you're amazing!"
Everyone turned to see Xiao Xun'er stepping forward, her face alight with a joyful smile.
"Xun'er."
Xiao Yan smiled gently. "You came as well."
"Yes, I've been worried about you," Xiao Xun'er replied, her eyes filled with concern.
Just then, a small figure suddenly burst out from the crowd and darted straight towards Xiao Yan. It was none other than Su Qian's adopted daughter, Zi Yan. Her eyes were fixated on Xiao Yan's pouch of pills, and she was practically drooling.
"I want that pill!" Zi Yan shouted excitedly as she leapt toward Xiao Yan.
Caught off guard, Xiao Yan looked momentarily flustered. But Su Qian quickly moved to block Zi Yan, his face stern. "Zi Yan, how many times have I told you, show some respect!"
Zi Yan pouted in dissatisfaction. "But, Father, the pills that this big brother has smell so delicious!"
Su Qian sighed helplessly and turned to Xiao Yan.
Seeing this, Xiao Yan suddenly remembered something his master, Shui Wuya, had once said to him. He stepped forward, smiling, and took out a few top-quality pills from his storage ring. Handing them to Zi Yan, he said, "Little sister, consider this a gift from me."
Zi Yan's eyes lit up as she accepted the pills eagerly. "Thank you, big brother!" She popped one in her mouth and immediately looked blissfully content.
Su Qian watched the scene, feeling a warmth in his heart but also a hint of resignation. He sighed and said to Xiao Yan, "These pills are incredibly valuable. We deeply appreciate your generosity."
Xiao Yan smiled lightly. "Elder Su Qian, no need to be so formal. These pills are nothing to me. Think of them as a small gift for my little sister."
Su Qian nodded appreciatively, though his expression turned slightly serious again. "Wu Yai, I still hope you'll reconsider staying here at the academy. With your talent in alchemy, you're truly one of a kind. If you stay, we can offer you the best resources and treatment."
Xiao Yan shook his head, his gaze firm. "Elder Su Qian, my mind is made up. I don't plan to stay here indefinitely, but I'll always remember your kindness. If there's a chance, I'll come back to visit."
The elders all nodded, understanding his decision.
Xiao Yan then spoke slowly, "Elders, with everything resolved, I'll return to my dorm for now. Goodbye."
"Of course, Wu Yai, we'll accompany you back. You should take a good rest." Su Qian smiled warmly at him.
The elders surrounded Xiao Yan as they escorted him back to his dorm with great formality. Watching the impressive line of academy elders and officials accompanying Xiao Yan, the students of Canaan Academy stood stunned.
(End of Chapter)