"Just missing us? It can't be that simple, can it?" Hu Gan wore a skeptical expression.
"Of course, it's not that simple. I also want to see if there are any promising talents to take as disciples. After all, since Old Man Huo has an exceptional disciple, I can't fall behind. I don't expect them to be as gifted as Xiao Ming. If they're one-tenth as talented, I'd be satisfied," Su Qian replied with a chuckle, stroking his graying beard.
"One-tenth of Xiao Ming's talent? You'd be lucky to find that. It's not like you have the luck of Old Man Huo." Hu Gan initially looked amused but then his tone turned somewhat envious.
In truth, the Elders of Jia Nan Academy rarely selected disciples from among the students. The regular students rarely caught their attention, and the true geniuses usually departed the Academy after a few years.
In the conservative society of the Dou Qi Continent, the bond between a master and a disciple was akin to a parent-child relationship. Taking on a disciple who would leave in a few years, especially if they were far away, often resulted in minimal interaction. So, what was the point of taking on a disciple in the first place?
Elders seeking disciples typically embarked on journeys to find suitable talents. They might choose talents from their own nation or even adopt orphans, ensuring they knew the background of their disciples.
When Elder Huo took Xiao Ming as his disciple, it was purely due to Xiao Ming's extraordinary talent, which astonished all the Jia Nan Academy Elders. Many Elders coveted Xiao Ming, but Elder Huo had the upper hand because Xiao Ming displayed an aptitude for alchemy and chose to join the Alchemy Department. Thus, he snatched Xiao Ming before others could act.
Since Elder Huo had taken Xiao Ming as his disciple, he had become the object of envy and jealousy among the other elders.
They all wanted to have a disciple like Xiao Ming!
He met all their requirements for an ideal disciple: exceptional talent, intelligence, diligence, respect for teachers and elders, and a mild personality that didn't contain arrogance or conceit. Where could they find such a disciple?
Especially recently, when a Dou Venerate came looking for Elder Huo, claiming that Xiao Ming had become something like the Alliance Leader of the Heavenly Court, it made them even more jealous.
But no matter how much they envied him, talents like Xiao Ming couldn't be acquired through jealousy, so they could only watch helplessly.
When Elder Huo heard Hu Qian and the others mention his precious disciple, a proud smile appeared on his usually solemn and old-fashioned face. Although he didn't say anything, everyone present understood what he meant.
I have an exceptional disciple, and you don't!
'This old fellow is beginning to feel proud again.' Seeing Elder Huo's reaction, Su Qian shook his head, somewhat speechless.
Alchemists were naturally proud, and Elder Huo seemed even more pleased with himself since he had Xiao Ming as his disciple. Fortunately, Elder Huo had a relatively serious personality, seldom spoke much, and didn't go around boasting.
"Grandpa, Elder Su Qian, Elder Huo..."
As Su Qian was momentarily speechless, a voice suddenly came from behind. They turned around and couldn't help but smile.
Two female figures appeared behind them. One of them was wearing a teacher's robe. Even though the clothes looked somewhat formal and oversized on her, they couldn't hide her graceful figure, especially those rarely seen, long and sensual jade legs that attracted many glances.
The other woman wore a red dress with a whip wrapped around her slender waist. Despite her charming appearance, the students dared not look at her for too long.
In this Academy, who wasn't aware of the notorious reputation of this demoness who had recently become an Elder? If she were to target you, your days would be tough.
Both of these women were prominent figures in the current Jia Nan Academy. If Xiao Ming were present, he would easily recognize these two familiar faces.
Xiao Yu and Hu Jia.
Judging by their auras, Xiao Yu was at the peak of Dou Spirit, while Hu Jia had reached the Dou King realm.
"You old guys are talking about that guy again? Hmph, it's been so many years, and that guy has achieved so much outside, yet he still doesn't come back to visit me... to visit us. What's there to talk about..." Hu Jia snorted as she looked at the statue of Xiao Ming, her heart filled with bitterness.
"This... He's been very busy outside. It's understandable," Su Qian and the others exchanged glances and replied.
Hu Gan, on the other hand, wore a bitter smile. He had long realized that his granddaughter couldn't let go of her feelings for Xiao Ming. It was understandable, considering how extraordinary Xiao Ming was. But the problem was that a few years ago, she had learned that Xiao Ming had quietly taken a wife outside, which had left her heartbroken for a long time.
Xiao Yu gently patted Hu Jia on the shoulder. Through her connection with Xiao Ming, the two of them had become good friends.
"Cousin has indeed been quite busy."
As a member of the Xiao family, Xiao Yu kept in touch with her family, even though she stayed on as a teacher at the Jia Nan Academy. She was well aware of Xiao Ming's situation.
Speaking of which, Hu Jia had found out about Xiao Ming's wife through a casual conversation with Xiao Yu.
When Xiao Yu learned that Medusa was now in charge of the Xiao family, she felt so surreal that she couldn't help but confide in her friend. Little did she know that her good friend had such deep feelings for her cousin that the news affected her so deeply.
"You can speak for him, he can't hear you anyway," Hu Jia rolled her eyes at their comments.
"Who says I can't hear? I heard everything."
"..."
Silence fell over the once bustling square as these words echoed. All eyes turned to the grandstand, where the space ripped open and two striking figures, a man and a woman, stepped out.
Hu Jia stood frozen for a full two seconds, her expression changing to one of sheer astonishment as she fixed her gaze on the man who had just spoken. Her beautiful eyes widened in disbelief.
"Xiao Ming! How... how can you be back?!"
"Can't I come back? If I didn't, how would I ever discover that someone was gossiping about me behind my back?" Xiao Ming replied with a straight face.
"No, it's not like that! I just..." Hu Jia began, trying to explain herself. But when she met Xiao Ming's subtly amused gaze, realization dawned upon her.
"All right, you dare to tease me! Hmph! I didn't say anything wrong, you really haven't come back these past years."
With that, she ran over to him and punched him in the chest a couple of times. Though it seemed forceful, the blows lacked any real power.
"You rascal! You have no idea how much... sob... how much I've missed you all these years. I... I... I was so worried..." Her words trailed off and her face contorted with tears as all the pent-up grievances of years past surged forth, leaving her sobbing into his chest.
"... I worried you so much." After Hu Jia had calmed down, Xiao Ming replied with a hint of helplessness, "I'm sorry, I haven't had much time these years".
His hand moved gently to her face, caressing her cheek as he wiped away the traces of tears. Looking at his childhood friend's face, now so vulnerable in front of him, Xiao Ming could see how much she had grown over the years. The trace of childishness on her face was gone, replaced by a mature and alluring charm that had fully blossomed.
Hu Jia's teary eyes sparkled with delight at this tender gesture, and all previous bitterness seemed to vanish in an instant. The release of these pent-up emotions helped to erase the awkwardness that had built up between them over the years.
'It's really him...' Watching the heartwarming reunion, Xiao Yu instinctively covered her lips with her hand. Even though she and Xiao Ming hadn't seen each other for several years, his familiar face remained etched in her memory. However, compared to the boy genius of the past, his face had lost its youthful innocence.
And seeing her friend become so blissful, Xiao Yu couldn't help but shake her head. This girl had been miserable for a long time because her cousin had found a wife outside. She even seemed to hold a small grudge against him. But now, with a single, simple gesture, it seemed as if all those grievances had melted away.
'Well... if I were in her place, perhaps I would react the same... Wait, what am I thinking?' Xiao Yu's cheeks flushed and she quickly turned around to hide her embarrassment.
Fortunately for her, everyone else's attention remained focused on Xiao Ming. Su Qian, Elder Huo, Hu Gan, and the rest of the group rose from their seats and gathered around him.
"Master, First Elder, Deputy Headmaster, and all the elders! I'm back," Xiao Ming looked at his Master, Elder Huo, and the others and greeted them quickly.
"It's good to have you back," Elder Huo replied warmly, his eyes brimming with pride as he looked at the now mature face of his beloved disciple. He stroked his beard gently, a contented smile playing on his lips.
"Hahaha! You brat, you've finally returned! Ever since you ventured to the Central Plains, I thought it would be at least a decade before we'd see you again!"
"We've heard about your achievements in the Central Plains. You've brought a lot of prestige to our Jia Nan Academy!"
Hu Gan and Su Qian both had friendly smiles on their faces as they spoke.
"Hmph, old man."
Zi Yan snorted softly behind Xiao Ming as she directed her gaze at Su Qian, who seemed to have completely ignored her presence. Su Qian held a special place in her heart as the first human she had encountered. Apart from Xiao Ming, he was the only person she had grown fond of during her time in the Academy.
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"Zi Yan, is it really you? How did you grow so tall?" Su Qian finally recognized her after she called out to him.
Zi Yan's words not only caught Su Qian's attention, but also aroused the curiosity of the surrounding students. Their eyes widened in shock as they turned to look at her. It was unlikely that a lady of such quality could be found in the entire Academy.
The current Zi Yan had grown considerably in height and carried an air of regal presence between her eyebrows. Her beauty and strength were now at the top of the continent, giving her a temperament that even beauties like Xiao Yu and Hu Jia couldn't hope to match.
It was no surprise that Su Qian did not recognize her at first; this transformation was in stark contrast to her former petite appearance.
"Hmph, I have always been able to grow. If it wasn't for that Body Transformation Grass back then, I wouldn't have had to wait so long," Zi Yan muttered discontentedly, her pout making the male students' hearts skip a beat.
She was still a little resentful of the ridiculously strong effects of the Body Transformation Grass she had swallowed, which had caused her to take many years to finally grow.
"It's good that you've grown up."
Su Qian did not hear Zi Yan's murmuring voice; he simply nodded in relief. He knew that Zi Yan had longed to grow, and now her wish had come true.
"This is not the ideal place for a reunion. Let's continue this conversation elsewhere. Old Man Hu, as the Deputy Headmaster, it's your responsibility to choose the candidates. We'll leave first."
"You..." Hu Gan wanted to unleash a string of curses when he heard this. Why did they leave him behind while they went to catch up?
Even his granddaughter ignored him and clung to Xiao Ming without blinking an eye.
Hu Gan suddenly felt that all the years he had spent raising her had been in vain.
It was so unfair!
But Su Qian paid no attention to him. He led Xiao Ming straight away. Elder Huo followed without saying a word.
The other elders also wanted to leave, but when they saw the twitching corner of Hu Gan's eye, one or two of them decided to stay.
There was no way that they could really leave Hu Gan alone to manage the selection competition for the Inner Academy.
As Xiao Ming and the others left, a moment of silence fell over the vast crowd of onlookers. Then suddenly, a flurry of hushed conversations broke out.
All eyes were filled with bright curiosity as they watched the departing figures.
In the hearts of many Jia Nan Academy students, the most intriguing figure was undoubtedly this Senior, given the various rumors surrounding him. After all, since the establishment of Jia Nan Academy, there hadn't been anyone considered outstanding enough to warrant the construction of a statue in their honor.
"Senior Sister... is that the legendary Senior Xiao Ming? He looks even more striking than the statue! And did you see him tearing through space? That level of power is incredible..."
"He is undoubtedly powerful. Even the Deputy Headmaster and the others who are Dou Ancestors can't reach that level, can they?"
"Who was that woman with him? Is she Senior Xiao Ming's partner? Women from the Central Plains are surely at a different level..."
"You're wrong, I'm from the Central Plains, and I've never seen a goddess like her before..."
"....."
Tearing through space like that, such an ability made these relatively inexperienced young men and women excited to the point of trembling.
To them, Dou Kings and Dou Emperors were already considered formidable experts...
...
Inside the Meeting Hall of the Outer Academy, everyone took their seats.
After a few pleasantries were exchanged, Su Qian could not help but ask curiously, "What is your current cultivation level?
Xiao Ming looked around and calmly replied, "I have reached the three-star Dou Saint."
Upon hearing this, Su Qian and the others couldn't help but tremble.
Three-star Dou Saint!
Even though they knew that Xiao Ming had a very high level of cultivation, hearing the words "three-star Dou Saint" still felt incredibly unbelievable.
"You are truly extraordinary. In just a few years, you've reached such heights," Su Qian said with astonishment in his eyes. Although Xiao Ming was speaking casually, it was obvious that he had worked tirelessly to achieve this breakthrough, traveling far and wide in the process.
The other elders and Hu Jia nodded in agreement. In the past, a Dou Saint had been a mythical figure, but now, one was sitting right in front of them.
What was even more amazing was that they knew Xiao Ming personally, and he had only been a Dou Ancestor a few years before. He had reached this legendary realm in such a short time.
Now... it was likely that even if they were to search the entire world, they would be hard-pressed to find anyone who could match him, except for some old monsters who had lived for countless years.
Such achievements were truly amazing and gave them a surreal feeling.
Of course, they knew that Xiao Ming wouldn't lie; it was just hard to accept at the moment.
"These years must have been hard for you," Elder Huo said, feeling a little sorry for his disciple. Xiao Ming's rapid breakthrough was not just a matter of talent; it was undoubtedly the result of facing many challenges.
"It wasn't too bad, really. I didn't encounter too many difficulties," Xiao Ming replied with a slight smile. He then began to carefully recount some of the events that had taken place in the Central Plains, including the ongoing conflict between the Heavenly Court and the Hall of Souls.
Hearing all this, Elder Huo looked even more concerned. Although Xiao Ming spoke of these matters casually, he could sense the Hall of Souls' murderous intent towards Xiao Ming.
To be honest, if Xiao Ming's growth had not exceeded the Hall of Souls' expectations, given their ruthless methods, he would have been in dire straits long ago. The Hall of Souls wasn't as incompetent as they appeared on the surface; they had a history of causing turmoil across the continent.
Fortunately, he had proven himself to be an exceptional talent and hadn't fallen victim to their schemes.
Xiao Ming had been a six-year-old child when he became Elder Huo's disciple. To Elder Huo, he was both a student and a beloved grandson. If it weren't for his lack of strength, he would have wanted to wipe out the Hall of Souls for targeting his disciple.
After comforting his Master for a while, Xiao Ming brought up the main purpose of his visit.
"I have returned to the Academy this time not only to visit everyone, but also because I want to take a trip to the magma world at the bottom of the Blazing Sky Qi Refining Tower. I sensed something unusual there before."
In reality, Xiao Ming hadn't sensed anything; he had made up this reason to go to the magma world.
As for why he wanted to go there?
Xiao Ming turned to Zi Yan who was sitting next to him. She met his gaze and smiled sweetly at him.
It was time for Zi Yan to meet her father.
Su Qian was startled when he heard that Xiao Ming intended to enter the magma world. However, he quickly relaxed when he thought of his terrifying strength. Although the magma world was mysterious and unfathomable, it should not be difficult for them to escape unharmed.
"Since you've made up your mind, that's good. I've always felt that there was something unusual about this magma, but my strength wasn't enough to investigate," Su Qian replied.
"There's no time to waste. Let's move now..."
Xiao Ming was decisive. Since he had made up his mind, he didn't want to linger. The sooner they went, the sooner they could return. He stood up immediately, signaling that it was time for them to leave.
But Hu Jia couldn't help herself. She stood and grabbed his arm, her eyes filled with expectation. "Xiao Ming, after you finish your business, will you stay for a while?"
Seeing her expectant look, Xiao Ming thought for a moment, "I won't stay long this time..."
Hu Jia's hope began to fade with his first words, but her disappointment was short-lived as Xiao Ming continued with a grin, "But I'll come to visit you after I've taken care of these things. There is something I want to give you. Where are you currently staying?"
"Ah! I... I recently moved into the courtyard where you used to live, in the Elder Area of the Inner Academy." The thought of something made Hu Jia's cheeks flush.
"Hm. Then I'll see you there."
...
Inner Academy, at the bottom of the Blazing Sky Qi Refining Tower.
Xiao Ming stood at the entrance to the magma world. With a quick wave of his hand, countless invisible flames erupted from within the tower, coalescing into an intangible flame in his palm.
"Fallen Heart Flame. It has been so many years, and it has grown quite a bit."
Xiao Ming smiled as he looked at the invisible flame in his hand. This was the very Fallen Heart Flame he had obtained in its infant form within the magma world many years ago. After years of nurturing, it had matured and become much more powerful than its former state.
"This little thing had consumed a great deal of our efforts."
Su Qian also smiled. Over the years, they had spent a great deal of time and care in cultivating this Fallen Heart Flame. Fortunately, it had all been worth it.
The current Blazing Sky Qi Refining Tower was far more effective than before.
Originally, the previous mature form of the Fallen Heart Flame had never listened to their commands. Now, thanks to their deliberate nurturing, the current Fallen Heart Flame was more obedient to their instructions.
"Speaking of which, there was a student who tried to steal the flame back then. If it weren't for his lack of strength and the guarding elder who discovered him, this Heavenly Flame, which is not very resistant to humans, might have been taken by him."
"Did such an incident happen...?"
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