A Deal With Canaan Academy
Gu Xun'er nodded, but her mind now focused more on the auction house that Li Xiao mentioned.
After pondering for a while, she spoke softly, "That means the God Seal he mentioned... is indeed the Gu Clan's secret technique, the God Seal Technique!"
"What!" Ling Ying was so shocked that her voice raised so high, almost shrieking, unbecoming of her status as a Dou Emperor. "Impossible! How could the Heaven Ascending Pavilion have the God Seal Technique?"
Although Ling Ying was just a Dou Emperor, as Gu Xun'er's close guardian, she was privy to some of the clan's secret techniques, with the Emperor Seal Technique being one of them.
"During this period, Ling Lao, please find a place outside the academy to rest. There's no need to infiltrate the academy unless necessary. Though those elders respect our clan, they are strict about the academy's rules."
Ling Ying nodded.
"Understood. If Miss needs me, just use the bell to summon me, and I'll arrive immediately."
As soon as she finished speaking, Ling Ying transformed into a wisp of black mist and disappeared.
Gu Xun'er gazed at the distant scenery, her heart unsettled. If the Heaven Ascending Pavilion truly had such deep resources, what could their background be?
…
Inside the resting room of Canaan Academy's Inner Branch.
Su Qian personally poured tea for Li Xiao, smiling warmly. "Pavilion Master Li, please try this. It's tea I've kept hidden for many years, and it's quite good."
Li Xiao took a sip. Although it wasn't as good as the tea cultivated in the Heaven Ascending Pavilion, it was still rare and had a rich, lingering flavor.
"Not bad."
The Great Elder sat down, still smiling. "I wonder what brings Pavilion Master Li to our Canaan Academy this time?"
Seeing that Su Qian asked directly, Li Xiao decided not to hide his intentions and got straight to the point. "I've heard that Canaan Academy has a hidden heavenly flame called the Fallen Heart Flame..."
Hearing this, Su Qian's expression changed significantly, and he quickly denied it. "Pavilion Master Li must be mistaken. How could our Canaan Academy possess a heavenly flame? Who is spreading such rumors?"
Seeing that Su Qian was unwilling to admit it, Li Xiao remained calm, taking another sip of tea. This reaction was expected. The Fallen Heart Flame under the Blazing Sky Qi Refining Tower was the lifeline of Canaan Academy. Giving it up would drastically slow down their talent cultivation speed and could even lead to the academy's downfall.
Some graduates from Canaan Academy in the Black-Corner Region knew the unique nature of the Blazing Sky Qi Refining Tower, but they didn't know it housed a heavenly flame.
"There's no need to play this game with me, Great Elder. The Fallen Heart Flame is really rare and I also have some interest in it but it's not to the point that I'll take it by force. I'm a businessman; I prefer to make a deal. So, Great Elder, feel free to state your terms. We'll give you a generous price."
Su Qian frowned, silently contemplating this proposal from Li Xiao. The Heaven Ascending Pavillion's reputation was known to all; they've never reneged their words. Moreover, the current Fallen Heart Flame was extremely unstable. Without the simultaneous efforts of several elders to suppress it, the Fallen Heart Flame might have already broken free. However, in Su Qian's view, it was only a matter of time before the Fallen Heart Flame broke the seal.
Vice Principal Hu Qian whispered, "Grand Elder, what should we do?"
After a long period of contemplation, Su Qian said, "We can give it to you, but what will Pavilion Master Li offer in return?"
"I can provide Canaan Academy with three Tier-8 pills, along with five Low-Grade Earth-Class Dou Techniques."
At these words, everyone present stood up in shock. They didn't expect Pavilion Master Li to be so generous. Three Tier-8 pills were already worth a fortune. Adding five Earth-Class Dou Techniques on top of that made the offer irresistible.
Nalan Yanran also showed a hint of surprise. "Master, that's Tier-8 pills. Even Dou Zun experts may not have the chance to use such treasures."
"Yanran, do not interrupt them," Yun Yun gently patted Nalan Yanran's hand, signaling her to keep watching. Meeting Li Xiao had been the best decision of her life.
Su Qian stroked his small beard and said softly, "As expected of the Pavilion Master of the Heaven Ascending Pavilion, indeed formidable. Very well, if you can produce three Tier-8 pills and five Low-grade Earth-Class techniques, Canaan Academy agrees to the exchange."
Seeing Su Qian agree so readily, Li Xiao chuckled. It seemed the Fallen Heart Flame was becoming restless. Otherwise, given Su Qian's temperament, he would never hand over the academy's future so easily.
With a wave of his hand, five scrolls landed steadily on the table, and three different pills floated in mid-air. The powerful medicinal aroma made everyone present reveal expressions of greed. These were indeed Tier-8 pills!
Su Qian, seeing Tier-8 pills for the first time, couldn't help but reach out to touch them. However, his raised right hand halted abruptly. The pills had developed intelligence, and the resulting protective barrier blocked any external intrusion.
Bai Ling disdainfully dipped her finger in a drop of tea and flicked it gently. The protective shields in front of the three eighth-grade pills instantly shattered, leaving a water-like imprint on them. The pills then fell smoothly into Su Qian's palm.
Su Qian swallowed hard, feeling restless inside.
"Great Elder, can you now take me to the Blazing Sky Qi Refining Tower?" Li Xiao gently set down his teacup, eager to see the so-called Fallen Heart Flame and the unknown creatures beneath the tower.
Su Qian, snapping back to reality, quickly collected the treasures and smiled warmly. "Of course, I always keep my word. Please, follow me."
"All elders, prepare the formation to prevent that beast from breaking the seal!"
"Yes!"
At Su Qian's command, everyone flew toward the Blazing Sky Qi Refining Tower. Inner disciples also looked on curiously, wondering what was happening today to cause such a commotion. Even the Great Elder was involved—had something significant occurred?
The Blazing Sky Qi Refining Tower was established by Principal Mang Tian Chi to suppress and seal the underground Fallen Heart Flame. Initially, he couldn't refine it and intended to cultivate it until the time was right for refinement.
However, unbeknownst to him, besides the main Fallen Heart Flame, there was a smaller one beneath it.
Moreover, as a devoted fan of Battle Through the Heavens, Li Xiao knew another major secret of Canaan Academy lay at the bottom of the Blazing Sky Qi Refining Tower. That was the final location in Battle Through the Heavens and also the most dangerous place. Any carelessness would lead to total destruction.
But entering that place was no easy feat.
Many years ago, the Venerable Skyfire, Yao Tianhuo tried to subdue the Fallen Heart Flame but encountered the indigenous creatures, the Fire Lizardmen.