Outside the passage.
Hu Gan, who had been waiting all along, saw four people come out, and his gaze fell on Lin Xiu, whose eyes were bloodshot.
"What happened?" Hu Gan was stunned for a moment.
Su Xiao and others were undergoing inspection by two gray-robed individuals.
Unable to contain himself, Leng Bai, who was the first to finish, briefly mentioned the matter of Lin Xiu memorizing the Qi Method Dou Technique.
Hu Gan was astonished and laughed heartily, "Similar incidents have happened before, but you're the first one with bloodshot eyes."
He looked at Lin Xiu, who was approaching, "If it weren't for no one succeeding before, I would have almost suspected if you really memorized it."
The two gray-robed figures remained unfazed, showing no signs of surprise. Lin Xiu smiled.
'The past is the past, and the present is the present. If you want to compare me with who you used to be, I'm sorry. I indeed succeeded!'
However, he certainly wouldn't divulge these thoughts.
"Thank you both."
After bowing to the two gray-robed figures, Hu Gan patted Lin Xiu on the shoulder and led the four of them back the way they came.
Along the way, Hu Gan mentioned the suggestion of teaming up, but upon learning they already had arrangements, he didn't press further.
Back in the Headmaster's room, Leng Bai, Su Xiao, and the others left first, leaving Lin Xiu alone with Hu Gan.
After sealing the walls, Hu Gan turned around. "Don't worry, there's no trouble for you to stay behind. Mainly, I'm here to see that you've acquired the Starlight Body Forging Technique."
Hearing this, Lin Xiu's expression tightened. "What are you thinking? As the esteemed Headmaster, would I stoop to snatch your Dou Technique?"
Hu Gan said irritably, "Headmaster, those weren't my words." Lin Xiu smiled briefly.
Then, he became curious, "Headmaster, is there anything special about the Starlight Body Forging Technique?"
"Indeed, it was created by an elder of the Academy who, by chance, observed a certain Heavenly Flame. Do you know which Heavenly Flame it is?" Hu Gan suddenly asked.
Able to be related to the stars and a Heavenly Flame, wouldn't it be the Three Thousand Burning Flame? Lin Xiu was about to speak but shook his head,
"The student doesn't know."
"It's the ninth-ranked Three Thousand Burning Flame, also known as the Three Thousand Star Fire Flame. It forms in the starry sky, capable of absorbing the power of the stars. Possessing it grants a special Three Thousand Star Constitution, enabling absorption of star power to strengthen oneself or heal injuries.
The Starlight Body Forging Technique is derived from it. To practice it, the first step is to draw in the power of the stars into the body. Without special means, sometimes it's difficult to even make progress within a year."
Hu Gan seemed to be very knowledgeable about Dou Techniques. Since receiving the Starlight Body Forging Technique, Lin Xiu hadn't opened it yet, but listened to Hu Gan's words.
He took it out and glanced at it. Sure enough, as Hu Gan had said, mastering the technique relied heavily on absorbing star power in the initial stages. Without assistance, it would take months, maybe even half a year, just to get started. What use was an Earth Rank Mid Level Dou Technique if it couldn't be utilized?
Lin Xiu didn't want to wait too long. He had Attribute Points, and if he started now, he estimated he could max it out in half a year. Moreover, besides enhancing physical strength, the Starlight Body Forging Technique also had healing effects. With the upcoming Flame Energy Hunting Comptition, there would undoubtedly be numerous battles. Having the ability to recover quickly would be a significant advantage. In the original story, during this First Stage, Xiao Yan used his identity as an Alchemist to directly help others refine medicine and heal injuries.
"Headmaster, please don't beat around the bush. Whatever it is, just tell me. I can only promise to do my best, and I won't shirk responsibility," Lin Xiu said.
Since Hu Gan had kept him behind and said so much, it must be meaningful. Sure enough, Hu Gan revealed a sly smile, beckoning Lin Xiu closer, and then whispered quickly.
Lin Xiu and Hu Gan stepped back from each other.
"Headmaster, have you ever heard the saying, 'The melon forced to ripen is not sweet'?"
"What are you thinking? When I asked you to spend more time taking care of Hu Jia in the future, it's because she will enter the inner courtyard next year. I can't interfere too much with the affairs of the inner courtyard, so I want you to help out a bit."
Hu Gan slammed the table heavily, his beard bristling as he glared, his Dou Emperor aura suddenly surging out. "What do you mean by 'forced'? Moreover, my granddaughter Hu Jia isn't good enough for you?"
"I misunderstood," Lin Xiu felt suffocated under the pressure and quickly apologized.
"That's about it. Come to my place tonight, and I'll help you draw in the power of the stars." Hu Gan waved his hand to dismiss Lin Xiu.
He hadn't originally planned this, but seeing Lin Xiu acquire the Starlight Body Forging Technique sparked the idea. After all, Hu Gan had been observing Lin Xiu's situation for a while, and there was no doubt this kid had remarkable talent.
Furthermore, Lin Xiu already had a strong physique. If he gained the enhancement from the Starlight Body Forging Technique, there would be no problem achieving Dou Emperor status in the future.
With Lin Xiu's combat ability and the physical enhancement from the Starlight Body Forging Technique, he would have no trouble in cross-level battles within the inner courtyard, and even facing opponents of the same level wouldn't be difficult.
Considering all these factors, Hu Gan couldn't help but think of his granddaughter entering the inner courtyard next year. Although he was the Headmaster of the outer courtyard, he couldn't intervene in the affairs of the inner courtyard.
Lin Xiu nodded and was about to leave when he suddenly remembered something.
"That kind of thing..." Hu Gan was about to deny it when he suddenly recalled something. "The Dou Technique you saw, is it called the Flame Soul Separation Technique?"
Lin Xiu nodded eagerly.
"That was also created by an elder of the Academy. Originally, it was meant to weaken control over the Fallen..." Hu Gan paused halfway through his sentence.
"Weaken control over what?" Lin Xiu's curiosity was piqued. Hu Gan changed his tune.
"The Flame Soul Separation Technique is considered a failed Dou Technique. However, out of goodwill towards the Academy, it's recorded in the library. It's fortunate you didn't take it. The difficulty in practicing that Dou Technique is extremely demanding.
The elder who created it promoted the idea that Dou Technique levels could evolve, but as the founder, he couldn't achieve much success and ended up sacrificing his own life. Alright, since you didn't take it, why ask so much? Just go." With that, Hu Gan waved his hand, ceasing further discussion. Outside the Headmaster's office, Lin Xiu pondered Hu Gan's words. "Weaken control over the Fallen? Shouldn't that refer to the Fallen Heart Flame? I should find some time to research it."
Others might not be aware, but that doesn't mean Lin Xiu isn't. The Fallen Heart Flame is both a boon and a potential danger to Jia Nan Academy. It's not surprising that some elders would entertain thoughts of controlling or weakening it.
However, since the Fallen Heart Flame can project Heartfire and is a Heavenly Flame, mastering it through conventional means is extremely difficult.
Considering this, Lin Xiu didn't dwell on it further. The Fallen Heart Flame is far beyond his reach as a Dou Grandmaster, and it's not the right time to consider it. After traversing much of the Academy, Lin Xiu first gave the Shadow Pearl to Mentor Huo Lan.
Upon receiving the pearl, Huo Lan's eyes reddened, tears welling up with excitement. This left Lin Xiu somewhat puzzled, and although he wanted to inquire, Huo Lan didn't say anything.
After several expressions of gratitude, Huo Lan hurriedly left the place, heading straight for outside the Academy. In the evening, while having dinner with Du Chaoping, Han Pu, and others, Lin Xiu brought up the matter of Huo Lan. It was only after Du Chaoping explained the situation that he understood the whole story.
Huo Lan has a wife who suffered an injury, not only losing her memory but also facing a life-threatening situation, which could lead to her departure at any time.
She has been holding on, hoping to recall the moments she shared with Huo Lan before leaving. To help with this, Huo Lan thought of obtaining the Shadow Pearl. Since his wife couldn't remember, he intended to extract their shared memories from his own mind and show them to her.
"It's a good thing I got it," Lin Xiu hadn't realized the significance of this item to Mentor Huo Lan, perhaps even a lifelong regret for him.
After the dinner, Lin Xiu politely declined Han Pu's invitation for drinks. When he arrived at Hu Gan's residence, the materials were already prepared, and a formation was set up in the courtyard. Following the instructions, Lin Xiu successfully completed the Starlight Body Forging Technique.
"Don't underestimate this Dou Technique. Its recovery ability and tempering effect are no less than those of an Earth Rank High-level technique. Practice it well, and you'll feel its magic."
Hu Gan said meaningfully. Lin Xiu knew the value of an Earth Rank Mid Level Dou Technique. He returned to his dormitory to rest for the night. The next day, Lin Xiu packed his things and arrived at the square, where the others had already gathered. Today, the top fifty from the inner courtyard selection would proceed to the inner courtyard.
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