After parting ways with Hu Gan, Lin Xiu headed back to the dormitory.
"Previously, even after breaking through to Dou King, the amplification effect of the seventh floor of the Qi Refining Tower couldn't even reach one-fold. I wonder how the eighth floor will be."
Lin Xiu rubbed the Purple Fire Crystal Card he had just obtained not long ago, the number on it exceeding one thousand, somewhat dazzling.
Nowadays, even without passing through the Blazing Sky Qi Refining Tower every day, he could still gain close to eight thousand realm experience.
However, compared to the five hundred thousand required for each breakthrough, it was somewhat insufficient.
"Anyway, I must get my hands on the Fallen Heart Flame! For me, it's no less than a long-term valid experience card."
Once his Fire Energy was plentiful, Lin Xiu began considering his future development.
Jia Nan Academy had its rules; even if one became an elder of the Academy, they couldn't casually use Academy items.
Therefore, staying at the Academy for development wasn't the right choice.
"The Fallen Heart Flame isn't a pushover either. If I want to take it, I first need the capital to deal with it. The Green Demon Flame needs to be nurtured."
Lin Xiu planned to find an opportunity to contact Xiao Yan and accelerate the growth of the Green Demon Flame using his Green Lotus Core Flame.
"There's also strength! If I want to contend for the Fallen Heart Flame, I'll definitely have to face Han Feng and the Academy elders.
I'm not like Xiao Yan, who has Old Yao's help. Even with the Flame Soul Separation Technique, I might need to reach the Dou Emperor level to ensure that I won't be instantly killed by the Fallen Heart Flame at first sight."
Lin Xiu aimed to enhance his strength, planning behind the Green Demon Flame.
"With sufficient Fire Energy and the Qi Refining Tower, there's no need to worry too much about enhancing my strength, especially with Han Feng around. If he wants me to help with the investigation, it's only reasonable that he should contribute if my strength is insufficient."
After roughly planning his next arrangements, Lin Xiu took a moment to glance at his status panel.
[Name: Lin Xiu]
[Age: 20]
[Realm: 1 Star Dou King (258,000/520,000)]
[Constitution: 100]
[Spirit: 83]
[Aptitude: 50]
[Abilities:
Earth Rank Mid Level: Primordial Qi lv 11 (Max)
Earth Rank Mid Level: Starlight Body Forging Technique lv 11 (Max)
Earth Rank Low Level: Surging Waves Overwhelm Heavens lv 8 (20/800)
Earth Rank Low Level: Myriad Thunder Invocation lv7 (30/700)
Earth Rank Low Level: Three Thousand Lightning Movements lv 7 (80/700)]
2 / 2
...
Yellow Rank High level: Flame Soul Separation Technique lv1 (50/100)
...
[Attribute Points: 15]
During the recent period of collecting Magic Cores, Lin Xiu had plenty of battles with Fifth Rank Magic Beasts, gaining a large amount of experience from Surging Waves Overwhelm Heavens and Myriad Thunder Invocation, which led to a rapid increase in his level.
"The Flame Soul Separation Technique unexpectedly upgraded to Yellow Rank High level. Is it because it absorbed the two types of flames provided by Xiao Yan?"
Rubbing his chin, Lin Xiu felt that this possibility was quite high. Previously, after seizing the Beast Flame from the Green Demon Flame Ox, the Flame Soul Separation Technique had advanced to Yellow Rank Mid Level.
During this period, Lin Xiu had fed the Green Demon Flame with fire attribute energy, but its growth rate was not fast.
"If only I could devour a portion of the Fallen Heart Flame."
Lin Xiu had tried using the heart fire from the Blazing Sky Qi Refining Tower for feeding, but perhaps due to it being a projection, the effect wasn't very good.
Suddenly, voices were heard outside, indicating someone had returned.
Putting aside his thoughts, Lin Xiu walked out of the room and saw Du Chaoping, Lin Dun, and others walking in from outside.
"Brother Xiu."
"Lin Xiu."
Lin Dun's spirits lifted first, followed closely by Han Pu and Qin Zhi, who greeted him one after another, both appearing somewhat reserved.
"Senior Brother Han Pu, Senior Sister Qin Zhi, welcome to the inner courtyard."
As soon as Lin Xiu spoke, the two's demeanor noticeably improved, and they relaxed a lot.
"Hehe, maybe we should call you Senior Brother." Han Pu joked.
"There's really no need for that. I don't care about such formalities." Lin Xiu waved his hand and invited everyone to sit down and chat.
"Brother Xiu, I heard that new students entering the inner courtyard need to join a faction. Without someone to back them up, they might be bullied. I came to find you first thing."
Lin Dun expressed his intentions, wearing a smile filled with anticipation.
Beside him, Han Pu and Qin Zhi shared similar thoughts.
"Sure, but I haven't established any faction. However, generally in the inner courtyard, as long as you don't actively bully others and mention my name, everyone will surely give you some face."
Lin Xiu paused for a moment, then nodded in agreement.
He didn't have many friends at Jia Nan Academy, and the few people before him were those he had relatively more contact with outside the inner courtyard. Their relationship was okay, so it wouldn't hurt to look out for them a bit.
"With your words, Brother Xiu, my lingering worries finally vanished," Lin Dun sighed with relief.
"What's wrong? Did you run into trouble as soon as you joined the inner courtyard?" Lin Xiu asked curiously.
"Yeah, it's all because of this year's Fire Energy Hunting Competition. It seems the senior students lost face, and as soon as we arrived at the dormitory, many senior students came to collect Fire Energy from us."
"They call it the new student tribute fee. As soon as several factions arrived, they demanded all five days' worth of our Fire Energy."
Lin Dun gestured excitedly, acting out the scene.
Finally, he looked at Lin Xiu. "Brother Xiu, didn't you experience this last year?"
Before he could finish his sentence, Han Pu smacked his head, leaving him bewildered.
"Are you dumb, kid? Last year, Lin Xiu single-handedly overturned the Black and White Evil Stoppers. Who would dare to ask him for tribute fees?" Han Pu said impatiently.
Upon hearing this, Lin Dun also realized his mistake and awkwardly scratched his head.
"Tribute fees are just temporary. Once you new students join the factions of the senior students, there won't be such demands," Han Pu explained.
Learning about this matter, Lin Xiu didn't concern himself much. He actively invited the three to move into this courtyard.
Initially, Elder Zhao arranged this place, which was sufficient for Lin Xiu to establish a faction, but Lin Xiu didn't have such intentions.
Now that Lin Dun and the others are entering the inner courtyard, it's a good opportunity for them to move in.
Lin Dun is quite skilled at grilling meat. With him living in the courtyard, the usual problem of Zi Yan's cravings might be alleviated, which would give Lin Xiu a bit of peace of mind.
"I was actually planning to discuss this with you, but I didn't expect the junior to bring it up first."
Du Chaoping looked pleasantly surprised when he heard Lin Xiu's invitation for the three to move in.
"We're all friends, no need to be so formal. Lin Dun, it's been a year since we last met. Has your culinary skills deteriorated?"
Lin Xiu asked with a smile.
"Brother Xiu, as long as you provide the ingredients, I can showcase my skills right now."
Lin Dun was quite confident.
Upon hearing this, Lin Xiu didn't hesitate. He took out a large piece of Magic Beast meat from his ring and handed it over to him for preparation.
"This is Fifth Rank Magic Beast meat. Since we're all meeting today, let's celebrate properly."
Lin Xiu's casual tone scared the other few quite a bit.
"A Fifth Rank Magic Beast? Isn't that equivalent to a Dou King?" Qin Zhi's complexion paled, showing a shocked expression.
"Junior, did you kill it yourself?" Han Pu and Du Chaoping stared blankly at Lin Xiu.
"It was a friend who got it."
Lin Xiu didn't want to reveal his strength in front of them. Sometimes, too much of a gap in realm could create a sense of alienation. "Lin Dun, show your full skill. My friend will be here soon."
Upon hearing this, Lin Dun rushed to the kitchen as if he had been injected with adrenaline, carrying the meat.
Du Chaoping and the others couldn't resist and went to help.
Sitting in the courtyard, Lin Xiu continuously heard various sounds coming from the kitchen.
"The meat of a Dou King-level Magic Beast is extraordinary. Look at these patterns and elasticity."
"It's hard to imagine that my close encounter with a Fifth Rank Magic Beast would be in such a setting."
"Senior Brother Dy, Lin Xiu is friends with a Dou King, don't you think you should reflect on that?"
The next moment, a painful cry came from Han Pu.
A figure in white clothes bounced in from outside the door.
Hearing the commotion, Zi Yan looked at the young man sitting on the chair. "Lin Xiu, do we have guests today?"
---
Check out my Patreon for up to 50 Advanced Chapters.
Link : patreon.com/AlbertTL