Chapter 409: Xun Er's Arrival
Just as Mang Tianchi was asking Xiao Ze various questions, Xiao Ze felt something. His eyes slightly narrowed as he sensed the presence of the golden tree nearby. The owners of the golden tree could sense each other, so it wasn't surprising someone found him here. After carefully identifying the visitor, a smile appeared on Xiao Ze's face. He had thought it might be Little Doctor Immortal, Medusa, or others, but it turned out to be someone else.
Mang Tianchi noticed the change in Xiao Ze's expression and asked, "What's going on?"
"Someone very important to me has come," Xiao Ze replied with a smile.
Hearing this, Mang Tianchi looked at Xiao Ze. From their conversation, he could tell Xiao Ze was usually calm and composed, as if he had everything under control. But now, Xiao Ze showed rare joy.
"Headmaster, would you like to come with me to meet her? She is also a student of Jia Nan Academy," Xiao Ze invited Mang Tianchi.
"Ah? Another student from Jia Nan Academy?" Mang Tianchi was skeptical. This was the Void Thunder Pool, deep within the boundless void. Even Dou Zun (Dou Sovereign) experts wouldn't dare to venture here lightly. Could all Jia Nan Academy students be this exceptional? Or had Su Qian's teaching skills improved significantly over the years?
"If she's also a student, then I'll go and see," Mang Tianchi agreed, curious about who could make Xiao Ze so happy.
Xiao Ze's body flickered as he swiftly flew out. Mang Tianchi looked at his own clothes and quickly changed into a fresh set before catching up to Xiao Ze. He didn't want his student to see him in a disheveled state; as headmaster, he needed to maintain some dignity.
Soon, they left the Void Thunder Pool. Sensing Xiao Ze's presence, Hei Qing quickly approached him. Seeing Xiao Ze safe and sound, Hei Qing relaxed, but his expression tensed again upon seeing Mang Tianchi. He sensed a threat from Mang Tianchi, at least at the level of a half-saint!
"Hei Qing, no need to worry. This is Mang Tianchi, the headmaster of Jia Nan Academy where I studied," Xiao Ze reassured Hei Qing, noting Mang Tianchi's new attire with a slight smile. It seemed the headmaster was aware of how disheveled he had looked before.
Hei Qing was momentarily taken aback, then remembered Jia Nan Academy. After all, Zi Yan was brought to the academy by its Grand Elder and then by Xiao Ze to Central Plains before returning to the Taixu Ancient Dragon clan. This made Hei Qing appreciate Jia Nan Academy.
"So, you are the headmaster of Jia Nan Academy. I am Hei Qing," Hei Qing introduced himself.
Mang Tianchi was puzzled. Wasn't Hei Qing from the Taixu Ancient Dragon clan? Why would the clan send someone to Jia Nan Academy to study? And Hei Qing seemed much older than Xiao Ze, so how could they know each other well?
Mang Tianchi realized Xiao Ze must be waiting for someone else, not Hei Qing.
"I'm Mang Tianchi. Has the Taixu Ancient Dragon clan started interacting with humans?" he asked.
"Xiao Ze has greatly helped our clan, so he is not just any human," Hei Qing said with respect and gratitude, making Mang Tianchi even more curious about Xiao Ze's standing.
"Have you finished your cultivation?" Hei Qing asked Xiao Ze.
"Yes, Hei Qing. I'm waiting for an old friend here," Xiao Ze replied, looking into the void with anticipation. He could contact Xun Er directly through the golden tree, but it seemed she wanted to surprise him, so he didn't ruin it.
Mang Tianchi and Hei Qing were both curious about the visitor. In the dark void, a golden light appeared, growing brighter over time. A figure enveloped in golden flames moved like a shooting star, leaving a long golden tail behind. Hei Qing squinted, noting that the golden flames were as powerful as the strange fire controlled by Xiao Ze.
Mang Tianchi, familiar with different flames due to Jia Nan Academy's Fallen Heart Flame, was astonished to see the golden flames incinerating the void's chaotic currents.
"Golden flames that burn everything... Is that the Golden Emperor Burning Heaven Flame from the ancient clan?" Mang Tianchi exclaimed, recognizing the powerful flame.
"Isn't that the ancient clan's legendary flame?" he continued, shocked. Although Su Qian often wrote to him, not every detail was shared. Mang Tianchi knew the ancient clan had taken someone from the academy but was unaware of their identity.
Seeing Xiao Ze's delighted expression, Mang Tianchi was stunned. Someone possessing such a powerful flame must be the cherished child of the ancient clan, yet they had a connection with Xiao Ze.
As Xun Er drew closer, Xiao Ze couldn't wait any longer and sped towards her, transforming into a silver streak of light. In the golden flames, a green dress stood out, making her look like a unique, radiant lotus in the void.
Seeing the silver light approaching, Xun Er's calm face lit up with a bright smile. The golden flames accelerated, burning the void's currents, until the golden and silver lights collided. The golden flames subsided, and Xun Er flew into Xiao Ze's arms like a homing swallow.
"Brother Xiao Ze," Xun Er said, looking up with a smile, "I missed you so much!"
Xiao Ze, captivated by her beauty, leaned in. Xun Er's face flushed as she sensed his intention, and she closed her ethereal eyes. Their lips met, closing the distance between them.
(End of Chapter)