[Hu Qian felt displeased, Emotional Value +30]
"So, you're here for the Heavenly Flame!"
Hu Gan frowned, clearly displeased. This audacious young man, who appeared out of nowhere, not only ignored the academy's no-fly rule but also brazenly rode a flying magical beast straight into the premises. To top it off, his first words were about taking Jia Nan Academy's most prized possession. Anyone would be angered by this.
However, in the next moment, his tightly furrowed brows were forced to relax, his eyes full of shock.
Just after Gu Fei finished speaking, he slightly narrowed his eyes, and a fleeting, playful smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he directly revealed his Dou Ancestor cultivation level.
Hu Gan felt shocked, Emotional Value +30
The oppressive aura, akin to facing a fierce beast, was so overwhelmingly powerful that even Hu Gan's body stiffened, his expression froze, and his eyes were filled with disbelief. The sensation was even more intense for those behind him, whose cultivation levels were far inferior.
This absolute, irresistible pressure reminded Hu Gan of the two extremely mysterious guardians of Jia Nan Academy.
"This person's aura seems even more terrifying than those two seniors!"
In Hu Gan's memory, the two guardians, one clad in black and the other in white, always had their faces hidden under long hoods, revealing only their chins and tightly pressed lips. Their unfathomable presence was something Hu Qian had never dared to test.
He only recalled how every time the library pavilion was opened, the brief appearance of those two guardians left an indelible impression on him.
However, the mysterious young man before him now exuded an aura that was even more potent and oppressive than the two guardians.
A strong individual of this caliber was at least at the peak of Dou Ancestor, possibly even having stepped into the Dou Venerate realm...
His gaze became more serious, and his tone turned respectful.
[Hu Gan felt reverence, Emotional Value +30]
Faced with such a formidable individual, he dared not neglect him or pry into Gu Fei's background. Instead, he asked with great respect, "Senior, have you come here just to see the Heavenly Flame?"
Among cultivators, the strong are always respected.
Even though Hu Gan was in the prime of his life and Gu Fei looked like just a youth, he dared not show the slightest disrespect.
(TL/n: Just looked he's a white haired old man lol)
Using such a respectful tone and even addressing Gu Fei as "Senior," no one present, including Xiao Yi Xian and Qing Lin, found anything amiss.
After a moment of contemplation, Gu Fei spoke directly.
"If the Heavenly Flame satisfies me, I will take it with me... Of course, I won't let the academy suffer a loss. I'll provide compensation that will not be less valuable than the Heavenly Flame!"
If Hu Gan hadn't sensed Gu Fei's formidable strength, he would have been furious upon hearing these words.
After all, the Heavenly Flame was the lifeblood of the Academy.
However, just sensing Gu Fei's aura made it clear to him that opposing such a strong individual would be a foolish endeavor, likely resulting in a miserable outcome.
Nonetheless, as the Outer Academy Headmaster, Hu Gan was acutely aware of the importance of the Heavenly Flame to Jia Nan Academy.
Hu Gan felt hesitation, Emotional Value +30
Therefore, he nearly gritted his teeth as he hesitated for a long time before finally mustering the courage to speak to Gu Fei, "Senior, this matter is of great importance. May I request that we discuss it further? In the meantime, perhaps you could rest in Jia Nan City."
The Heavenly Flame was far too crucial to the Academy.
If necessary, the academy would not hesitate to offend a strong individual, even one at the peak of Dou Ancestor, to protect it.
"I'll give you two days! In two days, I hope to receive a satisfactory response."
Gu Fei was not in a hurry and answered calmly. After all, the Heavenly Flame was securely locked away and couldn't escape, so there was no need for him to act aggressively.
Following Gu Fei's instructions, the Lion King flew alone to a suitable spot outside Peace Town to rest.
Meanwhile, Gu Fei, with the visibly curious Xiao Yi Xian and Qing Lin, entered the Jia Nan City.
Before departing, Hu Qian respectfully inquired, "Senior, would you like an elder from the academy to accompany you?"
Gu Fei lightly shook his head and then proceeded ahead.
"Brother Gu Fei, this Jia Nan City truly lives up to its reputation as the birthplace of the oldest academy on the continent. Just its name alone attracts countless people here."
Walking down the wide stone-paved street, Xiao Yi Xian marveled at the bustling crowds and the happiness radiating from their faces. The lively atmosphere impressed her, as even the imperial capital of the Jia Ma Empire couldn't compare to this.
She widened her eyes, curiously taking in the surroundings.
The city's vibrancy, which surpassed even the imperial capital, left Xiao Yi Xian in awe.
Street vendors were everywhere, enthusiastically calling out to customers.
In this city, merchants could conduct their business without fear of being robbed, unlike other parts of the Black-Corner Region, making it a very safe place.
However, as they approached the city center, they noticed that the vendors on one street were different from those on other streets.
Perhaps due to its proximity to Jia Nan Academy, most of the stalls on this street displayed items like Dou Techniques, cultivation methods, and pills.
"I wonder what the academy looks like inside!"
Xiao Yi Xian stood in the middle of the street, her gaze fixed on the ancient gates of the academy, filled with curiosity.
Seeing the longing in Xiao Yi Xian's eyes, Gu Fei chuckled and then led her and Qing Lin toward the entrance.
At the outer gate of the academy, guards were posted. When they saw the unfamiliar faces of Gu Fei and the others, they were about to stop them.
"Hold on!"
A voice suddenly called out from behind. The guard turned to see that it was an elder from the Outer Academy.
The guard then watched in astonishment as the elder naturally led Gu Fei inside the inner academy.
"Senior, this way, please."
The outer academy guard felt surprised, Emotional Value +1
"Did I hear that right? Did Elder Mu just call that kid 'Senior'?"
This scene left the guard at the gate completely shocked. He never expected that an elder from the Outer Academy would address a young man as 'Senior.'
Gu Fei leisurely followed the Outer Academy elder, completely ignoring the shocked expression of the guard.
Xiao Yi Xian caught sight of the guard's stunned face and couldn't help but giggle.
Qing Lin, however, didn't quite understand the situation and looked at Xiao Yi Xian in confusion before obediently following Gu Fei, her large green snake eyes curiously scanning her surroundings.
As soon as they entered the Outer Academy, Gu Fei spoke to the elder, "There's no need to guide us further; we'll just explore on our own."
Having an Outer Academy elder accompany them would draw attention wherever they went.
While Gu Fei didn't mind others' stares, it would definitely interfere with their tour of the academy.