Chapter 79: The Deal
At the entrance of Jia Nan Academy, Xiao Tian and Xiao Yixian were waiting.
"Brother Xiao Tian!"
Soon, a clear and melodious voice echoed around them. Xiao Tian looked over and saw Xun'er, Ruo Lin, Xiao Yu, and others approaching. Upon seeing Xiao Tian, Xun'er's delicate face revealed an elegant smile that would make any man envious.
"Xun'er!"
Xiao Tian quickly walked over and greeted everyone else, "Tutor Ruo Lin, Cousin Xiao Yu, Cousin Xiao Ning..."
Xiao Yu glanced at Xiao Yixian standing nearby and whispered to Xiao Tian, "Cousin Xiao Tian, you're too much. You already have Xun'er, and yet you keep flirting around."
Xiao Tian rolled his eyes and said, "Xun'er doesn't mind, so why do you? Unless... you like me too?"
"Me? Like you?" Xiao Yu was initially stunned, then immediately scolded, "I like you, my foot!"
As she spoke, her cheeks turned slightly red, though it was unclear whether it was out of anger or embarrassment.
At this moment, Xun'er glanced at Xiao Yixian and asked Xiao Tian, "Brother Xiao Tian, who is she?"
"Hello," Xiao Yixian smiled and looked at the graceful girl in front of her, dressed in a light green dress like a lotus, and introduced herself, "My name is Xiao Yixian, pleased to meet you all."
Xun'er nodded, "Nice to meet you, I'm Xun'er."
After everyone got acquainted, Ruo Lin led the two into the academy.
On the way, Xiao Tian said to Ruo Lin, "Tutor Ruo Lin, could you take me to see your dean? I have something to discuss with him."
"See the dean?" Ruo Lin nodded, "Sure, I'll take you there right now."
"Great," Xiao Tian nodded and then told the others, "I'll go see the dean first, and we'll talk after I return!"
With that, Xiao Tian followed Ruo Lin.
Ruo Lin led Xiao Tian to a courtyard where the dean of the outer academy resided. As soon as they entered the gate, they saw an old man watering flowers. The old man, dressed in a red robe with white hair and beard, looked like an ordinary elderly man. However, Xiao Tian sensed an incredibly powerful aura from him.
Ruo Lin said, "Dean Hu Gan, this is Xun'er's cousin. He said he has something to discuss with you."
Upon hearing this, the old man turned around.
"Huh?"
When Hu Gan's eyes fell on Xiao Tian, he was surprised. He realized he could only see Xiao Tian but couldn't sense his presence. This could only mean that Xiao Tian's cultivation was far superior, or his soul power was exceptionally strong. Of course, it could also be due to a treasure concealing his aura. Either way, it indicated that Xiao Tian was extraordinary.
"Are you from the ancient clans?" Hu Gan asked, considering only someone from an ancient clan might have such cultivation or wealth.
"No," Xiao Tian shook his head. "I come from the Xiao family in Wu Tan City. You can call me Xiao Tian."
"Are you the Xiao Tian who reached the Dou Wang level at the age of seventeen and is also an alchemist?" Hu Gan patted his head and invited him with a smile, "Let's talk inside."
He led Xiao Tian inside and offered him fragrant tea. After taking a sip, Hu Gan asked, "What brings you to see me, Young Master Xiao Tian?"
Xiao Tian said slowly, "Actually, I need Dean Hu Gan to help me contact the Great Elder of the Inner Academy."
"The Inner Academy?" Hu Gan's eyes narrowed, "I assume Young Master Xiao Tian is here for the Fallen Heart Flame?"
"Indeed," Xiao Tian didn't hide his intentions, "I'm here for the Fallen Heart Flame."
"I didn't expect Young Master Xiao Tian to know about the Fallen Heart Flame. It seems you've done your homework," Hu Gan said, surprised. Over the years, they had kept the information about the Fallen Heart Flame well hidden. Although some people knew about it, they didn't know exactly which flame it was. That Xiao Tian could name it showed his diligence.
Xiao Tian, with his prior knowledge as a transmigrator, was well aware of the situation. He said seriously, "I hope Dean Hu Gan can help me. If successful, I am willing to offer a Breakthrough Pill."
Hu Gan's eyes gleamed at the mention of the Breakthrough Pill. He had been stuck at the peak of the Dou Huang level for many years and needed this pill. However, he shook his head and said, "I'm sorry, but the Fallen Heart Flame is extremely important to our academy. I cannot agree to this."
The Fallen Heart Flame was crucial for Jia Nan Academy's status as the most renowned academy on the Dou Qi Continent. Using it, they had built the Sky Burning Qi Refining Tower, which accelerated students' progress to the Dou Wang level. Without it, the academy's status would plummet, which Hu Gan, as the dean of the outer academy, did not want to see.
"Dean Hu Gan, I understand the importance of the Fallen Heart Flame to Jia Nan Academy," Xiao Tian said calmly. "But do you think you can keep it contained forever?"
Hu Gan's expression turned serious. As a high-ranking member of the academy, he knew that the Fallen Heart Flame had been increasingly trying to break free from its seal. If the academy's dean were present, there would be no concern. However, the dean had been traveling, and even the Great Elder didn't know his whereabouts. The academy's high-ranking members had to reinforce the seal themselves, which was not as effective as the dean's efforts. Over the years, the flame had grown stronger, and once it reached a certain level, it would inevitably break free, causing a catastrophe for the inner academy.
"Although you're right, the Fallen Heart Flame won't break free for now," Hu Gan smiled. "I believe the dean will return by then, and any crisis will be resolved."
Xiao Tian said, "What if I could refine the Fallen Heart Flame and still maintain the Sky Burning Qi Refining Tower's special effects for rapid advancement?"
(End of Chapter)