Chapter 78: Jia Nan Academy
After refining the Sea Heart Flame, Xiao Tian did not immediately head to Jia Nan Academy. Instead, he participated in several auctions in the Black-Corner Region, acquiring many medicinal herbs. Given the dangers of refining exotic flames, he needed to make ample preparations. Even though his physical strength was impressive, the power of the Fallen Heart Flame was comparable to a Dou Zong, far surpassing his own.
Xiao Tian planned to refine the sixth-tier Earth Spirit Pill, so he wouldn't have to search for herbs in the inner academy later. However, the ingredients for the Earth Spirit Pill were extremely rare. Despite participating in several auctions, he still hadn't gathered them all. Fortunately, he remembered that the last ingredient was available in the inner academy.
Apart from collecting herbs for the Earth Spirit Pill, Xiao Tian also gathered materials for the Fusion Spirit Pill, Emperor Extreme Pill, and Breakthrough Pill. After completing the refining process, he made one Fusion Spirit Pill, two Emperor Extreme Pills, and two Breakthrough Pills. He then gave the Fusion Spirit Pill to the Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python to help it fully merge its soul.
He then headed towards Jia Nan Academy with Xiao Yixian (Little Fairy Doctor). With an abundant supply of poison, Xiao Yixian's cultivation quickly advanced from Dou Zhe to Dou Ling in a short period, thanks to Xiao Tian's assistance. With the Stone Talisman absorbing any poison Dou Qi beyond her body's limit, her progress was rapid. Additionally, Xiao Tian refined a Three-Pattern Green Spirit Pill and two Purple Heart Barrier-Breaking Pills for her, boosting her strength by five stars, which helped her reach the Dou Ling level.
Several days later, Xiao Tian and Xiao Yixian arrived at Peace Town, situated between two majestic mountains, serving as Jia Nan Academy's frontier. The Black-Corner Region's murderous atmosphere dissipated upon their arrival, thanks to the presence of a giant black tree named the Dead Spirit Tree, with numerous corpses hanging from its branches.
"This is the Dead Spirit Tree?" Xiao Yixian curiously examined the corpses hanging from the tree, recognizing them as enemies who had offended Jia Nan Academy, including a Dou Huang and two Dou Wangs.
"In the Black-Corner Region, only iron and blood can establish order," Xiao Tian explained. "To keep those vicious criminals in check, they need to see the consequences of their actions."
As he spoke, they walked towards the town. As they entered, an invisible wave scanned them, checking for enemies of the academy. At the town's entrance, a team of uniformed personnel registered the newcomers' origins and names. Anyone wanting to enter had to consume a pill that detected killing intent.
Not wanting to consume an unknown pill, Xiao Tian walked forward, releasing his aura. A vast, terrifying aura, like an ancient beast awakening, spread from Xiao Tian, exerting immense pressure on everyone present. Those with lower cultivation felt as if they were carrying a mountain, nearly collapsing to the ground.
"What a terrifying aura!" "He's a Dou Huang!" "Is he challenging Jia Nan Academy?" "Who is this person?"
The surrounding crowd was shocked, fearing they might be caught in any ensuing conflict.
At that moment, a streak of light flew from a nearby building, landing before Xiao Tian. The light dispersed, revealing an elderly man whose aura matched Xiao Tian's, indicating he was also a Dou Huang.
"Friend, are you here to cause trouble for Jia Nan Academy?" the elder asked coldly.
"Of course not," Xiao Tian smiled. "I came to visit my sister and clan members who are studying here, and I'd also like to make a deal with your dean."
"Oh?" the elder inquired. "What are their names?"
"My sister is named Xiao Xun'er, and my clan members are Xiao Yu, Xiao Ning, Xiao Yan, and Xiao Mei," Xiao Tian replied.
"So you're from the Xiao Clan in Wu Tan City!" the elder exclaimed, recognizing the names. These individuals were now prominent figures in the outer academy, especially Xiao Xun'er, whose talent was extraordinary and whose background was so formidable that even Jia Nan Academy did not dare offend her. She was protected by a Dou Zong-level guardian.
The elder quickly summoned two enforcement team members to prepare a flying magical beast. Once ready, he told Xiao Tian, "Friend, they will take you to Jia Nan Academy. Don't wander off, or the patrolling guards might mistake you for an enemy."
"Thank you," Xiao Tian said, boarding the beast with Xiao Yixian. The flying beast's speed was slower than Xiao Tian's own, and it took them nearly a whole night to reach Jia Nan City.
Seeing the vast city ahead, Xiao Yixian marveled, "Is that Jia Nan City? It's so huge!"
As they neared the city, one of the enforcers informed Xiao Tian, "Lord Xiao Tian, we will land at the flying station in the city. Someone will guide you into Jia Nan Academy."
"Thank you," Xiao Tian said, handing them two bottles of medicinal pills. "These are for your trouble."
The enforcers politely declined, but Xiao Tian insisted. "They're not worth much. Just take them."
"Thank you, Lord Xiao Tian," they said, accepting the gift.
After landing, the enforcers arranged for a guide to lead Xiao Tian and Xiao Yixian to Jia Nan Academy. They then departed on another flying beast, returning to Peace Town for their duties. Meanwhile, Xiao Tian and Xiao Yixian followed the guide towards the academy.
(End of Chapter)