Chapter 163: Gathering
To the Black-Corner Region?!
Hu Qian was slightly stunned upon hearing the answer. He quickly recalled their previous conversation and said, "Is he planning to establish a force in the Black-Corner Region?"
"That's what he intends to do, but as for the exact purpose, I haven't inquired," Su Qian nodded and responded in a calm voice. He didn't involve himself too much in Yao Yan's personal matters. Just as Canaan Academy wouldn't get involved in the power struggles of the Black-Corner Region, remaining neutral was always the academy's policy.
If it were possible, Su Qian even hoped that the situation could remain this way forever, but it seemed that the people of the Black-Corner Region didn't think so.
Thinking about what Hu Qian had just mentioned, Su Qian couldn't help but feel a headache. If Han Feng really had a master who was at least a Seven-Star Alchemist and had set his sights on Canaan Academy, the trouble they were about to face would be far from small.
Hu Qian asked, "Can we contact him?"
"He said he'd go out and look around. If nothing unexpected happens, he'll be back in at least a month, or up to three months," Su Qian said softly, his gaze momentarily flickering toward the energy cocoon that Xiao Yi Xian had transformed into. He could tell that Yao Yan placed great importance on her, possibly due to her true form.
"One to three months? Looks like we can't count on that kid for now," Hu Qian sighed helplessly.
"Canaan Academy has never relied on anyone else…" Su Qian said lightly. After a moment of thought, he added, "Notify the students of both the inner and outer academies, starting today, no one is to go outside. The Peace Town will also be temporarily sealed off, no one in or out. We will wait to confirm Han Feng's intentions before taking any further action."
"Understood!" Hu Qian nodded in agreement. Even if Su Qian hadn't said so, he would have issued the orders himself.
Once the discussion was over, his attention returned to the egg-shaped cocoon. He was quite interested in the subtle patterns on its surface, but with his current level, he couldn't discern anything special.
It seemed that Su Qian could sense Hu Qian's thoughts. He stroked his white beard and slowly said, "These patterns should be related to spatial power. But to comprehend them with our strength… we may not have a chance."
Spatial power could only be touched by those at the Dou Zong level, and to fully harness it, one needed the strength of a Dou Zun.
These patterns likely related to Xiao Yi Xian's bloodline, originating from her natural talent. To gain insight into them would be as difficult as creating a new technique. Without extraordinary talent and an innate understanding of spatial power, it would be impossible to comprehend.
"Just looking at it is fine. The conversation is over, and I must leave. There are still many matters awaiting me in the front yard."
Hu Qian understood Su Qian's meaning. He didn't want him wasting time, and with a shrug, he responded, then spread his Dou Qi wings and shot toward the outer academy. As the head of the outer academy, he didn't have the luxury of lingering in Su Qian's company.
Su Qian didn't stop him and watched him leave. Afterward, a shadow of gloom appeared in his eyes. He didn't act as casually as he had before.
There was something he hadn't told Hu Qian: the two elders of Canaan Academy were in seclusion again. When they were in seclusion, they hardly paid attention to anything outside. Even if Su Qian, the head of the inner academy, went to see them, he would most likely be unable to meet them, let alone ask for their help.
Both of the elders had reached the limits of Dou Zong and were highly skilled in spatial power. They could easily tear open a space, and if they didn't want to be seen, no one would find them, let alone send messages.
"These two old fools…" Su Qian muttered to himself, bitterness in his tone.
It was bad enough that the headmaster was merely a figurehead, but the two elders, despite their positions, had become similar. The whole academy was propped up by him alone, and the pressure was something only he could understand.
…
Demon Flame Valley.
Recently, Han Feng had been staying here. Partly to liaise with various factions against Canaan Academy, and partly because he didn't want to see Yao Yan. How could the great Alchemist King of the Black-Corner Region, known as the Medicine King, maintain even the slightest bit of dignity in front of Yao Yan? No one could stand it.
But Yao Yan's strength, especially his soul power at the Spiritual Realm level, made Han Feng feel completely helpless.
"Damn that guy… I hope your strength is as powerful as you claim, or else… cough cough!" Han Feng thought bitterly, suddenly feeling a wave of heat rise inside him. His hand clutched his chest as he coughed violently, his breath quickly becoming erratic.
This lasted for a while before slowly subsiding, leaving Han Feng's face twisted in a grimace.
"Damn that old man. If he had just taught me the 'Burning Decision' back then, none of this would have happened. What nonsense about having an improper mindset? My alchemy talent is far better than yours!" Han Feng clenched his fists, his eyes filled with anger and hatred. If only Elder Yao had given him the Burning Decision, he wouldn't have teamed up with the old man from the Mugu family, and everything that followed wouldn't have happened.
Elder Yao would still be his teacher, the respected Medicine King, and he wouldn't have fallen to the Black-Corner Region, being humiliated by some unknown person!
Ultimately, it was all Elder Yao's fault.
But soon, Han Feng pushed this hatred deep inside and regained his calm. He tapped on the table, and a figure soon appeared at the door. The person kneeled respectfully in front of him, speaking in a deep voice, "What orders does the master have?"
"Have you found anything from the secret investigation? Don't tell me there's still no news!" Han Feng's cold gaze fixed on the person.
"We haven't yet fully figured out the situation within the Eight Doors, but we've confirmed one thing: the old gentleman definitely came from Black Seal City. He was accompanied by a woman known as the Snake Lady, whose strength is said to be comparable to a high-level Dou Huang!"
Han Feng's subordinate, Han Beng, lowered his head and continued, "The situation surrounding her remains unclear, but this part is certain."
"Snake Lady?" Han Feng furrowed his brow, his heart moved. He had an impulse to capture her and use her to threaten Yao Yan, but after a moment, he abandoned the idea. The way that person had behaved gave no indication that she was concerned about this Snake Lady. If he wasn't careful, it could backfire, and he might end up giving Yao Yan an excuse to eliminate him instead.
"What's Yuan Yi's attitude?"
Han Feng closed his eyes for a moment before opening them again, staring at Han Beng, and asking.
"His attitude is cold. It seems he has completely sided with that person," Han Beng answered calmly, continuing his report. Those in their line of work were expected to remain emotionally detached and simply relay the facts without concealing anything.
"A fence-sitter, huh? Looks like the old ancestor of the Eight Doors is completely finished." Han Feng's gaze flickered, a cold smile forming on his lips as he spoke in a low voice.
If the old ancestor of the Eight Doors were still alive, Yuan Yi wouldn't be acting this way. The old man was once as famous as the head of Demon Flame Valley, and his strength was not to be underestimated.
"Fine. After this matter is settled, I'll settle things with him," Han Feng snorted coldly, before asking about the final matter, "What's been discovered inside the Inner Academy of Canaan Academy?"
"We don't have full details, but one thing is certain: there is a special place within the Inner Academy, called the Sky Burning Refining Tower. This tower is buried underground, and it contains a unique flame that can refine Dou Qi, accelerating cultivation. Every year, the top ten of the Inner Academy's strength rankings can enter the lowest level of the tower to undergo body tempering with the Origin Heart Flame, increasing their chances of advancing to Dou Wang…"
Just as Han Beng was about to continue, Han Feng suddenly interrupted.
"Is there really a heavenly flame?!" Han Feng stood up abruptly, his eyes burning with excitement and surprise.
As an alchemist, it was easy for him to deduce certain things from this information.
The Fallen Heart Flame, ranked 14th on the Heavenly Flame Ranking, had similar effects to what Han Beng described. For those below the Dou Zong level, it was undoubtedly a treasure. It could significantly speed up cultivation, and its power could temper the body, enhancing one's talent several times over. Its value was immeasurable.
Unfortunately, Han Feng had been so distracted by the news of the Heavenly Flame that he hadn't paid much attention to Canaan Academy, never realizing that such a treasure was hidden within.
A greedy look flashed in his eyes as he thought to himself.
If he could devour it using the Burning Decision, he was certain that all of his hidden dangers would disappear, and his cultivation speed would increase dramatically. Breaking through to Dou Zong would be no challenge, and with a few more heavenly flames, even Dou Zun wouldn't be out of reach.
But soon, Han Feng calmed himself. He knew that to obtain the Fallen Heart Flame, he would have to deal with Yao Yan first. Otherwise, everything was for nothing.
Yao Yan was not to be underestimated.
With that thought, Han Feng narrowed his eyes and whispered, "It's time to act."
With that, he stood up and pushed the door open, preparing to rally everyone and strike at Canaan Academy today. After all, the time for his agreement with Yao Yan was drawing near. If he didn't bring back the Fallen Heart Flame quickly, Yao Yan would surely turn his attention to his Heavenly Flame. If that was taken from him, his strength would drop to Dou Wang, or even Dou Ling.
If his strength dropped that much, he wouldn't just have trouble dealing with Yao Yan—he might not even be able to stay in the Black-Corner Region.
Since he had decided to act, Han Feng wouldn't wait any longer. Tonight would be the night!
The strong men he had gathered for this operation were many, and they were all well-known powerful figures from the Black-Corner Region. Among them, there were seven Dou Huang experts, plus the newly promoted Dou Zong, Mo Tianxing. Their combined strength was enough to wipe out most of the forces in the Black-Corner Region. Even Canaan Academy would be a challenge.
"Has the Medicine King finally left seclusion? I thought we'd have to wait a few more days~"
With a coquettish laugh, a seductive woman with a curvy figure walked in, swaying her hips and covering her mouth with a smile.
The woman was Su Mei, the head of the Rakshasa Sect, a powerful Two-Star Dou Huang. She had come because of the promise of the Huang Ji Dan. She had missed out on the auction in Black Seal City, and the pills had already been divided, including the crucial Breaking Sect Dan, which had fallen into the hands of Demon Flame Valley.
But in the face of such a powerful force as Demon Flame Valley, no one dared to rob them as they had before. With four high-level Dou Huang experts and an unfathomable ancestor in seclusion, no one dared to have any other ideas.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, Sect Leader Su," Han Feng said with a faint smile.
Su Mei was extremely seductive, with a body that was both fiery and curvy, but Han Feng wasn't interested. He knew how dangerous she was. Despite her Two-Star Dou Huang strength, her record was impressive. She had killed three high-level Dou Huang experts, and no one knew how many others had died at her hands.
But anyone who could stand their ground in the Black-Corner Region as a woman had to have some serious ability and means.
If he only saw her as a beautiful woman, he would definitely suffer a great loss.
"I'm honored to wait for the Medicine King's appearance." Su Mei covered her mouth and smiled lightly, her gaze seductive as she looked at him.
However, this charm didn't seem to have much effect on Han Feng.
"Have you seen enough, Sect Leader of the Blood Sect?" Han Feng turned his head and smiled.
With the words spoken, a slightly feminine man stepped out from behind the corner, his gaze cold and sharp. A faint smile appeared on his lips as he said, "There's nothing worth looking at. What concerns me more is the master you mentioned. We've been here for a few days now, and I wonder if there's a chance to meet this Seven-Star Alchemist you speak of."
"There will be a chance. Before that, I need to trouble you all to accompany me to Canaan Academy to retrieve something," Han Feng said softly.
As he spoke, several figures appeared nearby, all strong allies he had gathered for this operation. The leader among them was Mo Tianxing, a newly promoted Dou Zong, his injuries fully healed.
"Accompany you? No problem. But don't forget what you promised us," Fan Lao said, his eyes dark with a hint of menace.
Canaan Academy was renowned, but it couldn't stop the rise of the powerful forces from the last hundred years. People always forget, and the shock Canaan Academy brought to the Black-Corner Region had long since faded. Moreover, with the older generation nearly gone, who still remembered how terrifying Canaan Academy truly was?
"Don't worry, I'll fulfill my promises after this matter is finished. Including the Breaking Sect Dan you want. I'm sure you saw it in Demon Flame Valley. How's its quality? You know it well. My master's alchemy skills are just as good as my teacher's. If this mission goes well, there might even be extra rewards!"
Han Feng began making empty promises, lying without any hesitation. If he couldn't make it through this, he would have no future.
(END CHAPTER)
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