Chapter 246: A Mere Dou Zun, Nothing Worth Mentioning
The elderly Su Qian regarded Xiao Yan with a mixture of wariness and contemplation. From his earlier soul probe, he could sense the terrifying depth of Xiao Yan's strength. It wasn't just Tiger Qian Su Qian knew that even in his prime, he wouldn't stand a chance against this young man.
Xiao Yan looked at Su Qian's slightly pale face and smiled faintly.
"Grand Elder Su Qian, it seems you were injured by that Han Feng, weren't you?"
Hearing this, Su Qian's eyes widened slightly in surprise, while a trace of killing intent flickered across Tiger Qian's face.
Back when Han Feng had brought the Gold and Silver Elders to the Fallen Flame Refining Tower, they had nearly killed Su Qian. If not for the timely intervention of the academy's two elder guardians, Su Qian would have undoubtedly perished. The mere mention of Han Feng's name stirred anger in both men.
After a moment of thought, Su Qian asked cautiously,
"You know Han Feng?"
"Of course," Xiao Yan replied calmly. Then, with a straight face, he said something that caused both Su Qian and Tiger Qian to freeze.
"He's my senior brother."
Tiger Qian immediately retreated to the edge of the courtyard, his eyes fixed on Xiao Yan like a hawk. Even Su Qian tensed up, his guard raised.
Han Feng was already a formidable foe, but now his junior brother had appeared and he was even stronger. Su Qian calculated silently: if he didn't summon the two elder guardians quickly, this young man could wipe out both him and Tiger Qian with ease.
Seeing their tense expressions, Xiao Yan chuckled.
"There's no need to be so cautious. While we are indeed senior and junior brothers, our relationship is far from amicable. In fact, I've come here specifically to kill him."
His tone was calm, but Su Qian and Tiger Qian were both taken aback.
"You're trying to kill your own senior brother?" Su Qian asked, incredulous.
Xiao Yan shrugged. "I just find him annoying."
For a moment, both men were stunned speechless. What kind of reason is that?!
Xiao Yan ignored their reactions and turned his gaze toward the towering black structure in the distance.
"Grand Elder, that tall, ancient black tower is that the Fallen Flame Refining Tower?"
Su Qian's expression shifted slightly, and he asked,
"With your level of strength, the Fallen Flame Refining Tower shouldn't hold much use for you, should it?"
Xiao Yan smiled faintly.
"The tower itself isn't of much value to me, but the Fallen Heart Flame sealed at its base is another matter entirely."
At these words, Su Qian's expression darkened. His gaze turned icy as he stared at Xiao Yan.
"I suspected as much. Just like Han Feng, you're here for the Fallen Heart Flame!"
The tension in Su Qian's voice escalated as he continued,
"The Fallen Heart Flame is the cornerstone of our Inner Academy. Without it, the academy would lose its foundation. If you're here to take it, you'd best abandon that idea."
He added coldly,
"Even with your strength as a high level Dou Zong (Battle Sect), the academy's protectors won't let you succeed. Not even you can fight so many at once!"
Despite Su Qian's obvious hostility, Xiao Yan remained calm.
"Grand Elder, there's no need to be so agitated," he said with a smile. "While my goal is indeed the Fallen Heart Flame, I can offer the academy something that Han Feng could never provide."
Su Qian's eyes narrowed in suspicion.
"Even if you're a seven tier alchemist like Han Feng, there's nothing you could offer that would justify giving up the Fallen Heart Flame."
Xiao Yan chuckled softly. "What if I told you I could provide a new, more docile, and obedient Fallen Heart Flame to replace it?"
Su Qian's stern expression faltered, but he quickly shook his head.
"Impossible! The Fallen Heart Flame is incredibly rare. Finding even one is a monumental task. How could you possibly offer another?"
Xiao Yan smiled knowingly.
"How about this: after I secure a new Fallen Heart Flame for your academy, I'll take the current one in exchange. Does that sound fair?"
Su Qian blinked, caught off guard by Xiao Yan's confidence. After a long pause, he nodded slowly.
"If you can truly accomplish that, we might consider it. But..."
"Don't worry," Xiao Yan interrupted. "I won't touch the current Fallen Heart Flame until the new one is secured. Besides," he added with a smirk, "if I really wanted to take it by force, do you think your Inner Academy could stop me?"
"Arrogant!" Su Qian snapped, his frustration boiling over.
"Your strength may be impressive, but don't underestimate the foundation of our academy! And don't forget, our academy still has a headmaster who oversees us."
"You mean Mang Tian Chi?" Xiao Yan asked nonchalantly.
Su Qian's expression shifted again.
"You even know our headmaster's name?"
"A mere Dou Zun (Battle Venerate), nothing worth mentioning."
For a moment, Su Qian stood frozen, his mind reeling. This man doesn't seem like a madman... So how can he say something so outrageous?
Without waiting for a response, Xiao Yan continued.
"Now that we've reached an agreement, Grand Elder, could you arrange a place for me to stay? I assume the academy wouldn't reject a seven tier alchemist joining them, even temporarily?"
Su Qian and Tiger Qian exchanged glances. Though pleased at the idea of hosting a seven tier alchemist, they couldn't help but remain wary, remembering how Han Feng had betrayed them.
"Just don't forget your promise," Su Qian warned. "The Inner Academy won't tolerate betrayal."
"Of course," Xiao Yan said with an easy smile.
"In that case," Su Qian said, his expression softening, "we'll grant you the title of elder within the academy's alchemy department, starting today."
"That works for me," Xiao Yan replied, nodding.
"One last thing," Xiao Yan added. "From today onward, my name is Yanxiao. I'm just a six tier alchemist, and I have no connection to Han Feng."
Su Qian understood immediately. Xiao Yan wanted to avoid alerting Han Feng by keeping a low profile.
"Understood," Su Qian said. "Welcome, Elder Yanxiao."
Xiao Yan smiled.
"Pleasure to be here."
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