All of them soon boarded the massive flying magical beast, its enormous wings spreading wide as powerful gusts of wind swept across the ground, and within moments, it slowly lifted off, rising higher and higher into the sky as Udan City gradually shrank beneath them.
For many of them, this was their first time leaving the city.
Their eyes were filled with excitement…
And a little nervousness.
Xiao Feng, however, remained calm as always.
After ensuring everyone had settled, he led his group toward a specially reserved room inside the flying beast—spacious, stable, and meant for higher-status passengers.
Once inside, he turned to face them, his expression composed yet serious.
"We will reach Canaan Academy in about ten to fifteen days," he said calmly.
Hearing this, everyone straightened slightly, paying full attention.
"So don't waste this time," Xiao Feng continued, his tone firm. "Use these days to cultivate and improve yourselves. Once we arrive, you won't have the same freedom or comfort."
Xiao Ding nodded immediately.
"Understood."
Xiao Li crossed his arms slightly, a faint smirk on his face.
"Looks like even the journey won't be easy," he said.
Xiao Feng glanced at him.
"Did you expect it to be?"
A faint chuckle spread among the group, easing the tension slightly.
Then Xiao Feng's gaze shifted.
"Xiao Yi Xian."
She stepped forward immediately and sat beside him as he gestured.
"You need to reach 4th level Dou Master before we arrive," Xiao Feng said directly, his tone leaving no room for doubt. "And your alchemy—push it to the peak of 2nd Grade."
Xiao Yi Xian blinked slightly, surprised by the pressure of the goal, but then nodded firmly without hesitation.
"I will do that" she said seriously.
Xiao Feng continued, his voice lowering slightly,
"And prepare some poisons as well—ones that can be used in combat situations and in fire-based competitions. You will need them."
A faint, confident smile appeared on Xiao Yi Xian's face.
"I understand," she said softly.
The others glanced at her, some surprised, some impressed, but none questioned Xiao Feng's decision.
Soon after—
The room fell into silence.
Everyone began cultivating.
Days passed one after another, the flying beast steadily crossing vast distances, while inside, the group remained immersed in training, pushing themselves with everything they had.
Until suddenly—
A subtle fluctuation appeared.
At first, it was faint.
Almost unnoticeable.
But far ahead, standing at the head of the flying beast—
The Dou King elder's eyes snapped open.
Elder Lightning.
His gaze turned sharp instantly as he looked back toward the rear section of the beast, where Xiao Feng and his group were stationed.
"That aura…" he muttered under his breath, a hint of surprise flashing across his usually composed expression.
In the next moment—
The fluctuation intensified.
The surrounding air began to tremble slightly.
A surge of Dou Qi rose like a silent wave, spreading outward from within the beast itself.
Elder Lightning's expression turned serious.
"Lower the altitude. Now."
The handlers froze for a brief second before reacting immediately.
"Yes, Elder!"
The massive flying beast let out a deep cry as its wings adjusted, slowly descending to a lower altitude to stabilize against the sudden pressure building within.
Inside the reserved chamber—
The energy had already erupted.
Xiao Ding's eyes snapped open.
"Something's wrong—!"
Before he could finish—
A powerful aura burst forth.
Xiao Li stood up abruptly.
"That's… Xiao Feng?!"
At the center of the room, Xiao Feng sat unmoving, yet his body was surrounded by dense, surging Dou Qi, spiraling upward like a storm gathering force.
The pressure increased with every passing second.
Outside—
Even Elder Lightning could clearly sense it now.
"Breaking through mid-flight…" he said quietly, a trace of disbelief in his tone.
Inside the room—
The energy reached its peak.
Then—
It broke.
A powerful wave of Dou Qi spread outward before quickly being drawn back in, as if the entire surge had been forcefully compressed into a single point.
Silence followed.
Xiao Feng slowly opened his eyes.
The aura around him stabilized completely.
4-Star Dou Spirit.
Xiao Ding let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding.
"He actually broke through…"
Xiao Li shook his head slightly, still staring.
"And during the journey… like it's nothing…"
Xiao Feng remained calm, as if this was all expected.
"It was just a matter of time," he said simply.
Outside, the flying beast gradually stabilized as the pressure disappeared.
Elder Lightning stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze still directed toward Xiao Feng's location, his expression thoughtful.
After a moment, he spoke again, this time calmly.
"Resume altitude."
"Yes, Elder!"
The flying beast rose once more, regaining its previous speed and height as the journey continued forward—
But now—
The atmosphere had subtly changed.
Because everyone present—
Knew they were traveling with someone far from ordinary.
Due to the disturbance caused by Xiao Feng's sudden breakthrough, the journey had been delayed for a short period of time, the flying magical beast forced to lower its altitude and stabilize under the overwhelming pressure that had spread through its body…
But now—
Everything had completely returned to normal.
The skies were once again calm.
The beast regained its rhythm.
Its massive wings beat steadily against the wind as it cut through the vast expanse of clouds, moving faster than before as if making up for the lost time.
Inside, the atmosphere had also settled.
Everyone had returned to cultivation, though the earlier scene still lingered in their minds, silently reminding them just how far ahead Xiao Feng truly was.
Days passed like this—
Quiet.
Steady.
Focused.
And then—
Something changed.
A large settlement slowly began to appear in the distance, emerging from the horizon like a mirage, growing clearer with every passing moment as the flying beast approached.
"Look!" Xiao Ding suddenly exclaimed, unable to hold back his excitement as he stepped closer to the edge and pointed outward. "What place is that?"
His voice broke the calm, drawing everyone's attention instantly.
Xiao Li walked over as well, narrowing his eyes slightly as he tried to get a better look.
"…That's no small town," he muttered.
Xiao Yan followed, his gaze sharp as always, silently observing the structure and layout of the place below.
Xiao Yi Xian stepped forward more quietly, her eyes filled with curiosity as she looked at the unfamiliar land ahead.
At that moment—
Xiao Feng slowly stood up.
He walked forward at an unhurried pace, his expression calm, his eyes steady as he looked toward the distant settlement.
"That…" he said, his voice even and composed, "is Peace Town."
"Peace Town?" Xiao Li repeated, raising an eyebrow, his tone carrying a hint of disbelief. "It doesn't exactly look peaceful…"
A faint smile appeared on Xiao Feng's face.
"It lies within the jurisdiction of Canaan Academy," he explained patiently. "This is the Black-Corner Region."
Xiao Ding blinked in surprise.
"The Black-Corner Region…? That chaotic place people always talk about?"
Xiao Li frowned slightly, his expression turning more serious.
"I've heard even Dou Spirits struggle to survive there… that it's filled with killing and lawlessness."
"It is chaotic," Xiao Feng replied calmly, not denying it in the slightest.
"Then how does the academy control a place like that?" Xiao Yan asked, his voice low but sharp, clearly thinking deeper into the matter.
Xiao Feng's gaze shifted slightly, growing deeper as he looked toward Peace Town.
"Fear."
Just a single word—
Yet it caused everyone to fall silent.
Xiao Ding swallowed lightly before speaking again, unable to suppress his curiosity.
"…What do you mean by that?"
Xiao Feng continued, his tone calm but carrying a quiet weight that made every word sink deeply.
"Long ago, powerful enemies challenged the authority of the academy," he said slowly.
He paused for a brief moment, letting the words settle.
"And in response… the academy's elders killed multiple Dou Emperor-level experts."
"…What?" Xiao Li's expression froze instantly, his usual composure breaking for the first time.
"Dou Emperors?!" Xiao Ding exclaimed, his voice filled with disbelief. "You're serious?!"
Xiao Feng nodded once.
"They didn't stop there," he continued, his voice unwavering. "They hung their corpses outside the region—publicly."
Silence.
A cold chill ran through everyone present.
Xiao Yi Xian's expression turned serious, her brows knitting slightly.
"…That's ruthless."
"It was necessary," Xiao Feng replied calmly. "That single act built the academy's reputation."
Xiao Yan clenched his fist slightly, his eyes sharp with understanding.
"So after that… no one dared to challenge them again."
"Exactly," Xiao Feng said.
Xiao Li let out a slow breath, shaking his head slightly.
"…So that's the kind of place we're heading into."
Xiao Ding gave a small, nervous laugh.
"And here I thought joining the academy would be simple…"
Xiao Feng did not respond immediately.
He simply looked forward—
Toward Peace Town…
Toward the Black-Corner Region…
Toward everything that awaited them.
His eyes remained calm—
But within them, there was a quiet anticipation.
"Yes," he said at last.
As the flying magical beast finally descended toward Peace Town, its massive wings stirring up clouds of dust and wind, the group could clearly see the bustling settlement below—far from peaceful, filled with restless movement, sharp gazes, and an undercurrent of danger that lingered in the air.
Once they landed, the members of the Canaan Academy began organizing the students and preparing for entry procedures.
Xiao Feng stepped down calmly, his eyes scanning the surroundings briefly before turning toward Elder Lightning.
"Elder," he said in a composed tone, "I'll have to trouble you to look after them for now."
Elder Lightning looked at him, slightly narrowing his eyes.
"You're not coming with the group?" he asked.
"I have something important to report," Xiao Feng replied directly.
Elder Lightning studied him for a moment, then gave a slow nod.
"…Very well. Leave them to me."
Xiao Feng inclined his head slightly in acknowledgment.
Then—
Without hesitation—
He reached out and took Xiao Yi Xian's hand.
The sudden action caught everyone's attention.
Xiao Ding blinked.
"…He's just taking her like that?"
Xiao Li crossed his arms, raising an eyebrow.
"Looks like something serious."
Xiao Yu watched silently, her gaze thoughtful.
Xiao Yi Xian herself was slightly startled at first, but she did not resist.
Instead, she followed quietly, her expression calm but her eyes carrying a trace of curiosity.
Xiao Feng did not explain anything further.
He simply led her forward—
In the direction where the Fire Elder resided.
As they moved away from the group, Xiao Yi Xian finally spoke softly.
"…Is it about my body?"
Xiao Feng glanced at her briefly.
"Yes."
She tightened her grip on his hand slightly but did not say anything more.
Because she already understood.
This was not something ordinary.
They soon arrived at a quieter, heavily guarded section within Peace Town—a place where the noise of the outside world seemed to fade on its own, replaced by a stillness that carried weight and authority, the kind of silence that made one instinctively lower their voice and straighten their posture. It was clear without needing to be told that this was a place reserved only for those who stood at the peak, where decisions were not made lightly and where every word carried consequence.
Without wasting any time, Xiao Feng requested an audience. His movements were steady, his expression calm, and there was a quiet certainty in him that did not seek approval nor fear rejection—it simply acted. He was granted entry swiftly, as if his presence alone already held enough weight.
Inside the chamber, a steady flame burned softly, casting a warm yet controlled glow across the room. There were no unnecessary decorations, no signs of extravagance—only simplicity and discipline, as if the space itself reflected the temperament of its owner. Seated within was a single figure—the Fire Elder. There were no other elders, no attendants, no observers. Just a teacher… and two young individuals standing before him.
The Fire Elder slowly lifted his gaze. His eyes were calm, yet deep, like a flame that had long passed the stage of wild burning and entered a state of complete control. He did not rush them. He did not question immediately. He simply observed.
Xiao Feng stepped forward and gave a respectful bow—not excessive, not submissive, but precise and appropriate. "Teacher," he said in a steady voice, "I seek your guidance on an important matter."
The Fire Elder watched him for a brief moment before speaking, his tone even and composed, carrying the quiet authority of someone accustomed to teaching and judging alike. "Speak clearly."
Xiao Feng nodded once and began without hesitation. He explained everything—Xiao Yi Xian's Calamity Poison Body, its terrifying growth potential that could rival even the most gifted cultivators, its unstable nature that could spiral out of control if left unchecked, and its deadly consequences that could harm not only herself but anyone around her. Then, without pause, he moved to the most important part—the method he had already prepared to control it.
The Fire Elder did not interrupt. He listened completely, allowing every word to settle. Only after Xiao Feng finished did he speak, slowly repeating, "Calamity Poison Body…" as if weighing the words themselves. His gaze shifted to Xiao Yi Xian. "That kind of constitution is dangerous."
Xiao Yi Xian instinctively lowered her head slightly, but before any doubt could take root, Xiao Feng spoke again. "Yes," he said calmly, "but danger lies in ignorance, not in the nature itself."
The Fire Elder's eyes sharpened faintly, and Xiao Feng continued—not defensively, but like a teacher explaining a principle. He spoke of balance, of how poison was not purely destruction but something that could be guided, of how he had used pills refined from Green Lotus Core Seeds to introduce wood attribute Qi into her body. He explained how the wood Qi did not suppress the poison forcefully, but instead stabilized it, creating a second layer of balance within her meridians.
He then described how he guided her to extract the poison continuously instead of allowing it to accumulate, turning it into something usable. In alchemy, he explained, impurities must be removed—and in her case, the poison itself became a tool. She used it to burn away impurities more efficiently than ordinary flames, and before the final stage, she isolated the pure medicinal essence and removed all traces of poison completely.
Silence followed, but this time it was not filled with doubt—it was filled with consideration. The Fire Elder leaned back slightly and said, "You are teaching her to control the poison instead of resisting it."
"Yes," Xiao Feng replied.
"That requires precision… and strong soul control," the Fire Elder continued.
"I have already begun guiding her in that as well," Xiao Feng answered without hesitation.
The Fire Elder's gaze returned to Xiao Yi Xian, but now it had changed. He was no longer looking at a dangerous variable—he was looking at a student. After a moment, he spoke again, his tone steady and measured. "If what you have said is accurate, then this is not a flaw. It is a rare path. As long as she does not lose control before reaching Dou Zong, and as long as your method remains effective, she need not be restrained."
Xiao Yi Xian slowly lifted her head, surprise and disbelief flickering in her eyes. The Fire Elder looked at her directly and continued, "Talent is meaningless without guidance. But you… have already been guided correctly."
He paused briefly, then made his decision. "I will take responsibility for your growth. I will guide you personally."
There was no exaggeration in his voice, no grand declaration—only certainty.
Xiao Yi Xian's heart trembled slightly at those words, while Xiao Feng remained calm, as if everything was proceeding exactly as expected.
The Fire Elder fell silent once more, his fingers resting lightly as if his thoughts were still moving beneath the surface. Then suddenly, something seemed to connect in his mind. His gaze sharpened again as it shifted back to Xiao Feng.
"You said earlier," he began, his tone now carrying the edge of a teacher testing a claim rather than simply listening, "that she has already stepped onto the path of an alchemist…"
He paused briefly, his eyes fixed on Xiao Feng.
"…didn't you?"