Seeing the increasingly excited expressions across the entire plaza—
Xiao Feng suddenly smiled faintly once again.
Then—
Under countless gazes—
He slowly raised his hand.
The noisy Central Plaza instantly became quiet.
Xiao Feng calmly spoke,
"Since everyone is already here today…"
"Then let me officially announce one more thing."
The surrounding students immediately became curious again.
Meanwhile—
Even Su Qian silently looked toward Xiao Feng helplessly.
This little fellow truly planned to shock everyone until the very end.
At this moment—
Xiao Feng's calm voice echoed throughout the plaza.
"Starting today…"
"The city we established within the Black Corner Region…"
"Will officially be named—"
"Fire City."
Boom!!!
The entire Central Plaza instantly erupted.
"Fire City?!"
"What an overbearing name!"
"The Fire Faction really plans to establish its own force outside the academy!"
Many students immediately became excited.
Some even began discussing joining immediately.
Meanwhile—
Lin Xiuya revealed a faint smile.
Han Yue silently nodded.
Even Liu Fei and Liu Qing were slightly stunned.
Clearly—
Even they did not expect Xiao Feng to publicly announce everything so soon.
Xiao Feng calmly continued,
"Fire City…"
"Will become the external headquarters of the Fire Faction."
"It will welcome talents from every region."
"And one day…"
"It will become a true powerhouse city of the northwest continent."
His voice was calm—
Yet filled with confidence.
At that moment—
Countless younger students looked toward Xiao Feng with fiery admiration.
Meanwhile—
Su Qian helplessly sighed inwardly once more.
This little monster…
Was already beginning to build his own power before even graduating.
Soon afterward—
The competition finally came to an official end.
The elders gradually began leaving.
Many students also returned toward their residences excitedly while continuously discussing today's shocking events.
Xiao Feng and Zi Yan becoming dual first ranks…
The terrifying dragon battle…
The announcement of Fire City…
Everything today would undoubtedly shake the entire Inner Academy for a very long time.
As the crowd gradually dispersed—
Xiao Feng suddenly looked toward Liu Fei and Liu Qing.
"You two…"
"Come to the meeting hall later."
Both siblings were slightly startled.
However—
They quickly nodded.
Soon afterward—
Inside the Fire Faction meeting room.
The atmosphere had become much quieter.
Xiao Feng sat calmly at the main seat.
Beside him were Xiao Yi Xian, Han Yue, Lin Xiuya, Qing Lin, and several core members.
Meanwhile—
Liu Fei and Liu Qing sat opposite somewhat nervously.
At this moment—
Xiao Feng looked toward Liu Fei first.
"How have you been adapting to the Inner Academy recently?"
Liu Fei blinked slightly.
Then—
She softly answered,
"Very well…"
"Actually much better than before."
Xiao Feng nodded slightly.
Compared to the original arrogant and impulsive personality she once possessed—
The current Liu Fei had clearly matured greatly.
Especially after Liu Qing nearly lost his life previously—
Her temperament had become calmer and smarter.
She no longer acted recklessly at every disagreement.
Instead—
She gradually learned how to observe situations carefully.
At this moment—
Liu Fei hesitated briefly before finally asking softly,
"But…"
"Why did you specifically call me here instead of only my brother?"
The moment those words fell—
The room became slightly quiet.
Xiao Feng calmly looked toward her.
Then—
He slowly spoke.
"It's for your own protection."
Liu Fei became stunned.
Xiao Feng continued calmly,
"In the future…"
"Your clan will likely face pressure from another family possessing a Sixth-Rank Alchemist."
"And because of that…"
"They may attempt to force you into a political marriage."
The moment those words entered her ears—
Liu Fei's face instantly became pale slightly.
Because she knew clearly—
Such things were extremely common among large clans.
Especially women with talent and background.
Xiao Feng calmly continued,
"I don't want that to happen."
"So before that day arrives…"
"You need enough ability and influence to speak for yourself."
Liu Fei's eyes instantly trembled slightly.
At this moment—
Xiao Feng looked toward Xiao Yi Xian and Han Yue.
"From now onward…"
"You will assist Xiao Yi Xian and Han Yue in managing the Fire Faction's finances, logistics, and expansion matters."
"You need to learn how to manage resources, people, and negotiations."
"Only then…"
"Will you truly possess enough qualifications to control your own future."
Hearing this—
Liu Fei finally could not hold back anymore.
Her eyes instantly became red.
After all—
Very few people genuinely considered her future this carefully.
Especially without expecting anything in return.
"T-Thank you…"
Her voice trembled slightly.
Then—
Tears slowly began falling from her eyes.
Seeing this—
Xiao Feng helplessly smiled.
He gently rubbed her head lightly.
"Alright…"
"Stop crying."
"You're not a little girl anymore."
Liu Fei hurriedly wiped her tears while lowering her head embarrassedly.
Meanwhile—
Liu Qing silently looked toward Xiao Feng with deep gratitude.
At this moment—
Xiao Feng suddenly turned toward him.
"Your cultivation has improved quite a bit recently."
"But…"
"Why didn't you participate in the Strong Ranking competition?"
Liu Qing bitterly smiled slightly.
"My right hand still has a hidden injury."
"Especially when using spear techniques for prolonged battles."
"I mainly fight using that arm…"
"So I decided not to force myself this time."
"I'll try during the next ranking competition instead."
Hearing this—
Xiao Feng slowly nodded.
Then he calmly asked,
"How is the current situation within your clan?"
This time—
Liu Qing immediately smiled.
"Very good actually."
"With the medicinal pills you previously supplied…"
"Our clan currently possesses stable Fourth to Sixth-Rank pill reserves."
"Although shipments only arrive every two months…"
"It's already more than enough for us."
Hearing this—
Xiao Feng nodded thoughtfully.
Then—
He suddenly spoke calmly,
"Liu Qing."
"Join the Fire Faction officially right now."
The room became slightly quiet.
Xiao Feng calmly continued,
"Lin Xiuya, Han Yue, and the others will likely graduate within two years."
"By then…"
"We'll need reliable people managing Fire City."
"You possess leadership ability."
"And your earth-metal affinity is extremely suitable for battlefield command."
"Additionally…"
"Once Fire City grows larger…"
"You'll gain access to better cultivation resources, battle opportunities, and authority."
Without even hesitating—
Liu Qing directly nodded firmly.
"I agree."
At this moment—
Xiao Feng suddenly waved his sleeve lightly.
Two jade scrolls instantly appeared before him.
One crimson.
One dark yellow.
The room instantly became shocked.
Because both scrolls radiated Earth Class fluctuations.
Xiao Feng handed the crimson scroll toward Liu Fei.
"This is an Earth Class Low-Level Dou Technique."
"Blazing Scarlet Spirit Dance."
"It specializes in explosive flame movement and rapid close-range attacks."
"It suits your flame affinity perfectly."
Liu Fei's eyes widened completely.
An Earth Class technique?!
Even large clans treated such things as treasures.
Meanwhile—
Xiao Feng handed the second scroll toward Liu Qing.
"This one…"
"Earth Shattering Dragon Spear Art."
"An Earth Class Low-Level spear technique."
"It perfectly matches your earth-dominant metal affinity."
Liu Qing became completely stunned.
His hands even trembled slightly while receiving the scroll.
Earth Class techniques…
Xiao Feng had casually handed them over like ordinary items.
At this moment—
Both siblings felt their minds becoming blank.
Meanwhile—
Xiao Feng simply stood up calmly.
"You two should cultivate properly."
"The future Fire City…"
"Will require many capable people."
Then—
Without waiting for their response—
He directly walked toward the meeting room exit.
Leaving behind Liu Fei and Liu Qing completely dumbfounded.
Two days passed faster than anyone expected.
Ever since the end of the Strong Ranking Competition—
The entire Inner Academy had remained extremely lively.
Almost every discussion revolved around Xiao Feng, Zi Yan, and the newly announced Fire City.
However—
Today—
The atmosphere throughout the academy had become far more serious.
Because the day of the Fallen Heart Flame Tempering had finally arrived.
Early in the morning—
The Sky Burning Qi Refining Tower had already been completely sealed.
Especially the final three underground levels.
No ordinary students were allowed entry today.
Numerous elders guarded every entrance personally.
After all—
The tempering process involving the Fallen Heart Flame was extremely dangerous.
Even slight mistakes could seriously damage one's meridians or spiritual consciousness.
At this moment—
Inside the massive underground tower—
The Top Ten students slowly descended floor by floor under the guidance of the elders.
The deeper they traveled—
The hotter the surrounding fire energy became.
Even the air itself looked distorted.
The structure of the entire Sky Burning Qi Refining Tower resembled an inverted pyramid buried deep underground.
The lower one descended—
The smaller and narrower the space became.
Meanwhile—
The terrifying fire poison hidden within the energy also became increasingly dense.
At this moment—
Su Qian slowly turned around while looking toward everyone.
"Remember."
"Once the tempering begins…"
"Do not force yourselves recklessly."
"If you cannot endure it…"
"Immediately withdraw."
Everyone nodded seriously.
Even Lin Xiuya and Han Yue revealed solemn expressions.
Only Zi Yan curiously looked around everywhere while eating medicinal pills again.
At this moment—
Xiao Feng suddenly waved his sleeve lightly.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
Several jade bottles instantly floated before everyone.
Rich medicinal fragrance spread throughout the underground level immediately.
Many elders instantly became slightly shocked.
Because the quality of the pills was extremely high.
Xiao Feng calmly spoke,
"These are Clear Spirit Flame Pills."
"They stabilize the mind and strengthen spiritual resilience."
"They'll help resist the emotional erosion caused by the Fallen Heart Flame."
"Consume one before beginning the tempering."
Hearing this—
Everyone instantly revealed grateful expressions.
After all—
The most dangerous aspect of the Fallen Heart Flame was not merely physical pain.
It was the heart demons and emotional disturbances it could trigger.
Such pills were absolutely invaluable here.
Even Su Qian nodded approvingly.
"This little fellow really prepared thoroughly."
Soon—
Everyone consumed their medicinal pills.
The cool medicinal energy immediately spread throughout their minds.
Many people instantly felt their thoughts become clearer and calmer.
At this moment—
The Top Ten members gradually entered their designated cultivation rooms on the final underground floor.
The surrounding walls were glowing dark red from the terrifying heat.
Meanwhile—
At the very center of the underground level—
A gigantic black pit silently existed.
Like a bottomless abyss.
Scorching heat continuously surged upward from within it.
At this moment—
Xiao Feng slowly walked toward the edge of the massive pit.
A transparent crystal barrier surrounded the area.
Through it—
One could vaguely see the deep underground magma world below.
Looking down—
Even Xiao Feng's eyes narrowed slightly.
The endless magma sea continuously rolled beneath the tower like an underground ocean.
Terrifying fire energy surged upward constantly.
"This really is an incredible place…"
He muttered softly.
Meanwhile—
Several elders silently observed him from behind.
At this moment—
Xiao Feng slowly activated his soul perception slightly.
Crimson flames quietly gathered within his pupils.
Instantly—
The dark underground magma world changed completely.
Within the endless darkness—
A gigantic invisible fire python slowly floated deep underground.
Its enormous body stretched endlessly through the magma world.
Twisted invisible flames continuously burned around it.
Its pressure alone was enough to suffocate ordinary Dou Kings.
At this moment—
The gigantic fire python suddenly raised its head slowly.
Its enormous triangular pupils directly locked onto Xiao Feng.
The surrounding temperature instantly rose violently.
Xiao Feng's eyes narrowed slightly.
"So you noticed me too…"
====
At that moment The crimson flames within Xiao Feng's eyes flickered slightly.
Then A silver-red flame suddenly emerged quietly beside his shoulder.
It floated gently in the air like a living creature.
The flame slowly twisted and transformed.
Gradually—
A small spirit creature appeared.
It possessed a slender dragon-like body covered in silver-red flames.
Its wings resembled those of a phoenix.
Tiny flame feathers continuously scattered from its body like glowing embers.
A pair of ancient silver pupils quietly stared downward into the magma world.
This was Xiao Long.
However Unlike before Nobody around could see it.
Not even Su Qian.
Not the elders.
Not even the Fallen Heart Flame seal guardians.
Only Xiao Feng And the Fallen Heart Flame deep underground Could perceive its existence.
At this moment The small flame spirit quietly floated beside Xiao Feng.
Then It tilted its head slightly toward the gigantic invisible fire python below.
"Hssss…"
A strange low draconic hiss echoed softly within Xiao Feng's mind.
Its tone was clearly filled with disdain.
Meanwhile Deep underground The enormous invisible fire python suddenly froze slightly.
Its gigantic eyes instantly locked onto Xiao Long.
For the first time—
Fear appeared faintly within those violent pupils.
At this moment—
Xiao Long slowly spread its phoenix-like wings.
Silver-red flames quietly rippled outward.
An ancient suppressive aura silently descended.
The surrounding magma sea instantly became restless.
The invisible fire python suddenly roared furiously.
BOOOOM!!!
The magma exploded violently.
The gigantic python instantly surged upward toward the fire well.
Meanwhile—
Xiao Long merely stared downward coldly.
Its silver pupils carried absolute contempt.
"HSSSSS—!"
The flame spirit suddenly let out another sharp draconic cry.
This time—
The invisible fire python became even more enraged.
It violently smashed against the surrounding spatial seal repeatedly.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
The entire underground level trembled slightly.
At this moment—
Su Qian's expression changed immediately.
"What happened?!"
"The Fallen Heart Flame suddenly became restless again!"
Several elders hurriedly reinforced the spatial formation.
Meanwhile—
Xiao Feng helplessly rubbed his forehead slightly.
"You…"
"Stop provoking it."
Xiao Long flicked its flaming tail unhappily.
"Hssss…"
Clearly It still looked extremely unconvinced.
To it The Fallen Heart Flame was merely an immature flame spirit.
Completely unworthy of acting arrogantly before it.
At this moment—
The invisible fire python suddenly opened its gigantic mouth violently.
Invisible flames exploded outward continuously while burning against the spatial cage.
However—
No matter how violently it struggled—
The seal remained completely intact.
Meanwhile—
Xiao Long quietly floated beside Xiao Feng again.
Its silver eyes still calmly stared downward.
Like a superior predator silently observing weaker prey.
====
At that moment—
Seeing the gigantic invisible fire python repeatedly smashing helplessly against the spatial seal Xiao Long suddenly floated higher into the air.
Its tiny dragon-phoenix body curled lazily while silver-red flames flickered around it rhythmically.
Then A strange spiritual sound echoed directly into Xiao Feng's mind.
"Hsssss… krrr…"
Although no actual words were spoken—
Xiao Feng could clearly understand its meaning.
The little flame spirit was laughing.
Mocking the Fallen Heart Flame openly.
Its silver eyes were filled with obvious ridicule.
As though saying "So this is all you can do?"
"A trapped little snake."
Meanwhile—
Deep underground—
The invisible fire python became completely enraged.
Roar!!!!!
The magma world exploded violently again.
Its enormous body slammed repeatedly against the spatial cage like a mad beast.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
The entire underground tower trembled continuously.
Several students undergoing tempering immediately became pale.
Even the surrounding magma surged violently.
However—
No matter how furiously it struggled—
The spatial cage remained completely stable.
At this moment—
Xiao Long slowly circled once through the air proudly.
Its phoenix-like wings spread slightly.
"Hsssss~"
Another mocking draconic hiss echoed softly.
The little spirit clearly looked extremely pleased with itself.
Meanwhile , The invisible fire python finally realized there was absolutely no possibility of breaking through the seal today.
Its gigantic eyes coldly stared toward Xiao Feng one final time.
Then Toward the invisible Xiao Long beside him.
The next moment The enormous body slowly retreated backward into the magma depths.
The violent fire energy gradually calmed down once more.
Soon—
The gigantic invisible figure completely disappeared into the endless underground magma sea.
Like a venomous beast hiding patiently within darkness.
Waiting for the perfect moment to strike in the future.
At this moment—
Xiao Long snorted proudly.
"Hmphss."
Then—
It lazily returned beside Xiao Feng's shoulder while wagging its flaming tail smugly.
Xiao Feng helplessly shook his head slightly.
"You really enjoy bullying it…"
The little flame spirit immediately puffed its chest proudly.
Clearly—
It considered the Fallen Heart Flame far too weak compared to itself.
Meanwhile—
After waiting quietly for some time—
The underground tower gradually became peaceful again.
The terrifying fire fluctuations stabilized completely.
Inside the cultivation rooms—
The Top Ten students were still undergoing tempering smoothly.
Powerful Dou Qi fluctuations continuously spread outward steadily.
Seeing that everything had fully stabilized—
The surrounding elders finally relaxed slightly.
At this moment—
Su Qian slowly walked toward Xiao Feng.
"There shouldn't be any problems now."
"The tempering process may take an entire day…"
"Possibly even several days for some students."
"So there's no need for you to remain here guarding the place."
An elder nearby also nodded.
"Especially Zi Yan."
"That little monster might absorb fire energy endlessly if left unchecked."
Hearing this—
Even Xiao Feng could not help smiling slightly.
That truly sounded like something Zi Yan would do.
At this moment—
Su Qian looked toward him helplessly.
"You should return and rest."
"You've already caused enough excitement these past few days."
Xiao Feng lightly nodded.
"Understood."
Then—
He glanced once more toward the deep underground magma world.
The endless darkness below remained completely silent now.
Only the rolling magma continued flowing endlessly.
Meanwhile—
The invisible Xiao Long quietly floated beside him while staring downward one final time.
Its silver eyes flickered faintly.
Clearly—
It still remembered the Fallen Heart Flame's presence.
Soon afterward—
Xiao Feng finally turned around calmly.
He slowly walked back toward the upper levels of the Sky Burning Qi Refining Tower.
Floor after floor passed quietly.
Eventually—
He finally stepped out from the massive black tower once again.
Warm sunlight shone across the academy grounds.
Compared to the oppressive underground magma world—
The outside air felt incomparably refreshing.
Many students outside immediately greeted Xiao Feng respectfully upon seeing him.
However—
Xiao Feng merely nodded lightly before continuing forward calmly.
Soon—
He returned toward his private courtyard within the Fire Faction area.
The entire courtyard remained quiet and peaceful.
A faint medicinal fragrance still lingered lightly in the air.
Meanwhile—
The invisible Xiao Long lazily floated beside him before finally dispersing back into crimson flames and disappearing into Xiao Feng's body once again.
At this moment—
Xiao Feng slowly exhaled deeply.
Then—
He raised his head slightly toward the distant Sky Burning Qi Refining Tower.
His eyes flickered thoughtfully.
"The Fallen Heart Flame…"
"It really won't stay obedient forever…"