NOVEL NEXT Subduing Fallen Heart Flame
The Fallen Heart Flame flickered fiercely. It was too late to escape. The energy unleashed by a Nine Transformation Dou Venerate was enough to destroy the world, let alone a mere heavenly flame.
An ordinary Nine Transformation Dou Venerate could easily suppress it, let alone Bai Ling whose strength was already approaching the Half-Saint realm. With the addition of her Heaven-class Dou Techniques, she could even contend with a peak Half-Saint.
With a thunderous boom, the colossal form of the Fallen Heart Flame fell without warning, shattering the ground beneath it and raising a cloud of dust hundreds of meters high.
Everyone was stunned, frozen in place, staring at the mighty display of power in front of them with a mixture of awe and fear. The strength of a Dou Venerate powerhouse was really fearsome!
Bai Ling's cold gaze remained fixed on the dust-shrouded Fallen Heart Flame. To prevent a desperate counterattack, she used her Dou Qi to form a small space barrier, trapping it securely. With that, the heavenly flame was perfectly subdued.
Han Feng quickly stepped forward, clasping his hands in a respectful bow. "Congratulations, Pavilion Master Li!"
"Congratulations!"
The others followed suit, offering their congratulations. They were eager to establish a connection with the Heaven Ascending Pavilion. With its backing, their status would be unrivaled in the Black-Corner Region.
Su Qian scoffed internally. This bunch was adept at seizing the moment; their true intentions were as transparent as glass.
"You're too kind," Li Xiao replied with a polite smile. Although these people had no real involvement, it was customary to acknowledge them. "Thank you all for your assistance today. The Heaven Ascending Pavilion will host a banquet at Canaan Academy to entertain our friends. We hope you will honor us with your presence."
Great Elder Su Qian nodded and instructed Vice Principal Hu Qian to prepare the banquet. Although Su Qian was reluctant to entertain these Black-Corner Region scoundrels, he couldn't refuse Pavilion Master Li's request.
Han Feng laughed, "Of course, of course. Since Pavilion Master Li has spoken, how could we possibly refuse?" Han Feng then took out a special scroll adorned with peculiar runes and offered it with both hands. "This is a pill recipe I came across a few years ago. However, it has a restriction that only a Dou Venerate can open it."
"Since I lack the qualifications to open it, I thought it best to offer it to you as a gift to celebrate your success in subduing the heavenly flame."
"Oh?" Li Xiao raised an eyebrow and accepted the scroll. It contained a unique runic aura, indicating that it likely held a prescription for a Tier-8 pill or higher. It was indeed a valuable item.
Li Xiao didn't open the scroll in front of everyone but planned to do so later at the Heaven Ascending Pavilion. If it contained something extraordinary, Han Feng might have his stomach churn with regret.
Seeing Han Feng's generous gift, the others reluctantly offered their most precious items. Though they were reluctant, they couldn't afford to lose face.
Li Xiao accepted each gift with a smile. To show his gratitude, he purchased a Rank-7 Dou Venerate-level magical beast's carcass from the system to serve as the centerpiece of the banquet.
When the Black-Corner Region's experts heard they could taste the meat of a rank-7 magical beast, they were overjoyed. Such creatures were incredibly rare on the Dou Qi continent. Eating one was a rare opportunity, even seeing one was unlikely.
All of them broke into cheers, praising Li Xiao's generosity
…
That night, dozens of tables were set up in Canaan Academy's Inner Branch. The attendees were mostly prominent figures from the Black-Corner Region, including some reclusive Dou Emperor elites who came to offer their congratulations.
It resembled a school reunion after a decade, with each person showcasing their strength and splurging to appear superior.
Li Xiao sat at the main seat, with Yun Yun, Su Qian, and Medicine Emperor Han Feng beside him. Bai Ling stood behind him, not seated at the table. The strict distinction between master and servant was observed, as having servants dine with their masters would be seen as a severe breach of etiquette and could lead to severe punishment, even death.
Thus, Bai Ling stood vigilantly behind Li Xiao, ready to protect him should anyone attempt an attack.
Great Elder Su Qian raised his wine glass, smiling warmly. "Thank you, Pavilion Master Li Xiao, for your generous hospitality. In all my years, I have never tasted the meat of a seventh-grade magical beast. Tonight will be a feast to remember."
"You're too kind, Great Elder. If you enjoy it, I have another seventh-grade magical beast. Consider it a gift."
Hearing this, Su Qian's smile grew even wider. He downed his drink in one go in front of the crowd, visibly pleased.
Others also came forward to toast, hoping to get acquainted with Pavilion Master Li Xiao. They knew that having ties with the Heaven Ascending Pavilion could be immensely beneficial.
At that moment, a young voice was heard from not far away. The alert Inner Branch disciples quickly stepped aside, not wanting to provoke this young lady.
"Old Su, looks like you have guests."
Li Xiao, just lifting his cup, turned his head slowly to see a young girl.
The girl had purple hair and delicate features, appearing to be a twelve or thirteen-year-old in a white dress. Her purple eyes and hair had a tint of purple-gold, with long hair reaching down to her waist. She had a petite yet graceful figure.
"What are you doing here?" Great Elder Su Qian's voice carried a hint of helplessness. It was clear that even he dared not offend this little ancestor.
"You didn't give me any herbs," the newcomer pouted, her gaze shifting to the large piece of magical beast meat on the table. Her eyes lit up. "Is this... the meat of a rank-7 magical beast? Old Su, when did you get such good stuff? This is much better than herbs!"
The bubbly girl eagerly ran over and, in front of everyone, grabbed a piece of meat and started eating it with satisfaction.
Great Elder Su Qian sighed, "Apologies, Pavilion Master Li Xiao. This is Zi Yan. I found her a few years ago and took her in, raising her in the Inner Branch."
Li Xiao nodded, having already recognized her identity.