The Six-Winged Black Snake King was incredibly fast, and soon, it carried everyone to the office of the Dean of the Outer Court of Canaan College.
Xiao Ling jumped down first, followed closely by the others. Xiao Ling knocked gently on the door, and a steady "Come in" came from inside.
Everyone entered the office and saw Vice Dean Hu Qian sitting at the desk, flipping through a thick book.
The dean looked up at them, his gaze lingering on Xiao Yan, Xiao Yixian, and Qing Lin for a moment, then he smiled and said to Xiao Ling, "Xiao Ling, you've brought back some good seedlings during your trip."
Xiao Ling first introduced them, then bowed and said, "Dean, these people are all very talented. I want to bring them back to the academy and train them well."
The dean nodded, turned his gaze to Xiao Yan and the other two, and said gently, "Since you have come to Canaan Academy, you must abide by the rules of the academy, practice hard, and don't waste your time."
Xiao Yan and the others responded in unison, "Yes, Dean!"
The dean continued, "Xiao Ling, arrange their accommodation first, and then take them to familiarize themselves with the environment and rules of the academy tomorrow."
Xiao Ling responded, "Okay, Dean, but the immortals "Xun'er and Qinglin will return to the inner courtyard with me."
Upon hearing this, Hu Qian gave Xiao Ling a strange look. "This boy, he actually brought back two girls from a trip. It seems they have quite a relationship. Alas, young people..."
But he didn't ask any more questions. "Considering that you are an elder of the academy, and these two girls' strengths meet the requirements, they will return to the inner courtyard with you. But as for Xun'er, tsk tsk..."
Scratching his head, Xiao Ling didn't respond, changing the subject, "Dean, judging from the aura you exude, you must have already broken through to the Dou Zong realm."
Xiao Yixian and Qinglin behind him didn't react much to Xiao Ling's words. After all, they had an eighth-grade alchemist who was far more powerful than a Dou Zong beside them.
Xiao Yan's pupils suddenly shrank. He had never expected this ordinary-looking old man to be a Dou Zong powerhouse. He had seen many Dou Huang powerhouses in his life, but this was the first time he had seen a Dou Zong powerhouse in person.
Hearing Xiao Ling's words, Hu Qian laughed out loud, "Thanks to your Breaking Sect Pill, the quality is really good. It played a significant role in helping me break through to the Dou Zong realm. Even that old man Huo came out of seclusion not long ago and broke through to the Dou Zong realm."
Xiao Ling smiled and said, "It is a blessing for the academy that the dean can successfully break through. I wonder if the dean has any new plans for the future development of the academy after the breakthrough?"
Hu Qian narrowed his eyes slightly, thought for a moment and said, "With such strength, it is natural to strive for more resources for the academy and cultivate more outstanding students. Xiao Ling, as an elder of the academy, you have to take more care of it."
Xiao Ling nodded solemnly, "Don't worry, dean, I will do my best. But the acquisition of these cultivation resources may require long-term planning. Hu Qian agreed, "
Indeed, there's no rush. By the way, did you encounter any formidable opponents or thorny problems during your trip?"
Xiao Ling replied, "We did encounter some minor setbacks in the Jia Ma Empire, but they were all successfully resolved. However, the situation in the Black Horn Region is becoming increasingly complex, with various factions poised to make a move."
Hu Qian frowned, "It seems our academy needs to prepare countermeasures as well."
Xiao Ling continued, "Dean, I'll be staying in the Inner Court for a while. If any elders in the academy need me to refine elixirs, please come to me with the herbs. If you're short on herbs, you can exchange them for treasures of equal value."
Hu Qian nodded, "Well, I'll discuss this with them. You can take them there and get them settled first."
"In that case, Dean, I won't disturb you while you continue your work."
With that, Xiao Ling left the dean's office with Xiao Yan, Xiao Yixian, and Qing Lin, heading for the accommodations he had prepared for them.
...
Xiao Ling first settled Xiao Yixian and Qing Lin in his own quiet courtyard in the Outer Court.
The courtyard was filled with the fragrance of flowers, and several ancient trees cast a cool shade.
Xiao Ling said gently, "Rest here and rest. Tomorrow we'll head to the inner courtyard together."
Qing Lin and Xiao Yixian nodded, their eyes filled with anticipation.
As for Zi Yan, she was already fast asleep in Xiao Ling's room.
Waving to Xiao Yan behind him, Xiao Ling smiled faintly, "I'm sure you can't wait. I'll take you to see the Fire Elder you've been thinking about."
Then, Xiao Ling and Xiao Yan set off on the bluestone path leading to the Alchemy Department.
Along the path, colorful butterflies fluttered among the lush flowers, and a gentle breeze carried wafts of fragrance. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting subtle shadows.
Since it was class time, the students from the outer courtyard hadn't come out, giving the academy a rather tranquil atmosphere.
Along the way, Xiao Yan asked Xiao Ling many questions about Canaan Academy. After all, they were unfamiliar with the area, so it was best to learn more.
Xiao Ling briefly explained the situation to Xiao Yan. With his cousin as his mentor, he assumed Xiao Yan would have a pleasant time at Canaan Academy.
At the end of the bluestone path, several buildings quietly emerged. Xiao Ling raised his hand and pointed forward, addressing Xiao Yan, "Ahead is Canaan Academy's Alchemy Department. You'll likely be spending the next few days there."
Xiao Yan gazed at the buildings, their eyes filled with anticipation and excitement. He nodded earnestly, "Cousin, I will study diligently and will never let you down."
The two walked side by side, only to see several students holding medicinal herbs in front of the Alchemy Department's main entrance, animatedly discussing a topic. Seeing Xiao Ling approach, they were startled at first, then filled with surprise and admiration, and respectfully saluted. "Greetings, Elder Xiao Ling!"
Xiao Ling smiled faintly and nodded in response.
Entering the gate, a vast courtyard came into view, neatly arranged with various alchemy furnaces. From some, smoke curled, and a strange medicinal aroma filled the air.
Xiao Ling led Xiao Yan through the courtyard to a classroom. Inside, the instructor was scribbling complex prescriptions on the blackboard, the students absorbing their notes with rapt attention. The instructor, noticing Xiao Ling, gave a gentle nod and continued teaching.
Leaving the classroom, they slowly walked along the long corridor, passing by alchemy rooms, occasionally hearing shouts of delight or frustration emanating from within.
At this moment, several alchemist students approached. Seeing Xiao Ling, their eyes lit up instantly. They quickly stopped, bowed, and said, "Hello, Elder Xiao Ling!"
"I'm so lucky today to actually meet Elder Xiao Ling."
"Elder Xiao Ling, could you please give us some advice on the recipe for this medicine? We've been discussing it for a long time with no results."
Upon hearing the students' inquiries, Xiao Ling stopped and patiently explained. The students suddenly understood and thanked him profusely.
Xiao Yan couldn't help but sigh, "My cousin is truly respected in the Alchemy Department."
Xiao Ling smiled and said, "This is all due to hard work. You will do the same in the future."
Ads by Pubfuture
Xiao Ling brought Xiao Yan to Elder Huo's room. The room looked simple and solemn, its door made of heavy solid wood, mottled with the marks of time. A few dried herbs hung by the door, emitting a faint medicinal fragrance.
Xiao Ling knocked gently on the door, and a steady voice came from inside: "Come in."
Pushing the door open, a rich medicinal aroma filled the air. The room was simply furnished, with shelves filled with various bottles, jars, and precious medicinal herbs. Elder Huo was sitting at an old desk, concentrating on a yellowed ancient book on alchemy.
Xiao Ling and Xiao Yan walked into the house. Xiao Ling smiled and said, "Elder Huo, it's been a long time since we last met. You are still so focused on the art of alchemy."
Elder Huo raised his head, moved his eyes away from the ancient books, and responded with a smile, "Xiao Ling, did you gain anything from this outing?"
Xiao Ling nodded and said, "The harvest is very good. I got many precious medicinal materials that I didn't have before, and I also saw many novel alchemy methods. My alchemy skills have also improved a lot."
Xiao Ling pointed to Xiao Yan beside him and said, "Elder Huo, this is my cousin Xiao Yan. Although he is young, he is already a second-grade alchemist with great talent and potential in alchemy. I hope you can accept him as a disciple and teach him carefully."
Elder Huo heard this, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, and he looked at Xiao Yan carefully. Elder Huo said after a moment: "It is indeed not easy to reach the second-grade alchemist at this age. Xiao Yan, are you willing to take me as your master?"
Xiao Yan hurriedly saluted respectfully and said: "It is Xiao Yan's honor to take Elder Huo as my master."
Elder Huo laughed and said: "Okay, from today on, you are my disciple. In the future, you must study the art of alchemy assiduously and don't slack off."
Seeing Xiao Yan successfully become his disciple, Xiao Ling was also very happy in his heart, and said: "Elder Huo, Xiao Yan is a smart and studious child. I hope you will take the trouble to cultivate him in the future."
Elder Huo nodded and said: "Xiao Ling, don't worry, since you have become my disciple, I will teach you everything I know."
Xiao Ling also exchanged some insights and experiences in alchemy with Elder Huo. Xiao Yan listened carefully and benefited a lot.
After a while, Xiao Ling said, "Elder Huo, I won't disturb you from teaching Xiao Yan anymore. I have some matters to attend to."
Elder Huo waved his hand and said, "Go ahead. Come back to me if you need anything."
...
After Xiao Ling left, Elder Huo looked at Xiao Yan and said, "Xiao Yan, from today on, you must practice diligently and not take shortcuts. First, tell me about your previous alchemy experiences and the techniques you've mastered."
Xiao Yan responded respectfully and began to recount to Elder Huo the alchemy knowledge he had previously learned.
Elder Huo listened to Xiao Yan's story, nodding slightly, occasionally interjecting with questions and pointing out key points.
After Xiao Yan finished, Elder Huo slowly said, "Although you have a solid foundation and have clearly studied diligently, you still have much room for improvement. I will develop a specialized training plan tailored to your needs."
Xiao Yan's eyes were filled with determination: "I will give my all and live up to your expectations."
Elder Huo smiled with satisfaction: "Okay, then, let's begin with the most basic knowledge of identifying medicinal herbs and understanding their properties." He took a few herbs from the shelf and began to explain them in detail.
Xiao Yan listened intently, occasionally raising questions, which Elder Huo patiently answered.
...
Xiao Ling left Elder Huo's courtyard and wandered around the Alchemy Department for a while.
Watching with interest the young alchemists intently at their herbs and furnaces, Xiao Ling felt a sense of satisfaction at the continued success and development of the academy's alchemy tradition.
Afterward, Xiao Ling walked briskly back to his own courtyard.
Upon entering the courtyard, Xiao Ling saw Xiao Yixian and Qinglin sparring.
Xiao Yixian's movements were lithe and graceful, each one imbued with profound skill.
Qinglin, with a serious expression, struggled to counter Xiao Yixian's attacks, but was clearly at a disadvantage.
Since Xiao Yixian's current cultivation level far surpassed Qinglin's, and she was also older, the sparring session primarily consisted of Xiao Yixian coaching Qinglin.
Xiao Ling smiled faintly and didn't interrupt, quietly finding a stone bench to sit down and watch.
Xiao Yixian would sometimes flick her sleeve to deflect Qinglin's attacks, sometimes deftly sidestepping to point out flaws in Qinglin's moves. She patiently explained, "Qinglin, when you attack, you must maintain a stable breath. Your strength must be concentrated on a single point to unleash its full power."
Beads of sweat beaded Qinglin's forehead, his eyes determined as he nodded repeatedly, adjusting his movements according to Xiao Yixian's instructions.
Seeing Xiao Ling approach, the two women simply turned their heads, offering him a greeting before returning to their sparring session.
Xiao Ling's eyes were filled with admiration. While the two, thanks to their special physiques, could improve their cultivation as easily as eating and drinking, becoming truly powerful still required extensive practical experience.
Sunlight cast dappled shadows on the three of them, filling the courtyard with a tense yet harmonious atmosphere.
Xiao Ling quietly watched the sparring between Xiao Yixian and Qinglin. Before he knew it, the sun was setting.
Xiao Yixian gave a soft cry, then flashed, halting the attack. "That's enough for today, Qinglin. You've made great progress. With more practice, you'll surely reach new heights."
Qinglin panted, his face filled with gratitude, "Thank you, Sister Xiao Yixian, for your guidance."
Xiao Ling stood up, smiling, and said, "You've all worked hard. Let's rest for a while."
The three of them sat together in the pavilion, and Xiao Ling took some spiritual fruits and tea from his storage ring.
Suddenly, a slight noise came from Xiao Ling's room.
Xiao Ling's heart moved, and he stood up and walked into the room. He saw Zi Yan, who was originally sleeping soundly, turned over and muttered, "Xiao Ling, I'm hungry."
Xiao Ling picked up Zi Yan's petite figure and placed her on the seat. "You have a very sensitive nose. I just took out some food and you woke up."
"Hehe, I'm not polite." Zi Yan smiled playfully, grabbed a piece of fruit, and stuffed it into her mouth.
Xiao Ling looked at the people in front of him, his heart filled with warmth and peace.
(End of this chapter)