Battle Through the Heavens: Obtaining the Extraction System at the Start, Part 22

Xiao Ling nodded, signaling for Xiao Xun'er to continue.

"Since she's from the same clan as us, Instructor Ruo Lin paid special attention to her. Through her investigations, she learned something very strange. Apparently, Xiao Yan broke through to the Dou Zhe realm at eleven and could be considered one of Jia Ma Empire's top geniuses. But after turning twelve this year, not only did his cultivation fail to improve, it actually declined. In just a few months, he has fallen to the third stage of Dou Qi and become a cripple." Xiao Xun'er spoke gently.

After hearing Xiao Xun'er's account, Xiao Ling finally remembered that he was only a few days older than Xiao Yan. Xiao Yan was twelve now, and Yao Chen had already begun absorbing the Dou Qi in his body. He was about to begin three miserable years as trash.

After giving it some thought, Xiao Ling said, "Maybe there's something wrong with his body. Send a prescription back later and have someone from the family find an Alchemist to take a look."

During his years at the academy, Xiao Ling had taken out things that were of no use to him each year and had them delivered to the Xiao Family. For example, some pills he casually refined while practicing alchemy, as well as Cultivation Techniques and Combat Skills others gave him as payment for his pill refinement. Anything too low in grade or unsuitable for his attributes was sent back to the Xiao Family.

Those things might have been useless to Xiao Ling, but to the Xiao Family, they were already tremendous gifts. After all, the highest-grade technique in the clan had once only been the Mysterious Grade Intermediate cultivation technique, Mad Lion Fury Aura. After receiving the things Xiao Ling sent back, the clan elders had been overjoyed.

For one of the Eight Ancient Clans to have fallen to such a state was truly rather pitiful. Thinking of this, Xiao Ling studied Xiao Xun'er with a somewhat strange gaze. If your father hadn't acted so dishonorably back then, the strongest person in our Xiao Family wouldn't be merely a Da Dou Shi. Eighty percent of the techniques and combat skills our family once had were probably taken by the Ancient Clan. Once I become strong enough, I'll definitely go to the Ancient Clan and take those things back. For now, I can only collect a little interest from Gu Yuan's precious daughter.

With that thought, Xiao Ling suddenly turned sideways. Catching the girl off guard, he wrapped an arm around her waist, pulled her into his embrace, and kissed her.

Feeling Xiao Ling's wandering hand, Xiao Xun'er's breathing grew rapid. She resisted symbolically for a moment before collapsing into his arms and allowing him to do as he pleased.

Ling Ying, hidden in the shadows, could only helplessly rub his forehead at the sight. His young lady's heart had been stolen right under his nose. He had no idea whether the Clan Leader would break his legs when they returned to the Ancient Clan.

With Void Dragon flying at high speed, the two soon returned to the front of their dormitory. After parting with Xiao Xun'er, Xiao Ling returned to his room.

Lying on the soft bed and hugging a pillow tightly, Xiao Ling felt a faint sense of urgency after his conversation with Xun Er today. To become an Emperor, opposing the Soul Clan was inevitable. Thinking about how little time remained before the Soul Clan's thousand-year plan came to fruition, Xiao Ling let out a long sigh. "Strength..."

Two and a half years later.

Inside Cultivation Room Number One at the very bottom level of the Heavenly Flame Refining Pagoda, a room reserved exclusively for the top-ranked student on the Power Ranking, dense pale-red energy was so concentrated that it could scarcely disperse. Like mist, it filled the entire room.

All the energy continuously flowed toward a figure seated cross-legged atop a stone platform. That person was Xiao Ling. An extremely powerful aura radiated from his body, steadily growing stronger as time passed until it reached its limit.

Time slowly passed. When the Dou Qi in his body reached a certain threshold, it suddenly compressed, bringing its quality to an entirely new level.

Xiao Ling, seated cross-legged, exhaled a breath of turbid air. After sensing the condition within his body, he spoke helplessly. "I've finally broken through to the three-star Dou Wang realm. The Heavenly Flame Refining Pagoda can no longer help me much. At the very least, I would need to absorb a sub-flame of Fallen Heart Flame for it to have any effect."

Shaking his head and no longer dwelling on it, Xiao Ling leaped down from the cultivation platform and left the Heavenly Flame Refining Pagoda. As he walked through the passage, every student he encountered greeted him. Xiao Ling did not put on any airs and merely smiled and nodded in response.

At fifteen, Xiao Ling looked like a youth of seventeen or eighteen just from his appearance. He stood over one meter eighty tall and wore a fitted moon-white outfit. His blue-silver hair draped over his shoulders, and his skin was fair. His features were quite handsome, while his blue-gold eyes were calm as water, making it impossible to discern their owner's true thoughts. A faint smile rested on his face, giving him an approachable air.

After leaving the Heavenly Flame Refining Pagoda, Xiao Ling's thoughts stirred. The energy around him immediately seemed to answer his summons, surging toward his back and resonating with the Dou Qi within his body. It transformed into a pair of magnificent giant wings, mainly formed of crimson flames and wreathed in blue-pink radiance.

Circulating the Dou Qi within his body, he leaped into the air. With a gentle flap of his wings, he flew toward the sky.

After returning to the academy dormitory, Xiao Ling gathered everyone together, intending to tell them that he would be leaving for training.

Once everyone had arrived in the courtyard, Xiao Ling stopped beating around the bush and said seriously, "I plan to leave for training tomorrow. I'll leave the affairs of the Supreme Freedom Gate to you. I'll return whenever I have time in the future. In a while, I'll go speak to First Elder Su Qian and explain the matter. You can also extend your stay in the Inner Academy for a while. Once you reach the peak of the Dou Ling realm and undergo tempering by Fallen Heart Flame, it will greatly help your breakthrough to the Dou Wang realm."

With Xiao Ling's help, Lin Xiuyai, Han Yue, and the others had all improved compared to the original timeline. In the original story, these people would have broken through to Dou Wang roughly three years later. Now, they were all High-Level Dou Lings and should break through within a year. With Xiao Ling as their Alchemist, there was no need to worry about the Fire Poison of the Heavenly Flame Refining Pagoda. Lin Yan had not suffered from Fire Poison affecting his cultivation as he had in the original story. From this alone, it was clear just how valuable an Alchemist, the T0 profession of the Dou Qi Continent, truly was.

After hearing Xiao Ling's words, everyone wore different expressions. The boys merely felt somewhat reluctant to see him go and had no further thoughts. After all, Xiao Ling had already mentioned in the dormitory that he would be heading out.

The three girls felt far worse and all looked at Xiao Ling with extremely complicated expressions. Xiao Xun'er and Xiao Ling had been childhood sweethearts, while Han Yue and Xiao Ling privately treated each other as lovers. Zi Yan regarded Xiao Ling as the provider of both her food and livelihood. Without Xiao Ling refining pills for her in the future, she did not know how she would survive. It was easy to go from frugality to luxury, but hard to return from luxury to frugality. After eating pills for two and a half years, there was no way Zi Yan would be willing to go back to gnawing on those bitter medicinal herbs.

Zi Yan rushed to Xiao Ling's side in a single stride and tightly grabbed his arm. Looking up at him with teary eyes, she said in a voice on the verge of tears, "Xiao Ling, can't you not go? How am I supposed to get delicious pills without you? How am I supposed to live by myself?"

Seeing this, Xiao Ling had a headache. He truly had not considered this aspect properly, but going out for training was inevitable. So many opportunities were waiting for him. Xiao Yan would subdue the Green Lotus Core Flame at seventeen and a half, and Queen Medusa would find the Heavenly Flame in another two years. Perhaps she had already sent people into the Tagor Desert to search for information about it. To be safe, Xiao Ling had to retrieve the Green Lotus Core Flame before her.

Shaking his head, Xiao Ling answered seriously, "I have to leave for a while. Jia Nan Academy can no longer rapidly increase my cultivation."

Upon hearing Xiao Ling's answer, Zi Yan was so anxious that tears nearly fell. Then, as if recalling something, her eyes lit up. "Xiao Ling, can you take me with you for training? I've already reached the peak of the fifth order, and Jia Nan Academy can't help me much anymore either. We can train while searching for medicinal herbs. I'm really strong! Ordinary Sixth-Order Magical Beasts can't beat me."

Hearing this, Xiao Ling stroked his chin and thought it over. Zi Yan remaining at Jia Nan Academy would indeed no longer help her cultivation much. She was also a peak fifth-order Magical Beast, and with the powerful bloodline of the Ancient Void Dragon Clan, being considered Dou Emperor-level combat power was not a problem. The others, however, could remain at the academy a while longer. The Heavenly Flame Refining Pagoda was still useful to them, and remaining at the academy before breaking through to Dou Wang would ensure their safety. Although Xiao Xun'er only displayed the strength of a High-Level Dou Ling at present, Xiao Ling could not see through her true strength. It was likely no lower than his own. Still, he did not want to drag Xiao Xun'er around everywhere and waste her time. The Young Lady of the Ancient Clan only needed to cultivate peacefully each day and fulfill her talent. The little gains she might receive from following him on adventures might not even be as valuable as the things stored in her Ring.

Nodding, Xiao Ling said to Zi Yan, "What you said makes sense. The academy cannot help you much anymore, so following me to seek opportunities is a good choice. As long as First Elder Su Qian agrees, I have no objections. But once we leave, you must listen to my arrangements. Otherwise, I won't refine any pills for you."

Hearing that Xiao Ling agreed to take her along, Zi Yan's eyes shone brightly. She nodded vigorously, patted her flat little chest, and declared with complete confidence, "Don't worry. I'll definitely listen to you properly. Let's hurry and talk to Old Su about it."

Before Xiao Ling could react, Zi Yan grabbed him and pulled him outside. Seeing this, Xiao Ling helplessly shook his head. After giving everyone a slight nod, he left the dormitory with Zi Yan and headed toward First Elder Su Qian's office.

Following Zi Yan, Xiao Ling soon arrived before a secluded pavilion.

Before the two could knock, a vigorous voice came from inside. "What do you two little ones want? You've actually come all the way to see this old man. Come in and speak."

Before their eyes, the courtyard gate of the pavilion opened automatically. An old man in black robes, with white hair and a white beard, came into view. Though he appeared somewhat aged on the surface, the aura that inadvertently emanated from his body, as well as the faint ripples in the space around him, showed that he was no ordinary person. He was a genuine expert.

Xiao Ling stepped forward and bowed to First Elder Su Qian. Zi Yan, meanwhile, merely glanced at him before finding a chair nearby and sitting down. She took out a bottle of pills from her Ring and began eating them with loud smacking sounds. "Munch, munch..."

At the sight, First Elder Su Qian's mouth twitched. After everything I used to provide for you—food, lodging, everything—you can't even leave this old man a shred of dignity in front of outsiders.

Pretending not to notice, Xiao Ling spoke calmly. "First Elder Su Qian, I came today to discuss my plans to go out for training."

Hearing this, First Elder Su Qian no longer thought about anything else. He asked seriously, "You are still young. Though your strength is sufficient, you have studied at Jia Nan Academy since childhood and lack worldly experience. Furthermore, this is the golden age for your cultivation. Why not continue cultivating in Jia Nan Academy until you reach a higher realm before going out to train?"

Xiao Ling did not hide his thoughts and answered calmly, "I can no longer increase my cultivation rapidly at Jia Nan Academy, and my alchemy has also reached a bottleneck. Rather than cultivating peacefully at Jia Nan Academy, I would rather go out and make my way in the world while I am still young. I have been exceptionally lucky since childhood. Perhaps I may encounter an opportunity of great benefit to me."

First Elder Su Qian nodded upon hearing this. He had also passed through the reckless days of youth and could understand such thoughts. Still, he remained worried and said, "You are already a three-star Dou Wang. With your outstanding Soul Power and physical strength far surpassing those of your peers, dealing with ordinary Dou Wangs is not a problem. But if you encounter a Dou Emperor, things will be hard to say. A Dou Wang can make their Dou Qi resonate with same-attribute energy between heaven and earth and draw upon that energy. A Dou Emperor, however, can control the power of heaven and earth and mobilize large amounts of external same-attribute energy. Their combat power is on an entirely different level. Your name has already spread throughout the Black Corner Region. Though Jia Nan Academy's reputation is well known, there is still the risk of people harboring ill intentions. There are countless Dou Emperor experts openly present in the Black Corner Region, while several Dou Zong experts secretly control its situation behind the scenes. If you plan to train in the Black Corner Region, it would not be a wise choice."

After hearing Su Qian's explanation, Xiao Ling nodded seriously. However, he had no plans to train in the Black Corner Region right now. He would wait until he was strong enough before returning to claim the opportunities there. Xiao Ling knew that the place held not only a Fragment Map of the Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame, but also the Earth Grade Low-Level movement combat skill Three Thousand Lightning Movement, which could only be cultivated by core members of the Wind Thunder Pavilion. It was the prerequisite movement combat skill for the Earth Tier Advanced movement combat skill Three Thousand Illusory Lightning Body, and Xiao Ling had coveted it for a long time. More importantly, there was the Bodhi Body Saliva of the Black Emperor Sect. Not only could it treat Xiao Yi Xian's Calamity Poison Body, it was also a key factor in finding the Bodhi Ancient Tree and obtaining the opportunity to become a Saint. There were countless other treasures as well: a Sky Demon Phoenix corpse, the method for refining Sky Demon Puppets, True Flame Controlling Art, and more... If any major power with a Dou Venerate learned that all these things were in the Black Corner Region, they might personally step in to fight over them.

No longer thinking about such matters, Xiao Ling answered Su Qian, "I know my own strength. Below Dou Emperor, I am invincible. Above Dou Emperor, I can at least take one down with me. Even against low-star Dou Emperors without Earth Grade Cultivation Techniques and Combat Skills, I have the strength to fight them. Such strength cannot guarantee my safety completely in the Black Corner Region, but I can already travel freely throughout the Jia Ma Empire. I plan to return to my family first, then train in the Jia Ma Empire and the Tagor Desert while seeking a few opportunities. My Magical Beast, Void Dragon, has also advanced to a Sixth-Order Magical Beast. With its speed far beyond others of the same rank, even if a Dou Zong tries to make a move against me, they may not be able to catch me."

After hearing Xiao Ling's answer, Su Qian nodded. His expression was no longer as stern as before, and he smiled. "Since you are heading toward the Jia Ma Empire, then I have little reason to stop you. From what I know, Yun Shan, the Old Sect Master of the Misty Cloud Sect, remains in seclusion, and his current strength is unknown. On the surface, the strongest fighter in the Jia Ma Empire is Jia Xing Tian, the Imperial Guardian of the Jia Ma Empire. His cultivation has already reached the Dou Emperor Peak. In the Tagor Desert, the strongest is certainly the infamous Queen Medusa. Though she is also at the Dou Emperor Peak, she cannot be compared to Jia Xing Tian. With the body of a Magical Beast, she can contend against a Dou Zong for a short time. If you happen to come into contact with her, it would be best to remain cautious. As long as you are not careless, nothing should go wrong."

After receiving the First Elder's permission, Xiao Ling secretly breathed a sigh of relief. If the First Elder had truly refused, there would have been little Xiao Ling could do. After all, Jia Nan Academy was where he had been raised, and the First Elder was like half a guardian to him. If his plan had been disrupted, it would have become troublesome.

Xiao Ling gave the First Elder another deep bow and said earnestly, "Thank you, First Elder, for granting me permission. I will definitely be careful outside."

Seeing this, First Elder Su Qian stroked his beard and revealed a kindly smile. He had watched this child grow up. His cultivation talent was extraordinary, his talent in alchemy was monstrous, and his temperament was mature. He was neither arrogant nor impatient, respected his elders, and treated others gently. How wonderful it would be if this boy were my son.

"Now that you have broken through to Dou Wang and have spent nearly five years in the Inner Academy, since you wish to go out for training, graduate early and become an elder of the academy. Do not forget Jia Nan Academy when you are outside. This place will always be your home," Su Qian said solemnly.

Xiao Ling nodded and answered earnestly, "Don't worry, First Elder. Jia Nan Academy raised me. Even if you had not said so, I would have remembered this kindness in my heart. I have long regarded myself as part of Jia Nan Academy."

Su Qian nodded in satisfaction. He walked up to Xiao Ling, patted him on the shoulder, and said, "Then I will notify the academy elders later. From now on, you will be an elder of the Inner Academy. At that time, we will no longer be teacher and student, but colleagues."

Xiao Ling shook his head. "No matter what heights I reach in the future, you will still be my elder."

Seeing the two flattering each other, Zi Yan's face filled with question marks. She felt like an unnecessary extra.

She rushed between them, pushed them apart, stomped her foot, and said to First Elder Su Qian, "Old Su, why do you keep talking to Xiao Ling? Can't you see I'm still standing here?"

When Zi Yan suddenly appeared before him, Su Qian finally remembered that Xiao Ling was not the only one who had come to see him. Zi Yan was here as well.

He asked somewhat doubtfully, "Girl Zi Yan, did you come to discuss something with me? If it concerns medicinal herbs from the academy, then I cannot help you solve that problem."

Zi Yan shook her head. "I want to go out for training with Xiao Ling too. If Xiao Ling goes out to train, I won't have any delicious pills to eat."

Upon hearing this, Su Qian turned toward Xiao Ling and asked, "Brat Xiao Ling, have you two already discussed this?"

Xiao Ling nodded and told First Elder Su Qian about his previous conversation with Zi Yan.

Su Qian nodded, then looked toward Zi Yan and said seriously, "Training outside is not the same as being in the academy. You must listen carefully to Xiao Ling's arrangements."

Zi Yan patted her chest and answered solemnly, "Don't worry, Old Su Qian. I'll behave and listen." Xiao Ling was the one who fed and supported her, so she absolutely could not offend him.

"Then I'll leave Zi Yan in your care. Be careful outside. I'll inform the Inner Academy elders now and tell them that you are becoming an elder," Su Qian said. With that, he stepped through the air and walked out of the pavilion.

After First Elder Su Qian left, Zi Yan hugged Xiao Ling's arm and asked, "Xiao Ling, Xiao Ling, when are we leaving? When we get outside, let's go snatch medicinal herbs to eat together."

Xiao Ling stroked Zi Yan's soft purple hair and smiled. "We'll leave tomorrow morning after tonight. You're only this enthusiastic when it comes to medicinal herbs."

Feeling the warmth of Xiao Ling's hand atop her head, Zi Yan did not resist. She said helplessly, "Only by eating more medicinal herbs can I reach the Dou Zong realm sooner. Then I'll know what kind of Magical Beast my true form is."

Xiao Ling said seriously, "Don't worry, Zi Yan. Once I gather the ingredients for the Shaping Pill and my alchemy reaches the peak of the seventh tier, I'll refine a Shaping Pill for you immediately."

Although Xiao Ling knew that Zi Yan's true form was an Ancient Void Dragon, the current situation of the Ancient Void Dragon Clan was unusual. It was still better for her to remain by his side and improve her cultivation.

"You can't lie to me. You have to keep your word." Hearing this, Zi Yan hugged Xiao Ling's arm even tighter.

"Don't worry. I won't lie to you."

"Pinky promise. You can't change your mind for a hundred years..."

The two chatted and laughed as they walked, slowly heading toward the academy dormitory. The lingering glow of the setting sun made the scene especially warm.

After walking for over ten minutes, the two returned to the dormitory area. After giving Zi Yan a bottle of pills, Xiao Ling returned alone to his room.

Lying on the soft bed, Xiao Ling stretched. With a thought, he summoned the System Panel.

"System, open my personal panel."

[Ding. Host's personal panel is opening automatically...]

Host: Xiao Ling

Gender: Male

Age: Fifteen

Cultivation: Three-Star Dou Wang

Soul Power: Early Spirit Realm

Dou Qi Attribute: Fire (mixed with a trace of Wood Attribute)

Cultivation Techniques: Fen Jue (Mysterious Grade Low), Tai Yi Soul Art