A Conversation with Su Qian

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

Before the two could step forward and knock, a vigorous voice rang out from within. "What do you two little ones need? You actually came all the way to see this old man. Come in and speak."

Before their eyes, the courtyard gate of the pavilion opened on its own, revealing an old man in black robes with white hair and beard. Though he looked somewhat aged, the aura he unconsciously emitted and the faint ripples in the space around him showed that he was no ordinary person—a genuine powerhouse.

Xiao Ling stepped forward and bowed to First Elder Su Qian. Zi Yan merely gave him a casual glance before finding a chair nearby and sitting down. She took out a bottle of medicinal pills from her Storage Ring and began eating them with loud smacking sounds. "Nom, nom..."

Seeing this, First Elder Su Qian's mouth twitched. After all the food, lodging, and care I provided you, you won't even leave this old man a shred of face in front of an outsider.

Pretending not to notice, Xiao Ling spoke calmly. "First Elder Su Qian, I came to discuss my plans to leave for some training and experience."

Hearing this, First Elder Su Qian stopped dwelling on other matters and asked sternly, "You are still young. Although your strength is sufficient, you have studied at Jia Nan Academy since childhood and lack worldly experience. Moreover, these are your golden years for cultivation. Why not cultivate at Jia Nan Academy until you reach a higher realm before going out to gain experience?"

Xiao Ling did not conceal his thoughts and answered evenly, "I can no longer raise my cultivation quickly at Jia Nan Academy, and my Alchemy has also reached a bottleneck. Rather than cultivate uneventfully here, I would rather take the chance to venture out now. I have been exceptionally lucky since childhood. Perhaps I may encounter an opportunity that will greatly benefit me."

First Elder Su Qian nodded at this. Having gone through his own reckless youth, he could understand such thoughts. Still, he remained concerned. "You are already a Three-star Dou King. With your outstanding Soul Power and physical qualities far beyond those of your peers, dealing with ordinary Dou Kings is not a problem. But facing a Dou Huang would be difficult to say. A Dou King can make their Dou Qi resonate with same-attributed energy between heaven and earth, drawing upon that energy for their own use. A Dou Huang, however, can control Heaven and Earth Power and mobilize massive amounts of external same-attributed energy. Their combat strength cannot be compared. Your reputation has already spread throughout the Black Corner Region. Although Jia Nan Academy is well-known, there is always the possibility that others may harbor ill intentions. There are countless Dou Huang powerhouses in the Black Corner Region on the surface, while several Dou Zong powerhouses sit behind the scenes and control its situation in secret. If you intend to train in the Black Corner Region, it would truly be an unwise choice."

After listening to Su Qian, Xiao Ling nodded seriously. However, he had no intention of training in the Black Corner Region for now. He would wait until he was strong enough before returning to seek the opportunities within that land. Xiao Ling knew that not only was there a fragment of the map to the Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame there, but also the Earth Tier Low-grade movement Dou Technique, "Three Thousand Lightning Movement," which only core members of the Wind Thunder Pavilion could cultivate. It was the prerequisite movement technique for the Earth Tier Advanced movement Dou Technique, "Three Thousand Lightning Illusory Body," and Xiao Ling had coveted it for a long time. More importantly, the Black Emperor Sect possessed Bodhi Body Transformation Saliva. It could both cure Xiao Yi Xian's Calamity Poison Body and serve as a crucial factor in finding the Bodhi Ancient Tree and obtaining the opportunity to become a Saint. There were countless other treasures as well: the corpse of a Heavenly Demon Phoenix, the method to refine a Heavenly Demon Puppet, "True · Flame Manipulation Art," and more... If those major factions with Dou Zun powerhouses learned that all these items were in the Black Corner Region, they might personally come to fight over them.

Putting aside such scattered thoughts, Xiao Ling replied to Su Qian, "I know my own strength. Below Dou Huang, I am invincible. Above Dou Huang, I can trade one for one. Even against low-star Dou Huangs without Earth-tier Cultivation and Dou Techniques, I have the strength to contend with them. Such strength cannot guarantee my safety one hundred percent in the Black Corner Region, but I can already travel freely throughout the Jia Ma Empire. I plan to return to my clan first, then train in the Jia Ma Empire and the Tagor Desert while seeking a few opportunities. My Magical Beast, Rayquaza, has also advanced to a Sixth-tier Magical Beast. With its speed far surpassing those of the same tier, even a Dou Zong might not be able to catch me if they wished to attack me."

After hearing Xiao Ling's answer, Su Qian nodded, his expression no longer as stern as before. Smiling, he said, "Since you are going to the Jia Ma Empire, I have little reason to stop you. Based on what I know, Yun Shan, the former sect leader 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, whose cultivation has reached peak Dou Huang. In the Tagor Desert, the strongest is undoubtedly the infamous Queen Medusa. Though she is also at peak Dou Huang, she cannot be mentioned in the same breath as Jia Xing Tian. With the body of a Magical Beast, she can contend with a Dou Zong for a short time. If you happen to come into contact with her, you must be careful. So long as you are not careless, nothing unexpected should happen."

Having received the First Elder's approval, Xiao Ling inwardly sighed in relief. If the First Elder had firmly refused, there would have been little he could do. Jia Nan Academy was where he had been raised, and the First Elder could be considered half a guardian to him. If his plans changed because of this, things would become troublesome.

Xiao Ling gave the First Elder another deep bow and said earnestly, "Thank you for granting my request, First Elder. I will certainly be more careful outside."

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

"You have now broken through to the Dou King realm, and you have spent nearly five years in the Inner Academy. Since you wish to go out and train, graduate early and serve as an elder of the academy. Do not forget Jia Nan Academy while you are away. This place will always be your home," Su Qian said solemnly.

Xiao Ling nodded and replied earnestly, "Rest assured, First Elder. Jia Nan Academy raised me. Even if you had not said this, I would keep this kindness firmly in my heart. I have long considered myself a part of Jia Nan Academy."

Hearing this, Su Qian nodded in satisfaction. He walked before Xiao Ling, patted him on the shoulder, and said, "Then I shall notify the academy elders shortly. 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 how high I rise in the future, you will still be my elder."

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

With a swift step, she dashed between them, pushed them apart, stamped her foot, and said to First Elder Su Qian, "Old Su, why do you keep pulling Xiao Ling into conversation? Can't you see I'm still standing here?"

Only when Zi Yan suddenly appeared did Su Qian remember that Xiao Ling was not the only one who had come to see him. Zi Yan was there as well.

Somewhat puzzled, he asked, "Girl Zi Yan, did you come to discuss something with this old man? If it is about medicinal ingredients from the academy, then I cannot help you solve that problem."

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

Upon hearing this, Su Qian turned his gaze toward Xiao Ling. "Boy Xiao Ling, have the two of you already discussed this?"

Xiao Ling nodded and told First Elder Su Qian about what he and Zi Yan had discussed earlier.

Su Qian nodded and looked at Zi Yan, speaking seriously. "Training outside is not like 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 myself." Xiao Ling was her source of food and clothing. She absolutely could not offend him.

"Then I leave Zi Yan in your care. Be more mindful of safety while outside. I will now notify the elders of the Inner Academy and inform them that you are becoming an elder." With those words, Su Qian stepped into the void and headed out of the pavilion.

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

Xiao Ling stroked Zi Yan's smooth purple hair and said with a smile, "After tonight. We will leave tomorrow morning. You only get this enthusiastic when it comes to medicinal ingredients."

Feeling the warmth from Xiao Ling's hand atop her head, Zi Yan did not resist. She spoke helplessly, "Only by eating more medicinal ingredients can I reach the Dou Zong realm sooner. Then I'll be able to find out 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 Form Transformation Pill and my Alchemy reaches Peak Seventh-grade, I will refine a Form Transformation Pill for you immediately."

Although Xiao Ling knew that Zi Yan's true form was an Ancient Void Dragon, the Ancient Void Dragon Clan was in a special situation at present. It was better for her to remain by his side and improve her cultivation.

"Then you must not lie to me. You have to keep your word." Hearing this, Zi Yan tightened her hold on Xiao Ling's arm.

"Don't worry. I will not lie to you."

"Pinky swear. A hundred years, no changing..."

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