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The next day, Hu Jia dragged Xiao Yan to Hu Gan's office, much sooner than he had expected. Xiao Yan did not know whether it was because of Hu Jia, Wu Protector, or both.

This was Xiao Yan's second time here. Compared to his previous visit, Dean Hu Gan's complexion looked much the same, but Xiao Yan noticed that Hu Gan's desk was much tidier than before.

"Dean Hu."

Hu Gan's already kindly face grew even gentler at Xiao Yan's greeting. He did not beat around the bush and spoke directly.

"Xiao Yan, I owe you a favor for what happened last time. I know you do not come from a great clan and lack a solid foundation. I have some combat techniques here that should suit you. I'll give you one as this old man's thanks."

Xiao Yan was delighted upon hearing this. He gratefully glanced at Hu Jia, who was pretending not to care, knowing she must have put in a good word for him. He then replied,

"Thank you, Dean, for bestowing this technique! But I do not deserve to be owed a favor. I came alone to Canaan and have received immense kindness from the academy, as well as much support from you, Dean. Being able to repay even a little of it is my good fortune. How could I dare say that you owe me a favor?"

Hu Gan seemed not to have expected Xiao Yan to say such a thing. His eyes shifted, and he asked with a hint of teasing,

"So you do not want this combat technique from me? Fine, then. This old man would be reluctant to give it away so casually anyway. Don't regret it, kid..."

"Grandfather!"

Before the displeased Hu Jia could say anything, Xiao Yan raised a hand to stop her and said seriously,

"What Xiao Yan said came entirely from the heart. Dean, there is no need to dwell on it. I never intended to gain any benefits from you."

Seeing the solemnity in Xiao Yan's eyes, Hu Gan nodded as well. He slowly let out a breath, then flicked his sleeve, sending a scroll flying into Xiao Yan's arms.

"You brat! I was only joking with you, yet you took it seriously. What has been given away cannot be taken back! If I did not give you this, would that little ancestor not nag me to death?"

Ignoring Hu Jia as she lunged at him with gritted teeth, Hu Gan continued,

"If you do not wish to regard this as my thanks, then take it as the academy's reward for your outstanding performance this time."

With matters put that way, Xiao Yan no longer stood on ceremony. He respectfully bowed to Hu Gan.

"This combat technique is indeed something I need, so I will not be polite with you, Dean. I will remember your kindness."

"Only..."

"Only what? Speak your mind. Hemming and hawing is not your style, kid!"

"Please forgive me, Dean. Since this is a reward for the matter in the Black-Corner Region, I would boldly ask for a reward for Wu Hao as well."

Hu Gan and Hu Jia, who was shaking his arm, both froze. "Wu Hao?"

Xiao Yan took a deep breath and explained, "I did contribute the most to rescuing Hu Jia, but it would have been impossible without Wu Hao's help. Besides, I had considerable ability to protect myself. Even if the rescue had failed, I was confident I could retreat unharmed. But Wu Hao risked death at any moment by carrying out the plan with me."

"Wu Hao is not someone skilled with words, so I spoke for him. If the Dean wishes to reward me, I believe Wu Hao deserves the Dean's 'reward' more than I do."

Hu Jia was somewhat stunned after hearing Xiao Yan's words, clearly having never considered this before. Hu Gan also looked deeply at Xiao Yan for a while before finally breaking the brief silence.

"Very well. I understand. If you two have nothing else, then..."

"Don't be in such a hurry, Dean. I have something else." Xiao Yan's tone became lively again, shedding his previous seriousness. "Dean, I want to ask whether the academy has any other opportunities to obtain Mystic Tier combat techniques?"

Having been interrupted, Hu Gan found it somewhat amusing. "What? Didn't you just say you did not want my combat technique? You have not even looked at the one in your hand, and you are already thinking about others?"

Xiao Yan replied with a cheeky grin, "Who would ever complain about having too many? Besides, this one is from you, Dean. As for the academy's, I'll earn those myself. Hehe, there's no conflict. (´∀`)"

Hu Gan laughed, then waved a hand. "First master what you have. Mystic Tier combat techniques are not easy to learn. I will keep an eye out for the academy's combat techniques for you. If an opportunity comes up, I will tell you. Go on."

Having received his answer, Xiao Yan left with Hu Jia in great satisfaction. Soon afterward, he left behind the worried Hu Jia as well. He was eager to study the combat technique in his hands!

Meanwhile, in Hu Gan's office, now empty save for him, two other figures suddenly appeared after the pair had departed.

The reason Xiao Yan had been summoned this time was, in the end, neither Wu Protector nor Hu Jia as he had guessed, but this man who had appeared—

"Great Elder, old Fire, you both heard that, right?"

Su Qian nodded, satisfaction appearing on his face. "Not bad, not bad. He knows gratitude and repays kindness, and he values loyalty and righteousness. That boy truly has not disappointed us."

Fire Elder, on the other hand, bristled his beard. "I told you long ago that Xiao Yan is a boy of utmost integrity. Take the Alchemy Department, for instance. Borrowing the academy's medicinal ingredients to refine pills for oneself is already an unspoken custom among the students. Yet Xiao Yan alone, not only never pockets any for himself, but even leaves all the pills refined from his allotted ingredients with the academy. He collects all of his own medicinal ingredients himself. And besides that..."

Hu Gan helplessly raised a hand to stop Fire Elder. Having known him for so many years, this was the first time he had discovered that the old man could talk without stopping.

"Enough, enough. Wasn't this just to let the Great Elder see for himself? Besides, old Fire, if you truly think so highly of Xiao Yan, why not take him as your disciple?"

Fire Elder's face twitched upon hearing that. He ended the previous topic, ignored Hu Gan, and cupped his hands toward Su Qian.

"Since the Great Elder is also satisfied, shall we proceed as we discussed beforehand and take Xiao Yan..."

Su Qian smiled but did not answer Fire Elder directly. "Fire Elder, you should be very satisfied with Xiao Yan, correct? If he truly goes there, you will lose your chance to become his master."

Su Qian and Hu Gan both watched Fire Elder. Fire Elder merely took a deep breath and said, "The Great Elder said it himself: 'A piece of unpolished jade must not be ruined by Canaan Academy.' If Xiao Yan became my disciple, I fear I would only delay him..."

It was not that Fire Elder had never considered taking Xiao Yan as a formal disciple. But seeing Xiao Yan's alchemy improve so rapidly, he understood that there was too little he could teach him. Taking him as a disciple would only limit Xiao Yan's development.

Su Qian and Hu Gan sighed as well. In truth, they had understood Fire Elder's thoughts the moment he proposed that plan. They were only trying once more to persuade him. Since Fire Elder had made up his mind, there was no need to dwell on it any longer.

Su Qian smiled. "Very well. Then this old man will make preparations. I have not gone there in many years. This time, I can visit a few old friends as well. I'll treat it as a holiday for myself."

Hu Gan reminded him from the side, "Great Elder, you will be away for quite some time. As for that thing in the Inner Academy..."

Su Qian waved a hand. "No matter. This old man has his own methods. I will make sure that thing cannot stir up any trouble."

The three discussed matters for a while longer before finally leaving.