Chapter 274 Return to Canaan College
Xiao Ling's eyes stayed on Zi Yan's face for a moment, and he noticed that there was a subtle nervousness hidden in her smile. He knew that for Zi Yan, who had been wandering around since she was a child, the concept of home was both a warm vision and a deep concern.
He patted Zi Yan's head gently, his tone relaxed but firm: "Don't worry, if there is a chance, I will definitely accompany you back."
Although he said so, Xiao Ling felt a little complicated. Zi Yan was indeed a wealthy dragon princess, but the affairs of the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan were no joke. Once Zi Yan returned, her life might no longer be as easy as it is now.
However, Xiao Ling quickly shook his head and put these thoughts aside. He thought to himself that it was too early to think about these things now, and everything would be clear when he arrived in Zhongzhou.
……
Likongzuo soared in the air, but it didn't last too long. After all, the distance from the snake people to the Xiao family was not far, and he soon brought a few people back to the familiar Xiao family compound.
In the courtyard, several maids were busy cleaning. When they saw Xiao Ling and his friends, they immediately stopped what they were doing and saluted them in unison with respectful smiles on their faces: "Master Xiao Ling, welcome back, and the other ladies."
Xiao Ling nodded slightly, as a response to the maids' greetings. He swept his eyes across the courtyard, and then whispered to one of the maids, "Please go inform Xiao Yan and tell him that I have something important to discuss with him."
Just now, when Xiao Ling was on the back of the Likong Throne, he had released his soul perception and detected Xiao Yan's breath in the Xiao family.
When the maid heard Xiao Ling's order, she immediately bowed respectfully and said, "Okay, Master Xiao Ling, I will go and ask Master Xiao Yan to come over right away."
As soon as she finished speaking, she turned lightly and walked towards Xiao Yan's residence with brisk steps. Her figure soon disappeared around the corner of the courtyard.
Xiao Ling's eyes swept gently over the other busy maids in the courtyard, and his voice was gentle but firm: "Okay, everyone has worked hard, now you can take a break and do your own things."
Following Xiao Ling's instructions, the maids stopped their work, cast grateful glances at him, then whispered goodbye to him and left the courtyard one after another. Soon, only Xiao Ling and his three companions were left in the courtyard.
Xiao Ling stretched lazily and said to the Little Medical Fairy in a relaxed manner: "Xian'er, I'll leave those herbs to you. I trust your picking skills the most."
Xiao Yixian smiled and nodded, with a hint of confidence in her tone: "No problem, leave it to me, you can rest assured."
After saying that, the Little Medical Fairy rolled up her sleeves and walked towards the medicine garden, looking very motivated.
During the time when Xiao Ling was in seclusion, Xiao Yixian and Yao Chen had been helping to take care of the precious herbs. Xiao Yixian had a special fondness for these herbs, and she was always happy to do anything related to the herbs.
Xiao Ling's gaze turned to Zi Yan and Qing Lin again, his voice carrying a hint of relief and anticipation: "You two should also go and get ready. After all, after tonight, we will be embarking on a new journey tomorrow morning."
Zi Yan and Qing Lin looked at each other, nodded in understanding, and without saying anything more, turned and walked towards their rooms.
Not long after, Xiao Yan appeared at the gate of Xiao Ling's courtyard. His steps were brisk, with a calm and unhurried temperament.
As soon as Xiao Ling saw Xiao Yan, he immediately stood up and waved to him with a friendly smile on his face: "Xiao Yan, you are here."
Xiao Yan quickened his pace and walked to Xiao Ling's side. A smile appeared on the corner of his mouth, and there was a hint of joking in his tone: "Cousin, long time no see, do you have any plans?" Although he tried to make the atmosphere relaxed, there was still a hint of reluctance in his laughter.
Xiao Yan had heard that Xiao Ling's strength had improved by leaps and bounds after his retreat, and he had directly broken through to the Dou Zong realm. As soon as he finished his retreat, he rushed to the front line without stopping to rescue the Gama Empire from the crisis. On the battlefield, he challenged four Dou Zong masters from the Three Kingdoms coalition alone, and turned the tide of the battle.
After this battle, Xiao Ling's name became a household name in the Gamma Empire. He became a great hero in people's hearts. Everyone was talking about his heroic deeds, as if he was the superhero who fell from the sky and saved the world.
Since Xiao Yan and Xiao Ling were of similar age, he had always regarded Xiao Ling as his role model and goal, and secretly vowed to catch up. In the past few months, he practiced day and night, and his sweat and hard work finally paid off. Now he has successfully promoted to the realm of five-star Dou Ling, and his alchemy skills have also improved, and he can steadily refine fifth-grade pills.
Xiao Yan thought that the distance between him and Xiao Ling was narrowing little by little, and he was quite proud of it. But he didn't expect that Xiao Ling would jump directly to the Dou Zong level as soon as he came out of retreat, which made Xiao Yan a little confused. How could he catch up with this speed?
Xiao Yan was sincerely happy for Xiao Ling's achievement, but he couldn't help feeling mixed emotions deep down.
Sometimes he would even fantasize in his mind that Xiao Ling, this guy, was born in a humble small family, but was able to fight back with his amazing talent for cultivation. Every time he appeared, he was like the protagonist in a novel, with his own halo, and always surrounded by beautiful women. Isn't this the child of destiny described in those fantasy novels he had read before?
Xiao Ling keenly felt that Xiao Yan seemed to be troubled. Although he didn't know the specific reason, he did not ask too much.
He said to Xiao Yan in a relaxed tone: "I plan to go back to Canaan College early tomorrow morning. You have been away from the college for quite a long time. Old Man Huo must miss you. It's time to go back and visit."
Xiao Yan listened to Xiao Ling's words and nodded, knowing that he had not been back to Canaan College for a long time. "Okay, cousin, I understand. The teacher also urged me to go back, saying that I must go back before the inner school competition. Tomorrow morning, I will come to find you on time, and we will go back together."
During this time, his teachers and the elders of the academy kept reminding him through letters that this year's inner courtyard competition was about to begin, and they hoped that he could return to the academy before the next inner courtyard competition.
After all, with Xiao Yan's current strength, it is a foregone conclusion that he will enter the top ten of the inner courtyard. After entering the top ten of the inner courtyard, he will have the opportunity to forge his body with the origin of the Fallen Heart Flame, and his possibility of breaking through to the Dou King will be greatly increased.
Even if Xiao Ling possessed the Fallen Heart Flame, he would not use his Fallen Heart Flame to train Xiao Yan's heart flame for no reason. Doing so might not be a good thing for Xiao Yan.
It would be better to let Xiao Yan go to the inner courtyard to compete with others, after all, the Fallen Heart Flame there has the same effect. In this way, what Xiao Yan gets through his own efforts will be more precious and meaningful.
"Okay, the inner courtyard competition is coming soon, so you go back and prepare first. Remember, come early tomorrow and don't be late." Xiao Ling smiled easily, with a hint of joking in his tone.
The two chatted casually for a few more sentences, and the atmosphere was relaxed and happy. Soon, Xiao Yan stood up and took the initiative to say goodbye: "Then I will leave first, cousin, see you tomorrow."
Xiao Ling nodded, watching Xiao Yan's figure gradually disappear into the distance, then he turned around and walked into the medicine garden. There, Xiao Yixian was busy, and the two began to pick those precious herbs together.
Although high-quality medicinal materials usually take a long time to mature, some even take hundreds or thousands of years. But in the past year, Yao Chen and Xiao Yixian have successfully cultivated a lot of precious high-level medicinal materials using the Cangtian Creation Dew produced by the Palm of Heaven Bottle.
In the medicine garden, each medicinal herb thrives under careful care, exuding an enticing aroma.
Walking in the medicine garden, Xiao Ling was surrounded by the rich medicinal fragrance, and his eyes lingered on each precious medicinal herb.
Each of these herbs is a treasure in the eyes of alchemists. Not only do they emit natural fragrance, but they also contain powerful medicinal effects.
Walking in the herb garden filled with the aroma of herbs, Xiao Ling couldn't help but smile with satisfaction, and the corners of his mouth were almost uncontrollable. This is definitely the treasure land that every alchemist dreams of. Looking at these precious medicinal materials in front of him, Xiao Ling seemed to have seen a bright future beckoning to him.
Time passed quickly, and soon it was the next morning. Everyone got up early, and after meeting up with Xiao Yan, the four of them boarded the Sky-Splitting Throne and set off towards Canaan College.
...Two days later, in the morning, the sun shone through the dense treetops of the forest outside the Canaan Academy, sprinkling patches of light on the ground. Above this peaceful forest, a group of flying monsters carefully trained by the Canaan Academy were spreading their wide wings and soaring in the sky.
The convoy was led by several old men, with a pair of powerful wings spread out on their backs, like the gods in the legend. They soared in the air, clearing the way for the convoy, and every time they waved their hands, they released powerful energy fluctuations.
These energies turned into dazzling rays of light, hitting the monsters that dared to challenge the authority of the team, instantly turning them into blood mist. The scene was spectacular and shocking.
The students in the rear witnessed this scene and couldn't help but exclaim in amazement and cheer, their eyes filled with awe and envy.
At the front of this fleet of flying monsters, there was an old man who was different from the others. He did not have a pair of conspicuous wings like the other elders.
However, his figure shuttled freely in the air, as if the wind in the air was his wings. This ability was the mark of a Dou Zong strongman.
In the areas that other elders were in charge of, there would occasionally be some fish that slipped through the net and needed other team members to deal with them. But in the area that this old man was in charge of, everything was in order and no monsters could get close to the team. His presence was like an invisible barrier that kept all threats out.
On the back of the flying monster, the students were excitedly whispering to each other, discussing the amazing strength of Vice President Hu Qian.
"Have you seen Vice President Hu Qian? His strength is so terrifying!" said a student with admiration on his face.
"Haha, of course, he is a Dou Zong-level expert!" another student responded proudly, as if he also benefited from this power.
"I heard that Vice President Hu Qian was able to break through to the Dou Zong level because of the Dou Zong Pill refined by Elder Xiao Ling?" A curious voice interrupted.
"Po Zong Dan? That's a sixth-grade high-level elixir!" Someone nearby exclaimed, his tone full of envy.
"Hehe, Elder Xiao Ling is a genius in our academy. He was able to refine sixth-grade advanced elixirs before, and now he may be a seventh-grade alchemist!" A student said mysteriously, with a hint of pride in his words, as if he was talking about a legend.
"Really? I heard from the seniors in school that he is about the same age as us?" another student asked in surprise, with excitement flashing in his eyes.
"Yes, his talent is simply unparalleled!" the first student answered, his tone full of admiration.
The students were discussing one after another, and everyone was proud to meet such a strong person in Canaan College. From time to time, they looked at Vice President Hu Qian in front of them, their hearts filled with longing for the future and desire for power.
Just as the students were chatting enthusiastically, a black rainbow light streaked across the sky and approached rapidly from a distance. This sudden scene immediately attracted everyone's attention, and even Vice Dean Hu Qian turned his head and stared at the rainbow light with a sharp gaze.
However, when Vice Dean Hu Qian sensed the breath of the visitor, his tense expression gradually relaxed, and even a smile appeared at the corner of his mouth. He recognized the familiar energy fluctuations and knew that it was not a threat.
At the same time, Vice Dean Hu Qian whispered to the elders next to him: "Don't be nervous, the one coming is Xiao Ling, tell the students to stay calm, we will continue to move forward at this speed."
"Understood!" the elders responded in unison.
The rainbow light approached quickly, and when it approached the flying convoy, its speed slowed down a little. At this time, the students finally saw the four figures on the sky seat in the rainbow light.
"Wow, that's Elder Xiao Ling!" a student exclaimed.
The one next to him is Xiao Yan, Elder Huo's favorite disciple from the Alchemy Department. I heard that he is also Elder Xiao Ling's cousin and has a great talent for cultivation." Another student added, his tone full of envy.
"Look, look!" Other students also pointed to the sky excitedly, with excitement flashing in their eyes.
As the rainbow light approached, the students' discussion became more and more heated. They were full of anticipation and curiosity about the upcoming Elder Xiao Ling. In their hearts, Xiao Ling was not only a legendary figure in the academy, but also the goal they were striving for. And now, they finally had the opportunity to see the true appearance of the first genius of Canaan Academy with their own eyes.
However, the students' excited discussions did not last long before they were interrupted by the stern rebukes of the elders.
"Quiet! Keep order!" The elder's voice echoed in the team. The students immediately calmed down and order was restored in the convoy.
At this time, Xiao Ling's voice sounded in the air, with a hint of relaxation and smile: "Vice Dean Hu Qian, it's the time for new students to enter the hospital again. You will lead the team again this year!" His words revealed his respect and closeness to Hu Qian.
Vice Dean Hu Qian turned his head and looked at Xiao Ling with a warm smile on his face: "Yes, Xiao Ling, I lead the freshman ceremony every year. This has become a tradition of Canaan College."
Behind Xiao Ling, Xiao Yixian, Qing Lin and Xiao Yan also greeted Vice President Hu Qian enthusiastically, their voices full of respect and kindness for the elder of the academy. However, Zi Yan only glanced at him lightly and then looked away, seemingly not very interested in this lively scene.
Vice President Hu Qian responded to these young faces with a kind smile and one by one.
His gaze lingered on Xiao Yan for a while longer, and he couldn't help but smile and joked, "Xiao Yan, you're finally back. Old man Huo talks about you every day. If you don't come back, he might really go to the Jia Ma Empire to capture you."
Hearing this, Xiao Yan could only touch his nose helplessly, with an awkward smile on his face. He knew that his teacher had high expectations of him, and he must perform well this time when he came back and not let his teacher down.
Looking at those freshmen full of vigor, Xiao Ling's thoughts drifted back to the day when he first stepped into the inner courtyard, when he was just a child in his early teens. He couldn't help but sigh that time is a wonderful thing. In the blink of an eye, he is no longer that naive boy.
Xiao Ling sighed softly, then turned to Vice Dean Hu Qian and asked, "Speaking of which, Hu Jia and I haven't seen each other for a while. How is she now?"
"When Vice Dean Hu Qian heard this question, he smiled with satisfaction: "Thanks to the Yellow Dragon Pill you made, she saved a lot of time in her Dou Qi stage of cultivation. A year ago, Hu Jia had already entered the inner courtyard, and she was the first in her class. As for her current situation, I am not very clear. "
As he spoke, a hint of pride appeared on Hu Qian's face. Although his granddaughter's talent might not be as good as Xiao Ling's, her efforts and progress were obvious. Hu Qian believed that with the guidance and protection of a Dou Zong master like him, Hu Jia's future achievements would definitely surpass his.
Speaking of which, a long time ago he had the idea of recruiting Xiao Ling as his grandson-in-law, but as time went by, especially when Xiao Xun'er also joined Canaan College and revealed her extraordinary background and potential, Hu Qian gave up this idea.
"It is indeed commendable that Hu Jia can enter the inner courtyard at such a young age. We still have things to deal with, so we'll go ahead." Xiao Ling nodded, his tone revealing his affirmation of Hu Jia, and then he gently patted Rayquaza's neck, signaling it to speed up.
Following Xiao Ling's order, the Splinter Cell let out a deafening roar towards the group of students who were about to enter the inner courtyard. The sound echoed in the sky, as if it was a special greeting to the freshmen who were about to enter the inner courtyard. Then, it twisted its body flexibly, its speed increased instantly, and it turned into a stream of light and disappeared from everyone's sight.
(End of this chapter)