Han Yue
Li Xiao only nodded slightly. If Canaan Academy still had the Fallen Heart Flame, perhaps Xiao Yan would have stayed. But with the flame gone, there was no reason for him to come here.
The subsequent matches were unsurprising. Gu Xun'er easily secured her victory, drawing cheers and excitement from the crowd. Xun'er was not only beautiful but also incredibly strong. Every man present couldn't help but fantasize about spending a few nights with her.
They figured that even if they lost ten years of their life, it would be worth it to share a night with her.
But in reality, it was nothing more than a pipe dream. Forget spending a night with her, they probably wouldn't even be able to touch her fingertip.
With the competition over for the day, Li Xiao shrugged. "Great Elder Su Qian, I'd like to wander around Canaan Academy by myself for a while. There's no need for you to accompany me."
"This..." Su Qian hesitated and said, "Wouldn't that slight your status?"
"Don't worry about that." Li Xiao smiled. "Last time, I didn't get a chance to properly explore Canaan Academy. I intend to make the most of it this time."
Seeing his determination, Su Qian didn't press the matter further. After all, there wasn't anyone in the entire Black-Corner Region who would dare make a move against Pavilion Master Li Xiao. And this was still Canaan Academy.
The Qian-Bai Elders also vanished from sight, as they couldn't remain in the public eye for too long. They had other duties, such as guarding the academy's Treasure Pavilion.
Zi Yan, too, was eager to go find Elder Huo to discuss the flavors of various pills and said her farewells to Li Xiao.
Li Xiao turned into a flash of light and disappeared within Canaan Academy.
Within the academy, there was still one valuable treasure left: Core Quenching Body Milk!
The Core Quenching Body Milk was formed by harnessing the power of the earth and sky. It took a hundred years to become a mist, a thousand years to become a liquid, and ten thousand years to form into milk. It could improve a person's physique, washing away impurities, similar to the effects of rare medicinal pills.
In the dense forest behind Canaan Academy, Li Xiao used his senses to locate the precise location of the Core Quenching Body Milk.
However, after searching for half an hour, Li Xiao still couldn't find its location. Without a map or guide, finding the Core Quenching Body Milk was like searching for a needle in a haystack.
Li Xiao rubbed his forehead, realizing that the only person who knew the exact location was that woman. He had initially intended to avoid sharing the treasure, but with no other options, he decided to head to the Inner Branch to seek her out.
The Core Quenching Body Milk was a rare and valuable treasure. If he could bring it to auction, it would undoubtedly bring him a considerable fortune.
So there was no way Li Xiao would pass up such a good opportunity.
Zi Yan knew where the Core Quenching Body Milk was as well, but he had no idea where she had run off to. He figured it would be better to seek out someone more reliable.
…
In the inner courtyard, inside a room near the serene green mountains and water, a stunning woman sat cross-legged on the bed, absorbing the surrounding Dou Qi.
The woman wore a silver robe, her figure tall and graceful. Though her face was slightly thin, it was undeniably beautiful, with skin as white as snow and delicate, well-defined features. What was most striking was her waist-length hair, which was an uncommon silver color.
Her silver hair matched the silver dress, giving her an aura of aloofness that kept people at a distance, making her someone to admire from afar but impossible to approach.
At that moment, the woman suddenly felt a terrifying presence approaching, causing her to open her eyes abruptly. She swiftly jumped from the bed, weapon in hand, and rushed out of the room, warily observing the man before her.
"You are...?"
Han Yue looked at the stranger wearing a demonic mask, her expression puzzled. It felt like she had seen him somewhere before, but she couldn't quite place it.
"I am Li Xiao, the Pavilion Master of the Heaven Ascending Pavilion. Today's visit is out of necessity. I ask for the young lady's understanding."
Han Yue's heart skipped a beat. Upon hearing his name, she recalled something her family had told her. If she ever encountered a man in the Northwest Region wearing a menacing mask and claiming to be Li Xiao, she must serve him well and avoid offending him, or the family would face utter ruin.
"Junior Han Yue, disciple of the Han family from Tianbei City in Central Plains, greets Pavilion Master Li Xiao!"
Han Yue quickly stepped forward, respectfully kneeling on one knee with a graceful and heroic posture, like a swordsman from the heavens.
Li Xiao stroked his chin. He knew of the Han family from Tianbei City in Central Plains, but he didn't recall any Han family members participating in the Heaven Ascending Pavilion auctions...
"Han Yue, does your family know me?"
"Yes, they do." Han Yue nodded obediently. "They instructed me that if I ever met someone claiming to be the Pavilion Master of Heaven Ascending Pavilion and wearing a menacing mask, I should show the utmost respect and never offend them."
Li Xiao stepped forward and helped Han Yue up. Looking at her youthful and delicate face, with her rosy, cherry lips, he couldn't help but wonder what they might taste like.
Her black stockings highlighted her legs, which could drive anyone crazy. No wonder Han Yue was the goddess of the inner courtyard disciples—she truly had stunning looks.
Turning slightly, Li Xiao asked, "Han Yue, I've heard you recently encountered a rank five magical beast. Is that true?"
Han Yue looked up, her face showing a hint of surprise. How did Pavilion Master Li Xiao know about this?
She hadn't even had the chance to tell Lin Xiuya, yet the Pavilion Master of Heaven Ascending Pavilion knew. Could he read minds?
Seeing Han Yue's expression, Li Xiao understood. It seemed she had already found the location of the Core Quenching Body Milk, but had been injured in a fight with the fifth-rank magical beast and returned here to recover.
"Don't worry. Once the task is done, I'll give you a share."
Li Xiao was generous. If Han Yue helped him find the Core Quenching Body Milk, he would give her half as a reward.
After all, she wanted to improve her strength, while he was only interested in selling it at auction. If they worked together, it would make the task easier.
Han Yue bit her tempting red lips and said in a low voice, "Senior, I do know where that frank five magical beast is, but… that beast has been aided by the heavenly treasure Core Quenching Body Milk. It has already gained intelligence and can even speak…"
The Snow Demon Sky Ape was not to be underestimated. Having cultivated with the Core Quenching Body Milk for many years, its strength had reached a new height. At full power, it was nearly equivalent to a five-star Dou King.