Dissapointed Gu Xun'er
"Oh?"
Su Qian fixed his gaze on Han Feng. So that's what happened—Han Feng had intercepted Pavilion Master Li Xiao midway. No wonder the pavilion master hadn't notified him directly, and it was Han Feng who had sent someone to inform Canaan Academy instead.
Su Qian stroked his beard, then turned and introduced the two figures beside him. "These two are elders of Canaan Academy, Bai Lie and Qian Mu."
Li Xiao looked at the two Dou Ancestor experts in black robes, and images of the "Twin Elders of Qian and Bai" surfaced in his mind.
The Twin Elders of Qian and Bai were the guardians of Canaan Academy. They spent most of their time in seclusion, only appearing when the academy was on the brink of destruction. Combined, they held the strength of nine-star Dou Ancestor. In a place like the Black-Corner Region, where Dou Venerate experts rarely appeared, they were virtually unbeatable.
It was unexpected to see them now. Normally, the two only emerged during a life-or-death crisis for the academy. This gathering was attracting quite a few hidden powerhouses—first it was Mo Tianxing, sect master of the Black Emperor Sect, then Old Ground Demon Ghost from Mo Yan Valley, and now even the peak Dou Ancestors from Canaan Academy had shown up.
It was certainly surprising.
The Twin Elders of Qian and Bai stepped forward and cupped their hands in respect. "I am Qian Mu/I am Bai Lie. We greet Pavilion Master Li Xiao."
Before arriving, Su Qian had already informed the two elders of the recent events. After hearing the details, the elders were both amazed—who could have imagined an auction house like the Heaven Ascending Pavilion existed? Even in the Central Plains, there was likely no auction that could compare in luxury, let alone one that offered dozens of precious items every year.
Su Qian didn't bother with formalities toward Han Feng and directly sat next to Pavilion Master Li Xiao, casually pushing Han Feng aside. Though Han Feng felt a bit dissatisfied, in the face of Canaan Academy's influence, he had no choice but to lower his head and take a seat at another table.
Mo Tianxing, observing the situation, blinked and wisely gave up his seat to the Twin Elders of Qian and Bai. He had recognized their identities, and in the Black-Corner Region, there was no need to offend Canaan Academy's experts. If he did, regret would come too late.
Su Qian glanced at the young girl, Zi Yan, who was devouring food at the table. He paused for a moment before turning back to Li Xiao and asked, "Pavilion Master Li Xiao, did Elder Bai Ling not accompany you this time?"
Li Xiao shook his head. "It's just Zi Yan with me this time. I left the others at the pavilion to continue their training."
"I see," Su Qian smiled. "No wonder I haven't seen that terrifying woman."
Yingu Laodao, another guest at the banquet, chimed in, "Everyone, you should eat quickly. The food will get cold soon."
Li Xiao slowly picked up his chopsticks. No one dared to touch any of the dishes until he made the first move. In this kind of setting, if anyone dared to grab food before their elders, it would be seen as incredibly disrespectful, and it could even cost them their life.
Rules were rules.
Once Pavilion Master Li Xiao started eating, the others finally began drinking and eating as well. However, most people weren't particularly focused on the food. What mattered was with whom they were eating. Dining with Pavilion Master Li Xiao was priceless—if one could even eat a bowl of simple noodles with him, its value would be immeasurable.
After a few rounds of food and drink, Li Xiao was quite satisfied with Han Feng's hospitality. Especially the peach blossom wine, which was fragrant and delicious. He even planned to get the recipe later and make some himself back at the pavilion.
Given the unique environment of the Heaven Ascending Pavilion, he could store the newly brewed wine there for a year, and when it was opened again, it would taste even more refined, far surpassing Han Feng's peach blossom wine.
Great Elder Su Qian naturally extended an invitation for Li Xiao to visit Canaan Academy. The Inner Branch Selection Tournament was currently underway, and if they returned in time, they could even enjoy watching the young students compete.
Li Xiao agreed with a smile. After bidding farewell to Han Feng and the others, he left with the ever-hungry Zi Yan, heading toward Canaan Academy.
Though Han Feng was a bit reluctant to see them go, there was nothing he could do about it. However, his goal had already been achieved. Now, every power in the Black-Corner Region was well aware of the Alchemy Emperor's close relationship with Pavilion Master Li Xiao. From now on, no one would dare set their sights on Summit City.
…
Canaan Academy.
At this moment, the annual Inner Branch Selection Tournament was taking place. The top twenty participants would qualify to enter the Inner Branch for further training, and the top five would receive extremely generous rewards, including the chance to select techniques or battle skills from the Treasure Pavilion.
Therefore, the competition was exceptionally fierce.
Hu Qian, the Deputy Head of the Outer Branch, was presiding over the competition. Seated beside him were the academy's outer elders, all of whom were at the Dou King level.
Li Xiao and his companions, in order not to disturb the ongoing competition, followed Great Elder Su Qian to a private room. From there, they could enjoy tea, chat, and still watch the matches below.
"The next match: Xue Beng from Class Three, Black Rank, versus Xiao Yan from Class Two, Yellow Rank."
Upon hearing Deputy Head Hu Qian's voice, Li Xiao shifted his attention to the competition arena. He wondered whether Xiao Yan would even appear at Canaan Academy.
Xiao Yan's main reason for returning to Canaan Academy had been to seek the Fallen Heart Flame. Now that Li Xiao had already taken the Fallen Heart Flame, the chances of Xiao Yan coming here had significantly decreased.
The crowd murmured among themselves, expressing sympathy for Xun'er, saying that Xiao Yan was not worthy of her.
Bai Shan clenched his weapon tightly, wishing he could tear Xiao Yan into pieces right at that moment!
Gu Xun'er looked anxious. She didn't know if her brother Xiao Yan would come, but after waiting for a long time, she didn't see a single trace of him. Disappointed, she turned and walked away.
But this time, there was no miracle. Xiao Yan did not show up...
Just as Li Xiao had expected, without the presence of the Heavenly Flame at Canaan Academy, it was unlikely for Xiao Yan to come.
Xiao Yan understood the gap between him and Gu Xun'er, so he wouldn't waste time in school. To quickly improve himself, he needed to experience life-threatening situations—Xiao Yan understood this principle of rebirth through hardship.
So, it made sense for him not to return to Canaan Academy.
Gu Xun'er sighed in disappointment, her face filled with sorrow. In the end, he still didn't appear in front of her. All her fantasies ultimately resulted in loneliness.
"Xiao Yan hasn't arrived. The victory goes to Xue Beng from Class Three, Black Rank!"
The crowd began mocking Xiao Yan as a coward. They were frustrated that such a detestable person, who hadn't shown up for so long, left their beloved Xun'er feeling so aggrieved!
Li Xiao took a sip of his tea, smiling as he asked, "Great Elder Su Qian, what do you think of the Xiao family disciple, Xiao Yan, who hasn't been seen in three years?"
Great Elder Su Qian stroked his beard and said, "Xiao Yan... isn't he the good-for-nothing young master of the Xiao family?"