Inner Academy.
Creak!
A wooden door was slowly pushed open, allowing sunlight to stream in through the gap. The light quickly spread, casting elongated shadows of several figures on the floor.
"Xiao Bai, from now on, this will be the residence for the five of you," Elder Su glanced at Xiao Bai and the others behind him, smiling as he spoke.
"Five people, huh?" Xiao Bai swept his soul perception over the pavilion. It had three floors, with plenty of rooms available.
"Uh… Elder Su, I just noticed that Mu Chuan and his group next door only have four people. Can I stay there instead?" Tu Shan scratched his head, his dark face showing a slight blush.
Xiao Bai and the others looked at Tu Shan with knowing smiles. This guy had been hesitating to speak earlier, and now it was clear—his real intention wasn't the room, but that petite girl over there!
"As long as they don't mind, I have no objections," Elder Su chuckled and shook his head. As someone who had experienced youth himself, how could he not understand the reason?
"Hehe… Boss, I'll leave you be then. If you need me, just send someone to call me!" Tu Shan winked at Xiao Bai, greeted the group, and hurriedly left.
Once outside, Tu Shan patted his chest—what a relief! Among the five, two were Boss's women, and the other was also a woman. If he, a lone man, dared to stay there, wouldn't he be risking his life?
"As for the four of you, I won't bother giving you the same warnings as the other newcomers. The Inner Academy can be summed up in just four words—the strong reign supreme!"
"In the Inner Academy, unlike the Outer Academy, there are no classes. As long as you have enough Fire Energy, you can enter the Blazing Sky Qi Refining Tower to cultivate. Training there is more effective than any class. The only thing you must remember is not to miss the Academy's scheduled weekly entry into the tower."
"Additionally, the Inner Academy has a Dou Technique Hall and a Skill Pavilion. If you want techniques or skills, you can check them out, but they're not free—you'll need Fire Energy to exchange for them."
"If you ever find yourself short on Fire Energy, you can go to the Mission Hall or the Arena. The Mission Hall regularly posts tasks of varying difficulty every month. If you don't want to do tedious missions, you can try the Arena—it's the fastest way to earn a large amount of Fire Energy. However, you'll need sufficient strength; otherwise, you might lose everything!"
"In short, the Inner Academy is much freer than the Outer Academy. How you choose to live is up to you. Alright, it's getting late—tidy up and get some rest. If you need anything, you can find me."
With that, Elder Su waved his hand and turned to leave. When he reached the doorway, he suddenly seemed to remember something and turned back.
"Oh, right—Xiao Bai!"
"Elder Su, what is it?" Xiao Bai told Xun Er and the others to go inside before walking to the door with a puzzled expression.
"Well…" Elder Su's aged face showed a bit of hesitation, his eyes carrying a hint of expectation as he asked, "I heard from the Grand Elder that you're a 5th Tier Alchemist. Can you refine Dou Ling Pills?"
"Dou Ling Pills?" Xiao Bai glanced at Elder Su and immediately understood, feeling somewhat speechless. Since coming to Jia Nan Academy, this was already the second time he had heard of this pill. He chuckled and said, "Elder Su, with your current Eight-Star Dou Wang cultivation, haven't you used one before?"
"No! In Jia Nan Academy, many elders are stuck at the Dou Wang realm. Dou Ling Pills are always in high demand, and whenever one appears, those old foxes scramble to get it. Because of my duties, I can't leave the Academy for too long to attend auctions, so I've just kept delaying it," Elder Su shook his head.
"I see," Xiao Bai murmured thoughtfully. "Haven't you asked Elder Huo for help?"
"Don't bring up that old bastard!" Elder Su's forehead veins throbbed in anger as he growled, "That old geezer swore he could do it, but in the end, he wasted all three sets of rare ingredients I painstakingly gathered!"
Seeing Elder Su's furious expression, Xiao Bai almost burst into laughter. Who would have thought that the usually mild-mannered Elder Su could get so riled up? Apart from Elder Zhao from the Outer Academy, it seemed Elder Huo had another unfortunate victim!
"I've never refined a Dou Ling Pill before," Xiao Bai said with a smile, shaking his head.
Hearing this, Elder Su's cloudy eyes flickered with disappointment. "Not even you?"
He had high hopes since Xiao Bai's soul strength was exceptionally powerful, thinking he might be more reliable than that old fool, Elder Huo.
When he first heard that Xiao Bai was a 5th Tier Alchemist, he had been thrilled—just one Dou Ling Pill, and he'd be on the verge of breaking through to Dou Huang. But now, it seemed that hope was slipping away!
"Elder Su, don't be so anxious! I only said I haven't refined it before—I didn't say I can't refine it!" Xiao Bai pondered for a moment before continuing, "I just heard that Dou Ling Pills are in high demand in the Inner Academy. Many elders must have the ingredients but lack an alchemist to refine them. How about this? If Elder Su can find three people who need Dou Ling Pills, I'm confident I can refine them. What do you think?"
"You want the ingredients to practice?" Elder Su's eyelid twitched as he looked at Xiao Bai with suspicion. The last person who used his ingredients for 'practice' had only scammed him alone, but this kid had an even bigger appetite—he wanted three sets!
"What do you mean practice?" Xiao Bai was displeased. "Dou Ling Pills are sixth-tier pills. Unless an alchemist has reached peak sixth-tier or higher, who can guarantee a 100% success rate? This is called a sunk cost!"
"Isn't that the same thing?" Elder Su rolled his eyes. Alchemists were truly annoying—they were all the same! Nothing but a bunch of smooth talkers!
First, that old fire geezer claimed he was 'one step closer to success,' and now this kid came up with 'sunk costs.' Of course, it was easy for them to say since they weren't the ones providing the ingredients!
After hesitating for a moment, Elder Su gritted his teeth and said, "Fine! I'll trust you this time. I'll go back and contact two more people!"
"Hehe…" Xiao Bai smiled as if he had expected this answer. He nodded and said, "Don't worry, Elder Su! I won't disappoint you! However…"
Under Elder Su's puzzled gaze, Xiao Bai slowly said, "You do know the rules of alchemists, right?"
"…!" Elder Su was momentarily speechless before waving his hand in annoyance. "Yes, yes—three sets of ingredients and 800 days of Fire Energy. Don't worry, you'll get your share once it's done!"
"800 days of Fire Energy?" Xiao Bai frowned. Where did that number come from? Thinking carefully, he realized he had never set such a price.
"The Grand Elder said so. That Lin Yan kid paid 800 days of Fire Energy to secure you, a Tier Five Alchemist, so refining a pill for 800 days of Fire Energy should… be reasonable, right?" Elder Su cautiously asked.
Even for an elder, 800 days of Fire Energy was no small amount. He just hoped this kid wouldn't suddenly ask for more.
Now it was Xiao Bai's turn to be dumbfounded. Lin Yan's 800 days of Fire Energy had been based on what he got from Liu Qing. Who would've thought that would set a market price? If he had known, he would've charged Lin Yan 8,000 days instead!
"Fine then!" Xiao Bai shook his head, dismissing that unrealistic thought. 800 days was already a high price.
"Alright, then it's settled! I'll go find the others now. By tomorrow, I should have an answer!" With that, Elder Su turned and hurried away.
Watching Elder Su's departing figure, Xiao Bai chuckled. He understood why the elder was in such a rush. Earlier, he had sensed the unstable fluctuations in his Dou Qi—he was about to break through to a Nine-Star Dou Wang. Once he did, if he consumed a Dou Ling Pill, he would have a chance to reach the Dou Huang realm. That kind of opportunity would make anyone impatient!
This deal also made Xiao Bai truly realize the status of high-tier alchemists. Before, he had only understood it through the original novel, but words could never compare to experiencing it firsthand.
Looking at it now, his previous deal with Yao Lao had been a very wise decision. This profession was truly profitable!
The situation with Elder Su and the others also gave Xiao Bai some new ideas for the future. The Black-Corner Region was chaotic, but it was also an enormous gold mine!
The resources that flowed through this place were among the richest in the Northwest Continent, attracting materials from all over the Dou Qi Continent. Yet, there wasn't a single true alchemy force dedicated purely to commercial refining—except for Feng City's Han Feng, who was only a small player.
If he established an organization here that operated purely on profit rather than personal connections and then eliminated Han Feng to dominate the market, the amount of resources he could acquire would be massive!
Xiao Bai himself might not need that much, but Xiao Yi Xian and the others certainly did! It would greatly help their growth.
However, this wasn't something he could handle alone. He would need a large number of alchemists. While he could personally refine high-tier pills, if he had to handle low-tier ones as well, it would only slow down his own cultivation—not worth it!
"Looks like I should find Elder Huo for a chat. He has a lot of alchemists under him… this might actually be a feasible plan!"
After thinking for a while, Xiao Bai realized that collaborating with the Alchemy Department of Jia Nan Academy could be a great approach. He could supply the ingredients, while they provided manpower. This would not only train the students but also increase their alchemy experience—a true win-win situation!
"Xiao Bai gege, it's already dark! What are you doing standing here?"
Xun Er walked over, her beautiful eyes filled with curiosity as she looked at him.
"Nothing much, just thinking about a few things."
Xiao Bai smiled and shook his head, finally snapping out of his thoughts. He pushed his ideas to the back of his mind—forewarned is forearmed, unprepared is doomed to fail. That was his habit. Even though nothing was set in stone yet, as long as he had a plan, he had a goal. One day, he would make it happen—no rush!
"What were you thinking about? You looked so lost in thought!" Xun Er took his hand and asked softly with a smile.
"I was thinking about how to marry Xun Er, have a family, and raise kids together," Xiao Bai said, gently caressing her delicate and beautiful face with a grin.
Xun Er's heart skipped a beat, and a gentle blush spread across her cheeks, as delicate as a freshly bloomed peach blossom—elegant and refined. She lightly scolded, "Hmph! You bad guy!"
Seeing Xun Er's shy and enchanting expression, Xiao Bai slowly leaned in, wrapping his arms gently around her waist and pulling her into his embrace.
Xun Er lowered her gaze slightly and rested her head on his shoulder. Feeling his warm palm softly resting on her waist, a comforting warmth spread through her entire body, filling her heart with a sense of security.
Under the soft glow of the moonlight, neither of them spoke again. Their shadows intertwined on the ground, forming a warm and peaceful picture.
As the moon set and the sun rose, the night passed quietly.
In a room on the third floor, Xiao Bai slowly awoke from his cultivation. He leaped out of bed, stretched his muscles, and looked around. The room was bright and clean—clearly tidied up by the two girls yesterday.
Xu Su, not wanting to disturb them, had taken a room on the first floor, while Xun Er and Xian Er stayed on the second floor. The third floor belonged to him.
Suddenly, a commotion came from downstairs—it sounded like two people sparring.
Xiao Bai walked over and pushed open the window, looking down. Two graceful figures flashed and weaved across the courtyard, their attacks swift and fierce. One emitted golden Dou Qi, the other gray, and as their energies clashed, powerful shockwaves rippled across the open space in front of the pavilion.
"Heh… these two girls!" Xiao Bai chuckled, leaning on the windowsill to watch the scene unfold. When he saw something exciting, he even cheered loudly, "Xun Er, keep it up! That move is like a god descending from the heavens, tearing apart the skies—absolutely terrifying!"
"Xian Er, you're amazing! That attack is overwhelming, capable of destroying the heavens and earth—truly a sight to behold!"
In response, he was met with two pairs of rolling eyes. The girls immediately stopped their fight. His exaggerated praise made them blush—anyone who didn't know better would have thought two Dou Emperors were battling! How could they continue sparring after that?
Knock, knock!
Just then, a series of knocks sounded from the door.
Xiao Bai gracefully vaulted from the third floor, landing lightly on the ground. Waving his hand, he stopped Xiao Yi Xian, who was about to open the door. "I got it!"
"Elder Su, you're quite efficient!" As he opened the door and saw the three elderly men standing outside, Xiao Bai wasn't surprised. He smiled at Elder Su, who was leading the group.
"Haha! Unlike you, I don't have the talent to slack off. When an opportunity to break through arises, I have to act fast!" Elder Su laughed. He treated Xiao Bai as an equal rather than just another new student. After all, regardless of his young age, a 5th Tier Alchemist was the real deal—worthy of respect!
"Come, let me introduce you. This is Elder Liu, and this is Elder Duan!"
"Elders, please come in!" Xiao Bai greeted them with a smile and led the way into the main hall.
The three elders followed him inside and took their seats. Xiao Yi Xian, gentle and graceful, served them tea before joining Xun Er to the side.
"Elder Liu, Elder Duan, I assume Elder Su has already filled you in? The Dou Ling Pill… this will be my first time refining it, so I can't guarantee a 100% success rate. Are you both okay with that?" Xiao Bai took a sip of tea, set down his cup, and spoke directly.
His gaze swept over the two elders—one was a Seven-Star Dou Wang, while the other… judging by the energy fluctuations, was actually a Nine-Star Dou Wang!
The two elders exchanged a glance before Elder Liu, the Nine-Star Dou Wang, responded, "Xiao Bai, Elder Su already explained everything to us last night. We came here after careful consideration. Even though we are not alchemists, we old folks understand how alchemy works. Even a 6th Tier Alchemist refining a Tier Six pill has a chance of failure, so you don't need to feel any pressure."
This elder was surprisingly reasonable! Xiao Bai felt a bit astonished and couldn't help but glance at Elder Su.
Sensing his gaze, Elder Su, who was sipping his tea, raised his head and winked at him smugly. He had first gone to find that detestable old man Huo to confirm Xiao Bai's alchemy skills. Only after that did he use the Great Elder's influence to bring these two elders over!
The Great Elder's authority was indeed effective. Otherwise, how could he have convinced two elders overnight? These elders wouldn't have easily trusted a mere freshman like Xiao Bai.
Even though they knew he was a 5th-Tier Alchemist, they still trusted that Elder Huo more—even if he had tricked them before!
"Very well! Since the esteemed elders have such faith in me, I will do my best to refine the pill for you!" Xiao Bai clapped his hands and laughed, feeling quite pleased. A free opportunity to practice—how could he pass that up?
After all, the higher the tier of a pill, the fewer opportunities there were to refine it, mainly because the ingredients were so rare!
"Good! Here are the materials. We have our duties to attend to, so we won't stay any longer. If you ever encounter any issues in the Inner Academy, feel free to seek us out!" The two elders were straightforward. After leaving the medicinal ingredients, they turned and left immediately.
"Xiao Bai, you must succeed in refining this pill! I really don't want to gather these materials all over again!" Elder Su stood up as well, retrieving another set of medicinal ingredients from his storage ring and handing them to Xiao Bai.
"Don't worry! I'll do my best!" Xiao Bai accepted the ingredients with a smile.
"Good to hear!" Elder Su nodded with a smile and left, paying little attention to Xiao Bai's familiar-sounding reassurance.
On his way back, Elder Su suddenly recalled something—hadn't Elder Huo said the exact same thing to him last time? A chill ran down his spine as he quickly reassured himself, 'Elder Huo said Xiao Bai's alchemy skills are better than his… There shouldn't be any problems… Right?'
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