199: Interrupted Seclusion

After Jiang Donghua returned to Jia Nan Academy, he immediately plunged into the seclusion chamber of the Alchemy Department, closing the door and completely isolating himself from the outside world's disturbances.

The news quickly spread, and the Outer Academy Experts who had originally been eyeing him contemptuously dismissed the matter.

"Heh, hiding in the alchemy room again? What a coward!"

A burly strong man sneered, his eyes filled with disdain.

"I heard he caused quite a stir in Black Abyss Valley, and I thought he actually had some skills, but he's still the same, only capable of hiding behind the pill furnace."

Another youth carrying a long sword shook his head, his tone laced with contempt.

"He's an Alchemist, how strong can his combat ability be? Even if he has some tricks, he can only bully low-level magical beasts. When he meets a real tough opponent, doesn't he still have to run?"

Someone scoffed.

Soon, the prevailing attitude in the Outer Academy changed.

Previously, some people were wary of Jiang Donghua’s performance in Black Abyss Valley, but now, everyone was convinced that this guy was nothing more than a medicine jar with limited combat ability, and definitely not worth their time to test.

After all, in a world where strength is respected, no matter how strong an Alchemist is, he is ultimately just a supportive profession.

Without sufficient fighting strength, he could never reach the true peak.

Jiang Donghua had originally planned to peacefully cultivate in seclusion in the alchemy room for a few months until the Outer Academy Grand Competition began.

But who would have thought that less than three days later, the restriction outside the secret chamber was triggered, and a series of urgent knocks interrupted his cultivation.

"Hmm?"

He frowned slightly, feeling displeased.

Being disturbed during seclusion would annoy anyone, especially since he had specifically instructed not to disturb him unless it was an emergency.

"Who is it?"

He asked in a deep voice, his tone carrying a hint of coldness.

"Donghua! It's me!"

A familiar voice came from outside the door, carrying unconcealed excitement.

Jiang Donghua was startled, then recognized the speaker, and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.

"Xiao Han?"

He waved his hand, removing the restriction, and the secret chamber door slowly opened.

A Man Fairer Than A Woman

The moment the door opened, a tall, slender figure rushed in impatiently. Before Jiang Donghua could react, he was embraced tightly by the other party with such force that he almost couldn't breathe.

"Hahaha! Donghua! Without you, I wouldn't have broken through to Dou Wang so easily!"

Jiang Donghua rolled his eyes from the constriction and barely managed to break free, finally getting a clear look at the person in front of him.

Xiao Han, one of the influential figures in Jia Nan Academy's Inner Academy, possessed innate Ice Attribute Dou Qi. His complexion was so fair it was almost translucent, even more delicate than many women's.

At this moment, his handsome face was filled with ecstasy, and his pair of long, narrow phoenix eyes sparkled with excitement.

"You broke through to Dou Wang?"

Jiang Donghua was somewhat incredulous.

"Of course!"

Xiao Han laughed heartily, then flipped his palm, and an extremely icy burst of Dou Qi instantly condensed. The surrounding temperature plummeted, causing even the air to crystallize into tiny ice shards.

"Hiss—"

Jiang Donghua gasped, his eyes filled with shock.

"You really succeeded?!"

The Miraculous Efficacy of the earth core fire jade marrow

Xiao Han grinned and patted Jiang Donghua's shoulder.

"It's all thanks to the bottle of earth core fire jade marrow you gave me! My Ice Attribute Dou Qi had been stuck at the Peak of Nine-Star Dou Ling for a long time, and I couldn't find the opportunity to break through. But unexpectedly, that bottle of fire jade marrow was actually able to neutralize my cold energy, allowing me to instantly shatter the bottleneck during the fusion of ice and fire!"

Jiang Donghua was dumbfounded.

At the time, Xiao Han happened to be looking for a method to break through, so Jiang Donghua casually gave him the marrow, treating it as a favor.

But who would have thought that this guy actually relied on it to break through?!

"You just stepped into Dou Wang like that?"

Jiang Donghua still found it hard to believe.

"Of course!"

Xiao Han proudly lifted his chin.

"Furthermore, my Ice Attribute Dou Qi developed a slight mutation because of it. Now, I can not only freeze everything, but I can even briefly control flames!"

"What?!"

Jiang Donghua was completely stunned now.

Ice Attribute Dou Qi, capable of controlling flames?

This was simply unheard of!

Xiao Han chuckled, a hint of slyness flashing in his eyes.

"How about it, Donghua, want to try?"

Jiang Donghua's mouth twitched, and he immediately waved his hand.

"No thanks, I don't want to be frozen into an ice sculpture and then burned to ashes by you."

Xiao Han burst into laughter, then restrained his smile and said seriously.

"Donghua, consider this a great favor I owe you. In the future in the Inner Academy, if anyone dares to cause you trouble, I will be the first to cripple him!"

Looking at the spirited Xiao Han before him, Jiang Donghua couldn't help but feel a wave of emotion.

"As expected of the Inner Academy's prodigy."

He murmured softly, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes.

Although the earth core fire jade marrow was good, it was definitely not something ordinary people could refine easily.

The fire attribute energy contained within that item was extremely violent. Once it entered the body, it would burn through the meridians; a slight mistake could lead to minor Dou Qi disorder or, severely, the complete destruction of one's foundation!

Yet, Xiao Han not only endured it but also used it to break through to Dou Wang in one go, even causing his Ice Attribute Dou Qi to mutate. This level of talent and perseverance was truly frightening.

"Congratulations."

Jiang Donghua patted Xiao Han's shoulder and said sincerely.

"However, you truly have enormous guts. When you swallowed that thing, didn't you consider what would happen if you couldn't handle it?"

Xiao Han grinned, a hint of defiance flashing in his eyes.

"The path of cultivation is inherently going against the heavens. If one doesn't dare to take even this small risk, how can one talk about reaching the peak?"

Jiang Donghua shook his head and laughed softly.

"Alright, you're ruthless."

After the two chatted for a bit, Xiao Han suddenly restrained his smile, and his tone became serious.

"Donghua, actually, besides bringing good news, I came to talk to you about something else."

"Oh?"

Jiang Donghua raised an eyebrow.

"What is it?"

Xiao Han pondered for a moment, then spoke.

"Now that I've broken through to Dou Wang, the time I spend in the Inner Academy probably won't be very long."

"What do you mean?"

Jiang Donghua was startled.

"Once one reaches the Dou Wang realm, the resources the Inner Academy can provide are limited."

Xiao Han explained.

"Unless I become an Academy Elder, it will be difficult to obtain anything useful to myself."

Jiang Donghua looked thoughtful.

"So you plan to apply for the position of Elder?"

Xiao Han shook his head.

"It's not that simple. The position of Elder isn't given away freely; one needs to make sufficient contributions to the Academy or complete certain special missions."

As he spoke, his gaze flickered slightly, seemingly concealing something.

Jiang Donghua noticed his strangeness but did not ask further, merely saying lightly.

"It seems you already have a plan?"

"I'm afraid I will be leaving Jia Nan Academy in just a few days. If there's anything you need my help with, just say the word, otherwise, you might have to look for me in Central Region later on."

Jiang Donghua naturally shook his head after thinking about it; there was no need for this sharp sword right now.

Seeing Jiang Donghua shake his head, Xiao Han couldn't help but grin, raising his hand and patting his shoulder heavily.

"Fine, since you don't need me right now, I'll keep this favor owed for the time being!"

His tone was relaxed, but his eyes were exceptionally serious, even carrying a rare hint of solemnity.

"But Donghua, remember this!"

Xiao Han suddenly restrained his smile and said word by word.

"No matter what it is, as long as you come to Central Region to find me, be it mountains of knives or seas of fire, I, Xiao Han, will never refuse!"

His voice wasn't loud, but it seemed to carry an invisible power that made people not doubt the weight of his words.

Jiang Donghua was slightly stunned, then laughed softly.

"You guy, why are you suddenly so serious?"

Xiao Han just gave him a deep look and offered no explanation.

The two were silent for a moment, then Xiao Han suddenly stretched and reverted to his usual carefree appearance.

"Alright, since everything is fine on your end, I should go prepare for my departure."

He turned and waved his hand.

He looked back and winked at Jiang Donghua.

"With your strength, taking first place shouldn't be a problem, right? Don't disappoint me!"

Just as Xiao Han was about to step out of the alchemy room, he suddenly stopped, took out a crystal-clear jade slip from his storage ring, and tossed it to Jiang Donghua.

"I almost forgot this."

Jiang Donghua took the jade slip; it was cool to the touch, and he could faintly sense the powerful Soul Power contained within it.

"What is this?"

"It's my ancestor's Soul Imprint."

Xiao Han laughed.

"Once you reach Central Region, just crush it, and my ancestor will be able to sense your location."

He paused, then added.

"Of course, if you encounter a life-or-death crisis, you can also activate it directly. Although it's separated by thousands of miles, it can at least help you block one attack."

"As for me, I no longer need this kind of item, so don't look at me so surprised."

Jiang Donghua held the jade slip, his heart stirring slightly.

The creation of this kind of Soul Imprint was extremely taxing on the mind, and Xiao Han was clearly well prepared.

"Thanks."

He didn't say much, merely carefully putting the jade slip away.

Xiao Han nodded in satisfaction, gave Jiang Donghua one last look, then turned and strode away.

"See you in Central Region!"

In the Alchemy Department hall, the originally noisy discussions abruptly ceased the moment Xiao Han stepped in, and then exploded in a clamor after he left!

"I didn't see wrong, did I? Was that Xiao Han, number seven on the inner academy strong ranking list?!"

One student widened his eyes, his voice trembling slightly.

"A Half-Step Dou Wang! It is said that even Dou Wang Experts are wary of the Ice Dou Qi he cultivates!"

Another person excitedly slapped the table.

"He actually came personally to find Senior Brother Jiang?!"

"More than just finding him? Didn't you see how familiar he acted? Their relationship is definitely not ordinary!"

The entire hall completely erupted, and all the Alchemy Department students could not hide their shock.

An existence in the top ten of the inner academy strong ranking list, to them, the Outer Academy Students.

In their eyes, he was simply an unreachable legend!

Yet, such a formidable person was calling Jiang Donghua brother?!

"Heh, those idiots in the Outer Academy are still clamoring about challenging Senior Brother Jiang."

A disciple sneered.

"Thinking about it now, it's truly ridiculous!"

"Exactly! Just based on this connection, Senior Brother Jiang could casually call over an Inner Academy Senior Brother and beat them until they didn't recognize their own families!"

Everyone nodded in agreement, their eyes filled with awe.

However, not everyone was intimidated by this scene.

In the corner of the hall, a gloomy-faced young man narrowed his eyes and whispered to his companion beside him.

"It seems Jiang Donghua is more troublesome than we imagined!"

"What is there to fear?"

The companion dismissively curled his lip.

"No matter how strong the people in the Inner Academy are, can they interfere with the Outer Academy Grand Competition? The rules are set, and Jiang Donghua ultimately has to rely on himself!"

The gloomy youth did not refute but silently clenched his fist, a fierce look flashing in his eyes.

"Just wait. During the Grand Competition, everything will be revealed!"

Jiang Donghua's fingertips rubbed the crystal-clear jade slip. As his Soul Power approached slightly, he sensed a vast and abyss-like pressure.

"Hiss—"

He immediately withdrew his perception, and a layer of fine cold sweat actually seeped from his forehead.

"This jade slip is not right!"

With his Soul Realm as a Fourth-Grade Alchemist, the Soul Imprint of an ordinary Dou Wang Expert shouldn't possibly exert such intense pressure on him.

However, the Soul Power contained in this jade slip was like a bottomless cold pool. Just a slight touch gave him the illusion of being targeted by an ancient ferocious beast!

"It's at least Dou Zong-level Soul Power."

Jiang Donghua's expression was solemn.

"Moreover, this aura is ancient and profound. It seems that this ancestor of the Xiao Han family is not a weakling!"

"I hit the jackpot!"

Jiang Donghua suddenly grinned, carefully placing the jade slip into the deepest part of his storage ring.

A life-saving item of this caliber is a treasure that major forces in Central Region would fight tooth and nail for.

Xiao Han casually gave it away, meaning either he has an extraordinary background, or he simply doesn't know the true value of this item!

"It seems that when I go to Central Region in the future, I really should properly bother this brother."

A sly glint flashed in his eyes; he was already calculating how to reasonably utilize this favor.

Not long after Jiang Donghua settled back into his cultivation state, the restriction outside the secret chamber was triggered again.

"Again?"

He frowned, muttering to himself.

"Could it be that Lei Lie or Liu Qingsi also broke through?"

But when he waved his hand to remove the restriction and pushed the door open, a familiar delicate fragrance rushed toward him, carrying faint scents of rose and sandalwood, both alluring and dangerous.

Before he could react, a graceful black figure had already lunged into his arms!

"Donghua!"

The soft, delicate body pressed tightly against him with astonishing force, nearly knocking Jiang Donghua back two steps.

Jiang Donghua looked down, and his breathing instantly hitched.

Red Silk was wearing a tight black leather armor today, outlining her figure perfectly.

The leather armor was cut extremely daringly, exposing her slender waist and long neck. A dark red gem was affixed to her collarbone, shining with a seductive luster under the candlelight.

Her long hair cascaded down like a waterfall, the tips slightly curled, carrying a hint of lazy allure.

And most eye-catching were the long legs wrapped in black silk stockings, their lines so beautiful that it was impossible to look away.

"What's wrong, stunned?"

Red Silk's red lips curved slightly, and a hint of slyness flashed in her eyes.

Jiang Donghua lightly coughed, feigning composure.

"Senior Sister Red Silk, are you dressed like this to hunt magical beasts, or to hunt men?"

Red Silk chuckled. Not only did she not let go of him, but she pressed even closer, her red lips practically touching his earlobe.

"What do you think?"

The warm breath brushed past his ear, and Jiang Donghua immediately felt his heart rate quicken slightly.

Unclear Intentions

"Alright, I won't tease you anymore."

Red Silk finally released him, but her finger lightly traced his chest, carrying a subtle flirtation.

"I came here this time because I have serious business."

It is true that I have a specific purpose.