Chapter 61: Life in the Inner Court

  New students brought a lot of fire and were indeed treated as fat sheep by the old students, who took turns to divide the meat, slaughtering them again and again. Where there is oppression, there is resistance, so new students had no choice but to think about fighting against the old students in the inner courtyard.

  Xiao Xing Meng is undoubtedly the first person they think of, who can bring new life to their victory. Unfortunately, Xiao Xing Meng always runs to the Tian Huo Lian Qi Tower whenever he has time off, and not only can't they find him, but even those old-timers who want to take advantage of him can't track him down.

  Then the freshmen found Xiao Yan again. Although Xiao Yan's popularity and leadership were not as good as Xiao Xing Meng, he was the "first strong" of the freshmen, and he could lead another team to defeat Bai Xia Team, and his leadership ability was not bad either.

  Xiao Yan agreed to Xue Ying's request in order to gain popularity among the new students, and established the Rock Gate. After Xiao Xing Meng was found by Xiao Yan at the Tian Huo Lian Qi Tower, he refused Xiao Yan's offer to let him be the "General Manager of Affairs" on the pretext that his strength would improve and he had no time to manage affairs. However, Xiao Xing Meng and Xiao Mei also became hidden members of the Rock Gate. Unexpectedly, Bai Shan did not join his cousin Bai Cheng as the leader of the White Gang, but instead joined the Rock Gate. Although many people still remembered his desertion during the battle against the Hei Jie team, Bai Shan publicly apologized and even used the strength of his cousin's White Gang to protect Xue Ying's Rock Gate, which made many people look at him in a better light.

  However, Xiao Yan, Xun Er, Wu Huan and Huo Jia still remained deeply wary of him, but Bai Shan didn't do anything, so they had to give up. For now, focus on cultivating in the Tianhuo Refining Tower to enhance the overall strength of the Panmen members, that's the priority.

  "You must be Xiao Yan, I've often heard Bai Shan mention you. Today, I finally meet you in person and indeed your aura is extraordinary." As Xiao Yan led the crowd to the Tian Huo Lian Qi Tower, they coincidentally met Bai Shan's older cousin - the leader of the White Clan, Bai Cheng. Bai Cheng had a smile all over his face as he extended his hand for a handshake with Xiao Yan.

  "No wonder Bai Shan said you're incredibly skilled and handsome. Today, I see it for myself, and indeed, the reputation is well-deserved. Don't worry, with the protection of our White Sect, no one will dare to bother you. However, as time passes, we won't be able to keep things under control, so in the future, you'll still have to rely on yourselves." Bai Cheng said with a faint smile.

  Xiao Yan's heart still had some guard against Bai Shan, but the help from the White Sect was undoubtedly crucial. Moreover, this Bai Cheng seemed like a good person. Could it be that Bai Shan really intended to see the inner courtyard environment and had a change of heart?

  Several thoughts flashed through his mind, and Xiao Yan smiled faintly and replied: "Then we'll have to trouble the seniors to take care of us more. We still have things to attend to, so let's not chat for now. Farewell!"

  Xiao Yan bowed slightly and then left with the crowd, while Bai Cheng and the others didn't say a word, calmly heading towards the Tianyan Refining Tower.

  …………

  In the midst of cultivation, there was no clear concept of time. Everyone was submerged in the rapidly increasing strength, and that momentum seemed to want to cultivate all the way to promotion in one breath.

  In the spacious training room, everyone's body surface was wrapped in a faint, invisible wave. A thin white mist rose from their heads and gradually dissipated until it finally transformed into nothingness, disappearing without a trace.

  Sometimes, there are people whose bodies' invisible waves on the surface will suddenly appear with intense tremors. Along with these tremors, a faint red glow will surge up onto their faces. At this time, if one carefully senses it, they will discover that their breath is much stronger than before. Apparently, these people were extremely lucky to have obtained an opportunity for advancement in this first refinement.

  Xiao Yan's eyes gradually closed. His hands formed a cultivation seal in front of him. After a while, his breathing became steady again. He once again entered a state of cultivation.

  ……

  In the midst of a spacious and bright huge room, more than a dozen elderly men sat scattered about. Under the soft glow of the lamps, one could clearly see the badges on their chests, which were special badges that only elders had the qualifications to wear.

  The room was large, but the atmosphere was slightly dull. After a long time, an old man sitting in the first place with a somewhat unclear face coughed lightly and broke the silence in the room. The hoarse voice echoed slowly in the room: "In recent days, that thing has become somewhat unstable again..."

  The rest of the old men all furrowed their brows upon hearing his words.

  "After observing it for some time, I found that the fluctuations it emits are much more intense than before, and from the emotions it releases, it's becoming increasingly violent... The old voice continued to say to itself: "Looking at this situation, it's likely that within a few years, it will make a big counterattack. If not handled properly, it may become a huge trouble."

  "Should we join hands to reinforce the defense again? If it's really not possible, then let's inform the deans of both the inner and outer courts. This thing can't be exposed, otherwise those guys from the Black Corner Domain will probably rush over with red eyes to snatch it away. Although our inner court is located deep in the mountains, it just so happens that we're not far from the Black Corner Domain to the north. Once something happens, those old guys who have been keeping an eye on our inner court will immediately hurry over upon hearing the news. With their insight, perhaps the seal of the Heaven Refining Tower won't be able to escape their notice." An elderly man said with a sigh.

  "Defense must be strengthened... but the Dean is in deep retreat, and the outer courtyard dean also likes to go out and travel, now no one knows where he is." The old men nodded slowly, silent for a moment. He suddenly looked up at an old man in the corner and said: "Liu Changlao, what about that little guy with the strange fire?"

  "He is currently cultivating on the second floor, and perhaps because he also possesses a heterodox fire, he is not afraid of the invasion of fire poison. I have also given him sufficient attention according to the instructions of the Great Elder." Elder Liu hastily stood up and replied respectfully.

  "Hmm." The first black-robed old man nodded slightly. His aged voice was somewhat low and melancholic: "Alas, I never thought that a Fallen Heart Flame would bring about the rise of our inner courtyard. And now, a young fellow not even twenty years old is also in possession of this rare treasure, truly making one envious." "All you elders, if you see this young man, try to give him as much convenience as possible. Perhaps, who knows, when the Fallen Heart Flame erupts again in the future, we might still rely on his power. Don't underestimate the energy of a heterodox flame - such a rare treasure, born from the convergence of heavenly spirits, possesses destructive power; if not handled carefully, it could spell disaster for our entire courtyard." The Grand Elder, wrapped entirely in his robes, let out a sigh and spoke.

  "Yes!"

  Below them were a dozen or so elderly men who were revered by the inner court disciples. At this moment, they all stood up and responded in unison.

  "Alright, let's disperse. Remember to keep an eye on the movements of those major powers in the Northern Black Corner Domain at all times, especially those few guys. The Blood Clan has also been making some unusual moves recently, I heard it's because that old guy's son died. Truly a headache..." The Great Elder waved his hand and coughed a few times before speaking.

  The elderly nodded slightly, and their bodies swayed. Their figures turned into blurry black shadows accompanied by a gentle breeze, and they disappeared in this solid room.

  After everyone in the room had completely disappeared, the elder wrapped in black robes slowly stood up. As he stood up straighter, his body became increasingly illusory, and when he finally stood up from the chair, his body had already strangely disappeared within the room...