85: Practice earth-level intermediate fighting skills

Outside the passage.

Hu Qian, who had been waiting, saw the four come out, his gaze falling on Lin Xiu, whose eyes were bloodshot.

"What happened?" Hu Qian was stunned.

Su Xiao and the others were being inspected by two grey-robed individuals.

Leng Bai, who finished first, couldn't help but briefly explain Lin Xiu's feat of memorizing Cultivation Techniques and Fighting Skills.

Hu Qian was astonished, then laughed heartily, "It's not that similar things haven't happened before, but you're the first person to have bloodshot eyes from it."

He looked at Lin Xiu, who was walking towards him, "If it weren't for the fact that no one has ever succeeded, I'd almost suspect you actually memorized it."

The two grey-robed individuals were also used to such sights, their expressions completely unmoved.

Lin Xiu smiled.

The past is the past, and now is now.

If you want to compare the people of the past with my current self, then I'm sorry.

I actually succeeded!

However, he definitely wouldn't say any of this out loud.

"Thank you, both."

After cupping his fists at the two grey-robed individuals, Hu Qian patted Lin Xiu's shoulder and led the four back the way they came.

On the way, Hu Qian suggested they form a team. Upon learning they already had arrangements, he didn't say anything more.

Back in the Dean's room.

Leng Bai, Su Xiao, and the others left first; Lin Xiu was kept behind alone by Hu Qian.

After sealing the wall, Hu Qian turned around, "Don't worry, there's nothing wrong with keeping you. It's mainly because I saw you obtain the Starlight Body Tempering Art."

Hearing this, Lin Xiu's expression tightened.

"What are you thinking? I, a dignified Dean, wouldn't possibly snatch your Fighting Skill, would I?"

Hu Qian said, annoyed.

"Dean, I didn't say that." Lin Xiu smiled.

He then asked curiously, "Dean, is there anything special about the Starlight Body Tempering Art?"

"Indeed, it was created by an Elder of the Academy who coincidentally observed a type of Heavenly Flame. Do you know which Heavenly Flame it was?"

Hu Qian suddenly asked in return.

Something related to stars, and a Heavenly Flame… wouldn't that be the Three Thousand Burning Flame?

Lin Xiu was about to speak but then shook his head, "This student does not know."

"It's the Three Thousand Burning Flame, ranked ninth, also known as the Three Thousand Starry Sky Burning Flame.

It formed in the starry sky and can absorb the power of the stars.

Possessing it grants a special Three Thousand Star Physique, capable of absorbing stellar power to strengthen oneself or heal injuries.

The Starlight Body Tempering Art was created with it as a reference. To Cultivate it, the first step is to draw the power of the stars into your body. Without special means, it can sometimes take a year to even get started."

Hu Qian seemed very knowledgeable about Fighting Skills.

Since obtaining the Starlight Body Tempering Art, Lin Xiu hadn't opened it yet. After listening to Hu Qian's words,

He took it out and read it for a while.

Indeed, just as Hu Qian said, for the Starlight Body Tempering Art, the initial absorption of stellar power into the body is crucial.

Without assistance, this process would require accumulation night after night, taking anywhere from three months to half a year to get started.

A Earth Intermediate-Rank Fighting Skill, if unable to be used,

Wouldn't it be useless?

Lin Xiu didn't want to wait too long.

He had attribute points; if he started now, in half a year, he'd probably have maxed it out.

What's more, besides strengthening the Physique, the Starlight Body Tempering Art also has a recovery effect.

The Fire Energy Hunting Competition is about to begin, and there will definitely be many battles. If he can recover from injuries quickly, this would be a major advantage.

In the original work, during this segment, Xiao Yan used his identity as an Alchemist to directly refine medicine for others to recover from injuries.

"Dean, please don't keep me in suspense! Whatever it is, just tell me. As long as this junior can do it, I definitely won't shy away," Lin Xiu said.

Since Hu Qian kept him and said so much, he definitely wouldn't be speaking without purpose.

Indeed.

Hu Qian revealed a foxy smile, motioned for Lin Xiu to come closer, then quickly whispered something.

Thump, thump, thump.

Lin Xiu distanced himself from Hu Qian, "Dean, have you ever heard the saying, 'A melon forcefully twisted isn't sweet!'"

"What nonsense are you thinking? I'm asking you to interact with and look after Hu Jia more in the future because she'll also be entering the Inner Academy next year. It's not convenient for me to interfere with Inner Academy matters, so I'm asking for your help."

Hu Qian slammed the table, his beard bristling and eyes wide, a Dou Emperor's aura suddenly erupting.

What do you mean by 'forcefully twisted'? Besides, is my granddaughter Hu Jia not good enough for you?

"I misunderstood." Lin Xiu, feeling somewhat suffocated by the pressure, quickly admitted his mistake.

"That's more like it. Come to my place tonight, and I'll help you draw the power of the stars into your body." Hu Qian waved him away.

He hadn't originally thought of this, but seeing Lin Xiu obtain the Starlight Body Tempering Art, the idea sprouted.

After all,

Hu Qian had been observing Lin Xiu's situation. Undoubtedly, this young man's talent was excellent.

Secondly, Lin Xiu's Physique was already strong. If he gained the benefits of the Starlight Body Tempering Art, achieving the Dou Emperor Rank in the future would definitely not be a problem.

Furthermore, Lin Xiu's combat ability, coupled with the Physique enhancement from the Starlight Body Tempering Art, would make fighting above his Rank almost effortless in the Inner Academy, and even being invincible among those of the same Rank wouldn't be difficult.

Under various factors, Hu Qian couldn't help but think about his granddaughter entering the Inner Academy next year.

Although he was the Dean of the Outer Academy, he couldn't interfere with Inner Academy matters.

Lin Xiu nodded. Just as he was about to leave, he suddenly remembered something, "Dean, are there still Yellow Low-Rank Fighting Skills in the Hidden Scripture Pavilion?"

"Those kinds of things..." Hu Qian was about to deny it, but then suddenly remembered something, "Is the Fighting Skill you saw called the Flame Soul Separation Technique?"

Lin Xiu nodded repeatedly.

"That was also created by an Elder of the Academy. It was originally planned to weaken and control the Fallen..." Hu Qian stopped mid-sentence.

"Planned what?" Lin Xiu's curiosity was piqued.

Hu Qian changed his words, "The Flame Soul Separation Technique is considered a failed Fighting Skill, but that Elder, out of goodwill for the Academy, had it recorded in the Hidden Scripture Pavilion. It's a good thing you didn't take it.

That Fighting Skill is extremely difficult to Cultivate. That Elder claimed the Fighting Skill's Rank could evolve, but even as its creator, he didn't achieve anything with it and ultimately lost his life.

Alright, you didn't take it, so why ask so many questions? Hurry up and leave."

With that, Hu Qian waved his hand, saying no more... Stepping out of the Dean's office.

Lin Xiu recalled Hu Qian's words, "Weaken and control the Fallen? He must be referring to the Fallen Heart Flame, right? I'll find time to study it."

Others might not know, but that didn't mean Lin Xiu didn't.

The Fallen Heart Flame was both a benefit and a hidden danger to Canaan Academy. It wasn't strange for an Elder to develop the idea of controlling and weakening it.

However, the Fallen Heart Flame could project Heart Fire and was a Heavenly Flame, making ordinary methods of control very difficult.

Thinking of this, Lin Xiu didn't delve deeper. The Fallen Heart Flame and he, a Great Fighter, were far apart; it wasn't the right time to consider it.

Traversing most of the Academy.

Lin Xiu first delivered the Shadow Pearl to his mentor, Huo Lan. The latter, upon receiving the pearl, had red eyes and tears, extremely agitated.

This somewhat puzzled Lin Xiu. He wanted to ask, but Huo Lan didn't say, and after several thanks, he hurriedly left home.

Judging by his direction, he was heading straight out of the Academy.

That evening, while having dinner with Du Chaoping, Han Pu, and others, Lin Xiu brought up the matter of Huo Lan.

It was through Du Chaoping's explanation that he understood the full story.

Huo Lan had a wife who was injured, not only losing her memory but also facing a life-threatening condition, potentially leaving at any moment.

However, she had been holding on, hoping to remember her past moments with Huo Lan before she passed.

For this, Huo Lan thought of the Shadow Pearl.

Since his wife couldn't remember, he would extract their shared memories from his mind and show them to her.

"It's a good thing I got it." Lin Xiu hadn't realized this item was so important to his mentor, Huo Lan, potentially saving him from a lifelong regret.

After the dinner, Lin Xiu politely declined Han Pu's invitation for drinks.

Upon arriving at Hu Qian's residence, the latter had already prepared the Materials and set up a Formation in the courtyard.

Following the instructions, Lin Xiu successfully completed the Starlight Body Tempering Art.

"Never underestimate this Fighting Skill. Its recovery ability and Body Tempering effects are no less than an Earth High-Rank one. Cultivate it well, and you will feel its marvel."

Hu Qian said meaningfully.

The value of an Earth Intermediate-Rank Fighting Skill... Lin Xiu understood.

Returning to the dormitory for a night's rest.

The next day, Lin Xiu packed his belongings and went to the plaza; everyone else had already arrived.

Today, the top fifty participants of the Inner Courtyard Selection Competition would head to the Inner Academy.