The elder of hill tells Ling that he has come to collect Ling's corpse. He says that he discovered the heart flame under the whooshing tower three months ago, and that he will be able to tell the headmaster of the academy when he returns. He adds that the news of the attack on the academy will be the big news for the next day. He also says that the attack has led to many innocent people being involved. He explains that it is not the fault of Ling, but that the demon-flame-valley loggerheads with the jia-nan academy have always been at the same place. According to reports from the clan, han feng used his old contacts to the black-horn territory while the old man was leaderless. Ling says that they must prepare for the arrival of the elders of the royal sect.