Chapter 398

For a moment, Tang Zhen was left speechless—he had just been thinking that outside a few specific places, an Eight-Grade Alchemist could walk rampant across the Dou Qi Continent, even the Dan Tower treating them as Elder Giants.

But the Gu Clan was precisely one of those places—where even a Nine-Grade Alchemist had to tread with utmost caution.

And judging by Xiao Yan's demeanor, he wasn't here for sightseeing—this was almost certain to lead to conflict.

It wasn't unreasonable for Xiao Yan to be so obsessed with the Nine Dragon Thunder Flame; his Pill Advancement Method required Strange Fire to solidify his rapidly swollen cultivation, and he had already prepared the Zong Shi Pill and the Imperial Ultimate Pill—now he only lacked Strange Fire to break through.

Xiao Yan's Dou Qi had already reached the threshold of Star Eight, ready to break into Star Nine at any moment; if he could refine the Nine Dragon Thunder Flame, he might even use its power to surge straight into Two Star Dou Zong.

This sudden surge in cultivation must be solidified by Strange Fire.

As for other Strange Fires, Xiao Yan could only say that most of the Strange Fires on the Dou Qi Continent were almost certainly unattainable.

Xiao Yan had once asked Hun Lao Gui about the whereabouts of Strange Fires, and Hun Lao Gui had told him some things about them.

That is, the top ten Strange Fires were mostly held by various Dou Emperor Families.

The Strange Fire ranked tenth, Nine Underworld Wind Flame, and the one ranked thirteenth, Turtle Spirit Earth Flame, were in the hands of the Yao Clan.

The Strange Fire ranked seventeenth, Volcano Stone Flame; ranked sixteenth, Fire Cloud Water Flame; ranked eighth, Crimson Lotus Karma Flame; ranked seventh, Nine Underworld Golden Ancestor Fire; and ranked sixth, Eight Wilderness Annihilation Flame—all were held by the Yan Clan.

The whereabouts of the fifth, Life Flame, were unknown; if Xiao Yan's guess was correct, the fourth, Golden Emperor Burning Heaven Flame, was inside Xun Er.

The only ones still unclaimed, and for which Xiao Yan still had leads, were the third, Pure Lotus Demonic Flame, and the ninth, Three Thousand Yan Flame.

And the last-ranked, Xuan Huang Flame, had no trace whatsoever.

That's it! The Strange Fires are gone!

It's not that the Dou Qi Continent can only produce one Strange Fire—but their birth is extremely time-consuming and requires extraordinarily harsh conditions.

Even the nineteenth-ranked, Blue Lotus Earth Core Fire, requires a thousand years to form—a thousand years, meaning when the Xiao Clan was destroyed, the Blue Lotus Earth Core Fire hadn't even begun forming.

Given such harsh conditions and the immense time required, even across the entire Dou Qi Continent, the chance of two Strange Fires forming in a single era was vanishingly slim.

The Fallen Heart Flame was one mature and one juvenile; the possibility of both being mature was extremely low.

Not to mention the top ten Strange Fires, whose birth conditions and required time were even more stringent—Xiao Yan estimated that in his current era, only one of the top ten Strange Fires had likely matured.

Only with extraordinary luck could two mature top-ten Strange Fires appear in a single era.

That is, the Nine Dragon Thunder Flame of the Burning Flame Valley, the Three Thousand Yan Flame of the Dan Tower, and the Pure Lotus Demonic Flame for which he held the Residual Map—these were the only ones Xiao Yan could possibly obtain without offending the Yao Clan or Yan Clan.

The Burn Scripture required swallowing Strange Fire to evolve—it was practically a trap that had nearly killed Xiao Yan.

Xiao Yan estimated that if he was lucky enough to obtain the Nine Dragon Thunder Flame, the Burn Scripture might barely evolve to Quasi Heavenly Rank Mid-Level; combined with the Three Thousand Yan Flame, it would reach Heavenly Rank Mid-to-Late Level.

If his Ancestor was powerful enough to locate the other two Strange Fires he had self-detonated, Xiao Yan might even have a chance to push the Burn Scripture beyond Heavenly Rank Advanced Grade!

If luck favored him further and he obtained the Pure Lotus Demonic Flame, the Burn Scripture might even surpass Heavenly Rank—then it wouldn't be impossible for him to reach the level of his Ancestor, Xiao Xuan!

Of course, dreaming was one thing; reality was full of problems—for now, the Nine Dragon Thunder Flame was a major issue.

"Valley Master Tang, I only borrow it for ten years—I will return it to you without fail." Upon hearing this, Tang Zhen gave Xiao Yan a long, deep look, as if pondering something.

"Xiao Yan, I cannot answer you immediately—but if you don't mind, could you first refine the Fire Buddha Pill to give me time to think? Of course, all medicinal materials and the pill formula will be provided by the Burning Flame Valley." Tang Zhen suddenly said.

Xiao Yan nodded and said, "No problem."

Hearing Xiao Yan's swift agreement, Tang Zhen's face broke into a smile.

The vast valley was lush with green shade, occasionally dotted with crimson maple trees, making for an extremely pleasing sight.

At the valley's center stood a spacious Guang Chang built from crimson volcanic rock; at its center rose a stone platform about ten zhang tall, and around the square now stood many figures, most dressed in red robes—clearly disciples of the Burning Flame Valley.

On the opposite side of the square stood a slightly taller platform—though not as high as the central dais, it offered an excellent panoramic view of the entire square; upon it now stood several figures, who upon closer inspection were all Burning Flame Valley Alchemists, including Master An just now.

Amid murmurs from the crowd, a sharp wind-cutting sound suddenly rang out, and Xiao Yan appeared atop the platform; Tang Zhen followed closely behind.

Tang Zhen's appearance immediately quieted the murmurs around the square—every Burning Flame Valley disciple had heard that today, an Alchemy Master had come to refine the Fire Buddha Pill to cure Tang Huo'er.

Thus, no one dared to make noise, fearing they might disturb the pill refining.

"So where's that Alchemy Master? Why hasn't he shown up yet?"

"Yeah, even the Valley Master came—how arrogant of him."

"By the way, why hasn't Xiao Yan left yet?"

At this moment, Tang Zhen on the platform bowed to Xiao Yan and said, "Then I leave it to Master Xiao Yan."

Tang Zhen had even changed his address—though he had yet to see Xiao Yan refine a pill, Spirit Realm Soul Power was something only Alchemists cultivated.

Hearing Tang Zhen call Xiao Yan "Master," the Burning Flame Valley disciples were stunned into silence!

He's the Alchemist who's going to refine the Fire Buddha Pill?!?!

Xiao Yan nodded, unconcerned by the stares, and was about to begin refining when Tang Zhen quickly called out: "Wait—I have a high-quality Alchemy Furnace here; using it will help with Fire Control Power."

With a thud, Tang Zhen swept his sleeve, and a massive object flew out of his storage ring, landing heavily in the center of the stone platform—the weight made the platform tremble.

Xiao Yan glanced at the massive object, a flicker of surprise crossing his eyes.

The object was an Alchemy Furnace over a zhang tall, entirely crimson, its circular walls engraved with patterns resembling volcanic eruptions—just one look sent a wild, violent aura rushing toward him.

The moment Xiao Yan saw this crimson Alchemy Furnace, he knew its quality was likely no lower than his own Ten Thousand Beasts Cauldron.

"This must be the Shan Rong Cauldron from the Heavenly Cauldron Ranking—I didn't expect it to be in your possession, Valley Master Tang." Xiao Yan merely smiled faintly at the crimson Alchemy Cauldron.

Hearing this, Tang Zhen felt a small surge of pride—he had paid dearly to obtain the Shan Rong Cauldron.

"You may use this Shan Rong Cauldron—it enhances an Alchemist's Fire Control Power."

But Xiao Yan shook his head, and from his storage ring he drew out another Alchemy Furnace: "I'm not used to using others' furnaces—I'll use my own."

"Huh? Is that the Ten Thousand Beasts Cauldron from the Heavenly Cauldron Ranking!" Master An, standing nearby, stared in shock.

Seeing Xiao Yan also possessed a Heavenly Cauldron Ranking furnace, Tang Zhen was left speechless, then awkwardly smiled and withdrew the Shan Rong Cauldron, stepping down from the platform to direct other Burning Flame Valley disciples to guard the perimeter and prevent accidents.

"That boy is so young—is he really an Eight-Grade Alchemist?" asked the Three Elders from the spectator stand.

"Spirit Realm Soul Power, plus a Heavenly Cauldron Ranking furnace—even if he's not Eight-Grade, he's certainly at Seventh Rank Peak." Tang Zhen's eyes narrowed slightly.

"It's rare for someone so young to be Eight-Grade, but to demand the Nine Dragon Thunder Flame for just one Seven-Pin High-Level Pill? That's too greedy. Wait until he refines the Fire Buddha Pill—we can exchange something else for it." The Two Elders across from him was displeased with Xiao Yan's bold demand.

"That may not be true… but let's just watch for now." Tang Zhen murmured, as if deep in thought.

Xiao Yan opened the Fire Buddha Pill formula, and instantly a flood of Soul Information surged into his mind; after a moment, he nodded and swept his hand—hundreds of treasure boxes flew open, revealing row upon row of medicinal materials exposed to the air.

Instantly, a pill fragrance spread through the surroundings.

Xiao Yan pulled out a cluster of Earth Sub Flame from Swallowing Flame and tossed it into the Alchemy Furnace; then, with a sweep of his hand, his Spirit Realm Soul Power precisely guided over a dozen Medicinal Materials into the furnace.

"What kind of flame is that? It feels strange."

"He's refining over a dozen Medicinal Materials at once?! Doesn't he fear their properties clashing?!"

"No, look closely—these dozen Medicinal Materials all have balanced, non-interfering properties. He did it on purpose!"

"He understands the nature of Medicinal Materials extremely well."

Once Xiao Yan began Spirit Refining, he instantly entered his state, mentally blocking out all external sounds, focusing entirely on the Medicinal Materials.

His Soul Force precisely read the state of each Medicinal Material as it was refined, his exquisite Alchemy Technique extracting them with pinpoint accuracy.

The Ten Thousand Beasts Cauldron, like the mouth of a Giant Beast, voraciously swallowed each Medicinal Material, and rapidly accumulating within the furnace were clusters of differently colored medicinal substances.

"Such powerful Soul Force and Fire Control Power!" Tang Zhen's heart trembled. He wasn't surprised Xiao Yan's Soul Force surpassed his—after all, his own Soul Force hadn't even reached the Spirit Realm.

But Xiao Yan's Fire Control Power was not inferior to his—perhaps even subtly stronger!

He was a Dou Zun! And he cultivated an Earth Rank Advanced Grade fire-affinity Cultivation Method, plus a technique specifically enhancing Fire Control Power—and still he was outmatched by Xiao Yan?!

What kind of devilish Cultivation Method are you using?!

In just three days, Xiao Yan refined all one hundred Medicinal Materials flawlessly into medicinal substances.

By now, Tang Zhen no longer doubted whether Xiao Yan was an Eight-Grade Alchemist—because he had never seen a more skilled Alchemist than this one.

Another three days passed; after Xiao Yan tossed in a Seventh-Stage Beast's Magic Core, he began melting the Pill.

"So fast! It's only the sixth day, and he's already melting the Pill!"

"His Soul Force precisely timed the fusion of the Medicinal Materials, and with his exquisite Fire Control Power, he saved tremendous time!"

Time slowly passed. Xiao Yan, eyes closed, had not spoken a word for six full days, like an ancient monk—utterly resembling a masterful hermit refining a Pill. Today, Xiao Yan finally spoke his first words.

"Pill Formation!" With a sharp crack, Xiao Yan slammed his palm against the Alchemy Furnace—immediately, a crimson light surged skyward, Pill Fragrance filled the air, and Pill Lightning coalesced!

Facing the Seven-Pin High-Level Pill Lightning, Xiao Yan smiled faintly and summoned Xing Tian.

This Pill Lightning would serve perfectly as energy to forge Xing Tian's body—and the power of a Seven-Pin High-Level Pill was just right.

With a boom, the Pill Lightning arrived as scheduled. The headless Xing Tian spread his arms, as if shielding Xiao Yan behind him, enduring the thunderous strikes upon his body.

"That's a puppet?!"

"He's insane! The Pill Lightning of a Seven-Pin High-Level Pill equals a strike from a Star Seven Dou Zong!"

"Huh? Look—this puppet seems unharmed!"

At this moment, the surrounding Disciples were utterly awed by Xiao Yan, this Pill Master.

He is a supreme Pill prodigy!!

"Sigh, pity—each Pill Refining yields only one Pill Lightning." Watching the Pill Lightning in the sky slowly fade, Xiao Yan felt regret. One Seven-Pin High-Level Pill Lightning could only cause Xing Tian to evolve slightly—much of his body was still bronze; to fully turn silver-white, Xiao Yan would need to refine many more Pills.

With a snap, he sealed the crimson Huo Pu Pill, then, calmly and openly, tossed the Brocade Box to Tang Zhen and said: "Valley Master Tang, regardless of anything, take this Huo Pu Pill to Miss Tang Huo'er first. Even if it fails, I have no intention of reclaiming it."

Seeing Xiao Yan's generosity, Tang Zhen's eyes flickered with surprise, then he nodded, clasped his fists, and said: "Then, Master Xiao Yan, please rest briefly in the Guest Room while I confer with several Elders before making a decision."

For others, refining a single Seven-Pin High-Level Pill required immense sacrifice—but for Xiao Yan, it was routine. Others needed nearly a month to complete it, and emerged utterly drained.

He needed less than a week, barely broke a sweat—hadn't he just made a Transformation Pill for the Lion King and Little Lion King? That too was Seven-Pin High-Level.

Compared to his self-created Flame Poison Pill, this was effortless!

That's why Alchemists are a profession with astronomical returns—Alchemists like Xiao Yan can make fortunes beyond measure. Money breeds money!

If Strange Flames had a price, Xiao Yan could buy a dozen of them!

As for quality, Xiao Yan never worried—his Pills were always perfect.

After an unknown length of time, Xiao Yan's door creaked open—and the one who pushed it in was Tang Huo'er, who had collapsed days earlier!

"It seems your Fire Poison is completely gone." Sitting on a wooden chair, Xiao Yan slowly set down his teacup and smiled.

"No matter what, I must thank you—for the Huo Pu Pill you refined," Tang Huo'er said earnestly.

Xiao Yan quickly waved his hand. "I feel unworthy—it was merely a Transaction."

"Fine then, come with me—Father and the Elders are waiting for you."

Xiao Yan's eyes narrowed slightly—he suspected the decision had been reached.

If there was truly no way, Xiao Yan would have to resort to using Pills directly, slowly reinforcing his Dou Qi—slow was fine, he had no choice.

Without Nine Dragon Thunder Flame, Xiao Yan might have to investigate whether the Soul Sovereign had plans against the Yan Clan and Yao Clan, and exploit the chaos to seize a Strange Flame.

Xiao Yan knew well: both the Yan Clan and Yao Clan possessed Ancient Jade—they must have been under constant watch by the Soul Sovereign.

Hehehehe—how could the Flame Sovereign ever pass up a Strange Flame? He wants them all!

Under Tang Huo'er's guidance, Xiao Yan entered the Grand Assembly Hall of the Burning Flame Valley. The hall's atmosphere was slightly oppressive; around its perimeter stood numerous fully armed Burning Flame Valley Disciples, intensifying the heavy tension.

As Xiao Yan entered, his gaze swiftly scanned the hall. At the head seat sat Tang Zhen, still radiant and vigorous; flanking him on either side were two elderly men with white hair and beards, clad in red robes, their faces stern, radiating quiet authority.

These two were the Second Elder and Third Elder of the Burning Flame Valley.

"Xiao Yan greets Valley Master Tang."

Amid the oppressive atmosphere and countless watching eyes, Xiao Yan remained unperturbed, stepped forward calmly, and bowed to Tang Zhen at the head seat, his voice steady.

Before Tang Zhen could speak, the Third Elder spoke coolly: "I am Wu Chen, Third Elder of the Burning Flame Valley. For your aid in refining the Huo Pu Pill for our Valley Master, I extend the Valley's thanks on its behalf."

Wu Chen's expression remained calm; as soon as he finished, he added: "But Nine Dragon Thunder Flame is our Valley's ancestral Strange Flame. Even lending it out is inappropriate. Could you consider another condition?"

Xiao Yan showed no surprise, slowly shaking his head: "I seek nothing else. I made my position clear from the start—if the Burning Flame Valley refuses to lend Nine Dragon Thunder Flame, then I, Xiao Yan, will refine the Huo Pu Pill for Valley Master Tang free of charge."

Hearing this, Tang Zhen frowned at his Third Elder: "Third Elder, our agreed decision was for Xiao Yan to enter the Yan Valley to refine the origin of Nine Dragon Thunder Flame—if he succeeds, we lend it to him for ten years. How can you renege now?"

The Second Elder and Third Elder exchanged glances; the Second Elder spoke: "Valley Master, Nine Dragon Thunder Flame is the symbol of every past Valley Master. To attempt refining its origin in the Yan Valley, one must first pass the Elder Trial."

"The Elder Council has always overseen the Valley Master Trials of past generations. If Xiao Yan passes the Trial, we have no objection."

Tang Zhen coldly laughed: "Xiao Yan is an Eight-Grade Alchemist. You two surely know how formidable his influence is. You dare to test him?"

Do you even have the qualifications?

Both of them looked embarrassed; the Three Elders cleared his throat awkwardly and said, "This is, of course, about one's own strength."

Xiao Yan, beside them, merely smiled, as if he hadn't taken the two Elders' interference to heart, and said slowly, "Oh? Then what is the trial of the Burning Flame Valley? Do I need to defeat the two of you?"

Seeing Xiao Yan speak up himself, the Second Elder's heart leapt with joy; he put on a solemn face and said, "This matter is of great importance and cannot be taken lightly, so I shall personally test you. If Xiao Yan can survive ten rounds against me, then you are free to enter the Flame Valley to refine the Nine Dragon Thunder Flame."

Tang Zhen gave a cold laugh and said, "Heh, Second Elder, you are at Dou Zong Peak of Nine Stars, while Xiao Yan is only an Eight-Star Demonic Realm. How can you even say that?"

Seeing the Second Elder struggling to recover his composure, the Three Elders, Wu Chen, spoke slowly: "If the Valley Master feels the Second Elder's involvement is inappropriate, then let me handle it. Surviving ten rounds against me shouldn't be impossible, right?"

Tang Huo'er rolled her eyes at the Three Elders and said, "A Nine-Star Dou Zong and an Eight-Star Dou Zong—what's the difference? Let me handle it. If Xiao Yan can defeat me, that's enough, how about it?"

The Second Elder slowly shook his head and said, "I think the Three Elders' suggestion is good. Let him take the test—it's the fairest. If Xiao Yan can withstand ten rounds against him, then he passes."

"Xiao Yan, what do you think?" The Second Elder asked Xiao Yan directly, hoping he would be arrogant enough to accept immediately.

And as expected, Xiao Yan shook his head.

The Second Elder frowned, about to say something, when Xiao Yan smiled and said coolly to him, "I think you should be the one to test me. Otherwise, if I defeat the Three Elders, you'll complain again."

"Ten rounds, huh? Perfect—I'll finally test the power of the Heavenly Flame Three Mystical Transformations."

Day One

(End of Chapter)