Chapter 399: The True Power of the Heavenly Flame Three Transformations

At this moment, the elders of the Burning Flame Valley looked at Xiao Yan; although they deeply wished he would boast, hearing him treat them as if they didn't exist, they all felt a stifling anger inside.

You, Xiao Yan, are merely a boy of around twenty, and yes, an eighth-rank Alchemist is impressive—if not for the immense importance of the Nine Dragon Thunder Gang Fire, the Second Elder and Third Elder would gladly flatter you.

Even Tang Zhen was willing to lend the Nine Dragon Thunder Gang Fire for ten years, largely because Xiao Yan's Alchemist talent is extraordinarily high, and there's clearly an element of flattery involved.

But when it comes to cultivation realm and combat power, how dare you, an Eight-Star Demonic Realm cultivator, think of challenging a Nine Star Peak Dou Zong?!

This is simply outrageous.

Forget ten moves—you couldn't even block two if he took you seriously!

If Xiao Yan were a Three-Star or Four-Star Dou Zong, and the Second Elder let his guard down, you might have lasted ten moves—but Xiao Yan is talking such nonsense, the Second Elder will absolutely not hold back!

How could this not fill the elders of the Burning Flame Valley with stifling anger?

"Good, good, truly a young calf unafraid of tigers." The Second Elder didn't know whether to be pleased or frustrated.

But no matter what, the fact that Xiao Yan agreed is best.

Tang Zhen beside him also grew grim; these two old men were truly rigid. Yet inwardly, he was deeply curious—was Xiao Yan an arrogant fool? Didn't he know the gap between an Eight-Star Demonic Realm and a Nine Star Peak Dou Zong?

That chasm could never be bridged—not even by the Heavenly Flame Three Transformations.

Besides, the Second Elder knows the Heavenly Flame Three Transformations too!

"Xiao Yan, the Second Elder is a genuine Nine Star Peak Dou Zong, and his cultivation method and Dou Technique are both top-tier within the Burning Flame Valley—stronger than many half-step Dou Zun from beyond Zhong Zhou. Are you certain you want him to test you?" Tang Zhen frowned deeply, fixing his gaze on Xiao Yan, his tone heavy with warning.

Xiao Yan smiled, slowly nodding, his eyes sweeping toward the Second Elder—who, betrayed by his own superior's revelation, now stood stunned and helpless.

The Nine Star Peak Dou Zong may be strong, but today, he would defeat these old men with righteous strength. Xiao Yan's prowess was not limited to Spirit Refining!

Seeing Xiao Yan nod, Tang Zhen's frown deepened. He glanced at the two elders beside him, who now looked ecstatic, then sighed and nodded. "If this is your choice, there's nothing I can do—but this opportunity is only once. If you fail the trial, I won't be able to help you further. So I hope you've thought this through."

Xiao Yan smiled and nodded. He was no reckless fool; having accepted this trial, he naturally had some confidence. The Nine Star Dou Zong was indeed powerful.

But Xiao Yan, who had fully mastered the Heavenly Flame Three Transformations, was no pushover either. He couldn't claim he could defeat him outright, but holding out for ten moves? These old men were clearly underestimating him.

"Valley Master, rest assured—I know Master Xiao Yan has done the Burning Flame Valley some favors, so I won't harm him. Even if Master Xiao Yan cannot endure, our valley will not treat him unfairly." The Second Elder slowly rose, turning his head to Tang Zhen.

Tang Huo'er, seated beside him, calmly remarked: "Just be careful you don't twist your tongue from too much wind."

As the only one present who had truly fought Xiao Yan, Tang Huo'er understood clearly: though Xiao Yan was only an Eight-Star Demonic Realm, he was no mere Alchemist obsessed with pill-making—his foundation was exceptionally solid.

He might just lose.

"This venue is too small. Let's conduct the trial outside. Besides, I suspect the valley's disciples are curious—let them observe. It will benefit them." The Second Elder scanned the hall, then chuckled, stepping forward toward the courtyard. As he passed Xiao Yan, he said: "I don't mean to oppose Master Xiao Yan—only the Nine Dragon Thunder Gang Fire is too vital to our valley. Regardless, aside from the Nine Dragon Thunder Gang Fire, Master Xiao Yan may train in any Secret Realm, Cultivation Method, or Dou Technique within the valley."

"No need. Save your words until after the trial. Otherwise, if something unexpected happens, I won't know how to console anyone."

Xiao Yan smiled faintly, ignoring the stunned Second Elder, and turned to walk out of the hall.

Watching Xiao Yan's back, the Second Elder finally came to his senses, adopting the demeanor of a Senior Brother, hands clasped behind his back as he slowly shook his head. "Today's youth—so arrogant indeed. But then again, it's understandable; to become an eighth-rank Alchemist at such a young age, one ought to be this way."

Outside the hall lay a spacious open ground with excellent visibility; the view stretched unobstructed to its far end, where a circular grove of lush trees encircled the hall.

Hearing Xiao Yan would spar with the Second Elder, countless Burning Flame Valley disciples surged forward to watch.

"I heard Xiao Yan aims to endure ten moves against the Second Elder."

"Hmph, he may be good at pill-making, but an Eight-Star Demonic Realm trying to last ten moves against the Second Elder? Not worth watching." A disciple scoffed.

"Shh, Second Brother, watch out—he might hear you. He's an Alchemy Master—he crafted the Fire Bodhi Pill for Senior Sister." Another disciple quietly tugged at the brother who had once been defeated by Xiao Yan.

Now that they'd heard what was happening, countless disbelieving gazes turned toward Xiao Yan. Though many knew of his Alchemy skill, high pill-making ability didn't necessarily mean high combat strength.

The Burning Flame Valley's Second Elder was a Nine Star Dou Zong—and yet this youth, seemingly no older than them, dared to challenge him?

"You strike first." The Second Elder stood with hands behind his back, speaking in the calm tone of a master.

Hearing this, Xiao Yan smiled, nodded without ceremony, took a slow breath, recalled the flow of the Heavenly Flame Three Transformations in his mind, and formed his hand seals.

"Hm? Using the Heavenly Flame Three Transformations?" The Second Elder's eyelid twitched—those hand seals were far too familiar!

Yet he remained utterly composed. Though the Heavenly Flame Three Transformations were the valley's secret technique, many elders found its practical combat value disappointing.

Mainly, aside from the Valley Master, none possessed an Infernal Flame—only Beast Fires—and thus the enhancement was minimal, with severe side effects. It was rarely used unless in life-or-death combat.

"First Change." Xiao Yan murmured inwardly. Instantly, a blood-red flame, like fresh blood, erupted from his body.

The Ten Thousand Beast Spiritual Flame surged through his meridians like a wild horse breaking its reins, charging recklessly.

In an instant, Xiao Yan's aura exploded—scorching winds radiated outward from him in all directions.

"Huh?! After just the First Change, he's risen to One-Star Dou Zong?!" Tang Zhen's eyes widened—from Eight-Star Demonic Realm to One-Star Dou Zong—and only one change?!

"He must have an Infernal Flame too," Tang Huo'er said cautiously, since she wasn't sure whether Xiao Yan had used one.

Seeing Xiao Yan's cultivation rise to One-Star Dou Zong, the Second Elder's body tensed slightly. He thought: "The remaining two changes should only bring him to Two or Three-Star Dou Zong—not a threat."

Seeing the Second Elder tense, Xiao Yan merely smiled lightly. You're already tensing up?

"Second Change." Xiao Yan shifted his hand seals again. Instantly, a cluster of black-and-white Infernal Flame surged from his dantian, swirling like a yin-yang fish through his meridians.

Unlike the Ten Thousand Beast Spiritual Flame, the Yin-Yang Flames brought Xiao Yan a soothing sensation, gently nourishing his meridians and easing the side effects of the Heavenly Flame Three Transformations.

With the eruption of the black-and-white flames, Xiao Yan's aura surged again—this time, even the Second Elder and Tang Zhen's expressions shifted slightly, for Xiao Yan's aura had leapt from One-Star Dou Zong to Three-Star Dou Zong!

"Could this guy possess two Infernal Flames?! How is that possible?!" The Second Elder's heart reeled—wasn't it said one could only have one Infernal Flame?!

What the hell?!

The other elders watching had already risen from their seats, for they all knew the Heavenly Flame Three Transformations had three changes!

"Ordinary One-Star Dou Zong elders gain one and a half stars after three changes—maximum two stars. This Xiao Yan gains three stars after just one change?!"

"He can't possibly have three Infernal Flames…"

As everyone leaned forward in anticipation, Xiao Yan slightly narrowed his eyes and revealed a brilliant smile.

Seeing that smile, the Second Elder's heart lurched—he felt a sudden, heavy dread!

Kuang?!

Xiao Yan shifted his hand seals again. From his dantian surged a green Infernal Flame—Qing Lian Earth Core Fire instantly flooded every meridian of his body, unleashing an even more terrifying wave of scorching heat!

"Third Change!"

Boom—Boom—Boom!!!

An extraordinarily powerful aura, as if awakening, slowly surged forth from Xiao Yan's body, causing the space around him to churn violently under the weight of this immense force.

Xiao Yan hovered lightly in the sky, yet his expression remained as calm as still water, his dark eyes just as serene!

Five-Star Dou Zong!!

From Eight-Star Demonic Realm, he leapt straight to Five-Star Dou Zong?! On average, he gained two Stars of Dou Zong cultivation in a single leap!

Tang Huo'er swallowed hard and said, "Dad's increase… isn't that a bit too much."

Tang Zhen's face was equally stunned—this increase was twice as fierce as his own, three times stronger than the average Elder of the Flame Valley!

"How could he increase so much?! Does he possess Three Infernal Flames? Or is it because he's Xiao Xuan's descendant—that's the true power of Heavenly Flame Triple Transformation?!" Tang Zhen was dumbfounded—how could he increase this much!

Even he, when using Heavenly Flame Triple Transformation as a Dou Zong, with Nine Dragon Thunder Gang Fire's aid and two Seven-Rank Beast Fires, could only gain slightly more than three Stars—absolutely no more than four.

If a Dou Zun used it, the increase would be even smaller: at One Star Dou Zun, Triple Transformation could only push him to Two Star Dou Zun; now that Tang Zhen is Five-Star Dou Zun, even with Nine Dragon Thunder Gang Fire, he could only gain half a Star.

But there was no help for it—Heavenly Flame Triple Transformation was, after all, only an Earth Rank Advanced Grade Secret Technique; for the Dou Zun level, Earth Rank Advanced Grade was useful, but it couldn't achieve earth-shattering, reality-defying power.

Only Heavenly Rank could possibly decide victory or defeat!

Moreover, using Triple Transformation simultaneously caused excruciating meridian pain; the sudden surge of power made it difficult even to activate Dou Techniques. Yet look at Xiao Yan—he looked perfectly fine!

"You—you've already mastered Triple Transformation after just learning it?! And gained so much?!" The Second Elder was now utterly shaken!

Damn it, Eight-Star Demonic Realm to Five-Star Dou Zong?! Is this really the Heavenly Flame Triple Transformation he knew?!

I must've trained a fake Heavenly Flame Triple Transformation!

Xiao Yan merely smiled faintly, saying nothing. Triple Transformation was the limit of Heavenly Flame Triple Transformation—not his own limit!

Xiao Yan, possessing Ten Thousand Beast Spiritual Flame and Yin-Yang Twin Flame, possessed physical strength and recovery far beyond ordinary mortals, and he had already used many Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures to strengthen his body.

If Xiao Yan truly pushed himself, fusing his Infernal Flames in pairs and trios to create three New Different Flames, each at least among the top ten in strength, then using Heavenly Flame Triple Transformation could elevate his cultivation to match the Second Elder's.

No wonder Xiao Yan was so calm now—it hadn't even reached his limit!

Xiao Yan clenched his fists, feeling the dominant power within, nodded, and praised, "No wonder this is the Heavenly Flame Triple Transformation created by the Ancestor—the power is indeed impressive."

Xiao Yan clearly felt that his Xiao Clan's Dou Di Bloodline was faintly boiling. Long ago, in the Life and Death Gate, the Ancestor had left him an extremely faint Dou Di Bloodline—barely strong enough to be considered a Rank One Dou Di Bloodline.

After Triple Transformation, Xiao Yan noticed his Dou Di Bloodline seemed to have grown slightly stronger.

Undoubtedly, this Heavenly Flame Triple Transformation was incomplete; the true power of Heavenly Flame Triple Transformation was certainly far greater, and the complete version could only be found by Xiao Yan in the Heavenly Tomb, seeking Xiao Xuan.

Xiao Yan glanced at the Second Elder, whose face had turned ashen—he had lost all his earlier composure. Xiao Yan smiled slightly: "Second Elder, be careful—you might accidentally be defeated by a younger generation."

I still prefer your earlier reckless demeanor.

The Second Elder's eyes narrowed slightly; he had already secretly activated his Dou Qi Cultivation Method, as if facing a deadly foe—he only had ten moves left!

"Hmph, Five-Star Dou Zong? There's still an insurmountable abyss between you and Nine Star Peak Dou Zong!" The Second Elder still clung to his pride.

Xiao Yan's eyes narrowed—if that's how he wanted it, he wouldn't hold back.

With a rip, a pair of grotesque bone spikes suddenly erupted from Xiao Yan's back; with a whoosh, wind and thunder surged from the spikes. Already, hot winds had been pouring from his body—now, lightning flickered intermittently around him, and a wild wind roared forth.

"Then, Second Elder, the first move comes." Xiao Yan smiled faintly, eyes narrowing—he specialized in silencing the boastful!

At that moment, Xiao Yan's aura triggered a chain reaction; his feet flashed with thunderlight as he activated Three Thousand Lei Dong, combined with the wind-thunder power bursting from his bone wings—ziiii! A shocking bolt of lightning, like a beam, shot straight toward the stunned Second Elder.

"So fast!"

In an instant, even the Second Elder couldn't react in time—the fist was already at his face! Xiao Yan's right fist bulged with veins, like a battle god.

The long-absent Eight Extreme Shatter!

With unmatched speed and Five-Star Dou Zong cultivation, Xiao Yan's Eight Extreme Shatter—though only an Arcane-Rank High-Level Dou Technique—delivered power that stunned everyone present!

Boom! The Guang Chang shattered under the blow; the Second Elder, despite his Nine Star Peak Dou Zong strength, blocked with both arms—but was still sent flying by Xiao Yan's punch!

Instantly, the Third Elder and all disciples froze in place—even Tang Zhen, despite some preparation, was stunned!

In their minds, it should've been Xiao Yan flying out from the Second Elder's strike—how had the roles reversed?!

The Third Elder stood rooted, speechless for a long while—Xiao Yan had struck with a single punch and shattered the Second Elder's stance. Had he not seen it himself, he wouldn't have believed it.

Boom! The Second Elder blasted out of the crater, shards of rock flying like meteors; he hovered midair, eyes locked tightly on Xiao Yan.

Though he'd just been blasted away, to him it wasn't even a light wound—Xiao Yan's speed was simply too fast!

"Good. It seems I underestimated you. For the remaining nine moves, I won't hold back!" The Second Elder erupted with terrifying Dou Qi—his Nine Star Peak Dou Zong cultivation still dwarfed Xiao Yan's by far.

"The Second Elder's going all out!"

"But Xiao Yan's speed is insane—I didn't even see what happened."

In truth, if Xiao Yan intended to drag out the ten moves, he could easily evade using his bone wings and Three Thousand Lei Dong—but clearly, his pride wouldn't allow him to dodge!

"Ha!" The Second Elder roared—he used no weapon, no Dou Technique, only his Nine Star Dou Zong Dou Qi, charging forward with overwhelming force.

The might of a Nine Star Peak Dou Zong was like a rampaging demon; in his fury, he could flatten entire Shan Mai. Now, with one hand thrusting forward, it felt as if heaven and earth were crushing down—capable of sweeping away all, clearing all winds and clouds!

"So strong!" All spectators—whether old-generation warriors of the Flame Valley or young-generation disciples—could only sigh in awe at the power of this strike.

Facing the full-force assault of a Nine Star Peak Dou Zong, Xiao Yan dared not underestimate—it wasn't like Pill Lightning, which struck once; the Second Elder was a living being!

Facing this palm, Xiao Yan's gaze turned grave; his left hand rapidly formed a hand seal, channeling all his Five-Star Dou Zong cultivation into it.

He roared inwardly: "Mountain Splitting Seal!"

Xiao Yan thrust his left hand seal skyward—a massive palm imprint shot from his palm. Instantly, Heavenly Energy went berserk, boiling violently as the two forces collided with a thunderous crash.

"Sss! A Dou Huang has mastered an Earth Rank Advanced Grade palm technique!"

"Compared to his rise to Five-Star Dou Zong via Heavenly Flame Triple Transformation, I can accept anything as long as he's not using a Heavenly Rank Dou Technique."

Boom! The earth trembled; cracks spread across the Guang Chang. With a series of metallic zings, a massive Sealing Array appeared, guarding the fractured ground.

Had it not been for the Sealing Array, this land would've been utterly crushed and sunk under the Second Elder's enraged strike—completely shattered.

(End of Chapter)