Chapter 401

Xiao Yan struggled to his feet, bowed to Tang Zhen, and said, "Thank you, Valley Master Tang, for your support—but I need a day or two to recover before attempting to refine the Nine Dragon Thunder Gang Fire."

Xiao Yan swallowed a Seven-Rank Low Grade Soul-Returning Pill; instantly, a warm current spread through his body, and with the nourishment of the Origin Flame Seed, he could finally move again.

Seeing Xiao Yan swallow the pill, the Second Elder and several other Elders finally exhaled in relief—good, this guy was still basically human.

But then he thought again: forcing his cultivation realm up ten levels using two Secret Techniques! His body hadn't exploded—could he even still be called human? Even the same-level Ancient Dragon Clan wouldn't have such a sturdy physique.

Xiao Yan sighed inwardly—he still needed to raise his cultivation realm. The Heavenly Flame Three Mystical Changes and the Asura Soul-Cutting Technique, when stacked together, were pushing his body beyond its limits.

Especially the Asura Soul-Cutting Technique—that Soul Technique was truly a Forbidden Technique; just now, he'd essentially devoured his own Spiritual Soul to boost his power. It could only be used three times—beyond that, his own Spiritual Soul would be damaged, and the cost to repair it would be enormous.

"I still need to raise my cultivation. If I could reach Star Three or Star Four Dou Zong, I could fight the Second Elder using only the Heavenly Flame Three Mystical Changes." Xiao Yan slowly shook his head, dissatisfied with his own progress.

Yet Xiao Yan was genuinely greedy—his Eight-Star Demonic Realm status was only a few months ago. After emerging from the Yao Sheng Legacy, he'd dealt with the Sky Serpent Sect, then had a child with Cai Lin, and helped Xiao Yixian resolve the Poison Pill crisis.

All of this happened within these few months. A normal person—even one cultivating a Heaven Grade Cultivation Method—couldn't advance a single star in just a few months! And Xiao Yan had been frantically refining pills all this time, leaving even less time for cultivation.

After returning to the Guest Room, Xiao Yan began circulating his Soul Cultivation Technique to slowly restore his Soul Force.

"Sigh—the Fire Scripture always requires an Extraordinary Flame. After reaching Dou Zong, the gains from a Heaven Tier Low Grade cultivation method are no longer astonishing—even with the power of the Fallen Heart Flame, it might take a full year to advance one star."

Of course, if any other Dou Zong heard Xiao Yan claimed he could advance one star in just a year, they'd curse him out: "Do you even know how many years it normally takes to advance one star as a Dou Zong!"

After two days of cultivation, Xiao Yan's Battle Qi and Soul Force were fully restored. As an Alchemist, his injuries were no serious concern.

"Sigh, Soul Cultivation Techniques and Soul Techniques are also a problem. Once I reach Dou Zun, Earth Rank Advanced Grade Soul Techniques might no longer suffice—especially when fighting the young generation of the Gu Clan, who likely each possess Heaven Grade Dou Techniques, even multiple of them."

Xiao Yan suddenly felt he'd hit a bottleneck. Compared to top-tier factions, once you reach Heaven Grade, problems multiply—Heaven Grade Dou Techniques are nearly impossible to buy.

The Soul Hall's Heaven Grade Dou Techniques were exorbitantly priced, and he didn't have enough Soul Points to exchange for them. The remaining top ten Extraordinary Flames were mostly in the hands of the Yao Clan and Yan Clan.

Xiao Yan slowly stood up. On the Dou Qi Continent, strength determines status; resources are scarce, and mutual plundering is the nature of this world.

He shook his head, stepped out of the room, and prepared to do something big!

Sensing Xiao Yan's departure, Tang Zhen opened a Void Passage and appeared.

"Hehe, Master Xiao Yan, how are you feeling?" Tang Zhen scanned Xiao Yan, a smile spreading across his face as he asked.

"Thank you for your concern, Valley Master Tang—I'm fine. You've treated me with such kindness; just call me Xiao Yan." Xiao Yan smiled.

He understood well: Tang Zhen's kindness wasn't just because of Ancestor Xiao Xuan—it was because Xiao Yan's strength had been recognized, especially after his battle with the Second Elder, which earned him tremendous respect.

So Xiao Yan had no objection to showing some goodwill.

Hearing this, Tang Zhen chuckled, stroked his beard, and nodded. "Hehe, then I won't be so formal."

"Come with me, Xiao Yan. The Origin Flame Seed of the Nine Dragon Thunder Gang Fire is stored in our Fenyan Valley's Secret Realm—the Yan Valley."

Tang Zhen didn't dawdle—he immediately opened a Space Channel and, with a few steps, brought Xiao Yan to the very center of the Fenyan Valley.

The Fenyan Valley was named not only because its Founder was Fenyan Gu Zu, but also because of this Secret Realm.

Not far from the Fenyan Valley's gate lay a valley, sunken deep into the earth. From afar, its surroundings were blackened, charred earth—no vegetation at all.

Red magma surged from within the valley, turning the depression into a sea of lava, blazing fiercely under the sunlight.

Even Xiao Yan couldn't help but be astonished—here, the Fire Attribute Energy was so dense it seemed solid. Cultivating Fire Attribute cultivation methods here would be twice as effective!

"Is this the Extraordinary Flame space of the Nine Dragon Thunder Gang Fire?!" Xiao Yan, having refined so many Extraordinary Flames, recognized it instantly—it resembled the Fallen Heart Flame's space in the Sky Burning Qi Refining Tower.

The difference was: the Fallen Heart Flame was born from massive impact, so the entire Jia Nan Academy looked like a meteor crater from above.

But the Nine Dragon Thunder Gang Fire required a convergence of volcanic Earth Veins, struck by countless years of lightning, before it could possibly be born.

"Yes, the Nine Dragon Thunder Gang Fire was born right here. Fenyan Valley's Founder discovered this place and founded the Fenyan Valley. Back then, the Nine Dragon Thunder Gang Fire was still in its juvenile stage, carefully nurtured by generations of Valley Masters and Elders until it reached its current state." Tang Zhen smiled as he explained some hidden history of the Fenyan Valley.

"I assume you know the Valley Masters and Elders have implanted Soul Seals and shackles on the Nine Dragon Thunder Gang Fire—without cultivating the Qingming Youhuo Scripture, you cannot obtain it. But you probably have your own method, right?" Tang Zhen smiled slyly at Xiao Yan.

He saw right through Xiao Yan: he came to the Fenyan Valley solely for the Nine Dragon Thunder Gang Fire—and of course, he'd already planned his move.

Caught out, Xiao Yan grinned awkwardly. With the Earth Sub Flame of Void Devouring Flame, these Soul Seals shouldn't be a major issue—and he possessed the Fire Scripture, whose Shen Mi Zhi Yi he still hadn't fully unraveled.

"The Yan Valley benefits Fire Attribute Battle Qi cultivators. If you can refine the Nine Dragon Thunder Gang Fire, don't rush to leave—train inside if you wish." Tang Zhen smiled.

"Then I thank you for your kindness, Valley Master Tang." Xiao Yan bowed, nodded—he'd planned to find a good place to train anyway.

This Yan Valley was perfect!

Stepping into the Yan Valley, a wave of searing heat slammed into him. Xiao Yan focused his mind—a cluster of Black Flame wrapped around his body, shielding him from the heat.

The Yan Valley was normally a trial for Fenyan Valley disciples, similar to the Tian Fen Lian Qi Ta—the deeper you went, the denser the Fire Attribute Energy became, and the harder it grew.

Of course, to Xiao Yan, a Grandmaster Alchemist of Flame, this was nothing.

Xiao Yan walked forward with hands clasped behind his back, strolling calmly. He saw almost no one along the way. But that was normal—Tang Zhen had likely cleared everyone out these past two days, to prevent this troublemaker from causing chaos.

ROOOOAR!!! As Xiao Yan reached the deepest point, suddenly, a thunderous Dragon Roar erupted from within the Yan Valley, followed by a BOOM—a divine lightning bolt crashed down, striking the Yan Valley with full force.

Lightning arcs exploded everywhere; the magma sea churned violently. A Giant Beast rose with a thunderous crash from beneath the lava. A mournful Dragon Roar echoed through the entire Yan Valley—Elders and powerhouses of the Fenyan Valley gazed from afar at the valley's location; many within the Fenyan Valley had heard this Dragon Roar before!

"I wonder if Xiao Yan can succeed."

"I doubt it. If he'd cultivated the Fenyan Valley's methods, maybe—but refining an Extraordinary Flame isn't easy."

At that moment, Xiao Yan looked up and saw, within the Sea of Fire, a giant dragon—its entire body silver, scales like forged white gold, unbreakably hard, crackling with lightning arcs.

Most astonishing was its nine heads—seen from afar, it looked like nine silver dragons, gleaming with cold light, their power capable of tearing apart all things. The Nine Dragon Thunder Gang Fire possessed the two most ferocious attributes: lightning and flame—a dual-attribute Extraordinary Flame!

When the giant dragon opened its eyes, it seemed as if the entire world had been illuminated—it bore no resemblance to an Extraordinary Flame. Had Xiao Yan not known beforehand, he'd have sworn it was an ancient demonic beast.

"It's been an Extraordinary Flame Spirit for countless ages—and yet it's so lifelike!" Xiao Yan swallowed hard, staring at the nine-headed dragon.

This was far stronger than the Fallen Heart Flame! Larger, more real than its Sea Giant Python form!

In pure power, the Nine Dragon Thunder Gang Fire definitely possessed Dou Zun-level strength!

No wonder Tang Huo'er failed to refine it—even the Second Elder would have slunk away in defeat.

"This is the strongest Extraordinary Flame Spirit I've ever seen." Xiao Yan swallowed again, then pulled several pills from his storage ring to assist.

Just as Xiao Yan was about to summon Mao Wu to begin refining the Nine Dragon Thunder Gang Fire—suddenly! An anomaly occurred!

"Hmm?" Xiao Yan's eyes sharpened—he released his restraint. Suddenly, the Yin-Yang Flames within his Nai Ling burst forth.

WHOOSH—WHOOSH—two white and black Yin-Yang fish appeared, leaping like carp crossing the dragon gate, transforming into two black-and-white True Dragons that stood behind Xiao Yan, gazing at the Nine Dragon Thunder Gang Fire.

The instant the Yin-Yang Flames appeared, the Yan Valley erupted in brilliant red light—WHIRRR—the red glow shot skyward, striking the Space Lock protecting the Fenyan Valley.

Instantly, the entire Space Lock turned blazing red!

The sudden transformation left Xiao Yan stunned—he had intended to do something, but hadn't even begun!

Tang Zhen and the Qiangzhe of Fenyan Valley, watching from afar, also turned pale and flew into the sky, gazing toward the direction of the Flame Valley.

At this moment, in the sky above the Flame Valley, a hazy figure of flame suddenly appeared!

This sight shocked every person in Fenyan Valley; all disciples opened their mouths wide, gazing upward at the colossal flame figure standing tall as a pillar of heaven!

"Is this!?"

"Could it be!!"

When the flame figure appeared above the Flame Valley, the entire Fenyan Valley grew scorching hot, as if this shadow towered over all within Fenyan Valley!

Invincible Saint Might instantly engulfed the entire Fenyan Valley; every disciple fell prostrate to the ground with a thud, bowing in heartfelt submission at this very moment!

At this moment, from a Forbidden Land within Fenyan Valley, an old man burst forth from his seclusion; fire clouds trailed him, yet even he, a Dou Sheng, stared in astonishment at the hazy figure before him.

"Ancestor!" The fire-cloud old man bowed from afar—this figure was none other than the Founder of Fenyan Valley, Fenyan Gu Zu!

Tang Zhen, seeing his own Valley's guardian deity, the Fire-Cloud Elder, let out a cry—his scalp prickled—was this hazy flame figure Fenyan Gu Zu?!

"Ancestor!" Tang Zhen prostrated himself, trembling with emotion: "Ancestor, your spirit has manifested! Your unworthy descendant has failed you!"

At this moment, countless disciples of Fenyan Valley lay prostrate, countless Guardians and Elders were utterly stunned; some disciples wept with tears, never dreaming that within their own Flame Valley, their Ancestor had left behind power to protect them!

But at this moment, the hazy flame figure did not look at the disciples of Fenyan Valley, nor at the Fire-Cloud Elder or Tang Zhen—Xiao Yan could clearly feel that its gaze was fixed on him, or rather, on the Yin-Yang Dual Flames left behind by his Ancestor, Xiao Xuan.

A withered spiritual voice echoed in Xiao Yan's heart: "Alas, when Xiao Xuan was besieged by the Soul Sovereign, I failed to come to his aid—this has been my lifelong regret."

Xiao Yan's heart trembled violently—don't tell me this old bastard isn't dead!

But then he thought: Hun Tian Di wasn't dead either, and even Xiao Xuan wasn't dead—he was hiding in the Heavenly Tomb. So this Fenyan Gu Zu, a Peak Dou Sheng, was from the same era as them—leaving behind some tricks is perfectly normal!

I just wonder if he's like the Heavenly Flame Lord—can he be revived?

"The Xiao Clan still has descendants—Heaven has eyes." Crackling sounds immediately arose; the soul imprint on the Nine Dragon Thunder Gang Fire rapidly unraveled.

"If the Nine Dragon Thunder Gang Fire can aid you in reviving the Xiao Clan, it will ease my conscience." The figure waved its hand—the Nine Dragon Thunder Gang Fire reformed into a single silver flame, within which nine silver dragons coiled, lightning flickering along their bodies.

The Nine Dragon Thunder Gang Fire could merge into one, or split into nine—extremely mysterious and wondrous.

With a hum, the Nine Dragon Thunder Gang Fire involuntarily drifted slowly into Xiao Yan's body; its terrifying aura vanished completely.

Xiao Yan's heart jolted—Kuang! Ancestral glory!

At this moment, Xiao Yan no longer cared about events a thousand years ago—if this was his Ancestor's close friend, he wouldn't be polite.

With two sharp clicks, he swallowed an Imperial Ultimate Pill and a Zong Shi Pill, then immediately activated the Burning Scripture to cultivate!

This Flame Valley is a great place—Xiao Yan intended not only to break through to Dou Zong, but also to cultivate longer!

After the figure of Fenyan Gu Zu vanished, Tang Zhen shouted again: "Ancestor's spirit has manifested—eternally blessing Fenyan Valley!"

Today, the disciples of Fenyan Valley, including Tang Huo'er, were stunned—so their Ancestor had truly been that powerful in ancient times!

Long after the figure vanished and the Flame Valley returned to stillness, Tang Zhen dared to rise, staring in astonishment toward the Flame Valley.

No need to guess—it must be because of Xiao Yan, or rather, because of Xiao Xuan!

The Ancient Texts were right—Fenyan Gu Zu and Xiao Xuan were indeed close in those days!

"All Elders, listen: From now on, Xiao Yan is forever a friend of Fenyan Valley. Especially you, Second Elder and Third Elder—when Xiao Yan emerges, you shall personally come to apologize and accept punishment!" Tang Zhen glared at the Second and Third Elders, who could only grimace helplessly.

"We understand, Valley Master."

"Also, since this was the Ancestor's decision, the matter of the Nine Dragon Thunder Gang Fire and the ten-year penalty is hereby dropped—understood?"

"Yes, Valley Master!"

At this moment, Xiao Yan naturally knew nothing of the events outside—he was busy refining the Nine Dragon Thunder Gang Fire and the Pills.

Even though the Nine Dragon Thunder Gang Fire no longer held hostility toward Xiao Yan, it was still a fully mature Strange Fire, possessing a Spiritual Flame Fusion, and its power was immense.

Moreover, the Nine Dragon Thunder Gang Fire possessed a unique ability to shock the Spiritual Soul, refining Xiao Yan's soul—this was an exceptionally rare Strange Fire, capable of strengthening Soul Force, making the soul more resilient and immune to certain soul-shattering techniques.

Even if Xiao Yan later encountered Dou Techniques like Dragon Roar that attacked the soul, he would be largely immune.

Cultivation knows no time—before he knew it, a month had passed. In the Flame Valley, Xiao Yan sat like a meditating monk, his body flickering with lightning arcs; his body and soul were continuously refined by the Thunder Gang of the Nine Dragon Thunder Gang Fire.

Combined with the aid of the Imperial Ultimate Pill and the Zong Shi Pill, Xiao Yan's Cultivation Realm had long since broken past Dou Zong Yi Xing, and continued rising—now reaching Yi Xing Peak.

Yet Xiao Yan did not cease cultivation—he fully unleashed the Burning Scripture; the Heaven and Earth Power within the Flame Valley visibly surged into his body, while an invisible Strange Fire simultaneously accelerated the refining of the Strange Fire energy within this space.

Besides Xiao Yan, a black cat lay sleeping atop his head, breathing deeply—each breath drew in massive amounts of Strange Fire energy.

Mao Wu differed from Xiao Yan—he needed no purification, only gulped down the energy, absorbing even more fiercely than Xiao Yan.

Seasons turned—three months had passed since Xiao Yan entered the Flame Valley. Suddenly, the Heaven and Earth Power in the valley paused; the Energy Vortex around Xiao Yan ceased spinning.

As if sensing it, Tang Zhen gazed toward the Flame Valley and murmured: "This little one has finally emerged—given his talent, three months should be enough to break through the Dou Zong threshold."

At this moment, his eyes snapped open—lightning erupted from Xiao Yan's body with a boom; instantly, he formed hand seals and activated the Burning Scripture.

"Merge!"

Strange Fire Fusion—Burning Scripture Evolution!

This step Xiao Yan knew too well—no problem at all—the Nine Dragon Thunder Gang Fire fused with the other Strange Fires, finally merging into his Na Ling, becoming his tenth refined Strange Fire!

The Strange Fire Ranking had twenty-three—Xiao Yan now possessed ten of them!

"Three-Star Peak Dou Zong."

Originally, I planned to revise it so that Xiao Xuan was Fenyan Gu Zu himself, having secretly founded Fenyan Valley under a false identity—hence Fenyan Gu Zu's sudden disappearance meant he was Xiao Xuan. But then I thought: such a change would alter the original work too drastically—so I gave up.

(End of Chapter)