Chapter 293: Tang Huo'er, You've Got Issues
After Xiao Yuan and Cai Lin stepped through the spatial fissure hand-in-hand, their surroundings were suddenly flooded with intense light. By instinct, Xiao Yuan channeled the power of his Heavenly Flame to his eyes, blocking the glare. As his vision cleared, a hint of surprise flickered in his gaze.
Before them lay a long flight of green stone steps, surrounded by lush greenery. Looking farther out, buildings peeked out from the foliage, and faint voices drifted from the distance, spiraling through the seemingly endless valley.
"A world of its own... worthy of being one of the Three Great Valleys."
Even Xiao Yuan couldn't help but marvel at the stark contrast from the scorched red world outside.
"Heh, it doesn't quite qualify as a world of its own," Elder Chi Huo said with a wave of his hand. "Only a Dou Sheng could pull that off. Still, after generations of construction by our Valley Masters, this does count as a hidden paradise within a volcanic realm."
Xiao Yuan smiled and reached out into the air. The fire-elemental energy here was still dense, just like outside—but the wild, chaotic element had been completely purified.
Raising his head, he noticed a faint distortion in the sky. Clearly, the entire Burning Flame Valley was sealed within a warped space, similar to the Inner Academy—though this one was far more stable and secure.
As Xiao Yuan took in the scene, sharp bursts of wind echoed from the woods nearby. More than a dozen figures shot toward them, landing around the stone steps. Once they saw Elder Chi Huo, their guarded expressions eased, and they bowed respectfully.
All wore red uniforms. Though young, the Dou Qi emanating from their bodies was thick and powerful—impressively talented for such a group.
"Friends, this way, please."
Elder Chi Huo smiled at them before taking to the air again. Xiao Yuan and Cai Lin followed, stepping into the sky under the stunned gazes of the disciples.
"They're Dou Zongs too? So young?"
"They must be older seniors using youth-retaining pills. I've heard alchemists have access to that kind of stuff..."
"Must be it. If they were actually that young, they could rival Miss Huo'er."
"Exactly. One freak like her is enough. If more show up, it's too much to take."
Xiao Yuan didn't hear the mutters. After a few minutes of flying, they descended before a massive crimson palace.
All around the valley were buildings bustling with red-robed disciples. Cries of challenge echoed here and there, giving the place a vibrant energy.
Guards stood vigilant around the crimson palace, eyes sweeping sharply across the area.
"Looks like some of the other alchemists have arrived," Chi Huo murmured as he glanced at the heavily guarded hall.
"What kind of pill is your Valley Master planning to refine that it needs so many alchemists?" Xiao Yuan asked with a faint smile.
"Not so many, just trying to select a few from the gathered experts. Even those not chosen will receive generous gifts, so no need to worry, Young Friend Xiao Yuan."
"There's a selection process?"
Xiao Yuan's brows furrowed slightly. He wasn't exactly fond of competing for attention. Clearly, he would need to make a strong impression soon.
"Forget it—I'll take care of it."
Waving dismissively, he chuckled.
Seeing Xiao Yuan agree, Chi Huo gave a sheepish smile and quickly led the way. Xiao Yuan followed, his eyes lingering briefly on the majestic palace. Since he was here, he would definitely get his hands on the complete Heavenly Fire Three Mysterious Change.
He and Cai Lin passed through the strict guards and pushed open the palace doors.
Clack—
As the doors opened, the grand interior came into view. Elder Chi Huo stepped forward quickly and bowed toward the central throne.
"Valley Master, Chi Huo reporting. The alchemist recommended by Tianhuang City has arrived."
Within the hall sat a dozen figures, most wearing alchemist robes. Judging by their calm expressions, these veteran alchemists were unimpressed by the splendor of the Valley.
At the center, a small, red-haired elder in plain hemp robes sat, face beaming with an ever-present smile. Everyone present, however, knew just how powerful this unassuming old man was in the Central Region.
Beside him stood a striking red-clad woman. A dark red whip circled her slender waist, highlighting her curves. Her stunning face and vibrant red lips, paired with her fiery outfit and fierce aura, gave her a unique charm.
When the doors opened and Chi Huo announced a new arrival, the others turned curiously. Another alchemist? Interesting.
"Heh, Chi Huo, you were the last to arrive this time," the red-haired elder said, chuckling. "Well, don't keep our guest outside. Are you trying to make it look like Burning Flame Valley is ungracious?"
Chi Huo laughed and turned toward the door. "Young friends, please enter."
"Xiao Yuan?"
The alchemists inside frowned. None of them had heard of a 'Xiao Yuan' among the known alchemical masters of the Central Region.
Then a white-robed figure stepped inside. His youthful, handsome face drew stunned silence from the hall.
"Xiao Yuan greets the Valley Master."
Unfazed by the curious stares, Xiao Yuan looked directly at the red-haired man. From the moment he stepped inside, he felt a subtle pressure—coming from none other than this modest-looking elder.
Tang Zhen, the Valley Master of Burning Flame Valley, blinked in slight surprise at Xiao Yuan's youthful appearance. But he masked it well, his gaze growing more astonished as he subtly probed Xiao Yuan's aura.
"Heh, no need for formality. I am Tang Zhen. To reach Dou Zong strength at such an age—truly exceptional talent."
The hall erupted in murmurs. Even these seasoned alchemists were shocked—such talent was exceedingly rare, even in the Central Region.
Beside Tang Zhen, the red-clad woman's gaze flickered. Her brows drew together slightly. As the most outstanding younger generation of the Valley, she knew how difficult it was to reach Dou Zong so young. This guy not only looked younger than her—he was better looking, stronger, and had an even hotter companion standing beside him.
"Valley Master flatters me. I've just been fortunate," Xiao Yuan said humbly. Internally, though, he was shaken. Tang Zhen had seen through his cultivation at a glance, and Xiao Yuan couldn't sense anything from the man in return.
As expected of the Valley Master—stronger even than Wind Venerable.
Cai Lin gave a polite nod, but her expression remained cold. Even if a Dou Sheng stood here, she wouldn't care. She only came because of Xiao Yuan.
"Fortune counts for something, but what we need today aren't Dou Zongs—we need true alchemists," a clear, cool voice suddenly rang out. "Elder Chi Huo, are you sure you brought the right person?"
An elderly man in an alchemist's robe gave Xiao Yuan a sideways glance and remarked coolly.
The man's lips were thin, his expression sharp, clearly the sort who never held back his words. Of course, alchemists—especially those with real skill—tended to be proud. Wherever they went, they were treated like royalty. They had earned that respect through decades of tireless cultivation. Now, Elder Chi Huo had simply brought in a young brat and called him a "master alchemist"? Naturally, that rubbed some people the wrong way.
After all, the title "alchemist master" carried considerable weight in the Central Plains. Earning it was no small feat. At a minimum, one had to be able to independently refine tier six or even tier seven pills. Those who could refine tier eight were already considered alchemy grandmasters.
Cai Lin frowned at the comment, her gaze turning icy. But Xiao Yuan held her hand, restraining her. She merely shot the elder a cold look instead of giving him the punishment he deserved.
Elder Chi Huo also frowned slightly but then smiled and said, "Master Mo, rest assured—this old man hasn't lost his judgment. Young friend Xiao Yuan absolutely meets the requirements set by the Valley Master."
Hearing that, the man referred to as Master Mo merely snorted and cast Xiao Yuan another sideways look, saying no more.
"Hehe, if what Elder Chi Huo says is true, then this Xiao Yuan's talent may even surpass my daughter's," Tang Zhen said with a smile, as if he hadn't heard Master Mo's condescending words. "To reach Dou Zong strength and make progress in alchemy simultaneously—not a simple task."
"Hmph. Just because he's good-looking doesn't mean you can jump to conclusions. Father, you must be getting senile."
The red-clad young woman beside him pouted, her bright eyes sweeping over Xiao Yuan. Her snow-white chin tilted upward slightly, and her eyes gleamed with a trace of challenge. Over the years, she had never encountered a peer who could match her. Xiao Yuan's sudden appearance, naturally, aroused her competitive spirit.
Xiao Yuan simply smiled at her challenge. He could tell she meant no real harm—she was just annoyed by her father's praise and acting out a bit.
"This young lady has quite the temper. Or is she ill?"
Xiao Yuan gazed at her openly and, after a quick inspection, noticed a subtle pallor beneath her rosy complexion. He asked with a half-smile.
"Who are you calling sick?"
Tang Huo'er's brows shot up, voice sharp.
Tang Zhen's smile froze slightly. His eyes took on a more serious glint as he looked at Xiao Yuan. With his experience, he could tell that Xiao Yuan wasn't just mouthing off—there was a basis to his words.
"He said you're sick, so clearly you are. Judging by how you acted just now, you're pretty far gone."
Cai Lin's sudden quip brought silence to the hall.
Xiao Yuan turned to see Tang Zhen's face stiffening and sighed, reaching over to cover Cai Lin's mouth.
"Come on, Auntie, ease up. We're on someone else's turf here—try not to be so aggressive!"
Elder Chi Huo stood frozen, caught in an awkward limbo—he couldn't speak, nor stay silent.
"Young friend Xiao Yuan," Tang Zhen said at last, breaking the tension, "why don't you and your companion find a seat first?"
He was intrigued by Xiao Yuan. If Xiao Yuan had truly noticed something unusual, perhaps there was hope for Huo'er's condition after all.
Xiao Yuan nodded with a smile and followed Elder Chi Huo to a seat, where he pulled Cai Lin down beside him.
"That Master Mo from earlier is a tier six alchemist, capable of refining top-grade tier six pills. If he had more years ahead of him, he might break through to tier seven. He's a bit foul-mouthed, so best to ignore him," Elder Chi Huo whispered as they sat.
Xiao Yuan nodded subtly. It made sense—any alchemist invited here wasn't just some unknown nobody. Still, a tier six alchemist didn't impress him.
"But with your skills, you've no need to pay that guy any attention," Chi Huo added. "There are only two people here truly worth your notice—the ones seated beside the Valley Master."
Xiao Yuan followed his gaze. On either side of Tang Zhen sat two old men who had kept their eyes shut since the beginning. Though their auras were well-hidden, Xiao Yuan could sense a vast and potent spiritual force emanating from them.
"Tier seven alchemists?"
His eyes narrowed slightly, fingers tapping his knee. These were the first tier seven alchemists he'd encountered aside from Yao Lao.
"They're well-known across the Central Plains," Chi Huo whispered. "Not just for their alchemical prowess, but because both are guest elders of the Pill Tower. Even the Valley Master treats them with respect."
Xiao Yuan's heart stirred. Guest elders of the Pill Tower? That title certainly carried weight.
But not more than his own.
After all, he was Yao Zun-zhe's disciple. Yao Lao had once trained under one of the Pill Tower's founders. Technically, that made Xiao Yuan a spiritual descendant of the Pill Tower line.
"Hehe, now that everyone's here, I'll explain why we've gathered," Tang Zhen said, voice steady. "As some of you know, I need to refine a pill—tier seven, high-grade."
Gasps rippled through the hall. Even among those present, that was a formidable level.
At his words, the two guest elders finally opened their eyes. One of them spoke: "Tier seven, high-grade? Even we cannot refine such a pill."
Though they were tier seven alchemists, they could only manage low-tier pills. Mid-tier ones were possible but risky. High-tier? The success rate would be abysmal.
"Hehe, leave that to me," Tang Zhen said, smiling. "Though I'm not an alchemist, I have skills you lack. What I need is two alchemists who can withstand my Nine Dragon Lightning Flame."
As he spoke, he raised a hand. Fwoosh! A silver flame emerged, within which nine silver fire dragons writhed.
"That's the Nine Dragon Lightning Flame?"
Xiao Yuan's eyes lit up with interest.
"Summon your spiritual power," Tang Zhen continued. "If you can endure the tempering of my Nine Dragon Lightning Flame, you'll be qualified."
At those words, more than a few alchemists twitched in discomfort.
(END CHAPTER)
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