Chapter 292: Burning Flame Valley
Elder Chi Huo finally returned to his senses as he gazed at the dark-golden flame surrounding Xiao Yuan. His heart trembled.
As a member of Burning Flame Valley, he was quite familiar with various exotic flames. After all, cultivating the Heavenly Fire Three Mysterious Change required three different types of flames—and choosing the right flames was crucial. Almost every disciple of Burning Flame Valley had studied which flames were best suited to them.
Thus, people from the Valley were all masters of flame manipulation. The elites among them were said to rival even seventh-tier alchemists in flame control.
Though Chi Huo wasn't quite at that level, he had once witnessed the Valley Master Tang Zhen's Nine Dragon Thunder Flame in action.
That terrifying Heavenly Flame had sent waves of pressure through his Beast Flame, making him—as a Dou Zong—feel the kind of hopeless suppression a Dou Zong might feel when facing a Dou Zun.
Yet now, this young man before him wielded a flame that, in his perception, was even more dreadful than the Nine Dragon Thunder Flame!
But how could that be?
The Nine Dragon Thunder Flame was ranked 12th on the Heavenly Flame Ranking.
How could a young alchemist, still only seventh-tier and a Dou Zong in strength, wield a flame even stronger than that?
If that were true, then Xiao Yuan's background must be unimaginably profound!
At that thought, Elder Chi Huo instantly understood what he needed to do.
"Ahem, please don't be angry, young friend. Upon further reflection, I realize what you said makes a lot of sense. This matter is within my authority—so let it be as you say. The Liu Clan will retain this year's management and have the three extra years added afterward."
As those words left his mouth, joy appeared on the faces of everyone in the Liu Clan, especially Liu Qing.
Four years of control—he'd have time to reach the Dou Zong stage, even while managing family affairs.
Moreover, the profits from those years could help the Liu Clan plan far-reaching growth. That was far more important than a single year of management.
"Elder Chi Huo!"
The Cheng Clan was shocked. Those words, once spoken, could not be taken back.
"Enough," Chi Huo said, frowning at their lack of tact. "I must now escort this young friend to Burning Flame Valley. The matter is settled."
If this young man were truly angered, he wouldn't help the Cheng Clan.
After all, compared to them, a seventh-tier alchemist with limitless potential and likely a powerful background was far more valuable.
Burning Flame Valley didn't need the Cheng Clan. But high-tier alchemists? They were desperately needed.
Turning to Liu Qing, Chi Huo offered a rare, warm smile. "Liu Qing, the spatial wormhole of Tianhuang City will belong to your clan for the next four years. Just be sure to send your tribute to Burning Flame Valley on time."
Though lucrative, the wormhole's profits were subject to a revenue share with the Valley—an established rule.
Liu Qing nodded and respectfully accepted.
He was well aware that this kindness was only due to Xiao Yuan.
Only then did Elder Chi Huo turn back to Xiao Yuan, smiling as he cupped his hands. "I've yet to ask your name, young friend?"
"Xiao Yuan."
Xiao Yuan replied with a faint smile, returning the gesture.
"Young Friend Xiao Yuan, to have such accomplishments at your age is truly astonishing. May I ask who your esteemed teacher is?"
Chi Huo smiled. Even with high talent, without a guide, such progress would be impossible.
"Forgive me—I can only say my alchemy comes from the Pill Tower. As for my master, I was told not to speak of him."
Xiao Yuan smiled meaningfully.
Seeing he didn't want to discuss the matter, Chi Huo tactfully dropped it. Even as a Dou Zong and Valley elder, he had to remain respectful toward a seventh-tier alchemist—especially one whose words carried such implications.
Clearing his throat, he asked again, "Since the matter of the wormhole is settled, would you be willing to accompany me to Burning Flame Valley?"
Xiao Yuan hesitated briefly. He was indeed interested in the Valley—specifically, the Heavenly Fire Three Mysterious Change. He was also intrigued by the Nine Dragon Thunder Flame. Heavenly Flames were rare, after all.
Not to mention, the Valley Master's daughter, Tang Huo'er, was said to be quite a beauty. It would be a shame not to meet her.
"What exactly does your Valley need high-tier alchemists for?" he asked directly.
Chi Huo laughed. "Our Valley Master wishes to refine a rather high-grade pill and requires assistance. Don't worry—it's not difficult. If successful, we will reward you generously."
Xiao Yuan vaguely recalled that the Valley Master wasn't an alchemist himself, relying on excellent flame control to refine pills. But lacking soul sensitivity meant he needed other alchemists for precision.
Still, Xiao Yuan knew that without a true alchemist's soul perception, such pills often had minor flaws.
"In that case, I won't refuse."
Since he planned to obtain the complete Heavenly Fire Three Mysterious Change, he agreed with a smile.
Chi Huo exhaled in relief, his aged face breaking into a wide grin. With a wave of his sleeve, a crimson giant bird soared into the sky from beyond the plaza.
"I'll wait on the bird, then."
He rose and landed atop the flaming beast.
"Heh, quite a few alchemists were invited to the Valley," Liu Qing said as he walked up. "If anyone succeeds in helping the Valley Master refine the pill, they'll be handsomely rewarded."
Xiao Yuan smiled. He didn't care much for the reward—he only wanted the complete version of the Heavenly Fire Three Mysterious Change.
"Oh, Liu Qing—one thing."
"Hm? Say the word. If I can do it, I won't hesitate."
"I plan to visit the Pill Domain after returning. Can you gather some information for me? See how Xiao Yan is doing?"
Liu Qing's eyes brightened in surprise. "He's in the Pill Domain? Got it—I'll handle it."
"Good. I trust your abilities."
Xiao Yuan smiled and turned to Cai Lin, gently taking her hand. "Will you come with me to Burning Flame Valley?"
"Whatever."
Still aloof as always, Cai Lin nevertheless made no move to refuse.
"Well then, we'll catch up when I return!"
Xiao Yuan waved to Liu Qing, then took Cai Lin's hand and leapt into the sky, landing atop the flaming bird.
"Young Friend Xiao Yuan, all ready?"
Chi Huo asked warmly upon seeing them arrive.
Xiao Yuan nodded with a smile, introduced Cai Lin, and added, "She's a Dou Zong as well. She's used to staying by my side, so she'll accompany me."
"No problem! Anyone with you is a guest of the Valley. Let's go!"
With that, Chi Huo waved his sleeve. The giant bird screeched and, with a flap of its wings, turned into a streak of fire heading north—leaving behind countless envious gazes.
Xiao Yuan quietly mused: if the complete version of the Heavenly Fire Three Mysterious Change was significantly stronger than the fragment… just how powerful could it be?
He couldn't help feeling a sense of anticipation.
Burning Flame Valley was located in the Scorching Fire Mountain Range of the southwestern Central Region. This mountain range, composed entirely of active volcanoes, glowed red with heat. White smoke curled from many peaks, and molten lava often flowed freely.
The range was infamous across the Central Region—not just because of Burning Flame Valley's presence, but because of its extreme environment. While inhospitable, it brimmed with fire-elemental energy, making it an ideal training ground for fire-type cultivators.
Even knowing the risks, many still dared to enter.
The mountain range wasn't far—less than half a day's journey. And thanks to the giant bird's speed, after just four hours, Xiao Yuan could already feel the abundant—and slightly wild—energy in the air.
Standing atop the bird, he looked to the horizon. A vast, crimson line stretched endlessly across his vision.
"Heh, that's the Scorching Fire Mountains," Chi Huo said. "The Valley is nestled within. The fire-elemental energy is rich, but a bit violent. Absorbing it carelessly can affect one's mind. Best to be cautious."
Xiao Yuan nodded politely. He wasn't worried—his Heavenly Flame protected him—but he appreciated the reminder.
"There are also many magical beasts here, more violent and aggressive than usual due to the energy. Even we haven't fully explored the mountains, so please be careful."
"Thank you for the warning, Elder."
Chi Huo waved dismissively and had the bird speed up again, turning into a streak of flame that shot into the mountains.
Now within, Xiao Yuan could see clearly—there was barely any greenery. The earth was crimson, barren, scorched. No grass could survive.
The air grew hotter, but neither Xiao Yuan, Cai Lin, nor Chi Huo showed concern. They were far beyond the point where mere heat could affect them.
Chi Huo glanced around, then whistled. The bird slowed, eventually descending to the foot of a red mountain.
Jumping down with Xiao Yuan, he pointed to two colossal peaks ahead. Between them, a spiraling stone staircase led upward.
Xiao Yuan's gaze settled on a strange distortion in the air—a spatial barrier, giving off potent energy.
"Heh, come with me."
Chi Huo led the way up.
Soon, they reached the top. Xiao Yuan reached out to touch the invisible barrier and was immediately repelled.
"What a solid spatial barrier."
Chi Huo chuckled. "Every generation of our Valley Masters has reinforced it. It can withstand even a Dou Zun's attack. Dou Zongs can't break it."
Xiao Yuan nodded. Even at full strength, he couldn't crack this.
Chi Huo took out a crimson token and pressed it against the barrier. With a strange pulse, the space split open.
"After you, young friends," he said, stepping in and vanishing.
(END CHAPTER)
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