"Descend."
At Liu Xi's command, the Black Feather Eagle let out a sharp cry as it circled downward, landing at the base of the crimson mountains before the stone stairway.
Stepping off its back, Liu Xi exhaled softly. Beneath his feet stretched a barren scarlet wasteland—thousands of li of cracked red earth, devoid of even a blade of grass.
The Black Feather Eagle's strength was not particularly high. After absorbing some of the violent Fire attribute energy lingering in this place, its eyes glowed with a faint, crimson frenzy. The creature's expression twisted into a snarl, proof enough of how savage and dangerous the elemental energy here was.
Liu Xi flicked his wrist, and a jade bottle appeared in his hand. He tossed it toward the eagle.
"This is an Ice Spirit Pill. It'll help you suppress the fire poison and keep your mind clear. Wait for us outside."
A glint of gratitude flashed in the eagle's eyes. It caught the bottle neatly with one wing, then gave a sharp cry before spreading its wings. A gust of scorching wind rolled outward as the massive creature shot back into the skies, vanishing beyond the Scorching Fire Mountain Range.
Yao Tianhuo chuckled. "Let's go up."
Liu Xi nodded.
The three of them followed the winding stone steps toward the mountain's summit. At the end of the path shimmered a spatial barrier—similar to those protecting inner courtyards, but thicker and far more resilient.
Liu Xi pressed a palm against it. In an instant, a powerful backlash erupted, forcing his hand back violently.
"Impressive. Even an ordinary Dou Zun might not be able to shatter this. Elder Yao, do you have a way through? I've come all this way, and now I'm barred at the gate."
Yao Tianhuo smiled. "If you've come, even Tang Zhen himself should come greet you. There's no force in the Central Plains that dares keep you waiting outside."
He flipped his hand, revealing a jade tablet etched with a lifelike dragon pattern. As he infused it with Dou Qi, ripples of invisible energy spread outward, merging into the barrier. The shimmering wall trembled before splitting open.
A deep, solemn voice echoed out. "Who seeks entrance to my Burning Flame Valley?"
From within the rift stepped an elderly man in black robes, his face solemn. Upon recognizing Yao Tianhuo, his stern expression softened with respect.
"Ah, so it's Venerable Yao Tianhuo! Since your last visit, our Valley Master has often spoken of you. Please, come in. And these two are…?"
Yao Tianhuo laughed heartily. "This time, I'm not the main guest. Allow me to introduce Master Liu Xi and Lady Xiao Yixian. Surely you've heard their names."
The elder's face froze, his eyes widening in shock as he looked at Liu Xi's youthful features. To think someone so young was already an 8th Tier Alchemist—an achievement that most alchemists could never attain in a lifetime.
Recovering quickly, he turned toward Liu Xi, bowing deeply. "So it's Master Liu Xi himself! I, Chi Long, failed to welcome you properly—please forgive my negligence. If the Valley Master knew you were here, he would be overjoyed."
He stepped aside respectfully, gesturing toward the glowing rift. "Please, Master Liu, this way."
Liu Xi smiled faintly. He had no concerns about danger—he trusted both his strength and his name. Stepping into the rift, he passed through darkness before emerging into radiant light that made him squint slightly.
What met his eyes was a long, winding staircase of green stone, flanked by lush greenery. Amid the shade of trees, he could faintly see countless buildings scattered throughout the valley.
"To create such a serene cultivation haven amidst these endless volcanoes… the Burning Flame Valley truly lives up to its reputation."
Chi Long's expression brightened with pride. "Haha, Master Liu has keen eyes indeed. This place was constructed and perfected by successive Valley Masters—it is our sect's greatest sanctuary."
After a brief pause, he continued, "Please follow me. I'll take you to meet the Valley Master at once."
With that, Chi Long took to the air, striding across the sky toward the valley's depths.
Liu Xi, Xiao Yixian, and Yao Tianhuo followed closely behind. Hidden patrol disciples initially moved to intercept, but upon recognizing Chi Long, they stood down immediately.
"Hey, that's Venerable Yao Tianhuo! But who are those two young ones with him? Their auras are so strong—they're both beyond the Dou Zong realm!"
"No way! Such geniuses are on par with Lady Huo'er herself. Could they be Venerable Yao's disciples?"
As whispers spread through the ranks of red-robed disciples, the group reached the heart of the valley. Within, countless disciples bustled about—sparring, training, and calling out to one another, their energy filling the valley with vitality.
Soon, Chi Long descended before a grand hall guarded by layers of disciples. After exchanging a few quiet words with the guards, he turned toward his guests.
"Master Liu, Venerable Yao, Lady Xiao—please, come in. The Valley Master has been waiting for you."
With a push, the heavy doors opened to reveal a vast, majestic chamber. Chi Long stepped forward, bowed toward the hall's head seat, and announced, "Valley Master, Venerable Yao Tianhuo has arrived—along with Master Liu Xi and another honored guest."
Liu Xi followed him inside, his gaze landing on a thin, red-haired elder in coarse robes seated at the head. The old man looked momentarily startled before breaking into hearty laughter.
"Haha! Venerable Yao, and Master Liu Xi as well! I've long heard of your name, Master Liu, and it's an honor to finally meet you."
Liu Xi stood casually, a faint smile on his handsome face. "I've also heard much of Valley Master Tang Zhen. Today, I finally have the pleasure."
Tang Zhen's gaze swept over Liu Xi and Xiao Yixian, surprise flashing in his eyes. One thought echoed in his mind.
'So young…'
Liu Xi, already a high-level Dou Zong and an 8th Tier Alchemist, and Xiao Yixian, clearly a Dou Zun at such a young age—both defied common sense.
'Excellent… If Liu Xi is willing to help, the refinement of the Fire Bodhisattva Pill will be almost guaranteed. But…'
A trace of hesitation flickered in Tang Zhen's eyes.
'An 8th Tier Alchemist's help will not come cheap. Can the Burning Flame Valley truly afford the price? Still… for Huo'er's sake…'
(End of Chapter)
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