Chapter 209: Fire Protecting Pill! Ancient Ruins!
Xiao Ze knew that Tang Zhen had come to find him because he probably noticed it was him who achieved the breakthrough in the Demon Sound Cave. Thinking about this, he asked, "Tang Gu Zhu, what kind of pill do you need me to prepare?"
"It's an advanced seventh-grade pill, but its crafting is quite complicated. It's called the Fire Protecting Pill," replied Tang Zhen quickly. He had come personally to seek Xiao Ze because he had perceived his powerful spiritual force.
"An advanced seventh-grade pill..." murmured Xiao Ze, looking at Elder Liu Tian.
Elder Liu Tian shrugged, indicating that he should make his own decision.
"I am confident I can craft it, but Tang Gu Zhu, you must know that hiring a high-level alchemist comes at a cost," said Xiao Ze.
"Of course," said Tang Zhen with a smile. "I wonder if Xiao Ze has any interest in ancient ruins."
The mention of ancient ruins surprised Xiao Ze. Elder Liu Tian also showed surprise.
"Ancient ruins? Has the Burning Flame Valley discovered ancient ruins?" asked Elder Liu Tian. As someone who knew Zhongzhou well, he knew what ancient ruins meant: they always provoked fierce competition among treasure seekers.
Xiao Ze also knew about the ancient ruins from the original book. In the story, ancient ruins were places of great importance, like the place where Yao Lao obtained the Flame Manual.
"Tang Gu Zhu, are you joking? Ancient ruins are too valuable to share so easily," said Xiao Ze skeptically.
"Not so. This ruin is extremely ancient. I discovered it accidentally due to my possession of the Nine Dragon and Lightning Flame," explained Tang Zhen. "However, its value is not as great as you imagine. It is heavily damaged, with only a small percentage of its treasure remaining."
Seeing Xiao Ze frown, Tang Zhen decided to be clearer to not upset the young alchemist who would soon become an eighth-grade alchemist.
"The reason I offer it as payment is because this ancient ruin may have belonged to an ancient alchemist."
This statement relaxed Xiao Ze's expression, now more interested. Although he had initially lost hope upon hearing about the extensive damage, the possibility of finding ancient formulas intrigued him.
Tang Zhen, seeing Xiao Ze's reaction, felt relieved. He knew that the ruins of an ancient alchemist were incredibly attractive to modern alchemists.
"Then, we can reach an agreement," said Xiao Ze.
While they talked, other leaders on the high platform had no idea that Xiao Ze was the one who had made the breakthrough in the Demon Sound Cave. However, seeing Tang Zhen's attitude, they began to suspect. Although they weren't alchemists, they knew that Xiao Ze's spiritual force exceeded that of a seventh-grade alchemist, suggesting he was an eighth-grade alchemist.
They decided not to make a fuss, as Xiao Ze preferred to keep a low profile. Instead, they planned to approach him after Tang Zhen finished, offering gifts and trying to establish a connection.
After talking, Xiao Ze understood better the Fire Protecting Pill. Similar to the Earth Spirit Pill, this pill helped someone refine flames better. Tang Zhen probably wanted it for his daughter, Tang Huo Er. However, in the original story, even with this pill, Tang Huo Er didn't succeed, leading Tang Zhen to seek the Buddha Flame Pill.
"Then, it's agreed. When the Demon Sound event is over, Xiao Ze, please accompany me to the Burning Flame Valley," said Tang Zhen with a smile, pleased with the decision.
Tang Zhen felt fortunate for his choice to invite a young alchemist instead of an older, more temperamental one.
After Tang Zhen left, other leaders began visiting the Dan Ta area, intending to gain Xiao Ze's favor with gifts, although they seemingly were there to see Elder Liu Tian.
"Xiao Ze, thanks to you I have received many gifts," said Elder Liu Tian jokingly.
"Elder Liu, you flatter me too much," replied Xiao Ze with a smile, knowing Liu Tian was just joking.
"Elder Liu, I must go to the Burning Flame Valley. Please take care of Dan Chen in my absence," said Xiao Ze, remembering his promise to Dan Xuan to take care of Dan Chen.
"Why don't you take her with you?" asked Elder Liu Tian, with a mischievous glint in his eyes.
"I can't. I need to focus on alchemy and won't have time to look after her," Xiao Ze replied after some thought.
"Besides, if the ruins are as Tang Gu Zhu described, it could be dangerous. I can't take her there," Xiao Ze added.
Elder Liu Tian nodded seriously.
"If you've decided, leave her in my hands. After all, I am one of the Eight Great Elders of Dan Ta. Protecting disciples won't be a problem," Elder Liu Tian said firmly. "Also, having good relations with the Burning Flame Valley is beneficial. Take this opportunity."
Xiao Ze nodded with a smile, grateful for Elder Liu Tian's support, who had been very understanding and hadn't interfered in his conversation with Tang Zhen.
Then, Xiao Ze called Dan Chen and explained the situation regarding the Burning Flame Valley.
"Don't worry about me, Brother Xiao Ze. In Zhongzhou, few dare to challenge Dan Ta. Take care of your matters," Dan Chen said with a smile.
Xiao Ze felt a bit guilty for not fulfilling his promise to take care of Dan Chen, so he decided to leave her some additional protections just in case.
Chapter 210: Tang Huoer! Tang Zhen's Doubt!
"Give me your hand."
Dan Chen was stunned to hear Xiao Ze's words but obediently extended her white, soft right hand. Over the days they had spent together, she had learned that Xiao Ze was not someone irresponsible.
"Now, I am going to leave a mark on your hand. Although Elder Liu Tian can guarantee your safety, it's always better to be cautious."
Xiao Ze briefly explained, and seeing Dan Chen nod, he didn't hesitate further. He took Dan Chen's white, soft hand, turned it palm-up, and prepared to leave the Emperor's Fire Mark.
Feeling the warmth of Xiao Ze's hand, Dan Chen's face turned red immediately. Since childhood, due to her talent, no one dared to touch her. Even contact with other women had been scarce, let alone with a man, and in such an intimate manner.
Compared to her own hand, Xiao Ze's hand was warm, transmitting a temperature that seemed to reach her face, increasing her blush. Just as Dan Chen began to think of absurd things, an imposing presence made her heart almost stop. The beast fire inside her shrank, as if facing a terrifying existence.
Dan Chen looked at the back of her hand, where Xiao Ze had left a golden fire mark that reflected multiple colors depending on the angle. Although it looked like a simple mark, Dan Chen knew it was extraordinary, as it had made the beast fire inside her shrink in fear.
"Xiao Ze, have you mastered a Heavenly Flame?" Dan Chen asked in surprise. Only a Heavenly Flame, known as the king of all fires, could provoke such a reaction in her beast fire.
"Yes, in case of danger, activate this mark, and it will release considerable power. It will also allow me to know what is happening."
Xiao Ze didn't want to delve deeper into the topic of the Heavenly Flame. If it became known that he controlled the Emperor's Flame, the number one flame, the entire alchemist community of the Dou Qi continent would be in an uproar.
Dan Chen nodded. With her powerful perception, she could feel the energy contained in the fire mark. A smile appeared on her face, feeling more secure. Xiao Ze's fire mark could face a high-level fighter, although only once. However, its main function was to alert Xiao Ze immediately in case of danger.
Afterward, Xiao Ze returned to Elder Liu Tian's side, holding the "Demonic Blood," with his spiritual energy immersed in it, reviewing the chapters he was interested in. Elder Liu Tian looked curiously at the red jade stone in Xiao Ze's hands but didn't ask, waiting patiently for the Demon Melody refinement ceremony to end.
On another side of the platform, Tang Huoer, dressed in red and naturally beautiful, had finished her refinement. Although she stood upright, her unsteady gaze revealed her nervousness. Seeing Tang Zhen, a smile appeared on her face, and she quickly approached.
"Why did it take you so long at the alchemy tower, Dad?"
"All for you," Tang Zhen said with a loving smile.
"Did you manage to convince Elder Liu Tian?" Tang Huoer asked, surprised. Elder Liu Tian was one of the Eight Great Elders of the Alchemy Tower, hard to convince.
"No, I invited Elder Xiao Ze."
"Him? So young? Can he do it?" Tang Huoer asked incredulously.
"Don't speak like that," Tang Zhen quickly said. "When the ceremony ends, Xiao Ze will come with us to the Burning Flame. Don't say anything inappropriate."
Tang Huoer wasn't convinced. "He seems to be my age. Is he that impressive?"
"The one who broke the soul barrier in the Demon Melody Cave was Elder Xiao Ze. His soul level has reached the Soul Realm, which means he could create eighth-level pills. You must treat him well."
Tang Zhen spoke seriously, worried that Tang Huoer might make a bad impression.
Tang Huoer, surprised, said, "An eighth-level alchemist so young...?"
"Don't underestimate Xiao Ze. His talent is one of the highest in the entire Dou Qi continent," Tang Zhen said, patting Tang Huoer's head. "You should learn that there's always someone better."
Tang Huoer didn't respond, still impressed.
Tang Zhen, seeing his daughter's expression, suggested, "Since you're of marriageable age, you could try getting close to Xiao Ze."
"What?" Tang Huoer was stunned.
"Me, court Xiao Ze?" she asked incredulously.
Seeing her resistance, Tang Zhen sighed. "Alright, as you wish. But it's crucial we maintain good relations with him. His future is bright, possibly reaching legendary levels."
Tang Huoer, still amazed, said, "How can he be an eighth-level alchemist and also have such prowess in Dou Qi?"
Tang Zhen, also surprised, replied, "Though hard to believe, from my experience, his Dou Qi skill has already reached a high level in the Dou Zong rank."
Gulp.
Tang Huoer swallowed, recognizing someone her age who completely surpassed her.
Tang Zhen, ignoring her thoughts, reflected on the fortune of the Alchemy Tower in having someone as talented as Xiao Ze. He wondered how the tower dared to let such a valuable talent travel freely.
Meanwhile, Xiao Ze, unaware of these reflections, eagerly awaited exploring the ancient ruins of the Burning Flame.
"I hope to find some ancient alchemy recipes," he thought, hoping the ruins weren't too damaged.
(End of chapter)
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