After Tang Zhen agreed, they realized that teaching the treasured technique, the Sky Fire Three Mysterious Change, on the spot would take too much time, and the medicinal ingredients required for refining the pill were also back in the Burning Flame Valley. Thus, the group bid farewell to Qing Yi.
Although Qing Yi felt a bit regretful that she didn't have the chance to properly entertain Xiao Ming, she saw the joy on Tang Zhen's face and didn't insist on keeping him. Instead, she handed a storage ring to Xiao Ming.
"This is the reward from our Sound Valley. If you have any needs in the future, you can come to Sound Valley, and Sister Qing will take good care of you~"
"…..." Xiao Ming was slightly speechless at her teasing.
Owing a favor was one thing. Why did she make it sound like he would come here for something else?
Tang Zhen showed no surprise at this and had a knowing expression. He was quite familiar with Qing Yi and knew she could be a little unconventional. However, it was the first time he saw her behave this way towards a man.
Glancing at Xiao Ming's exceptional appearance, Tang Zhen sighed inwardly, understanding the reason behind it.
In this world, appearances mattered too!
At that moment, Qing Yi's ears twitched slightly, as if she had heard something. She smiled at Tang Zhen and said, "By the way, Valley Master Tang, Sound Valley cannot provide support for the matters between your Burning Flame Valley and Ice River Valley."
"This... this old man understands," Tang Zhen's face stiffened at her words.
In truth, with the strength of the Burning Flame Valley, they weren't afraid of the Ice River Valley. However, recently, Ice River Valley seemed to have some connections with the Hall of Souls.
Thinking of the Hall of Souls, Tang Zhen couldn't help but have a headache.
In Central Plains, only the Pill Tower could contend with the Hall of Souls, while other forces, such as the Two Sects or the Three Valleys, were too small in scale.
'Perhaps I should get in touch with the Pill Tower more often in the future?' Tang Zhen cast a glance at Xiao Ming and began making plans in his head.
'Forget it; I should consult with the Ancestor before making any decisions.'
"In that case, I'll take my leave."
"Take care."
...
Burning Flame Valley, located in the northwest of Central Plains, was slightly farther south compared to Sound Valley.
It was situated in a place known as the Roasting Fire Mountain Range. This mountain range was entirely formed by scorching volcanoes. When looking at it, one could only see a monotonous expanse of crimson red. On the peaks of some mountains, dense white smoke constantly rose, occasionally accompanied by flowing magma.
The Roasting Fire Mountain Range held quite a reputation throughout the Central Plains. Besides the presence of Burning Flame Valley, the harsh environment of this mountain range played a role as well.
Although the scenery wasn't particularly pleasing to the eye, the abundant fire attribute energy from the countless volcanoes made it an ideal place for cultivating fire attribute techniques. Despite the known dangers, many cultivators specializing in fire attribute techniques took the risk and came here for training.
After several days of flying, Xiao Ming and the others could vaguely feel the gradually increasing energy in the surrounding environment. It was abundant and laced with a hint of wildness.
Standing on the back of the giant bird, Xiao Ming's gaze extended into the distance, witnessing a magnificent fiery line that seemed to stretch endlessly. This fiery line was the Roasting Fire Mountain Range, and the headquarters of Burning Flame Valley was located within it.
Tang Zhen smiled at Xiao Ming and said, "Hehe, Elder Xiao Ming, that's the Roasting Fire Mountain Range. The fire elemental energy within it is extremely abundant, making it highly suitable for fire attribute cultivation. If you're interested, you can stay in Burning Flame Valley for some time."
"Moreover, the Roasting Fire Mountain Range is vast and unexplored. Even my Burning Flame Valley hasn't fully explored some areas. If you're curious, you can explore them and might even discover some ancient legacies."
"Haha, thank you for the reminder, Valley Master Tang..." Xiao Ming nodded slightly. The lush green color in this mountain range was rare to see, as most of the land was covered in red soil without a single blade of grass. It seemed that the excessive fire elemental energy was the cause of the barren environment.
To be honest, there were reasons why the Central Plains became the most prosperous region on the Dou Qi Continent. Places like the Falling Thunder Mountain Range and the Roasting Fire Mountain Range, which were ideal for attribute cultivation, were not uncommon, unlike other regions.
Suddenly, Tang Zhen whistled, and the speed of the giant bird gradually slowed down. After a while, it descended and landed at the foot of a crimson mountain.
Xiao Ming and his group jumped off the bird's back, and Xiao Ming's gaze landed on two majestic red mountains that stood closely together. A winding stone staircase circled up the mountainside.
Their eyes stopped not far ahead of the staircase, where a space emitted a powerful spatial fluctuation, similar to the special space in Sound Valley.
"Follow me, everyone." Tang Zhen rubbed his beard, then took the lead on the staircase. Xiao Ming and his group followed closely behind.
After a while, their footsteps came to a halt at the end of the staircase. At this point, there was a spatial barrier. Tang Zhen took out a fiery red jade token and pressed it against the barrier. A peculiar ripple spread and the barrier automatically split open.
"Please!" Tang Zhen smiled at Xiao Ming, then took the first step and mysteriously disappeared as he stepped into the spatial barrier.
Xiao Ming and his group walked into the crack in the space, and suddenly, the light in front of them brightened.
A very long staircase made of greenish-blue stones appeared in front of them. The staircase was surrounded by lush greenery. Several buildings could be seen in the distance among the greenery. From afar, faint voices could be heard echoing in this seemingly endless valley.
Xiao Ming extended his hand and grabbed the air in front of him. The fire attribute energy was still as rich here as it was outside, but the violent aspect had vanished, indicating that it had been completely purified.
'Burning Flame Valley is truly remarkable. Even Sound Valley doesn't have such dense attribute Dou Qi,' Xiao Ming thought to himself. Of course, Sound Valley had its unique features in its own location.
As Xiao Ming observed his surroundings, the sound of rushing wind suddenly came from the surrounding woods.
A dozen agile figures flashed and landed around the staircase. When their gazes met Tang Zhen, the vigilance on their faces lessened, and they respectfully bowed to him.
"Valley Master!"
These figures were all dressed in red robes. Although they were not very old, the faint Dou Qi emanating from their bodies was quite powerful. Xiao Ming couldn't help but nod in approval. The young disciples of Burning Flame Valley possessed considerable talent.
"Mm! You continue with your patrol! Please follow me, everyone."
Tang Zhen smiled at Xiao Ming, then moved his body, stepping on the empty air. He flew towards the depths of the valley. Following behind, Xiao Ming, Xiao Yi Xian, Qing Lin, and Venerable Tian Huo soared through the air, eliciting surprised gazes from the disciples of Burning Flame Valley.
"They are in the Dou Ancestor realm? How can they be so young?"
"They might have intentionally made themselves look like this. I heard that some medicinal pills have rejuvenating and anti-aging effects..."
"Yeah, it's probably that. And they seem to be friends of the Valley Master. Given the Valley Master's age, those individuals could be our grandparents, right?"
"If they are friends of the Valley Master, they might be Dou Venerates. Tsk tsk, is it because of the Ice River Valley that the Valley Master asked for their help?"
"Hmm, I feel like something's not quite right. The leader among them... I feel like I've seen him somewhere."
"Come on, you think you would know such figures? Just focus on your patrol..."
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Xiao Ming, unaware of the whispers among the disciples of Burning Flame Valley, followed Tang Zhen as they flew for several minutes. Eventually, they descended and landed in front of a grand fiery-red palace.
Within the valley, numerous buildings could be seen, and disciples of Burning Flame Valley dressed in red robes shuttled back and forth. Occasionally, the sounds of sparring and shouts could be heard, bringing vitality to the vast valley.
Outside the fiery-red palace, several disciples stood guard.
"Valley Master!" The disciples greeted Tang Zhen as he arrived, and he nodded in response.
"Go and summon the elders to the main hall for a meeting."
With these instructions, Tang Zhen led Xiao Ming and his group into the magnificent fiery-red palace.
As the doors opened, a majestic and imposing hall was revealed before them.
After everyone took their seats, not long after, a woman in a red robe entered the hall.
This woman had a slender figure, with a deep red whip coiled around her delicate waist, accentuating its alluring curves. Her facial features were exceptional. Her thin brows, however, emitted a heroic demeanor. This, combined with her fiery-red outfit, gave her a valiant appearance, lending her an unusual charm.
When the woman saw Tang Zhen sitting in the main seat, her eyes lit up, and she immediately ran to his side.
"Dad!"
"Hehe, Huo'er, is everything alright with your body these days?" Tang Zhen's face was full of smiles.
"I'm fine!"
"That's good. Let me introduce you. This is Elder Xiao Ming from the Pill Tower, and these are his friends, Venerable Tian Huo, Venerable Qing, and Venerable Xian. Elder Xiao Ming is here to help us refine the Fire Bodhisattva Pill. Take this opportunity to thank him properly."
Xiao Ming!
Tang Huo'er scanned Xiao Ming and the others with her bright eyes. She hadn't paid much attention when she first came in, but now that she was closer, he looked exactly like the portrait. Yes, it was him!
Xiao Ming was certainly not unfamiliar to the younger generation in the entire Central Plains.
However, were the people beside him all Dou Venerates...?
As Tang Huo'er looked at the exceptionally young faces beside Xiao Ming, she found it hard to believe. When did Central Plains have so many extraordinary individuals?
It wasn't until Xiao Ming nodded slightly towards her that Tang Huo'er snapped back to her senses.
Realizing her impoliteness, a faint blush spread across her fair and lovely cheeks.
"My name is Tang Huo'er. Thank you for coming this time, Mr. Xiao Ming."
Xiao Ming had seen his fair share of beauties over the years. Although the appearance of Tang Huo'er might not match the enchanting allure of Medusa or the ethereal beauty of Xiao Yi Xian, she had her own unique charm. With her poised and heroic demeanor, she exuded a distinct allure that left a good impression on him.
"Miss Tang, there's no need to be so formal." Xiao Ming smiled in response.
Tang Huo'er was about to say something more but closed her mouth and turned her eyes towards the entrance of the main hall.
Following her gaze, Xiao Ming saw two white-haired old men walking in with solemn expressions, radiating an imposing aura.
Behind the two elders were nearly ten more elders, all of whom possessed considerable strength. It was evident that they were the elders of Burning Flame Valley.
"Valley Master, you were gone for half a month when you went to Sound Valley. How did the alliance with them go?" One of the elders on the left side of the hall asked loudly as soon as they entered.
"We'll talk about that later. Elders, please take your seats first."
After everyone was seated, Tang Zhen introduced Xiao Ming to the elders.
The elders couldn't help but put aside other matters when they saw Xiao Ming. After all, there were outsiders present.
Instead, they began exchanging greetings with Xiao Ming.
"Hahaha, seeing is indeed believing. Elder Xiao Ming is, as rumor has it, truly exceptional. Your demeanor is befitting of a grandmaster."
"Elder Xiao Ming has achieved so much at such a young age. Your future is immeasurable..."
"..."
Several words of praise poured from the elders of the Valley of the Burning Flame like a torrent. Their enthusiasm was palpable.
It was not surprising considering that an eighth-tier alchemist like Xiao Ming was highly sought after outside. Furthermore, Xiao Ming was not your average eighth-tier alchemist.
Xiao Ming couldn't feign aloofness in response to the warm greetings from the elders. He could only nod repeatedly.
Finally, Tang Zhen interrupted the elders' flattery.
"Alright, elders. Since you've already met, let's discuss the main matter."
When the elders heard Tang Zhen's words, they slightly adjusted their postures and motioned for Tang Zhen to continue.
"Huo'er's Fire Bodhisattva Pill will be refined with the assistance of Elder Xiao Ming. You are all aware of Elder Xiao Ming's abilities. As compensation, I will give him the Sky Fire Three Mysterious Change."
The hall fell silent as these words were spoken. Many of the elders below exchanged glances before Wu Chen, the Third Elder, stood up.
"The Sky Fire Three Mysterious Change is a closely guarded secret technique of our Burning Flame Valley. There are rules within the valley that prohibit its disclosure. Can't we negotiate with an alternative offer?"
'Rejection, huh?' Xiao Ming squinted his eyes at the Third Elder, not feeling surprised in the least.
If every sect's secret technique could be easily obtained just by a few words, that would be strange. After all, these secret techniques were crucial to the inheritance of each sect.
"Rules are dead, but people are alive. I am the Valley Master. Don't I have the right to make this decision?" Tang Zhen's eyebrows furrowed as he spoke lightly.
"Valley Master, please don't be angry. The Third Elder only mentioned the rules of the Valley. After all, the Sky Fire Three Mysterious Change is not an ordinary secret technique. Now that it wants to be entrusted to an outsider, I believe the presence of the Grand Elder here will lead to careful consideration, won't it?" The Second Elder raised his voice. Although he wanted to build a good relationship with Xiao Ming, he was hesitant to hand over the core secret technique of their Valley.
He would even be willing to spend a hefty sum to invite another eighth-tier alchemist to assist Tang Zhen in alchemy rather than allow the secret technique to be leaked.
Xiao Ming calmly observed their discussion without harboring any ill feelings toward the elders who held opposing views. After all, they were considering the sect's interests, which was understandable.
Moreover, Tang Zhen was the Valley Master, and the outcome had long been predetermined, hadn't it?
...
"Enough, I have made up my mind on this matter!"
As Xiao Ming expected, Tang Zhen, as the Valley Master, ultimately emerged victorious from the dispute, while the Second Elder and Third Elder wore helpless expressions.
During the dispute, they had not dragged Xiao Ming into the matter. Everyone understood that there was no need to deliberately offend him, even if they couldn't please him.
After the dispute concluded, the two elders sighed and left.
"I apologize. The Second Elder and Third Elder were a bit stubborn," Tang Zhen apologized to Xiao Ming with a wry smile after all the elders had departed, fearing that Xiao Ming might take offense.
"Hehe, it's good that the two elders were considering the best interests of your valley," Xiao Ming said, taking a sip of tea.
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