When Xiao Ming emerged from his seclusion room, he was greeted outside by Xiao Yi Xian, Qing Lin, and Venerable Tian Huo.
He greeted them and embraced both girls in his arms. His first glance was drawn to the serene Xiao Yi Xian. Having assimilated the Cold Poison, her strength had likely reached the Sixth Change Dou Venerate stage.
The Cold Poison, which was capable of inflicting severe injuries and nearly killing two intermediate-level Half-Saints, allowed her to make such a significant breakthrough.
When Xiao Ming turned his gaze to Qing Lin, he immediately sensed that her aura had surpassed his own in terms of Dou Qi cultivation, and she had already reached the nine-star Dou Venerate stage.
Even Venerable Tian Huo had advanced to the seven-star Dou Venerate stage.
"Qing Lin, did you use all of the Dou Saint Bone Marrow that I gave you?" Xiao Ming inquired, his gaze fixed on her.
"Mm-hmm," Qing Lin enthusiastically nodded.
"In that case, make sure to consolidate your breakthrough for a while. By the way, how much time has passed?" Xiao Ming asked.
"It has been three months, Young Master," she replied.
'Three months? That's not too long,' Xiao Ming thought to himself.
At his level, several years of seclusion were considered normal. That was also why most of the powerful individuals in Central Plains tended to live in seclusion. Three months was a relatively short period of time.
After they talked for a while, two figures suddenly appeared in the sky. The leader among them was Qing Yi.
Descending gracefully, they landed in the Bamboo Pavilion. Qing Yi observed Xiao Ming, sensing that he appeared more spirited than before. There was an indescribable charm about him, with a profoundness in his eyes that exuded a mysterious allure, making him even more exceptional.
After a moment of distraction, Qing Yi smiled and said, "You finally came out of seclusion. In these three months, you caused quite a stir in our Sound Valley."
"I apologize for any oversight on my part," Xiao Ming replied, arching his hand. The soul pressure he had inadvertently caused during his breakthrough had indeed posed a considerable challenge for the lower-level disciples of Sound Valley.
"Hehe, I don't blame you at all. In fact, our disciples in Sound Valley have gained quite a bit from it," Qing Yi replied with a smile.
"By the way, let me introduce you. This is Tang Zhen, the Valley Master of Burning Flame Valley." Qing Yi smiled and pointed to the elderly man beside her.
The elderly man wore simple linen clothes and had red hair. His face was always adorned with a smile, making him appear like an amiable old man.
After introducing Tang Zhen to Xiao Ming, Qing Yi turned to Tang Zhen and said, "This is the person you wanted to meet, Elder Xiao Ming. Did he meet your expectations?"
As Tang Zhen looked at Xiao Ming's unusually young face and felt the faint pressure emanating from him, a hint of astonishment flashed in his eyes.
"I'm indeed not disappointed. I've heard of Elder Xiao Ming's reputation as one of the Eight Great Elders, with exceptional alchemy skills and formidable strength in terms of cultivation. Several months ago, you led a group to destroy the Hall of Souls' branch hall. Today, seeing you in person, your reputation is well-deserved! Hahaha!" Tang Zhen laughed heartily.
"Valley Master Tang, you flatter me. I have long heard of the renowned reputation of Burning Flame Valley. Your unique control over fire is truly exceptional," Xiao Ming replied with a smile. He didn't adopt a cold and distant attitude or put on a pretentious facade but instead spoke in a friendly manner.
The same words spoken by different people may produce different results.
Tang Zhen would consider it flattery if it were spoken by an insignificant nobody, merely someone attempting to curry favor.
But when spoken by someone of Xiao Ming's current strength and status, even though Tang Zhen knew it was a formality, it still brought him joy, and he couldn't help but smile brighter.
Xiao Ming's words were not mere flattery either. The Burning Flame Valley did have its unique approach to fire control, and Tang Zhen's aura exuded strong flame energy. Within that energy, there was a subtle soul-suppressing effect.
This should be the inherited flame of Burning Flame Valley, the Nine Dragon Lightning Flame.
A glimmer of light flashed in Xiao Ming's eyes as he seemed to catch a glimpse of the nine silver fire dragons within Tang Zhen's body.
Suddenly, Tang Zhen's expression stiffened. He had a feeling of being seen through, but discreetly scanning his surroundings, he found nothing amiss.
"... Valley Master Tang, shall we continue our discussion inside?" Xiao Ming's voice suddenly sounded in his ears.
"Valley Master Tang?"
"... Alright." Coming back to his senses, Tang Zhen quickly responded.
...
Inside the room, everyone took their seats.
After taking a sip of tea, Tang Zhen hesitated for a moment before speaking.
"There is actually something I would like to ask for."
"You may speak freely," Xiao Ming replied.
"I would like to request Elder Xiao Ming to refine a Fire Bodhisattva Pill for me."
"A Fire Bodhisattva Pill?" Xiao Ming raised an eyebrow at the mention. Wasn't this something that Burning Flame Valley would want to refine in a few years? He wondered why they were requesting it ahead of time. With doubts in his mind, he decided to ask directly.
"I have some knowledge about the Fire Bodhisattva Pill. It is a pill that requires the use of a Heavenly Flame to refine and can treat the aftereffects of a failed fusion with a Heavenly Flame. Did someone from Burning Flame Valley fail to fuse with the Nine Dragon Lightning Flame?" Xiao Ming inquired.
Tang Zhen let out a bitter smile. It wasn't surprising that Xiao Ming knew about the Nine Dragon Lightning Flame. This information was not a secret in Central Plains.
"Alas, it's all because of my unruly daughter. After hearing that Elder Xiao Ming had obtained a Heavenly Flame early on, she also wanted to give it a try and see if she could subdue our Burning Flame Valley's inherited Heavenly Flame. However, something went wrong during the process, leaving her with lingering aftereffects."
When Xiao Ming obtained the Core Soul Marrow, he also displayed the Heavenly Flame in public. Therefore, any force paying attention to him would know that he possessed a new kind of Heavenly Flame, and its power was not insignificant.
Possessing a Heavenly Flame had become one of Xiao Ming's symbols.
After all, there were fewer alchemists who possessed Heavenly Flame than there were eighth-tier alchemists.
"If we don't have the Fire Bodhisattva Pill, my daughter may not have more than a few years left. I request Elder Xiao Ming's assistance. Once the pill is successfully refined, Burning Flame Valley can provide a suitable reward and owe you a favor," Tang Zhen said as he stood up and bowed slightly to Xiao Ming.
It was evident that Tang Zhen cared deeply for his daughter.
'A favor?' Xiao Ming smiled faintly. Ancestor Huo Yun was still alive, so a favor owed by Burning Flame Valley could be considered valuable.
Waving his hand, Xiao Ming used his soul power to help Tang Zhen up and said with a smile, "Valley Master Tang, there's no need for that. The Fire Bodhisattva Pill is merely a high-grade seventh-tier pill, and I can refine it. However, I do have a requirement. I need your valley's secret technique, the Sky Fire Three Mysterious Change."
'The Sky Fire Three Mysterious Change?' Hearing Xiao Ming's words, Tang Zhen was taken aback but quickly understood.
The Sky Fire Three Mysterious Change was one of Burning Flame Valley's most treasured techniques. Although it might be considered a useless technique to some people, it was comparable to a sharp weapon for those with peculiar flames in their bodies.
And since Xiao Ming possessed a Heavenly Flame, it was only natural for him to be interested in this technique.
Even within Burning Flame Valley, the technique was strictly guarded, only accessible to true core disciples who could cultivate the first transformation. As for the remaining two transformations, they depended on the individual's contribution to the sect and their innate talent. In truth, the number of individuals in Burning Flame Valley who had successfully cultivated the complete version of the Fire Three Mysterious Change technique was likely extremely limited. The fact that even core disciples found it difficult to cultivate the complete technique showed just how important it was to the Burning Flame Valley.
However, no matter how important it was, Tang Zhen couldn't compare it to the importance of his own daughter. Therefore, he nodded heavily in agreement.
"Agreed!"
When Xiao Ming emerged from his seclusion room, he was greeted outside by Xiao Yi Xian, Qing Lin, and Venerable Tian Huo.
He greeted them and embraced both girls in his arms. His first glance was drawn to the serene Xiao Yi Xian. Having assimilated the Cold Poison, her strength had likely reached the Sixth Change Dou Venerate stage.
The Cold Poison, which was capable of inflicting severe injuries and nearly killing two intermediate-level Half-Saints, allowed her to make such a significant breakthrough.
When Xiao Ming turned his gaze to Qing Lin, he immediately sensed that her aura had surpassed his own in terms of Dou Qi cultivation, and she had already reached the nine-star Dou Venerate stage.
Even Venerable Tian Huo had advanced to the seven-star Dou Venerate stage.
"Qing Lin, did you use all of the Dou Saint Bone Marrow that I gave you?" Xiao Ming inquired, his gaze fixed on her.
"Mm-hmm," Qing Lin enthusiastically nodded.
"In that case, make sure to consolidate your breakthrough for a while. By the way, how much time has passed?" Xiao Ming asked.
"It has been three months, Young Master," she replied.
'Three months? That's not too long,' Xiao Ming thought to himself.
At his level, several years of seclusion were considered normal. That was also why most of the powerful individuals in Central Plains tended to live in seclusion. Three months was a relatively short period of time.
After they talked for a while, two figures suddenly appeared in the sky. The leader among them was Qing Yi.
Descending gracefully, they landed in the Bamboo Pavilion. Qing Yi observed Xiao Ming, sensing that he appeared more spirited than before. There was an indescribable charm about him, with a profoundness in his eyes that exuded a mysterious allure, making him even more exceptional.
After a moment of distraction, Qing Yi smiled and said, "You finally came out of seclusion. In these three months, you caused quite a stir in our Sound Valley."
"I apologize for any oversight on my part," Xiao Ming replied, arching his hand. The soul pressure he had inadvertently caused during his breakthrough had indeed posed a considerable challenge for the lower-level disciples of Sound Valley.
"Hehe, I don't blame you at all. In fact, our disciples in Sound Valley have gained quite a bit from it," Qing Yi replied with a smile.
"By the way, let me introduce you. This is Tang Zhen, the Valley Master of Burning Flame Valley." Qing Yi smiled and pointed to the elderly man beside her.
The elderly man wore simple linen clothes and had red hair. His face was always adorned with a smile, making him appear like an amiable old man.
After introducing Tang Zhen to Xiao Ming, Qing Yi turned to Tang Zhen and said, "This is the person you wanted to meet, Elder Xiao Ming. Did he meet your expectations?"
As Tang Zhen looked at Xiao Ming's unusually young face and felt the faint pressure emanating from him, a hint of astonishment flashed in his eyes.
"I'm indeed not disappointed. I've heard of Elder Xiao Ming's reputation as one of the Eight Great Elders, with exceptional alchemy skills and formidable strength in terms of cultivation. Several months ago, you led a group to destroy the Hall of Souls' branch hall. Today, seeing you in person, your reputation is well-deserved! Hahaha!" Tang Zhen laughed heartily.
"Valley Master Tang, you flatter me. I have long heard of the renowned reputation of Burning Flame Valley. Your unique control over fire is truly exceptional," Xiao Ming replied with a smile. He didn't adopt a cold and distant attitude or put on a pretentious facade but instead spoke in a friendly manner.
The same words spoken by different people may produce different results.
Tang Zhen would consider it flattery if it were spoken by an insignificant nobody, merely someone attempting to curry favor.
But when spoken by someone of Xiao Ming's current strength and status, even though Tang Zhen knew it was a formality, it still brought him joy, and he couldn't help but smile brighter.
Xiao Ming's words were not mere flattery either. The Burning Flame Valley did have its unique approach to fire control, and Tang Zhen's aura exuded strong flame energy. Within that energy, there was a subtle soul-suppressing effect.
This should be the inherited flame of Burning Flame Valley, the Nine Dragon Lightning Flame.
A glimmer of light flashed in Xiao Ming's eyes as he seemed to catch a glimpse of the nine silver fire dragons within Tang Zhen's body.
Suddenly, Tang Zhen's expression stiffened. He had a feeling of being seen through, but discreetly scanning his surroundings, he found nothing amiss.
"... Valley Master Tang, shall we continue our discussion inside?" Xiao Ming's voice suddenly sounded in his ears.
"Valley Master Tang?"
"... Alright." Coming back to his senses, Tang Zhen quickly responded.
...
Inside the room, everyone took their seats.
After taking a sip of tea, Tang Zhen hesitated for a moment before speaking.
"There is actually something I would like to ask for."
"You may speak freely," Xiao Ming replied.
"I would like to request Elder Xiao Ming to refine a Fire Bodhisattva Pill for me."
"A Fire Bodhisattva Pill?" Xiao Ming raised an eyebrow at the mention. Wasn't this something that Burning Flame Valley would want to refine in a few years? He wondered why they were requesting it ahead of time. With doubts in his mind, he decided to ask directly.
"I have some knowledge about the Fire Bodhisattva Pill. It is a pill that requires the use of a Heavenly Flame to refine and can treat the aftereffects of a failed fusion with a Heavenly Flame. Did someone from Burning Flame Valley fail to fuse with the Nine Dragon Lightning Flame?" Xiao Ming inquired.
Tang Zhen let out a bitter smile. It wasn't surprising that Xiao Ming knew about the Nine Dragon Lightning Flame. This information was not a secret in Central Plains.
"Alas, it's all because of my unruly daughter. After hearing that Elder Xiao Ming had obtained a Heavenly Flame early on, she also wanted to give it a try and see if she could subdue our Burning Flame Valley's inherited Heavenly Flame. However, something went wrong during the process, leaving her with lingering aftereffects."
When Xiao Ming obtained the Core Soul Marrow, he also displayed the Heavenly Flame in public. Therefore, any force paying attention to him would know that he possessed a new kind of Heavenly Flame, and its power was not insignificant.
Possessing a Heavenly Flame had become one of Xiao Ming's symbols.
After all, there were fewer alchemists who possessed Heavenly Flame than there were eighth-tier alchemists.
"If we don't have the Fire Bodhisattva Pill, my daughter may not have more than a few years left. I request Elder Xiao Ming's assistance. Once the pill is successfully refined, Burning Flame Valley can provide a suitable reward and owe you a favor," Tang Zhen said as he stood up and bowed slightly to Xiao Ming.
It was evident that Tang Zhen cared deeply for his daughter.
'A favor?' Xiao Ming smiled faintly. Ancestor Huo Yun was still alive, so a favor owed by Burning Flame Valley could be considered valuable.
Waving his hand, Xiao Ming used his soul power to help Tang Zhen up and said with a smile, "Valley Master Tang, there's no need for that. The Fire Bodhisattva Pill is merely a high-grade seventh-tier pill, and I can refine it. However, I do have a requirement. I need your valley's secret technique, the Sky Fire Three Mysterious Change."
'The Sky Fire Three Mysterious Change?' Hearing Xiao Ming's words, Tang Zhen was taken aback but quickly understood.
The Sky Fire Three Mysterious Change was one of Burning Flame Valley's most treasured techniques. Although it might be considered a useless technique to some people, it was comparable to a sharp weapon for those with peculiar flames in their bodies.
And since Xiao Ming possessed a Heavenly Flame, it was only natural for him to be interested in this technique.
Even within Burning Flame Valley, the technique was strictly guarded, only accessible to true core disciples who could cultivate the first transformation. As for the remaining two transformations, they depended on the individual's contribution to the sect and their innate talent. In truth, the number of individuals in Burning Flame Valley who had successfully cultivated the complete version of the Fire Three Mysterious Change technique was likely extremely limited. The fact that even core disciples found it difficult to cultivate the complete technique showed just how important it was to the Burning Flame Valley.
However, no matter how important it was, Tang Zhen couldn't compare it to the importance of his own daughter. Therefore, he nodded heavily in agreement.
"Agreed!"
