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.
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.
