Tang Huo'er, You're Sick

After Xiao Yuan and Cai Lin walked hand in hand into the Space Rift, the light in front of them suddenly became very bright. As a result, he instinctively used the power of the Heavenly Flames to his eyes. After shielding himself from the strong light, a look of surprise appeared in his eyes.

What appeared before Xiao Yuan was an extremely long blue stone staircase. Surrounding the staircase was a lush green grove. Looking into the distance, one could see many buildings peeking through the greenery, and faintly, the sounds of people could be heard from afar, eventually swirling within this seemingly endless valley.

"It's a world unto itself; no wonder it's one of the three great valleys."

Upon seeing this scene, so different from the crimson world outside, even Xiao Yuan couldn't help but marvel.

"Hehe, this can hardly be considered a world of its own. Only beings at the Dou Sheng level can accomplish that. However, thanks to the efforts of the successive patriarchs of my Burning Flame Valley, this place can indeed be considered a paradise in a volcanic world."

Red Fire Elder waved his hand, but there was a hint of pride between his brows. To be able to build such a huge valley in this volcanic world, such a project truly deserves the word "massive".

Xiao Yuan smiled and made a grasping motion with his hand in front of him. The Fire Attribute Energy here was still as concentrated as outside, but the violence within it had completely disappeared, obviously having been purified.

Looking up at the sky, I could vaguely sense a distortion. Clearly, the entire Burning Flame Valley was shrouded in a distorted space. This was similar to the Inner Academy, but the Space Barrier here was obviously much more solid and robust than that of the Inner Academy.

As Xiao Yuan marveled inwardly, the sound of wind breaking suddenly echoed through the mountains and forests surrounding the stone steps. A dozen agile figures flashed over and landed around the stone steps. When their eyes fell on Red Fire Elder, the wariness on their faces lessened, and they bowed respectfully to the latter.

These figures were all dressed in red and were not very old, but the Dou Qi of battle qi emanating from their bodies were quite powerful, which made Xiao Yuan nod in approval. The young disciples of Burning Flame Valley were quite talented.

"Young friends, please follow me."

Red Fire Elder smiled at Xiao Yuan, then moved, stepping into the void and flying towards the depths of the valley. Xiao Yuan and Cai Lin followed closely behind, stepping into the air amidst the astonished gazes of the Burning Flame Valley disciples.

"Those two are actually Dou Zong? How can they be so young?"

"It must have been some senior figures who deliberately made it look like this; I've heard that some elixirs have beautifying effects."

"Yes, that should be the case. If these are their real ages, wouldn't they all be comparable to Miss Huo'er?"

"Yes, one of Miss Huo'er's freaks is enough. Too many would be too discouraging."

Xiao Yuan did not hear the whispers of these people. After flying closely behind Red Fire Elder for a few minutes, he gradually descended and landed in front of a fiery red hall.

Inside the valley, there are numerous buildings, and many disciples of the Burning Flame Valley dressed in red are moving about. Occasionally, shouts of sparring can be heard, bringing a touch of vitality to this vast valley.

Outside the fiery red hall, there were many disciples of the Burning Flame Valley guarding the area, their vigilant eyes constantly scanning the surroundings.

"It seems that some other alchemy masters have also arrived," Red Fire Elder murmured, gazing at the heavily guarded hall.

"What exactly does Valley Master want to refine? Why does he need so many alchemists?"

Xiao Yuan asked with a faint smile.

"Hehe, it's not that we need so many, but rather we want to find one or two suitable alchemists among these alchemists. Of course, even if you are not selected in the end, Burning Flame Valley will still prepare a generous gift, so young friend Xiao Yuan doesn't need to worry."

Red Fire Elder laughed.

"There's another selection process?"

Xiao Yuan frowned slightly. He was too lazy to participate in any selection process, but it seemed he would have to show his skills later.

"Never mind, I'll handle it later."

Xiao Yuan waved his hand dismissively and said with a light laugh.

Seeing Xiao Yuan nod, Red Fire Elder smiled awkwardly and hurriedly led the way. Xiao Yuan looked at the magnificent fiery red hall and followed with a faint smile. Since he had come to Burning Flame Valley, he was determined to get his hands on the Heavenly Flame Three Mysterious Transformations!

Following behind Red Fire Elder, Xiao Yuan and Cai Lin successfully passed through the tight guards outside the main hall. They then gently pushed open the hall door, which creaked open, revealing the magnificent and imposing interior. As the door opened, Red Fire Elder quickly stepped forward, bowed to the head of the hall, and said, "Valley Master, Chi Xiao Yuan has come to report that the alchemy master recommended by Tianhuang City has arrived."

At this moment, there were about a dozen figures sitting in the main hall. Most of them were dressed in alchemist robes. Judging from their appearance, they were obviously not young. They had calm expressions and did not show any restraint because this was the headquarters of Burning Flame Valley.

At the head of the main hall stood a thin, red-haired Hemp-Clothed Elder. His face was always full of smiles, but everyone present was well aware of his important status in the Central Region.

Beside the red-haired old man stood a woman in red, her slender waist adorned with a dark red whip that accentuated her alluring figure. Her face was exceptionally beautiful, though her delicate eyebrows hinted at a touch of heroism. Her fiery red lips, combined with her striking red outfit, gave her a dashing and unique charm.

When the hall doors opened, everyone inside turned their gazes towards them. In particular, when Red Fire Elder mentioned that another alchemy master had arrived, many people turned their attention to him with interest.

"Heh, Red Fire, you're the last one to finish this time."

The red-haired elder smiled at Red Fire Elder and said, "Why haven't you invited the master in yet? Do you want others to say that my Burning Flame Valley has been unhospitable?"

Upon hearing the red-haired elder's words, Red Fire Elder nodded hurriedly, then turned his head and said to the outside of the hall, "Young friends, please come in."

"Xiao Yuan?"

Upon hearing Red Fire Elder's address, the dozen or so alchemists in the hall who had some reputation in the Central Region all frowned slightly. They had never heard of a master alchemist named Xiao Yuan appearing in the Central Region.

Amidst everyone's confusion, a figure in white slowly walked in from outside the hall. Immediately, that exceptionally young and handsome face came into view of everyone in the hall, and then, unsurprisingly, a brief silence fell over the hall.

"Xiao Yuan greets the Valley Master."

Xiao Yuan paid no attention to the strange looks he received. He looked directly at the red-haired old man at the head of the hall. As soon as he entered the hall, he felt a faint sense of oppression. The source of this oppression was this seemingly unremarkable, thin old man.

When the red-haired old man saw Xiao Yuan, he was also slightly taken aback, but he concealed it well and did not show it much. His gaze slowly swept over Xiao Yuan, and as he looked over him, the astonishment in his eyes grew stronger.

"Hehe, young friends, you are too kind. I am Tang Zhen. I did not expect that you two young friends have reached the Dou Zong level at such a young age. Such talent is truly rare."

The red-haired old man smiled.

As soon as Tang Zhen finished speaking, some exclamations arose in the hall. The alchemy masters sitting in their seats all looked at Xiao Yuan with surprise. To reach the Dou Zong at such a young age, such talent would be considered outstanding even in the Central State.

Beside Tang Zhen, the woman in red also looked at Xiao Yuan with a strange light in her eyes, a hint of doubt in them. As the most outstanding young generation of Burning Flame Valley, she knew very well how difficult it was to reach the Dou Zong at this age. Moreover, what she found most hard to believe was that Xiao Yuan seemed to be younger than her, and even more handsome. The woman beside him was no less beautiful than her, and her figure was even more voluptuous.

"Valley Master Tang, you flatter me. I simply have had more opportunities than ordinary people."

Xiao Yuan remained outwardly calm, but inwardly he was somewhat surprised. As expected of the Valley Master of Burning Flame Valley, he had seen through his strength at a glance. As his thoughts raced, he subtly glanced at Tang Zhen at the head of the table, only to be shocked to find that he couldn't detect Tang Zhen's aura at all. He could only conclude that Tang Zhen was indeed worthy of being the Valley Master of Burning Flame Valley; Tang Zhen's strength seemed to be even greater than that of Wind Venerable.

As for Cai Lin, although she also cupped her hands to Tang Zhen along with Xiao Yuan, given her temperament, even if Dou Sheng Expert came, she might not necessarily give him a good look. If it weren't for Xiao Yuan's sake, she wouldn't bother coming to Burning Flame Valley.

"To have this kind of luck is certainly a skill, but what we need here today is not Dou Zong, but a true alchemy master. Red Fire Elder, are you sure you didn't bring the wrong person?"

An elderly man dressed in an alchemist's robe glanced at Xiao Yuan and said indifferently.

The old man had very thin lips, giving him the appearance of a sharp-tongued person. Of course, most alchemists are arrogant, especially those with some skill. They are treated like royalty wherever they go. Their achievements are the result of nearly half a lifetime of hard work. Now, Venerable Crimson Fire has casually brought in a young boy and called him a "master alchemist," which inevitably makes them somewhat unhappy.

In Central State, the title of "Master Alchemist" carries considerable weight, and the requirements for obtaining it are quite stringent. The primary condition is that one must be able to independently refine at least sixth- or even Grade 7 Pill. Of course, if one can refine Rank 8 Pill, then one can be called Alchemic Grandmaster.

Upon hearing this, Cai Lin frowned, her expression turning colder. However, with Xiao Yuan holding her hand, she couldn't easily teach that blind old man a lesson, so she could only give him a cold glance.

Upon hearing the old man's words, Red Fire Elder frowned slightly, then smiled and said, "Master Mo, rest assured, I have the discernment to judge this young friend Xiao Yuan. He is more than capable of meeting the Valley Master's requirements."

Upon hearing this, the old man known as Master Mo could only snort softly, glance at Xiao Yuan sideways, and then said no more.

"Hehe, if what Chi Huo said is true, then this young friend Xiao Yuan's talent is probably much stronger than my daughter's. To be able to reach the Dou Zong while also making progress in his alchemy skills is no simple matter."

Tang Zhen smiled as if he hadn't heard Master Mo's questioning of Xiao Yuan.

"Although this guy is quite good-looking, to jump to conclusions based on just a few words, Dad, I think you're getting senile."

The woman in red beside him curled her lip and snorted coldly. Her bright eyes swept over Xiao Yuan, and she slightly raised her snow-white chin, revealing a hint of provocation in her eyes. Over the years, she had never met anyone among her peers who could match him. Xiao Yuan's appearance greatly interested her, as she was already fond of competing.

Xiao Yuan simply smiled at the provocation in the red-clad woman's eyes. He could sense that she meant no harm; it was just that her father's earlier words had made his competitive daughter somewhat dissatisfied.

"This young lady has quite a temper; is it because she's not feeling well?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yuan looked over and openly scrutinized him. He noticed a hint of pallor beneath his rosy complexion and asked with a smile.

Who are you calling sick?

Upon hearing this Tang Huo'er raised her eyebrows.

However, Tang Zhen's smile faltered, and his eyes turned serious as he looked at Xiao Yuan.

With his experience, he could naturally tell that Xiao Yuan was not just being verbally aggressive, but rather making a judgment based on solid evidence.

"If he says you're sick, then you must be sick. Judging from your behavior just now, you are indeed quite ill."

Cai Lin's sudden remarks silenced the entire room.

"."

Seeing Tang Zhen's face gradually stiffen, Xiao Yuan helplessly reached out and covered Cai Lin's mouth, whispering, "Grandma, calm down. We're on their turf, don't be so arrogant!"

Red Fire Elder was numb, standing aside, unsure whether to speak or remain silent.

"Young friend Xiao Yuan, please find a seat with your friend first."

In the end, Tang Zhen broke the deadlock and smiled at Xiao Yuan.

He felt a mixture of curiosity and hope regarding Xiao Yuan's behavior. If Xiao Yuan had truly figured something out, perhaps there would be a turning point in Huo'er's situation.

Xiao Yuan smiled and nodded, then, led by Red Fire Elder, he found a seat in the main hall and pulled Cai Lin to sit down.

"That Master Mo from before is a Sixth Grade Alchemist, capable of refining peak sixth-grade pills. If given a few more years, he could probably reach the seventh grade. That guy has a rather unpleasant mouth, so just pretend you didn't hear what he said."

As Xiao Yuan sat down, Red Fire Elder beside him whispered something.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yuan subtly nodded his chin. Apart from him, the alchemists who were invited here must all be quite famous. However, he wouldn't care about Sixth Grade Alchemist.

"However, with your skill level, young friend Xiao Yuan, you won't take this old guy seriously. Of the people here, you only need to pay attention to two people, namely the two sitting to the left and right of the Valley Master."

Upon hearing Red Fire Elder's words, Xiao Yuan's heart stirred, and his gaze shifted slightly in that direction.

Below Tang Zhen on either side were two old men whose eyes were slightly closed from beginning to end. Their auras were extremely restrained, but Xiao Yuan could still faintly sense the powerful soul force emanating from them.

"Seventh Grade Alchemist?"

With his eyes slightly narrowed, Xiao Yuan gently tapped his knee with his fingers. This should be the first time in all these years that he had seen Seventh Grade Alchemist other than Yao Lao.

"These two are very well-known in the Central Region. Firstly, their alchemy skills are extremely high, and secondly, they are both Guest Elder of the Danta. Even the Valley Master treats them with great respect."

Red Fire Elder said softly.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yuan's heart trembled slightly. Guest Elder of the Danta? That title was indeed quite terrifying.

But it wasn't as intimidating as he seemed.

After all, if we're talking about it, he was a disciple of the Venerable Yao. Back then Yao Lao had also practiced alchemy under an old ancestor of the Danta. In that sense, Xiao Yuan could be considered half a successor of the Danta lineage.

"Hehe, now that everyone is here, I'll give you a heads-up about what's going on." Tang Zhen, who was seated at the head of the table, coughed lightly, his gaze sweeping across the room, and then said, "As you all probably know, I need to refine a pill. The pill is of the seventh grade, high quality."

Upon hearing this, the expressions of the dozen or so alchemy masters in the hall changed slightly. Even for some of the people present, Grade 7 Pill was quite high.

Upon hearing Tang Zhen's words, the two Guest Elder the Danta Tower, who had been keeping their eyes slightly closed, slowly opened them, glanced at him, and said, "Grade 7 High Level Pill. Even the two of us cannot refine a pill of this rank."

Although these two are also Seventh Grade Alchemist, they can only refine some low-grade seventh-grade pills. The success rate for intermediate-grade pills might be slightly lower, but for high-grade pills, the success rate would be quite dismal.

"Hehe, leave that to me. Although I am not an alchemist, I possess some skills that you also lack," Tang Zhen chuckled. "What I need are two alchemists who can withstand my Nine Dragons Lightning Flame!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Tang Zhen clenched his fist, and with a soft "poof," a silver flame slowly rose from his hand. As the flame rose, nine silver fire dragons could be faintly seen weaving through it.

"Is this the Nine Dragons Lightning Flame?"

Looking at the ball of silver flame, Xiao Yuan immediately showed a curious expression.

"Everyone, summon your respective soul power. If you can withstand the burning of my Nine Dragons Lightning Flame, then you will have qualified."

Tang Zhen smiled.

Upon hearing this, many alchemists in the hall twitched their faces.