Congratulatory Gift, Rich and Arrogant

Within the Heavenly Flame, dragon's might had condensed, granting it the wondrous effect of intimidating souls. Silver flames flickered gently.

Nine tiny fire dragons darted back and forth within it as though they possessed intelligence. Faint dragon's might spread from them, making one's soul power feel somewhat oppressed.

Nine Dragon Lightning Flame, ranked twelfth on the Heavenly Flame Ranking.

As for why he had taken out something so suitable, it was not because Xiao Xuan truly regarded treasures as dirt.

It was because these two were worth it; their character made them worthy of his friendship.

Moreover, their talent was exceptional. Investing in advance was worthwhile—these two would both become Nine-Star Dou Saints in the future.

Having two more Nine-Star Dou Saint allies was always a good thing.

He even suspected that the two's inexplicable deaths in the original work might have been related to the Xiao Clan, with the Hun Clan having struck at them from the shadows.

Two months quickly passed, and a city in the Central Plains was renamed Shengdan City.

Shengdan City was teeming with people. Today was the day the famed Dan Zun established his faction.

At the center of the city, there was not yet any Dan Tower—only the name, with no landmark to represent it.

The residence was bustling with activity, filled endlessly with chatter and congratulations. Only Dou Zun experts were qualified to enter the main hall.

Suddenly, the space above the plaza outside the hall rippled, followed by a voice.

"Ha ha, Brother Dan, congratulations, congratulations. I only just emerged from seclusion, so I hope you'll forgive me.

As an apology, this shall be my gift."

A scroll floated toward Dan Chengzi. Upon catching it and examining it with his spiritual sense, his expression remained unchanged, but inwardly he was shocked and moved.

An Earth Tier High Grade Cultivation Method! He was establishing the Dan Tower, a holy land for alchemists.

This man had sent him a sect-defending cultivation method.

At the same time, he could not help suspecting that Xiao Xuan was truly outrageously wealthy. He had said he came from a great clan.

What kind of great clan could produce such a lavish spendthrift?

He gave away Earth Tier Fighting Skills so casually? Of course, that was merely some inward grumbling.

"Ha ha, thank you for this generous gift, Brother Xiao. Then I won't stand on ceremony.

Everyone, this is Brother Xiao Xuan. His talent far surpasses Tang Xiao's and mine, and even I cannot sense his strength.

Furthermore, if I'm not mistaken, Brother Xiao is also an alchemist of at least the peak of the eighth rank."

"What? At least an Eighth-Rank Alchemist?"

"His talent is even greater than Dan Zun's?"

"Greetings, Venerable Xiao."

Xiao Xuan smiled. "No need for such courtesy, everyone. Don't listen to this fellow's nonsense.

By the way, Brother Tang, I heard you plan to establish Fenyan Valley?

Congratulations, congratulations!"

Tang Xiao said, "Indeed. You must come when the time arrives. I'm looking forward to your gift.

If the gift is too light, don't blame this brother for pretending not to know you."

"Damn, Tang Xiao, with skin as thick as yours, no wonder you cultivated to the peak of the Dou Zun realm so quickly."

"Get lost, get lost, get lost...

Say, what realm are you in, kid? Why can't I sense it?

No, I've never personally sensed your true realm at all."

"Ahem, ahem. I can't compare to you two, I can't compare.

As for why you can't sense it, it's because I cultivate a method that conceals my aura.

You have no idea—I happened upon the location of a Heavenly Flame this time.

It took me half a year to subdue it. Since you're establishing Fenyan Valley, how can you not have a Heavenly Flame to add some prestige?"

A mass of silver flames appeared. Aside from Xiao Xuan and Dan Chengzi, everyone's expressions changed drastically, though the greed in their eyes was swiftly concealed.

After all, Fenyan Venerable was notorious for his brutality. He was a ruthless man—and a powerful one at that. They could not afford to offend him.

"Nine Dragon Lightning Flame, twelfth on the Heavenly Flame Ranking? Hiss..."

They exchanged glances. What sort of identity did this man have, to give away such a precious Heavenly Flame so casually?

Was he a spendthrift, or simply absurdly wealthy? At the same time, they wondered inwardly: if he could give away such a Heavenly Flame, did that mean he possessed an even higher-ranked one?

For a time, countless thoughts flashed through many minds.

Though Tang Xiao desperately desired it, he still refused. "Thank you, Brother Xiao. This is too precious. I cannot accept it."

"Take it. Could our friendship not even compare to a mere Heavenly Flame?"

"Although we haven't known each other long and have only met a few times, I greatly admire the talent and character of you two elder brothers. Moreover, I sincerely wish to befriend you both."

With things put so plainly, if Tang Xiao still refused, it would mean he looked down on him.

He immediately turned serious. "Alright. I'll remember Brother Xiao's kindness.

If you ever need help in the future, just say the word. I'll brave water and fire without hesitation."

"You flatter me. To be honest, I come from an Ancient Emperor Clan.

There is no shortage of Dou Saints in my clan. Even if something happens, the clan should be able to handle it.

Of course, if one day you two elder brothers reach a level where you can resolve matters even an Emperor Clan cannot, then I certainly won't stand on ceremony."

"What..."

"An Ancient Emperor Clan?"

Xiao Xuan sent those final words through voice transmission, so only Tang Xiao and Dan Chengzi heard them.

The shock in their hearts was imaginable. No wonder this fellow had always spent money so freely.

It was not that he was merely wealthy; rather, most treasures simply did not catch his eye.

They had worked painstakingly, endured endless slaughter and countless life-and-death crises, before attaining their current strength and status.

Yet this young man, barely in his twenties, already stood on the same level as them.

This was a true second-generation rich and powerful heir. No—who knew how many generations of wealth and strength stood behind him?

They had also heard of the Ancient Emperor Clans. They were legendary clans with their own secret realm worlds, living in seclusion and never involving themselves in the affairs of the continent.

It was said that Dou Zuns, considered experts in the Central Plains, were merely middle-ranking members in such clans.

As for Saints, as rare as phoenix feathers in the Central Plains, every one of those clans possessed not just Dou Saints, but more than one or two—nor merely three or four.

It was hardly surprising that such a clan could nurture such an unparalleled figure.

Once the banquet ended, the various Dou Zuns departed one after another with their subordinates.

In the end, only the three of them remained in the enormous palace, chatting freely about everything under the heavens.

Dan Chengzi said, "Brother Xiao, there are rumors that one of the Emperor Clans bears the surname Xiao. You must be from the Xiao Clan.

With talent like yours, Brother Xiao, you should rank among the very best within the ancient clans, shouldn't you?"

They considered themselves no less gifted than others, yet they still asked.

"You two elder brothers are overthinking it. Although the ancient clans do have more geniuses, truly peak talents like you two are hardly so easy to come by.

As far as I know, among the younger generation of the current Eight Emperor Clans, only two or three can compare to you in talent.

Of course, while there are quite a few who fall short of you two, they are still far beyond most geniuses of the Central Plains."

"So many? The Ancient Emperor Clans truly live up to their name.

Their foundation is unimaginably deep, and they have countless outstanding talents."