Xiao Yi Xian Exposed
Having left Crimson Flame City, even Zi Yan, the weakest among them, possessed the Peak Dou Emperor, so their speed of traveling at full speed was naturally extremely fast.
Three days later, as they continued to venture deeper into the southwest of the Central Region, the temperature of the surrounding environment began to rise significantly, and the fire elemental energy in the air became unusually active, even taking on a hint of irritating ferocity.
Finally, an endless crimson mountain range appeared at the edge of the field of vision. This was the Scorching Volcano Mountain Range! It was composed entirely of countless volcanoes of varying sizes, and as far as the eye could see, they were all uniformly crimson, as if the earth were on fire.
Deep, fierce roars echoed from within the mountains, indicating the presence of numerous Fire Attribute Magical Beasts adapted to this harsh environment. Even the Blazing Flame Valley might not have fully explored this dangerous and vast mountain range.
Guided by Elder Chi Yun, the group flew towards the two most majestic crimson mountains on the outer edge of the mountain range, which stood closely together. The mountains, like two loyal fire giants, guarded the entrance. A rough stone staircase, winding like Giant Python, spiraled up from the foot of the mountain and soared into the sky.
Flying up the stone steps to the end, the void ahead rippled slightly, revealing a spatial barrier that was barely perceptible to the naked eye but incredibly resilient to the Soul Perception. Elder Chi Yun took out a Flame Token, infused it with his Dou Qi, and the token emitted a beam of red light that landed on the barrier. The barrier immediately rippled like water, creating an entrance that could be passed through.
"This is one of the Sect Protecting Array of my Blazing Flame Valley. When fully activated, it is strong enough to withstand attacks from Dou Zun expert," Elder Chi Yun introduced with a hint of pride.
Lin Ming nodded. A sect capable of setting up a spatial barrier of such scale was indeed a force to be reckoned with.
Passing through the spatial barrier, the view suddenly opened up, forming a stark contrast to the crimson wasteland outside.
What comes into view is a lush green landscape, with abundant vegetation and even the babbling of streams. The air is filled with a refreshing and invigorating fragrance. Many buildings are built against the mountainside, and the faint sounds of people can be heard, making the place seem full of life.
The fire-attribute energy here is far more concentrated than that outside, yet it has miraculously shed its violent nature, becoming pure and gentle, making it extremely suitable for cultivation and alchemy. This is clearly a blessed land created by the powerful ancestors of Blazing Flame Valley using unparalleled methods.
Elder Chi Yun led Lin Ming and the other two directly to the most magnificent crimson hall deep in the mountains. The hall was made entirely of some kind of red Crystal Stone and exuded a warm aura.
Upon entering the main hall, it was quite spacious, with only two figures inside.
At the head of the main hall sat a small, elderly man.
He was dressed in the simplest linen clothes, his hair and beard were fiery red, and his face was ordinary, looking like an old farmer next door at first glance. But when his seemingly murky gaze swept over, Lin Ming felt a terrifying sense of oppression, like a dormant volcano, as if he contained a terrifying power capable of destroying the world! This man was none other than Tang Zhen, the Valley Master Blazing Flame Valley!
Standing next to Tang Zhen was a woman dressed in a fiery red outfit.
The woman had a pretty face and fair skin, which contrasted sharply with the fiery red surroundings. Her eyebrows were arched, yet her brows revealed a spirited air that rivaled any man's. Her figure, outlined in a tight-fitting outfit, was captivating. She was like a burning flame rose, dashing and heroic.
She was Tang Zhen's only daughter, Tang Huo'er. At this moment, she was curiously observing Lin Ming and the others who had followed Elder Chi Yun in, her gaze lingering especially on the uniquely elegant Xiao Yi Xian and the mischievous Zi Yan.
"Valley Master, I have successfully completed my mission and have found a suitable Alchemist, young friend Lin Ming!" Elder Chi Yun stepped forward and bowed respectfully.
Seeing this, Lin Ming bowed respectfully and said, "Junior Lin Ming greets Valley Master Tang."
A smile appeared on Tang Zhen's usually impassive face, and his voice boomed, "Good! Chi Yun, you're always the fastest. This mission was assigned to the elders, and you're the first to return."
Tang Zhen then turned his gaze to Lin Ming and the others, nodding slightly. "Hehe, young friend, you're too kind. Tang Zhen. I never expected you to reach the Four-Star Dou Ancestor level at such a young age. Such talent is truly rare!"
"And your two friends, young friend, are also... wait! This is... the Woeful Poison Body!"
Tang Zhen's face, which had been bearing an approving smile, suddenly froze when his gaze swept over the white-clad woman standing quietly beside Lin Ming. Instead, it was replaced by an undisguised shock and solemnity!
With his Dou Venerate- level eyesight and knowledge, he almost instantly detected the hidden yet extremely dangerous, innate destructive poison within Xiao Yi Xian's body! It was a special physique that had already caused the entire Middle Continent to suffer several times!
So much so that Tang Zhen, who had been leaning back in his chair with a touch of languor, unconsciously leaned forward slightly, his sharp, fiery gaze fixed on Xiao Yi Xian, his voice deepening. "This young lady... you are actually the possessor of the Woeful Poison Body?"
Upon hearing this, the atmosphere in the hall instantly became tense. Elder Chi Yun's expression also changed. Although he had sensed that Xiao Yi Xian's aura was unique, he had not considered the possibility of her having the legendary calamity constitution.
Tang Huo'er covered her red lips, her beautiful eyes filled with astonishment and a hint of barely perceptible worry. She had naturally heard the terrifying legend of the Woeful Poison Body, so she also cast a surprised and uncertain glance at her.
The Woeful Poison Body signifies loss of control and disaster, and is an existence feared by all forces.
Sensing the change in atmosphere within the hall and the scrutinizing yet wary gaze of Tang Zhen, Xiao Yi Xian's beautiful face remained unchanged. Only her clear eyes lowered slightly, her long eyelashes trembled, and she remained silent. She was already used to this reaction.
At this moment, Lin Ming took a half step forward, subtly shielding Xiao Yi Xian behind him, facing Tang Zhen's piercing gaze. His face still held a calm smile, and his tone was peaceful yet carried an undeniable firmness:
"Valley Master Tang has a good eye. Xiao Yi Xian is indeed of the Woeful Poison Body."
Facing Tang Zhen, a Dou Venerate, Lin Ming didn't lie and frankly admitted it. However, Lin Ming immediately First Revolution, his voice clear and bright. "However, Valley Master, there's no need to worry. Xiao Yi Xian has already begun to control the poison in her body, and it won't erupt randomly and endanger others. Since I have her by my side, I'm confident I can protect her. That kind of trouble will not happen!"
Lin Ming's words were filled with powerful confidence, as if he were stating an established fact. At the same time, with a slight thought, Xiao Yi Xian cooperated tacitly, and the faint gray poisonous gas surrounding her quietly receded, becoming even more subtle. If it weren't for a powerful figure like Tang Zhen specifically sensing it, it would be almost impossible to detect the abnormality. This subtle change was undoubtedly the best evidence for Lin Ming's words.
Tang Zhen's gaze shifted between Lin Ming and Xiao Yi Xian. Looking at Lin Ming's fearless, confident eyes and Xiao Yi Xian's visibly reassured demeanor behind him, the shock and solemnity in his eyes slowly faded, replaced by a deep sense of wonder and inquiry.
To be able to control the Woeful Poison Body? Or at least temporarily suppress its outburst? This is unheard of! Just how many secrets is this young man hiding?
Tang Zhen pondered for a moment, then his loud laughter broke the brief silence. "Hahaha! Excellent! Truly, heroes emerge from among the young! Not only are you exceptionally talented, but you also possess such skills! I was out of line. Xiao Yi Xian, please forgive my rudeness."
He said this to Xiao Yi Xian, and his tone was quite sincere.
Xiao Yi Xian then slightly raised her head and nodded gently to Tang Zhen in response.
Tang Huo'er also breathed a sigh of relief, and her gaze towards Lin Ming and Xiao Yi Xian was filled with even more curiosity.
A potential crisis caused by the Woeful Poison Body was quietly resolved thanks to Lin Ming's calm demeanor and strong confidence.
However, just as Tang Zhen was about to continue questioning Lin Ming about some things, footsteps came from outside the main hall, and then two figures walked in.
One of them was also dressed in the robes of an elder of the Blazing Flame Valley, with a hint of smugness in his expression. The other was an old man in a magnificent Alchemist's robe, with a thin face, a slightly raised chin, and eyes that carried the arrogance of a high-level Alchemist. The badge on his chest indicated his status as a guest elder of the Pill Tower and Seventh Grade Alchemist.
"Valley Master, Zheng Shi has come to report. The Alchemist recommended by Blue Moon City has arrived." The elder of Blazing Flame Valley smiled and bowed, then immediately stepped aside and introduced the old man beside him.
"This is Master Huan, whom I invited. He is Guest Elder the Pill Tower and Rank 7 Intermediate Alchemist!"
Master Huan's reputation was quite renowned in the Middle Continent, so much so that when Tang Zhen saw the old man, he stood up, his face beaming with smiles, and said, "I'll have to trouble Master Huan this time!"
"Valley Master Tang is too kind!" Master Huan replied indifferently.
Tang Zhen wasn't angry at all. Instead, he laughed and said, "Haha! Elder Zheng Shi, you were able to invite Master Huan this time, and your time was only slightly slower than Elder Yun's. You deserve a great reward."
Upon hearing this, Zheng Shi smiled at Tang Zhen and then looked at Huo Yun, saying, "Oh? I didn't expect you to be so fast, Huo Yun! I wonder where the master you invited is now?"
Although he saw Lin Ming and several other young people in the main hall, he didn't know why they had come so soon after his return. However, he clearly didn't Lin Ming these young people were Alchemist who met the requirements for refining High-Grade Pills. So he asked them this question.
"Zheng Shi, are you blind? Can't you see Master Lin Ming and several other people standing here?" Lin Ming's Tier 7 Medicinal Pill, the Crimson Sun Melting Snow Pill, was still treasured in his Storage Ring. So when he saw Zheng Shi's clearly offensive words, Chi Yun immediately defended him and started scolding him.
Upon seeing Chi Yun address Lin Ming as Master, Zheng Shi and Master Huan both turned their gazes to the young Lin Ming. Before Zheng Shi could react, Master Huan frowned slightly and uttered a sound that clearly carried doubt and sarcasm.
"Oh? Elder Chi Yun is quick on his feet. But... this young man is the Alchemist you found? Heh, the pills that Valley Master Tang needs to refine are no ordinary matters; not just any Tom, Dick, or Harry can get involved. Elder Chi Yun, could it be that you couldn't find anyone else and just picked some greenhorn to fill the position?"
Upon hearing this, the atmosphere in the hall instantly froze. Elder Chi Yun's face darkened immediately, because insulting Master Lin Ming was even more infuriating than directly insulting himself. At the same time, Tang Huo'er also frowned, somewhat dissatisfied with Master Huan's harsh words.