Setting Out Again
Night did not bring rest to the people. The Blazing Flame Valley was brightly lit and filled with singing and dancing. This was to celebrate the successful completion of the Fire Bodhi Pill, the elimination of the young lady's hidden danger, and also to Lin Ming, the newly promoted Guest Elder.
In the crimson plaza of the main hall, a bonfire blazed, illuminating the joyful faces of the crowd. Blazing Flame Valley brought out its aged wines and various rare Fire Attribute Spiritual Fruit, their aroma filling the air. Disciples and elders of the valley stepped forward to toast Lin Ming, expressing their gratitude and admiration, creating a warm and lively atmosphere.
After Lin Ming became Guest Elder, many elders came to toast Lin Ming, and Lin Ming had no choice but to accept them all. He thought that was the end of it after all the elders had drunk their wine. But then Tang Huo'er arrived, calling out, "Elder Lin, stop! It's disrespectful not to drink!" Lin Ming had no choice but to accept the challenge again. Then, a group of core disciples came one after another...
The enthusiasm of the people in Blazing Flame Valley last night, like the inextinguishable subterranean fire in the valley, almost melted Lin Ming.
Even with his profound cultivation, he eventually succumbed to a drunken stupor after being brewed with a blend of Fire Attribute spiritual Fruit Wine and experiencing a relentless stream of toasts.
Finally, Lin Ming only vaguely remembered that Tang Zhen laughed heartily, and Xiao Yi Xian and Zi Yan helped him back to his room.
The next day, as dawn broke.
Lin Ming woke up with a slight headache. His internal Dou Qi circulated spontaneously, and the Purple Extreme Annihilation Flame circulated once, instantly burning away the remaining effects of the alcohol and discomfort, restoring his clarity.
He rubbed his temples, recalling the exhilaration of the previous night, a bitter smile of helplessness and lingering fear appearing on his lips. This was the first time he had experienced such unguarded immersion since setting foot in the Middle Continent.
Pushing open the window, the cool morning air, carrying the distinctive sulfurous scent of the Scorching Volcano Mountain Range, rushed in, invigorating him. His gaze swept across the gradually awakening Blazing Flame Valley outside the window, and fearing another ordeal, Lin Ming immediately decided to leave that very day.
After tidying his robes, Lin Ming, along with Xiao Yi Xian and Zi Yan, arrived at the Valley Master's main hall.
Tang Zhen seemed to have anticipated his arrival. He was sitting alone in the hall, sipping tea. Upon seeing Lin Ming, he smiled and pointed to the seat beside him, "Awake? No headache? Haha, those 'Burning Heart Brew' brewed by those lads in the valley has quite a kick."
Lin Ming smiled sheepishly, "I'm sorry to have troubled you Uncle Tang. I've come to say goodbye, and I plan to depart today."
Tang Zhen was not surprised by this. He nodded and patted Lin Ming on the shoulder as if he were treating a nephew, saying solemnly, "Lin Ming, if you encounter any difficulties in the future, just send a message back! As long as it is within the power of Blazing Flame Valley, we will help without hesitation!"
Upon seeing this, Lin Ming immediately expressed his gratitude.
Then, Tang Zhen asked with a smile, "By the way, I don't know what your plans are for Lin Ming others? Are you going to continue your travels, or do you have other important matters to attend to?"
Lin Ming didn't hide anything from him, saying, "To be honest, Uncle Tang, we're planning to go to the Pill Region next. Firstly, we had an agreement with the Ye Family of the Pill Tower to go there; secondly, we've heard that this year's Pill Tower Alchemist Grand Meet is about to be held, and we agreed to represent the Ye Family to join in the fun."
"Oh? You're going to participate in this year's Alchemist Grand Meet?" Tang Zhen's eyes flashed with a sharp light, and he clapped his hands and laughed, "With your alchemy skills, you're sure to shine at the conference! Good! When the conference begins, I, Uncle Tang, will personally lead my men to the Pill Tower to cheer you on! Let's see who dares to underestimate the Guest Elder of my Blazing Flame Valley! Hahaha!"
After laughing, Tang Zhen's expression turned slightly serious, and he lowered his voice, saying, "Since you're going to the Pill Region, there's something I need to remind you to be careful about. Ice River Valley probably already knows about your killing of the Old Man Demonic Desire in the Northwestern Region. After all, the Demonic Desire Sect is affiliated with them. These past few days, the valley has been paying special attention to any movements from Ice River Valley."
He paused, then continued, "According to our scouts, there's been considerable commotion within Ice River Valley. Based on our deductions, an Old Man Demonic Desire shouldn't warrant such a large commotion. Therefore, we don't know the reason for this disturbance; we haven't figured it out yet. However, I've still sent a message to Ice River Valley in the name of Blazing Flame Valley, stating that Lin Ming, you are Guest Elder of Blazing Flame Valley, and if they dare to touch you, it will be a war between the two valleys! But Ice River Valley is one of the 'Three Valleys,' with a profound foundation, and its Valley Master, Ice River Valley Bing He, is a man of deep cunning. They might show some respect on the surface, but there's no guarantee they won't make some underhanded moves. Your journey to the Pill Region is not short; you must be extra cautious."
Upon hearing Tang Zhen's reminder, Lin Ming's eyes narrowed slightly, and he felt a chill run down his spine.
In the original novel, Xiao Yan and Xiao Yi Xian were separated due to the Space Wormhole storm incident, which led to Xiao Yi Xian's inexplicable exposure of her Woeful Poison Body. This caused the Ice River Valley to launch a massive search to capture Xiao Yi Xian that their Valley Master, Bing He, could obtain her Woeful Poison Body. But now, Xiao Yi Xian is with him, so she shouldn't have been exposed, right?
Lin Ming was also somewhat puzzled by this. However, regardless of the circumstances, he needed to quickly refine a body for Elder Yao and help Xiao Yi Xian control the Woeful Poison Body. This way, both of them would reach the Dou Venerate realm, and he could feel much more at ease.
"Thank you for the reminder, Uncle Tang. I will remember it and be careful on the road." After thinking for a moment, Lin Ming nodded solemnly to Tang Zhen, keeping this kindness and warning in mind.
"Oh, right!" Tang Zhen seemed to remember something, and with a flick of his finger, a small silver boat emitting faint Spatial Fluctuations landed in front of Lin Ming.
"This is the 'Flowing Fire Boat.' Judging by the level of Cultivation Methods and Combat Skills, it's at least an Earth Tier Low-grade Space Ship. Its speed is decent; using it for transportation will save you a lot of travel time."
This is yet another generous gift. Earth Tier Low-grade Space Ship, it's quite valuable.
This time, Lin Ming didn't refuse and readily accepted the gift. "Thank you, Uncle Tang!"
After bidding farewell to Tang Zhen, the three arrived at the exit of Blazing Flame Valley, where Tang Zhen, Tang Huo'er, Elder Chi Yun, and a group of acquaintances were already waiting to see them off.
Tang Huo'er stepped forward and handed Lin Ming an exquisitely crafted red jade Jade Bottle. Her pretty face flushed slightly as she whispered, "Big Brother Lin, this contains 'Fire Origin Pill,' a specialty of my Blazing Flame Valley. They are remarkably effective in restoring Fire Attribute Dou Qi. Perhaps you'll find them useful on your journey."
"Miss Huo'er, you're so kind." Lin Ming took the Jade Bottle and could feel the pure fire elemental energy contained within it.
"Big Brother Lin, if you have the chance in the future, you must come to Blazing Flame Valley again." Tang Huo'er's beautiful eyes held a hint of reluctance. Then, as if remembering something, Tang Huo'er added, "Xiao Yi Xian, Zi Yan, you must come again too!"
"Definitely." Lin Ming smiled and nodded.
Xiao Yi Xian nodded as well.
Zi Yan wanted to speak, but seeing that Xiao Yi Xian remained silent, she nodded in agreement.
"Elder Lin Ming, take care! I look forward to seeing you shine at the Pill Gathering!" Elder Chi Yun also smiled and cupped his hands in greeting.
"I will certainly live up to your expectations!" Lin Ming clasped his hands in a fist salute and looked around at everyone. "Until we meet again, everyone!"
"Big Brother Lin, Xiao Yi Xian, Zi Yan, take care on your journey!" Tang Huo'er said to the group.
Without another word, Lin Ming bid farewell to everyone, and the Sky Demon Phoenix Wings unfurled behind him. Xiao Yi Xian and Zi Yan also used their respective abilities. With a wave of Lin Ming's hand, the three of them transformed into three streams of light, soaring into the sky, tearing through the clouds, and speeding towards the direction of the Eastern Pill Region. Soon, they became a small dot in the sky.
Tang Zhen stood with his hands behind his back, gazing in the direction they had disappeared. After a long while, he whispered to Tang Huo'er beside him, "This child's rise to prominence is just around the corner. Our Blazing Flame Valley has forged a considerable bond of goodwill this time."
Tang Huo'er gave a soft "hmm," her beautiful eyes gazing into the distance, lost in thought.
Standing high in the sky, looking back, the crimson mountain range gradually shrank in his field of vision. Lin Ming felt the Guest Elder Token and Fire Origin Pill in his Storage Ring, as well as the incomparably profound <Heavenly Fire Three Xuan Transformations> secret technique in his mind, and his heart was filled with a sense of satisfaction from his gains.
At this moment, as if he had thought of something, Lin Ming had a thought and tried to activate a trace of the Purple Extreme Annihilation Flame according to the method of the <Heavenly Fire Three Xuan Transformations>.
"The Heavenly Fire Three Xuan Transformations, First Transformation!"
With a whoosh, a power far more violent than usual surged from his body, and his aura suddenly soared, breaking through from Four-Star Dou Ancestor to Five Stars, then another Five Stars, and finally stopping at the peak of the Six Stars level!
"Haha, this Heavenly Fire Three Xuan Transformations is truly amazing!" Feeling the fullness brought about by the enhancement of the secret technique, Lin Ming immediately burst into laughter.
Xiao Yi Xian and Zi Yan couldn't help but praise him. No wonder Lin Ming had gone to so much trouble to learn the Heavenly Fire Three Xuan Transformations. This was only the first transformation and he had already improved so much. If he could use the last two transformations at the same time, wouldn't he directly reach the Peak Dou Ancestor, or even Dou Venerate!
After a few breaths, Lin Ming dispelled the secret technique, a slight smile playing on his lips. With this Trump Card, he felt more confident even when facing opponents of a higher level.
Although it was only a brief burst of power, and it put a considerable strain on his Dou Qi and body, the feeling of being filled with power was enough for him to turn the tide of battle at the crucial moment!
His journey to the Middle Continent was fraught with danger, but also full of opportunities. His experience in the Blazing Flame Valley not only greatly increased his strength, but also allowed him to forge a powerful ally.
Having left the Scorching Volcano Mountain Range, Lin Ming faced the howling Gale Wind. As his clothes fluttered, Lin Ming stroked the Guest Elder Token of the Blazing Flame Valley in his hand. Recalling Tang Zhen's reminder about the Ice River Valley, his eyes gradually sharpened.
"Next comes the Pill Region, the Ye Family, and an even more magnificent stage!" Lin Ming gazed into the distance, his eyes filled with determination and anticipation. He knew that the real challenges and opportunities lay ahead.
The three moved at incredible speed, transforming into streaks of light across the sky and disappearing into the horizon.
Shortly after Lin Ming left, legends about this mysterious and powerful young Guest Elder began to circulate within Blazing Flame Valley.
With his cultivation level of Four-Star Dou Ancestor, he turned the tide by refining Seventh Grade Peak Pill. He possessed multiple Heavenly Flames and powerful Dou Technique. His feat of holding his own against the Second Elder in a sparring match became a legendary story that the disciples of Blazing Flame Valley talked about with great relish.
The winds of the Blazing Flame Valley in the Middle Continent quietly carried the name "Lin Ming" to even more distant places.