The Dou Technique Dilemma

Xiao Yan knew the Three Mysterious Changes of Heavenly Fire was Burning Flame Valley's signature technique, but he had never imagined it was prized enough to be placed at the very center.

He already had the complete method for cultivating it, though, so he gently set it down. Only then did he notice that Qing Lin and Tang Huo'er had been watching him all along.

Their gazes were subtly different. Qing Lin looked at him with affection and a desire to protect him. Ever since they had spoken openly that day, Xiao Yan had resolved to take responsibility for their relationship. He smiled back at her.

Tang Huo'er, on the other hand, looked mostly curious. She seemed eager to know whether Xiao Yan was satisfied with what he had found here, and which Dou Techniques he would choose.

"Finished looking?" Tang Huo'er asked at once when she saw him stop reading.

Xiao Yan nodded. "I have. Burning Flame Valley truly deserves its fame across the Central Plains as a great sect of fire practitioners. If so many high-quality Dou Techniques fell into outside hands, they'd stir up a bloody storm."

At his praise, Tang Huo'er could no longer hide the pride in her eyes.

"Did any catch your eye?"

Seeing her expectant gaze, Xiao Yan answered slowly, "Blazing Fire Wave Strike can produce blazing flames. That's rare. Crimson Sun Demon-Suppressing Seal is forceful and sweeping, which suits my fighting style. And Nine Transformations of Flame Trace is an even rarer movement Dou Technique of the fire attribute..."

Xiao Yan went through them one by one. Clearly, he had spent the past half-day giving these Dou Techniques serious thought. Yet when he finished, he still had not answered Tang Huo'er's most important question: which one did he want?

Tang Huo'er studied