Speculation was one thing; confirmation was another.
Tang Zhen's candor instead gave Xiao Yan quite a fright. After steadying himself, he cupped his hands and asked,
"May I ask Valley Master Tang to clear up my confusion? Why has Burning Flame Valley specifically come to invite me?"
Tang Zhen narrowed his eyes. After pondering for a moment, he looked at Xiao Yan and said seriously,
"Forgive this old man for being unable to reveal the details for now. However, I swear upon my position as the Valley Master of Burning Flame Valley that this journey will bring you nothing but benefit! And what I said earlier about the Three Mysterious Changes of Heavenly Flame was no lie."
This left Xiao Yan conflicted once again. He had originally intended not to go to Burning Flame Valley without knowing the truth, yet Tang Zhen had now said all this.
Even setting aside Tang Zhen's assurances, Xiao Yan had greatly liked the Three Mysterious Changes of Heavenly Flame from the very first moment he saw it. He truly could not bear to miss this opportunity.
However...
"Valley Master Tang, the Pill Tower also places many restrictions on its disciples. I fear I can only visit Burning Flame Valley another day. Please forgive me."
After much consideration, Xiao Yan still found an excuse to decline Tang Zhen. He was not a gambler with nothing to lose, and Tang Zhen's purpose was far too obscure for him not to be cautious.
It was not that Xiao Yan was overly careful. He had never lacked the spirit for adventure. He had voluntarily left home at the age of ten, entered the Black-Corner Region, and set foot in the Central Plains without hesitation.
It could only be said that Tang Zhen's behavior was simply far too strange!