Chapter 298: Burning Flame Valley: Hmm? The Pavilion Chief of the Northern Wind Lightning Pavilion Has Come Knocking?
"Whew."
Xiao Yuan woke up enveloped in the familiar scent of mandala flowers. Turning his head slightly, he saw Cai Lin sitting on a nearby chair, eyes closed as she quietly rested.
"You're awake?"
Sensing Xiao Yuan stir, Cai Lin's voice softened noticeably.
"How long was I out?"
Xiao Yuan sat up, stretching his muscles, and glanced at the bright daylight outside the window, smiling.
"About two and a half days. How do you feel?"
Cai Lin crossed her long, slender legs, revealing smooth, snow-white thighs beneath her high-slit qipao, presenting an enticing sight.
"Pretty good. Let's go—I need to pick up what's owed to me."
Xiao Yuan rolled out of bed, tidied his clothes, and reached out his hand toward Cai Lin.
"Hmph. Go by yourself, you flirtatious scoundrel."
Cai Lin, as if reminded of something, lifted her chin slightly and crossed her arms in front of her impressive chest, causing waves of movement as she spoke.
"Huh?"
Xiao Yuan was left bewildered. Who had irritated this proud queen now?
"But I didn't even do anything!"
Xiao Yuan felt genuinely wronged.
"Who knows? Go by yourself. This Queen guarded you for so long—I'm tired. I'm resting now."
Cai Lin waved dismissively, lay down on the bed, and closed her eyes.
But seeing such a beauty lying there, her prominent curves rising and falling gently with her breathing, Xiao Yuan found it difficult to simply leave.
So, taking a single step, he activated Three Thousand Lightning Movement. In an instant, he planted quick kisses on Cai Lin's cheek and lips before hurriedly fleeing.
It was only after he exited the room that Cai Lin realized what had just happened. She immediately sprang up from the bed, furious and blushing, feeling an intense urge to grab Xiao Yuan back and teach him a lesson.
How dare he sneak kisses from her? When he returned, she would certainly make him pay for it.
"Thanks for taking care of me, Cai Lin! Rest well!"
Xiao Yuan's cheerful voice drifted in with the breeze.
"Hmph! Daring to take advantage of me!"
Cai Lin lay back down on the bed, the slight drowsiness she had just felt completely disappearing. Her hair slipped down around her ears, revealing slightly flushed earlobes.
Her slender, jade-like fingers softly touched her cheeks and lips, causing ripples in her heart.
This fool—what kind of person runs away after just one kiss?
Outside the room was a garden filled with blooming, colorful flowers. A gentle breeze carried their fragrance, giving a tranquil feeling.
"You're awake?"
As Xiao Yuan surveyed his surroundings, a clear, pleasant voice suddenly broke the silence. Following the voice, he saw a red-clothed woman sitting cross-legged in the garden. Her figure was tall and elegant; through the flowers, the gentle curves from her delicate neck to her shapely hips were quite visible.
Recognizing Tang Huo'er, Xiao Yuan smiled and nodded politely.
The red-clothed woman stood gracefully, her elegant figure even more striking. She quickly approached Xiao Yuan and gave him a bright smile. "I'm Tang Huo'er. Thanks a lot for what you've done."
Due to their proximity, Xiao Yuan could smell a faint fragrance coming from her. Looking up slightly, he saw Tang Huo'er's fair, slightly flushed face clearly. Over the years, Xiao Yuan had encountered many beauties. Although Tang Huo'er's appearance might not match Cai Lin's enchanting allure, she possessed a unique charm—graceful, open, and heroic—that was extremely appealing.
Judging from Tang Huo'er's healthy complexion, Xiao Yuan knew she had taken the Fire Bodhisattva Pill and resolved her condition, so she was naturally in a much better mood.
After giving the fiery young lady a quick look-over, Xiao Yuan smiled politely and cupped his fists. "Nice to meet you, Miss Tang."
"Don't call me 'Miss Tang.' If you don't mind, just call me Huo'er. After all, you saved my life—we shouldn't be so formal," Tang Huo'er said, waving dismissively. Her beautiful eyes sparkled with a charming smile.
Seeing her casual and friendly demeanor, Xiao Yuan nodded appreciatively. He had correctly judged earlier that Tang Huo'er's previous questioning attitude had merely been influenced by her condition, making her emotions unstable. Now that the problem was solved, her nature had returned to normal.
"You've been unconscious for nearly three days. My father said to bring you over if you wanted to see him when you woke up. I assume you'd like to go now, right?"
Tang Huo'er's bright eyes briefly swept over Xiao Yuan, smiling playfully.
"Then I'll have to trouble you, Huo'er," Xiao Yuan replied warmly.
"Follow me. But first, let me ask—why are you so interested in our Valley's Skyfire Three Mysterious Change?" Tang Huo'er asked curiously, just as she was about to turn away.
"Because it's perfect for me," Xiao Yuan replied casually.
Tang Huo'er raised her eyebrows slightly, surprised. "Really? My father mentioned that I also have considerable talent for practicing Skyfire Three Mysterious Change."
Seeing Tang Huo'er's somewhat competitive gaze, Xiao Yuan shook his head gently, understanding that this young woman was indeed competitive. But there was no need to argue with her now.
"Then let's see who practices it better!" Xiao Yuan laughed gently.
"Hmph! Fine. But competing without stakes is no fun. How about we place a bet?" Tang Huo'er confidently proposed.
"No need for betting. If you lose, Huo'er, you'll owe me a favor," Xiao Yuan replied meaningfully.
"Alright. But if you lose, you owe me one as well. Actually, I'll be profiting—a favor from a seventh-tier high-grade alchemist isn't something even my father can easily obtain!" Tang Huo'er laughed cheerfully.
"Hehe, you're quite interesting, Huo'er," Xiao Yuan smiled faintly.
Tang Huo'er giggled, turned, and led the way, adding as they walked, "Don't worry. Since my father agreed, there won't be any problems with Skyfire Three Mysterious Change. But just a heads-up: obtaining it won't be easy. Even if my father offers the opportunity, without sufficient strength, you won't easily acquire it."
Xiao Yuan nodded calmly. Skyfire Three Mysterious Change was a top-tier technique of Burning Flame Valley, naturally difficult to obtain. But unless Tang Zhen intervened personally, Burning Flame Valley's elders couldn't really stop him.
Following Tang Huo'er, Xiao Yuan left the courtyard, heading deeper into the valley. Along the way, many Burning Flame Valley disciples respectfully greeted Tang Huo'er. Her identity was special, and her cultivation talent extraordinary—admired by everyone in the valley.
Due to his presence beside her, Xiao Yuan also drew significant attention. Over the past few days while he was unconscious, his feats had become a popular topic among the disciples.
Under the crowd's watchful gaze, Xiao Yuan followed Tang Huo'er for around ten minutes before finally stopping outside an imposing grand hall.
"Skyfire Three Mysterious Change is our Valley's top secret art. According to the rules, it can't be easily shared with outsiders. Even though my father is the Valley Chief, he can't decide this alone. There's still the Elder Council, and those stubborn old fellows aren't easy to deal with," Tang Huo'er explained quietly as they paused outside the hall.
Xiao Yuan nodded slightly, still looking confident.
Seeing his calmness, Tang Huo'er gave him an encouraging smile, waved slightly, and then turned toward the great hall. Xiao Yuan quickly followed.
Inside, the atmosphere was slightly oppressive, with numerous fully armed Burning Flame Valley disciples guarding the surroundings, making the hall feel even more solemn.
As Xiao Yuan stepped into the hall, his gaze swiftly swept across it. At the central seat sat Tang Zhen, still appearing energetic and dignified. On either side of him were two elderly men in red robes with hair and beards completely white. Their faces were stern, exuding a natural sense of authority. Although the formidable Dou Qi emanating from their bodies wasn't as profound as Tang Zhen's, it was undeniably powerful.
Below these two white-haired elders sat nearly ten other elders, all with impressive strength. Elder Chi Huo, who had escorted Xiao Yuan to Burning Flame Valley previously, was also among them. Clearly, they were all elders of Burning Flame Valley.
"Xiao Yuan greets Valley Chief Tang."
Under the oppressive atmosphere and numerous watchful eyes within the hall, Xiao Yuan calmly stepped forward and clasped his fists respectfully toward Tang Zhen, speaking clearly.
"Hehe, little friend Xiao Yuan, how is your recovery?"
Tang Zhen's smile widened slightly as he greeted Xiao Yuan.
"Thank you for your concern, Valley Chief Tang. I'm feeling quite well now," Xiao Yuan replied with a smile.
"You must be Xiao Yuan, the one seeking our Burning Flame Valley's Skyfire Three Mysterious Change, correct?"
A somewhat indifferent, elderly voice suddenly spoke up. Xiao Yuan turned his gaze, seeing that it belonged to one of the white-haired elders seated next to Tang Zhen.
Facing the elder's inquiry, Xiao Yuan nodded calmly.
"This old man is Wu Chen, Third Elder of Burning Flame Valley. You have assisted the Valley Chief greatly by refining the Fire Bodhisattva Pill. I'll thank you first on behalf of the Valley." Wu Chen's expression remained indifferent, continuing, "However, the Skyfire Three Mysterious Change is our Valley's supreme secret art. By tradition, it cannot be passed to outsiders. Could you possibly choose another condition?"
"As expected…"
Xiao Yuan sneered inwardly, anticipating things wouldn't go smoothly.
"Third Elder, this old man already promised Xiao Yuan. Are you now trying to make me go back on my word?"
Tang Zhen's expression darkened slightly from his seat.
Third Elder paused briefly at Tang Zhen's words, then said reluctantly, "Although Valley Chief agreed earlier, according to the rules…"
"Rules are rigid, but people are flexible. Am I, as Valley Chief, lacking even this much authority?"
Tang Zhen spoke calmly.
"Valley Chief, please don't get angry. Third Elder was simply following our Valley's regulations. After all, Skyfire Three Mysterious Change isn't an ordinary secret art. Handing it over to an outsider indeed warrants careful consideration, especially now that the Great Elder is here." The previously silent elder suddenly spoke. Glancing thoughtfully at Xiao Yuan, he added, "Besides, this Xiao Yuan is quite an extraordinary character, isn't he? This old man has heard much about your reputation!"
Tang Zhen was momentarily startled and looked questioningly at the Second Elder who had spoken.
The Second Elder fixed his gaze on Xiao Yuan, eyes narrowing slightly before speaking with a faint smile, "Some time ago, I happened to visit the Northern Region of the Central Plains. The biggest uproar recently was about a young man's conflict with Wind Lightning Pavilion. It was said he annihilated Wind, Cloud, Thunder, and Lightning, the Four Elders of the Northern Pavilion, and most of their Dou Huang and Dou Wang experts. Even Fei Tian's whereabouts remain unknown, yet the Pavilion's Lei Zun-zhe hasn't responded at all. Also, the Han family from Tian Bei City vanished afterward."
Tang Huo'er's eyes also flickered slightly, clearly familiar with this event.
"That young man's name was Xiao Yuan." Second Elder chuckled lightly, staring deeply at Xiao Yuan. "I suppose that Xiao Yuan is none other than you, right?"
Hearing this, everyone in the hall froze momentarily, then stared in astonishment at the handsome, white-robed youth. No one had expected this refined-looking young man, who displayed extraordinary alchemy skills, would also have such formidable power.
Wind Lightning Pavilion, though inferior to Burning Flame Valley, was still a significant force in the Central Plains. Xiao Yuan's ability to completely annihilate the Northern Pavilion and leave unharmed spoke volumes of his capabilities.
Tang Huo'er gazed intensely at Xiao Yuan, her competitive instincts flaring up once again. Among peers her age, she had hardly encountered anyone who could truly challenge her.
Second Elder smiled lightly and continued, "It's said your feud with Wind Lightning Pavilion began because you possessed their Three Thousand Lightning Movement. You're not a Wind Lightning Pavilion disciple, so where did you obtain it? Now you also want Burning Flame Valley's Skyfire Three Mysterious Change. Do you have a particular fascination with other people's Dou Techniques?"
Xiao Yuan smirked slightly, a trace of defiance appearing on his handsome face as he looked directly at Second Elder. "Three Thousand Lightning Movement was something I chanced upon. There's no need to explain further to Second Elder. As for Skyfire Three Mysterious Change—I already possess it!"
After speaking, Xiao Yuan waved his arm. Dark golden flames surged from his body as his aura immediately skyrocketed, directly rising to the peak of a five-star level.
"Skyfire Three Mysterious Change!"
Seeing the familiar blazing aura from Xiao Yuan, Tang Zhen's face changed drastically.
This was their Valley's closely guarded secret—how could Xiao Yuan possess it?
"I found this Skyfire Three Mysterious Change on a damaged jade piece. It's only a fragment containing the first transformation. Such jade storage devices are unique to Burning Flame Valley. In that sense, my connection with Burning Flame Valley isn't superficial. Second Elder said earlier I was an outsider—that might not be entirely accurate."
Xiao Yuan calmly ended the technique and smiled.
"Of course, you could also accuse me falsely, saying I killed a core disciple of Burning Flame Valley to obtain it—or, similar to Wind Lightning Pavilion, claim I stole their Three Thousand Lightning Movement."
Xiao Yuan folded his arms, his tone becoming sharp.
"In recent years, Burning Flame Valley hasn't experienced incidents like Wind Lightning Pavilion. Given your character, you wouldn't deceive me at this point. That jade piece you mentioned likely belonged to a fallen ancestor of ours. Since you've obtained part of Skyfire Three Mysterious Change and even saved Huo'er, it must indeed be destiny. Seen in this light, you really aren't an outsider."
Tang Zhen spoke trustingly. Xiao Yuan's openness had earned his respect.
However, Second Elder, having been rebuked, had a darkened expression.
"Xiao Yuan, this isn't Wind Lightning Pavilion! You cannot act so arrogantly here!" Third Elder Wu Chen reprimanded harshly.
"You're the arrogant one. Knowing I destroyed Wind Lightning Pavilion's Northern Branch, what qualifications do you have to shout at me? Or perhaps Second Elder knows only half the story—I'm also the Junior Pavilion Chief of Falling Star Pavilion. Besides, who do you two think you are to show me such attitudes? Is it because you doubt my status as a seventh-tier high-grade alchemist, or because you think your seniority surpasses mine?"
Xiao Yuan refused to give face to these old men. Even if the Valley's ancestor resurrected, Xiao Yuan wouldn't tolerate anyone blocking him from obtaining Skyfire Three Mysterious Change.
"You!"
Third and Second Elders' faces darkened immediately. They hadn't expected Xiao Yuan to speak so sharply. Yet, he was correct—a seventh-tier high-grade alchemist should be treated as an esteemed guest. It was already generous of him not to slight them, let alone endure their arrogant attitudes.
Tang Huo'er's eyes sparkled curiously. It was her first time seeing someone openly challenge these stubborn old men.
"Moreover, Skyfire Three Mysterious Change wasn't originally created by Burning Flame Valley. It's a secret for others, but nobody is more qualified than me to inherit it."
Tang Zhen's face abruptly changed at these words.
As an inheritor himself, Tang Zhen knew Xiao Yuan spoke the truth. The creator of Skyfire Three Mysterious Change was Xiao Xuan from the ancient Xiao clan—a friend of Burning Flame Valley's founder.
Xiao Xuan… Xiao Yuan…
It couldn't be a mere coincidence, could it?
"Such arrogance!" Third Elder lost control, immediately moving to reprimand Xiao Yuan physically.
"Third Elder, your temper is too large."
Xiao Yuan sneered coldly without personally acting. With a thought, a silver figure streaked with dark gold suddenly appeared, sending Third Elder flying with a single punch.
?!
This stunned even Tang Zhen, who had been preparing to intervene.
Tang Huo'er blinked her bright eyes, equally baffled by the unexpected turn.
How could someone hide beside Xiao Yuan without her father noticing?
Second Elder stared incredulously at the iron-like figure next to Xiao Yuan, exclaiming suspiciously, "You're... Fei Tian, Pavilion Chief of Wind Lightning Pavilion's Northern Pavilion?"
(END CHAPTER)
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