Chapter 299: What a Fierce Dou Technique, It Almost Scratched Me
"Something's wrong—this body has no life force... a puppet!?"
Tang Zhen immediately discerned the truth behind Fei Tian's state and exclaimed in astonishment.
"Valley Chief Tang, you've got sharp eyes. That old bastard tried to kill me, but lacked the strength. I turned him into a puppet. I needed someone to help carry the load while traveling, so I refined a few disposable things to avoid having to take action personally every time."
Xiao Yuan gave a casual smile as he glanced at Wu Chen, whose expression had darkened.
"Judging from its aura, this puppet is comparable to a peak Dou Zong expert. Little friend Xiao Yuan's strength is truly not to be underestimated," Tang Zhen remarked.
He had little patience for the two rigid elders. They knew full well Xiao Yuan was an honored guest and a tier-seven high-grade alchemist, yet still behaved so rudely. They deserved to be taught a lesson.
Furthermore, if Xiao Yuan truly was a descendant of Xiao Xuan, the original creator of the Skyfire Three Mysterious Change, then returning the secret technique to him was only right. Tang Zhen even felt he owed Xiao Yuan and had plans to compensate him with an additional advanced Dou Technique.
If they could win Xiao Yuan's friendship, it would be a great benefit to Burning Flame Valley.
These two stubborn old men needed to suffer a little.
"Oh, if Second Elder thinks one isn't enough, I've got four more."
As if recalling something, Xiao Yuan waved his hand, and four more figures lined up beside him, unleashing a terrifying aura.
"Those are… the Four Elders of Wind, Cloud, Thunder, and Lightning from the Northern Pavilion of Wind Lightning Pavilion?!"
Second Elder's expression contorted with shock. He didn't need Xiao Yuan to explain—he already understood.
Xiao Yuan had wiped out the entire Northern Pavilion!
This youth… was terrifying!
Unlike the reckless Third Elder, Second Elder began recalling what Xiao Yuan had said earlier.
That's right—this youth was the young master of Falling Star Pavilion. If word got out that Burning Flame Valley had broken its word to someone like that, it would severely damage their reputation. Besides, Falling Star Pavilion was no ordinary faction—its Pavilion Master, Wind Venerable, was a famed powerhouse of the Central Plains. Angering him would be disastrous.
Meanwhile, Tang Huo'er stood frozen in place.
These five from the Northern Pavilion had considerable renown in the Central Plains, yet now stood before her as puppets refined by Xiao Yuan.
Just how terrifying was his strength?
I really want to fight him!
That thought alone made Tang Huo'er visibly excited.
Seeing the two elders speechless, Tang Zhen gave them a cold glance and said calmly:
"This matter is settled. There's no need for you two to make things difficult for Xiao Yuan. As for the rules of the Valley, I'm aware of them. I never said I would simply hand over the Skyfire Three Mysterious Change.
"According to our regulations, core disciples who pass the test may obtain the technique. If Xiao Yuan passes the test, then no one may object—any who do will be punished according to Valley rules!"
His final words carried unmistakable weight.
Hearing this, the two elders exchanged a glance. Their expressions shifted, and after a moment's hesitation, Second Elder could only say reluctantly, "As the Valley Chief sees fit."
"Mmm. Considering Xiao Yuan has the strength to slay the Northern Pavilion Master and four elders of Wind Lightning Pavilion, there's no need for a test," Tang Zhen continued.
"Valley Chief… this—?" the two elders began, startled.
But they were immediately silenced as five puppets surrounded them. At the same time, Xiao Yuan blurred and split into a second figure shimmering with azure lightning.
Three Thousand Lightning Illusion?
Seven against two???
"Not convinced? Then why not see if you can get past little friend Xiao Yuan's puppets first?" Tang Zhen asked, smiling faintly.
"Ahem, Valley Chief jests. We have no objections."
Second Elder's face twitched violently as he gave in.
With that, the hall fell silent. The other elders exchanged looks, letting out bitter chuckles. They all knew how powerful Second Elder was—at the peak of Dou Zong and a step away from Dou Sheng. If he had backed down, what could they possibly say?
More importantly, they couldn't beat Xiao Yuan's puppets either.
"Wait—how do we know you really killed Fei Tian? Maybe your master did, and you just refined the corpse. That aura earlier was strong, sure, but do you dare spar with me? If you lose, you won't get the Skyfire Three Mysterious Change. But I'll let you pick a high-tier Dou Technique from the Valley. If you win, you can have both."
Third Elder seemed unwilling to back down, snorting coldly.
"Oh? Third Elder must be quite generous. If you're willing to bet an entire high-tier Earth-class technique set, then I might consider it. But if you're bluffing, I'd suggest you spar with Fei Tian instead."
Xiao Yuan smiled playfully as he waved his hand—Fei Tian's puppet stepped forward.
Feeling the immense pressure, Third Elder's face turned unnatural.
He'd already tasted this puppet's power—if it went all-out, he wouldn't be able to stop it.
But this brat was too greedy! Asking for a full technique set?
Still, Xiao Yuan saw no issue. Skyfire Three Mysterious Change was rightfully his. If Third Elder wanted to stir trouble, he'd have to pay the price.
"Hmph, fine! I accept!" Third Elder finally declared.
"Don't worry, Valley Chief. I won't injure him. I only stepped in because Skyfire Three Mysterious Change is our top-tier technique," Third Elder added, turning toward Tang Zhen.
Tang Zhen gave him a withering look and muttered, "Stubborn old fool."
Then, as if that weren't enough, he added coldly, "Even if you win, I'm still giving the technique to Xiao Yuan. If you don't like it, come challenge me."
That left Third Elder's face livid.
He wasn't Tang Zhen's match. The gap between Dou Zong and Dou Sheng was vast and daunting.
"This hall is too cramped. Let's take it outside. I imagine the disciples would be interested too. Might do them some good."
Third Elder glanced around and stepped toward the hall's exit.
"Third Elder, you're so generous—letting me win glory and even gifting me a whole technique. I'll remember your kindness."
Xiao Yuan smiled as he withdrew his puppets.
"…"
Third Elder didn't know how to respond to such shamelessness, so he simply flung his sleeve and quickened his pace.
Outside the hall was a wide open space. Visibility was excellent, and a ring of lush trees surrounded the grounds.
Xiao Yuan stood calmly, Dou Qi slowly surging inside him, energy flooding every corner of his body.
Behind him, a crowd of elders filed out—led by Tang Zhen, Tang Huo'er, and Second Elder. This hall was a common place for disciples to gather, so many of them had already noticed the commotion. In less than ten minutes, a dense mass of red-clothed disciples surrounded the area.
Ignoring the growing crowd, Xiao Yuan kept his eyes on the white-haired, red-robed elder across from him—Wu Chen.
Wu Chen stood with hands behind his back, a faint smile on his face. Although he'd heard tales of Xiao Yuan, he wasn't easily convinced. Hearsay was nothing—seeing was believing.
From the platform, Tang Zhen narrowed his eyes at Wu Chen and then looked at Xiao Yuan. "I'm curious about your strength too. Feel free to go all out—I'll back you."
Xiao Yuan smiled and nodded.
Seeing Xiao Yuan hadn't backed down, Wu Chen smiled more broadly and said, "No need for more talk. If you beat me, Skyfire Three Mysterious Change and my Earth-class Dou Technique set are yours. If not—"
"Third Elder jokes. You won't beat me," Xiao Yuan replied calmly.
Hearing this clear exchange, the crowd of disciples gasped. Though they respected Xiao Yuan's alchemy skills, martial strength was another matter. Wu Chen was a senior elder, almost a Dou Sheng. Xiao Yuan, a young man not much older than them, was planning to defeat him?
Wu Chen took a step forward, a tide of crimson Dou Qi erupting from his body like a sea of fire. His hair fluttered and robe flapped violently—the pressure was tremendous.
"Ready?" Wu Chen's voice echoed, filled with raw force.
Xiao Yuan stepped back lightly, Dou Qi churning faster. His expression turned serious. "Make your move."
Wu Chen laughed thunderously and disappeared in a flash!
To most disciples, it seemed like he'd vanished. But to Xiao Yuan's eyes, a red blur streaked toward him like a bullet.
Xiao Yuan narrowed his eyes. Blue lightning crackled underfoot, and his body flickered!
"Bang!"
A flaming fist appeared suddenly, slamming into Xiao Yuan's chest. But it passed through—just a mirage.
"A mirage? Hmph. Must be Wind Lightning Pavilion's Three Thousand Lightning Movement. Not bad."
Unbothered by the miss, Wu Chen sneered. Flames wreathed his palms, which grew in size—like giant fans.
Dozens of meters away, Xiao Yuan appeared, robes fluttering, face calm as a celestial immortal—eliciting admiring glances from many female disciples.
Even Tang Huo'er's eyes shimmered.
Xiao Yuan had always been handsome, but with the contrast of Wu Chen's fury, his image was all the more striking.
Still, Xiao Yuan felt some caution. That earlier strike revealed Wu Chen's strength surpassed Fei Tian's. If it landed, it could easily injure him.
Sensing danger again, Xiao Yuan sidestepped.
"Whoosh!"
A massive red palm narrowly grazed his side, its searing Dou Qi nearly tearing his protective energy.
"Pure Yang Soft Palm!"
Before Xiao Yuan could retreat, Wu Chen's hand abruptly extended and twisted, slapping his waist.
"Bang!"
The blow sent Xiao Yuan flying. He twisted midair and landed with a soft step, glancing down. His robe was scorched, revealing lean muscles veined with flickering blue lightning.
He nodded—Wu Chen's technique was trickier than expected.
But thanks to the Devil Lightning Body Technique, this level of attack couldn't harm him.
Dozens of meters away, Wu Chen emerged, flexing his flaming hands.
"Pure Yang Soft Palm—one of Burning Flame Valley's high-grade techniques. At mastery, the arms can extend at will, providing unexpected strikes."
Xiao Yuan grinned and replied with a line that made Wu Chen's face darken instantly:
"Impressive. Almost left a scratch."
(END CHAPTER)
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