Chapter 301: Huo'er
"Young friend, your strength truly opened this old man's eyes!"
As Xiao Yan landed back on the ground, Tang Zhen greeted him with a smile, while Tang Huo'er, standing nearby, had a glimmer of wonder in her eyes.
That formidable aura just now, along with the techniques only a Dou Zun expert could wield, couldn't have been faked.
In other words, this young man possessed the ability to battle a Dou Zun!
"The Valley Master is flattering me. If I were to truly fight a Dou Zun expert, I'm afraid I wouldn't gain much of an advantage."
Xiao Yan smiled bitterly. The ease with which he had torn open space earlier was actually due to borrowing some methods from the Heavenly Flame Venerable.
Otherwise, manipulating space with that level of force wouldn't have been such a simple matter.
"Hehe, no need to be so modest. Since you've already won, come with me to inherit the Three Profound Changes of Heavenly Flame. I'm also quite curious whether this technique truly has some fate tied to you."
Tang Zhen waved his hand. No matter what, Xiao Yan had indeed displayed Dou Zun-level strength. With the help of a Heavenly Flame, no one of the same level could possibly be his match.
That much was clear to him.
"Then I thank the Valley Master."
Xiao Yan responded with a smile.
Tang Zhen gave a slight nod, glanced around, and said, "Everyone disperse."
Hearing this, the numerous Burning Flame Valley disciples surrounding them quickly responded with respectful voices. They withdrew the curious gazes cast toward Xiao Yan and began conversing quietly as they dispersed. Yet even as they left, astonished voices still echoed in the distance—clearly, Xiao Yan's performance today had left a deep impression.
Tang Zhen then turned and walked toward the deeper parts of the valley. Tang Huo'er followed quickly, and Xiao Yan also hurried to catch up.
"The Three Profound Changes of Heavenly Flame is one of Burning Flame Valley's top secret techniques, so it's usually stored in the valley's Dou Technique Pavilion."
As they followed behind Tang Zhen, Tang Huo'er said with a soft smile to Xiao Yan.
Xiao Yan smiled and nodded at her.
"Hey, how did you train to become that strong?"
Tang Huo'er asked with curiosity.
"Well, I had some luck and gained some opportunities. I was using a secret technique to boost my strength earlier—it's not a permanent thing. You're giving me too much credit."
Naturally, Xiao Yan wouldn't reveal everything to Tang Huo'er, so he responded with a light chuckle.
"Oh, okay. If there's a chance, let's spar sometime. Among my peers, I rarely find a worthy opponent. I've been looking for someone suitable. If you're not in a hurry, could you stay in the valley a few more days?"
Tang Huo'er asked with a hopeful glint in her eyes.
"This..."
Xiao Yan hesitated, then glanced at Tang Zhen and at the expectant expression on Tang Huo'er's face. In the end, he nodded.
"Alright. I happen to need some time to cultivate my alchemy skills, so staying a while could be beneficial."
As he finished speaking, the smile on Tang Huo'er's face grew even brighter.
As they chatted, the cobblestone path beneath their feet seemed to grow shorter. When Xiao Yan noticed Tang Zhen stopping ahead, he finally looked up. At the end of the path was a structure hidden among lush trees. On its facade, the words "Dou Technique Pavilion" faintly glowed.
"This is our Dou Technique Pavilion. Normally, entry is forbidden."
Tang Huo'er explained from beside Xiao Yan.
Xiao Yan nodded slightly and swept his gaze across the surrounding woods. He could sense some hidden auras—guards of the Dou Technique Pavilion, no doubt.
"Follow me. The Three Profound Changes of Heavenly Flame is our top secret technique, so the complete inheritance can only be obtained here."
Tang Zhen gestured for Xiao Yan to follow, then walked toward the tall building. Xiao Yan quickly followed.
As they arrived before the pavilion, three figures leapt down from the top of the building and transformed into three red-robed elders who bowed respectfully toward Tang Zhen.
"Elders, please open the pavilion."
Tang Zhen waved and spoke calmly.
The three elders, whose bodies radiated with overwhelming auras, cast their gazes toward Xiao Yan, then nodded. They simultaneously formed mysterious hand seals. Scarlet beams of light shot from their hands toward the tightly shut doors of the building.
As the red light struck, ripples surged across the surface of the doors. Moments later, with a deep creak, the doors slowly opened.
Seeing this, Tang Zhen stepped inside first, with Xiao Yan and Tang Huo'er following closely.
Once inside, the lighting dimmed. Rows of neatly arranged high shelves filled their view. Scrolls of various colors lined the wooden racks. But Tang Zhen didn't pause and headed directly for the upper floors.
The pavilion had three levels, and they ascended directly to the third before stopping.
The third floor was relatively small and sparse. Each corner was shrouded in dense light, and beyond those lights, the space seemed distorted—clearly, powerful defenses were in place.
"Don't touch anything here. It could cause trouble."
Tang Zhen warned, then moved to the center of the room, where a cluster of red light hovered. He tapped quickly with both hands, dispersing the red glow to reveal a red crystal orb the size of a head.
Suspended in midair, the orb glowed crimson. Inside, countless mysterious runes seemed to float—an incredibly magical sight.
"This is Burning Flame Valley's inheritance crystal. It contains not only the complete technique for the Three Profound Changes of Heavenly Flame but also improvements and insights from past generations of our elders."
Tang Zhen smiled faintly.
Xiao Yan's eyes lit up with joy. With this, he could grasp the full technique quickly, and perhaps even improve it himself in the future.
"Thank you!"
Taking a deep breath, Xiao Yan cupped his fists solemnly toward Tang Zhen.
"You saved Huo'er's life. Consider this your reward. I only have one daughter, after all," Tang Zhen said with a smile. "Alright, place your soul into the crystal, and you'll receive the inheritance. But since this is a forbidden area, I'll remain here to supervise."
Xiao Yan had no objections. The Dou Technique Pavilion was a vital place for any sect—he'd do the same if roles were reversed.
He stepped forward, exhaled lightly, and placed his hands on the fiery red crystal. Closing his eyes, his soul energy surged through his palms and into the orb.
The moment his soul entered, Xiao Yan's body shuddered as a thunderous roar echoed in his mind. A massive stream of information flooded in like a tidal wave. Even someone of Xiao Yan's caliber felt momentarily overwhelmed.
Yet as his eyes remained closed, he didn't notice the dazzling crimson light suddenly bursting from the crystal, bathing the entire pavilion in a radiance like a blazing sun.
Tang Zhen and Tang Huo'er stood dumbfounded. After exchanging glances, they both gasped.
This crystal not only passed on secret techniques—it also tested talent. The brighter the glow, the greater the aptitude. Tang Huo'er had triggered a reaction before, but compared to the current radiance, hers was like a firefly next to the sun.
"He really is suited for this technique..."
Tang Huo'er murmured in astonishment. It truly felt as if this skill had been created just for him.
Tang Zhen's shock slowly faded, replaced by a look of regret.
"Sigh... If this boy were a disciple of our valley, we might see another figure like the Flame Ancestor rise once more..."
"Flame Ancestor?"
Tang Huo'er blinked in surprise at Tang Zhen's murmur.
Tang Zhen chuckled and glanced at Xiao Yan, still immersed in the crystal's world. Placing his hands behind his back, he looked up with respect in his eyes.
"The Flame Ancestor was our valley's founder. But so much time has passed that many have forgotten the name of this peerless expert."
Tang Huo'er stuck out her tongue. It was the first time she'd heard of the Flame Ancestor. The passage of time truly was long.
"Was he strong?" she asked with curiosity.
"Strong doesn't begin to cover it. During his time, the Dou Qi Continent had five supreme experts, each representing the peak of power. The Flame Ancestor was one of them, just a step away from becoming a legendary Dou Di."
Tang Zhen's tone held deep reverence.
"Dou Di..."
Tang Huo'er's beautiful face filled with awe. That title alone carried boundless weight, reducing all others to ants beneath it.
"Who were the other four?"
Tang Zhen pondered, then said, "It's hard to remember their names, but three belonged to the top factions—Ancient Clan, Soul Hall, and Pill Tower."
"They're all top-tier powers even now," Tang Huo'er marveled. "What about the fifth one? Was it from the Flower Sect or Heavenly Nether Sect?"
Tang Zhen shook his head with a frown. "That person didn't belong to any current top faction. But I do remember his name because our ancestral records noted he had a close bond with the Flame Ancestor. Allegedly, he was the one who created the Three Profound Changes of Heavenly Flame."
"He created it?!"
Tang Huo'er gasped in disbelief.
"That's what the records say, though it's impossible to verify after so long."
Tang Zhen nodded.
"So what was his name?"
Growing more curious, Tang Huo'er asked eagerly.
Tang Zhen stroked his beard and, with a touch of nostalgia, said slowly:
"Xiao Xuan. Earlier, Xiao Yan claimed no one was more qualified to inherit this technique. That's likely the reason. Even among the elders, few know of this. It's not something that will spread. Judging by Xiao Yan's talent, if he really is that mighty expert's descendant, it would explain everything."
A look of regret returned to Tang Zhen's face.
"What a shame. If only Xiao Yan were a disciple of our valley, perhaps we'd see another Flame Ancestor rise!"
"Dad, aren't you overestimating him by comparing him to our Flame Ancestor?"
Though Tang Huo'er admired Xiao Yan, comparing him to a legendary figure seemed a bit much.
"Hehe, with my eyes, it's clear—Xiao Yan's barely over twenty, yet excels in both alchemy and Dou Qi. His talent far surpasses yours! It won't be long before he stands atop the continent."
Tang Zhen looked at the meditating Xiao Yan with deep appreciation and sighed.
Tang Huo'er pouted, but didn't disagree. The strength Xiao Yan had displayed earlier was enough for the valley to treat him as a Dou Zun.
A twenty-year-old seventh-tier senior alchemist and a Dou Zun...
That kind of terrifying talent was unheard of even across all of Central Plains.
"Honestly, those old geezers are too stubborn. The valley could've formed a close bond with him, but recent incidents have likely caused some tension. Huo'er, if you like him, try to get close. But be careful. Someone like him is bound to be surrounded by admirers—I'm afraid that enchanting woman earlier is just one of many. Think it through."
Tang Zhen paused, sighed, then offered his heartfelt advice.
"Dad! What are you saying?!"
Tang Huo'er had been nodding along, but by the end her face flushed red and she couldn't help but protest.
(END CHAPTER)
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