"I am Tang Zhen of Fenyang Valley, may I ask if Young Master Xiao is present?"
Xiao Li stepped forward, sizing up Tang Zhen, and said, "Valley Master Tang, you've come in person. What can I do for you?"
"Please come in first."
Xiao Li ushered Tang Zhen into the house.
Tang Zhen was also secretly observing him.
Although rumors claimed that this Young Master Xiao was young and promising, with unfathomable strength,
when Tang Zhen saw him in person today, he was still shocked by Xiao Li's youthful appearance.
There was no shortage of prodigies in Central Plains, but those who could reach Xiao Li's level were few and far between—whether it was the battle in the Tianmu Mountain Range or the conflict with Ice River Valley in Tianye City two days ago, Xiao Li's reputation had spread.
These two battle achievements alone were enough for Xiao Li's name to be remembered by the major forces in Central Plains.
Moreover, in addition to his strength, Xiao Li also possessed an extraordinary alchemy skill.
In fact, no one in Central Plains had actually witnessed Xiao Li refining pills, but they all knew that he could effortlessly produce Seventh-Grade Pills as if they were worthless.
If he didn't possess the ability to easily refine Seventh-Grade Pills himself, it would be impossible for him to be so generous in giving them to others.
And Tang Zhen's purpose in coming today was precisely because of Xiao Li's identity as an Alchemist.
"Young Master Xiao, I will be straightforward then."
"I've heard that Young Master Xiao's alchemy skill is exquisite. May I boldly ask, what grade of Alchemist is Young Master Xiao currently?"
Xiao Li smiled mysteriously and said, "Whatever grade you think I am, that's what I am."
This answer clearly showed his displeasure with Tang Zhen's question.
Since he had come in person, why not state his request immediately instead of asking useless things and wasting time?
Tang Zhen was not foolish; he quickly understood, a hint of embarrassment appearing on his face, and then he said,
"To be honest, I currently need to refine a Seventh-Grade high-level pill, so I need a few Seventh-Grade Alchemists to help."
"I heard that Young Master Xiao's alchemy skill is superb, so I would like to ask for Young Master Xiao's help. Of course, the remuneration will certainly not be lacking."
Xiao Li did not answer immediately, but instead said, "Valley Master Tang, I am very expensive. Can you afford me?"
Seventh-Grade high-level pill? With his Heavenly Realm soul and Seventh-Grade Alchemist techniques, he could refine it casually.
In fact, if he were willing to put in a little more effort, he would have already become an Eighth-Grade Alchemist.
Refining a Seventh-Grade high-level pill was very simple for him.
But the prerequisite was, what would Tang Zhen use to persuade him?
One must know, his worth was very high!
Tang Zhen showed a thoughtful expression, then solemnly said, "If Young Master Xiao is willing to help with this, then our Fenyang Valley will forever be Young Master Xiao's most reliable ally!"
Remuneration was not limited to cultivation techniques, fighting skills, or pills.
Many things could serve as remuneration, such as favors or connections.
After all, the martial world was not just about fighting; it was about human relationships and social etiquette.
"Very good, Valley Master Tang, I accept this remuneration."
Xiao Li had no interest in cultivation techniques or fighting skills; he had plenty of those.
But the alliance with Fenyang Valley was worth it.
Xiao Li had not yet established his own force, mainly because it was too difficult.
In a place like Central Plains, establishing a new force among other long-standing powers was not so easy.
So Xiao Li had never considered building a force from scratch himself.
However, establishing relationships with other forces was feasible.
Although his own strength was formidable, two fists are no match for four hands; having more friends opened more paths, and there was no harm in it.
Furthermore, Fenyang Valley's strength was also quite high in Central Plains, making them worthy of befriending.
"Then when will Young Master Xiao be free to depart?"
"I can leave now."
"That's for the best."
Tang Zhen wanted it to be as soon as possible.
Thus, Xiao Li quickly packed up and set off for Fenyang Valley with Tang Zhen.
This time, Xiao Li did not bring anyone, even leaving Medusa in Tianbei City.
Medusa's attitude had changed considerably now, and Xiao Li no longer needed to forcibly keep her by his side... Fenyang Valley, one of the 'Three Valleys', with strength comparable to Ice River Valley and Sound Valley.
Fenyang Valley was located within the Blazing Fire Mountain Range, where strong, scorching fire elemental energy permeated year-round, and even fiery red lava could be seen flowing on the surface of the mountain range.
In such a harsh environment, ordinary people could not stay here for long, let alone live here.
However, Fenyang Valley cultivated fire-attribute cultivation techniques, making this environment an excellent cultivation treasure ground for them.
Xiao Li and Tang Zhen quickly flew, arriving at the Blazing Fire Mountain Range.
Subsequently, Tang Zhen opened Fenyang Valley's barrier, officially leading Xiao Li into Fenyang Valley.
Passing through the barrier, the interior revealed the true appearance of Fenyang Valley.
The first thing they saw were the fiery red pavilions in the distance, filled with enthusiasm.
"Young Master Xiao, please."
Tang Zhen continued to lead the way.
Along the way was a long bluestone path, with vines growing on both sides.
Although Fenyang Valley was built within the Blazing Fire Mountain Range, it didn't feel excessively hot here; it was similar to a normal environment.
The barrier blocked all the heat outside.
The two arrived at the main hall.
At this moment, a beautiful woman in a red dress saw Tang Zhen and quickly ran over,
"Daddy, you're back!"
"Yes, Huo'er, this is Young Master Xiao Li."
"Young Master Xiao, this is my daughter, Tang Huo'er."
Tang Huo'er curiously observed Xiao Li.
She only knew that Tang Zhen was going to find a Grandmaster Alchemist to help her refine the fire bodhi pill, but she didn't expect Tang Zhen to bring back such a young man.
He looked only one or two years older than herself, right?
Did he have the ability to refine the fire bodhi pill?
Although she was puzzled, Tang Huo'er still curtsied obediently: "Huo'er greets Young Master Xiao."
Xiao Li merely nodded calmly in response.
At this moment, another elder in an Alchemist robe walked out of the main hall,
"Valley Master Tang, have you found help?"
"I have. Allow me to introduce you, this is Young Master Xiao Li, who has recently gained great renown."
"Young Master Xiao, this is Master Huan, an honored elder of the Pill Tower."
Tang Zhen gave them a brief introduction.
"So it's Young Master Xiao, I've heard much about you." Master Huan greeted him politely.
"Greetings, Master Huan." Xiao Li returned the courtesy.
After all, the other party was an elder of the Pill Tower, so he had to show some respect.
"You two rest first; we will begin refining the pill tomorrow morning."
"Alright."
Neither of them had any objections.
"Huo'er, take Young Master Xiao to rest." Tang Zhen said.
"Yes, Daddy."
Tang Huo'er nodded and led Xiao Li towards the guest room courtyard.
Xiao Li walked behind, the graceful back of the red-clad young woman in front of him.
Soon, the two arrived at a courtyard,
"We're here, Young Master Xiao can stay here for the next two days." Tang Huo'er pointed to one of the rooms.
Xiao Li nodded, about to leave.
At this moment, Tang Huo'er suddenly said,
"Young Master Xiao, if the fire bodhi pill is successfully refined this time, I would like to have a match with you."
...