Chapter 1053: Striving for Support

“Three Mystic Transformations of Heavenly Fire?” Upon hearing Xiao Yan’s words, Tang Zhen and the red-clad woman beside him were both taken aback. Their brows furrowed slightly. The Three Mystic Transformations of Heavenly Fire was one of the treasures of the Blazing Flame Valley. Although this secret technique might be considered worthless to some, it was a powerful weapon for those who possessed unusual flames within them! The Three Mystic Transformations of Heavenly Fire could awaken the hidden flames within a person and channel them in a unique way, bursting with incredible strength in a short time. Each transformation could unleash a different flame, and when three transformations were combined, the surge in power was frightening. Of course, the energy released by these flames was extremely violent. If one’s body wasn’t strong enough, attempting to unleash it would only result in a backlash. Therefore, even within the Blazing Flame Valley, the Three Mystic Transformations of Heavenly Fire was kept under strict control. Only the true core disciples could learn the first transformation. The remaining two transformations required one’s contribution to the sect and their innate talent. Thus, if one truly tallied it up, those who had mastered the complete Three Mystic Transformations of Heavenly Fire in the entire Blazing Flame Valley could be counted on one hand. And since even the valley’s own disciples found it difficult to master all three, it underscored how vital this technique was to the Blazing Flame Valley.

Xiao Yan fixed his gaze on Tang Zhen, his fists slowly clenching inside his sleeves. He was determined to acquire the Three Mystic Transformations of Heavenly Fire. If Tang Zhen refused, he would have to devise a more cunning plan…

The people in the hall were also extremely surprised by Xiao Yan’s request. They hadn’t expected him to be so audacious. The Three Mystic Transformations of Heavenly Fire was such an advanced secret technique. Though it might be useless to some, for others, it held immense appeal. Countless outsiders longed to obtain it, and this young man had quite an appetite.

Tang Zhen remained silent for a while, then slowly shook his head, looking at Xiao Yan. “The Three Mystic Transformations of Heavenly Fire is one of the Blazing Flame Valley’s treasures. According to the rules, it cannot be passed on to outsiders. Even as the Valley Master, I cannot break this rule. So, why don’t you choose something else?”

Xiao Yan’s heart sank. It seemed he had underestimated the importance of the Three Mystic Transformations of Heavenly Fire within the Blazing Flame Valley. Was he going to give up just like that? The Three Mystic Transformations of Heavenly Fire was almost tailor-made for Xiao Yan. With multiple strange flames within him, the combined power would be terrifying once all three transformations were unleashed. Therefore, Xiao Yan was determined to obtain it at all costs.

“Valley Master Tang, the Three Mystic Transformations of Heavenly Fire is extremely important to me. Can’t you make an exception, just this once?” Xiao Yan persisted, unwilling to give up.

Tang Zhen sighed and waved his hand. “Friend Yao Xiao, other techniques or battle skills in the Blazing Flame Valley are also not ordinary. Choosing something else could still be very helpful to you.”

Xiao Yan’s brows furrowed. After a moment, he asked, “Master Tang, is the pill you’re about to refine very important to you?”

Tang Zhen hesitated for a moment, then glanced at the red-clad woman, nodding slowly. “Yes, it is very important. And it must be successfully refined within the next six months. I already have plans; if this refinement fails, I will seek help from the old fellows of the Pill Tower.”

“But you didn’t directly seek help from the Pill Tower. I assume the price for their assistance would be extremely high, correct?” Xiao Yan said softly, then continued. “So, may I ask what the success rate would be with my assistance and this Master Illusionist helping you refine the pill?”

Tang Zhen’s brows furrowed. After a moment, he slowly responded, “Fifty percent.”

This was the highest estimate he could give. This pill was not like ordinary pills; refining it was exceptionally difficult.

“Refining a pill with strange flames can increase the success rate. With my help, the success rate should improve,” Xiao Yan smiled and said. He was not being arrogant; he had confidence in his alchemy skills, and his soul power, which was much stronger than that of a typical tier seven alchemist, gave him the assurance to say this.

Hearing Xiao Yan’s words, Tang Zhen looked at him somewhat surprised. But after the previous test, his doubts were minimal. This young man, despite his apparent youth, seemed quite extraordinary.

“I’m not boasting. I am simply trying to tell you, Valley Master Tang, that inviting me is not a wrong decision. This small increment in success rate might lead to results that exceed your expectations,” Xiao Yan said, his gaze steady on Tang Zhen.

Tang Zhen’s finger lightly traced the tabletop. “Friend Yao Xiao, you still haven’t given up on the Three Mystic Transformations of Heavenly Fire?”

“If Master Tang feels that this pill is more important to you than the Three Mystic Transformations of Heavenly Fire, perhaps we can try…” Xiao Yan’s eyes subtly swept over the red-clad goddess beside him, speaking softly.

Xiao Yan’s words made Tang Zhen pause. His brows tightened, and he glanced at the red-clad woman. After a long moment of contemplation, he slowly nodded. “This pill is indeed extremely important to me, more important than the Three Mystic Transformations of Heavenly Fire.”

Pausing, Tang Zhen then pointed at Xiao Yan and laughed, “Friend Yao Xiao, your eloquence is impressive. Though you’ve certainly lowered the value of our Blazing Flame Valley’s Three Mystic Transformations of Heavenly Fire, I must admit, I agree with you. However, the Blazing Flame Valley has its own rules, which even I cannot change.”

Hearing this, Xiao Yan opened his mouth but could only smile bitterly. If persuasion was futile, there was nothing more he could do.

“However…” Tang Zhen looked at Xiao Yan and changed his tone, “If you can truly help me succeed in refining this pill, I might be able to give you a chance. If you can seize it, the Three Mystic Transformations of Heavenly Fire will belong to you.”

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan was pleasantly surprised. Although Tang Zhen had not directly promised him the technique, at least there was a glimmer of hope. No matter how slim, it was better than breaking ties with the Blazing Flame Valley. Xiao Yan had witnessed the strength of the Wind and Lightning Pavilion, and the Blazing Flame Valley, known as one of the three great valleys, was even stronger. Avoiding conflict with them would be best.

“In that case, thank you, Valley Master Tang,” Xiao Yan bowed with a smile.

Tang Zhen waved his hand and sighed. “Don’t thank me yet. Everything depends on the success of the pill. Even if the pill is successfully refined, whether you can take the Three Mystic Transformations of Heavenly Fire relies on your own capability.”

Xiao Yan nodded. He knew that acquiring the Three Mystic Transformations of Heavenly Fire without any obstacles was nearly impossible.

“Since there are no further issues, please allow everyone to rest in the guest quarters. Chihuo…”

Seeing that there were no more questions, Tang Zhen signaled to Elder Chihuo, who immediately came forward and clasped his hands. “Everyone, please follow me.”

Seeing this, Xiao Yan and the others stood up, bowed to Tang Zhen, and followed Elder Chihuo out of the hall.

As Xiao Yan and the others left, the hall fell silent. Tang Zhen’s smile faded, and he let out a sigh.

“Father, are you really going to give the Three Mystic Transformations of Heavenly Fire to this Yao Xiao?” The red-clad woman turned, her beautiful eyes looking at Tang Zhen. Her teeth gnawed at her lower lip.

“Ah, Huo-er, you know how important this pill is. When you tried to forcefully fuse the Nine Dragons Thunder Flame, you suffered a backlash. Although you survived, the consequences are severe. If this continues, you will wither within a year.”

Tang Zhen’s eyes filled with fatherly love as he stood, patting the red-clad woman’s shoulder. “My chances of successfully refining this pill are indeed, as Yao Xiao said, not high. Although he is young, I believe he has the ability. His help should greatly increase the success rate.”

“But the Three Mystic Transformations of Heavenly Fire is a top-secret technique of the Blazing Flame Valley. Even if Father agrees, the council will not approve easily…”

The red-clad woman’s eyes reddened, and she whispered, “It’s all because of that boy, being so audacious.”

“He may be blunt, but he is capable. At such a young age, he can tame strange flames. If he had a strong ally, it would be understandable, but to do it alone is truly terrifying.”

Tang Zhen smiled. “I will give Yao Xiao a chance. If he can prove himself like a core disciple, the council will have no complaints. After all, I am still the Valley Master.”

The red-clad woman could only nod, biting her silver teeth. “Blame that guy for being so demanding.”

Tang Zhen smiled and patted the red-clad woman’s head. “Go and prepare. We’ll start refining the pill this afternoon. If successful, it will lift a heavy burden from my heart… I’m curious what Yao Xiao can do. I hope he lives up to my expectations…”

(Second update completed! Working on the third…)