The tightly shut door creaked, gently pushed open. Xiao Yan stepped out slowly and then raised his gaze, looking beyond the room. Outside was a garden, full of vibrant and colorful flowers. As a gentle breeze swept through, the entire courtyard was filled with a faint, fragrant scent of blossoms that brought a sense of tranquility to the soul.
“Are you awake?” Just as Xiao Yan’s gaze swept around, a clear and melodious voice suddenly rang out. He followed the sound and saw a woman in red sitting cross-legged in a corner of the garden. She had a slender figure, which, from the side, formed a graceful curve extending from her long, elegant throat to her charming buttocks.
Xiao Yan had seen this woman before and knew she held a high status in the Burning Flame Valley. He smiled and nodded.
The woman in red stood up, her graceful figure even more striking. She walked briskly towards Xiao Yan and then flashed him a bright smile. “I’m Tang Huo’er. Thank you very much for your help.”
Standing so close, Xiao Yan could smell the faint, delicate fragrance emanating from the girl in front of him. Raising his eyes, he saw Tang Huo’er’s fair, delicate face tinged with a rosy glow. Xiao Yan had seen many beautiful women in his life, and while Tang Huo’er’s beauty might not match Cai Lin’s, she had her own unique charm. In her poise and demeanor, she exuded an unconventional, alluring presence.
After giving Tang Huo’er a once-over, Xiao Yan smiled and bowed. “Pleased to meet you, Miss Tang.”
“Don’t call me Miss Tang. If you don’t mind, just call me Huo’er. After all, you are my savior, so don’t be so formal.” Tang Huo’er waved her hand, dismissing the formality.
Huo’er, who showed no airs of being the daughter of the Burning Flame Valley’s leader, left a good impression on Xiao Yan. He laughed and nodded. He knew that Tang Zhen had needed to refine the Fire Bitter Pill because of this girl, but he didn’t ask too much about the reason for the potion; it was, after all, a personal matter.
“You’ve been unconscious for five days. Father said if you woke up, I should take you to see him. I think you want to meet him now, right?” Tang Huo’er scanned Xiao Yan with her bright, beautiful eyes and asked with a giggle.
“In that case, I’ll trouble you, Miss Huo’er,” Xiao Yan replied with a smile.
“Follow me, but may I ask why you’re so interested in our Burning Flame Valley’s Heavenly Fire Three Mystical Changes?” Tang Huo’er was about to turn away when something crossed her mind, and she curiously questioned.
Xiao Yan paused, then hesitantly replied, “I can only say that the Heavenly Fire Three Mystical Changes are extremely suitable for my cultivation.”
Tang Huo’er was slightly surprised by this answer. Raising an eyebrow, she said, “There is such a thing? But my father once mentioned that I also have a considerable talent for practicing the Heavenly Fire Three Mystical Changes.”
Xiao Yan was a bit taken aback, especially when he felt Tang Huo’er’s slightly heated gaze. He couldn’t help but smile bitterly. This girl seemed more competitive than some men.
Noticing Xiao Yan’s embarrassment, Tang Huo’er covered her mouth and laughed, turning to lead the way. “No matter what, since Father has promised you, I won’t say anything. But I must remind you, obtaining the Heavenly Fire Three Mystical Changes is not easy. Even if Father gives you the opportunity, without strength, it will be hard to acquire them.”
Xiao Yan nodded silently. The Heavenly Fire Three Mystical Changes were top-secret techniques of the Burning Flame Valley, and obtaining them would be exceedingly difficult. But he had already come here; he couldn’t give up now.
Following Tang Huo’er, Xiao Yan left the courtyard and walked towards the valley. Along the way, they encountered many disciples of the Burning Flame Valley, who all greeted Tang Huo’er respectfully. Not only did she hold a special position in the valley, but her cultivation talent was also remarkable, making her the envy of all.
Xiao Yan, walking beside Tang Huo’er, also received many curious glances. The disciples knew of the young alchemist who had helped their leader refine the potion. During the few days Xiao Yan was unconscious, his story became the talk of the valley.
Under the watchful eyes, Xiao Yan followed Tang Huo’er for ten minutes before stopping outside a majestic hall.
“The Heavenly Fire Three Mystical Changes are top-secret techniques of the Burning Flame Valley. According to the rules, they cannot be passed to outsiders. Even though Father is the leader, he cannot decide alone. After all, there is the Elder Council, and those old, stubborn fellows are not easy to deal with,” Tang Huo’er whispered.
Xiao Yan nodded, realizing that this mission would indeed be challenging.
“But don’t worry. Since Father promised, he will speak up for you. He is the leader, and even the Elder Council cannot easily reject his words,” Tang Huo’er added, seeming to comfort Xiao Yan.
Xiao Yan smiled and nodded. “Given Master Tang’s status, he wouldn’t play tricks on a nobody like me.”
“A nobody wouldn’t have the ability to refine a seventh-grade potion,” Tang Huo’er shot back, then, with a slightly serious tone, waved for Xiao Yan to follow her as she entered the hall. Xiao Yan hurriedly followed.
Led by Tang Huo’er, Xiao Yan smoothly entered the grand hall. The atmosphere inside was somewhat oppressive, with armed disciples of the Burning Flame Valley standing guard, adding to the solemnity.
Upon entering, Xiao Yan’s gaze swept the room. At the head of the hall sat Tang Zhen, still full of vitality. On either side of him were two white-bearded, red-robed elders. Their faces were somber, radiating a formidable presence. The most daunting feature was the immense, barely contained fighting aura emanating from their bodies. Though not as deep and unfathomable as Tang Zhen’s, it was still impressive.
Below the two white-bearded elders, nearly ten other elders sat, all of substantial strength. Among them was the Red Fire Elder who had met Xiao Yan on his arrival. They were all clearly members of the Elder Council.
“Rock Falcon greets Master Tang,” Xiao Yan declared, unflinching under the tense atmosphere and numerous gazes. He walked steadily forward and saluted Tang Zhen.
“Haha, friend Rock Falcon, how are you feeling?” Tang Zhen’s smile widened as he asked.
“Thanks to Master Tang’s concern, I am fine,” Xiao Yan replied with a smile.
“You are the Rock Falcon who wants our Burning Flame Valley’s Heavenly Fire Three Mystical Changes, correct?” A dispassionate, elderly voice spoke. Xiao Yan glanced at the elder seated beside Tang Zhen.
In response to the elder’s question, Xiao Yan nodded slowly.
“I am Wu Chen, the third elder of the Burning Flame Valley. On behalf of the valley, I thank you for helping the leader refine the Fire Bitter Pill. However, the Heavenly Fire Three Mystical Changes are a secret that cannot be passed on. Is there any other condition you would consider instead?”
“As expected…” Xiao Yan sneered inwardly, knowing it wouldn’t be easy.
“Third Elder, I have already promised Rock Falcon. Are you trying to make me break my word?” Tang Zhen’s expression turned stern.
Hearing this, the third elder hesitated. “Although the leader promised, according to the rules…”
“Rules are dead, people are alive. As the leader, don’t I have the authority to make such a decision?” Tang Zhen replied calmly.
“Leader, don’t be angry. The third elder only spoke because of the rules. After all, the Heavenly Fire Three Mystical Changes are no ordinary secret. Even if the first elder were here, he would deliberate carefully.” Another elder, who had remained silent, spoke up. Glancing at Xiao Yan, he added, “Besides, this young man called Rock Falcon has never shown his true face. Shouldn’t the leader be cautious about entrusting such a secret to an unknown person?”
Surprised by this, Tang Zhen frowned. He had long noticed Xiao Yan’s disguise but hadn’t exposed it.
“Second Elder, you overestimate me. Concealing my face is a precaution. If the Second Elder dislikes it, I’ll reveal myself.” Xiao Yan smiled, then removed his disguise, revealing his true face.
Xiao Yan, looking even younger, caused everyone, including Tang Zhen, to be taken aback.
The second elder fixed his gaze on Xiao Yan, squinting. After a while, he continued, “Recently, I visited the northern region of the Central Plains…”
Hearing this, Xiao Yan’s brow furrowed slightly.
“In the northern region, the most talked-about incident was a mysterious young man who had a grudge with the Wind Lightning Pavilion and single-handedly stormed Thunder Mountain. After defeating Feng Qing-er of the Wind Lightning Pavilion, he left.”
Ignoring Xiao Yan’s reaction, the second elder continued.
Tang Huo’er, sitting beside Tang Zhen, had a flash of interest in her eyes. She had heard of this incident as well.
“That young man is named Xiao Yan,” the second elder said with a light laugh. Then, looking deeply at Xiao Yan, he continued, “I think Xiao Yan and Rock Falcon are the same person, are they not?”
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