Hearing Xiao Yan’s words, Xin Lan also gave a faint smile, then took a deep breath, organizing her thoughts for a moment before slowly speaking: “In fact, the clue to the flame I’m talking about is also related to the Alchemist Tower. My family once held a seat among the elders of the Alchemist Tower, so I do have some knowledge regarding this matter.”
“Alchemist Tower again?” Hearing this, Xiao Yan’s brow furrowed slightly. If the strange flame was in the hands of the Alchemist Tower, how could he possibly snatch it? The Alchemist Tower was not like the Gana Academy; they would never allow their strange flames to fall into the hands of others. Moreover, although Xiao Yan wasn’t sure about the exact power of the Flame Valley, he knew, even through some vague speculation, that it certainly couldn’t match the might of the Alchemist Tower. In such a case, wouldn’t he be choosing to offend an even more powerful organization by targeting the Alchemist Tower? If that were the case, he might as well focus on the Flame Valley, as it would be somewhat easier.
“Don’t worry about that. The Heavenly Flame of the Nine Lightning Dragons is the heritage of the Flame Valley, which makes it a claimed treasure. However, the flame I’m referring to, though linked to the Alchemist Tower, remains unclaimed to this day. Anyone capable enough can obtain it; even the Alchemist Tower will not stand against such a fateful event. After all, they are not like the Flame Valley—they hold a rather unique position on the continent,” Xin Lan hastened to explain, as if aware of what Xiao Yan was thinking.
Xiao Yan’s brows relaxed slightly. He glanced at Su Qian beside him and, after seeing the latter nod, said, “Be a little more specific. And, since you know all this, you should also know which type of strange flame we’re talking about, right?”
“Big Brother Xiao Yan, rest assured. Xin Lan believes that this strange flame of the Alchemist Tower will definitely capture your interest.” Xin Lan smiled brightly, tilting her snow-white chin up. “Have you, Big Brother Xiao Yan, heard of the ‘Triple Thousand Flaming Fires’?”
“Triple Thousand Flaming Fires?” Hearing the name, Xiao Yan initially froze, and then his obsidian eyes burst with intense light. As a genuine Grade 6 Alchemist, he was much more knowledgeable about the ranking of the strange flames than before. He was naturally well-acquainted with the Triple Thousand Flaming Fires.
The Triple Thousand Flaming Fires, otherwise known as the Triple Thousand Celestial Flame, ranked ninth on the Strangeflame List, one rank higher than Teacher’s Frost Bone Fire. Among the various flames, it was particularly elusive, forming far beyond Earth—somewhere in the distant stars. Ancient records mentioned that when the Triple Thousand Flaming Fires formed, silver fire descended from the sky, turning lands into desert-like regions where the division between day and night vanished, and neither starlight nor the scorching sun appeared. Located in the stars, inaccessible to mere mortals, the Triple Thousand Flaming Fires often lasted longer, allowing them ample time to evolve. Hence, most discovered flames of this type were highly intelligent and elusive, making capture extremely challenging.
What intrigued Xiao Yan most, however, wasn’t just its high rank on the Strangeflame List but a unique ability called the “Thousand Stellar Body.” This was often referred to, rather grandiosely, as the “Unkillable Form” because this strange flame made its user’s vitality exceptionally tenacious. Much like the despised magical roach beast, these individuals healed rapidly, no matter the ferocity of the attack, restoring their combat power with impressive speed.
When fighting someone with this “Unkillable Form,” one had to ensure a total kill, or else, given the slightest breath, they would regain their vigor and strength. Consequently, people with the “Triple Thousand Flaming Fires” rarely attracted lasting enemies, for having such a tenacious foe could make anyone’s life unbearable.
However, possession of the Triple Thousand Flaming Fires did not make one invincible. Severe injuries, such as damage to vital organs, remained difficult to repair. Facing a more powerful foe, one might not even have the chance to recover, as the enemy would surely annihilate them completely.
Nonetheless, owning the Triple Thousand Flaming Fires generally meant reaching an extraordinary state of vitality, a tantalizing prospect for anyone seeking enhanced longevity and security.
Xin Lan noticed Xiao Yan’s expression and grinned wider, saying, “Correct. It’s the ninth-ranked Triple Thousand Flaming Fires on the Strangeflame List. Is Big Brother Xiao Yan interested?”
“I think anyone would be interested.” Xiao Yan didn’t hide his desire. Smiling, he added, “But if it’s truly within the Alchemist Tower, obtaining such a precious flame would be incredibly challenging due to their stringent protection.”
Su Qian nodded in agreement, adding, “Indeed, the Alchemist Tower possesses quite the formidable flame. But as Xiao Yan said, snatching such a rare treasure might bring hostility. To be honest, while the flame is precious, antagonizing the Alchemist Tower isn’t wise. Their influence on the continent is significant. Even your teacher, despite rejecting their invitation, holds great respect for them.”
Hearing Su Qian, Xiao Yan’s grin waned. He understood the gravity of offending the Alchemist Tower, a sanctuary for alchemists worldwide and a force not to be underestimated.
Xin Lan, seeing his hesitation, reassured him, “Don’t worry, Big Brother Xiao Yan. If you obtain the Triple Thousand Flaming Fires, it’s your accomplishment. The Alchemist Tower won’t bear a grudge because the flames, though discovered by them, have yet to be tamed.”
She continued, “Actually, the Alchemist Tower has been trying to subdue the flames for quite some time without success. They’ve even suffered losses during attempts, so they placed a temporary seal, which isn’t permanent, as the flames are not easily subdued.”
Xiao Yan sat back, eyes on Xin Lan, gesturing for her to continue.
“After a prolonged stalemate, the Alchemist Tower realized forced capture was too difficult. They decided, after deliberation, to offer the privilege of subduing the flames to outsiders.”
“To outsiders?” Xiao Yan and Su Qian both looked surprised.
“Of course, there are conditions. Every thirty years, the Danhui—the most grandiose and influential event in the realm of alchemy—is held, hosted by the Alchemist Tower.”
“Danhui?” Xiao Yan muttered, perplexed.
“It’s a rare and monumental occasion, drawing talents from across the Dou Qi Continent. Winners gain international fame. Your teacher, I recall, was once a champion, becoming a celebrated figure afterward,” Su Qian added.
Xin Lan was taken aback, realizing Xiao Yan’s mentor must be incredibly renowned. The Danhui championship was a mark of distinction, held by the greatest figures.
“The privilege to claim the flames is tied to the Danhui,” Xin Lan continued. “Top ten finalists receive a chance to subdue the flames, success depending on their own ability. So, if you’re confident, perhaps joining the Danhui could be your path to the Triple Thousand Flaming Fires.”
Xiao Yan sighed, feeling a surge of excitement. A young man like him, regardless of usual composure, harbored a spirit of competition and the allure of such a prize was overwhelming.
“Big Brother Xiao Yan, do you find my information worthwhile?” Xin Lan teased, noticing the fire in his eyes.
Xiao Yan’s lips curled into a broad, assuring smile. “Worth it!”
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