Upon hearing Tang Zhen’s words, Xiao Yan heaved a sigh of relief, and a look of barely concealed joy spread across his face. He bowed respectfully to the former, saying, “Thank you, Valley Lord Tang!”
Tang Zhen waved his hand and replied, “It was all due to your own abilities. I did very little to help.”
In this ten-round test, it was almost entirely thanks to Xiao Yan’s own prowess that he managed to succeed. To be honest, Tang Zhen hadn’t helped at all.
“Valley Lord Tang, please don’t be so modest. If not for your intervention, this test might not have existed at all,” Xiao Yan said with a smile. He felt quite positively towards Tang Zhen. Though Tang Zhen’s strength was unfathomable, he didn’t have the haughty demeanor typical of a Dou Zun. Compared to the Thunder Ancestor of the Wind Lightning Pavilion, he could be considered very approachable.
Tang Zhen smiled and did not argue further with Xiao Yan. He turned his head and looked at Second Elder, who was standing in front of the hall, and said, “Second Elder, now that Xiao Yan has passed the test, is there anything else you need to say?”
Upon hearing this, Second Elder sighed and nodded, saying, “Since Xiao Yan has passed the test according to the agreement, I naturally have nothing more to say. Everything will proceed as you see fit, Valley Lord.”
Seeing that Second Elder did not say anything further, Tang Zhen’s expression softened slightly. He looked around and said, “You may all disperse now.”
At Tang Zhen’s command, the many Blazing Flame Valley disciples who had gathered around quickly responded with respect, then withdrew their curious gazes from Xiao Yan, murmuring to each other as they slowly backed away. Faintly, sounds of astonishment still carried over from a distance, indicating that Xiao Yan’s performance today had left them quite surprised.
Wu Chen stood amidst the wreckage, his expression fluctuating between dark and light. After a long while, he reluctantly threw his sleeve and glared fiercely at Xiao Yan, finally deciding not to intervene further.
Seeing that no one else opposed, Tang Zhen turned to Xiao Yan and said with a smile, “Follow me.”
With these words, he turned and led the way deeper into the valley. Tang Huo’er followed closely behind, and after a moment’s hesitation, Xiao Yan also hurried to catch up.
“The Three Profound Changes of Heavenly Fire is a top-secret technique of Blazing Flame Valley, usually stored in the Fighting Skill Pavilion,” Tang Huo’er said with a smile as she and Xiao Yan followed Tang Zhen.
Xiao Yan nodded and smiled at her.
“Heh, Xiao Yan, what rank is that Fire Lotus you used just now? Why was its power so terrifying?” Seeing that Xiao Yan didn’t seem keen on talking, Tang Huo’er, unable to contain her curiosity, asked after a brief pause.
As Tang Huo’er posed this question, Tang Zhen, who was walking ahead, slowed his pace slightly.
Xiao Yan smiled and simply said, “That Fire Lotus is just a manifestation of a special flame I controlled. Its power is strong, but it also consumes a lot of energy…”
The Buddha’s Fury Lotus was Xiao Yan’s trump card. Back then, he had created it out of sheer enthusiasm and a bit of luck. After refining it over the years, the Buddha’s Fury Lotus had undoubtedly become even more powerful. The effects it achieved were unmatched by any other fighting skill Xiao Yan had learned.
Therefore, Xiao Yan was reluctant to reveal much about it to outsiders, even though he had a good impression of both Tang Huo’er and Tang Zhen. The Buddha’s Fury Lotus was too important, and he couldn’t easily disclose it to them.
Though Tang Huo’er was somewhat dissatisfied with Xiao Yan’s answer, she was not stupid and didn’t press further. She laughed and changed the subject.
As they chatted, the broken stone path seemed to shorten. When Xiao Yan noticed that Tang Zhen had stopped, he lifted his gaze. At the end of the path, hidden among the lush trees, was a building with the words “Fighting Skill Pavilion” faintly visible on its exterior.
“This is our Blazing Flame Valley’s Fighting Skill Pavilion. Normally, entry is forbidden,” Tang Huo’er explained beside Xiao Yan.
Xiao Yan nodded, his eyes scanning the surrounding trees. He could faintly sense the presence of hidden guards.
“Follow me. The Three Profound Changes of Heavenly Fire is one of our top-secret techniques, and can only be fully transmitted here,” Tang Zhen said, waving Xiao Yan forward as he approached the large pavilion. Xiao Yan hurried to follow.
When the three halted before the Fighting Skill Pavilion, three figures leaped down from the rooftop, transforming into red-robed elders who bowed to Tang Zhen.
“Open the Fighting Skill Pavilion,” Tang Zhen instructed, waving his hand.
The three elders, emanating a formidable aura, glanced at Xiao Yan and nodded. They simultaneously formed intricate hand seals, and streams of scarlet light shot from their hands toward the tightly closed door.
As the red lights hit the door, violent ripples spread across its surface, and it slowly creaked open.
Seeing the door open, Tang Zhen took the lead, with Xiao Yan and Tang Huo’er following close behind.
Once inside, the light dimmed, and rows of high shelves filled with scrolls of various colors greeted them. Tang Zhen did not linger and proceeded upstairs.
The pavilion had three floors, and the trio stopped on the third floor.
This floor was not large, appearing rather spacious. At the four corners, bright lights flickered, distorting the space outside. Clearly, everything here was protected by special defenses.
“Don’t touch anything here. It could cause trouble,” Tang Zhen warned Xiao Yan, then walked to the center, where a glowing red sphere was hovering. With deft finger movements, the red light gradually faded, revealing a cranberry-sized red crystal ball.
The crystal ball floated mid-air, glowing red, and within it, countless arcane symbols could be seen, making it appear quite magical.
“This is Blazing Flame Valley’s heritage crystal. It contains not only the complete method to master the Three Profound Changes of Heavenly Fire but also insights and refinements from our ancestors,” Tang Zhen said with a smile.
Xiao Yan’s eyes lit up with anticipation. This was unexpected. Initially, he thought Tang Zhen would only give him a complete scroll, but now he was being granted direct transmission of the technique. Not only would this allow him to master the full version quickly, but with the accumulated wisdom of past generations, he might even enhance the technique significantly in the future.
“Thank you!” Xiao Yan breathed deeply and bowed respectfully.
“You saved Huo’er’s life. Consider this my small token of gratitude, as she is my only daughter,” Tang Zhen said, waving his hand. “Now, merge your soul with the crystal ball to receive the complete transmission of the Three Profound Changes of Heavenly Fire. I will stay here to ensure the sanctity of this place.”
Xiao Yan had no objections. The Fighting Skill Pavilion was a sacred place for any force, and Tang Zhen’s permission to enter was already a great favor.
He stepped forward, exhaled lightly, and placed his hands on the red crystal ball. Closing his eyes, he channeled his soul energy into the crystal.
As soon as his soul energy entered the crystal, Xiao Yan’s body shuddered, and a rumbling sound echoed in his mind. A vast flow of information surged into his brain, making his head spin even with his capabilities.
However, as Xiao Yan closed his eyes, he did not notice that the crystal ball began emitting a dazzling red light. The brilliance was so intense that the entire pavilion shimmered with a fiery glow.
Beside Xiao Yan, both Tang Zhen and Tang Huo’er were dumbfounded by this change. After a moment, they exchanged glances and took a deep breath. This so-called heritage crystal was not just a tool for transmission; it also acted as a test. Those with a high aptitude for the technique could make the crystal glow. Tang Huo’er had once caused a similar phenomenon, but compared to the light Xiao Yan produced, hers was like a firefly next to the moon.
“No wonder…” Tang Huo’er murmured in shock. She finally understood why Xiao Yan had said the Three Profound Changes of Heavenly Fire suited him. She had thought he was just being casual, but now she realized the technique seemed tailor-made for him.
Tang Zhen’s astonishment also faded, replaced by a hint of regret.
“Alas, if this young man were a disciple of Blazing Flame Valley, we might soon see another figure as remarkable as the ancient founder.”
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