Upon hearing Elder Chi Huo’s words, Cheng Yao’s expression turned exceedingly grim. However, due to the other’s high status, he could no longer show any discontent. He could only clench his fists and shoot a glare filled with rage at Liu Qing. Although Cheng Yao was aware that the turning point in this situation was brought about by Xiao Yan’s appearance, it was difficult for someone of his strength to harbor genuine enmity towards an Alchemist of the Seventh Grade. He knew very well how immense the power of a Seventh-Grade Alchemist was.
Compared to the sullen Cheng Yao, Liu Qing’s face was suffused with joy. Bowing towards Elder Chi Huo, he smiled and said, “Thank you, Elder Chi Huo.”
Elder Chi Huo laughed and waved his hand before directing his gaze at Xiao Yan. Striding quickly over, he greeted Xiao Yan with great respect: “Haha, may I know your esteemed name, young friend?”
“Yanxiao,” Xiao Yan replied with a slight smile, bowing back to Elder Chi Huo.
“Elder Chi Huo marvelled, “For a young man like you to achieve such accomplishments is truly astonishing. Might I ask who your teacher is?”
Xiao Yan smirked, smoothly dodging the question, “He’s just a hermit; not much of a master, really.”
Seeing Xiao Yan’s reluctance to elaborate, Elder Chi Huo quickly changed the subject. Even though he was an elder of Flame Valley and a Battle Sect expert himself, he still needed to be courteous to a Seventh-Grade Alchemist.
“Haha, Liu Qing, for the next three years, the spatial wormhole of Heavenly Yellow City will be entrusted to your family. All that’s needed is for you to deliver your annual tribute to Flame Valley on time,” Elder Chi Huo told Liu Qing with a friendly smile.
The spatial wormhole was a substantial source of income. While the Liu family would have the authority to manage it, they were still required to share a portion of the earnings with Flame Valley, as per their agreement.
Liu Qing smiled and nodded, fully aware that Elder Chi Huo’s courtesy was due to Xiao Yan.
“Now that the management rights of the spatial wormhole are settled, ha-ha, young friend Yanxiao, might you have time to visit Flame Valley with me?” Elder Chi Huo asked Xiao Yan, rubbing his hands together. His task was to find a high-ranking alchemist. With Xiao Yan defeating Ceng Xiu so thoroughly, if he failed to take him to Flame Valley, it would be quite the tragedy for him.
After a moment’s hesitation, Xiao Yan replied. Flame Valley had piqued his interest, particularly because of the Skyfire Tri-sacred Art and the rumored Nine Dragons Thunderflame. Though the latter seemed unattainable, seeing it might provide insight into other types of anomalous fires.
“Forgive my curiosity, but what does Flame Valley specifically seek from a high-ranking alchemist?” asked Xiao Yan after a brief pause.
“Haha, our Valley Chief wishes to refine a high-grade medicinal pill and needs the cooperation of some skilled alchemists. Rest assured, Yanxiao, this is not a daunting task. Once it’s done, there will be generous rewards,” Elder Chi Huo reassured him.
“Refining medicinal pills?” Xiao Yan’s eyes narrowed. The Valley Chief of Flame Valley must be at least as strong as the Venerated One of the Wind. The pills he sought were likely Seventh-Grade or higher, which made them difficult to craft.
Xiao Yan, suddenly remembering something, asked, surprised, “Is the Valley Chief of Flame Valley also an alchemist?”
To his surprise, Elder Chi Huo looked startled. “The Valley Chief isn’t an alchemist, but he is deeply interested. Unfortunately, he lacks the qualifications. But being a rare genius, he can control flames well enough to refine some medicines, albeit not of a high grade. Crafting high-grade pills still requires skilled alchemists to assist.”
“Relying on abnormal flames and flame control…yet unable to produce flawless medicine due to a lack of an Alchemist’s profound spiritual force, the refined pills have minor defects,” thought Xiao Yan, intrigued.
“The abnormal flame is undoubtedly the Nine Dragons Thunderflame. The Pill Meet is still some time away, so visiting Flame Valley could help complete the remaining two transformations of the Skyfire Tri-sacred Art, significantly boosting combat capability. In the Pill Region, every inch of sky houses formidable experts. Enhancing one’s own strength is paramount,” Xiao Yan mused.
Xiao Yan, having made up his mind, said, “I’m willing to go, then.”
Relieved, Elder Chi Huo summoned a huge, fire-red bird and bowed to Xiao Yan, saying, “Very well, wait for you aboard the bird.”
As Elder Chi Huo flew off, Lin Yan approached and asked, “You’re really going to Flame Valley? Remember, you possess the Skyfire Tri-sacred Art; if discovered, you’ll encounter trouble.”
Nodding, Xiao Yan replied, “Entering the tiger’s den to catch the cub. Plus, if I am careful, obtaining the complete art shouldn’t be overly hard.”
“Liu Qing chimed in, “There are many skilled alchemists invited this time. Successfully refining a medicinal pill for the Valley Chief will bring substantial rewards. Flame Valley has a reputation for generosity.”
Smiling, Xiao Yan cared less about rewards and more about completing his technique. “Lin Yan, stay here for now. When my mission is done, I’ll return. Also, Liu Qing, I need a favor.”
“Tell me. If it’s within my power, I’ll help,” Liu Qing promised.
“Look into any news regarding a woman named ‘Little Healer Immortal’ recently, and also a girl named Xin Lan,” Xiao Yan said slowly, concerned about Little Healer Immortal’s well-being and wanting to locate Xin Lan, whose background he remained unsure about, yet committed to fulfilling his promise.
Liu Qing scratched his chin, intrigued. “‘Little Healer Immortal’? Unfamiliar name, but I’ll investigate. As for Xin Lan, tracking her down will be tricky. Her surname isn’t common, making it a needle in a haystack among the many clans.”
“She belongs to a clan that once held a seat on the Pill Tower’s elder council,” Xiao Yan clarified.
Surprised, Liu Qing responded, “That narrows the search. Trust me to handle it.”
Satisfied, Xiao Yan chatted with the two briefly until a loud cry from the giant bird signaled it was time to leave. He bid farewell, took off, and landed gracefully on the bird.
“Ready, Yanxiao?” Elder Chi Huo asked cheerily.
Xiao Yan bowed and replied, “Please lead the way, Elder.”
With a wave of Elder Chi Huo’s sleeves, the giant bird took off, drawing admiring gazes. Standing on the bird, Xiao Yan wondered, with anticipation, about the strengths of his Rahu Lotus Heart Fire compared to the Nine Dragons Thunderflame, and the full potential of the Skyfire Tri-sacred Art.
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