Chapter 303: You're Using a 7th-Tier High-Level Alchemist's Soul Power Just to Conceal Your Identity?
"Although I do tend to be affectionate everywhere I go, Huo'er, if you say I'm a liar, I won't agree with that. When it comes to subduing Heavenly Flames, I truly am only helping you."
Xiao Yan would never give up the many beloved companions he already shared a strong bond with just for Tang Huo'er. Still, this young woman before him was undeniably captivating. If the opportunity allowed, of course he wanted to hold her in his arms.
In terms of looks, no one surpassed Xiao Yan himself when he cross-dressed—he was unparalleled. These days, his standards for choosing a partner had more to do with temperament and personality.
Tang Huo'er was straightforward and carried a bright, blazing energy. In a low-level martial world, she would probably be a heroic and dashing female warrior.
And yet, despite her valiant demeanor, she would still show a bashful, feminine side in front of him. This contrast was dangerously alluring.
Not to mention her outstanding beauty—her fiery red lips were like tantalizing cherries, her scarlet pupils gleamed like rubies, and her rosy cheeks looked like ripe apples. Waking up to such a perfect face would be a dream come true.
"Hmph, I don't care about all that. All I know is, right now, I like the current you quite a bit."
Though Tang Huo'er spoke casually, the blush that immediately bloomed on her face betrayed her shyness. Even for someone as open and energetic as her, saying something so close to a confession—especially when they'd only known each other for less than a month and had barely interacted—was indeed a bit reckless.
"Hehe, I feel the same."
Xiao Yan responded with a soft smile and nod.
"Um… we're here!"
Tang Huo'er's face turned bright red again. She bit her lip and looked at the crimson cliffside in front of them.
"This is the place?"
Xiao Yan looked around thoughtfully and immediately sensed faint spatial fluctuations on the mountain wall—clearly, a formation was set here.
"Mm, I'll show you how to open it."
When it came to serious matters, Tang Huo'er's expression turned focused. She gathered her hands in front of her and formed a series of hand seals, stirring the surrounding fire attribute energy.
Her movements reflected clearly in Xiao Yan's dark pupils. The formation wasn't difficult to open, and since she didn't hide her Dou Qi fluctuations, he could also discern her current cultivation level:
Peak one-star Dou Zong.
Due to the backlash from the Heavenly Flame, her progress over the past year had been slow, and her body wasn't fit for cultivation.
But now that her injuries were healed, her accumulated foundation was surfacing rapidly.
It wouldn't take long for her to break through to two-star Dou Zong.
A shame—had she not been injured, she might already be at the peak of three-star like Xiao Yan.
Of course, their actual combat strength was a different matter entirely.
As the cave dwelling opened, Xiao Yan snapped back to attention. He met Tang Huo'er's smiling gaze and nodded before stepping inside.
The so-called Valley Master's cultivation cave appeared very simple both inside and out.
There were no flashy decorations. The interior space was roughly the size of a courtyard, and in the center stood a smooth stone platform—most likely the seat where generations of Valley Masters had meditated in seclusion.
Despite being inside a mountain, the lighting was excellent. The red stone walls emitted a crimson glow, probably thanks to a formation.
Naturally, at Xiao Yan's level, even total darkness would feel like daylight to him.
"What do you think? Pretty basic, huh?"
Tang Huo'er giggled.
"Not too surprising. A training spot doesn't need much clutter."
Xiao Yan chuckled.
Tang Huo'er nodded in agreement. Despite being a girl, she never spent much time fussing over her appearance. For her, training Dou Qi and mastering Dou Techniques was far more interesting.
Especially now that she'd met a monstrous talent like Xiao Yan and recovered from her injuries, she was more motivated than ever to improve.
Once Xiao Yan started refining pills, she planned to go to the Dou Technique Pavilion and fully absorb the experience tied to the Three Profound Changes of Heavenly Flame.
As the daughter of the Valley Master and the top talent of her generation, she was confident she could match Xiao Yan's progress in mastering this technique!
"By the way, that Cai Lin girl seems quite close to you. Are you two together?"
Tang Huo'er suddenly asked.
"Not officially. She has a bit of a temper. If she acted rudely these past few days, I hope you won't mind."
Xiao Yan thought it over. He still felt there was some distance between him and Cai Lin. Judging by her words before they parted, she probably felt jealous about Tang Huo'er and may not have been pleasant toward her. Xiao Yan figured he ought to smooth things over a bit.
"Sounds like she holds an important place in your heart."
Tang Huo'er nodded thoughtfully.
"Everyone I care about holds a place in my heart." Xiao Yan shrugged, then looked toward the entrance of the cave with a smile. "Valley Master Tang is quite fast."
Just as he finished speaking, Tang Zhen's voice rang out:
"Hehe, young friend Xiao Yan, your perception is truly sharp. As expected from a master capable of refining high-grade seventh-tier pills!"
Tang Zhen entered with a laugh, holding a storage ring, which he tossed to Xiao Yan before even reaching him.
"All the materials you requested are inside, except for the magic core of the Heaven Poison Scorpion Dragon Beast. Our valley doesn't have one, but I've already ordered the Third Elder to search for it. We should hear back soon."
Tang Zhen said with a smile.
"Thank you, Valley Master. That seventh-tier magic core is extremely important to me. If Burning Flame Valley can find it, I will owe you a great debt. Any pill your valley needs in the future—if I can refine it—I will never refuse."
Xiao Yan's expression turned solemn, and he cupped his fists.
"You're too polite. It's just a magic core. If that beast weren't so rare, we'd give it to you outright. But Huo'er's life—that's what matters most to me."
Tang Zhen shook his head and looked warmly at Tang Huo'er, then turned seriously to Xiao Yan.
"Alright, then I'll begin refining pills. Oh, Huo'er—can I trouble you to inform Cai Lin about this? Tell her not to worry." Xiao Yan hesitated, then pulled out a jade slip and used his soul power to record a message before handing it to Tang Huo'er with a soft smile. "I'll leave it to you."
Tang Huo'er pouted and tucked the slip into her storage ring. She rolled her eyes and said, "You really don't treat me like an outsider, huh?"
"Haha, you'll help me."
Xiao Yan winked.
"Hmph!"
Tang Huo'er huffed and, after exchanging a few words with Tang Zhen, took her leave.
"Seems you and Huo'er get along well."
Tang Zhen smiled.
"Doesn't it bother you? Burning Flame Valley's heiress with a notorious flirt like me?"
Xiao Yan asked curiously.
"Hehe, as long as Huo'er likes you. With the valley backing her, I doubt you'd mistreat her. Besides, you don't strike me as the type to abandon someone after winning their heart."
Tang Zhen waved it off confidently.
"By the way, may I observe you refining pills later?"
He suddenly asked.
"Of course."
Xiao Yan smiled and nodded.
The fire energy in this cave was dense. If he could train here, his progress would be fast.
Over the coming days, aside from refining pills, he planned to fully master the Three Profound Changes of Heavenly Flame and the techniques and Dou Skills gifted to him by Elder Wu Chen.
"Let's get started, then. To observe the disciple of the Medicine Venerable up close—my heart can't help but be excited!"
Tang Zhen's casual tone made Xiao Yan's smile freeze.
"Valley Master Tang noticed?"
Xiao Yan sighed and summoned the Black Demon Cauldron.
"That cauldron is a clear giveaway. I was lucky to witness it back in the day."
Tang Zhen grinned.
"Don't worry, I've already ordered that this secret be kept under wraps. I didn't inform the other alchemists, but I gave them a reminder. Since you revealed the cauldron, I assume you have a plan."
Tang Zhen added.
"Yes, there's a scheme in motion, but it'll take time to unfold. Staying here in the valley keeps me safe, and gives me time to prepare some life-saving measures."
Xiao Yan nodded with a smile.
Of course, he wouldn't risk his life for romance.
His stay in Burning Flame Valley was a trap—bait for Soul Hall!
Once the news spread, Soul Hall would suspect that Yao Lao's soul might be with Xiao Yan. Combined with his shocking combat feats in the Northern Region and his meeting with Venerable Feng, it would make sense to assume the Medicine Venerable was helping him.
With their current knowledge, Soul Hall would likely send a Venerable at most—a Heavenly Venerable at best.
By then, Xiao Yan's alchemy skill would be enough to revive Venerable Tianhuo.
At his peak, Tianhuo was a peak five-star Dou Zun—not much different from Tang Zhen.
Though he lacked the Three Profound Changes, his terrifying Fivefold Infernal Fire technique was enough to defeat even a six-star Dou Zun.
And once Xiao Yan finished crafting the Thunder Venerable's puppet...
He could hardly wait to annihilate a Soul Hall Venerable!
"Since you have a plan, I'm at ease."
Tang Zhen nodded, more impressed with Xiao Yan than ever.
"Hehe, let's set that aside and start refining!"
Xiao Yan nodded, glancing at the storage ring's contents—he spotted a very familiar batch of ingredients.
"Are we making another Fire Bodhisattva Pill?"
He asked, puzzled.
"You're mistaken. While the formula is similar, we're refining a different seventh-tier pill: the Silent Flame Pill. It suppresses a Heavenly Flame's power temporarily—a huge help when trying to subdue one."
Tang Zhen handed him a scroll.
"There's a pill like that?"
Xiao Yan's eyes lit up. Though Yao Lao's collection had some similar pills, it didn't include the Silent Flame Pill.
"Indeed. The rest of the materials are for special training pills for our disciples—not to be seen by outsiders. But our alchemists aren't up to the task, so I must ask your help. If you and Huo'er end up together, you'll be one of us anyway."
Tang Zhen said with a grin.
"Such kindness—I'm honored!"
Xiao Yan clasped his fists emotionally and began studying the recipe.
Little Flame could use this pill too—he'd make an extra for him!
Three Months Later – Deep within Burning Flame Valley
Xiao Yan held the scroll for the Bone Fusion Pill, deep in thought.
He'd been studying this pill for three months. At this point, he'd refined nearly all the pills both he and the valley needed.
The Thunder Venerable's puppet was also completed just yesterday.
Despite using an eighth-tier magic core and the finest materials, the puppet's strength only reached four-star Dou Zun.
It could stall a five-star for a while, but not indefinitely.
Against someone like the real Thunder Venerable—who could use clone techniques—it might only stop one clone at best.
A pity.
If it were five-star level, he could wreak havoc in Soul Hall's branch halls.
Most didn't have Heavenly Venerables guarding them.
Even so, the successful refinement of the puppet had left Tang Zhen utterly shocked.
On one hand, Tang Zhen never imagined Xiao Yan would actually dare to kill Venerable Lei.
On the other hand, this was also his first time seeing a Dou Zun-level puppet standing right before him.
Even more so, this puppet could actually exchange blows with him!
"What are you thinking about?"
A familiar voice filled with the aura of a queen resonated. Xiao Yan turned his head and helplessly shook it upon seeing Cai Lin sitting lazily with her legs elegantly crossed, revealing her smooth, fair thighs from beneath the high slit of her cheongsam.
"It's my first time refining this pill, and it involves Senior Tianhuo's resurrection. Naturally, the pressure is significant," Xiao Yan softly said.
"Hmph, I bet you were daydreaming about that Tang Huo'er just now," Cai Lin replied coldly, slightly knitting her delicate brows.
She found it difficult to accept how quickly a girl, whom Xiao Yan had barely known for a short time, became so close to him. Yet, she also disliked sacrificing her dignity to deliberately please Xiao Yan.
After all, in her subtle rivalry with Tang Huo'er, Cai Lin had suffered numerous minor defeats.
Xiao Yan was quite helpless upon hearing her words.
Ever since this proud queen woke up and learned Xiao Yan was refining pills here, she followed Tang Huo'er and silently stayed by his side for three whole months.
Even Tang Zhen eventually felt awkward continuously observing Xiao Yan and left, only occasionally stopping by during his free time.
Initially, Tang Huo'er felt embarrassed openly flirting with Xiao Yan in front of Cai Lin.
But later, she threw caution to the wind and stayed anyway. Given Cai Lin rarely spoke, Tang Huo'er seized the opportunity to chat more with Xiao Yan.
As a result, during these three months, the relationship between the two women wasn't harmonious.
They would surely help each other if danger arose, but under normal circumstances, they'd start arguing within just a couple of sentences.
However, Tang Huo'er wasn't here today.
She was about to break through to a two-star Dou Zong and had secluded herself for a few days.
Afterward, Xiao Yan would assist her in attempting to subdue the Burning Flame Valley's inherited Heavenly Flame—the Nine-Dragon Lightning Flame.
Of course, Xiao Yan wasn't idle. Through three months of dedicated pill refining, his alchemy had firmly stabilized at the seventh-tier high-level. He was now fairly confident about refining the Bone Fusion Pill.
But before that, Xiao Yan decided to relax a little.
He stood up, subtly touched the silver-white ring on his finger, and walked toward Cai Lin. Reaching out to gently embrace her shoulders, he looked at her slightly furrowed but alluring face, smiled softly, and whispered warmly:
"No matter what, my feelings for you won't lessen. These pills are beneficial for your cultivation, so keep them for now. I admit, I've neglected you somewhat while refining pills recently. You know how dangerous Soul Hall is—I must cultivate wholeheartedly."
Facing his handsome, apologetic face, Cai Lin felt a slight tremble in her heart. Her brows gradually relaxed, and her expression softened.
"This Queen has observed you for years; how could I not understand your character? If I truly fussed over every little thing, you'd eventually lose interest. Back then, you brazenly barged into my advancement site and shamelessly stared at me naked. I'll never let you off in this lifetime!"
Cai Lin spoke aggressively, but her voice grew quieter, revealing her embarrassment despite her prideful character.
Xiao Yan felt moved, then deliberately furrowed his brow and solemnly asked:
"So, does that mean you've also secretly watched me bathe?"
As soon as the words left his mouth, Xiao Yan felt a strong little hand pinch the soft flesh around his waist, twisting it vigorously.
"Hiss!"
Xiao Yan gasped in pain.
"It's your fault for not being careful! The Heaven-Swallowing Python wouldn't let me control the body anyway!" Cai Lin retorted coldly.
But Xiao Yan clearly sensed the embarrassment and indignation behind her words.
"Cough cough… I didn't think you'd be secretly watching all along!" Xiao Yan grabbed the soft, punishing hand at his waist, apologizing sheepishly.
"Hmph, pervert!" Cai Lin snorted disdainfully, turning her head away.
"Hehe, what can I do? I just love beauty." Xiao Yan's large hand slid down from her shoulder to her slim waist, and he rested his chin on her shoulder, whispering gently in her ear.
"Isn't that old man still in your ring? Can't you behave yourself?" Cai Lin's face flushed, struggling slightly and gritting her teeth.
"Hehe, Senior Tianhuo's soul power isn't stronger than mine. I've already blocked him out," Xiao Yan responded with a mischievous grin.
"So, that's what you use your powerful seventh-tier alchemist's soul power for?" Cai Lin rolled her eyes, annoyed yet amused.
"Is there a problem?" Xiao Yan softly asked, feeling his heart flutter from the fragrance and softness of the beauty in his arms.
"Hmph, don't forget you still need to refine pills. With your current emotional fluctuations, you won't succeed!" Cai Lin noticed Xiao Yan's increasingly suggestive expression and anxiously glanced around, her voice trembling slightly.
"Precisely. So, I need to calm my mood. Sister Queen, may I kiss you?"
Xiao Yan stared at Cai Lin's enchanting red lips without blinking.
"Don't mess around—this is Burning Flame Valley!"
Cai Lin leaned back instinctively, yet her lightly pursed lips and watery eyes inadvertently revealed a charmingly inviting aura.
Xiao Yan suddenly became serious, nodding solemnly. "You're right. This is indeed Burning Flame Valley."
As he spoke, he began to withdraw his arm from around Cai Lin.
She momentarily froze, and disappointment flickered in her enchanting eyes.
"But with you right here, I really can't hold back."
The next moment, Xiao Yan wickedly smiled, swiftly pulling the beautiful queen into his embrace. Looking at her shocked yet expectant eyes, he leaned down and sealed her slightly parted lips with his own.
Cai Lin's eyes instantly widened, then a subtle smile flashed across her face. She quickly replaced it with an expression of feigned anger—portraying the indignation of a queen whose dignity was being trampled.
However, after only symbolic resistance, Cai Lin switched to a helpless expression, submitting to the whims of the rogue holding her.
Seeing this, Xiao Yan inwardly rejoiced.
The proud queen was truly adorable!
On the stone platform, the enchanting beauty lay weakly in Xiao Yan's arms, her slender hands resting gently against his firm chest—half-heartedly pushing away, half gently caressing.
After a long while, their lips parted, leaving a thin silver thread between them. Cai Lin quickly got up in a panic, straightened her slightly disheveled clothing, and, lacking confidence, glared at the satisfied-looking rogue before hurriedly running out of the cave.
She needed some air to calm down; otherwise, she really would be devoured by that lustful guy.
Watching Cai Lin's flustered back, Xiao Yan smiled deeply.
No matter how sharp her words were, her lips turned soft when kissed.
Honestly, the queen's taste was truly wonderful!
Reluctantly licking his lips, Xiao Yan composed himself and swallowed a Heart-Cleansing Pill.
This seventh-tier intermediate pill helped stabilize one's mental state, greatly boosting the success rate when refining advanced pills.
Of course, Xiao Yan using it this way was somewhat wasteful, but for him, this pill was indeed meant to be used like this.
Feeling his mood quickly stabilize, Xiao Yan let out a gentle breath, returned to the medicinal cauldron, and lifted the barrier around Venerable Tianhuo.
"You brat! Finally ready to refine pills?" Tianhuo's voice immediately echoed in Xiao Yan's mind.
"Hehe, thank you for your patience, Senior Tianhuo."
Xiao Yan smiled, waved his sleeve, and golden-silver flames surged into the cauldron, quickly heating it up.
After the cauldron reached optimal temperature, Xiao Yan's palm brushed through space. Numerous medicinal ingredients flew out from his storage ring, floating around him—easily numbering in the hundreds. The Bone Fusion Pill was even more complex than the Fire Bodhisattva Pill!
After extracting the auxiliary ingredients, Xiao Yan summoned three jade boxes containing the three essential main ingredients for the Bone Fusion Pill.
With everything ready, Xiao Yan's expression became grave. Although this pill was the hardest he'd refined so far, his previous experience gave him confidence.
After all, he was now a genuine seventh-tier high-level alchemist!
Taking a deep breath, Xiao Yan decisively began refining. Ingredients continuously entered the cauldron, swiftly turning into pure powders and liquids under his meticulous control.
This careful and arduous process lasted for a full five days.
Cai Lin had quietly returned, watching gently as Xiao Yan worked with absolute concentration.
At this moment, Xiao Yan stared intently into the cauldron. Inside floated three distinct masses—liquids and powders—each exuding astonishingly pure medicinal energy.
These were the fruits of his five days' effort. Now he just had to fuse them into the pill's embryonic form and complete the final step of forming the pill!
(END CHAPTER)
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