When something seems too unusual, there's always a hidden scheme…
Liu Xi could tell there was more to this visit. For the Burning Flame Valley to go so far as to invite him personally, their intentions clearly weren't simple.
Tang Zhen, however, maintained his courteous smile. With a gesture toward the neatly arranged seats on both sides of the hall, he said warmly, "Please, sit. Haha, for someone as young as Master Liu to already be an 8th Tier Alchemist—such talent is truly astonishing. Even the Pill Tower might not be able to find one like you!"
At his invitation, Liu Xi, Xiao Yixian, and Yao Tianhuo each took their seats. Chi Long tactfully withdrew from the hall.
Liu Xi smiled lightly without responding. Compared to figures like Cao Ying and Dan Chen, he had achieved the rank of 8th Tier Alchemist a few years later. But considering where he had started, his progress was more than extraordinary.
Yao Tianhuo took the chance to speak up with an amiable smile. "Valley Master Tang, you mentioned needing a high-level alchemist. I went to great lengths to bring Master Liu here in person. Whether it's a 7th Tier or even an 8th Tier Pill, there's no challenge he can't handle."
Tang Zhen sighed softly. Since Yao Tianhuo had already stated the matter plainly, he could no longer dance around it. His voice carried a restrained hope. "Master Liu, I believe Venerable Yao has already explained. I wish to refine a 7th Tier High-Level Pill. With your abilities, this should be an effortless task."
Liu Xi chuckled, his tone calm and confident. "A mere 7th Tier High-Level Pill? I can refine one with ease."
Tang Zhen's breath quickened slightly. His gaze fixed on Liu Xi, equal parts hopeful and hesitant. "Since you've come all this way, Master Liu, would you be willing to refine it for me? As long as you succeed, any reward is negotiable."
Without even glancing at Tang Zhen, Liu Xi replied in an even, detached voice—speaking as though this were no more than a trivial exchange. "That won't be a problem. But… I want the Nine Dragon Lightning Flame."
"What?!"
Tang Zhen's expression darkened instantly. His hands clenched tightly against the armrests as an overwhelming and oppressive aura exploded from his body, filling the entire hall with suffocating pressure.
His gaze sharpened into a predator's glare. The amiable elder suddenly vanished, replaced by a ferocious beast on the verge of striking.
He had guessed Liu Xi would demand something valuable—but not this. To demand the Burning Flame Valley's inherited Heavenly Flame right off the bat was unthinkable!
The crushing pressure surged like a tidal wave. Even Liu Xi felt his breath hitch as the air grew heavy and viscous, the space around him seeming to drag like quicksand.
'So this is the true strength of the Burning Flame Valley's Master…'
Though startled, Liu Xi's expression remained perfectly calm. His lips even curved into a faint smile.
Because in the next instant, Xiao Yixian released a terrifying aura of her own. The two forces collided like enraged beasts, ripping and tearing through the air until they reached a stalemate.
Yao Tianhuo immediately stepped forward to mediate, though his stance subtly shielded Liu Xi. His tone was deep and steady. "Valley Master Tang, calm yourself. Fighting us right now would hardly be a wise decision."
Tang Zhen's face turned grim. Xiao Yixian's power had far exceeded his expectations. If he were to add Yao Tianhuo into the mix, the entire Burning Flame Valley would face disaster.
Gritting his teeth, Tang Zhen forced his fury down and said coldly, "Yao Tianhuo, what exactly are you scheming? Have you come to conspire for our Valley's Heavenly Flame as well?"
Yao Tianhuo clasped his hands behind his back, his tone calm. "I merely made an introduction. Do you think it's so easy to invite an 8th Tier Alchemist? There's no need for hostility—if the deal fails, we can part peacefully."
Liu Xi's voice was light but carried a subtle edge. "Valley Master Tang, you should put away that murderous intent. If I truly wanted your Nine Dragon Lightning Flame, wouldn't it be simpler to lure you out of the valley and take it by force?"
Tang Zhen's expression froze. Slowly, his aura subsided, and he exhaled a long breath before replying in a low voice, "The Nine Dragon Lightning Flame has been refined and marked by generations of our Valley Masters. Even if you obtained it, it bears the Burning Flame Valley's spiritual brand. You could never refine it. Why persist over a single Heavenly Flame?"
Liu Xi's tone remained indifferent. "That needn't concern you. If you're willing to relinquish the Nine Dragon Lightning Flame, I'll refine your pill. If not, I won't press the issue. The choice is yours—what's more important: the pill… or the flame?"
"Huo'er or the flame…"
Tang Zhen's face clouded with uncertainty. One was his beloved daughter; the other, the very foundation of his sect's legacy. Which should he choose?
After several deep breaths, Tang Zhen finally bowed slightly, his tone earnest. "Please allow me some time to consider. In the meantime, Master Liu, I ask that you remain here as our honored guest. The Burning Flame Valley will provide every courtesy. If you need anything, just speak."
Liu Xi studied him for a moment, unconcerned whether this was genuine hesitation or a stalling tactic to seek another alchemist. Either way, his offer stood—the choice was Tang Zhen's alone.
"Heh, very well. Just prepare a quiet place for us. I don't wish to be disturbed."
"Of course. Rest assured, we'll arrange the best accommodations."
Tang Zhen nodded quickly. Against an 8th Tier Alchemist and two Dou Zun experts, there was no such thing as being too respectful.
"Guards!"
Creak—
The great doors opened again as several figures entered swiftly, bowing in unison. "Valley Master, your orders!"
Tang Zhen's voice was calm but firm. "Escort Master Liu and the two Venerables to the Flame Spirit Pavilion. They may move freely within the valley except for the restricted zones. Whatever they request, fulfill it without delay or error."
"Yes!" the guards responded in unison.
With that, Liu Xi rose and gave Tang Zhen a polite clasped-fist salute. "Take your time, Valley Master. The Pill Gathering is still months away—I'm in no rush."
He turned and left the hall, Xiao Yixian following closely. Yao Tianhuo gave Tang Zhen a courteous smile before departing as well.
"Master Liu, Venerables, please follow us."
Once the trio had gone, the grand hall fell silent, leaving Tang Zhen alone upon the main seat. His aged face sagged with weariness.
"Huo'er failed to refine the Nine Dragon Lightning Flame… The backlash left her gravely afflicted. She won't last another half-year. But to lose the Valley's inherited flame… even the Elders' Council would never allow it."
Drawing in a steady breath, a sharp light flickered in his eyes.
"In any case, as long as Liu Xi refines the 7th Tier Fire Bodhisattva Pill, she'll recover. That'll be my final resort. If I can find another alchemist to refine it beforehand, all will be well."
His plan remained unchanged—but now, it came with an added safeguard. In truth, Tang Zhen realized this might not be such a bad turn of events after all.
(End of Chapter)
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This Fanfiction Has Been Completed on P4 treon, For those who want to read 2 chapters ahead for free, you can find me on P4 treon by searching for my username: Fallen_Archangel_.
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