Just then, a streak of azure flame flashed across the air like lightning, shooting straight into the Mountain Melting Cauldron. In an instant, the flame twisted and coalesced, transforming into a blooming lotus of pure azure fire.
Inside the cauldron, the once-dominant Nine Dragon Lightning Flame—so fierce and proud moments ago—shuddered as if meeting its natural nemesis. The nine lightning dragons instantly recoiled, retreating from the cauldron and fleeing back into Tang Zhen's body.
Meanwhile, the eight clusters of medicinal essence that had been on the verge of violent collapse were seized by the azure fire lotus, their rampaging fusion halted as the pill's instability was forcibly subdued.
"This…"
Tang Zhen was utterly dumbfounded. First, because the Nine Dragon Lightning Flame—ranked 12th on the Heavenly Flame Ranking—had shown fear toward another flame. Second, because the alchemy, which had been seconds away from failure, had been forcefully pulled back from the brink. The level of Liu Xi's alchemical mastery was simply unimaginable.
Tang Zhen turned, his gaze filled with both hesitation and hope. His expression was complicated, his tone solemn as he said, "Many thanks, Master Liu, for intervening and granting this pill a chance to continue its refinement. I must implore you… please help it reach completion."
Liu Xi sat upon the stone chair, his expression calm and composed. Through observing Master Huan and Master Xiao's process earlier, he had already deduced much about the Fire Bodhisattva Pill's properties. He also knew that the two of them could never have completed it—so when the medicinal essences began to riot, he acted instantly to stabilize the process.
Around the plaza, every alchemist present was filled with awe. Liu Xi had forcibly reversed the failure of a 7th Tier High-Level Pill—this was the power of an 8th Tier Alchemy Grandmaster!
Xiao Yixian and Yao Tianhuo, however, were far less surprised. Having witnessed too many extraordinary things from Liu Xi, even miracles such as this no longer seemed out of place.
'Still,' Liu Xi thought, 'does he really think I'll just keep working for free?'
Sitting upright, Liu Xi's deep eyes locked on Tang Zhen as he spoke lightly, "There's no such thing as a free favor in this world. Valley Master Tang should understand that. If you wish me to continue refining this pill, you'll need to offer something that truly moves me. Don't you agree?"
Tang Zhen gave a bitter smile. The thought of surrendering his sect's inheritance Heavenly Flame was impossible. His gaze drifted briefly to the azure lotus within the Mountain Melting Cauldron, and a faint realization dawned in his heart.
'So, Liu Xi possesses a Heavenly Flame as well—and it's azure in color, lotus-shaped… that should be the 19th-ranked Green Lotus Core Flame. But that flame alone could never make my Nine Dragon Lightning Flame retreat like this. Unless…'
Tang Zhen's thoughts spun rapidly. Perhaps Liu Xi had found a way to devour and fuse other Heavenly Flames into his own, elevating its power far beyond its rank—and now, he had set his sights on the Nine Dragon Lightning Flame.
If so, he could never allow it to fall into Liu Xi's hands. Lending it out was one thing—it could be reclaimed. But if it were devoured, it would vanish forever.
He considered awakening the secluded Grand Elder of the Burning Flame Valley to force Liu Xi into submission. But soon, he sighed in defeat.
First, Liu Xi had not acted with hostility—he had merely asked for a fair exchange. Using force would earn the sect the infamy of bullying the young and talented.
Second, to offend such a gifted and promising alchemist would be foolish. Even the Pill Tower would not tolerate such behavior from Burning Flame Valley.
"But…" Tang Zhen's voice was low and heavy. "What you desire, Master Liu, is our Valley's inheritance Heavenly Flame—the Nine Dragon Lightning Flame. It has been passed down for generations. I have no right to let it be lost."
His shoulders sagged as he spoke, his tone filled with dejection. If Liu Xi refused to act, must he then turn to the Pill Tower's elders for help?
The entire plaza erupted in shock.
So this was what Liu Xi wanted—the Nine Dragon Lightning Flame! No wonder Tang Zhen was so hesitant. To exchange a generational Heavenly Flame for a single 7th Tier Pill—it was far too steep a price, even from an 8th Tier Alchemy Grandmaster.
Around the square, murmurs of regret rippled among the gathered alchemists. None blamed Liu Xi, yet all understood: Tang Zhen would never give up his Valley's Heavenly Flame. It seemed they would not see Liu Xi refine again today.
Outside the plaza, many Burning Flame Valley disciples frowned in dissatisfaction, their gazes toward Liu Xi turning cold—especially the red-robed Tang Huo'er.
To think Liu Xi had come for their Valley's Nine Dragon Lightning Flame—it was impossible for them to feel any goodwill toward him now.
Tang Zhen silently fed recovery pills to the unconscious Masters Huan and Master Xiao, then gestured for disciples to carry them away. Finally, after a long moment of contemplation, he rose to his feet and faced Liu Xi squarely.
"The Nine Dragon Lightning Flame is an inheritance from our ancestors," he said gravely. "I have no right to give it away. But I do need this pill… so, I beseech Master Liu to complete it. I am willing to repay you with my life."
"Father, don't beg him!"
Tang Huo'er's clear, ringing voice echoed as she stepped forward, a blur of red light landing beside Tang Zhen. Her beautiful eyes blazed with anger as she glared at Liu Xi.
Tang Zhen turned to her, sighing softly. His eyes were gentle, yet resolute. "Huo'er, say no more. I will obtain this pill, no matter the cost. You are my only daughter—I will not let anything happen to you."
Then, taking a deep breath, Tang Zhen faced Liu Xi once more. In front of everyone, the proud Valley Master of Burning Flame Valley bent at the waist and bowed deeply.
"Please, Master Liu—refine this pill. I will repay your grace with my life!"
Tang Huo'er's eyes reddened instantly. Seeing her father—a Dou Zun and the master of a great valley—bow before a young man, her heart ached with shame and grief. She clutched his arm, tears welling up. "Father, please get up! I don't want the pill anymore! You're the Valley Master of Burning Flame Valley—you can't bow like this!"
Around them, every disciple of Burning Flame Valley glared fiercely at Liu Xi, fury blazing in their eyes.
The alchemists nearby quickly stepped back. None dared remain near the focus of Tang Zhen's bow. They knew exactly who that bow was for—and none of them could afford to bear it.
The plaza fell into a heavy silence, broken only by Tang Huo'er's tearful cries, echoing faintly across the vast square.
Liu Xi's gaze remained indifferent, but within, he couldn't help feeling a twinge of discomfort. He almost felt like a bully forcing a father and daughter to their knees.
'Seriously? Over a single pill? The man looks so desperate I'm starting to feel guilty myself.'
Beside him, Xiao Yixian and Yao Tianhuo shared awkward looks. Xiao Yixian tilted her head slightly, her beautiful face filled with sympathy. In a soft voice, she murmured, "Young Master…"
Liu Xi met her gaze for a moment, and though she said no more, her eyes clearly spoke two words—Help her.
With a long sigh, Liu Xi rose slowly from his seat and said, "Valley Master Tang, please rise. I'll refine the pill."
(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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