Within the territory of the Burning Flame Valley, fire-attributed energy was extremely dense. Those cultivating fire-type Qi Methods found their progress multiplied with half the effort. Because of this, after refining the Fire Bodhisattva Pill for Tang Zhen, Liu Xi chose to remain here for a time, freely spending his days cultivating and refining pills in comfort.
As an 8th Tier Alchemist, accompanied by two Dou Zun experts—Xiao Yixian and Yao Tianhuo—Liu Xi's presence was considered a great blessing to the valley. Naturally, they received the highest treatment possible. Resources for cultivation were plentiful, and rare treasures were often gifted to curry favor with Liu Xi.
One day, Yao Tianhuo could no longer restrain his long-held desire. He swallowed the Green Fungus Pill, intending to restore his former strength.
A terrifying energy fluctuation burst forth, vast and ocean-like, lingering in his room for three full days. Throughout this period, his aura grew increasingly vigorous.
Three days later, Yao Tianhuo finally emerged. His aged face brimmed with excitement, and upon seeing Liu Xi in the courtyard, he laughed heartily.
"Haha! Many thanks, little friend. Your pill's effect is astonishing—it directly restored me to my former peak, 5-Star Dou Zun! Not only that, but I even gained new insight. Breaking through to 6-Star Dou Zun isn't far away!"
Liu Xi smiled. Five-star strength was sufficient for now, though in the future, it would still be lacking. He would have to push Yao Tianhuo to continue advancing.
He chuckled. "Then Elder Yao must work hard. Even Xiao Yixian has already reached peak 5-Star Dou Zun and isn't far from 6-Star."
At that, Yao Tianhuo's laughter froze. He glanced at Xiao Yixian, who stood gracefully at Liu Xi's side, a soft smile playing on her lips. Then he sighed bitterly.
"The controlled Woeful Poison Body cannot be measured by ordinary cultivation speed. It's been just a few short years, and she's already a 5-Star Dou Zun…"
Seeing his discouraged expression, Liu Xi offered encouragement.
"There's always a way. Elder Yao, have you ever taken a Zun Shi Pill? If not, I'll refine one for you in the future. It should help you break through your current limits."
Yao Tianhuo's eyes immediately lit up. He had never taken such a pill before. Deep down, he couldn't help but marvel—'To have a high-tier alchemist as a friend truly is a blessing. Not only did he resurrect me and restore my strength, but he's also willing to make me stronger…'
Taking a few steps forward, he said quickly, "No, I haven't. But since little friend is willing to refine the Zun Shi Pill for me, I can't let you work for free. If you ever need anything, just say the word."
Liu Xi smiled faintly, his calm demeanor exuding quiet confidence.
"Elder Yao and I are friends despite the years between us. There's no need to be so formal. If I encounter trouble, Elder Yao wouldn't just stand by and watch, would he? So helping you grow stronger is only natural."
Yao Tianhuo's eyes shimmered with emotion. With a wave of his sleeve, his voice was filled with heroic intent. "Of course not! Haha, it was my mistake to speak so distantly—we're family now."
Just then, sensing the surge of power from Yao Tianhuo's recovery, Tang Zhen and Tang Huo'er approached swiftly, accompanied by another woman.
Liu Xi, Yao Tianhuo, and Xiao Yixian all sensed their arrival and turned to face the newcomers.
Tang Zhen and his daughter were familiar enough, but the woman beside them was a stranger—her presence unfamiliar yet captivating.
She wore a light veil that revealed only a pair of luminous, enchanting eyes. A jade-green silk ribbon cinched her slender waist, accentuating her graceful, flowing figure. Her long skirt rippled gently as she descended, like an immortal descending from the heavens. Her exposed skin gleamed snow-white and translucent as fine jade, radiating the perfection of nature's craftsmanship.
The trio landed in the courtyard, their gazes immediately locking on Yao Tianhuo, the source of that immense power.
Tang Zhen's eyes flickered with surprise. Realizing Yao Tianhuo's aura was now comparable to his own, he couldn't help but ask, "Forgive my intrusion. I sensed an extraordinary aura surge here and came to see for myself. Venerable Tianhuo, could it be that—?"
Yao Tianhuo glanced at Liu Xi, pride flashing across his face. "This is my true strength. My previous weakness was temporary. With the help of the Green Fungus Pill, I've returned to my former peak."
Tang Zhen was astonished. A peak 5-Star Dou Zun was no weaker than himself. He cupped his hands respectfully and laughed. "Haha, congratulations, Venerable Tianhuo, on regaining your peak. The road ahead will surely be smooth from here on."
At that moment, the veiled woman finally spoke. Her voice was clear and elegant, like a mountain spring, both refreshing and melodic.
"Valley Master Tang, would you introduce me? Such a young and talented figure surely isn't an unknown."
Tang Zhen smiled lightly and gestured toward the veiled woman. "This young lady is Luo Yinzhu, the Young Valley Master of the Sound Valley—one of the Three Valleys alongside Burning Flame Valley. She came to discuss some matters but sensed the sudden burst of energy here, so she followed me to take a look."
He then turned toward her, introducing Liu Xi's group in turn.
"These two are Venerable Tianhuo and Venerable Xian. And this young man is Master Liu Xi, a rising name in Central Plains—a top-tier alchemist of the younger generation, already an 8th Tier Alchemist."
Tang Zhen hesitated slightly, glancing at Liu Xi before adding, "He also possesses a Heavenly Flame—one not to be underestimated."
At that, Luo Yinzhu's bright eyes glimmered, her expression blooming like a flower. She bowed gracefully. "Yinzhu greets the two Venerables and Master Liu."
Xiao Yixian stepped forward, her slender figure swaying gracefully as she took her place beside Liu Xi. Her delicate waist seemed as soft as water, her every movement exuding allure.
Given Liu Xi's recent tendency to attract attention, Xiao Yixian felt it necessary to reaffirm her presence—after all, Liu Xi had a way of drawing trouble wherever he went.
Noticing her subtle action, Liu Xi couldn't help but chuckle. He extended his Spiritual Power toward Luo Yinzhu, faintly sensing her cultivation—mid-level Dou Zong—and was slightly surprised.
'So young and already a mid-tier Dou Zong… her talent is impressive. Without my Heavenly Flame, I'd probably only be around her level right now.'
Smiling, he said, "Young Valley Master Luo, there's no need for such formality. Though Sound Valley has long kept to itself, its reputation is still known across the Central Plains. Seeing you today, I can say the name was well-earned."
Luo Yinzhu met his gaze, a flicker of light flashing in her eyes. Her tone was soft yet filled with admiration. "Master Liu flatters me. You are the true prodigy here—to excel in both Dou Qi and alchemy while still so young is a gift beyond words."
Standing to the side, Tang Huo'er rolled her eyes, her lips curving into a pout. 'Can they just get to the point? All this polite nonsense is unbearable.'
(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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