Battle Through the Heavens: Beauties Abound Starting with Yunlan and Her Disciples

366: Section 366It sounded simple, but everyone understood the danger involved. That was a terrifying existence ranked twelfth on the strange fire ranking list!

Soul power is incredibly fragile. With the slightest carelessness, one could be torn to pieces by those fire dragons, ending up with their soul dissipated. For a moment, not a single person dared to step forward and try.

”Hmph, a bunch of cowards!” A coarse voice broke the silence. A bearded Sixth-Rank Alchemist stepped out from the crowd, his face full of arrogance.

”This old man will come and meet this beast!”

After saying that, he strode to the front of the formation, took a deep breath, and his surging soul power poured out without reservation, turning into an invisible tentacle that fiercely probed into that cluster of silver-white flames!

Almost the instant his soul power intruded, the nine silver fire dragons seemed like provoked beasts and let out a roar in unison!

They opened their hideous dragon maws, carrying violent lightning power, and bit down hard toward that soul tentacle! ”Argh—!”

The bearded Alchemist’s face instantly turned the color of pig liver, veins popped on his forehead, and a muffled groan of pain escaped his throat. His body trembled violently as if he were enduring unimaginable agony.

After holding on for less than three breaths of time, he could no longer support himself. With a ”pu,” he spat out a mouthful of fresh blood, and his entire person flew backward as if struck by lightning. His face was pale and his aura withered; clearly, his soul had suffered no small injury. A crushing defeat!

This shocking scene caused the restless hearts that had just risen in the hall to instantly cool down again. Everyone looked at each other, seeing the horror in each other’s eyes.

Amidst the silence, that Seventh-Rank Alchemist master from the Pill Tower, an old man in black robes, slowly stood up.

He stroked his beard, his face carrying a hint of self-assurance: ”Let this old man give it a try.” As a member of the Pill Tower, he naturally had his own pride.

He walked to the front of the formation with a solemn expression, his profound soul power surging out like a tide.

He carefully wrapped around that cluster of Nine Dragon Lightning Flame, attempting to overcome hardness with softness. However, the overbearing nature of the Nine Dragon Lightning Flame clearly exceeded his expectations. The biting force of the nine fire dragons was several times more violent than before!

The black-robed old man did his best, but he only lasted for seven breaths before letting out a muffled groan and staggering back several steps, his face also turning somewhat pale. Another defeat!

Even the Seventh-Rank master from the Pill Tower had failed; the others dared not step forward to humiliate themselves further.

The atmosphere in the great hall became extremely gloomy for a time.

Valley Master Tang Zhen’s face also became incredibly unsightly. He glanced at his daughter beside him, who showed a worried expression, and a deep sense of helplessness welled up in his heart.

In order to forcibly refine the Nine Dragon Lightning Flame, Tang Huo’er’s heart meridians had been invaded by fire poison. The time left for her was less than a year. If this pill refinement failed again, the consequences would be unimaginable.

Was it going to be postponed again this time?

Valley Master Tang Zhen clenched his fists tightly, his expression so gloomy it looked like it was about to drip water.

In the midst of this desperate silence, the black-robed old man who had suffered a crushing defeat suddenly turned his gaze toward Xiao Yan, who had been standing quietly to the side from the beginning, his tone carrying a hint of resentment and provocation:

”Didn’t Elder Chi Huo say that this young lady is also a Seventh-Rank Alchemist? Since that’s the case, why not step forward and try? Presumably, to have such achievements at such a young age, you must have some miraculous qualities, right?”

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone’s gaze focused squarely on Xiao Yan.

Hearing this, the corners of Xiao Yan’s mouth curled slightly, revealing a confident smile. Without the slightest stage fright, she nodded to the old man, her voice crisp: ”Senior is right. Then this junior shall make a fool of herself.”

Under the gazes of everyone—some skeptical, some expectant, some gloating—she took composed steps and walked gracefully to the front of the formation. She did not rush to release her soul power like the previous two. Instead, she reached out a fair, jade-like hand.

The next moment, a deep blue flame quietly bloomed in her palm like an elf. ”A Strange Fire!”

”It’s the Sea Heart Flame! The Sea Heart Flame ranked fifteenth on the strange fire ranking list!” Another green flame was released from her palm.

”Green Lotus Core Flame? How can she have two kinds of Strange Fire!?”

The hall instantly exploded into a frenzy! All the Alchemists stood up abruptly, their eyes filled with unbelievable envy and fervor! Possessing a Strange Fire was the dream of their entire lives! And this young girl actually possessed them! And more than one! Subsequently, the Fallen Heart Flame appeared, and the three Strange Fires condensed in her hand into a brand new Strange Fire.

Some people had just developed a hint of greed when they felt a stinging pain in their throats, as if their throats were about to be slit in the next moment; they instantly calmed down. Just as everyone was shocked, Xiao Yan had already made her move.

She flicked her finger, and that new Strange Fire turned into a streak of light, lightly flying into the Nine Dragon Lightning Flame. The Strange Fire and the nine fire dragons fought each other, completely unable to affect Xiao Yan.

Only then did Xiao Yan’s soul power probe into it neither hurriedly nor slowly, easily occupying the core. The entire process was as smooth as flowing water, relaxed and effortless.

Seeing this, a look of wild joy finally appeared on Valley Master Tang Zhen’s face. He nodded excitedly: ”Good! Good! Good! The young lady is indeed skilled and bold!” Xiao Yan withdrew her Strange Fire and soul power, giving Tang Zhen a faint smile that carried a hint of pride. She turned around, her beautiful eyes moving, and landed on Young Master Yun, saying with a charming smile:

”The Valley Master overpraises me. Actually, in terms of fire control techniques, I am still somewhat inferior. Why not... let my senior brother try as well?” Everyone was stunned upon hearing this, and they all turned their gazes toward the handsome young man they had all along treated as a ”pretty boy” or ”male concubine.” Yun Xiancheng shook his head helplessly and spread his hands:

”There’s no need for me, right? I’m just an ordinary First-Rank Alchemist passing through.”

What he said was the truth; the Alchemist badge in his robe indeed had only one silver star. However, before everyone could burst into laughter, a crisp and pleasant female voice, carrying a hint of teasing, suddenly rang out in Yun Xiancheng’s mind.

”Heehee, Cheng, don’t be modest.” Yao Chan’s voice was full of laughter.

”Your soul power is so strong; even if you don’t refine pills, assisting the girl Xiao Yan on the side wouldn’t be a problem.” Hearing this, Yun Xiancheng could only give a bitter smile.

Since Yao Chan had said so, it wasn’t good for him to refuse further. He nodded, accepting it, and slowly walked forward.

Just as he was preparing to accept the test of the Nine Dragon Lightning Flame, a scene that left everyone present dumbfounded, and would even be unforgettable for their entire lives, occurred.

The moment Yun Xiancheng approached, that cluster of Nine Dragon Lightning Flame actually seemed to have seen its monarch; all the violence and ferocity vanished without a trace in an instant!

The nine silver fire dragons were no longer fierce beasts, but instead like docile pets.

They affectionately circled and flew around Yun Xiancheng’s body, even using those heads made of flame to lightly rub against his palm, letting out bursts of joyful, submissive low cries!

The entire Chu Yan Palace was so quiet that even a needle dropping on the ground could be heard!

All the Alchemists, including Valley Master Tang Zhen and Tang Huo’er beside him, seemed to have been hit by a freezing spell, petrified in place.

Their mouths were open wide enough to fit an egg, their eyes were bulging, and their faces were written with a shock and incredulity that overturned their worldview! Especially the Tang father and daughter.

This... how is this possible?!

They knew the ferocity and violence of the Nine Dragon Lightning Flame better than anyone!

Tang Huo’er had only risked trying to refine it back then and was severely burned, the fire poison attacking her heart, leaving her with not much longer to live!

But now, this terrifying Strange Fire capable of burning mountains and boiling seas was actually... actually as docile as a kitten in front of this young man?!

452. You heal me, I’ll be your wife, okay?

Inside Chu Yan Palace, a pin drop could be heard.

Those nine fire dragons that were once incomparably arrogant were now prostrating dociley on the ground, their massive dragon heads affectionately rubbing against Yun Xiancheng’s trouser legs, their throats emitting pleasing low cries.

This scene completely overturned the cognition of everyone present.

Nalan Yanran elegantly stepped forward, her crisp laughter breaking the frozen air. She looked around at those Alchemists with varying expressions who were as dumb as wooden chickens, her voice soft yet distant.

”Masters, the winner has been decided. Today’s commission will be taken by my senior brother and me. Please, everyone, seek employment elsewhere.”

Her words were gentle, yet every word and sentence struck the hearts of the crowd. Those long-famous Alchemists, especially Dan Chen, had faces turning blue and white alternately; their lips moved but ultimately could not spit out a single word of rebuttal.

When one’s skill is inferior, any amount of explanation only seems hollow. In the face of absolute strength, any pride must bow its head.

Valley Master Tang Zhen also snapped out of his shock. He nodded at Nalan Yanran with approval and then waved his hand, signaling for the Burning Flame Valley disciples to step forward and ”respectfully escort” the group of masters out of the hall.

With the unrelated people dispersed, the atmosphere inside the hall immediately shifted.

Valley Master Tang Zhen took a deep breath. The gaze he directed at Yun Xiancheng’s group was now filled with solemnity and earnestness. He personally led the way, saying respectfully,

”Honored guests, please move to the inner hall for a detailed discussion.”

Passing through a scorching tunnel, the group arrived at a more quiet and elegant stone room.

This place also used red as its primary theme, with intricate flame patterns carved into the walls. The fire-attribute energy in the air was so dense it had almost condensed into a physical substance.

After they were seated as host and guests, Valley Master Tang Zhen took out an ancient scroll made of special fire silkworm silk and presented it with both hands. ”Young Master Yun, Miss Xiao Yan,” Tang Zhen’s voice was low and sincere,

”Recorded in this scroll is the secret ’fire bodhi pellet’ formula of my Chu Yan Valley. This pill is ranked at the Seventh-Rank High-Tier, and its refinement method is extremely complex. I must ask for your help; please start the refinement as soon as possible.”

Xiao Yan reached out her jade-like hand and took the scroll.

With a light touch of her fingertips, a surging soul power delved into it. In an instant, she understood the authenticity and complexity of the pill formula. She nodded in acknowledgment, then raised her beautiful eyes to look directly at Valley Master Tang Zhen, her words crisp and direct:

As soon as these words were spoken, the earnestness on Valley Master Tang Zhen’s face instantly froze. The corners of his eyes twitched slightly; he clearly hadn’t expected the other party’s appetite to be so large, aiming straight for the core inheritance of the Burning Flame Valley from the very start.

It was not to be taught to outsiders.

Giving such a secret technique to an outsider was no different from shaking the very foundation of the sect.

The color slowly drained from Valley Master Tang Zhen’s face, replaced by a heavy solemnity.

He crossed his hands over his knees and remained silent for a long time, causing the atmosphere of the entire stone room to become oppressive. Finally, he looked up, staring directly at Xiao Yan, and said word by word:

”...it is a matter of the sect’s essence. Please, Miss... choose something else. As long as it is stored within my Burning Flame Valley’s treasury, whether it be rare treasures or high-rank cultivation methods and Dou Techniques, you may take your pick.”

These words were already a massive concession, but Xiao Yan’s goal had been the same from the beginning. Her dark eyebrows knitted slightly, and she was about to speak again when a warm hand gently pressed down on the back of hers; it was Nalan Yanran.

Nalan Yanran gave Xiao Yan a reassuring smile, then turned to the troubled Valley Master Tang Zhen. With a faint smile on her lips, she spoke words that were startling. ”Valley Master Tang, you overstate the matter.”

Nalan Yanran’s voice was gentle and pleasant, like a clear spring flowing,

”This junior also understands your predicament. You say this method is only for core disciples and not for outsiders; naturally, such rules must be kept.” Her tone shifted as her gaze drifted toward Tang Huo’er, who had been listening quietly, a hint of a smile flashing in her eyes,

”However, rules are dead while people are living. It wouldn’t be hard to make it so Junior Sister Xiao Yan isn’t an ’outsider.’ As long as you betroth Miss Huo’er to my husband, once this marriage alliance is formed, won’t we be one family? For a family member to learn their own family’s techniques, surely that doesn’t violate ancestral teachings?”

As soon as these words came out, despite Valley Master Tang Zhen’s composure as a Dou Zun powerhouse, his face instantly turned the color of pig liver. He felt a breath catch in his chest, nearly causing him to pass out.

He extended a finger, pointing tremblingly at the sweetly smiling Yan Ran, feeling that this was utterly absurd. What kind of logic was this?

They came to seek medical help, the prescription offered was a life-saving pill, but the requested payment was the family heirloom. When the family wouldn’t give it, they simply decided to pack up the daughter and take her too?

Where in the world was there such a business deal!

What made him even more furious was that this young man named Yun Xiancheng was surrounded by stunning women; anyone with eyes could see their relationship was far from simple.

He was to let his precious daughter, the apple of his eye, become someone else’s concubine? How could the Young Valley Master of his Burning Flame Valley suffer such a grievance!

Fury churned in his chest. Had he not been concerned about his daughter’s injuries and the unfathomable strength of the other party, he would have slammed the table and ordered them to leave long ago.

The air in the stone room seemed to freeze, thick with the smell of gunpowder. ”I actually think this proposal is fine.”

The one who spoke was actually his precious daughter, Tang Huo’er!

Tang Huo’er had stood up at some point, her large, spirited eyes

staring unblinkingly at Yun Xiancheng. Far from being shy, her face was full of intense interest and inquiry.

From the moment she saw the Nine Dragon Lightning Flame submissively yield before Yun Xiancheng, this young man’s figure had left an indelible mark on her heart.

She had known the terror of the Nine Dragon Lightning Flame since childhood and had nearly died trying to refine it. No one knew the horror and wildness of this Heavenly Flame better than she did.

To be able to make such a terrifying existence willingly submit—just what kind of person was this man? What kind of secrets were hidden within him?

This intense curiosity even overrode the young girl’s reserve and the so-called matter of marriage.

Tang Huo’er took a step forward, walking straight up to Yun Xiancheng. Looking up with her exquisite little face, she asked openly, ”Young Master, I have yet to ask for your name?”

Without waiting for Yun Xiancheng’s answer, she introduced herself first: ”My name is Tang Huo’er, ’Huo’ as in fire, ’er’ as in daughter.” Yun Xiancheng looked at the frank and bold girl before him, a hint of appreciative laughter flashing in his eyes.

He stood up and gave her a slight bow: ”I am Yun Xiancheng. It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Tang.”

Tang Huo’er repeated the name silently in her heart, then broke into a smile as bright as fire,

”Your name sounds very nice. I agree to that sister’s proposal just now. As long as you can cure me, I will marry you!” ”Huo’er! You... what nonsense are you talking!”

Valley Master Tang Zhen felt the world spinning around him, nearly spitting out a mouthful of old blood. He simply couldn’t believe his ears.

His precious daughter, whom he feared would melt in his mouth or break in his hands... how... how could she sell herself out so easily?!

And she was doing it right in front of her own father, rushing to marry a man she just met! A daughter grown cannot be kept! The ancients did not deceive me! Tang Zhen’s heart was filled with grief and indignation, leaving him speechless.

Seeing his daughter’s sparkling eyes, which were almost glued to Yun Xiancheng, how could he not understand that this girl had developed a deep interest in the man?

Looking again at Yun Xiancheng’s peerlessly handsome face, enough to make any woman fall for him, and that extraordinary aura... Tang Zhen’s heart instantly went half-cold.

It was over, all over.

He closed his eyes in pain, an internal struggle raging within his heart.

On one side was his daughter’s life, and on the other was the Burning Flame Valley’s greatest treasure, as well as... his daughter’s lifelong happiness. This choice was simply too difficult for him.

But in the end, his love for his daughter outweighed everything. Forget it, forget it.

Valley Master Tang Zhen sighed deeply in his heart.

As long as he could save his daughter, let alone a mere cultivation method, what would it matter even if they wanted his old bones? As for this kid having many wives and concubines... looking at his daughter’s behavior, he probably couldn’t stop her even if he tried.

Furthermore, the other party had a mysterious background and powerful strength. For his daughter to marry him... it didn’t seem like it would disgrace her.

Thinking of this, Valley Master Tang Zhen felt physically and mentally exhausted. He opened his eyes weakly and waved his hand at Yun Xiancheng, appearing as if he had aged ten years in an instant.

”Sigh... forget it, forget it! Children will have their own blessings; this old man... won’t care anymore! At worst, if I don’t have grandchildren, I’ll just enjoy my own life.”

He gave Yun Xiancheng a deep look, his eyes incredibly complex—filled with reluctance and helplessness, but more than anything, a heavy sense of entrustment. ”Let’s go! There’s no time to lose, we refine the pill now!”

After saying that, he was the first to stand up. As if looking one more time at the ”bastard” who was about to steal his daughter would make him unable to resist charging forward to fight him, he strode toward the alchemy room.

453 Young Master Yun must keep his word and not deceive Huo’er.

In the deepest part of Chu Yan Valley, the Alchemy Stone Hall was currently silent.

This place was hollowed out from a single piece of Ten-thousand-year Fire Granite. The space inside the hall was vast, with a ceiling a hundred zhang high. Countless profound Fire-gathering runes were carved on the four walls, continuously channeling the surging fire-attribute energy from deep underground to this spot.

In the center of the hall, an ancient and massive red pill furnace stood tall. Dragons and phoenixes were coiled around the body of the furnace, emitting a sense of vicissitude and majesty that had weathered through the ages.