In fact, Tang Zhen didn't want to make such an arrangement. The main reason was that those elders were too stubborn and conservative. They didn't want to teach the Three Mysterious Changes of Heavenly Fire to outsiders. Being able to reach this point was already the limit of what he had strived for.
In his heart, he actually wanted to ask Xiao Ling to refine the elixir directly. In this way, not only could his daughter's life-saving elixir be ensured to be foolproof, but by handing over the secret technique of the Three Mysterious Changes of Heavenly Fire to a genius like Xiao Ling, he could also establish a good relationship in advance.
But the current situation was not satisfactory to both sides. Tang Zhen could only smile bitterly and shook his head, feeling a little torn.
"I'm sorry, everyone. This is how it is. But no matter what, we at Fenyan Valley will prepare a satisfactory gift for everyone and will never let you go home empty-handed." Tang Zhen stood up and bowed to everyone present, his tone full of apology and sincerity.
Faced with such a polite statement from the current master of one of the three valleys, everyone naturally did not pursue the matter any further. Besides, since Tang Zhen promised to give them a satisfactory gift, their trip was worthwhile.
At this time, another seventh-grade alchemist named Master Xiao stood up, cleared his throat and asked, "So, Master Tang Zhen, what do we need to do to meet your requirements?"
Seeing that the topic had turned to business, Tang Zhen smiled and explained, "Masters, what I need this time are two alchemists who can withstand my Nine Dragons Thunder Fire."
As soon as Tang Zhen finished speaking, he gently clenched his palms. With a slight sound, as if something was ignited, a beam of silver flame slowly rose from his palms and drifted away. As the flames danced, it seemed to have life, and nine small silver fire dragons could be vaguely seen shuttling back and forth in the flames.
The silver flame burned slowly, and the nine little fire dragons wandered around in the fire as if they had their own consciousness. They played in the flames, and from time to time they exuded a trace of dragon power, making everyone present feel an invisible pressure, as if even the soul could not bear it.
Looking at the silver flame rising in Tang Zhen's hand, Xiao Ling's eyes flashed with strong interest. A golden flame quickly passed through his eyes, "Is this the Nine Dragon Thunder Fire inherited from the Burning Flame Valley? It is much stronger than the seed fire that Tang Huo'er had before. But it's a pity that I have no chance to get this strange fire at the moment."
He was not afraid of the blood and soul marks of the past masters imprinted on the Nine Dragon Thunder Fire. Xiao Ling's way of absorbing strange fire was different from others. He used strange fire to improve his cultivation. Those marks were just a piece of cake for him.
The problem is that the Nine Dragons Thunder Fire is a special fire inherited by the Burning Flame Valley, and they will never give it to outsiders. If you want to get it, you have to rob it.
However, there was a Dou Sheng master named Huoyun Patriarch in the Burning Flame Valley. If one wanted to snatch the Nine Dragons Thunder Flame, it would be like confronting a Dou Sheng head-on.
Although Xiao Ling has Yao Chen, a three-star Dou Sheng, backing him up, theoretically, it is possible to take it by force. But Xiao Ling would not do such a deal as to provoke a Dou Sheng for such a small matter and involve Yao Chen. After all, the gain is not worth the loss, and Xiao Ling would not be so reckless.
Tang Zhen waved his hand, and the Nine Dragons Thunder Fire appeared in his palm. He smiled and said, "Masters, as long as you can release your soul power and withstand the roasting of my Nine Dragons Thunder Fire, you will pass the test."
The alchemists exchanged glances with each other, and many of them looked a little strange. The Nine Dragons Thunder Fire was ranked 12th on the list of strange fires, and the dragon power contained in the flame was enough to shock the soul. Coupled with Tang Zhen's unfathomable strength, this test was no joke.
If the soul power of an ordinary person were to encounter this flame, it would probably be burned to ashes in an instant. Although all the people present were masters with impressive soul power, they still felt a little nervous in the face of such a test.
Instantly, the eyelids of the alchemists present twitched violently and the muscles on their faces twitched involuntarily.
Seeing everyone's expressions, Tang Zhen immediately added, "Don't worry, the threshold is not high. You just need to release your soul power and last for ten minutes in the Nine Dragons Thunder Fire, and you will be qualified."
Having said that, the Nine Dragon Thunder Fire ranks twelfth on the list of strange fires, and everyone knows how terrifying its power is.
Coupled with Tang Zhen's unfathomable cultivation, even if everyone here possesses extraordinary soul power, how many people can withstand the scorching heat of the Nine Dragons Thunder Fire?
In the blink of an eye, those alchemists who seemed quite conceited just now have now become quiet. They shrink into their shells like turtles, lower their heads, stammer and say no more.
Some alchemists could not help but secretly glance at Xiao Ling, who was lazily leaning on a chair, tickling the little mink leisurely with his hands. The meaning in his eyes was self-evident. It would be better for you, Fenyan Valley, to spend some money and ask this big guy to come out.
Finally, one of the guest elders from Danta, Master Huan, broke the silence. He slowly stood up and said in a low voice:
"Master Tang, we have all heard of the might of the Nine Dragons Thunder Fire. The dragon power contained in that strange fire is enough to shock the soul. This..."
Tang Zhen heard the concerns in everyone's hearts, and comforted them gently:
"Master Huan, please rest assured. I am well aware of the power of the Nine Dragons Thunder Fire and will not let your souls be harmed. However, if someone cannot last ten minutes in the test, then injuries are inevitable in the process of assisting me."
He paused, glanced at the hesitant alchemists, then continued with a smile:
"Since I have invited all the masters here, I will certainly not let you return empty-handed. As I said before, no matter what the result is, I will prepare a generous gift for each master."
After hearing Tang Zhen's words, the alchemists present all breathed a sigh of relief. After all, with Tang Zhen's status, it was unlikely that he would tease them for no reason. Since they were already here, it would not hurt to give it a try. Even if the challenge failed, for the sake of Burning Flame Valley, they would not make a wasted trip.
Besides, this Nine Dragon Thunder Fire was a strange fire that every alchemist present was fascinated by. Although they were not lucky enough to own such a treasure, they could personally experience its power and have some contact with this rare strange fire, so this trip was worth it.
Anyway, even if these people cannot meet Tang Zhen's conditions, they will be able to witness the eighth-grade alchemist personally making pills, and perhaps learn a few tricks from him.
Everyone felt more relaxed after thinking this. At this time, an old man with white hair and flowing beard stood up first. He smiled and said, "Since Master Tang has said so, how can we not give it a try? I will shamelessly take the lead and show off my ugliness!"
"Okay, Master Mo, please!" Tang Zhen's eyes lit up and he waved his hand gently. The silver flame slowly rose into the air and floated quietly in the air above everyone's heads, as if waiting for the old man's challenge.
The old man, whom Tang Zhen called Master Mo, took a deep breath, then shouted softly, summoning a red flame. His soul power was released and merged into the flame, forming a flame man.
"Go!" Elder Mo ordered in a low voice, and with a flick of his finger, the little fire man flew out quickly, rushing straight towards the silver-white flame slowly rising in the air.
In an instant, the nine silver dragons in the silver-white flames seemed to be awakened. They pounced towards the flame man and made shocking dragon roars, which made everyone present feel oppressed.
In just a few breaths, the flame armor on the outside of the fire man was torn to pieces by nine silver dragons. Then, the dragons devoured the soul power inside the fire man. The scene was so intense that everyone held their breath.
As the Nine Dragons Thunder Fire devoured Master Mo's soul power, his face instantly lost color, and he couldn't help but groan, staggering back a few steps until he stabilized his body. He forced a bitter smile and said self-deprecatingly:
"The Nine Dragons Thunder Fire is as powerful as its reputation says. It burned up all the soul power I cultivated with great effort in just a few minutes."
Seeing that Master Mo, a top-level sixth-grade alchemist, couldn't even last a minute, the alchemists present all changed their expressions. They had a deeper understanding of the destructive power of the Nine Dragons Thunder Fire, and a sense of awe rose in their hearts.
The power of the strange fire is so terrifying.
After a short silence, one alchemist after another stepped forward and demonstrated their own methods. However, even the strongest sixth-grade alchemist only lasted for five minutes. Tang Zhen's face showed more and more helplessness. In the end, everyone's eyes were focused on the last two guest elders of Danta who had not yet appeared. They became the last hope of everyone.
The two elders exchanged glances, and then the old man known as Master Huan stood up first, flipped his palm lightly, and summoned a ball of white flame. The flame soared into the sky, and there was a hint of cold air around it.
A hint of surprise flashed in Tang Zhen's eyes, and he said with a little surprise: "Master Huan, your flame is somewhat similar to the Bone Spirit Cold Fire. Could this be the legendary Sky Bone Python's Heavenly Cold Fire?"
Master Huan smiled and nodded, confirming Tang Zhen's guess: "Yes, this is the Heavenly Cold Fire. It has some origins with the Bone Spirit Cold Fire, so its power is far greater than that of ordinary beast fire."
As soon as he finished speaking, Master Huan's soul power surged out from his forehead and poured into the white flame. The flame instantly transformed into a white python, which flashed and rushed straight into the silver-white flame.
Immediately, nine fire dragons pounced fiercely. But this white python was also extraordinary, and was able to stubbornly guard its own flames, not letting the fire dragons devour it.
Master Huan looked focused and solemn. Facing the continuous attacks of nine fire dragons, he tried his best to control the white python, dodging left and right, and struggling to remain undefeated.
As the python and the fire dragon fought fiercely in the flames, Master Huan's face became paler and paler, and beads of sweat oozed out of his forehead, which showed how much pressure he was under.
As every minute and every second of time passed, Tang Zhen and the alchemists present had their eyes filled with anticipation.
Finally, the ten minutes were up. Master Huan quickly waved his hand and pulled the white python that was about to be swallowed by the nine fire dragons out of the flames and took it back into his body.
"Well done, Master Huan succeeded!" Tang Zhen applauded and praised. It seemed that Master Huan could make it through, and perhaps his companions could be just as successful.
After Master Huan took back the python, he finally breathed a sigh of relief. He smiled bitterly, shook his head and said, "The Nine Dragons Thunder Fire is indeed the twelfth on the list of strange fires, and its power is truly convincing."
Hearing this, Tang Zhen smiled slightly, then turned to another guest elder and said, "Master Xiao, it's your turn."
The old man called Master Xiao hesitated for a moment, but finally stood up. He raised his hand and summoned a cluster of deep blue flames. The power of the soul was injected into it, and the flames quickly transformed into a fire whale.
The Fire Whale swung its tail and rushed into the flames. Nine fire dragons immediately surrounded it and started a fierce fight with the Fire Whale. The Fire Whale was instantly covered in wounds.
Time passed slowly, and Tang Zhen even showed a smile on his face, but in the eighth minute, the Fire Whale could not hold on any longer.
The fire whale was torn to pieces by the nine fire dragons, and Master Xiao's soul power also disappeared. His face turned pale in an instant, he sighed softly, and shook his head at Tang Zhen.
There was a hint of disappointment in Tang Zhen's eyes. He had thought that Master Xiao might succeed, but in the end he fell just short.
However, the disappointment soon disappeared, his expression returned to calm, and he said in a steady tone: "Everyone has worked hard. I originally planned to find two people to help, but now it seems that only Master Huan has passed..."
As soon as he finished speaking, Tang Zhen's gaze involuntarily turned to Xiao Ling beside him. He had already made up his mind. It seemed that in the end, he would have to ask Xiao Ling to take action personally to ensure that everything went smoothly.
At the same time, Tang Huoer, who was standing next to Tang Zhen, also looked at Xiao Ling expectantly. At that moment, this young man of the same age as her seemed to have become her last ray of hope.
Noticing the gazes from Tang Zhen and Tang Huo'er, Xiao Ling placed Xiao Diao on his shoulders.
Feeling the gazes of Tang Zhen and Tang Huoer, Xiao Ling gently placed Xiao Diao on his shoulder.
He first met Tang Huoer's expectant eyes, and saw a pitiful look on her face, which reminded Xiao Ling of her straightforwardness when they first met, and he couldn't help but find it a little amusing.
Xiao Ling smiled at Tang Huoer, nodded, and then looked away.
Then, Xiao Ling turned his gaze to Tang Zhen, raised his eyebrows slightly, and said with a hint of playfulness: "Why, Valley Master Tang Zhen, are you planning to ask me to help?"
"Indeed," Tang Zhen forced a smile on his face, his tone full of respect, "I, Master Huan and Master Xiao, working together, may have a 20% success rate. But the problem is, we don't have many medicinal herbs in Fenyan Valley, and we can't afford to fail a few times. So, in order to avoid any accidents, I still have to ask Master Xiao Ling to come out in person."
Tang Zhen's smile was accompanied by a subtle nervousness. After all, this was not just about a pill, but also about the life and death of his precious daughter. As a father, his worry and concern were self-evident.
"Since Valley Master Tang Zhen has spoken, there is naturally no reason for me to refuse. However, Valley Master Tang Zhen, you should still remember my conditions, right?" Xiao Ling nodded slightly, the casual look on his face gradually disappeared, replaced by a serious look.
As he spoke, Xiao Ling glanced at one side of the hall, where several elders from the Burning Flame Valley were talking to each other. He could guess what they were thinking without asking any more questions. Obviously, these old antiques from the Burning Flame Valley were unwilling to pass on the secret method of the Three Mysterious Transformations of the Skyfire, which was why they let other alchemists try it first.
"Haha, Master Xiao Ling, please rest assured," Tang Zhen smiled and nodded, his tone firm and sincere, "As long as you can successfully refine the Fire Bodhisattva Pill, I will teach you the Three Mysterious Transformations of the Heavenly Fire in the Burning Flame Valley without reservation."
As soon as Tang Zhen finished speaking, the elders headed by Wu Chen looked embarrassed, but they didn't say much. They just exchanged glances and silently accepted the decision.
The alchemists around them all showed understanding. So that's why I heard that Master Xiao Ling's conditions were quite harsh.
The name of the Three Mysterious Changes of Heavenly Fire was very famous. It was the treasure of Burning Flame Valley and a unique secret technique. Normally, this secret technique would never be easily passed on to outsiders unless it was absolutely necessary.
It’s no wonder that Fenyan Valley would want to invite these alchemists to try it first. If the positions were reversed, everyone would probably make the same decision.
"Of course I trust the credibility of Valley Master Tang Zhen. I will take this matter. Let's not drag it out. Time waits for no one." As Xiao Ling spoke, he gently held Qing Lin's soft and boneless little hand and slowly stood up.
He turned around and smiled at Tang Zhen, "Master Tang, please give me the recipe and materials. I am confident that I can make a seventh-grade high-level elixir, but if I want to hit the target right away, I have to put in some effort to learn the recipe and process in advance."
"Haha, great, Master Xiao Ling, please come this way," Tang Zhen led the way with a smile, his laughter revealing a sense of ease, "I'll take you to our alchemy area right away."
Seeing Xiao Ling nod in agreement, Tang Zhen's smile became even brighter. In any case, his daughter's life was saved.
Hearing that Xiao Ling agreed to help refine the pill, Tang Huoer's heart, which had been hanging in the air, finally settled down.
This kind of violent mood swing was the first time for her. At this moment, she could feel her heartbeat speeding up involuntarily, and her emotions became somewhat unstable. (End of this chapter)