area51novel 771. Wait two days.
771. Wait two days.
The disciples and elders of Burning Flame Valley, who had already received the news, were already lined up in front of the mountain gate. At the head of the group, a beautiful figure in fiery red stepped out from the crowd; it was none other than Tang Huo'er, the beloved daughter of Valley Master Tang Zhen.
After a year apart, he had gained a more composed and heroic air between his brows, and the fluctuations of his fighting spirit were more refined, clearly showing that he had not slacked off in his three years of arduous training.
"Father, you're back?" Tang Huo'er asked Tang Zhen first, then her gaze fell on Xiao Yan.
When she saw that familiar figure standing unharmed before her, even though she had been mentally prepared, her eyes still lit up with disbelief. She quickly stepped forward, looking Xiao Yan up and down, her voice filled with undisguised surprise: "Xiao Yan, you're really... alright?!"
Faced with this sincere concern, Xiao Yan smiled gently. Although he had repeated this explanation many times, he still patiently replied, "It was just luck, Miss Huo'er. I'm sorry to have troubled you."
After the Pill Gathering, Tang Huo'er was acutely aware that her own strength was insignificant. She had diligently cultivated for the past three years, and even Tang Zhen often remarked on how self-disciplined his daughter was. However, seeing Xiao Yan's unfathomable depth, recalling his victory over all others at the Pill Gathering, and learning of his exploits within the Ancient Clan, Tang Huo'er couldn't help but admit that even if she were to compare herself to him, she couldn't possibly consider Xiao Yan a worthy opponent.
If I were to actually compete with Xiao Yan, I would lose all my confidence.
"Fire, has the Ancestor finished his cultivation?"
Tang Huo'er also shook her head: "Judging from the fire outside, the Ancestor's cultivation is still a bit short of reaching perfection. It should take another one or two days."
Upon hearing this, Tang Zhen explained to Xiao Yan with a slight apology, "Young friend Xiao Yan, my ancestor cultivates a special technique, and the battle three years ago caused his chronic illness to relapse. Now, every so often, he must delve into the core of the underground fire vein to temper his fighting spirit and physical body with the help of the raging earth fire. This usually takes three to seven days, and he cannot be disturbed during this process. My ancestor is still cultivating, so you two will have to wait a while."
"The Ancestor has finished his cultivation. I will take you to see him immediately."
For Xiao Yan, waiting a day or two was certainly not an option, so he took the opportunity to express his needs and asked Tang Zhen, "Valley Master Tang Zhen, I need a few more Fire Essence Ginsengs during my visit to Burning Flame Valley. Could you please take me to find them?"
Upon hearing this request, Tang Zhen's expression turned slightly strange. After all, as the master of the Burning Flame Valley, he was acutely aware of the creature's fearsome reputation. However, Xiao Yan was, after all, the newly crowned champion of the Alchemy Competition, and his knowledge of herbs was far beyond that of ordinary people.
"That thing is very strange. Even if our young friend Xiao Yan were to go and get it, it would be quite dangerous. Besides, we can't go for the time being." Tang Zhen shrugged helplessly.
"That thing grows directly beneath Burning Flame Valley, which is the most dangerous area in the entire valley. Ordinary disciples can't even get close to it on the ground. Even Dou Zun level beings would be in danger if they went deep inside. It's best to wait until the Ancestor comes out of seclusion before taking you there."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan could only nod. He wasn't actually in a particular hurry. After all, there was a time limit after harvesting the Fire Spirit Ginseng, and even if he got his hands on it now, he mainly wanted to familiarize himself with the environment. Tang Zhen's words were for safety reasons, and he had no reason to refuse.
"In that case, we'll rest in Burning Flame Valley for two days. Thank you for the reminder, Valley Master."
"Xiao Yan, you'll be going to fight the ancient clans soon. Are you interested in visiting the Flame Martial Pavilion in my Burning Flame Valley? Maybe you can find something useful!" Tang Huo'er said directly, seemingly without any reservations.
Tang Huo'er's words did indeed remind Xiao Yan that he was currently busy with the resurrection of Yao Lao. However, the time for the trip to the Heavenly Tomb was also drawing ever closer. Although Xiao Yan was not afraid of the ancient clans, he could not underestimate them. His current needs in terms of combat skills were indeed somewhat limited. If he could replenish them, his chances of success in the Heavenly Tomb trip would increase significantly.
Tang Zhen immediately replied, "That's right, young friend Xiao Yan, feel free to go. You may read any cultivation techniques or fighting skills that catch your eye. Our Burning Flame Valley has no secrets from you, young friend Xiao Yan."
Tang Zhen suddenly smiled and said, "Huo'er, why don't you take Xiao Yan to the Fighting Skills Pavilion? If Xiao Yan has any requests, he can ask for them, and Burning Flame Valley will definitely not refuse."
"Valley Master Tang Zhen, may I bring Qing Lin along as well?"
"Of course, let's go together!" Tang Huo'er agreed with a smile before her father, Tang Zhen, could. Her gaze swept curiously over Qing Lin's stunningly beautiful face. They were not strangers; they had met that very night at the Pill Tower.
Tang Zhen couldn't help but sigh as he looked at his daughter's state. Tang Huo'er was completely unaware of his ulterior motives.
However, Tang Zhen didn't dwell on it too much, after all, the women around Xiao Yan were all outstanding. Take Little Fairy Doctor, who had already given birth to a daughter with Xiao Yan, for example. Being able to independently control a force in Zhongzhou was a feat that most people couldn't handle.
Although the Celestial Phoenix Clan offered her much assistance, they were ultimately a separate power. Her own formidable strength, the ability to manage subordinates, and the charismatic personality of a leader were all essential qualities.
The influence of the Medicine and Poison Valley is now growing rapidly under the control of Little Fairy Doctor. Although it cannot compare with established forces like Burning Flame Valley due to its limited resources, no one can deny that Little Fairy Doctor has personally controlled a top-tier force in the Central Plains.
Furthermore, there's Qing Lin, who has been following Xiao Yan all this time. Three years ago, she was already able to fight the old guys from the Tianming Sect without being defeated. Now, she has advanced to the Dou Sheng level in just three years, a speed that can only be described as astonishing.
Despite the many sensational feats Xiao Yan has accomplished along the way, in terms of sheer strength, he might not actually be a match for Qing Lin, who is like a maid to him.
Competing with such an outstanding woman for Xiao Yan would be a test for Tang Huo'er. Letting her daughter develop with Xiao Yan doesn't seem like a bad thing.
The fact that Tang Huo'er and Xiao Yan are now together is a significant boost to the strength of Burning Flame Valley. Even if Xiao Yan hadn't ended up with Tang Huo'er, given Burning Flame Valley's current state, it would naturally be able to establish very good relationships with Starfall Pavilion and Medicine Poison Valley.
What Tang Zhen didn't expect was that Tang Huo'er did have some feelings for Xiao Yan, but seeing so many devoted women around Xiao Yan, and Qing Lin following him closely once again, her feelings for him faded a lot.