Chapter 877: Nine Dragon Lightning Flame

Xiao Yan looked at the lady who did not dare to move even a little after having her neck grabbed by him and was startled. This was because this lady was the 'Pan's Gate's' alchemist whom he had met earlier, Xin Lan.

At this moment, Xin Lan did not dare to make any unusual movements due to her neck being gripped by Xiao Yan. This was especially the case when she had sensed the genuine killing intent that filled his eyes. Her pretty face was mixed with a thread of moving paleness while her eyes stared intently at Xiao Yan.

"Why is it you?" Xiao Yan frowned slightly after identifying the lady. He questioned in a deep voice, "You were eavesdropping on us?"

"It is actually you, little girl? What farce is this! This place is an important one in the Inner Academy, how can you just randomly budge in?" Su Qian by the side reprimanded. His expression sank slightly after the shock from earlier dissipated.

Xin Lan gently bit her lips in the face of Su Qian's reprimand. She said, "Grandpa Su, Xin Lan has only barged in unintentionally."

"Is First Elder acquainted with her?" Xiao Yan was involuntarily stunned when he heard the way Su Qian addressed Xin Lan. His gaze turned to Su Qian as he posed the question.

"Yes, uh, this girl is the granddaughter of an old friend of mine. She was sent over to this place last year, and he asked me to take care and groom her." Su Qian smiled bitterly and nodded.

Xiao Yan only came to a sudden understanding when he heard this. He immediately released his hand, which had still been tightly wrapped around Xin Lan's neck, and said in a faint voice, "Since you were able to eavesdrop for such a long time right in front of First Elder Su Qian's and my eyes, you should have likely consumed some medicinal pill that can hide your aura. You don't appear to have unintentionally intruded. Instead, you appear to have come prepared?"

Xin Lan's face involuntarily reddened slightly under the focus of Xiao Yan's dark-black eyes. She immediately clenched her silver teeth and said. "I did indeed come and eavesdrop on purpose. Why are you so fierce? Moreover, I can tell you that if you plan to put your attention on the Nine Dragon Lightning Flame, you would only end up offending a powerful faction for no reason."

"Why?" Xiao Yan was startled as he asked in a deep voice. He had obtained a little information regarding the 'Heavenly Flame' after much difficulty. How could he easily give it up?

"Earlier, I said that the Nine Dragon Lightning Flame has been pa.s.sed on within the Burning Flame Valley for hundreds of years. The past experts over the generations have left behind a blood spiritual imprint within its essence that is difficult to remove. Unless you practice the key Qi Method of the Burning Flame Valley, 'Green Profound Serene Flame Skill,' you will definitely not be able to truly own it even if you managed to obtain the Nine Dragon Lightning Flame." Xin Lan held her snow-white long neck and let out successive coughs before explaining with a cold smile.

Xiao Yan's heart immediately sank when he heard this. He frowned and asked, "First Elder, is what she said true?"

Su Qian's face was filled with uncertainty in the face of Xiao Yan's words. Immediately, he could only smile bitterly and shake his head. He said, "I am not aware of this. However, if Xin Lan says that it is like this, then it should be true. Ugh, no wonder the Burning Flame Valley is able to preserve the Nine Dragon Lightning Flame. Their preparation method is so secretive. The old me has really underestimated them."

Xiao Yan's heart completely sank when he heard Su Qian speak. Was this clue that he had obtained with much difficulty completely useless?

"Xin Lan comes from the Central Plains of the Dou Qi continent. The Burning Flame Valley is located in that area. Therefore, she has some understanding of them. Moreover, given her character, she should likely not be lying on purpose." Su Qian helped by revealing Xin Lan's background, like he was afraid that Xiao Yan would not believe what she said.

"Central Plains?" The foreign name caused Xiao Yan to be somewhat lost.

"The Central Plains is the name that is used to call the middle region of the Dou Qi continent. That region is extremely enormous with a countless number of intricate and complicated factions as well as strange ethnic groups one would have difficulty seeing. Therefore, it can be said that this is the central area of the Dou Qi continent. That place is the most exciting one in the Dou Qi continent… the peak experts of the continent mostly come from that area." Su Qian smiled and explained after seeming to understand Xiao Yan's lost look. "Moreover, there, you might be able to obtain some information related to the background of your little female friend."

Xiao Yan's heart, which had just sank, once again leaped suddenly upon hearing Su Qian's words. He let out a gentle breath as the displeased and joyful yet exquisite face of a young lady slowly surfaced in his mind. The warm smile that she wore on her face was just like the spring breeze that slowly caused Xiao Yan to calm down.

After calming down, Xiao Yan engaged in deep thoughts for a moment before he abruptly turned to Xin Lan by his side. His eyes narrowed as he slowly said, "You should have something to say, right?"

Xiao Yan's heart carried some doubt toward Xin Lan since she had eavesdropped on the conversation between him and First Elder Su Qian without any reason. The former's character did not seem to be brainless. She should be aware that eavesdropping was a taboo. If she had not been spurred on by some reason, she definitely would not have done something like this.

Xin Lan's expression was somewhat naturally turned red since she was being stared at by Xiao Yan. She was quiet for a moment before she clenched her silver teeth and said, "Do you really wish to find some clues about a 'Heavenly Flame?'"

"Yes!"

"You can forget about the Nine Dragon Lightning Flame. The Burning Flame Valley has pa.s.sed it down for centuries. They already possess a nearly perfect preservation method for it. Even if you are able to obtain it, you would not be able to use it…" Xin Lan hesitated for a moment after seeing Xiao Yan nod his head heavily before she slowly spoke.

"Do you have a method to resolve it?"

"No…" Xin Lan shook her head as she looked at Xiao Yan's suddenly bright eyes. When she saw the latter frown, she could only curl her mouth and say, "I do not have a method to allow you to resolve the issue, but I do know of a clue about another 'Heavenly Flame,' ranked even higher than the Nine Dragon Lightning Flame! Moreover, as long as you have the ability, your chances of obtaining it will not be less than s.n.a.t.c.hing the Nine Dragon Lightning Flame."

Xiao Yan, who had just sat on his chair, suddenly straightened his body upon hearing this. His eyes were heated as he looked at Xin Lan. An excitement that was difficult to hide was present within his voice, "Another 'Heavenly Flame?'"

Xin Lan was also shocked when she saw Xiao Yan's excitement. She took a small step back before nodding slightly.

"Tell me. Regardless of what you want, I will give it to you as long as I have the ability to do it!" Xiao Yan stepped forward and spoke in a heated voice.

"It is not impossible for me to tell you. However, you must first tell me if you are currently a tier 6 alchemist?" A nervousness surfaced within Xin Lan's eyes as she opened her mouth to ask. Only after seeing Xiao Yan nod his head did an unusual glint appear in her eyes. The back of her teeth bit her lower lip and her delicate hand tensed and relaxed for awhile. Only then did she inhale a deep breath and say, "I will tell you the clue about the 'Heavenly Flame' if you promise to help me with one thing!"

"Speak!" Xiao Yan did not hesitate as he replied in a deep voice.

"Help my clan return to its Elder's Seat in the Pill Tower once again!" Xin Lan's delicate hand suddenly tightened. A clear yet anxious voice suddenly sounded in the hall.

"Pill Tower?" Xiao Yan was slightly startled when he heard this name which was not considered too foreign. His brows immediately knit together. This special faction that was formed by alchemists possessed an extremely high position within the Dou Qi continent. Although he was not clear about the ranking within it, he could vaguely guess that the requirements to enter an Elder's Seat were extremely harsh. Hence, a momentary hesitation also surfaced within Xiao Yan's heart in front of this foreign great being.

"Xin Lan, don't fool around. It is easier said than done in order to allow your clan to return to the Pill Tower once again. With Xiao Yan's current tier 6 alchemist strength, it would be impossible for him to help your clan enter the Elder's Seat once again. It is not as though you are not aware that the requirement there is extremely harsh. Unless one reaches the level of a tier 7 alchemist, the chances of success are extremely low!" The expression of Su Qian by the side changed slightly upon hearing her request. He then replied to her in a deep voice.

"I know that the current him might still not be able to do it. However, his talent is definitely extremely great in order to reach the level of a tier 6 alchemist at such an age. Moreover, this talent is also rarely seen even in the Pill Tower. If he is willing to go all out and help, my clan would not be completely without any chance." Xin Lan was unmoved by Su Qian's cry. She still stubbornly looked at Xiao Yan and said, "If you are willing to help me, I shall give you a clue about the 'Heavenly Flame!'"

Xiao Yan gradually sank into a silence in the face of Xin Lan's nervous yet heated eyes. He had also adopted a certain respectful att.i.tude toward that so-called Pill Tower. The abilities of this special faction were the most powerful he had seen with the exception of the 'Hall of Souls.' This kind of high end place would definitely possess an extremely intense compet.i.tion. Although Xiao Yan had quite the confidence in his medicinal refining talent, that Pill Tower was a frightening place which gathered all the top alchemists in the Dou Qi continent. It was likely that the difficulty of making one's way in there was not any less than heading to the 'Hall of Soul' and coming back alive.

The heat in Xin Lan's eyes was also slowly extinguished as though a cold water was poured over them when she saw Xiao Yan remain silent. She mocked herself. When she was about to turn around and leave, when Xiao Yan, who was silent for a moment longer, finally inhaled a deep breath of air and slowly said, "I am unaware of how difficult it is to help your clan regain the Elder's Seat in the Pill Tower. Moreover, I also cannot guarantee that my help would allow you to achieve your aim. However, I can guarantee you that as long as you provide me with a useful clue about a 'Heavenly Flame,' I will do my best to go all out to help you! What do you say?"

Xin Lan's lovely body trembled when she heard Xiao Yan's words. An excited mist surged in the former's clear eyes. Regardless of whether this effort of hers bore fruit, she had at the very least brought a thread of hope in the face of her clan being extinguished. She hurriedly nodded her head.

Xiao Yan smiled faintly. He forcefully suppressed the anxiety and excitement in his heart as he slowly said, "Since that is the case… it should be your turn to inform me about the clue regarding a 'Heavenly Flame' that you know. I will judge whether this clue is worth such a reward."

Chapter 878: Three Thousand Burning Flame

Xin Lan smiled slightly when she heard Xiao Yan's words. She immediately took a gentle breath, arranged her thoughts, and finally said, "Actually, the clue regarding this 'Heavenly Flame' that I mentioned is related to the Pill Tower. My clan once held an Elder Seat in the Pill Tower. Hence, I am also aware of some information related to it."

"The Pill Tower again?" Xiao Yan frowned slightly upon hearing this. If the 'Heavenly Flame' was in the hands of the Pill Tower, how could he possibly s.n.a.t.c.h it? The Pill Tower was not the Jia Nan Academy. It would definitely not allow a 'Heavenly Flame' fall into the hands of someone else. Xiao Yan might not be aware of the exact strength of the Burning Flame Valley, but after some vague guess, he at least knew that the Burning Flame Valley was not as strong as the Pill Tower. Therefore, would he not have to choose to offend the even stronger Pill Tower? If this were the case, he would rather just place his intention on the Burning Flame Valley. Things would be a little easier that way.

"You need not be worried about this. The Nine Dragon Lightning Flame might be a heirloom of the Burning Flame Valley and could be considered an owned object. However, the 'Heavenly Flame' which I have mentioned is currently without an owner despite it being related to the Pill Tower. As long as you possess the ability, anyone who is fated can possess it. Even the Pill Tower would not object on this point. After all, the Pill Tower is not the Burning Flame Valley. They possess an extremely special position on the continent." Xin Lan explained after having sensed the thoughts within Xiao Yan's heart.

Xiao Yan's frown relaxed a little. He looked at Su Qian by the side. Only after seeing him nod slightly did Xiao Yan say, "Be more clear about this. Additionally, since you know about all this, you should also know just what kind of 'Heavenly Flame' it is, right?"

"Big brother Xiao, you can rest a.s.sured. Xin Lan believes that the 'Heavenly Flame' within the Pill Tower will definitely interest you." Xin Lan laughed. She immediately raised her snow-white chin and said, "May I ask if big brother Xiao has heard of the 'Three Thousand Burning Flame?'"

"The Three Thousand Burning Flame?" Xiao Yan was initially startled upon hearing this name. A heated expression suddenly erupted within his dark-black eyes. Currently, he could be considered a genuine tier 6 alchemist. Hence, his understanding of the many 'Heavenly Flames' on the 'Heavenly Flame Ranking' was not as lacking as it was back then. He naturally knew a little about this Three Thousand Burning Flame.

The Three Thousand Burning Flame was also called the Three Thousand Star Burning Flame. It was ranked nine on the 'Heavenly Flame Ranking.' If one were to talk about it, it was two positions higher than Yao Lao's 'Bone Chilling Flame.' This kind of 'Heavenly Flame' was extremely ethereal and difficult to find. This was because it did not exist on the ground but was instead formed in the distant stars. The ancient text recorded that silver flames would fall from the sky when the Three Thousand Burning Flame was formed, the ground within a thousand kilometers would turn to dust, the day could not be differentiated from night, the stars would not appear, and the sun could not rise.

Due to it existing within the stars, where ordinary people had great difficulty reaching, the time the Three Thousand Burning Flame could exist was usually a little longer than the other 'Heavenly Flames.' Hence, it was allowed sufficient to evolve. Hence, most of the Three Thousand Burning Flame that were discovered belonged to a kind of intelligent extraordinary natural being. Even if one could find it, it was extremely difficult to capture.

Of course, the thing that interested Xiao Yan the most was not the high ranking of this Three Thousand Burning Flame. Instead, it was because this kind of 'Heavenly Flame' possessed an extraordinary and special ability. It was the legendary 'Three Thousand Star Const.i.tution.' Of course, this was a nicer name to call it. Most of the experts who had battled with a person who had this Three Thousand Burning Flame would call it an 'Undying Body.' This kind of unusual name was mainly because this Three Thousand Burning Flame was able to allow the person possessing it to have a life force that was unusually tenacious. One would be like the most repulsive 'Demon c.o.c.kroach Beast' among the Magical Beast, being able to swiftly recover from one's injury regardless of what kind of intense attack one suffered. The recovery of one's fighting strength would also swiftly rise.

Moreover, it was best if one completely killed a person with an 'Undying Body' while they were engaged in a fight. Otherwise, as long as the other party still had a breath remaining, they would once again become a living dragon and tiger. This recovery speed depended on the seriousness of one's injuries. Hence, there was seldom anyone who was happy to become a life and death enemy with an expert who possessed the 'Three Thousand Burning Flame.' After all, regardless of who it was, one would have difficulty eating and sleeping in peace if one had an enemy who possessed a life force that was as strong as a Magical Beast.

Of course, this did not mean that one would really become an undying person if one possessed the Three Thousand Burning Flame. At times, one might suffer some overly serious injuries that the Three Thousand Burning Flame had difficulty healing. Examples of this include one's heart, head, etc. Should these fatal points suffer a mortal wound, even the Three Thousand Burning Flame would have difficulty healing them… this was especially the case if they met some expert whose strength far exceeded their own. The other party would likely not give one the slightest opportunity to recover and would directly eliminate them. At that time, the whatever 'Undying Body' would not have the slightest use.

Having said that, anyone who possessed the 'Three Thousand Burning Flame' would have a life force that would be transformed into something quite frighteningly long. This point would undoubtedly possess a great attraction to any person. After all, everyone would be happy to obtain an even more perfect guarantee of one's own life. Xiao Yan was no exception to this point.

The smile on Xin Lan's face grew even wider when she saw Xiao Yan's expression. She smiled and said, "That's right, it is the Three Thousand Burning Flame that is ranked nine on the 'Heavenly Flame' ranking. Is big brother Xiao interested in it?"

"It is likely that any human would be interested in it." Xiao Yan did not hide his interest in the Three Thousand Burning Flame. He smiled and said, "However, if this Three Thousand Burning Flame is within the Pill Tower, they would definitely protect such a rare 'Heavenly Flame' extremely well. It is easier said than done in order to obtain it."

Su Qian by the side also nodded. He said in a deep voice, "It is indeed worthy of being the Pill Tower. It even possesses a 'Heavenly Flame' of such ranking. However, it is just as Xiao Yan has said. Even if Xiao Yan could s.n.a.t.c.h such a rare 'Heavenly Flame' from their hands, it is likely that he will arouse their enmity. Honestly speaking, the Three Thousand Burning Flame might be rare, but it is not a wise act to offend the Pill Tower over it. After all, the strength that the Pill Tower possesses on the continent is quite great. Even your teacher back then was quite afraid of them despite having not agreed to the invitation from the Pill Tower to join them…"

The smile on Xiao Yan's face was slightly withdrawn after he heard Su Qian's words. He did not know much about the Pill Tower. However, he knew that they gathered the top alchemists from the continent. Moreover, it was regarded as a holy ground for all alchemists. They were definitely not some ordinary faction. Forming an enmity with them was not a wise decision.

"Hehe, big brother Xiao need not worry about this point. If you are able to bag the Three Thousand Burning Flame, it means that you have the ability to. The Pill Tower will definitely not form an enmity with you because of this." Xin Lan smiled and softly explained when she saw Xiao Yan's manner. "This is because the 'Three Thousand Burning Flame' is merely discovered by the Pill Tower but is not subdued by them."

"Actually, if one were to count in detail, the Pill Tower discovered the Three Thousand Burning Flame quite a while ago. During this period of time, the experts from the Pill Tower naturally attempted to subdue it. However, all of their efforts were futile. Instead, they all ended up with quite the loss when faced with the Three Thousand Burning Flame's retaliation. Hence, the Pill Tower could only use a sealing method to temporarily seal the Three Thousand Burning Flame. Of course, this kind of seal cannot be maintained forever. After all, that Three Thousand Burning Flame is not some ordinary being." Xin Lan spread her hands and spoke in a gloating manner.

Xiao Yan slowly sat back in his chair. His eyes studied Xin Lan and then indicated for her to continue speaking.

"After both parties continued in stalemate for a period of time, the Pill Tower had also discovered that forcefully attempting to subdue this Three Thousand Burning Flame, which had already evolved to the point of possessing great intelligence, was really too difficult. Hence, after some discussion, they finally decided to distribute the qualification to subdue the Three Thousand Burning Flame out…" Xin Lan curled her lips and continued to explain.

"Distribute it out?" Xiao Yan and Su Qian were stunned when they heard this. This Pill Tower was actually willing to allow others to subdue this Three Thousand Burning Flame?

"Of course, there is some limitation to this distribution. Every thirty years, the Dou Qi continent will hold a grand Pill Gathering that possesses the greatest influence within the alchemist world. Naturally, the only faction which has the qualification to hold this Pill Gathering is the Pill Tower…" Xin Lan smiled as she spoke.

"Pill Gathering?" Xiao Yan muttered in his mouth after being startled.

"This Pill Gathering could be considered a rarely seen grand affair on the Dou Qi continent. Countless of geniuses from all over the continent will come and give it a try. Those who succeed will naturally be renowned throughout the world. Hehe, I remember that your teacher had obtained a champion spot in a Pill Gathering back then. It was at that time that you teacher had gradually become an extremely great person on the Dou Qi continent." Su Qian laughed as he explained.

Xiao Yan was once again stunned when he heard this. It was unexpected that teacher had partic.i.p.ated in this so-called 'Pill Gathering' before…

Xin Lan by the side was startled when she heard these words. She immediately looked at Xiao Yan with surprise. Having come from the Central Plains, she naturally clearly knew what a champion of a season's 'Pill Gathering' represented. The three great heads of the Pill Tower were all once the 'Pill Gathering' champion… she did not expect Xiao Yan's teacher to be this great. No wonder he was able to obtain such an achievement at such an age…

"The so-called distributed qualification is related to this 'Pill Gathering'?" Xiao Yan narrowed his eyes and softly asked.

"Yes…" Xin Lan nodded her head. She smiled and said, "As long as one enters the top ten within the 'Pill Gathering,' one will be given the right to attempt to subdue the Three Thousand Burning Flame on top of the rich reward given by the Pill Tower. Whether one succeeds or not will rely entirely on one's ability. Therefore, if big brother Xiao Yan is confident in himself, you can go and partic.i.p.ate in this 'Pill Gathering.' This is the only official method to obtain the Three Thousand Burning Flame."

Xiao Yan slowly exhaled a breath of air when he heard this. A heated feeling slowly climbed within his heart. Being a young person, his heart possessed the prideful hope of competing with the heroes in the world regardless of how calm he usually was. This was especially the case when it involved the overwhelming allure of the 'Three Thousand Burning Flame'…

"Big brother Xiao, is my clue worth your guarantee?" Xin Lan smiled slyly and asked him a question when she saw the heat in Xiao Yan's eyes.

The corner of Xiao Yan's mouth lifted up, the arc slowly widened. A moment later, he laughed loudly and nodded.

"Yes!"