Starting as a supporting character in Doupo

Page 392

"If it weren't for your intervention, Valley Master Tang, what would they have to rely on?"

Listening to Ku Rong's rapid-fire words, Xiao Fan and Xiao Yan exchanged a glance. Neither of them expected that it was because the two of them persisted that they suspected Tang Zhen of cheating for them.

It's not surprising that the alchemists behind him were swayed by Ku Rong's words. The main reason was that Xiao Fan was acting as if nothing was wrong. He not only didn't seem to be struggling at all, but he even strolled around as if taking a walk, looking relaxed and carefree. This was why these alchemists felt they had been treated unfairly.

Otherwise, even if they had a few more lives, they wouldn't dare to speak to Tang Zhen, a Dou Zun powerhouse. Of course, the most important thing is that it was Ku Rong who spoke up in rebuttal. They just wanted an answer, so they showed their attitude.

Even if Tang Zhen were to pursue the matter further, with so many alchemists involved, he would have to consider it carefully. Besides, the main target of their hatred had already been drawn away by Ku Rong…

After hearing Kurong's words, Tang Zhen finally understood the source of Kurong's anger.

Tang Zhen glanced at Xiao Fan, who seemed completely unconcerned and indifferent to the situation, and gave him a meaningful look.

Seeing this, Xiao Fan stepped forward lightly. After all, they still needed Tang Zhen's help, and Xiao Fan wouldn't give up an opportunity to gain favor.

Stepping forward, Xiao Fan looked at Ku Rong and slowly said, "You mean, as long as we show enough confidence to pass, you'll accept it?"

"That's right!"

Ku Rong looked at Xiao Fan with a mocking expression, as if to say, "How could that be?"

Swish!

However, no sooner had he finished speaking than a terrifying soul pressure emanated from Xiao Fan, enveloping the entire plaza.

Sensing the soul fluctuations emanating from Xiao Fan, not only the group of alchemists but even Tang Zhen were surprised, their eyes scrutinizing Xiao Fan from head to toe, a hint of solemnity appearing in their eyes.

As Xiao Fan's soul power crushed them, the once arrogant group of alchemists could only tremble under his oppressive aura. They looked at Xiao Fan as if he were a monster, their eyes filled with fear…

This was all because Xiao Fan's soul power had entered the Spirit Realm, overwhelming them and making them feel powerless.

"Can such power be proven...?"

As he watched the trembling, withered tree, Xiao Fan's voice echoed softly...

"this.........."

Sensing the fluctuations of Xiao Fan's soul, Ku Rong completely lost the courage to refute. He hadn't expected that such a seemingly unremarkable young man would possess such terrifying soul power. Judging from the pressure emanating from him, this person's soul power had probably already entered the Spirit Realm...

"Damn it, which old geezer is pretending to be young here!"

Ku Rong forced a grimace, cursing inwardly, before looking up at Xiao Fan and saying, "This... I slandered you, senior. I'm... sorry..."

"The person you should apologize to is not me..."

Xiao Fan shook his head slightly and looked at Tang Zhen beside him.

Ku Rong then belatedly looked at Tang Zhen. He had previously thought that the truth was on their side and that Tang Zhen would not offend them, a group of alchemists, over such a trivial matter, which was why he dared to speak up. However, now that he realized he was the clown, a sense of panic rose in Ku Rong's heart.

He hadn't forgotten that Tang Zhen was a genuine Dou Zun powerhouse.

Thinking of this, a bead of cold sweat trickled down Ku Rong's forehead and dripped onto the ground.

As for the alchemists who originally wanted an answer, they looked at Tang Zhen with fear and apologized to him frantically.

"Valley Master Tang, I apologize. We didn't consider things properly just now, which caused this misunderstanding..."

"Yes, yes, we should have realized it sooner. With Valley Master Tang's discerning eye, how could we have misjudged someone? We were in the wrong today, and we hope Valley Master Tang can be magnanimous and forgive our mistakes..."

...............

A cacophony of voices arose, all telling the same story: they hoped Tang Zhen would forgive them.

Seeing everyone's attitude, Tang Zhen's expression remained unchanged. He was like a volcano about to erupt, exuding the pressure of a Dou Zun powerhouse in front of everyone.

"hehe.........."

Tang Zhen smiled slightly, his gaze sweeping over Ku Rong and the several alchemists behind him. He spoke in a detached tone, "Since you all distrust me, I suppose you also have long harbored resentment towards my Burning Flame Valley. In that case, I will not keep you any longer."

Tang Zhen spoke slowly, and as his words fell, Ku Rong and the several alchemists behind him paled.

Tang Zhen ordered them to be driven out of Burning Flame Valley. From now on, which family or force in Burning Flame Valley would dare to associate with them?

After all, the Burning Flame Valley's sphere of influence in the Central Plains is an insurmountable mountain for ordinary people.

The fact that they were able to arrive at Burning Flame Valley so quickly after Tang Zhen issued the recruitment notice is naturally because they are alchemists within Burning Flame Valley themselves. Their purpose in coming here was to establish connections with Burning Flame Valley, which is a pity...

Ignoring the apologies of the alchemists, Tang Zhen directly ordered Elder Chi Huo to lead the disciples of Burning Flame Valley to "invite" them out of Burning Flame Valley.

After "inviting" Ku Rong and the others away, Tang Zhen stopped paying attention. Although Tang Zhen didn't want to have too much of a falling out with these alchemists, Ku Rong had pointed at his nose and cursed him in Burning Flame Valley. Whether for the sake of Burning Flame Valley's reputation or his own dignity as a Dou Zun powerhouse, this matter could not be ignored.

Tang Zhen's gaze fell on the remaining alchemists, a smile appearing on his face. He cupped his hands in greeting and said, "Please forgive my rudeness. Although none of you passed the trial I prepared, I still have some resources to offer as an apology for your wasted trip."

The alchemists, who were initially uneasy because Tang Zhen had dealt with those alchemists earlier, showed surprise upon hearing Tang Zhen's words. Then, they exchanged silent glances, and their expressions relaxed.

"Hehe, Valley Master Tang is joking. This matter was originally Ku Rong's fault, and he has slandered Valley Master Tang. We are already extremely honored to have the opportunity to see the scenery inside Burning Flame Valley."

Seeing that Tang Zhen had offered them a way out, the numerous alchemists, without any airs, readily spoke up, and in an instant, the plaza was filled with a harmonious atmosphere...

In the end, only Xiao Fan, Xiao Yan, and the Illusion Master passed the test. After nodding slightly to the other alchemists, Tang Zhen arranged for his disciples to entertain them and also took Zi Yan with him. Then, he led the three of them towards the depths of Burning Flame Valley.

Along the way, Xiao Fan and the others witnessed the grandeur of Burning Flame Valley and gained a brief understanding of its strength. Following behind Tang Zhen, the three of them spent another incense stick's time before finally arriving at a place filled with rich fire-attribute energy.

The fire-attribute energy here is several times more concentrated than in other parts of Burning Flame Valley, and it is far superior to the outside world.

Chapter 137 Opening up the alchemy furnace

Upon arriving here, Tang Zhen stopped moving.

Xiao Fan and the others also stopped here, feeling the rich fire-attribute energy in the air.

"Gentlemen..."

Ahead, Tang Zhen turned around, his gaze sweeping over Xiao Fan and the others. He nodded slightly to Master Huan, then fixed his gaze on Xiao Fan and Xiao Yan, a broad smile on his face, and said, "I didn't expect it! You two are truly remarkable at such a young age! To have such talent and strength at such a young age makes this old man feel ashamed..."

Hearing Tang Zhen's words, Xiao Fan and Xiao Yan were not surprised. Given the strength of Burning Flame Valley in Central State, it was quite normal for the other party to recognize their identities since they had already arrived at Burning Flame Valley's main camp. If the other party had not discovered their identities by now, then Xiao Fan and Xiao Yan would be surprised.

"Hehe, Senior Tang is joking."

Xiao Yan glanced at Xiao Fan and, seeing that Xiao Fan had no intention of speaking, stepped forward, cupped his hands and smiled at Tang Zhen, then said, "I have also heard that this gathering of alchemists was entrusted by Senior Tang. Once it is completed, he will be able to make a request to Burning Flame Valley. I just don't know if this is true or not?"

Seeing Xiao Yan's directness, Tang Zhen not only did not show any displeasure, but also appreciated their directness. With a smile on his face, he said, "That's right, I personally agreed to this matter. This time, we have gathered alchemists to refine a pill."

Tang Zhen addressed Xiao Yan, and then explained to Master Huan beside him, "The reason I gathered you all here is to refine a pill. It's all because I didn't discipline my daughter properly, which fostered her unrealistic ambitions. As you all know, the Nine Dragons Thunderfire is the inherited flame of my Burning Flame Valley, but my daughter forcibly absorbed it and ultimately failed, leading to her current life-threatening condition."

"The reason I asked for your help is to refine the seventh-grade elixir, the Fire Bodhi Pill."

"A high-grade seventh-rank pill, the Fire Bodhi Pill?"

Upon hearing this, Master Huan's face showed a hint of emotion, and he exclaimed in surprise. A moment's hesitation crossed his face before he finally spoke to Tang Zhen, saying, "Valley Master Tang, I can only barely refine low-grade seventh-rank pills at present. The Fire Bodhi Pill, even among seventh-rank pills, is considered high-grade, even comparable to a peak seventh-rank pill. Even if we combine our efforts... I'm afraid we..."

Hearing Master Huan's hesitation, Tang Zhen's expression remained unchanged, and he said to Master Huan, "Master Huan, rest assured, I know that refining the Fire Bodhi Pill is difficult, so you all just need to assist me."

"In the end, it's because I lack the talent for alchemy. If I could refine pills independently, I wouldn't be troubling you all."

Tang Zhen cupped his hands slightly, his gaze falling on Xiao Yan, and said to Xiao Fan and the others, "However, as long as you all lend me a hand, once the Fire Bodhi Pill is successfully refined, whatever your requests are, as long as they do not violate my principles, I will certainly fulfill them; even if the refinement fails this time with your help, I will still offer you a separate reward!"

Hearing Tang Zhen's words, Master Huan didn't say anything more. The reason he brought it up before refining was to prevent Tang Zhen from blaming them if it failed. Now that Tang Zhen had promised not to pursue the matter regardless of success or failure, he naturally wouldn't refuse. Moreover, if it succeeded, the favor of a Dou Zun powerhouse would be so generous that Master Huan would really do his best to get revenge.

"Young friend, do you have any further questions?"

Tang Zhen's gaze fell on Xiao Yan before he continued to ask.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan made no attempt to conceal his thoughts and directly addressed Tang Zhen, saying, "Valley Master Tang, since that's the case, I won't hide anything. I've come to Burning Flame Valley this time for the 'Three Transformations of Heavenly Fire'! If I succeed in refining it, I hope you can grant me permission to learn the Three Transformations of Heavenly Fire!"

Seemingly worried that Tang Zhen would refuse, Xiao Yan added after speaking, "Senior, rest assured, once I learn the 'Three Mysterious Transformations of Heavenly Fire,' I will definitely not reveal it."

Upon hearing Xiao Yan's request, Tang Zhen hesitated for a moment before agreeing. He said to Xiao Yan, "Boy, I don't want to lie to you. 'Heavenly Flame Three Transformations' is a secret technique of my Burning Flame Valley. Even within Burning Flame Valley, only inner disciples are qualified to learn this fighting technique. And even if I agree to your request, the elders' council may not necessarily agree."

Seeing the regret on Xiao Yan's face, Tang Zhen continued, "But I can assure you that once the refining is complete, if it is successful, I will do my best to speak to the Elders' Council to secure an opportunity for you. Even if it fails in the end, I will make up for it in other ways and will never break my promise!"

"Thank you very much, senior!"

Listening to Tang Zhen's words, Xiao Yan knew that this was the greatest sincerity Tang Zhen could offer. At least he hadn't feigned agreement; he had first explained the importance of this fighting technique to him, which was enough to prove that the other party had no intention of reneging on the agreement...

"As for you..."

Tang Zhen's gaze finally fell on Xiao Fan.

"Young man, Xiao Fan."

When Xiao Fan saw Tang Zhen's gaze, he nodded slightly. After all, in terms of strength, he and Tang Zhen were both at the Dou Zun realm, so Xiao Fan didn't feel too much pressure.

"Hehe, the younger generation is truly formidable!"

Tang Zhen looked at Xiao Fan, couldn't help but sigh, nodded to Xiao Fan, and then said, "Young friend Xiao Fan, what do you need?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Fan pondered for a moment before speaking, "I came here to accompany my junior brother. If we succeed in the end, I wonder if I could have a glimpse of the origin of the Nine Dragons Thunderfire?"

Seeing Tang Zhen's furrowed brows, Xiao Fan said, "Senior, don't worry. As you should know, my junior brother also possesses a strange fire. My cultivation method is somewhat special, so I only want to observe it. It will absolutely not have the slightest impact on the strange fire."

Upon hearing this, Tang Zhen glanced at Xiao Fan, but didn't answer immediately. After hesitating for a moment, Tang Zhen finally spoke, "The Nine Dragons Thunderfire is the foundation of my Burning Flame Valley. This matter is of utmost importance, and I cannot guarantee you anything immediately..."

Xiao Fan nodded slightly and said to Tang Zhen, "I know this request is a bit abrupt, and I apologize for my rudeness. Right now, we should focus on refining the pills."

Tang Zhen listened to Xiao Fan's words and gave him a deep look, but he did not refuse. After all, for him, the most important thing at the moment was to refine the Fire Bodhi Pill and save his daughter.

"Alright, since that's the case, then I won't be coy anymore."

Tang Zhen had a smile on his face. If he was only 60% confident in refining the Fire Bodhi Pill when there was only Master Huan and Xiao Yan, now that Xiao Fan, who was also at the Dou Zun realm, had joined him, and given Xiao Fan's identity as an alchemist, Tang Zhen's confidence in refining the pill had increased to 80%!

Tang Zhen led Xiao Fan and the other two into a formation in the middle of the main hall, where mysterious auras constantly emanated from the formation.

Looking at the array on the ground, Xiao Fan felt a surge of admiration for Tang Zhen's talent. If Tang Zhen had more talent for alchemy, he would surely have been able to forge an amazing path in the art of alchemy.

"The three of you, this is a temporary formation for concentrating spiritual energy. After I begin alchemy, I will need your help to refine the pills..."

Following Tang Zhen's instructions, Xiao Fan and the other two entered the formation. They immediately understood the formation's function, released their spiritual power, and sensed the presence of the other people's spiritual power.