Qing Lin Is Still Good
"If the fire is bluish, shaped like a lotus, and its rising aura resembles a Volcano, then if I'm not mistaken, the Strange Flame that this master controls should be the Azure Lotus Earth Core Flame, ranked nineteenth on the Strange Flame Ranking List." Seeing the azure flame slowly rising from Xiao Yan's fingertip, the shopkeeper was filled with shock and reverence, squinting his eyes to get a better look at the Azure Lotus Earth Core Flame.
Everyone had heard of Strange Flames, and many Alchemists had been seen, but the combination of the two was something that even this old shopkeeper had only heard of in Central State, like Tang Zhen, the Valley Master of Burning Flame Valley.
Now, to actually see a living Alchemist who possessed a Strange Flame at such a young age, how could he not be surprised?
"So what if it's refined with a Strange Flame! It's still just a Huangji Pill!" Lu Feng said coldly, his face darkening as he found himself in a difficult position.
Seeing the Heavenly Serpent Mansion's Elder acting so blind, the old shopkeeper couldn't help but shake his head, explaining, "Elder Lu Feng, if this Huangji Pill is refined with a Strange Flame, then its value is probably higher than a low-quality Sect Breakthrough Pill."
"The Huangji Pill actually has two effects. First, it can increase a Dou Huang's cultivation by one star, but a low-quality Huangji Pill can only increase the cultivation of a low-level Dou Huang by one star. This one can increase it by one star even for a high-level Dou Huang."
"The second effect is to enhance the physique of a Dou Huang, but this effect is very weak, and generally, cultivators who reach the Dou Huang level have strong physiques, so the effect is negligible and often overlooked. However, if it is refined using a Strange Flame, then this second effect will be enhanced."
"According to my estimation, this Huangji Pill is worth no less than some low-quality Sect Breakthrough Pills."
The old shopkeeper was indeed worthy of being the person representing Yellow Springs Pavilion in managing such a large Rare Goods Pavilion branch. His insight, experience, and judgment were indeed unique.
And this was why so many Alchemists craved Strange Flames. A good fire seed not only made Pill Refining more convenient and faster, but also improved the quality. Even pills refined with the Ten Thousand Beasts Spirit Flame would subtly enhance the weak bloodline power of Magical Beasts.
"You!!" Lu Feng's face turned ashen, and he glared in anger. He now felt that the old shopkeeper was playing him. How could a Huangji Pill be worth more than a Sect Breakthrough Pill!
However, facing Lu Feng's anger, the old shopkeeper remained calm, seemingly unaffected by Lu Feng's rage.
In the end, Lu Feng only snorted heavily and left, flicking his sleeves. He could grit his teeth and take out a Huangji Pill, but he couldn't take out a Sect Breakthrough Pill, let alone a high-quality one.
Although Lu Feng was aggressive, he still understood the basic principles. The Yellow Springs Rare Goods Pavilion was backed by the Yellow Springs Pavilion, and even if he was an Elder of the Heavenly Serpent Mansion, it was not his place to cause trouble.
"Hehe, aren't you very rich? Why aren't you bidding?" As Lu Feng left, the Little Princess Yue Er stuck out her tongue and said loudly.
"What's so great about a Demon Transformation Pill? It won't be long before our Flame Alliance can refine Transformation Pills. You'll regret it then."
Xiao Yan rolled his eyes at the mischievous Little Princess, as if she was the one refining the Transformation Pills. In the end, wasn't he the one doing the hard labor!
"Walk slowly, and I'll beat him back to his original form," Zi Yan snorted.
Xiao Yan said slowly, "Shopkeeper, please pack that sword for me."
To Xiao Yan's surprise, the old shopkeeper shook his head and said softly, "Although our shop isn't a famous one in the Dou Qi Continent, we still offer fair prices. This sword barely reaches the Seventh Grade and isn't worth the price. If Master trusts me, I'll have a Magic Core weapon that's worth this pill sent over from the sect in a few days. I'll deliver it to the Flame Alliance Residence along with those Medicinal Herbs."
The old shopkeeper returned Xiao Yan's Huangji Pill with both hands. It had to be said that businessmen were businessmen, and every word was a trick!
And most importantly, even if Xiao Yan knew that the old shopkeeper's goal was himself, he had no reason to refuse.
"Very well, let's do that then."
Immediately, Xiao Yan took back the Huangji Pill, a strange look flashing in his eyes, and asked as if unintentionally, "By the way, I just heard that person mention something about a Holy Maiden's banquet. Who is this Holy Maiden?"
Hearing Xiao Yan's question, the old shopkeeper naturally didn't have much doubt and explained, "Oh, Master is referring to the Heavenly Serpent Mansion's New Holy Maiden."
"I don't know too much about the Holy Maiden, but I know that a few years ago, Elder Bai Ya and Elder Lü Man brought back a Snake-Person prodigy with extraordinary talent, and she has been receiving great cultivation from the Heavenly Serpent Mansion."
"Some time ago, the Heavenly Serpent Mansion announced to the public that the Heavenly Serpent Mansion's New Holy Maiden will participate in this Sect Assembly, and a banquet will be held in seven days, probably for this Holy Maiden."
Hearing the old shopkeeper's words, Xiao Yan and Hai Bo Dong exchanged a hidden glance, and then Hai Bo Dong asked, "Does the shopkeeper know the Holy Maiden's name?"
The old shopkeeper frowned and thought for a while, then said, "I think her name is Qing Lin."
...
Back at the Flame Alliance's temporary Residence.
"Third Brother, we've investigated in the Heavenly Serpent Capital. The Heavenly Serpent Mansion's New Holy Maiden is indeed Qing Lin. The banquet in seven days is said to be set up by the Heavenly Serpent Mansion to introduce Qing Lin to all the Heavenly Serpent Mansion's Elders," said Xiao Ding, the eldest brother.
Xiao Li took a sip of wine, ate a few peanuts, and said, "Yes, the Heavenly Serpent Mansion's power is much greater than we imagined. Not only the Heavenly Serpent Empire, but I've heard that several powerful empires around the Heavenly Serpent Empire are actually secretly controlled by the Heavenly Serpent Mansion. Their power is very vast."
"And the Elders of the Heavenly Serpent Mansion are not like those of the Yunlan Sect. The Elders of the Heavenly Serpent Mansion are more like generals or vassal states. For example, the Elder Lu Snake you met today. The reason why he got the Elder's seat is because more than ten years ago, he led his Lu Snake Tribe from Medusa's Snake-People Empire to join the Heavenly Serpent Mansion, so he got the Elder's seat."
Xiao Yan's eyes flashed. No wonder the Heavenly Serpent Mansion's power was so vast. Those Elders didn't necessarily have to be strong to get the Elder's seat. Having a large race could also get them the seat.
"I was wondering why that Elder Qing of the Heavenly Serpent Mansion, who was only a high-level Dou Wang, was also an Elder. So that's how it is." Xiao Yan remembered the Heavenly Serpent Mansion's Elder Qing who he robbed at the Black-Corner Region auction house. He was clearly only a high-level Dou Wang, but he was actually an Elder.
In the hall room, the three Xiao brothers were drinking wine, eating peanuts and side dishes, and talking about the things they had investigated today.
Xiao Yan picked up his wine glass, took a sip, and sighed, "Fortunately, at least Qing Lin hasn't been bullied these years. Being able to become a Holy Maiden proves that those two snakes didn't lie. They did give Qing Lin enough training."
At this time, Xiao Yan could be considered to have put down the big stone in his heart. After all, there were many reasons for that result at that time, and Qing Lin herself agreed to go to the Heavenly Serpent Mansion to become stronger.
At least the worst-case scenario was avoided.
Xiao Ding pondered for a moment and said, "Third Brother, do you still plan to bring Qing Lin back now?"
Xiao Ding and Xiao Li both looked at Xiao Yan. Xiao Ding's words were very clear. Qing Lin's life wasn't bad now, it could even be said to be very good. She was the Heavenly Serpent Mansion's Holy Maiden, a hegemonic power in the Northwest Region. Such a status was much higher than being a maid.
Moreover, what Xiao Ding and Xiao Li didn't say was that the current Qing Lin might not be willing to leave the Heavenly Serpent Mansion.
Xiao Yan picked up a piece of fish, put it in his mouth to chew, then took a sip of white wine, and slowly said, "Although I once made an agreement with Qing Lin to bring her back, if she is unwilling, then I, Xiao Yan, have no reason to force her."
"The outcome was caused by my inability to defeat those two Dou Huangs back then. If Qing Lin is happy, then this can be considered a blessing in disguise."
If Qing Lin was willing to continue staying in the Heavenly Serpent Mansion, then Xiao Yan would naturally not forcibly take her away.
"But... Third Brother, if Qing Lin stays in the Heavenly Serpent Mansion, this may conflict with your plan. When the time comes..." Xiao Ding was not so optimistic.
Xiao Yan's purpose in establishing the Flame Alliance was to build a powerful force. Besides protecting his clansmen and revitalizing the Xiao Clan, it was also to have enough power to make the Gu Clan take a serious look.
To strengthen the Flame Alliance, it was necessary to annex the entire Northwest Region.
Just like what the Heavenly Serpent Mansion was thinking, to be qualified to enter Central State, and to have a place in such a place with many forces, they must first unify the entire Northwest Region.
That is to say, the Flame Alliance and the Heavenly Serpent Mansion were actually in competition.
Don't forget, the purpose of Xiao Yan and the others coming to the Heavenly Serpent Capital to participate in the Sect Assembly this time was to make a name for themselves in the Sect Assembly, to gain prestige, so that the Three Great Empires would not dare to underestimate them and attack them casually, and to buy time to become stronger.
At the very least, they had to wait until Medusa completed her evolution and the Little Fairy Doctor solved her Calamity Poison Body before their Flame Alliance had the strength to unify the entire Northwest Region.
The Flame Alliance was lurking!
That is to say, in the end, Xiao Yan might have a battle with the Heavenly Serpent Mansion. Naturally, Qing Lin, as the Holy Maiden of the Heavenly Serpent Mansion, might be an opponent.
Hearing his eldest brother's worries, to the surprise of Xiao Ding and Xiao Li, Xiao Yan actually laughed, and waved his hand indifferently, "Brother, you are worrying too much, overthinking it."
"If there is such a day, and my Flame Alliance really wants to unify the entire Northwest Region by force, then as long as the Heavenly Serpent Mansion isn't stupid, they won't stop the Flame Alliance's footsteps."
"Moreover, Qing Lin has such a powerful and unparalleled talent as the Azure Snake Three-Flower Pupils, but I don't think I will lose."
Xiao Yan revealed a confident smile. An opponent is an opponent. The Azure Snake Three-Flower Pupils are very powerful, but he is not from the Snake-People Empire, and if he can't even defeat the Azure Snake Three-Flower Pupils, then how can he revitalize the Xiao Clan and marry the Gu Clan's daughter?
What about the Azure Snake Three-Flower Pupils? He also has the Dou Di Bloodline.
"Besides... Qing Lin only focuses on improving her cultivation and lacks actual combat experience. It's hard to say if she can beat the one outside."
With a *pang* sound, Nalan Yanran, wearing a Yunlan Sect moon-colored robe, angrily opened the door with a palm, holding two jars of wine as she entered from outside.
With two *thump* sounds, the wine jars were heavily placed on the table, startling Xiao Yan.
Nalan Yanran flicked her hair and said in a deep voice, "I bought them back!"
Xiao Yan rolled his eyes and said unhappily, "What, you want the three of us brothers to drink directly from the wine jars? Pour the wine into the wine pot. Do I have to remind you of such a small thing?"
"You!" Nalan Yanran pointed at Xiao Yan, glaring at him. I, the dignified Young Sect Master of the Yunlan Sect, you asked me to buy wine, and now you want me to pour it!
"Can't do it? If you can't, then forget about the Huangtian Pill." Xiao Yan didn't indulge her, turned his head and continued to eat the side dishes.
Hearing the words Huangtian Pill, Nalan Yanran retracted her finger and showed a forced smile, "Okay, Young Master Xiao Yan."
Originally, Nalan Yanran's merits were only enough to exchange for a Fifth Grade peak Emperor Breakthrough Pill. Although the effects were similar, the Huangtian Pill was a Sixth Grade peak pill that could 100% allow a nine-star Dou Wang to break through to Dou Huang, but the Emperor Breakthrough Pill could only increase the chances of a nine-star peak Dou Wang breaking through.
The difference between the two was enormous. The Huangtian Pill was equivalent to directly leveling up and breaking through, even for those who had just entered the nine-star Dou Wang realm, while the Emperor Breakthrough Pill required a nine-star peak Dou Wang and only increased the chances of breaking through, not 100%.
Xiao Yan was originally the one who refined the pills, and he could also refine the Huangtian Pill.
Mainly, the Flame Alliance's battles, guarding, and conquests couldn't all be done by him, the Flame Venerable, right? The Flame Alliance needed someone to run errands.
Xiao Yan glanced at Nalan Yanran. It would be a pity if these legs weren't used to pedal a tricycle.
So Xiao Yan deliberately brought it up. If she was a good maid during the Sect Assembly, then he would directly refine the Huangtian Pill for her.
Nalan Yanran poured wine for Xiao Yan while cursing in her heart, 'I hope he drinks himself to death.'
"If I drink myself to death, who will refine the Huangtian Pill for you?" Xiao Yan said lightly.
Nalan Yanran was stunned. You can even read minds! "I can't read minds, but your face is full of these words."
"Forget it, forget it, don't bother us three brothers chatting, go fry a few side dishes and bring them over." Xiao Yan directly waved his hand.
"You! Hmph!" Nalan Yanran stomped her foot, but there was nothing she could do. Who told Xiao Yan to be an Alchemist, and she was now a nine-star Dou Wang. She stormed out of the room.
Xiao Li put his arm around Xiao Yan's neck and said with a smile, "Huangtian Pill, tsk tsk tsk, a Sixth Grade peak pill, you're really generous, Young Master Xiao Yan."
Xiao Yan said indifferently, "She has a great reputation in the Three Great Empires now, so she can be used as a shield. It's only right to give her some resources."
Xiao Li raised his eyebrows and smiled, "Are you sure it's not because her master is Yun Yun Sect Leader? Yun Yun Sect Leader hasn't married yet."
Xiao Yan said calmly without blushing or skipping a beat, "Of course not."
At this moment, Xiao Ding chimed in, "I think what Third Brother said is right, but I heard Hai Lao say you bought a sword today? What, are you switching to sword cultivation?"
"It's okay to try cultivating the sword. It's good to try a few other things among all kinds of martial arts." Xiao Yan's hardest part was his mouth.
Not long after, when Nalan Yanran came up with a few dark dishes, the three Xiao brothers unanimously agreed that they didn't know if she could beat Qing Lin, but at least in terms of serving people, the little girl Qing Lin was still more careful and capable.
"Ah, Qing Lin is still the best."
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