Chapter 10: The Valley of Heavenly Flames
Although the seventh floor held a treasure trove of Heaven Rank techniques and Dou Skills, Xiao Yan knew he wasn't yet qualified to use them.
While Heaven Rank techniques provided vast and powerful Dou Qi, his current physical constitution couldn't handle the strain. At the very least, he needed the cultivation level of a high tier Dou Zong to begin practicing such techniques.
As for Heaven Rank Dou Skills, they were even more terrifying. Even a newly ascended Dou Zun would hesitate to use them freely a single complete strike from a Heaven Rank Dou Skill could drain the Dou Qi of a Three Star Dou Zun completely.
Unexpected Finds on the Seventh Floor
"Hm?" Xiao Yan's eyes scanned the glowing orbs and noticed some peculiar titles among the cultivation techniques, Dou Skills, and alchemical recipes.
"Dragon Phoenix Love and Hatred Chronicles""Secrets of the Stone Clan Leader"
"Really?" Xiao Yan sighed, a vein twitching on his forehead.
These weren't techniques but rather juicy gossip and secrets of top tier powerhouses. Every person featured in these records was at least a Seven Star Dou Sheng or stronger.
"Is this stuff really meant for a little Dou Huang like me?" Xiao Yan grumbled but couldn't resist picking up a book titled "The Romantic Tales of the Purifying Lotus Demon Sage."
"Hm? This is actually kind of interesting," he muttered, intrigued by the opening chapters.
However, the oppressive pressure of the seventh floor was immense. After reading only a few pages, Xiao Yan found himself sweating profusely.
"Forget it. I'll come back and study... carefully... after I return from my journey."
He reluctantly put the book down, took a deep breath, and turned his gaze toward the staircase leading to the eighth floor.
"If the seventh floor has secrets about the Purifying Lotus Demon Sage, then the eighth floor might have insights into the private lives of Dou Di level figures," Xiao Yan mused, half jokingly.
But his curiosity was soon quelled by reality. Before he even reached the top of the staircase, the overwhelming pressure left him pale faced and drenched in sweat.
"Forget it! The secrets of some minor Dou Dis aren't worth dying over."
Defeated, Xiao Yan staggered out of the Library Pavilion with a collection of ten or so Earth Rank techniques and Dou Skills.
A New Destination: The Valley of Heavenly Flames
"Elder Wen, Elder Wu, where to next?" Xiao Yan asked, regaining his composure.
"Next, we could visit the Valley of Heavenly Flames," Xiao Wen suggested with a grin.
"The Valley of Heavenly Flames!" Xiao Yan's eyes lit up with excitement.
Since he had decided to follow the path of devouring Heavenly Flames, he knew that gathering more flames would only strengthen him. He hadn't expected the Xiao Clan to have a dedicated place for storing Heavenly Flames.
Journey to the Valley
Guided by Xiao Wen and Xiao Wu, Xiao Yan traversed endless mountain ranges until they arrived at a mysterious canyon.
As they approached, Xiao Yan felt the temperature rise significantly. The air was thick with fiery energy so potent and volatile that it made the atmosphere feel alive.
The valley was immense, stretching tens of thousands of meters, with molten lava flowing freely in its depths. Bright red smoke billowed from the lava, casting an otherworldly glow over the entire area.
"This place is filled with powerful cultivators," Xiao Yan observed.
Dozens of figures were perched along the cliffs on either side of the canyon, meditating and absorbing the abundant fire attribute energy.
The fiery energy here was so wild and intense that even Xiao Yan, with his flame affinity, dared not recklessly absorb it. For most, over absorption would lead to severe consequences fire poison invading the body, damaged meridians, or even self immolation.
Exploring the Valley
The presence of Xiao Yan's group didn't disturb the meditating cultivators. Accompanied by the two Half Saints, Xiao Yan ventured deeper into the scorching canyon, flying above the rivers of molten lava.
"This valley was created when the Patriarch used his Dou Di powers to connect with the earth's fire veins," Xiao Wen explained.
"The abundant fire energy here benefits not only fire attribute cultivators but also Heavenly Flames, nurturing their growth and strengthening them."
A Heavenly Flame Revealed
As they flew, Xiao Yan spotted something extraordinary.
Amid the churning lava, a massive jade green lotus grew. The lotus was as large as a millstone, and its center burned with a deep green flame.
"Behold, Young Master," Xiao Wu said, pointing at the lotus. "This is the Green Lotus Core Flame, ranked nineteenth on the Heavenly Flame List."
"I know it's the Green Lotus Core Flame. According to the storyline, this is supposed to be my first Heavenly Flame," Xiao Yan thought to himself, resisting the urge to roll his eyes. Outwardly, however, he maintained a look of admiration.
"Impressive. Truly a remarkable creation of the heavens and earth," Xiao Yan said, nodding in apparent awe.
"Hehe, the formation conditions for the Green Lotus Core Flame are relatively simple. The vastness of the Dou Qi Continent ensures that lower ranked Heavenly Flames aren't necessarily unique," Xiao Wen explained with a smile.
"Within our clan alone, we nurture three Green Lotus Core Flames. According to the clan's rules, anyone who becomes an eight tier high level alchemist earns the right to enter the Valley of Heavenly Flames and claim a flame ranked below fifteenth for refining."
"Filthy rich old ancestors…" Xiao Yan cursed inwardly, then followed the group further into the valley.
"Here is the Profound Yellow Flame! Its formation conditions are similar to the Green Lotus Core Flame's but slightly easier. It's the most common Heavenly Flame among our alchemists," Xiao Wen said, pointing to a vibrant yellow flame that appeared spirited and lively.
"This flame is also cultivated by the Medicine Clan and the Flame Clan," he added, his extensive knowledge as a former librarian shining through as he enthusiastically introduced the flames.
"This is the Ten Thousand Beast Spirit Flame," Xiao Wen continued, gesturing toward a unique flame. "It's a fusion of the Beast Flames from a ninth tier magical beast, eight eighth tier magical beasts, and countless lower tier magical beasts. It's known as the king of Beast Flames and worthy of being called a Heavenly Flame."
"This is the Volcanic Rock Flame, born deep within volcanic magma. It's more powerful and rarer than the Green Lotus Core Flame."
"That over there is the Flamecloud Water Flame, a specialty of the Flame Clan. This particular flame was presented to our clan as a gift when their current patriarch ascended."
"And this one is the Falling Heart Flame. It can ignite the fire in one's heart, causing silent self immolation. However, it's also highly effective in tempering Dou Qi."
"This is the Turtle Spirit Earth Flame," Xiao Wen said, pointing to a large, brown turtle lazily swimming through the magma below.
"From the fifteenth ranked Sea Heart Flame onward, Heavenly Flames grow increasingly sentient, developing intelligence. Starting with the Falling Heart Flame, they also gain the ability to move independently.
This Turtle Spirit Earth Flame is rare even our clan only has two of them."
"Two is already a lot," Xiao Yan muttered, his lips twitching.
The Bone Spirit Cold Flame
As they ventured deeper into the valley, Xiao Yan's eyes caught sight of something unusual.
A basketball sized skull made of bone darted around erratically. Strangely, the temperature dropped significantly wherever it passed.
"That's the Bone Spirit Cold Flame, ranked eleventh on the Heavenly Flame list. It originates in extremely cold regions, and only two or three may form across the Dou Qi Continent in a century. Even with our clan's vast resources, we've only managed to acquire one," Xiao Wen said.
"I've heard that a remarkable alchemist recently emerged in the Central Plains, someone who acquired the Bone Spirit Cold Flame. Rumor has it they might ascend to the ninth tier soon, despite being an outcast of the Medicine Clan," Xiao Wen added.
"An outcast? Tsk tsk, the Medicine Clan must regret that," Xiao Yan chuckled. "There are only two or three ninth tier alchemists in the entire clan, aren't there?"
"Indeed. Ninth tier alchemists are among the most revered figures in the world, their status no less than that of our Supreme Elders," Xiao Wen replied with a wry smile.
While they spoke, the Bone Spirit Cold Flame suddenly let out a strange, garbled noise: "A ba! A ba!"
"Hehe, Young Master, this Bone Spirit Cold Flame has been in the Valley for a thousand years and has developed a bit of a personality," Xiao Wen remarked.
"A university student of the flame world, no doubt," Xiao Yan thought, stifling a laugh.
As they proceeded, Xiao Wen pointed out even more flames.
"This is the Nine Nether Wind Flame. Over there is the Eight Desolation Annihilation Flame. And that is the Golden Emperor Burning Heaven Flame."
"These flames are incredibly rare, even if not unique. Unfortunately, our clan doesn't have the means to collect all of them. However, their owners hold the Patriarch in high regard. When he created the Valley of Heavenly Flames, they donated sub flames to serve as exhibits."
After viewing these flames, the group finally arrived at the heart of the Valley.
Here, a palace constructed entirely of fire stood, its structure shimmering and shifting like a mirage.
The fiery palace was mesmerizing, but what truly caught Xiao Yan's attention was the man seated cross legged inside.
Clad in black, the man's presence was overwhelming, radiating a powerful and ominous aura that seemed to merge with the flames surrounding him.
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