Yao Chen didn't have to wait too long. The voice from inside the window quickly responded.
"An Ice Attribute, High-Level Earth Tier Cultivation Technique."
"Is the Pavilion Master perhaps joking? A cultivation technique of that caliber, let alone the Northwest Continent, even in the Central State, there probably aren't many factions that could produce one, let alone requiring it to be Ice Attribute. I am merely a Dou Huang; I don't have that kind of wealth."
Hearing the price Chen Xiao named, this time even Yao Chen couldn't help but react.
Earth Tier Cultivation Techniques weren't common goods. He did indeed have many Cultivation Techniques and Dou Skills in his collection, but he truly didn't have an Ice Attribute, High-Level Earth Tier Cultivation Technique.
Chen Xiao's exorbitant demand made Yao Chen couldn't help but start to wonder if he knew his identity and background.
Otherwise, why would he offer such an outrageously high price when facing a Dou Huang from a place like the Northwest?
Therefore, Yao Chen deliberately mentioned the Central State, wanting to see from Chen Xiao's reaction if it was truly as he suspected.
Inside the room, Chen Xiao, hearing Yao Chen's reply, was slightly disappointed, but not intensely so.
A Middle-Level Earth Tier Cultivation Technique was completely sufficient for him now.
More importantly, once he broke through to Dou Zong, the Pre-pay limit would increase again, and he would naturally be able to Pre-pay for higher-grade Cultivation Techniques then.
He had spoken just now simply to test if he could get an unexpected surprise from Yao Chen without relying on Pre-pay.
If Yao Chen truly had an Ice Attribute Cultivation Technique of that grade and agreed, it would undoubtedly be a great thing. He could enjoy the benefits of a High-Level Earth Tier Cultivation Technique in advance and save a Pre-pay opportunity for the future.
Although he hadn't achieved his goal now, he wasn't overly disappointed.
After all, this outcome was within expectations.
Not dwelling on it, Chen Xiao put away the Jade Bottle containing Han Feng's soul body, lightly patted his seat, and the wall next to the window, which had been seamlessly sealed, immediately slid open to both sides, revealing a doorway.
"Elder, please come in and we can discuss further."
Yao Chen hesitated slightly, then strode into the room.
He was the esteemed Medicine Venerable; he wouldn't be intimidated by such a small scene.
Entering the room, the light instantly dimmed considerably.
However, Chen Xiao's face could still be clearly seen.
For a moment, both Yao Chen and Xiao Yan were somewhat surprised.
Evidently, they both recognized Chen Xiao's identity.
"Teacher, it's Chen Xiao! What's his strength now?" Xiao Yan asked in his mind.
He clearly remembered that three years ago, when Nalan Yanran came to break off the engagement, Chen Xiao and Hai Bo Dong had visited the Xiao Family.
At that time, he had already been unable to gauge Chen Xiao's strength. It was only later, from Yao Chen, that he learned Chen Xiao had been a Dou Wang back then.
He couldn't gauge it three years ago, and even more so today, three years later.
Those looking down see mountains and rivers clearly, while those looking up at cliffs see the sky obscured by clouds and mist; it was no different.
"Dou Huang."
Yao Chen responded briefly, without elaborating.
A One-Star Dou Huang was a Dou Huang, and a peak Dou Huang was also a Dou Huang. Yao Chen wasn't lying.
Xiao Yan fell silent.
The three years of being a 'cripple' had significantly matured his temperament, making him less competitive.
However, seeing a minor character he hadn't even paid attention to in his childhood suddenly far surpass him, he couldn't help but feel some turmoil in his heart.
At the same time, he felt even more how arrogant he had been in his youth.
After all, even if Yao Chen hadn't absorbed his Dou Qi for three years, Xiao Yan couldn't say that he could have reached this level at the same age through normal cultivation.
"Elder, we meet again. Please have a seat."
Chen Xiao slightly raised his hand in greeting, without getting up.
He knew Xiao Yan, but he hadn't truly known Yao Chen.
Now that the other party was approaching him as a stranger, Chen Xiao naturally had to adopt the demeanor of the Purple Firmament Pavilion Master.
Yao Chen cupped his fist in thanks and sat down on the chair opposite Chen Xiao without a word.
A meaningful curve appeared on Chen Xiao's lips. His slender fingers gracefully held the teacup that Hai Bo Dong hadn't put away, elegantly tilting it back and forth, letting the hot tea swirl within the cup. His tone was casual.
"Three years ago, at the Mitre Auction House, I, along with Elder Hai, who you see as the Ice Emperor, were very curious when we saw the Elder. Why would a special existence like the Elder appear in a small Wu Tan City?"
"Although Elder Hai and I are not particularly strong, we do have some experience. We could tell that the Elder was borrowing someone else's body, just as you are now. However, the Auction House is a place for business, and the Elder followed the rules, so we didn't find it convenient to ask too much."
"Afterward, Elder Hai and I left the Jia Ma Empire and came to the Black-Corner Region. We met many powerhouses and also had contact with people from the Central State. From them, we also learned some anecdotes and interesting facts about the Central State."
"For example, the Medicine Venerable Yao Chen, who was known as the number one Alchemist in the Central State, mysteriously disappeared, his life or death unknown. After his disappearance, his chief disciple, Han Feng, the Young Pavilion Master of Starfall Pavilion, also subsequently lost contact."
As he spoke, Chen Xiao flicked his finger. A stream of ice-blue Dou Qi burst from his fingertip, transforming into an invisible tray that steadily held the teacup in his hand. It arced through the air and landed steadily on the Sandalwood Table beside Yao Chen.
Yao Chen didn't even look at the tea, his gaze fixed intently on Chen Xiao.
Previously, he had only suspected it, but now he was completely certain that Chen Xiao indeed knew many secrets.
Including his identity and background!
At this moment, Xiao Yan couldn't bother thinking about Chen Xiao's matters; his heart was filled with shock.
Chen Xiao's words contained a considerable amount of information.
Xiao Yan learned for the first time that his old teacher's name was Yao Chen, and he was also known as Medicine Venerable.
The title of the continent's number one Alchemist sounded incredibly impressive.
Furthermore, he also had an elder disciple named Han Feng...
Muttering this name in his heart, Xiao Yan instantly understood why Yao Chen was so concerned about Han Feng's life and death.
One question was answered, but more followed immediately.
Xiao Yan couldn't figure out why, if that elder disciple had fallen, shouldn't his teacher be very angry? Why was his reaction like this?
There must be something fishy going on!
Just as Xiao Yan was lost in thought, Chen Xiao's voice sounded again.
"I originally didn't connect the old gentleman with that Medicine Venerable until I encountered Han Feng in this Black-Corner Region. At that time, I thought, since Han Feng came to the Northwest, perhaps Medicine Venerable also came here."
"Following this line of thought, I first suspected the old gentleman's identity, but I couldn't be sure."
"Until today, seeing the old gentleman again, the cultivation technique aura of the body you are using is very similar to Han Feng's. I was eighty percent certain, so I deliberately took out Han Feng's soul body, and the old gentleman's reaction completely confirmed it for me – the old gentleman is that Medicine Venerable who disappeared many years ago!"
In the world of ordinary people, money and status determine the weight of a man's words.
But in the extraordinary world where experts gather, strength is a man's confidence.
When he was weak before, he had to be cautious.
But now, facing these master and disciple, Chen Xiao no longer needed to beat around the bush. Directly exposing their identities upfront wouldn't have much impact.
Meeting Chen Xiao's gaze, Yao Chen took a deep breath.
Since things had been said to this extent, he had no intention of playing dumb anymore.
"That's right, I am Yao Chen, but this has nothing to do with our transaction. Just say it directly, what do you want to exchange for Han Feng's soul body? I don't have a collection of High-Level Earth Tier Cultivation Techniques with the Ice Attribute; there's no need for me to lie to you."
Chen Xiao nodded, "I believe Medicine Venerable's words. In terms of soul strength alone, Han Feng's soul is not inferior to an ordinary Dou Zong expert. I originally planned to refine his soul into a puppet. Since Medicine Venerable is interested in him, giving him to Medicine Venerable is fine."
"Give him?" Yao Chen's tone carried suspicion.
If he were in his peak period, it wouldn't be strange for a Dou Huang to give some gifts to form a good relationship. As long as he was willing to accept, there would be plenty of Dou Huangs rushing to do so.
But in his current state, would Chen Xiao be so kind as to give him Han Feng's soul body for free?
Yao Chen didn't believe it from the bottom of his heart!
Under Yao Chen's suspicious gaze, Chen Xiao lightly clapped his hands.
The next moment, the Little Fairy Doctor quietly appeared.
"Does Medicine Venerable still remember the auction three years ago? That friend from the Mitre Family was there for Xian'er. Too much has happened in these three years. Xian'er and I have shared hardships and are inseparable. Thanks to the method for condensing the Poison Pill given by Medicine Venerable, Xian'er finally has hope of breaking her destiny. It won't be long before Xian'er's problem can be solved."
"Woeful Poison Body?!"
Feeling the Little Fairy Doctor's aura, Yao Chen exclaimed in surprise.
But before he could marvel, Yao Chen suddenly gleaned more information from Chen Xiao's words.
He was very clear about the method for condensing the Poison Pill; every required material was incredibly rare.
Leaving aside the Bodhi Transformation Saliva and the Grade 7 Heavenly Poison Scorpion Dragon Beast Magic Core, just the condition of three Heavenly Flames was enough to stump ninety-nine percent of the people in this world.
And listening to Chen Xiao's meaning, the Little Fairy Doctor condensing the Poison Pill was just around the corner. Didn't this mean they had already met the conditions?
But possessing three Heavenly Flames...
Burning Flame Art!!!
Yao Chen's heart trembled, and he keenly grasped the key point.
"It seems you gained quite a bit from Han Feng."
Yao Chen's voice was as stiff as a machine, devoid of emotional ripples. It was difficult for anyone to see through the calm surface what kind of thoughts were hidden beneath.
Whether it was joy, anger, or hidden killing intent.
Chen Xiao smiled slightly and pulled the Little Fairy Doctor to sit beside him.
"Han Feng's collection indeed benefited me greatly, especially that special cultivation technique, the 'Burning Flame Art'. It solved our most troublesome problem. It's a pity that the 'Burning Flame Art' on Han Feng was only a殘卷 (incomplete volume). Therefore, I want the complete version of the 'Burning Flame Art' that Medicine Venerable possesses."
Hearing this, Yao Chen couldn't help but scoff.
No one knew the preciousness of the Burning Flame Art better than him.
The reason he ended up in his current state was all because of the Burning Flame Art.
And now, he had placed great hopes on Xiao Yan, and the Burning Flame Art was already being cultivated by Xiao Yan. How could he possibly find a competitor for Heavenly Flames for Xiao Yan out of nowhere?
After all, there were only so many Heavenly Flames in the world. If someone else obtained one more, the probability of Xiao Yan obtaining a Heavenly Flame would decrease slightly.
Although, except for the Purifying Lotus Demonic Flame and the Void Swallowing Flame, the other Heavenly Flames were not unique, obtaining information about a Heavenly Flame was already extremely difficult. Who could guarantee obtaining more?
Therefore, upon hearing Chen Xiao's request, Yao Chen had already decided that even if he didn't get Han Feng's soul body, he would absolutely not hand over the Burning Flame Art.
At the same time, Yao Chen secretly became vigilant and was ready to strike at any time, guarding against Chen Xiao forcibly taking it.
"Impossible!"
"Medicine Venerable, don't jump to conclusions. Why not take a look at these two cultivation techniques first?"
Chen Xiao didn't mind, smiling as he took out the incomplete scroll of the Burning Flame Art from his storage ring, along with the complete Burning Flame Art he had pre-paid for.
Yao Chen took them, opened them, and after reading them, he was completely stunned. The vigilance he had raised couldn't help but relax.
He was absolutely certain that this was indeed the real Burning Flame Art!
But what Han Feng had gotten from him back then was clearly just an incomplete scroll. Where did this complete version come from?
Also...
"Since you already have the complete version of the Burning Flame Art, why go to the trouble of wanting the one on me?"
Yao Chen couldn't figure out this question at all.
Instead of answering, Chen Xiao asked, "Medicine Venerable, when you came to Purple Cloud City today, did you notice anything special about it?"
Not understanding what Chen Xiao was specifically referring to, Yao Chen thought carefully. Apart from the atmosphere being different from the cities and towns they had passed through, there didn't seem to be anything else special about Purple Cloud City.
"Didn't Medicine Venerable notice that my Purple Cloud City is cleaner and more comfortable? From the city gate to this Purple Firmament Pavilion, the streets on both sides, the overall layout, are all perfectly symmetrical?"
Yao Chen was speechless for a moment. Thinking back carefully, it really seemed to be the case.
Chen Xiao chuckled, "People always have some unknown strengths and weaknesses, or rather, little quirks. I can't stand dirt and mess. If two shops next to each other are of different heights, I'll feel uncomfortable just looking at them."
"It's the same with this Burning Flame Art. I got an incomplete scroll and a complete one. Every time I think about it, it makes me frown."
"The method for condensing poison pills that Medicine Venerable gave me three years ago, although it was a transaction, it saved Xian'er's life. This is very important. I owe Medicine Venerable a favor, so I can give you Han Feng's soul. The only condition is that I use this incomplete scroll to exchange for the complete one on you."
The two scrolls Chen Xiao took out were placed on the table next to Yao Chen. Yao Chen was very sure that they were both real and there was no problem with them.
With this complete Burning Flame Art, Chen Xiao really didn't seem to need to spend too much effort on the Burning Flame Art on him.
Just as Chen Xiao said, because he had given the method for condensing poison pills, the Little Fairy Doctor could survive using this method, and the benefits were too great, making Chen Xiao owe a favor. Now, using Han Feng's soul as repayment and incidentally exchanging for the complete Burning Flame Art to satisfy his obsessive-compulsive disorder, there was nothing to fault.
That was the logic, but Yao Chen always had a strange feeling in his heart that this matter wasn't that simple.
But he couldn't pinpoint exactly what was wrong.
After all, the complete version of the Burning Flame Art that Chen Xiao took out couldn't be faked.
Teacher, I don't know Chen Xiao very well, but when I was in the Xiao Family, I would occasionally hear people around me mention that he indeed has this kind of obsessive-compulsive disorder. At that time, he was in charge of tidying the杂物间 (utility room), which was a very leisurely job, but he had to spend a lot of time wiping everything clean every day, not missing a single corner. Because of this, he would arrive very late for dinner every night and almost missed eating several times.
Also, he has a very good relationship with Cousin Xun Er. They were inseparable in the Xiao Family, and Cousin Xun Er was also influenced by him, changing the layout of her courtyard to be symmetrical.
Just as Yao Chen was racking his brain, putting himself in Chen Xiao's shoes, and considering whether Chen Xiao had other motives, Xiao Yan's voice sounded in his mind.
If even Yao Chen couldn't figure out what the problem was, it was even more so for Xiao Yan.
And because he understood Chen Xiao a little better than Yao Chen, he was undoubtedly more convinced by Chen Xiao's excuse at this moment.
"How is Medicine Venerable considering?"
After a long time, Chen Xiao spoke up and asked.
Yao Chen rubbed his temples and said in a muffled voice, "I can exchange the Burning Flame Art on me for Han Feng, but you need to answer two more questions for me."
Yao Chen really couldn't figure out what other purpose Chen Xiao could have for getting another Burning Flame Art besides satisfying his obsessive-compulsive disorder. So, he continued to test him.
Since Chen Xiao already had the complete Burning Flame Art, the Burning Flame Art on him was no longer a necessity; it was optional.
If Chen Xiao was willing to pay a greater price for it, it could only mean there was another reason, even if he couldn't think of it.
Conversely, perhaps it was truly just a minor quirk at play.
Under Yao Chen's gaze, Chen Xiao slightly shook his head and raised his hand to put the two scrolls back into his storage ring.
"Medicine Venerable is joking. My Purple Firmament Pavilion sells information, and each piece of information has a corresponding price. The questions Medicine Venerable wants to ask will definitely not be simple. The Purple Firmament Pavilion is not that generous."
Yao Chen sighed in his heart. Chen Xiao's reaction left him with no room for criticism. He completely displayed an attitude of "it's best if I get it, but it doesn't matter if I don't."
"How about a discount then? As you said, the method for condensing poison pills that I provided back then has now allowed the Pavilion Master's wife to escape her fate. This can also be considered a favor."
Upon hearing the words "Pavilion Master's wife," the Little Fairy Doctor, who had been sitting quietly, stiffened slightly, and a blush quickly climbed onto her cheeks.
She turned her head to look at Chen Xiao, only to see that not only did Chen Xiao not refute, but his eyebrows relaxed and his expression was quite pleased.
"That is acceptable. I will give Medicine Venerable face. Also, I really like how Medicine Venerable refers to Xian'er."
These words made the Little Fairy Doctor's heart tremble, her earlobes burned hot, and her eyes, as they shifted, were full of tenderness.
Yao Chen nodded slightly and immediately stopped the unnecessary talk, taking out the Burning Flame Art from his storage ring and handing it to Chen Xiao.
Chen Xiao opened it, threw it into his storage ring without even looking, as if he truly didn't care at all and didn't even need to verify its authenticity.
In reality, the pre-paid information in his mind had already refreshed.
"This incomplete scroll must have originally come from Medicine Venerable. Now that it has returned to its original owner, it shouldn't be difficult for Medicine Venerable to complete it with a little more effort. Also, Han Feng now belongs to Medicine Venerable."
Chen Xiao took out the incomplete scroll and the jade bottle containing Han Feng's soul and handed them to Yao Chen.
Sealed in the bottle, Han Feng couldn't hear their conversation, but he could understand that Chen Xiao had given him to someone else.
This instantly made Han Feng uneasy. He silently cursed with resentment in the jade bottle, and judging by his mouth shape, it seemed he was angrily accusing Chen Xiao of not keeping his promise.
Chen Xiao completely ignored this.
Besides, he didn't break the agreement.
He only promised Han Feng that he wouldn't hand him over to Starfall Pavilion; he didn't say he wouldn't give him to Yao Chen.
Yao Chen took a deep look at the person who had caused him to be in his current state. Without a word, he put Han Feng into his Storage Ring.
He let out a long breath, temporarily suppressing his complex emotions.
"First question, where did the Pavilion Master obtain the complete version of the Burning Flame Art?"
"A Grade 6 pill recipe is already a discounted price."
Yao Chen didn't haggle. He readily took out a pill recipe, floated it with his Dou Qi, and sent it to Chen Xiao.
Chen Xiao nodded and accepted it, saying, "As everyone knows, my Purple Firmament Pavilion is extremely well-informed. After obtaining the incomplete scroll from Han Feng, I paid special attention to it. After two and a half years of effort, I finally found it in a ruin."
"I know what Medicine Venerable is worried about, but I can give you a definitive answer. I know this Cultivation Technique is extraordinary, so I will only let one person cultivate it, and that is the person who helped Xian'er condense the Poison Pill. As for anything more, I cannot disclose it."
Deducing a complete Cultivation Technique from an incomplete scroll sounds ridiculous and unrealistic.
Obtaining it through chance was also Yao Chen's guess.
After all, the Dou Qi Continent is so vast, and no one can be sure that only one Burning Flame Art scroll exists.
Chen Xiao's words confirmed his thoughts.
Yao Chen nodded slightly. "Second question, since Purple Firmament Pavilion is so well-informed, I want information on a Heavenly Flame!"
"A Grade 8 Bodhi Pill recipe. Likewise, this is already the discounted price."
This time, Yao Chen hesitated slightly, but he didn't dwell on it for too long before taking out the Bodhi Pill recipe.
A Grade 8 pill recipe is very precious. Pill recipes of this level would be treasured even in the Pill Tower.
However, Heavenly Flames are even more precious!
Even the Heavenly Flames ranked at the bottom of the Heavenly Flame Ranking have unique characteristics that cannot be compared to so-called Transformation Flames or high-level Beast Flames.
Don't look at how in the original timeline, a bunch of flames appeared claiming to be comparable to Heavenly Flames. In front of Heavenly Flames, they could only serve as a backdrop.
Satisfied, Chen Xiao put away the pill recipe and didn't keep him in suspense.
"On the Eastern Sea Coast, there is an empire called the Star Dou Empire, where there is an ownerless Yin-Yang Dual Flames."
The Eastern Region of the Central State still belongs to the Central State.
But the Eastern Sea Coast...
It's already outside the scope of the Central State, separated from the Northwest Continent by an entire Central State.
Even if the journey is smooth without any accidents, continuously using Spatial Wormholes to travel, a round trip would take at least half a year.
Yao Chen frowned slightly, harboring some suspicion about this information.
However, on second thought, perhaps it was precisely because collecting this Heavenly Flame was too troublesome that Chen Xiao wasn't interested.
"How can you guarantee it?"
"Purple Firmament Pavilion is right here; it won't fly or run away. If Medicine Venerable goes there and can't find the Heavenly Flame information, you can certainly come back and question me. Of course, whether Medicine Venerable can obtain it or not is unrelated to my Purple Firmament Pavilion."
Chen Xiao possessed information on many Heavenly Flames. It was impossible to collect all of them; it wasn't worth the effort. Taking some out to exchange for more cost-effective items didn't make him feel any heartache.
Yao Chen and his disciple were major clients. Not only now, but in the future, as long as they could afford the price, another collaboration was not impossible.
Therefore, Chen Xiao had no need to deceive them.
"Thank you! Also, regarding my matter, please keep it confidential, Pavilion Master."
"Rest assured, the reputation of my Purple Firmament Pavilion is well known to everyone. We never leak customer information, nor do we sell the same information to multiple people simultaneously."
"That's good then."
Having received the desired answer, Yao Chen immediately got up, having no intention of staying any longer.
He just wanted to find a quiet place now and review everything from beginning to end.
After all, having one more person cultivate the Burning Flame Art was a major event, both for him and for Xiao Yan. Although Chen Xiao said he let a friend cultivate the Burning Flame Art only to help the Little Fairy Doctor condense the Poison Pill, it was hard to guarantee that he wouldn't change his mind in the future.
Therefore, Yao Chen had to be prepared!
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