Chapter 210: Tang Huoer! Tang Zhen's Doubt!
"Give me your hand."
Dan Chen was stunned to hear Xiao Ze's words but obediently extended her white, soft right hand. Over the days they had spent together, she had learned that Xiao Ze was not someone irresponsible.
"Now, I am going to leave a mark on your hand. Although Elder Liu Tian can guarantee your safety, it's always better to be cautious."
Xiao Ze briefly explained, and seeing Dan Chen nod, he didn't hesitate further. He took Dan Chen's white, soft hand, turned it palm-up, and prepared to leave the Emperor's Fire Mark.
Feeling the warmth of Xiao Ze's hand, Dan Chen's face turned red immediately. Since childhood, due to her talent, no one dared to touch her. Even contact with other women had been scarce, let alone with a man, and in such an intimate manner.
Compared to her own hand, Xiao Ze's hand was warm, transmitting a temperature that seemed to reach her face, increasing her blush. Just as Dan Chen began to think of absurd things, an imposing presence made her heart almost stop. The beast fire inside her shrank, as if facing a terrifying existence.
Dan Chen looked at the back of her hand, where Xiao Ze had left a golden fire mark that reflected multiple colors depending on the angle. Although it looked like a simple mark, Dan Chen knew it was extraordinary, as it had made the beast fire inside her shrink in fear.
"Xiao Ze, have you mastered a Heavenly Flame?" Dan Chen asked in surprise. Only a Heavenly Flame, known as the king of all fires, could provoke such a reaction in her beast fire.
"Yes, in case of danger, activate this mark, and it will release considerable power. It will also allow me to know what is happening."
Xiao Ze didn't want to delve deeper into the topic of the Heavenly Flame. If it became known that he controlled the Emperor's Flame, the number one flame, the entire alchemist community of the Dou Qi continent would be in an uproar.
Dan Chen nodded. With her powerful perception, she could feel the energy contained in the fire mark. A smile appeared on her face, feeling more secure. Xiao Ze's fire mark could face a high-level fighter, although only once. However, its main function was to alert Xiao Ze immediately in case of danger.
Afterward, Xiao Ze returned to Elder Liu Tian's side, holding the "Demonic Blood," with his spiritual energy immersed in it, reviewing the chapters he was interested in. Elder Liu Tian looked curiously at the red jade stone in Xiao Ze's hands but didn't ask, waiting patiently for the Demon Melody refinement ceremony to end.
On another side of the platform, Tang Huoer, dressed in red and naturally beautiful, had finished her refinement. Although she stood upright, her unsteady gaze revealed her nervousness. Seeing Tang Zhen, a smile appeared on her face, and she quickly approached.
"Why did it take you so long at the alchemy tower, Dad?"
"All for you," Tang Zhen said with a loving smile.
"Did you manage to convince Elder Liu Tian?" Tang Huoer asked, surprised. Elder Liu Tian was one of the Eight Great Elders of the Alchemy Tower, hard to convince.
"No, I invited Elder Xiao Ze."
"Him? So young? Can he do it?" Tang Huoer asked incredulously.
"Don't speak like that," Tang Zhen quickly said. "When the ceremony ends, Xiao Ze will come with us to the Burning Flame. Don't say anything inappropriate."
Tang Huoer wasn't convinced. "He seems to be my age. Is he that impressive?"
"The one who broke the soul barrier in the Demon Melody Cave was Elder Xiao Ze. His soul level has reached the Soul Realm, which means he could create eighth-level pills. You must treat him well."
Tang Zhen spoke seriously, worried that Tang Huoer might make a bad impression.
Tang Huoer, surprised, said, "An eighth-level alchemist so young...?"
"Don't underestimate Xiao Ze. His talent is one of the highest in the entire Dou Qi continent," Tang Zhen said, patting Tang Huoer's head. "You should learn that there's always someone better."
Tang Huoer didn't respond, still impressed.
Tang Zhen, seeing his daughter's expression, suggested, "Since you're of marriageable age, you could try getting close to Xiao Ze."
"What?" Tang Huoer was stunned.
"Me, court Xiao Ze?" she asked incredulously.
Seeing her resistance, Tang Zhen sighed. "Alright, as you wish. But it's crucial we maintain good relations with him. His future is bright, possibly reaching legendary levels."
Tang Huoer, still amazed, said, "How can he be an eighth-level alchemist and also have such prowess in Dou Qi?"
Tang Zhen, also surprised, replied, "Though hard to believe, from my experience, his Dou Qi skill has already reached a high level in the Dou Zong rank."
Gulp.
Tang Huoer swallowed, recognizing someone her age who completely surpassed her.
Tang Zhen, ignoring her thoughts, reflected on the fortune of the Alchemy Tower in having someone as talented as Xiao Ze. He wondered how the tower dared to let such a valuable talent travel freely.
Meanwhile, Xiao Ze, unaware of these reflections, eagerly awaited exploring the ancient ruins of the Burning Flame.
"I hope to find some ancient alchemy recipes," he thought, hoping the ruins weren't too damaged.
(End of chapter)