Eighth-grade primordial pill, throbbing

Pulled back to reality by Shen Wen's words, Tang Huo'er's Face heated up slightly. Fortunately, the surrounding environment was scorching, so it wasn't noticeable.

She steadied her mind, regained her cheerful demeanor, and smiled. "They simply don't know your identity.

If they knew you were the honored guest invited by my father, a Grade 8 Alchemist Grandmaster from the Pill Tower, they would naturally only show respect."

As the two walked along, Tang Huo'er acted as a guide, introducing several important places in the valley.

The 'Burning Scripture Pavilion' where Cultivation Techniques and ancient records were kept, and the 'Forging Fire Platform' for refining weapons and Fusion of fire seeds.

As well as the area where the 'Molten Heart Fire Well' was located—the core of the valley that connected to the Earth's Meridians.

Although the Burning Flame Valley was situated within a volcanic range, it had been managed for many years and was orderly and well-planned, rather than being a complete wilderness.

In some areas where the energy was relatively stable, many fire-attribute spiritual plants rare in the outside world had even been transplanted and cultivated, dotting the crimson world and showing a different kind of vitality.

After this tour, the sense of unfamiliarity between the two had diminished quite a bit.

Tang Huo'er discovered that although Shen Wen's status was startling, his speech was casual and peaceful without any air of arrogance. Occasionally, when he asked about certain fire-type Formations or details of energy flow in the valley, he appeared expert and sharp.

Shen Wen, on the other hand, was quite impressed by Tang Huo'er's straightforward personality and solid Qi Foundation.

When they returned to the Yan Xin Courtyard after their stroll, Valley Master Tang Zhen was already waiting in the courtyard.

Seeing the two return together, his daughter's expression was natural, and there was even a bit more lightheartedness in her eyes than usual.

An imperceptible trace of a smile and expectation flickered deep in Valley Master Tang Zhen's eyes.

Tang Huo'er saw her father.

That subtle emotion caused by Shen Wen's joke surfaced again, making her feel slightly uneasy as she called out, "Father."

Valley Master Tang Zhen nodded to her, then turned to Shen Wen and cupped his hands. "Grandmaster Shen, was your stroll pleasant?"

Without waiting for Shen Wen's pleasantries, he took out a jade-red scroll from his robes, his expression turning solemn. "This is the Pill Formula for the fire bodhi pill.

As well as three sets of prepared medicinal ingredients, all of which have been checked and are stored in the warehouse next to the Alchemy room.

I wonder when it would be convenient for the Grandmaster to start the furnace?"

Shen Wen took the Pill Formula and said, "Let me take a look first."

He unfurled the Jade Slip, and his Soul Power quickly swept through the medicinal combinations, refining steps, and many minute precautions recorded within.

After a moment, he raised his eyebrows slightly and looked at Valley Master Tang Zhen. "This Pill Formula... should have originally been a formula for an Eighth Grade Pill, right?

It's just that later generations, based on existing conditions, replaced or weakened the age and dosage of several main ingredients, transforming it into a 'Pseudo-Grade 8'.

But the requirement for the Alchemist's fine control of Soul Power is still at the true Grade 8 level."

He tapped a certain spot on the Jade Slip with his fingertip and continued, "Originally, the wonders of this pill were not limited to neutralizing the Backlash of Heavenly Flames.

Looking at the harmonizing intent of several auxiliary medicines, it can clearly protect the Meridians and nourish the fire seed to a certain extent.

If taken before the Fusion of a Heavenly Flame, it can slightly increase the success rate.

Even if the Fusion fails, its medicinal power can greatly offset the Backlash and preserve one's Foundation.

Is that so?"

Upon hearing this, an undisguisable look of surprise immediately appeared on Valley Master Tang Zhen's Face, and he said in admiration, "Grandmaster's insight is profound; you actually saw through the key points at a glance!

To be honest with the Grandmaster, the original Pill Formula for this pill was indeed ranked Grade 8, passed down by the ancestors of my Burning Flame Valley.

Later generations, because the ingredients were hard to find and it was difficult for a Grade 8 Alchemist to emerge in the valley, had several predecessors work painstakingly to modify it into its current state.

The essence within is exactly as the Grandmaster said!"

His evaluation of Shen Wen couldn't help but rise several notches higher.

To be able to reverse-engineer so much hidden information from just a modified Pill Formula...

It proved that he truly had the strength!

Shen Wen put away the Pill Formula, looked at Valley Master Tang Zhen, and smiled. "In that case, Valley Master Tang, are you willing to make a small deal with me?"

Valley Master Tang Zhen was startled and hurriedly said, "What does the Grandmaster mean by this?

As long as my Burning Flame Valley can do it, we will certainly not refuse."

In his heart, however, he was quickly calculating what this young Grade 8 Grandmaster could possibly want.

Shen Wen said, "I won't refine it according to this reduced formula, but instead... I'll try to restore its original eighth-grade pill.

If the pill is successfully formed, after your daughter consumes it, not only will the Backlash be resolved and her Foundation consolidated, but when she undergoes the Fusion of the Nine Dragon Lightning Flame again, the success rate should be above eighty percent, and the risk will be greatly reduced."

He paused and continued, "As for the payment, I won't charge you extra. I only need the Burning Flame Valley... to owe me a favor. How about it?"

Hearing this, Valley Master Tang Zhen was first stunned, then his heart shook violently as wild joy surged up!

A original eighth-grade pill!

If it could be refined, the benefits to Huo'er would be more than doubled!

That Legacy problem that had troubled the Burning Flame Valley for many years might truly find a perfect solution through his daughter.

And the price was merely a 'favor'?

At the level of a Grade 8 Alchemist, ordinary resources could no longer move their hearts; instead, this kind of seemingly ethereal 'favor' was often worth a fortune.

It also represented a potential connection and commitment.

Countless factions tried every possible means to establish a relationship with high-level Alchemists and have them owe a favor, but found no way in.

Shen Wen's move seemed casual, but it actually gave the Burning Flame Valley plenty of Face and left a reason for future interactions.

Thoughts whirled rapidly in Valley Master Tang Zhen's mind as he looked at Shen Wen's young, calm Face, then glanced at his daughter nearby, whose eyes flickered as she looked at Shen Wen.

A 'reasonable' guess surfaced involuntarily: could this Grandmaster Shen be... somewhat fond of Huo'er?

Otherwise, why would he offer such generous terms upon their first meeting?

He made such a decision just after a stroll around the Burning Flame Valley?

If Shen Wen knew what Valley Master Tang Zhen was thinking right now, he would probably cry out in being wronged.

He proposed this partly because Tang Huo'er had good Aptitude and was pleasant to look at, but it was mostly out of practical considerations.

Refining a Grade 8 pill was a good opportunity for training and accumulation for him, and the Pill Lightning could also be devoured to strengthen himself.

More importantly, he could use this to establish a solid, friendly relationship with the Burning Flame Valley, an old-fashioned fire-type power in the Central Plains.

In the future, whether it was purchasing specific fire-attribute medicinal ingredients or selling fire-attribute Medicinal Pills through their channels, it would be of great benefit.

A 'favor' was the key to opening this door, which was far more long-term than a one-time request for a large amount of physical resources.

Beside them, when Tang Huo'er heard that Shen Wen was actually willing to refine the more difficult original eighth-grade pill for her and only required a favor, her gaze toward Shen Wen couldn't help but ripple.

Although she had a straightforward personality, she was not dull.

The promise of a Grade 8 Alchemist was incredibly precious, and this sudden 'preferential treatment'...

Caused a subtle, indescribable emotion to quietly emerge in her heart alongside her gratitude.

She couldn't help but carefully size up this excessively young and excessively powerful companion once again.

"This..." Valley Master Tang Zhen took a deep breath, suppressed his churning thoughts, solemnly cupped his fists, and said in a sincere tone, "Grandmaster Shen's kindness is something Tang cannot thank enough!

Let alone one favor, as long as Huo'er can safely pass through this tribulation, if the Grandmaster has any needs in the future, everyone in the Burning Flame Valley will definitely provide full support!

The Burning Flame Valley will remember this kindness!"

Shen Wen nodded and didn't say much in the way of pleasantries, only saying, "Good. Then please, Valley Master Tang, prepare another three sets of medicinal ingredients for refining the original eighth-grade pill.

In addition, the Alchemy room needs to be absolutely quiet. Before I come out, no one is allowed to disturb me."

"Of course! I'll go prepare right away. Grandmaster, you can rest for a while first, and I will come to invite you once everything is ready!"

Valley Master Tang Zhen hurriedly agreed, his Face filled with unconcealable joy and urgency.

He hurried away to make arrangements, not forgetting to give his daughter a look that said 'take good care of him' before leaving.

Only Shen Wen and Tang Huo'er were left in the courtyard again.

The atmosphere seemed to have a bit more of an inexplicable meaning than when they were alone just now.

Tang Huo'er coughed lightly and pointed to the small building. "Then... Shen Wen, why don't you go back to your room and rest? It will probably take some time for my father to prepare the things."

"Not really necessary. On the contrary, I'm still quite interested in our previous topic."