apologize

Outside Pill Tower City, the crimson flying boat of the Burning Flame Valley hovered quietly.

Tang Zhen, dressed in a simple black robe, stood at the bow of the boat. He gazed at the towering Inner City of the Pill Tower, his face showing no emotion.

He had already been waiting here for two days.

Every day, the concierge of the Shen Residence would only respectfully reply: "Grandmaster Shen is not seeing guests today."

Valley Master Tang Zhen did not show the slightest bit of impatience. He simply kept the flying boat outside the city and personally arrived at the city gates every morning at the hour of Chen to wait, maintaining an extremely low posture.

On the third morning, a manager from the Cao Family hurried over and cupped his hands to him: "Valley Master Tang, Grandmaster Shen invites you into the residence for a discussion."

Valley Master Tang Zhen felt a slight relief in his heart and straightened his robes: "Thank you for leading the way."

Inside the study of the Shen Residence, the fragrance of tea curled in the air.

Shen Wen sat in the primary seat, steam rising from the teacup by his hand. He wore a black robe, and the Grade 8 Alchemist badge on his chest shimmered with dark gold. His young face bore a calm expression.

Valley Master Tang Zhen stepped into the study and did a quick scan—the room was simple, with not much decoration besides bookshelves and a desk.

"Tang Zhen of the Burning Flame Valley greets Grandmaster Shen." Valley Master Tang Zhen clasped his fists in a salute, his posture humble.

Shen Wen looked up and gestured to the seat opposite him: "Valley Master Tang, please sit."

Valley Master Tang Zhen took his seat and did not beat around the bush, getting straight to the point: "Elder Chi Yan's reckless actions and offensive words the other day were due to my lack of strict discipline over my subordinates and my own lack of foresight. I have come today specifically to make amends, and I hope Grandmaster Shen can be magnanimous."

Shen Wen only smiled at Valley Master Tang Zhen's explanation.

He naturally understood that the Burning Flame Valley's rules meant it wasn't entirely Valley Master Tang Zhen's dictatorship. However, the one who needed to resolve this trouble was Valley Master Tang Zhen, not him.

Valley Master Tang Zhen would provide the payment, and he would perform the Alchemy.

Each getting what they needed was only right and proper; it shouldn't have required him to undergo an assessment.

He took out a crimson Jade Slip from his robe and gently pushed it to the center of the desk: "This is the complete Heavenly Flame Three Mysterious Transformations secret method of my Burning Flame Valley, offered as an apology."

"I only ask the Grandmaster to remember that this secret method is a guarded secret of my Burning Flame Valley. If you must pass it on, please only do so to those close to you!"

Shen Wen nodded and said, "Rest assured, I understand this rule."

He then placed down a Storage Ring: "Inside are three five-thousand-year-old Geocentric Fire Lotuses, five Rank 7 fire-attribute Monster Cores, and several rare fire-system Ores. All are excellent Materials for refining fire-attribute Medicinal Pills."

This meager gift is a token of my respect; please accept it, Grandmaster."

Shen Wen's gaze swept over the Jade Slip and the ring, but he did not touch them immediately.

"Valley Master Tang has personally come to my door to save his beloved daughter; I have seen this sincerity," he said in a flat tone. "But some things must be said upfront."

"Please speak, Grandmaster."

Shen Wen continued, "I need to make a trip to the Ice River Valley soon to handle some private matters. After I return from the Ice River Valley, I will head to the Burning Flame Valley to open the furnace for Alchemy. In terms of timing, you may need to wait for about half a month."

"If this is acceptable, I will take these. If not, then please seek someone more capable."

When Valley Master Tang Zhen heard the words "Ice River Valley," his pupils constricted imperceptibly.

The Burning Flame Valley and Ice River Valley were mortal enemies, having fought for centuries. For Shen Wen to mention the Ice River Valley now... He suppressed the turmoil in his heart, his expression unchanging: "Everything will be according to the Grandmaster's arrangements. As long as the Grandmaster promises to act, I am eternally grateful."

Seeing him agree so readily, Shen Wen nodded slightly. He reached out to take the crimson Jade Slip and probed it slightly with his Soul Power.

The records in the Jade Slip were complete, from the first transformation to the third. The circulation routes, energy guidance, and key points for the Fusion of Heavenly Flames were all clear and detailed.

Just a cursory glance showed it was indeed quite interesting.

He then picked up the Storage Ring and scanned it. The Materials inside were indeed High Grade fire-attribute resources, worth a fortune.

"I accept the secret method and the medicinal ingredients." Shen Wen placed the two items by his hand. "As for the fire bodhi pill, since I have agreed, I will fulfill my promise."

The heavy stone in Valley Master Tang Zhen's heart finally fell. He solemnly clasped his fists: "Thank you, Grandmaster! The Burning Flame Valley will remember this kindness. If the Grandmaster has any errands in the future, my valley will certainly not refuse."

Shen Wen waved his hand: "Valley Master Tang, there is no need for this. Refining pills is the duty of an Alchemist. I receive payment, and you seek the pill; it is simply each getting what they need."

After a few more pleasantries, Valley Master Tang Zhen rose to take his leave.

Shen Wen stopped at the study door. Valley Master Tang Zhen walked out of the Shen Residence alone. Only after stepping onto the flying boat did his tensed mind completely relax.

Elder Chi Yan met him: "Valley Master, how did it go?"

"He agreed." Valley Master Tang Zhen let out a long breath. "He accepted the secret method and Materials, and promised to come for the Alchemy after returning from the Ice River Valley."

Elder Chi Yan said joyfully, "That's wonderful! The Young Lord is saved!"

Valley Master Tang Zhen, however, did not show much joy; instead, his brows were slightly furrowed.

"Ice River Valley..." he repeated in a low voice. "What business does Shen Wen have at the Ice River Valley right now?"

Elder Chi Yan said hesitantly, "Perhaps it's just ordinary social interaction?"

"Ordinary interaction?" Valley Master Tang Zhen shook his head. "He mentioned it specifically; it was definitely not unintentional. Moreover, with his status as a Grade 8 Alchemist, if the Ice River Valley intends to be friendly, they will certainly try their best to win him over."

The more he thought about it, the more he felt something was amiss.

The Burning Flame Valley and Ice River Valley were comparable in strength and had fought for many years. If the Ice River Valley, because of Shen Wen, established a connection with a Grade 8 Alchemist or even gained his support... then the Burning Flame Valley's situation would become extremely unfavorable.

"If I had known this earlier, I shouldn't have played those mind games back then." Valley Master Tang Zhen felt regret in his heart. "Not only did I offend him for nothing, but I also gave the Ice River Valley an opportunity."

The flying boat slowly ascended, departing from the Pill Domain.

Valley Master Tang Zhen stood at the bow, looking down at the shrinking Pill Tower City, thoughts racing in his mind.

Shen Wen was young and already a Grade 8 Alchemist; his future achievements were limitless.

More importantly, he already had women like Cao Ying and Cai Lin by his side, so he clearly wasn't someone who avoided the opposite sex... Valley Master Tang Zhen's heart suddenly stirred.

His daughter, Tang Huo'er, had extraordinary talent and her appearance was also top-tier.

Because she had been close to the valley's Legacy Heavenly Flame since childhood, she wouldn't have tried to prematurely fuse with the Nine Dragon Lightning Flame otherwise.

Had it not been for the backlash from fusing the Nine Dragon Lightning Flame, her future achievements would surely have surpassed his.

If he could... Huo'er... Valley Master Tang Zhen's eyes flickered.

Marriage alliances had always been the strongest bond between factions.

Shen Wen already had a primary wife and an equal wife, but given the Burning Flame Valley's status, if Tang Huo'er were to marry into his Family, she should at least hold the position of an equal wife.

If this could be achieved, the Burning Flame Valley would be firmly tied to an Alchemist who might reach Grade 9 in the future.

At that time, let alone the Ice River Valley, even when facing those old-established families of the Pill Tower, they would have more confidence.

One must know that even for the Burning Flame Valley, if they didn't count the Old Ancestor in deep seclusion, the Five Great Families of the Pill Tower wouldn't even spare a glance for the so-called Three Valleys.

"This matter... still needs careful consideration." Valley Master Tang Zhen suppressed the eagerness in his heart. "The most important thing right now is to heal Huo'er's injuries.

When Shen Wen comes to the valley to refine the pill, I'll have Huo'er meet him. If they find each other pleasing to the eye, then we can slowly plan from there."

He made up his mind and turned to instruct Elder Chi Yan: "After returning to the valley, move Huo'er to the 'Yan Xin Courtyard' to recuperate. That place is quiet, and the fire-attribute energy is gentle, which is suitable for her recovery."

"Yes." Elder Chi Yan complied. Although he didn't know why the Valley Master suddenly made this arrangement, he didn't ask questions.