Chapter 227: The Unusual Zi Yan

Watching as Xiao Ming put all the gifts into his storage ring, the smile on Yun Leng's face grew wider.

He and the others from the Misty Cloud Sect did not feel that they had paid too much for Xiao Ming's services, as he had cured Gu He, an alchemist they had cultivated and valued greatly. Even if all the gifts they gave were valuable and expensive, they believed that forming a relationship with Xiao Ming would be worth it in the end.

One had to know that many people wished to give gifts to Xiao Ming, but few had the opportunity to do so.

Yun Leng offered, "Master Xiao Ming, you have worked hard. Please rest in the hall. I have ordered disciples to prepare our special Cloud Tea."

"This tea is produced only from a mother tree at the peak of Misty Cloud Mountain and only 302 grams are produced per year. After drinking it, one will feel like they are floating on the clouds," Yun Leng added, with a smile.

Hearing Yun Leng mentions Cloud Tea, Xiao Ming was a little moved, among the special effect teas, this particular type of tea was his favorite, but Xiao Ming still refused.

"No need, I've been studying a pill recipe these days, so I'm quite busy, it's better to leave it for another time."

"Since you have important matters to attend to, Master Xiao Ming, don't worry about it. This time it was our fault for not entertaining you properly." Seeing Xiao Ming's face and realizing that he did not appear to be fibbing, Yun Yun intervened in the conversation.

Yun Leng originally wanted to persuade him, but Yun Yun had already spoken, so he couldn't say anything more.

But as he looked at Yun Yun, he thought about the matter of the three-year agreement a month later.

This was a matter that, in the grand scheme of things, would be a competition between the Little Sect Leader of the Misty Cloud Sect and the Third Young Master of the Xiao Family.

But if viewed more simply, it was really just a sparring match between two juniors.

It wouldn't be good if it caused Xiao Ming and the Misty Cloud Sect to form a feud, and it would be better to clear the matter with Xiao Ming first.

Although he had previously asked Yun Yun to bring it up, Yun Yun was a woman of few words and may not have explained it well enough, so Yun Leng decided to bring it up again.

"Haha, I understand that you are busy, Master Xiao Ming. I apologize for my poor consideration. However, I was wondering if you would be available for the three-year agreement that is coming up in a month's time."

"The Misty Cloud Sect does not intend to offend you, Master. I believe that this competition is meant to be a friendly sparring match. Regardless of the outcome, I hope that it will not affect our friendship. What do you think about it, Master?"

'What's the use of talking to me about these things, it's not like I can influence Xiao Yan's mind.' Xiao Ming was speechless.

Moreover, until now, he had not even seen Xiao Yan.

Despite his speechlessness, he knew that the Misty Cloud Sect was trying to avoid offending him, so he decided to speak up.

"I will be there when the time comes. I hope that the competition will be fair and equal."

"Hahaha, don't worry, the competition will be absolutely fair." Yun Leng patted his chest as he assured.

His Misty Cloud Sect was considered a big Sect, how could they play a dirty trick in this kind of competition?

Besides, if they manipulated the matter, wouldn't it be slapping Xiao Ming in the face? At that point, it would be too late to talk about forging a friendship with him.

Yun Leng continued to assure Xiao Ming before he left the Misty Cloud Sect, accompanied by Yun Yun.

As they watched Xiao Ming's back disappear into the distance, Yun Leng and the Elders began to speak with great amazement.

"It is said that seeing is believing, and after finally meeting Master Xiao Ming today, I can say that the rumors about his cool demeanor are indeed true."

"Ha ha, I couldn't agree more. Even though Master Xiao Ming is a Dou Ancestor, he was surprisingly humble. When I stood next to him, I felt a sense of oppression even though he didn't exude any aura."

"Since Master Xiao Ming said that it's enough as long as we guarantee fairness, then should we invite others to our Sect to watch the battle in a month's time?"

"That's probably not a good idea. Let's avoid causing any inconvenience. But if anyone happens to find out and decides to come, we shouldn't turn them away."

"Alright, let's do it that way then..."

...

After bidding farewell to Yun Yun at the entrance of the Misty Cloud Sect, Xiao Ming quickly made his way back to his own residence.

In the hall, Zi Yan was swinging her legs while seemingly lost in thought, while Xiao Yi Xian was sitting nearby, reading a medical book.

Upon seeing Xiao Ming enter the room, Zi Yan immediately jumped up and ran to Xiao Ming while asking.

"Xiao Ming, why did you come back so early? Tell me, did you go and have fun without telling us?"

"What are you talking about? I went to the Misty Cloud Sect to treat someone's illness," retorted Xiao Ming as he playfully pinched Zi Yan's cheek. He then poured himself a cup of tea and took his seat.

"Treat an illness? If they needed you, the problem must have been severe. Why did you come back so soon?" asked Zi Yan, suspicion etched on her face. Xiao Yi Xian also put down the book she was holding and looked at Xiao Ming with interest.

"The injury was caused by someone with a Heavenly Flame in the Tager Desert. It would have been complicated for others, but for me, it was not a big problem," explained Xiao Ming casually.

"Another Heavenly Flame? Are Heavenly Flames becoming that common these days?" asked Xiao Yi Xian, looking puzzled.

Over the past two years of following Xiao Ming everywhere, she had heard about the Heavenly Flames numerous times and had even seen a few, leading her to question their supposed preciousness.

"This..." To be honest, Xiao Ming was also a bit unable to answer.

The Dou Qi Continent was infinitely vast, and if one really wanted to be serious, the number of Heavenly Flames was actually not too small.

During the battle between the two Dou Gods, Xiao Yan had summoned twenty-two Heavenly Flames from across the entire Continent.

Although some of these twenty-two had owners, there were also many without owners.

The reason for the scarcity of Heavenly Flames was that they originated from very strange places, which were very difficult to find, so it usually took years or even decades to find a single one.

In addition, the lives of those who were not strong enough were also at risk when encountering them.

Although Heavenly Flames were known to be the most powerful flames in the world, there were also flames that were close to that level.

A newborn Heavenly Flame was no match for a flame from a ninth-rank beast for example.

As a result, people of a certain status mostly used Fake Heavenly Flames, which were similar to the real ones, to refine pills, with acceptable results and no danger involved.

Although some Alchemists may have been fortunate enough to come across a Heavenly Flame, they would be hesitant to reveal this fact without having the means to defend themselves.

"Another Heavenly Flame... don't you like those too much, Xiao Ming? How about we go find that person and snatch the Heavenly Flame from him?" Hearing the name of Tager Desert, Zi Yan started to urge.

"Are you thinking of going to snatch the Heavenly Flame, or..."

Xiao Ming knew what Zi Yan was thinking and gave her an expression indicating that he had seen right through her.

"If you don't want to go, then let's not..." Zi Yan muttered, but suddenly, as if sensing something, a smile appeared on her face before she rushed out of the room.

"Xiao Ming, I'll go out to play first!"