Chapter 57: Two Foxes

«Eh?»

Yao Lao was about to continue his conversation with Xiao Yan when his gaze suddenly fixated on Wei Yang.

He had sensed a peculiar fluctuation just moments ago.

After a brief pause, Yao Lao looked deeply at Wei Yang and said in a curious tone, «The aura of a Heavenly Flame. Wei, have you encountered a Heavenly Flame recently?»

Though it was phrased as a question, his tone carried certainty.

«You are correct, Senior. I did encounter a Heavenly Flame not too long ago,» Wei Yang admitted with a nod.

Xiao Yan, however, looked confused, not knowing what a Heavenly Flame was.

«Where?» Yao Lao's eyes lit up as he pressed for more information.

Wei Yang smiled faintly and replied nonchalantly, «That question puts me in a difficult position, Senior.»

Yao Lao squinted his eyes and stared at Wei Yang.

Wei Yang returned the gaze, his expression calm.

The old and the young man stared at each other in silence.

Sensing the tension, Xiao Yan quietly moved a few steps back, ready to flee at any moment.

The air on the mountaintop seemed to become increasingly heavy and oppressive.

Yao Lao stroked his white beard slowly, his eyes flickering with thoughts.

Just now, the Bone Chilling Flame within him had reacted. Following this fluctuation, Yao Lao had traced it back to Wei Yang, noticing a faint, strange aura on him.

Though this aura quickly became indistinct, Yao Lao was certain it was a Heavenly Flame!

Heavenly Flames could sense each other at close range.

The boy in front of him had definitely encountered a Heavenly Flame recently and might even possess one at this very moment. This conclusion was enough to stir Yao Lao's heart.

He glanced at Xiao Yan, who was tense and ready to run, then back at the calm Wei Yang.

This situation was tricky.

First, the relationship between Wei Yang and Xiao Yan seemed good, at least with the Xiao family. Yao Lao intended to take Xiao Yan as a disciple, and attacking his friend in front of him would damage their budding relationship.

Xiao Yan already had a poor impression of him due to Yao Lao absorbing his Dou Qi for three years. Doing this would only worsen it. First impressions were crucial.

Second, the young man before him, although only at the peak of Dou Ling, gave off a feeling that he was not easy to deal with. This was a gut instinct.

Considering Wei Yang's calm demeanor, Yao Lao was uncertain. If it were just an ordinary peak Dou Ling, he wouldn't worry, but this boy was different.

Moreover, Wei Yang's soul strength was formidable, comparable to a mid-to-high-level Dou Zong. This was another cause for concern for Yao Lao.

In his current state, if he acted rashly and couldn't quickly subdue the boy, it could lead to a prolonged conflict. Such a commotion would expose him completely, and he might even fall into a deep sleep again!

Once in a deep sleep, he would be at the mercy of others.

Wei Yang, observing Yao Lao's flickering eyes, remained outwardly calm, though he was internally tense.

His eyes narrowed slightly.

He wasn't particularly afraid of Yao Lao at the moment, but he was wary of the Bone Chilling Flame!

His soul power was currently enveloping a hidden storage ring in his chest, sealing it off completely to block any external fluctuations.

Inside that ring was the Green Lotus Core Flame.

Despite having used his soul power to wrap multiple layers of seals around the Green Lotus, the Bone Chilling Flame had still sensed it.

In that fleeting moment, the usually quiet Green Lotus Core Flame had stirred, nearly destroying the soul barrier.

Fortunately, Wei Yang had reacted swiftly, reinforcing the seal with more layers to block any further fluctuations.

This unrefined Heavenly Flame was troublesome.

Wei Yang looked at Yao Lao, frowning slightly.

Honestly, he didn't want to clash with Yao Lao.

But if Yao Lao insisted on a confrontation, he wouldn't back down either.

If it came to it, he could simply leave.

Who would end up seeking whom in the future was anyone's guess.

Wei Yang felt confident and calm.

Both sides quickly weighed their options, though only a few breaths of time had passed.

Soon, Yao Lao collected his thoughts, his face returning to a smiling, relaxed demeanor. Stroking his white beard, he said with a chuckle, «Wei Yang, no need to be so tense. I wouldn't bully a young one like you.»

Old fox, as if I'd believe that!

Wei Yang sneered inwardly but showed a gentle smile, complimenting, «With your esteemed status, Senior, of course, you wouldn't bully the young.»

«Heh heh.» They exchanged a glance, both smiling genuinely.

The heavy atmosphere dissipated, replaced by a light, relaxed mood, as if the earlier tension had never existed.

«Old fox!» thought Wei Yang.

«Young fox!» thought Yao Lao.

They both mentally labeled each other simultaneously.

Seeing this, Xiao Yan sighed in relief, wiping the sweat from his forehead, and looked at the two of them in disbelief.

A moment ago, it had been a standoff, and now this sudden change in tone…

Yao Lao stroked his long beard, feeling a bit emotional.

If he had met Wei Yang instead of Xiao Yan…

Well, it wasn't out of the question.

Since there was no conflict, he could consider befriending Wei Yang.

After all, he was a talented young man with a good relationship with Xiao Yan. This could be beneficial for Xiao Yan's growth in the future.

«Young Wei, may I ask which Heavenly Flame it is?» Yao Lao inquired.

«Of course,» Wei Yang nodded, not hiding the truth. «It's the 19th on the Heavenly Flame Ranking, the Green Lotus Core Flame.»

«Ah, I see!» Yao Lao nodded, then asked, «It seems you haven't refined it?»

«It's a mature flame with power comparable to a Dou Huang. I can't handle it yet,» Wei Yang shrugged.

«No wonder, with such power…» Yao Lao understood, though he frowned slightly.

He had harbored some thoughts about this Heavenly Flame, considering he might be able to acquire it from Wei Yang if it hadn't been refined.

But its power was indeed formidable!

Refining a Heavenly Flame meant ingesting it into one's body.

Even if he could weaken the flame's power, considering…

Yao Lao glanced at Xiao Yan, who was only at the third stage of Dou Qi.

Immediately, Yao Lao dismissed these thoughts, at least for the short term.

Feigning curiosity, Wei Yang asked, «Senior, aren't you already in possession of a Heavenly Flame? Why are you interested in mine?»

He had sensed the Green Lotus Core Flame's fluctuation earlier, and only another Heavenly Flame could have caused such a reaction.

Yao Lao choked on his words, mumbling, «Heavenly Flames are mystical treasures of the world. I was merely curious.»

He glanced at Xiao Yan unintentionally.

Poor old me!

Seeing this, Wei Yang chuckled and changed the subject, «Senior, with the surname Yao and possessing a Heavenly Flame, are you perhaps an alchemist?»

«An alchemist?» Xiao Yan was surprised, looking at Yao Lao.

He didn't understand Heavenly Flames, but he knew alchemists were incredibly esteemed individuals.

Yao Lao felt a bit proud, stroking his long beard, «Indeed, I've made some achievements in alchemy. In my homeland, I have some reputation.»

(End of Chapter)