Chapter 209: Fire Protecting Pill! Ancient Ruins!

Chapter 209: Fire Protecting Pill! Ancient Ruins!

Xiao Ze knew that Tang Zhen had come to find him because he probably noticed it was him who achieved the breakthrough in the Demon Sound Cave. Thinking about this, he asked, "Tang Gu Zhu, what kind of pill do you need me to prepare?"

"It's an advanced seventh-grade pill, but its crafting is quite complicated. It's called the Fire Protecting Pill," replied Tang Zhen quickly. He had come personally to seek Xiao Ze because he had perceived his powerful spiritual force.

"An advanced seventh-grade pill..." murmured Xiao Ze, looking at Elder Liu Tian.

Elder Liu Tian shrugged, indicating that he should make his own decision.

"I am confident I can craft it, but Tang Gu Zhu, you must know that hiring a high-level alchemist comes at a cost," said Xiao Ze.

"Of course," said Tang Zhen with a smile. "I wonder if Xiao Ze has any interest in ancient ruins."

The mention of ancient ruins surprised Xiao Ze. Elder Liu Tian also showed surprise.

"Ancient ruins? Has the Burning Flame Valley discovered ancient ruins?" asked Elder Liu Tian. As someone who knew Zhongzhou well, he knew what ancient ruins meant: they always provoked fierce competition among treasure seekers.

Xiao Ze also knew about the ancient ruins from the original book. In the story, ancient ruins were places of great importance, like the place where Yao Lao obtained the Flame Manual.

"Tang Gu Zhu, are you joking? Ancient ruins are too valuable to share so easily," said Xiao Ze skeptically.

"Not so. This ruin is extremely ancient. I discovered it accidentally due to my possession of the Nine Dragon and Lightning Flame," explained Tang Zhen. "However, its value is not as great as you imagine. It is heavily damaged, with only a small percentage of its treasure remaining."

Seeing Xiao Ze frown, Tang Zhen decided to be clearer to not upset the young alchemist who would soon become an eighth-grade alchemist.

"The reason I offer it as payment is because this ancient ruin may have belonged to an ancient alchemist."

This statement relaxed Xiao Ze's expression, now more interested. Although he had initially lost hope upon hearing about the extensive damage, the possibility of finding ancient formulas intrigued him.

Tang Zhen, seeing Xiao Ze's reaction, felt relieved. He knew that the ruins of an ancient alchemist were incredibly attractive to modern alchemists.

"Then, we can reach an agreement," said Xiao Ze.

While they talked, other leaders on the high platform had no idea that Xiao Ze was the one who had made the breakthrough in the Demon Sound Cave. However, seeing Tang Zhen's attitude, they began to suspect. Although they weren't alchemists, they knew that Xiao Ze's spiritual force exceeded that of a seventh-grade alchemist, suggesting he was an eighth-grade alchemist.

They decided not to make a fuss, as Xiao Ze preferred to keep a low profile. Instead, they planned to approach him after Tang Zhen finished, offering gifts and trying to establish a connection.

After talking, Xiao Ze understood better the Fire Protecting Pill. Similar to the Earth Spirit Pill, this pill helped someone refine flames better. Tang Zhen probably wanted it for his daughter, Tang Huo Er. However, in the original story, even with this pill, Tang Huo Er didn't succeed, leading Tang Zhen to seek the Buddha Flame Pill.

"Then, it's agreed. When the Demon Sound event is over, Xiao Ze, please accompany me to the Burning Flame Valley," said Tang Zhen with a smile, pleased with the decision.

Tang Zhen felt fortunate for his choice to invite a young alchemist instead of an older, more temperamental one.

After Tang Zhen left, other leaders began visiting the Dan Ta area, intending to gain Xiao Ze's favor with gifts, although they seemingly were there to see Elder Liu Tian.

"Xiao Ze, thanks to you I have received many gifts," said Elder Liu Tian jokingly.

"Elder Liu, you flatter me too much," replied Xiao Ze with a smile, knowing Liu Tian was just joking.

"Elder Liu, I must go to the Burning Flame Valley. Please take care of Dan Chen in my absence," said Xiao Ze, remembering his promise to Dan Xuan to take care of Dan Chen.

"Why don't you take her with you?" asked Elder Liu Tian, with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"I can't. I need to focus on alchemy and won't have time to look after her," Xiao Ze replied after some thought.

"Besides, if the ruins are as Tang Gu Zhu described, it could be dangerous. I can't take her there," Xiao Ze added.

Elder Liu Tian nodded seriously.

"If you've decided, leave her in my hands. After all, I am one of the Eight Great Elders of Dan Ta. Protecting disciples won't be a problem," Elder Liu Tian said firmly. "Also, having good relations with the Burning Flame Valley is beneficial. Take this opportunity."

Xiao Ze nodded with a smile, grateful for Elder Liu Tian's support, who had been very understanding and hadn't interfered in his conversation with Tang Zhen.

Then, Xiao Ze called Dan Chen and explained the situation regarding the Burning Flame Valley.

"Don't worry about me, Brother Xiao Ze. In Zhongzhou, few dare to challenge Dan Ta. Take care of your matters," Dan Chen said with a smile.

Xiao Ze felt a bit guilty for not fulfilling his promise to take care of Dan Chen, so he decided to leave her some additional protections just in case.