Keeping Promises 

"It seems that after a year of training outside, you've gained some experience, little madman. In a remote place like the Jia Ma Empire, there aren't many who recognise my name."

Since Xiao Feng had already recognised him, Yao Lao no longer concealed his identity and directly admitted to being the Medicine Venerable.

[The number one alchemist in Dou Qi Continent? Medicine Venerable? Was my teacher really that powerful back then?!]

Learning of Yao Lao's prestigious background, Xiao Yan couldn't help but look at him with even more admiration and excitement.

"Senior, with your status, even a legendary Dou Saint expert would show you some respect."

Xiao Feng paused mid-sentence, frowning slightly as he continued, "Why have you ended up like this, and why are you hiding in the ring my mother left behind?"

"It's a long story. I can only blame myself for being blind, raising an ungrateful wretch... Sigh..."

Yao Lao sighed deeply and quickly changed the subject: "Let's not dwell on the past. Let's talk about the Heavenly Flame now!"

If I'm not mistaken, the Heavenly Flame you're using should be the legendary Wind Fury Dragon Flame, correct?"

"Senior, you have a sharp eye. It is indeed the Wind Fury Dragon Flame," Xiao Feng nodded with a smile. "I subdued and refined it by chance during my training in the Tagore Desert."

"As expected, it's the Wind Fury Dragon Flame. Little madman, let me ask you, do you remember what you promised Xiao Yan when you left the Xiao family?"

Without hesitation, Xiao Feng replied, "Of course, I remember. I promised Xiao Yan that if I had the chance, I'd bring him a Heavenly Flame in the future."

"In that case, I'll get straight to the point."

Seeing that Xiao Feng still remembered his promise, Yao Lao said directly, "I intend to teach Xiao Yan an exceptional cultivation method, which requires devouring Heavenly Flame to practice. Can you give the Wind Fury Dragon Flame to Xiao Yan?"

"Senior, your request is rather difficult. I'm afraid I cannot comply," Xiao Feng shook his head. "I have already refined the core of the Wind Fury Dragon Flame. If I were to extract it forcibly, it would undoubtedly cause a significant loss in my cultivation.

Moreover, I've taken the Life-devouring Pill. If the flame is extracted now, I wouldn't even live for another year."

"Teacher, please don't make things difficult for my brother. We can figure out the Heavenly Flame later," Xiao Yan interrupted. "If extracting the flame severely damages my brother's cultivation and lifespan, I would rather not practice that cultivation method."

"You brat, what are you in such a hurry for? Do you think your master is so unreasonable?"

Yao Lao glared at Xiao Yan and said, "I won't let this little madman suffer. If he's willing to give you the Wind Fury Dragon Flame, I can refine a Qingming Longevity Pill for him, extending his life by ten years. I'll also make him some pills to enhance his cultivation, ensuring he benefits more."

Though Yao Lao scolded Xiao Yan on the surface, he was pleased inside.

If Xiao Yan had disregarded Xiao Feng's well-being just for a Heavenly Flame, Yao Lao would have genuinely been disappointed.

"Hehe, so that's how it is..."

Feeling awkward under Yao Lao's gaze, Xiao Yan scratched his nose.

After taking his eyes off Xiao Yan, Yao Lao turned to Xiao Feng and asked, "Little madman, what do you think of my proposal?"

"Senior, your offer is very generous, but I still choose to refuse," Xiao Feng replied apologetically. "Although I'm not an alchemist, I've become an artefact refiner by chance.

Heavenly Flames are equally crucial to artefact refiners, especially since the Wind Fury Dragon Flame matches my attributes."

"Not this, not that!" Yao Lao pretended to be annoyed. "You little madman, are you going back on your word?"

"Senior, I know you're in a hurry, but please don't rush."

Xiao Feng smiled and waved his hand, "I never said I only found one Heavenly Flame during my training!"

!!!∑(Дノ)ノ

To Yao Lao and Xiao Yan's disbelief, Xiao Feng pulled out the Green Lotus Core Flame.

"This is…"

Yao Lao's pupils shrank as he exclaimed excitedly, "Its colour leans toward green, and its shape resembles a green lotus. There's no mistake; this is the Green Lotus Core Flame, ranked nineteenth on the Heavenly Flame List!"

[Damn! This world is crazy! Since when have Heavenly Flames become so common?

Back in the day, I went through life-and-death situations to obtain the Bone Chilling Flame.

This little madman went out for less than a year and already found two Heavenly Flames? Why is life so unfair?!]

[Didn't the teacher say Heavenly Flames were hard to find? Was he lying to me?]

Listening to their complaints, Xiao Feng held back a smile and introduced, "Xiao Yan, although the Green Lotus Core Flame is weaker than the Wind Fury Dragon Flame, it's perfect for your cultivation.

Moreover, the lotus that nurtured the Green Lotus Core Flame is a rare treasure that can increase the cultivation speed of those who practice fire-attribute techniques several times over. I'll give both the flame and the lotus to you."

"I… I couldn't possibly accept this!"

While saying that he couldn't accept it, Xiao Yan quickly took the lotus and flame with lightning speed—classic behaviour of someone saying no but meaning yes!

Turning to Yao Lao, Xiao Feng smiled and asked, "Senior, does this count as keeping my promise?"

"…"

Yao Lao's mouth twitched slightly as he grumbled, "You little madman, you're playing me! If you had shown the Green Lotus Core Flame earlier, I wouldn't have had to act like the bad guy!"

"Senior, you're being unfair! You were rushing me earlier, and I didn't have a chance to take out the Green Lotus Core Flame!"

Xiao Feng shrugged innocently and added, "If you still feel bad, how about refining a few Fighting Spirit Pills for me?"

The Fighting Spirit Pill is a sixth-tier pill that can raise a Dou King's cultivation by one star, but each person can only take one in their lifetime.

"You clever brat, so you were waiting for me to make this offer!"

Yao Lao stroked his beard and said, "Fine! I misjudged you this time, so I'll refine some pills for you for free.

Oh, and Xiao Yan will need some special pills to subdue the Green Lotus Core Flame. I'll give you a list of ingredients later, so help me gather them."

"No problem, leave it to me!"

Xiao Feng agreed without hesitation.

(End of the chapter)

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