While Xiao Yan was in the midst of tempering his body with the Essence Heart Flame in preparation to claim the matured Fallen Heart Flame, a shift in the winds of fate unfolded elsewhere in the Central Plains.
Within a quiet chamber, a young man lay atop a soft bed, his breathing steady and deep. A tranquil fragrance lingered in the air, casting a gentle calm over the room.
Suddenly, the faint twitch of a finger broke the stillness. A moment later, his eyelids fluttered open, revealing a striking pair of heterochromatic eyes—his left eye a radiant crimson, his right a graceful cyan.
His gaze remained dazed, as though his soul had only just returned. For a few silent breaths, he stared blankly at the unfamiliar ceiling. Gradually, clarity returned to his eyes as his mind began to awaken.
"…This is… Where am I?"
A hoarse voice escaped his lips, as if unused for some time. His words carried both confusion and strain, and it was clear—he recognized neither the ceiling above him nor the place in which he now found himself.
"You are in Burning Flame Valley, child. They have prepared this room so you may recover properly after saving their beloved young lady."
An elegant and familiar voice echoed gently within the young man's heart, stirring the depths of his soul. At first confused, Xiao Hua's expression softened the moment he recognized the voice. A faint, relieved smile tugged at his lips, enhancing the breathtaking beauty of his countenance.
"Sister Azure... It seems you've been watching over me while I lay unconscious…"
This young man was none other than Xiao Hua—who had been unconscious for several months after sustaining grievous wounds from the combined backlash of an energy storm and spatial rupture, both triggered by the eruption of his ultimate attack against the Hall of Souls' Chief, Hun Mie Sheng.
Even now, Xiao Hua could sense the weakness lingering within his body. As his spiritual sense swept through his meridians and core, he was relieved to find that most of the severe injuries had already healed.
The remainder, though still in the process of recovery, would require a few more months. It was no wonder his limbs felt heavy, and his body remained sluggish.
Xiao Hua let out a soft sigh of relief upon confirming that his condition was no longer critical and had left no lasting damage within his body. With slow, steady movements, he sat up and shifted toward the edge of the soft bed.
Drawing in a deep breath, his gaze swept across the room. The decor was refined and graceful, exuding a serene charm that brought ease to the heart. After taking in his surroundings, Xiao Hua finally spoke, his voice calm yet tinged with curiosity.
"Sister Azure… Sister Xue Yue… how long have I been unconscious? And how did I end up in Burning Flame Valley?"
"You've been unconscious for nearly four months," Xue Yue replied, her voice cool and composed, yet laced with a subtle gentleness.
"As for how you arrived in Burning Flame Valley…" Lady Azure continued, a trace of amazement in her tone, "You are truly lucky. At the moment of your collapse, a spatial crack suddenly opened beside you and pulled you in. As fortune would have it, you reemerged right where a group of Burning Flame Valley disciples had set up camp for a mission. It was nothing short of miraculous."
"Fortunately, you saved the Burning Flame Valley disciples from the monster tide—though it seems your actions were done unconsciously. You collapsed shortly after… Nonetheless, they were deeply grateful and brought you here to recover,"
Xue Yue said softly, shaking her head with a faint sigh. She clearly remembered how a young lady had pleaded with her father—who happened to be the leader of a powerful faction overseeing a region abundant in fire energy.
Xiao Hua responded with a slight shake of his head. He had no memory of performing such a feat. Even so, he trusted that his cold yet sincere sister wouldn't speak without reason. Thus, he began to ponder the identity of the person he had saved.
Rubbing his chin thoughtfully, he wondered just who he had saved to warrant such careful treatment. Could it have been the child of a Burning Flame Valley elder?
Yet, no matter how he searched his memory, no clear image surfaced. In the end, he let out a soft breath and decided it would be better to meet them directly.
With some effort, he rose to his feet. Though his body hadn't fully healed, simple movements were still within his ability.
Afterward, he removed the loose white robe he had been resting in and changed into a dark-blue robe lined with magenta trim. Once dressed, he gathered his long, tousled hair and tied it into a high ponytail before making his way toward the door—his every step calm and composed.
Creak—!
The tightly shut door eased open under his hand, and Xiao Hua stepped outside. Lifting his gaze, he quietly took in his surroundings.
Beyond the room lay a serene garden, blooming with a myriad of vibrant flowers. A gentle breeze swept through, carrying with it a delicate floral fragrance that lingered in the air. The scent was light, yet soothing—bringing a sense of peace to the heart.
"Oh? So you've awakened…"
A clear, melodious voice drifted through the air just as Xiao Hua's gaze swept across the tranquil scenery. He turned his head and spotted a woman clad in fiery red robes, seated gracefully within the garden. Her posture was upright and refined, the curve of her figure forming a mesmerizing silhouette from her slender neck down to her waist.
Xiao Hua's brows lifted slightly. His eyes lingered on the red-clothed woman, a sense of familiarity stirring in his heart—he felt he had seen her before, though he couldn't quite recall where.
Sensing his confusion, the red-robed lady let out a soft, elegant chuckle. Rising to her feet, her tall and graceful form was revealed in full as she approached with measured steps. When she stopped before him, she offered a radiant smile.
"My name is Tang Huo Er," she said warmly. "I am the Young Lady of Burning Flame Valley. I must thank you personally—for standing against the monster tide and protecting us, even while suffering such grievous injuries."
Xiao Hua's heart trembled slightly upon hearing her name and status. In that instant, the haze in his memory lifted—he now remembered everything about her, even though she had only mentioned her name.
"Greetings, Miss Tang. My name is Xiao Hua, Mansion Master of the Moonlit Chaos Mansion," Xiao Hua said with a courteous cupping of his hands, his tone calm and respectful.
When he had first learned of his new position, he had felt somewhat awkward referring to himself as the Mansion Master. After all, he had yet to make a formal appearance before the disciples of Moonlit Chaos Mansion.
However, his elder sisters had firmly warned him—if he refused to acknowledge his own status, others might assume their Mansion Master was either ashamed of his position or simply lacked the courage to bear the title.
Moreover, Xiao Hua had already accepted the responsibilities that came with his role. From this moment onward, he would not shy away from the identity he now carried.
"I must also thank you for tending to me, even without knowing who I was," he added with a polite smile. For the past four months, they had not only safeguarded him while he remained unconscious but had also helped restore his gravely wounded body. Such kindness naturally warranted sincere gratitude.
Though his outward demeanor remained composed, a ripple stirred within his heart. He had not expected that among those he had rescued would be none other than Tang Huo Er—the daughter of Tang Zhen himself.
"I've heard about you, Mansion Master Xiao," Tang Huo Er said with a soft laugh, her tone light and playful. "Hall Master Wei Jie and Lady Mei Ling have visited several times to personally oversee your condition."
She continued with a faint smile, "Moreover, word of the feats you and the other Hall Masters accomplished has already spread across the entire Central Plains. The things you all achieved... even my father and the elders found it hard to believe."
Xiao Hua could clearly detect the trace of disbelief in her voice. Beneath her graceful smile lay a subtle pride and skepticism, natural for someone of her status—as the proud Young Lady of Burning Flame Valley and one of the geniuses of the younger generation across the Central Plains.
Still, her words explained much. Xiao Hua now understood why he had been treated with such care and respect—his name and deeds had already reached the ears of many across the land.
"It was nothing worth boasting about." Xiao Hua replied with a calm smile, brushing the matter off lightly.
He held little interest in contending for the title of the so-called top geniuses of the Central Plains. His plate was already full with far more pressing matters—such trivial accolades held little meaning for him.
More pressing was the mystery of the A-C System—a strange, unfathomable presence that had led to his reincarnation in this world. Even now, he remained in the dark about its true purpose, uncertain of what it sought from him… or why he had been chosen.
Tang Huo Er's beautiful eyes narrowed slightly upon hearing Xiao Hua's words and observing his composed demeanor. It was clear that the young man before her bore little interest in fame or recognition, despite the weight of his accomplishments.
"Regardless of whether the news are exaggerated or not," Tang Huo Er said softly, taking a deep breath to steady the slight stir in her heart, "Mansion Master Xiao is still my savior. There's no need for such distance. If you don't mind… you may simply call me Huo Er."
She was well aware that her father and the elders intended to extend goodwill toward Xiao Hua and build a connection with him. As such, she chose to take the first step and show sincerity.
"In that case," Xiao Hua replied with a faint smile, "Miss Huo Er may also call me Xiao Hua. Burning Flame Valley has treated me with kindness and has also saved my life. There's no need for such formality between us."
He could sense the intention behind her words, but it didn't bother him. Despite her initial skepticism, Tang Huo Er had not shown the arrogance so often found among the elite. Her manner was respectful and sincere, leaving Xiao Hua with a favorable impression. He didn't mind forming a friendly bond with her—or with Burning Flame Valley.
"You've been unconscious for nearly four months. My father instructed me to bring you to him as soon as you awakened… I assume you're planning to meet him now, aren't you?" Tang Huo Er asked with a soft laugh, her bright, pretty eyes sweeping over Xiao Hua with playful charm.
"In that case, I'll trouble Miss Huo Er to lead the way," Xiao Hua replied with a gentle smile.
Just as Tang Huo Er turned to guide him, she suddenly paused, as if remembering something. Glancing back at him, curiosity flickered in her gaze. "One more thing—on the way there, I want to hear the full story. From the moment you appeared in the Eastern Wind Lightning Pavilion… to the arrival of the Hall of Souls."
Her words caused Xiao Hua's expression to freeze for a moment, especially as he noticed the faint fire burning in her eyes. He let out a helpless chuckle, shaking his head inwardly.
'This woman… she's more competitive than most men.'
Truthfully, he had no desire to speak much about those events. He never liked boasting of his deeds, nor did he wish to sound self-important.
Noticing the awkwardness in his eyes, Tang Huo Er couldn't help but cover her mouth and giggle. Then, without pushing further, she turned and began walking ahead.
Her voice drifted back lightly as she walked, "Regardless of what you say, I won't see you as arrogant or boastful—especially not after seeing the blood-soaked state you were in when you emerged from that spatial rift."
Xiao Hua let out a bitter chuckle at her words before finally resigning himself to recounting the events—the reason behind his attack on the Wind Lightning Pavilion and all that followed. Judging from Tang Huo Er's tone alone, it was clear she wouldn't stop asking until her curiosity was fully satisfied.
As their conversation continued, the two left the courtyard and strolled through the inner paths of Burning Flame Valley. Along the way, they encountered numerous disciples. Each one, upon seeing Tang Huo Er, immediately halted and offered respectful greetings. Not only was she the Young Lady of the valley, but her cultivation talent was extraordinary—enough to earn the admiration and reverence of all within the sect.
Naturally, Xiao Hua—walking beside her—drew more than a few curious glances. Many disciples had already heard whispers of his astonishing feats, news that had shaken the entire Central Plains.
In the months since Xiao Hua had been unconscious, his name had become one of the hottest topics within Burning Flame Valley. It didn't take long for the disciples to piece things together—this mysterious young man was none other than the Mansion Master of Moonlit Chaos Mansion.
Fortunately, Tang Zhen had personally issued a strict order forbidding any discussion of Xiao Hua's presence beyond the valley walls. If word were to leak out, countless individuals and forces might swarm Burning Flame Valley, all in pursuit of information… or something far more troublesome.
Xiao Hua followed behind Tang Huo Er for over ten minutes, drawing countless glances along the way. Only when they arrived before a grand hall radiating a majestic and imposing aura did she finally come to a stop.
"It's still surprising how the Hall of Souls appeared so suddenly, without any warning…" Tang Huo Er remarked, smacking her lips slightly in disbelief.
Xiao Hua smiled faintly and nodded. "Perhaps they believed we had something they desired. But for a small, unknown faction like ours, that would naturally be impossible."
Of course, he withheld the truth about the true object of the Hall of Souls' pursuit—there was no need to expose that secret now.
Tang Huo Er shot him a look and rolled her eyes. "A so-called 'unknown little faction' doesn't defeat multiple Dou Zun experts… nor does it kill a Dou Sheng and seal another one's strength—especially when those individuals come from a terrifying force like the Hall of Souls."
After saying that, she composed her expression and gave a casual wave before turning around and entering the great hall. Xiao Hua let out a silent sigh and quickly followed after her.
With Tang Huo Er leading the way, Xiao Hua stepped into the grand hall. The moment he entered, he felt the atmosphere shift—solemn and heavy, with countless eyes landing on him. Fully armed disciples of Burning Flame Valley stood in formation around the hall, their presence adding a sense of vigilance and intensity to the already tense air.
Seated at the highest position was a lean, red-haired middle-aged man clad in a crimson robe that radiated both flame and authority. Though a faint smile adorned his face, Xiao Hua knew well that this was no ordinary man—his status in the Central Plains, especially within the Middle Region, was weighty and undeniable.
This was Tang Zhen, Valley Chief of Burning Flame Valley.
Flanking him on either side were two white-haired elders dressed in similar red robes. Their expressions were calm, deep as still water, yet the invisible might they emanated gave them a commanding presence—an aura that needed no anger to suppress a room.
From the faint scent of majestic Dou Qi that occasionally seeped from their bodies, Xiao Hua could discern that both elders were around the peak of the Dou Zong class, just a step or two away from Dou Zun.
Below these two formidable elders sat around ten other red-robed old men. Each one emanated a strong presence, marking them as high-ranking members of the sect. Though not as powerful as the two seated closest to Tang Zhen, it was clear these were the core Elders of Burning Flame Valley.
"Mansion Master Xiao greets Valley Chief Tang and Ancestor Huo," Xiao Hua said calmly, cupping his hands with a faint smile.
"Eh? That old fellow is here?" Tang Huo Er muttered in surprise, her pretty eyes widening slightly.
Tang Zhen and the elders beside him stiffened subtly at Xiao Hua's words. It was clear they hadn't expected him to sense the presence of their hidden ancestor—let alone recognize his identity so easily.
From Tang Huo Er's genuine reaction, it was also apparent that she had not been informed. Her gaze sharpened instantly as she shot a glare at Tang Zhen and the two white-haired elders, her displeasure plain to see.
"Hahaha! What keen senses you possess, Mansion Master Xiao!"
A hearty, aged voice rang out suddenly, echoing through the grand hall. The laughter carried an immense pressure, and in the next instant, a wave of scorching wind swept through the space.
While Tang Zhen and the other elders remained silent in astonishment, a brilliant crimson light erupted in the center of the hall. As it flickered and dispersed, it revealed an old man with a towering presence.
His hair was a blazing red, radiant and eye-catching, while the aura surging from his body was so overwhelming that even Xiao Hua's brows twitched involuntarily. The pressure rolled through the hall like waves from a burning sea—wild, ancient, and terrifying.
"Haha! I would have never expected someone from the younger generation like Mansion Master Xiao to still remember the name of this old man," Ancestor Huo Yun said with hearty laughter, his voice carrying a trace of friendliness.
"It's nothing much," Xiao Hua replied with a calm shake of his head. "I merely heard of you from an acquaintance of mine."
That acquaintance, of course, was Yao Lao. Truthfully, Xiao Hua had nearly forgotten about the existence of Burning Flame Valley's ancestor—until Yao Lao mentioned him in passing, stirring the memory buried in his mind.
Earlier, Xiao Hua had sensed a powerful presence silently observing him from the shadows when he enters the hall—a gaze filled with intense scrutiny. Though the aura wasn't as terrifying as that of the First Tianzun, it was still vastly superior to Gu You's.
From that alone, Xiao Hua had immediately deduced the hidden observer's identity—none other than Ancestor Huo Yun, a one-star Dou Sheng.
Hearing that it was merely an acquaintance, Ancestor Huo narrowed his eyes slightly, a flicker of intrigue flashing deep within them. He chuckled and said, "If the one who spoke of me was your acquaintance, then that person must be an old demon just like this old man."
Xiao Hua remained silent, only responding with a light smile. He knew all too well that if he continued, Ancestor Huo would start asking questions about Yao Lao. That was a topic he preferred to avoid—at least until Yao Lao had fully recovered. For now, it was best left unspoken.
Cough! Cough! Cough!
"Ancestor!"
Just as Ancestor Huo was about to speak further, he suddenly let out several harsh coughs. Tang Zhen and the surrounding elders immediately rose from their seats, expressions shifting to alarm as they rushed forward.
With great care, they supported Ancestor Huo and helped him sit at the seat of honor. Several of the elders swiftly began checking his condition, their Dou Qi quietly probing for abnormalities.
Xiao Hua's gaze swept over the old man. With a single glance, he could already sense the hidden affliction lurking within Ancestor Huo's body.
"Could it be… that your sudden appearance is due to an internal injury left behind by a forceful breakthrough attempt?" Xiao Hua asked calmly.
"Ke ke… You're sharp indeed," Ancestor Huo replied with a wry smile. "Back then, I was too reckless in breaking through to the Dou Sheng realm. Though I succeeded, I very nearly lost my life in the process. Naturally, such a price left behind a lingering wound that refuses to fully heal."
"In that case…" Xiao Hua said with a faint smile, "Would Ancestor Huo be willing to let this junior personally tend to this hidden trouble?"
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