Fighting: Practice makes it real, start with a poisonous body.

Chapter 159 Zhongzhou Alliance
The next day, Burning Flame Valley.

The Fiery Canyon, which used to be scorched by the sun year-round and where even the wind carried a burning sensation, is now shrouded in an inescapable atmosphere of desolation.

The scorching sun still hung in the sky, but it couldn't penetrate the oppressive atmosphere in the valley; even the air seemed heavier than usual.

Inside the council chamber, the atmosphere was so heavy it was almost frozen.

Tang Zhen sat at the head of the table, with all the elders' seats on either side occupied. Only the sandalwood chair to his left, which symbolized the authority of the Grand Elder, was empty and stood out starkly.

"Gentlemen, does anyone have a good plan?"

Tang Zhen spoke in a loud voice, which was deep yet had a noticeable hollow quality.

No one answered Tang Zhen's question, and the atmosphere fell into a deathly silence.

The reason they have gathered here today is self-evident: it is because of the major event yesterday that overturned the foundation of Burning Flame Valley.

The secret of the Three Transformations of Heavenly Fire cannot be kept secret. Even without the Netherworld Valley going to the Central Plains to spread the word, the Burning Flame Valley is already in an uproar.

Seeing this, Tang Zhen sighed.

Nowadays, the valley is filled with the discussions of the disciples.

Who would have thought that the secret technique that Burning Flame Valley is so proud of, passed down for thousands of years, was not created by its own ancestor, but was obtained from someone else back then.

What's even more chilling is that the successive valley masters not only failed to make this origin public, but instead tried their best to cover it up, determined to keep this legitimate name firmly in the hands of Burning Flame Valley.

When the truth came to light, it was undoubtedly a devastating blow to the reputation of Burning Flame Valley, which had always been known for its integrity and uprightness.

The pride and passion that the disciples of Burning Flame Valley once possessed were shattered overnight, replaced by confusion and dejection. The entire valley was filled with a lifeless and dejected atmosphere.

"What happened? I only went out for a short while, and you all turned into this horrible mess."

Just then, the space above the council hall rippled without warning, a pitch-black rift suddenly tore open, and then an old figure surrounded by holy might slowly stepped out.

"Ancestor!"

Tang Zhen immediately stood up, and the elders in the hall also reacted and followed suit, rising up and bowing in greeting.

The newcomer was none other than the Fire Cloud Ancestor, a contemporary Battle Saint of Burning Flame Valley.

Old Ancestor Huoyun stared at Tang Zhen, his brows furrowing: "The poison in your body is not simple. What happened in the valley that even you suffered such serious injuries?"

Tang Zhen gave a wry smile and said, "Ancestor, this is what happened."

Tang Zhen then recounted the events of the previous day in detail.

"So that's how it is. The truth will eventually come out..."

After learning the whole story, a trace of sorrow flashed in the eyes of the Fire Cloud Ancestor.

Tang Zhen asked sadly, "Ancestor, what should we do now?"

The Fire Cloud Ancestor calmly said, "Issue a general decree to announce to the continent and issue an edict of self-reproach."

"Ancestor, you mustn't!"

The Second Elder of Burning Flame Valley looked shocked: "If this happens, won't we have to completely relinquish the rightful name of the Heavenly Fire Three Mysterious Transformations?"

And must we also acknowledge the sins of our ancestors?! How... how will Burning Flame Valley ever establish itself again?

"What is not yours will never be yours, so why force this title? The foundation of Burning Flame Valley has never been a secret technique, but rather the upright and righteous spirit within one's heart."

You're wrong, and all our ancestors were wrong too!

The Fire Cloud Ancestor's voice suddenly rose, booming like a bell, each word like a heavy hammer, striking everyone's hearts.

"But, is this all we're going to do? My brother was driven to his death by the Netherworld Valley!"

The Second Elder of Burning Flame Valley looked indignant.

"What, you're not even willing to listen to me anymore?"

The Fire Cloud Ancestor's expression turned cold: "Don't you understand? The one who killed him was never the Netherworld Venerable. Even if there was no Netherworld Venerable, there would have been the Styx Venerable or the Nine Netherworld Venerable!"
The mistakes of our ancestors killed Tang Yu. Do you want to repeat the same mistakes? The Burning Flame Valley could hide this for a thousand years, but can it hide it for a second thousand?
History cannot be distorted forever; the truth will eventually be revealed!
If you have the guts, then break through to the Dou Zun realm yourself and seek revenge on the Netherworld Venerable!
You want me to make a move?
You have the nerve to do that, but I, your ancestor, can't bear the shame!

The Second Elder of Burning Flame Valley stood there, stunned, unsure whether to advance or retreat. "You may all step back, I am tired."

Old Ancestor Huoyun snorted coldly, and everyone hissed, not daring to even breathe loudly. They all bowed and quietly turned away.

"Tang Zhen stays."

Just as Tang Zhen was about to leave with the others, the voice of the Fire Cloud Ancestor rang out again.

Once the palace doors were completely closed, Patriarch Huoyun slowly walked to the throne and sat down.

He raised his hand to rub his temples, the seriousness he had shown in front of everyone fading somewhat, but his brows were still tightly furrowed: "This matter is not over yet."

Tang Zhen asked nervously, "Ancestor, do you really intend to take action against the Netherworld Valley to establish your authority?"

Forgive my bluntness, but your injuries haven't healed yet. Unless Burning Flame Valley is facing a life-or-death crisis, you'd better not act rashly.

"What are you thinking about?"

The Fire Cloud Ancestor said in a deep voice, "Do you know what terrible news I heard on my trip to the Northern Region?"

Tang Zhen was startled: "Please, Ancestor, speak plainly!"

The Fire Cloud Ancestor took a deep breath and said, "A great change is about to occur in the Central Plains. In the Northern Region, Xiao Jibai, the successor of the Sword Emperor..."

Fifteen minutes later, the shock on Tang Zhen's face lingered for a long time.

"With two copies of the Dou Di inheritance appearing in the world, those ancient races are probably going crazy... But that's not the most important thing. The Dou Di inheritance has nothing to do with us."

The most important thing is the son of the dragon and phoenix. Although he is only a half-saint now, if he really obtains the Dragon and Phoenix Origin Fruit, transforms into a dragon and phoenix body, unifies the beast race, and becomes a force to be reckoned with, he will definitely be a great scourge.

Those ancient races are hateful! They'll stop at nothing to seize the inheritance of the Dou Di, yet they specifically targeted Xiao Jibai.

The attention paid to the son of the dragon and phoenix was not as great.

Ancient races formed their own world. When the beastmen attacked, they simply activated their protective formation, relying on the legacy of their ancestors, and remained unharmed.

But our forces in the Central Plains will suffer; once the tide of chaos rises, no one will be spared.

"Old Ancestor Huoyun said helplessly."

Tang Zhen's heart tightened upon hearing this, and he couldn't help but step forward: "What should we do?"

"There's no need to be so pessimistic."

A glimmer of light appeared in the eyes of the Fire Cloud Ancestor: "During the trip to the Northern Region, the Pill Tower Ancestor learned of the news of the Dragon Phoenix Son and was also very worried. He intends to establish the Central Continent Alliance to unite and resist the great changes together."

Before I returned, I had already agreed on behalf of Burning Flame Valley, and the same went for those two girls from Flower Sect.

"This is a good thing."

Upon hearing this, Tang Zhen felt a slight sense of relief.

"With the Pill Tower taking the lead and uniting with many other forces, my Burning Flame Valley now has a reliable support!"

Old Ancestor Huoyun glanced at him indifferently.

"Joining the Alliance isn't just about accepting protection; there are missions from the Dan Tower that need to be carried out."

Among the three valleys, the Netherworld Valley was newly established, and the old monsters of the Sound Valley were used to living in seclusion. My Burning Flame Valley is the leader of the three valleys!
The first task of Burning Flame Valley is to win over the other two valleys and have them join the alliance... I, the Ancestor, will appear soon to find the old monster of Sound Valley.

And you, you're in charge of dealing with the Netherworld Valley.

"Ah I?!"

Tang Zhen's eyes widened.

　The origin of the Righteous Qi of Burning Flame Valley.

　　When the Tianfu Alliance was established, Huoyun Laozu proposed naming the alliance the Hall of Righteous Qi, but this was not adopted in the end.

　　Here I quote it.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)