Chapter 380 Tang Huoer's Initiative

Before Tang Huo'er had time to think about it, Xiao Ling broke the silence and explained with a smile: "This is not an ordinary fighting skill, it is a bit special and can help people heal some injuries. It should be of some help to your current situation. However, this is my unique secret skill, so don't tell others casually."

Tang Huoer blinked her eyes, a hint of surprise appeared on her face. She nodded slightly and said with some emotion: "What a unique fighting skill. This is the first time I've heard of a fighting skill that can heal injuries. Don't worry, I'm tight-lipped. I won't spread it around."

Xiao Ling smiled slightly, nodded, and said nothing more. He just continued to treat Tang Huoer with concentration.

His palm gently covered Tang Huoer's lower abdomen. The cool power was like a spring drizzle, quietly moistening her body and making her face gradually regain its rosy color.

After a moment, Xiao Ling gently slowed down the input of healing energy. At this time, Tang Huoer could clearly feel that the damage caused by removing the Nine Dragon Thunder Fire Mark had been completely healed, and some of the previous discomfort had also completely dissipated.

She carefully felt her physical condition and unexpectedly discovered that, except for the fundamental damage caused by the failure of the fusion of the Nine Dragons Thunder Fire, those inconspicuous hidden injuries in her body had also been healed.

The effect of the healing fighting skill performed by Xiao Ling really exceeded Tang Huoer's expectations. It was actually no worse than some high-quality healing pills.

If other interested people knew the effect of this fighting skill, they would definitely flock to it.

"How's it going, Huo'er? Are you feeling unwell anywhere else?"

Xiao Ling withdrew his hand without leaving a trace, and asked with concern. She was injured in order to do him a favor, and it was his duty to heal her.

"Don't worry, your healing skills are amazing. I feel much better now and I don't feel uncomfortable anymore. Thank you so much." Tang Huoer smiled and nodded, her face filled with a relaxed look. Then she continued, "Don't worry about me. Put away the Nine Dragon Thunder Fire first."

Xiao Ling noticed that Tang Huo'er didn't seem to be feeling unwell, so he stopped asking questions and just nodded slightly, saying casually: "If you feel something is wrong, tell me at any time."

Then, he gently waved his arm, and the Nine Dragon Thunder Fire that was floating in the air slowly landed in front of Xiao Ling as if being summoned.

The silver flames burned fiercely in the air, releasing a frightening temperature. In the flickering silver flames, a silver dragon could be seen circling in the flames, as if it was wandering in another dimension, giving people a mysterious and spectacular visual impact.

Although this is a sub-fire of the Nine Dragons Thunder Gang Fire, its power is not weak at all. According to Xiao Ling's estimation, the power of this sub-fire is probably not inferior to those flames at the bottom of the list of strange fires. This shows that the original power contained in the sub-fire of the Nine Dragons Thunder Gang Fire is quite considerable.

For Xiao Ling in the past, this Nine Dragons Thunder Fire would definitely be a great help to him. But now, his strength is no longer what it used to be. Even if he swallowed the Nine Dragons Thunder Fire, his cultivation would not have a big leap, and even the breakthrough of the Burning Art level would not have any effect at all.

"When I have time later, I will refine and absorb the Bone Spirit Cold Fire and the Nine Dragon Thunder Fire together. This way, my cultivation should be able to improve, and the Burning Art will have a chance to evolve into a true Heaven-level technique."

Xiao Ling was thinking about it, and a feeling of anticipation rose spontaneously. He no longer hesitated, and gently waved his arm. The silver fire seemed to be pulled by an invisible hand, and was lightly collected by him into the fire seal between his eyebrows, and disappeared from his sight in an instant.

By storing this seed fire in the body, one can adapt to its existence in advance, so that when the time comes to absorb it, it will be easier. Anyway, with the restrictions set by Xiao Ling, this small cluster of seed fire will not cause any big trouble.

At this moment, Tang Huoer walked up to Xiao Ling. Seeing him take the violent strange fire into his body so casually, Tang Huoer couldn't help but be surprised. It was the first time she saw someone take the strange fire into his body without any restraint.

Although she was somewhat curious, she did not ask further questions, but changed the subject: "Xiao Ling, are you planning to leave Burning Flame Valley?"

"That's right. I planned to take Qinglin with me and leave Fenyan Valley. I had an agreement with Yin Gu before. As you know, Fenyan Valley is quite close to Yin Gu's territory. This time, I can just fulfill that agreement." Xiao Ling nodded slightly and answered calmly.

"Yes, Yin Valley is not far from us, and there is frequent exchange between our two forces." Tang Huoer nodded and said, but there was a hint of reluctance in her eyes.

She couldn't help feeling a little disappointed. After all, she had finally fallen in love with a man, but in the blink of an eye, the other party was about to leave. No one could say whether they would see each other again in the future.

Tang Huoer's unwillingness suddenly rose up. She had always been a straightforward person, and she restrained herself a lot in front of Xiao Ling. But at this moment, she found that she could no longer suppress her emotions.

She gritted her teeth secretly and thought to herself that if she just watched Xiao Ling leave like this, she would never be able to swallow this.

Tang Huoer's eyes flashed with a firm and complex light, and the corners of her mouth rose slightly, as if she was trying to overcome her inner tension. She took a deep breath, mustered up her courage, suddenly took a step forward, and stood in front of Xiao Ling.

"Xiao Ling, actually there is something I have always wanted to tell you." Tang Huoer's voice trembled slightly, but she tried to make her voice sound more firm.

Her sudden action surprised Xiao Ling. He was slightly stunned, then smiled gently. Looking at Tang Huo'er's serious expression, he couldn't help but feel a little curious and asked softly, "Huo'er, what's the matter? Tell me."

"I know we haven't known each other for long, but I feel that if I don't say some things now, I may never have another chance." There was a hint of determination in Tang Huoer's words. She didn't want her feelings to remain unknown.

Xiao Ling listened quietly, a strange look flashed in his eyes, and he probably had some guesses in his mind, but he just said "hmm" lightly, motioning her to continue.

Tang Huoer bit her lower lip gently, her heart beating wildly in her chest, as if it would jump out at any time. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and when she opened them again, her eyes were full of determination. As if she was gathering up her courage, she took a step forward, shortening the distance between her and Xiao Ling.

She clenched her hands together nervously, her knuckles turning white, but she still mustered up her courage, looked directly into Xiao Ling's eyes, and said in a soft but unusually clear voice: "I like you, Xiao Ling."

After saying this, Tang Huoer's face instantly turned red like a ripe apple. She lowered her head, not daring to look at Xiao Ling's reaction. She only felt her heart beating like a drum, and she was so nervous that even her breathing was a little difficult.

Her words were straightforward and honest, without any unnecessary embellishment, and every word revealed her true feelings. She leaned forward slightly, staring at Xiao Ling closely, waiting for his response.

At this moment, she was so nervous that she even breathed carefully. Her uneasy expression was completely different from the proud and confident look she always showed in front of others.

Xiao Ling looked at Tang Huo'er's appearance, and a complex emotion surged in his heart. He didn't expect Tang Huo'er to suddenly confess, and for a moment he didn't know how to respond.

But Xiao Ling could feel Tang Huoer's sincere emotions. Her hands clenched tightly due to nervousness and her slightly trembling shoulders made him feel warm in his heart.

The air around them seemed to freeze. Both of them remained silent. Only Tang Huoer's rapid breathing sounded particularly clear in the silence.

As time slowly passed, a hint of bitterness began to arise in Tang Huoer's heart. She even began to feel that Xiao Ling's silence was the most direct rejection.

At this moment, Xiao Ling suddenly held her slightly trembling cold hands tightly. This action made Tang Huoer's heart jump suddenly. Her heartbeat accelerated instantly, and a glimmer of hope rekindled in her heart. "Huoer, I can feel your feelings. I'm really glad that you like me. I feel very honored to be liked by such an outstanding girl like you." Xiao Ling looked at Tang Huoer's bright eyes flashing with anxiety, smiled, and said in a gentle tone,
"But I'm not as perfect as you say. I'm not the kind of person who only focuses on one person. In fact, I've had emotional entanglements with more than one girl. Maybe I'm not as good as you think."

Xiao Ling's words floated lightly in the air, and a hint of disappointment flashed across Tang Huo'er's face, but soon, she adjusted her mood like brushing off dust. She understood that Xiao Ling's frankness was actually a kind of respect for her.

Yes, think about it, how could a man as outstanding as Xiao Ling be without suitors around him? She must be more than the only one who likes Xiao Ling. This thought flashed through Tang Huoer's mind, and she smiled lightly, with a hint of bitterness in her heart.

"Huo'er," Xiao Ling's voice was as gentle as the spring breeze. He gently stroked Tang Huo'er's hair, with a touch of tenderness in his eyes. "You are a very special girl. I really admire your frankness and courage. But love is not something that can be decided on impulse."

He paused slightly, as if giving Tang Huoer time to digest his words, "Your feelings now may be out of gratitude, or it may be a momentary affection. I hope to give you some time to understand your feelings more deeply."

Xiao Ling's fingers gently slid across Tang Huo'er's hair, and continued, "So, Huo'er, don't rush to answer me. When you are truly sure of your feelings, no matter what you choose in the end, I will respect your decision."

Tang Huoer nodded slightly, her eyes flashing with deep understanding of Xiao Ling. She knew that Xiao Ling was not rejecting her, but giving her more space to think and understand her feelings.

"I understand, Xiao Ling." Tang Huo'er's voice was soft but firm. "I won't rush for success, nor will I regret it. I will give you, and myself, some time."

Xiao Ling smiled, and he let go of Tang Huoer's hand, but the warm touch seemed to still remain in her palm. He took a step back, leaving more space for Tang Huoer.

"Huo'er, I'm glad you think this way." Xiao Ling smiled and said, "Matters of love do take time to settle. I hope we can both face it in the best possible state."

Xiao Ling is not the kind of Liu Xiahui who can remain calm even when a girl like Tang Huoer takes the initiative to confess her love to him, so naturally his heart was moved.

After all, he is no longer a naive boy who has just entered the field of love. He has his own understanding and attitude towards matters of the heart.

In his opinion, since he had already embarked on the path of having a harem, having one more or one less would not make much difference.

However, Xiao Ling also knew that he and Tang Huo'er didn't know each other well enough. Tang Huo'er's confession at this time was probably just a momentary impulse, and even she herself hadn't completely sorted out her inner feelings. He didn't want to make a hasty decision because of a momentary impulse, which would be irresponsible to both of them.

If Tang Huoer still firmly chooses him after careful consideration and is willing to accept all his shortcomings and past, then Xiao Ling will not be stingy with his feelings. After all, it is a blessing to be able to get the true heart of such an excellent woman like Tang Huoer.

Tang Huoer smiled, and the tension in her eyes gradually dissipated, replaced by a sense of ease and relief. She took a deep breath, feeling that the big stone in her heart had finally fallen to the ground.

"Okay, let's not talk about this anymore." Tang Huoer waved her hand gently, as if to dispel the heavy atmosphere in the air, and a relaxed smile appeared on the corner of her mouth. "Didn't you just say you wanted to go to Sound Valley? It just so happens that I have a map to Sound Valley here. Without some tips, ordinary people can't find it."

As Tang Huoer spoke, she flipped her hand lightly, pulled out a map from the ring, and handed it directly to Xiao Ling.

Xiao Ling took the map handed over by Tang Huo'er with both hands and immediately spread it out on the table. On the map, various areas were divided in an orderly manner, especially the spheres of influence of Burning Flame Valley and Sound Valley, which were marked in great detail.

Although Yin Valley is one of the three valleys, it has always kept a low profile and the outside world knows very little about it. The description of Yin Valley in the map of Zhongzhou that Yao Lao gave him before was much rougher than that of Tang Huoer.

The reason why this map is so detailed is probably because Fenyan Valley and Yin Valley are close to each other and belong to the three valleys. Although the two valleys do not interact frequently, occasional contact has enriched the details of this map.

"Huo'er, thank you. This map is very useful to me." Xiao Ling smiled and expressed his gratitude sincerely. As soon as he finished speaking, he carefully folded the map and put it into the ring for safekeeping.

Although this map may not play a decisive role for Xiao Ling, it is a token of Tang Huoer's love after all, and this friendship makes him feel very good.

Immediately, Xiao Ling's face showed a smile, and his eyes revealed a gentle light. He stretched out his hand, and rubbed his slender fingers gently in the air. As he moved, the strange fire in his body suddenly jumped out, and under his skillful control, it quickly formed a flaming rose.

This flaming rose slowly bloomed in Xiao Ling's palm. Each petal was composed of countless tiny flames, emitting a hot and charming light.

The flames danced happily among the petals, like a group of lively elves dancing, or a group of elegant dancers performing a visual feast. Although it exudes high temperature, it does not lose its softness, but adds a bit of enchantment and charm.

Tang Huoer stood aside and witnessed all this, with a glimmer of surprise in her eyes. She stared at the flaming rose in Xiao Ling's hand, secretly exclaiming in her heart. Although she herself had a certain level of attainment in fire control, she had to admit that she still had a long way to go to reach Xiao Ling's level of refinement.

She stared at the flaming rose swaying gently in Xiao Ling's palm, as if she could feel the heat it was emitting. But under Xiao Ling's skillful control, the heat seemed to be blocked, without leaking out a bit.

Tang Huoer couldn't help but admire in her heart that Xiao Ling's fire control skills were beyond her imagination.

"This is..." Tang Huoer looked up at Xiao Ling, her eyes full of confusion and curiosity.

Xiao Ling smiled and explained softly, "This flaming rose was condensed by me using the strange fire. It is a small gift from me to you. Just consider it as a return gift to thank you for giving me the Sound Valley map and the seed fire."

Then, Xiao Ling gently opened his fingers, and the flaming rose condensed by the strange fire rose lightly into the air, spinning gracefully in the air, and then slowly landed in front of Tang Huoer.

Tang Huoer waved her hand gently, and the flaming rose fell steadily into her palm with the power of her fighting spirit.

Tang Huo'er stared at the exquisite flaming rose in her hand, a feeling of joy welling up in her heart. The corners of her mouth involuntarily curled up, revealing a sincere smile.

"Thank you, Xiao Ling." Tang Huo'er's voice was gentle, but her eyes were shining with excitement. "This flame rose is very beautiful. I like it very much. I will definitely cherish it."

Xiao Ling smiled and nodded, his heart full of a sense of accomplishment. This technique was a new one he had just figured out not long ago, and today was the first time he had demonstrated it in front of others. At this special moment, giving it to Tang Huoer as a gift felt quite meaningful.

Moreover, this strange fire rose has a special ability. It can absorb the surrounding fire attribute energy. As long as it is not attacked, in a place like the Burning Flame Valley where there is abundant fire attribute energy, it can basically keep burning like this and will not be easily extinguished.

The two smiled at each other, and the air around them seemed to become warm and gentle. The flaming rose swayed gently in Tang Huoer's hand, as if telling of the quietly growing feelings between the two. (End of this chapter)