In the Burning Flame Valley — at the Flame Spirit Pavilion.
Under the shade of a crimson spirit maple tree, Liu Xi lounged lazily on a reclining chair, his legs crossed, demeanor relaxed and at ease. A scroll rested in his hands as his eyes remained closed, his Spiritual Power flowing gently into it. Bit by bit, the intricate refining process, the key details, and the control of flame intensity were imprinted into his soul.
On the open scroll were four large characters — Green Fungus Pill.
After a while, Liu Xi slowly opened his eyes. Rubbing the space between his brows, he eased the fatigue caused by reading the scroll through Spiritual Power.
"This Green Fungus Pill's refining process isn't too bad. In fact, it's even simpler than that of the Zun Shi Pill. After all, one is meant to directly enhance strength, while the other merely restores it."
At that moment, Xiao Yixian stepped out from the doorway, holding a plate of freshly washed spiritual fruits. Seeing Liu Xi rub his brow, her heart softened slightly. In a gentle voice, she said, "Young Master, are you tired? Would you like me to massage you a little?"
At those words, Liu Xi's eyes lit up instantly. Even if he hadn't been tired, he certainly was now! His lips trembled slightly as he replied in a deliberately weary tone, "Ah, yes, I'm a bit exhausted. Reading through these refining methods drains quite a bit of Spiritual Power."
Seeing through his exaggerated act, Xiao Yixian couldn't help but smile faintly. She knew he was perfectly fine, yet she still played along. "You've worked so hard, Young Master. Don't move — I'll massage you."
Her steps quickened as she placed down the fruit plate, then moved behind Liu Xi. Her fair, slender hands pressed lightly on his temples, her touch soft and soothing.
Liu Xi closed his eyes again, a faint smile curling his lips as he sank into comfort. Neither spoke. The breeze rustled through the maple leaves, creating a soft, pleasant melody — a tranquil scene like a painting, enough to make one forget the world.
But good things never lasted long. A white-robed figure suddenly descended from the sky into the courtyard. Seeing this scene, the old man's face broke into a mischievous grin. He turned to leave dramatically, sighing aloud, "It seems I've come at the wrong time. I'll take my leave!"
Liu Xi's eyes opened with a twitch at the corner of his mouth. He really didn't want to acknowledge the old man, yet he still said, "Elder Yao, since you're already here, you might as well speak. I've already gone through the Pill Recipe for the Green Fungus Pill — I'll refine it for you when I have the time."
'Once he recovers his strength, I'll make sure he wanders off. The sooner he's gone, the less he'll interfere with my peace.'
Yao Tianhuo chuckled awkwardly, taking a few steps forward to sit by the nearby table. "The Burning Flame Valley has been rather lively lately," he said with amusement. "Valley Master Tang has sent out more than half of his elders, saying they're to seek high-level alchemists across the land. He's even invited two 7th Tier Alchemists from the Pill Tower — they're already on their way."
Xiao Yixian paused her movements, frowning slightly. "Then doesn't that mean Valley Master Tang intends to push Young Master aside? When clearly, if you were to act, refining such a pill would be effortless."
Liu Xi took her delicate hand in his, playing with her fingers as he spoke casually, "I'm asking for a Heavenly Flame, after all. Since Tang Zhen hasn't outright refused, it means he's still hesitating. What he's doing now is understandable."
Yao Tianhuo pondered for a moment before saying, "Ordinarily, the value of a Heavenly Flame far exceeds that of a 7th Tier Pill. It seems this pill holds tremendous significance to him."
"Indeed."
Liu Xi smiled. That was precisely why he had come to the Burning Flame Valley — this might be the only opportunity to acquire the Nine Dragon Lightning Flame through negotiation rather than conflict.
No one else would willingly surrender a Heavenly Flame, a treasure capable of directly enhancing one's strength.
At the mention of the flame, Yao Tianhuo chuckled. "The Nine Dragon Lightning Flame has been bound by flawless seals through generations of Valley Masters. Only those who cultivate the Valley's exclusive Qi Method and reach a sufficient level of strength can control it. Perhaps only someone like you, who has mastered fire to its utmost perfection, could refine it under such conditions."
Liu Xi simply smiled. He knew that truly refining the flame wasn't possible — not through the Valley's seals. But refinement wasn't necessary. If he could manipulate it with his Soul Dominion and devour its essence through Spiritual Power, that would be enough.
Stretching lazily, Liu Xi stood and picked up one of the spiritual fruits, taking a crisp bite.
Crunch.
Juice burst from the tender flesh, its fragrance spreading through the courtyard, refreshing and sweet.
"Mmm, not bad. Juicy and full of flavor. Since I have time, I'll go refine the Green Fungus Pill first. Elder Yao, keep watch outside. Don't let anyone disturb me."
With Tang Zhen off searching for other alchemists, there was no point in waiting idly.
'Time to refine pills — do not disturb!'
Yao Tianhuo's face lit up with excitement. He rose, his eyes gleaming with determination. "Rest assured, my young friend. Even if Valley Master Tang himself comes knocking, I'll make him wait outside. No one will disturb you."
Liu Xi nodded with a gentle smile toward Xiao Yixian before turning toward the inner chamber of the Flame Spirit Pavilion.
Moments later, he was back in his room. With a flick of his wrist, the Ten Thousand Beast Cauldron appeared before him, along with three complete sets of Green Fungus Pill ingredients prepared by Yao Tianhuo.
A spark of cyan flame ignited at Liu Xi's fingertip. With a flick, it shot into the cauldron.
Instantly, the azure fire roared to life, enveloping the cauldron in searing heat as the temperature climbed rapidly.
By Liu Xi's estimation, his current cyan flame was comparable to a top-five Heavenly Flame on the Heavenly Flame Ranking — powerful and versatile.
No wonder its might didn't surprise him anymore.
A surge of vast Spiritual Power poured forth from his glabella, entering the cauldron and adjusting the temperature precisely.
"Let's begin."
He lifted a small piece of material — unassuming, yet brimming with potent energy: the primary ingredient of the Green Fungus Pill — the Scarlet Fungus.
He tossed it into the cauldron, and the azure fire immediately surged upward, wrapping around the material and burning away its impurities.
As the main component of an 8th Tier Pill, the Scarlet Fungus was incredibly resilient, enduring three full rounds of refinement before finally yielding — melting into a clump of pure white powder.
Setting it aside, Liu Xi moved on to the next herb. After all, this 8th Tier Pill required more than a hundred different ingredients.
But for Liu Xi, it was nothing troublesome at all.
(End of Chapter)
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This Fanfiction Has Been Completed on P4 treon, For those who want to read 2 chapters ahead for free, you can find me on P4 treon by searching for my username: Fallen_Archangel_.
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