Fire in the Stone

In the world of cultivation, everything belongs to Yin and Yang, and spiritual energy is no exception.

For example, when Meng Wei was breaking through a minor stage in his "Qingyang Jade Scroll," he needed to refine the Qianyang Thunder Qi, which belonged to the extreme Yang Qi.

If Yin and Yang are out of balance, there will be many risks, ranging from minor damage to the meridians to severe collapse of the foundation of one's Dao.

The reason why Gu Fan chose to gather Qi in the morning and evening each day was because the Yin and Yang of the fire element spiritual energy were in balance at this time, which was more conducive to refining.

The principles of Yin and Yang regarding the element of fire are explained in great detail in the "Yin Yang Fire Separation Manual".

Although Gu Fan had the Qi circulation diagram provided by the Myriad Manifestations Dharma Eye, he did not rely on it completely. Instead, he followed the diagram to understand the cultivation method and Dao text in reverse, and comprehended the true meaning of the Dao.

At this moment, Gu Fan was extremely glad he made the choice. Otherwise, he would have been helpless to stop Hong Lian today.

Inside the main hall of Shenji Peak, flames, transformed into countless strands, enveloped the red lotus and burned fiercely, causing everyone present to retreat in the heat.

After making his decision, Gu Fan channeled his immense magical power into the flames, causing the fire to more than double in size and soar into the sky.

On the stone platform, Li Kunyuan shook his head slightly as he watched this scene.

"If we only rely on brute force, we won't be able to break through the Crimson Lotus Earth Flame." Li Kunyuan muttered to himself, a hint of disappointment appearing in his eyes: "Never mind, I had too high expectations."

Just as Li Kunyuan was preparing to remove the Red Lotus Earth Flame and let Gu Fan take the jade slip, an unexpected scene unfolded.

The countless wisps of flame split into two halves.

Half of it is golden red, pulsating like the warm autumn sun, radiating a warm glow.

The other half, however, resembled a lake, with dark red flames swaying in the wind clinging to its surface.

Two flames slowly swirled around the red lotus, and then, to everyone's astonishment, they collided violently.

The violent explosion spread outwards from Honglian, the shockwave causing the entire hall to tremble. The resulting shockwave spread throughout the hall, bringing with it a gust of wind, and the flames were so bright they made it impossible to open one's eyes.

At the very center of the explosion, the red lotus that had been blooming and withering repeatedly finally collapsed, revealing the red jade slip inside.

Gu Fan couldn't see the situation at the center of the explosion either. He mobilized a large amount of magic power in an instant, which made him feel a sense of emptiness.

However, his divine sense was present in the flames, so he could naturally sense the collapse of the red lotus. Thus, he used his object manipulation technique to reach out and grab the jade slip, which fell into his palm.

After rubbing the jade slip in his palm to confirm that it was undamaged, Gu Fan finally felt relieved.

The flames, deprived of magical support, extinguished automatically after the explosion, and the hall finally returned to calm.

But to Gu Fan's surprise, at the center of the explosion, a red lotus was burning quietly, and it actually condensed again after collapsing!

Perhaps the scene just now was too shocking, everyone was speechless for a moment, and dozens of eyes were focused on Gu Fan, some shocked, some envious, and some jealous.

Suddenly, Gu Fan felt a stinging pain, as if a needle had pricked him. He turned his head and met a pair of angry eyes.

"It's Bai Ziming. He's plotting to kill me?"

Since mastering the first level of the "True Technique of Pulling the Mechanism," Gu Fan had not yet experienced the effects of sensing killing intent. Only now, upon feeling the stinging sensation, did he understand what it meant.

Bai Ziming was naturally unwilling to accept defeat.

Although he was not defeated by Gu Fan, watching Gu Fan seize the jade slip felt like having his beloved possession taken away. Along with it, he also lost his honor and prestige, and even some unbearable memories.

Bai Ziming's eyes were brimming with anger, but Gu Fan only glanced at them and ignored them, treating it as the howling of a defeated dog.

But that feeling of being ignored only made Bai Ziming even angrier.

Suddenly, a rough laugh broke the silence from the stone platform.

Li Kunyuan looked at Gu Fan with admiration: "You're quite impressive to have broken my Crimson Lotus Earth Flame. What's your name?"

Gu Fan cupped his hands in greeting and said, "Disciple Gu Fan thanks Martial Uncle for your guidance."

Li Kunyuan nodded slightly and said to everyone present, "Today's sermon is now over. Except for Gu Fan, everyone else may leave."

After Li Kunyuan finished speaking, everyone realized what was happening. They bowed in gratitude and left the main hall in twos and threes, discussing amongst themselves.

Bai Ziming wore a "keep away" expression and gave Gu Fan a resentful look before leaving.

Qu Yanfeng resumed his calm and composed expression, exchanged a smile with Gu Fan, nodded slightly, and walked out of the main hall.

Li Fengyi seemed somewhat annoyed, whether she was dissatisfied with her performance today or blamed Gu Fan for not showing any mercy, she wrinkled her nose at Gu Fan.

When only Gu Fan remained in the main hall, Li Kunyuan instructed, "Come forward."

"Yes," Gu Fan replied, stepping forward and bowing again.

"Are you practicing the Yin-Yang Fire Separation Technique?" Li Kunyuan asked.

"That's right," Gu Fan replied respectfully.

Li Kunyuan nodded. When Gu Fan conjured the Yin-Yang Flame, he had already guessed the cultivation method Gu Fan practiced. He was just confirming it now.

"No need to be nervous. I'm keeping you here simply because I value your talent."

"While comprehending the Yin-Yang Fire Separation Technique, you have also cultivated the Flame Spirit Technique to such a level, which shows that your comprehension is amazing and even surpasses that of me back then."

"Uncle-Master, you flatter me. I am unworthy of such praise," Gu Fan said humbly.

Li Kunyuan shook his head and laughed: "You just manipulated the Yin and Yang Fires, taking a risky gamble, which shows that you have pride in your heart. Why pretend to be humble now?"

Gu Fan chuckled twice upon hearing this: "With my senior uncle in front of me, I dare not be presumptuous."

Li Kunyuan nodded slightly, seemingly very pleased with Gu Fan's attitude, and said, "Since you were able to break through the Crimson Lotus Earth Flame, I should give you some reward. Is there anything you wish to ask for?"

After pondering for a moment, Gu Fan asked, "This disciple noticed that the fire controlled by my master is quite different from the earth flames beneath Shenji Peak. Could it be the legendary spiritual fire?"

"You don't actually want my Crimson Lotus Earth Flame, do you?!" Li Kunyuan pointed at Gu Fan and chuckled, explaining, "That's right, the Crimson Lotus Earth Flame is indeed a spiritual fire."

"I searched for a year before finally finding traces of this fire, and I have only just begun to refine it."

Gu Fan then realized that Li Kunyuan hadn't seen him for over a year because he had gone to refine spiritual fire.

However, spiritual fire is extremely precious. Even if he and Li Kunyuan were not acquainted, and even if they were master and disciple, he might not be willing to bestow it upon him, so he naturally dared not hope for it.

"This disciple dares not hope for the spirit fire, but only wishes to ask my master how to track down its traces," Gu Fan replied, shaking his head.

Spiritual fire is formed from fire-elemental spiritual energy under special conditions, and can be called a miracle of creation. Each spiritual fire has a mysterious effect, not to mention that it is very beneficial for alchemy and weapon crafting.

All cultivators who practice fire magic yearn to refine a spiritual fire. Over time, they have summarized some of the laws governing the birth of spiritual fire. Gu Fan's goal is to find the method for creating spiritual fire.

"Very well, since you have made the request, I am not a stingy person. You can keep this Flame Stone." Li Kunyuan lowered his eyes and pondered for a moment, then took out a stone from his sleeve and threw it to Gu Fan.

The Flame Stone was only the size of a fist, and its entire body was crimson red. It felt warm to the touch, and Gu Fan keenly sensed that there seemed to be a flame inside the stone.

Looking at the Flame Stone before him, Gu Fan felt as if he had seen related records somewhere before. He frowned and pondered for a moment, finally recalling what it was, and then asked in surprise, "Could this be the Fire in Stone?"

"That's right, it's Fire in Stone." Li Kunyuan affirmed, "This Flame Stone is a companion spirit of the Crimson Lotus Earth Flame. Although Fire in Stone is not a spirit fire, it is still an opportunity. It all depends on your future fortune."

Gu Fan took a deep breath, suppressing his excitement, and bowed in gratitude, saying, "Thank you so much, Martial Uncle, for bestowing this treasure!"