Chapter 226: Spirit Within the Heavenly Flame
Fang Mu respectfully received the two scrolls with both hands. Though outwardly calm, he was inwardly overwhelmed with excitement and even had the urge to open them right then and there.
How could Chu Feng not know what Fang Mu was thinking? He smiled and said, "Go ahead and take a look. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. If there's anything more you wish for, you may also bring it up."
"Yes, sir."
Fang Mu responded, then unrolled one of the scrolls. Rays of light began to emanate from within, followed by the appearance of one Dao inscription after another drifting from the scroll.
Everyone present was stunned at the sight. Once they came back to their senses, they all began to carefully observe the Dao inscriptions, hoping to memorize them one by one.
After a long while, the Dao inscriptions fully encircled Fang Mu, and then, one by one, the symbols flew into his sea of consciousness.
Elder Bing and the Golden-Winged Eagle King both revealed expressions of regret—they had only managed to memorize a handful of the symbols.
Chu Feng saw their expressions and laughed, "They're just some basic Dao inscriptions. Why are you two acting like you've never seen the world?"
The Golden-Winged Eagle King responded with helplessness, "Brother Feng, you speak as someone who's never gone hungry. There are only a handful of people in all of Wendao Academy capable of writing Dao inscriptions. Even among us king-ranked experts, seeing Dao inscriptions is exceedingly rare."
His tone held a trace of grievance, but in Fang Mu's ears, it was deeply shocking. He had already known his master was strong, but he hadn't imagined that this man was on par with Da Yuan Wang.
And his own master could command such a powerhouse to pull a carriage... Could his master actually be a Saint?
Chu Feng chuckled, "If you want to learn, I'll teach you."
"Really, foster father?!"
The Golden-Winged Eagle King's face lit up with anticipation, as if he couldn't wait to cling to Chu Feng's leg right then.
"Hm?"
Chu Feng slowly let out a single syllable, his gaze showing clear displeasure.
"Just joking, don't take it seriously," the Golden-Winged Eagle King said with a goofy grin.
"If you two want to learn, I'll prepare a few for you later," Chu Feng added, which immediately set the Golden-Winged Eagle King's heart at ease.
Elder Bing didn't mind either—at worst, she'd wash his feet with her own hands. Surely he wouldn't refuse that.
After receiving the Dao inscriptions, Fang Mu was completely lost in confusion. Deep down, he felt powerless. It was like sitting atop a mountain of treasure but being unable to take anything from it.
"Master, I'm only a mere Body Tempering cultivator. With what you've given me, even a hundred years wouldn't be enough to comprehend it!"
Chu Feng smiled and said, "Naturally, I considered that. The other scroll contains a copy of the Tao Te Ching written by me. If you can comprehend the contents of that text, you will be able to grasp the Dao inscriptions."
"Your foresight humbles me, Master."
Fang Mu immediately opened the second scroll. There was no radiant light, no Dao inscriptions—just ordinary-looking text.
Everyone glanced at it, and before they knew it, they found themselves deeply immersed.
It was a long time before anyone could pull themselves out of those profound words.
Chu Feng looked toward Fang Mu. "Xiao Mu, do you still have questions?"
"Master, I have no more doubts," Fang Mu replied. "But I do have one small request."
"Let's hear it," Chu Feng replied gently.
Fang Mu bowed and said, "I wish to learn alchemy."
Chu Feng replied, "I thought it'd be something serious. Just alchemy? From now on, come see me every noon. I'll teach you personally."
"Disciple thanks Master!"
Fang Mu bowed deeply to Chu Feng. "Then I'll take my leave for now."
"Mn."
Chu Feng responded mildly, watching as Fang Mu's figure disappeared from the courtyard.
"Brother Feng, you can refine pills too?" the Golden-Winged Eagle King asked with interest.
Chu Feng smiled faintly. "What, do I need to remind you that I was once the strongest theorist of alchemy in Wendao Academy?"
"Isn't that just all talk?" the Golden-Winged Eagle King blurted out reflexively, but immediately realized his mistake—saying that would definitely earn him a beating.
"You'll find out soon enough how strong my alchemy skills are," Chu Feng said, then turned and went back into his room. From his storage ring, he retrieved a treasure box containing the Turtle Spirit Earth Flame, and gently opened it.
Boom!
A flame shot straight up toward the roof, nearly igniting the entire room. Chu Feng immediately released his Half-Saint pressure, enveloping the Turtle Spirit Earth Flame. In the next second, the blazing fire dimmed, and the flame spirit quivered before Chu Feng, swaying continuously as if trembling in fear.
Seeing this, Chu Feng revealed a playful smile. "What, not so aggressive anymore?"
"M-Master, I was wrong…"
A young, timid voice echoed within Chu Feng's sea of consciousness. His eyes lit up upon hearing it, and he responded with his own divine sense, "Since you have awareness, why haven't you spoken to me before?"
"You… You never gave me the chance," the Turtle Spirit Earth Flame replied with a hint of grievance in its voice. Ever since it had been captured by an old man years ago, it had been locked inside a small box every day.
At first, that old man would ask daily whether it was willing to become his Heavenly Flame. As a dignified Heavenly Flame, it certainly couldn't surrender so easily, so it gave the old man a few challenges in return.
But before that man could fulfill his end of the deal, the box's owner had changed. This new fellow hadn't paid it the slightest attention. It had been trapped in that dark place for so long, only now finally being released.
It had intended to throw a little tantrum and show off its power—only to be ruthlessly suppressed by pressure before it could even act.
"Fine. I'm not a devil," Chu Feng said plainly. "If you're willing to follow me, then you can stay. If not, I'll have no choice but to turn you into a pile of dead flame."
His tone was calm, like he was describing something trivial and effortless.
But in the flame spirit's ears, it sounded like a demon's whisper. Without hesitation, it blurted, "I'm willing to serve, Master! If you order me east, I won't dare go west. I can sign an equal contract with you right now!"
Chu Feng responded without a trace of concern. "No need."
"Ah?"
The flame spirit froze. What exactly did this man want? Why did everything it did seem wrong?
"Master, could you at least let me die with some clarity?"
"When did I say I was going to kill you? I meant there's no need for a contract. After all, your level doesn't match my status," Chu Feng said with complete seriousness.
"…"
The flame spirit was speechless but couldn't find anything to refute. For a moment, it didn't even know how to describe this master. All it could do was attempt a bit of flattery.
"You truly are wise and mighty, Master. My admiration for you is like—"
"Enough!"
Chu Feng cut it off. "I'm well aware of my strength. No need to repeat it. I just want to know—what can you actually do?"
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