Chapter 66

Chapter 66: Obtaining the Qingming Flame

The two entered the stone chamber, adorned with vibrant fire stones. At the center was an altar with a blue flame flickering atop.

Upon seeing the Qingming Flame, Ye Shi felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity.

Ye Shi, puzzled, asked Mu Chen, "Did someone intentionally leave this peculiar fire here?"

Mu Chen nodded, "It seems so. This chamber appears to be man-made."

"I thought you said such unique flames are valuable. Why would someone just leave it here?" Ye Shi asked with furrowed brows.

Mu Chen squinted, "Perhaps they found it too weak?"

Ye Shi stared at Mu Chen, baffled, "Too weak?"

Nodding, Mu Chen explained, "Indeed, such flames have varying levels of power and can also evolve. This Qingming Flame seems to be at level three. For us, it's more than sufficient. But for the one who left it here, it might be deemed too low. The flame stones and the formation on the altar are beneficial for the flame's evolution. Perhaps they're 'cultivating' the flame here."

Ye Shi smirked, "I've heard of raising chickens and ducks, but raising fire? Can you even do that?"

Mu Chen smiled, "In this vast world, there's no end to wonders."

Ye Shi blinked and urged, "You better absorb this flame."

Mu Chen frowned slightly, "Your blood opened the stone door. The flame's original master must have had some connection with you. I believe it's more suitable for you to absorb it." After pondering for a moment, Mu Chen still voiced his thoughts.

Ye Shi shook his head without hesitation, "No, I don't want it. I don't refine elixirs, so it's of no use to me."

"Even if you don't refine elixirs, absorbing this flame would still be beneficial. At the very least, it could enhance your combat strength significantly," Mu Chen pondered, then said, "If that's the case, I'll absorb it."

Ye Shi nodded enthusiastically, saying, "Alright."

Mu Chen, eyes flashing with a cold glint, thought: Absorbing the flame is good for me. I wonder how much influence the original had. It would be terrible if any accident made Ye Shi give the Qing Ming flame to Lan Ruofeng. The chances are slim, but better safe than sorry.

With a swift movement, Mu Chen sliced open Ye Shi's finger, letting his blood drip onto the Qing Ming flame.

Ye Shi furrowed his brow, puzzled, "What are you doing?"

"I was thinking, maybe you share a bloodline with the original master of the Qing Ming flame. If so, your blood might make the flame more docile," Mu Chen said, slightly uneasy.

Ye Shi glanced around, not at all angered. Instead, he remarked with some delight, "Really? My blood has such a purpose? Do you find it useful?" Mu Chen was always getting better, putting a lot of pressure on Ye Shi. But hearing his blood had a special use brought a certain joy to him.

Mu Chen looked at Ye Shi and chuckled, "Yes, it helps. The flame has become much more gentle. I believe I'll have an easier time merging with it now."

A faint blush crept onto Ye Shi's face, "As long as it helps."

Observing the happiness written all over Ye Shi's face, Mu Chen clenched his fist. How could Lan Ruofeng from the books resist, and keep hurting his heart?

To integrate with the Qing Ming flame, Mu Chen had prepared extensively. With the aid of the fusion fluid and Ye Shi's blood, the process went smoothly.

Mu Chen successfully absorbed the Qing Ming flame, boosting his strength from a five-star warrior to an eight-star, surpassing Ye Shi.

Realizing he had been outstripped by Mu Chen, Ye Shi felt a touch of envy.

...

The Lan residence.

While shopping with Zhuang Yu, Lan Ruofeng suddenly felt a tug at his heart, as if something precious was slipping away.

Zhuang Yu, noticing his change in demeanor, asked with concern, "Ruofeng, what's wrong?"

Lan Ruofeng shook his head and managed a weak smile, "I'm fine."

Days earlier, Lan Ruofeng had felt a strange intuition – if he didn't find Ye Shi, he'd lose something invaluable. Now, he felt as though it had already been taken from him.

With narrowed eyes, Lan Ruofeng pondered the root of his feelings. Who could have taken what belonged to him? Was it Mu Chen? Just one look at Mu Chen had stirred inexplicable disdain.

"Ruofeng, you look quite pale!" Zhuang Yu said, concern evident in her voice.

Lan Ruofeng gave a forced smile, "It's nothing."

"Ruofeng, I heard you had people investigate Mu Chen and Ye Shi?" asked Zhuang Yu cautiously.

A chill ran through Lan Ruofeng, "How did you know?"

Seeing the displeasure on Lan Ruofeng's face, Zhuang Yu replied somewhat hurt, "You've been so distracted lately. I was worried, so I..."

Lan Ruofeng narrowed his eyes. Zhuang Yu was undeniably attractive and likable, causing many to be captivated at first sight. Having such a companion was something to be proud of. However, if Zhuang Yu were to use this charm on those close to him, it wouldn't be ideal.

"I see," Lan Ruofeng replied calmly.

Zhuang Yu blinked curiously, "Ruofeng, why are you investigating Mu Chen and Ye Shi?"

Lan Ruofeng chuckled, "Nothing major. It seems there's a misunderstanding between Mu Chen, Ye Shi, and me. I thought it would be good to reconcile when we get the chance."

"You're so magnanimous, Ruofeng. Mu Yuanfeng embarrassed you in front of your father, yet you still consider reconciling with Mu Chen. He would surely be ashamed if he knew," Zhuang Yu commented innocently.

Lan Ruofeng raised an eyebrow dismissively, believing that Mu Chen feeling ashamed was highly unlikely.

Rumors painted Mu Chen as foolish and easily led astray, but the Mu Chen he met was nothing of the sort.

Zhuang Yu looked at Lan Ruofeng, "We're approaching the Rose Shop. I heard they have some great items. Shall we take a look?"

"Of course," Lan Ruofeng replied with a smile.

...

Inside the jungle.

An enraged bellow echoed nearby.

"Boom!" Mu Chen's fist struck a steel-hooved bull, sending it flying.

As the bull charged again, a greenish glow enveloped Mu Chen's hand. The two collided once more, severely scorching the bull's hide, causing it to cry out in pain before collapsing into a pool of its blood.

Ye Shi, completely entranced, remarked, "Impressive, Mu Chen. You've truly mastered it."

Mu Chen offered a wry smile, "I wouldn't say mastered. The power of the exotic flame is indeed formidable. On my own, I could have only inflicted minor injuries, but with its help, the beast was quickly subdued."

With his current strength and the Qing Ming flame, dealing with first and second-tier three-star monsters should be no issue. The third-tier ones would still pose a challenge.

Even with his rapid progress, he knew he must remain vigilant.

According to the original story, he would die at the hands of Lu Yao in a year. He must ensure his own safety, especially if Lu Yao discovered Mu Yuanfeng's secret body refining technique and decided to act.

Ye Shi hurriedly collected the bull's blood.

Ever since he took up body refining, Ye Shi felt uncomfortable without soaking in beast blood daily. While traveling, he'd always eagerly buy beast blood for baths, storing extra in his space ring.

Their current venture in the mountains was even more exciting. Wild beast blood seemed more effective for body refining. Ye Shi would seize every opportunity to collect it.

Watching Ye Shi work nonstop, Mu Chen remarked helplessly, "Shi, my ring's space is limited! It can't hold that much beast blood."

Ye Shi looked at Mu Chen, unperturbed, "That's okay, we can take a bath before we continue. We seem to have collected quite a lot of beast blood recently."

Mu Chen managed a smile, "Alright then."

"When you do, use milder beast blood. We're in the wild, and if you scream like you're being murdered, it might attract monsters," Ye Shi advised thoughtfully.

Mu Chen: "..."

Observing the ring on Mu Chen's finger, Ye Shi commented somewhat disgruntled, "Mu Chen, you should buy a larger space ring. Yours is quite small."

Lifting his hand, Mu Chen replied a bit disheartened, "It is small. This tiny ring already cost me fifty thousand stones."

Ye Shi's eyebrow twitched, "Damn, the wealthy never do anything small, always spending tens of thousands without hesitation."

"Though it's a bit small, it's still decently enough," Ye Shi said with a forced smile.

Mu Chen remarked indifferently, "I think it's inadequate. Once we reach the Imperial City, we'll need to find a way to make some money and upgrade to something larger."

Ye Shi: "..."