Qin He had just been about to ask for the specifics of the Strange Flame in Flamewind Valley when the messenger cultivator spoke first.
"Lord Lin, Lord Ling knows you have only just returned to duty. He had intended to grant you six months of rest so you could properly recover your cultivation."
The cultivator stood outside the door with a bow. His tone remained respectful, but now carried the precision of an official message. "However, this incident arose without warning. The disturbances along the Eastern Domain's border were sudden, and fire cultivators are already scarce within the bureau. Those capable of holding their own are fewer still, which is why Lord Ling thought of you."
He paused, deliberately emphasizing what followed. "Lord Ling specifically instructed me to say that this is not a compulsory order. Whether you go is entirely your own decision. There will be no pressure whatsoever."
The gold-and-black patterns in Qin He's eyes flickered faintly as his fingertips brushed the law imprint on the jade talisman.
A Strange Flame.
Whether it was one of the Nine Great Demonic Fires or some other high-grade Strange Flame, it would be of considerable use to him.
Though his Lotus Flame was powerful, it still needed more fire-attribute essence to nourish it. Moreover, he was still tracking down the scattered Demon Flames of the Fire God Hall. Any trace of a Strange Flame was worth investigating.
Besides, Ling Tianfan's arrangement appeared to give him a choice, but in truth, he had already calculated that Qin He would not refuse.
Six months of rest would certainly be peaceful, but remaining trapped in Western Sector Three would leave him unable to uncover any clues about Sky Demon Interrealm Crossing while forcing him to stay constantly on guard against Li Wuming's surveillance. He