Refining the Flame Gold Flame

After returning home, Lin Ming didn't even think about it before collapsing into bed. He had been utterly exhausted today, both physically and mentally, so all he wanted was a good rest. Tomorrow, he would go to Master Toso to collect the flame.

"Hehe." He drifted into dreamland.

It was already well into the morning when Lin Ming slowly woke up.

"Mm~~." He stretched both arms diagonally upward with force, and combined with that groan, it was easy to imagine just how comfortably Lin Ming had slept. Getting up, Lin Ming washed up, ate breakfast, then slowly headed out toward the Medicine Refinement Hall.

Upon arriving at the Medicine Refinement Hall, he went straight up to the fifth floor and stopped outside Master Toso's room. Lin Ming knocked on the door and said, "Master Toso, Lin Ming has come as promised."

"Come in." Hearing Master Toso's words, Lin Ming entered.

Standing before Master Toso, Lin Ming cupped his fists in greeting. Master Toso said, "Sit."

After Lin Ming sat down, Master Toso continued, "You really are impressive, kid. Those capable of refining a Second-Grade Pill at the Dou Practitioner Stage have been as rare as phoenix feathers throughout history. Even Pill King Gu He only refined a Second-Grade Pill after reaching Five-Star Dou Master. And now, he is a distinguished 6th Grade Alchemist, a great figure treated as an honored guest wherever he goes. As for me, I am still far behind Pill King Gu He."

"Hehe, I was just lucky," Lin Ming said somewhat embarrassedly.

"There is no such thing as luck in pill refinement. If you have the ability, there is no need to be modest. Alchemists speak through their pills. Excessive humility will only make others think you are incapable. So admit what deserves to be admitted," Master Toso said seriously.

"I'll remember that," Lin Ming could only reply.

"Take out the Ice Heart Pill you refined yesterday," Master Toso said.

The Storage Ring on Lin Ming's hand flashed, and a jade bottle appeared in his palm. He placed the jade bottle containing the Ice Heart Pill on the table. The Storage Ring on Master Toso's hand also flashed, and another jade bottle appeared in his hand. Master Toso then placed his jade bottle beside Lin Ming's.

"Tell me what you know about refining flames," Master Toso said.

Lin Ming knew Master Toso wanted to see whether there were any errors in his understanding so he could correct them. Therefore, Lin Ming recalled the descriptions of flames from the book.

The world held yin and yang, divided into the Five Elements, giving rise to wind, lightning, ice, and poison. Though each was different, Heavenly Flames could fuse them into one and unleash the might of heaven and earth. They could trigger volcanic eruptions, poison lands for thousands of miles, draw starlight into the body, cleanse and heal oneself, and much more. Displaying extraordinary power, people spent their entire lives pursuing them. After generations of effort, twenty-two kinds had been found. Yet those who searched firmly believed that an even stronger flame existed above them. Thus, they compiled the Heavenly Flames they had found into a ranking called the Heavenly Flame Ranking, which recorded the twenty-three Heavenly Flames under heaven. However, because no one had seen the appearance of the flame ranked first, its name remained unknown. This was greatly regrettable. Therefore, they hoped that future generations would one day see the foremost flame, describe its form, and give it a name.

Coveting the power of Heavenly Flames, many powerful people had sought to seize and subdue them. But how could the power of heaven and earth be subdued by human strength? All those who tried to forcefully subdue them died beneath their flames. Only after continued efforts did people finally find a viable method. It consisted of four steps: first, consume pills to protect the meridians; second, swallow the source of the Heavenly Flame; third, circulate a Cultivation Method to refine it; fourth, store it within the Spirit Absorption space of a Storage Ring. Those who completed all four steps could wield the power of a Heavenly Flame.

However, Heavenly Flames were exceedingly rare, as scarce as phoenix feathers. Those without fate might never see one in their lives. Thus, some lowered their sights and took Innate Beast Flames from Magical Beasts, using the method of refining Heavenly Flames to refine them. Their power still far surpassed ordinary flames.

Lin Ming recounted everything he had read in the book to Master Toso.

"That is roughly correct, but you are lacking some details," Master Toso told Lin Ming. He then explained the specifics to him.

After listening to Master Toso's explanation, Lin Ming finally understood why Master Toso had asked him to refine the Ice Heart Pill.

Master Toso's explanation was roughly this: for humans to refine Beast Flames, they also had to follow the same four steps as with Heavenly Flames. First, consume pills to protect the meridians. Second, swallow the Beast Flame's source through the mouth. Third, circulate the Cultivation Method so that the Beast Flame traveled through the meridians according to the method. Fourth, after the Beast Flame completed a full circulation according to the Cultivation Method, it would be refined. At that point, a place had to be opened up to store it.

The Ice Heart Pill Lin Ming had refined was the pill used in the first step, though it was not for protecting the meridians. It was meant to guard and stabilize the mind. After all, a Beast Flame was a Magical Beast's innate Fire Source. Although it had already separated from the Magical Beast and no longer possessed intelligence, it still retained some instinctive reactions. Normally, it was fine. But when the Cultivation Method was circulated and it sensed that it was about to be refined and lose its freedom, it would desperately resist. At that time, one could not let their mind descend into chaos and had to remain absolutely calm. The Ice Heart Pill was the pill used to stabilize the mind and maintain calmness at that critical moment. The jade bottle Master Toso had just taken out contained the Third-Grade Pill that would protect Lin Ming's meridians—the Ice Soul Pill.

Lin Ming could only barely refine Second-Grade Pills at present, so the Third-Grade Pill, the Ice Soul Pill, had been refined by Master Toso after he saw Lin Ming's successful refinement of the Ice Heart Pill yesterday.

With pills to assist him, refining a Beast Flame would be much safer. Of course, that did not mean there would be absolutely no danger. This was the innate flame of a Magical Beast, after all. No one could guarantee a successful refinement; the pills merely increased the chances of success. Only after consuming the pills could he swallow the Beast Flame source and circulate his Cultivation Method to refine it. Without pills to protect his meridians, Lin Ming trying to refine a Beast Flame now would be courting death. Once the refinement was complete, he would need to find a place to store the Beast Flame. It was still a flame, after all, and could not be allowed to drift through the meridians. Since a Beast Flame was not as powerful, it did not need to be stored in a separate Spirit Absorption space. Opening up a small space in the Dantian would be enough to contain it.

In any case, after hearing all that, Lin Ming felt that he understood.

After Master Toso finished explaining, he told Lin Ming to adjust himself and wait until Late Night, when the temperature was lower, before beginning the refinement. It was a flame, after all! Although the ambient temperature had only a negligible effect on it, sometimes even the slightest difference could separate success from failure.

Lin Ming felt that it made sense, so he ran to the Pill Refinement Room to cultivate. It was not until Late Night that Master Toso arrived at the Pill Refinement Room with Mittel Tengshan, carrying the Flame Gold Flame in his hand.

Lin Ming hurriedly stood up and greeted him. "Clan Leader, why have you come as well?"

Mittel Tengshan smiled and said, "It's nothing. I just came to take a look."

At that moment, Master Toso said, "Isn't it because we're worried something might happen to you, kid? When the time comes, even though I have a Fire Attribute, I might not be able to save you."

Hearing Master Toso's words, Lin Ming gave the two of them a deep bow.

"Alright, begin," Mittel Tengshan said.

Master Toso carried the Flame Gold Flame to Lin Ming's side and opened the Energy Shield around it. The Flame Gold Flame, originally only as thick as a thumb, suddenly surged upward and expanded to the size of a brazier. Looking at the blazing flame and feeling its temperature, Lin Ming was both afraid and excited. He was about to swallow such a flame; saying he was not afraid would be a lie. But when he thought of being able to wield such power after refining it, he was also immensely excited.

Seeing Lin Ming stare blankly at the flame one moment and grin foolishly the next, Master Toso knew what he was thinking. After all, he had been the same when he had refined a Beast Flame in the past. This hurdle was one Lin Ming had to overcome himself.

Before long, Lin Ming adjusted himself and emerged from that state. He then said to Master Toso, "I'm ready. Let's begin." He took out the two bottles of pills, placed the Ice Heart Pill to one side, poured out the Ice Soul Pill, and swallowed it in one gulp.

As soon as the Ice Soul Pill entered his stomach, Lin Ming felt as though he had entered the depths of winter. Frost even appeared between his brows. Under the pill's effects, the meridians Inside Body were wrapped in ice, as though icy passageways had formed within him. Sensing that the Ice Soul Pill had begun to take effect, Lin Ming circulated Dou Qi to envelop his entire arm, then thrust that arm into the flame to search for the Fire Source. The Flame Gold Flame's source darted wildly through the flames like a loach, while Lin Ming felt the heat spreading through his arm, which had already begun to redden. Knowing he could not delay any longer, Lin Ming seized the opportunity and grabbed the Flame Gold Flame's source. As though it sensed danger, the Fire Source twisted frantically in Lin Ming's palm, releasing scorching heat.

Without hesitation, Lin Ming shoved the Fire Source into his mouth and swallowed it at once. At that moment, Lin Ming felt as though he had swallowed freshly boiled water straight into his stomach. His abdomen burned with searing pain. He did not dare waste even a moment. Lin Ming immediately circulated his Cultivation Method, using Dou Qi to wrap around the Flame Gold Flame's source and guide it toward his meridians. Upon reaching the entrance to the meridians, the Flame Gold Flame's source instinctively tried to flee from this place that conflicted with its attribute. But after coming this far, how could Lin Ming possibly let it escape? He immediately gathered more Dou Qi, tightly surrounding the Flame Gold Flame from all sides. Before it could react, he struck it fiercely with his Spiritual Strength.

While the Flame Gold Flame was still dazed, Lin Ming used Dou Qi to wrap it up and send it into the meridians covered by the Ice Soul Pill's medicinal effects, which had formed passages like icy crystals. Taking advantage of the moment, he swallowed the Ice Heart Pill.

Sure enough, just after Lin Ming swallowed the Ice Heart Pill, the Flame Gold Flame came to its senses. It discovered that it had been ambushed and dragged into this place it hated so much. Its fury instantly surged to the limit, and it released flames in an attempt to burn the place down. Lin Ming could only think that it was fortunate the Ice Soul Pill was protecting his meridians. Otherwise, they would certainly have been burned through. If his meridians were truly burned through, he would face a long period of recovery, and there might even be permanent damage.

Therefore, Lin Ming had to refine the Flame Gold Flame before the Ice Soul Pill's effects dissipated. At this point, he did not care whether it was angry or not. He directly circulated his Cultivation Method, causing Dou Qi to move through his meridians and push the Flame Gold Flame along with it.

The Flame Gold Flame became even angrier when it saw this. Being dragged without explanation into a place it loathed was bad enough. It had not even finished venting its anger before being pushed along again. Was that any way to treat a flame? Such disrespect! Did he think it was some little loach just because the mighty Python Flame had not shown its power? Thus, the Flame Gold Flame resisted the push of the Dou Qi while ramming against the icy crystal passageways. Unfortunately for it, neither of these was something a lone flame without any continued supply of strength could stop or destroy at will. Therefore, just before the Ice Soul Pill's effects were about to dissipate, the Flame Gold Flame was pushed to the exit of the meridians. It only needed one more step to enter the Dantian and be refined into Lin Ming's flame.

The Flame Gold Flame also sensed that if it did not make a final stand now, it could only be enslaved from then on, reduced to the hands of this human who had bullied it, suffering under him and serving him for the rest of its existence. Thus, the Flame Gold Flame erupted with all its remaining energy in one desperate struggle. That burst of energy greatly accelerated the consumption of the Ice Soul Pill's already fading effects. Feeling the medicinal power draining away, Lin Ming knew that at most three breaths remained before the Ice Soul Pill's effects were exhausted. When that happened, he would definitely suffer severe injuries. So Lin Ming became ruthless as well. We've already come this far. Do you think I'll let you turn the tables now?

A massive amount of Spiritual Strength and Dou Qi poured in. Then, his Spiritual Strength controlled the Dou Qi and transformed it into the shape of the Star Dragon Saber. With one slash, the Flame Gold Flame was sent flying out of the meridians and fell into the Dantian.

"Phew." Letting out a breath, Lin Ming said, "I finally refined the Flame Gold Flame without any mishap." Looking at the quiet Flame Gold Flame floating above his Dantian, a smile spread across Lin Ming's mouth corner.

"You refined it!" Hearing Lin Ming's words and seeing his expression, Mittel Tengshan and Master Toso both breathed sighs of relief. Master Toso then said to Lin Ming, "Open up a place to store the flame as well. A newly refined flame cannot be placed directly in the Dantian."

Lin Ming nodded, then entered meditation again and recalled the specific method Master Toso had taught him for opening up the space.

Lin Ming formed hand seals, and his mind sank Inside Body. He followed the meridians through one full cycle before arriving at the Dantian. He sensed the qi vortex that currently held only two colors, blue and red, as well as the Flame Gold Flame above it. His mind entwined itself around the blue-and-red qi vortex and slowly entered it, allowing his Spiritual Strength to envelop the entire vortex. Then he suddenly exerted force, causing the vortex to spin at high speed. As the vortex continued spinning faster and faster, a hollow area resembling the eye of a tornado appeared at its bottom. Lin Ming did not stop. Instead, he made the blue-and-red vortex spin even faster until the hollow space was large enough to hold roughly two Flame Gold Flames. Only then did Lin Ming stop the rotation and slowly withdraw his Spiritual Strength.

After his Spiritual Strength completely withdrew, the hollow area created by the rotation slowly began to shrink. When it had shrunk to roughly two-thirds of its original size, it seemed to reach a balance with the outside and stopped shrinking or expanding. Looking at the unchanged vortex, Lin Ming breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed the space had been successfully opened. It was enough to hold the Flame Gold Flame.

Lin Ming then controlled his Spiritual Strength again and guided the Flame Gold Flame above downward. After being refined by Lin Ming, the Flame Gold Flame no longer resisted. It followed his Spiritual Strength through the Dou Qi and entered the hollow area.

As the Flame Gold Flame entered, it was as though the balance had been broken, and the qi vortex showed signs of spinning rapidly again. Lin Ming immediately used his Spiritual Strength to stop it. After quite some time, it finally returned to balance.

Lin Ming controlled the Flame Gold Flame, connecting one end of it to the red side of the qi vortex. He then felt the Flame Gold Flame continuously pour energy into the red side of the vortex.

At that point, Lin Ming knew he had succeeded. With a thought, Golden Flame rose from his hand.