Chapter 253 Azure Lotus Burning Heart Flame

On the side of the magma pool closer to the volcano's center, wisps of red mist emanate, suggesting a connection between the magma pool and the volcano's interior.

With extreme caution, Ji An slowly flew to the location of Qinglian.

Perhaps because of the enclosed space, they did not encounter any guardian monsters.

The lotus leaves and stems are crystal clear and emerald green, standing out conspicuously in this fiery red world.

The lotus flower emits and exhales its radiant light, rising like fire.

As they drew closer, the scorching heat disappeared, and Ji An felt completely comfortable. His magical power circulated on its own, as naturally as a waterfall flowing downhill.

He inhaled the spiritual energy, and felt a refreshing coolness in his immortal veins.

Ji An frowned, trying hard to recall the records about this spiritual plant.

Monks have amazing memories, but they are not computers after all, and they will forget some knowledge that they do not use often.

It is said that a cultivator's memory will increase further after breaking through to the Nascent Soul stage, and they may even be able to remember everything they see.

Unable to reach a conclusion, he took out all the jade slips introducing spiritual plants from his storage bag and examined them one by one, pressing them against his forehead.

About 15 minutes later, a clue was finally found.

This spiritual plant cannot be called a precious plant because it cannot grow to the third tier.

But it is a rare plant, more precious than many precious plants.

Named 'Emerald Leaf Red Lotus', it is a wood-elemental spiritual plant, yet it grows in magma, drawing upon the power of fire spirits and effectively purifying fire evil.

According to records, this kind of spiritual plant can only grow to the second-tier top grade at most, and generally, growing to the second-tier upper grade is the end.

Lotus leaves, lotus seeds, and lotus roots can be used in medicine, often to prepare secret medicines for treating injuries, and are remarkably effective in treating fire poisoning.

It takes three hundred years for the leaves to mature and three hundred years for the flowers to bloom. Once the lotus has fully bloomed, it only lasts for a few hours.

The petals will then burn out immediately, and after another three hundred years, the lotus seedpod will fully mature and produce twenty-four seeds.

Like other spiritual plants, three hundred years refers to the medicinal age, not the actual time.

Under certain conditions, it can accelerate growth.

The most peculiar thing is that after the lotus seedpod matures, it will give birth to a flame—the Azure Lotus Burning Heart Flame.

The Azure Lotus Burning Heart Flame can be considered a spiritual fire of heaven and earth. It can be absorbed and nurtured in the dantian by cultivators. It possesses both wood and fire elemental powers, which is very helpful for alchemy and can greatly improve the quality of related pills.

The Azure Lotus Burning Heart Fire draws upon the spiritual energy from the lotus seeds and lotus roots to continue burning, eventually incinerating the entire plant.

When the spirit fire loses its support, it will fall into the lava and give birth to new plants.

This unique plant does not reproduce through lotus seeds or lotus roots; it can only be nurtured by fire.

When the Emerald Leaf Red Lotus first gave birth to the spiritual fire, the flame was emerald green, which was of great help when refining wood-elemental elixirs.

When the spirit fire was conceived in the second life, the flame was divided into two layers: the inner flame was emerald green and the outer flame was crimson red. Only then could it truly possess the power of both wood and fire elements.

When the third incarnation gave birth to the spiritual fire, the flame was divided into three layers, with the outermost layer being incandescent white.

The effects of this type of flame are unknown, as there are no relevant records in the sect's heritage, or perhaps there are records but the sect is unaware of them.

For alchemists and weapon refiners, becoming a second-tier high-grade alchemist is not a dream as long as they collect a kind of heaven and earth spiritual fire.

It's even possible to become a third-tier alchemist, provided that the cultivator has enough resources to refine third-tier spiritual pills.

"Crimson Flame Peak is truly a treasure trove!"

Ji An exclaimed in praise: the volcanic eruption had produced a second-tier top-grade spiritual object, and a strange plant was also being nurtured inside the mountain.

This type of spiritual fire can be divided into several parts and refined by multiple cultivators.

The advantage of doing this is that it can mass-produce several alchemists, but the disadvantage is that it takes a huge amount of time to cultivate the spiritual fire to a high level. Some cultivators may not even be able to cultivate the spiritual fire to the state it was when they were about to cut it in their lifetime.

Once refined, the spiritual fire becomes completely integrated with the cultivator; when the cultivator dies, the spiritual fire will also extinguish.

Ji An activated the Thick Earth Returning to Origin Mantra. The yellow spiritual light was not conspicuous in the crimson, but one could feel that the nourishing and profound Dharma intent was not suppressed.

After completing the spell, he returned to the passage with a feeling of excitement.

"Let's go. Big Yellow and Golden Retriever, you two guard the entrance and don't let anyone in!"

With that, he used his wind-riding technique and flew away.

"Squeak!"

The golden retriever barked and jumped onto the yellow dog's back, and the yellow dog ran wildly, closely following its owner.

Ji An arrived at the cave entrance, took out his communication golden sword, briefly entered the information from the lava pool into it, and then released it with a wave of his hand.

Lingxiao Mountain, the rear hall of Qin Gong Hall.

Zhang Zizhao sat cross-legged on the futon and said in a deep voice:

"The fighting on the front lines is fierce, and supplies are being consumed at a great cost."

The monsters have now changed their fighting strategy; when they retreat, they choose to carry away a large number of corpses, causing the immortal city to lose a very important source of food.

The fasting pills are being consumed very quickly; our reserves will soon be depleted, and we must refine more pills to support the front lines.

In high-intensity combat, energy consumption is enormous.

The pills that could normally sustain three days of hunger can now only serve as a meal.

The monsters' frenzied attack severely disrupted the original plan, putting the cultivators at a disadvantage.

Ye Changqing frowned slightly and said in a low voice:

"The problem of food supply should be solved by Maple Valley."

Maple Valley is home to many spirit farmers, making it ideal for dry farming.

If we plant more spirit rice, we can refine a large quantity of fasting pills.

“A very serious insect infestation has occurred in the Maple Valley area, and it is difficult to count on them for the time being, so we and Yuanhe Mountain also have to bear part of the burden.”

Not only various sects, but other families also need to contribute. The Law Enforcement Hall's spirit boat has already been dispatched to collect Bigu Pills.

This situation is unpredictable and may last for an unknown period, so you should make arrangements in advance.

Zhang Zizhao said that due to the siege of the city by demonic beasts, only spirit boats can break through the encirclement of flying demonic beasts to transport supplies.

Although each sect has built teleportation arrays, the cost of teleportation is high, and it is not worth using the teleportation arrays unless it is extremely urgent.

Ye Changqing scratched his head and nodded slightly:

"Disciple understands."

Spirit rice is key to refining the Bigu Pill, but it is almost impossible to complete the task if you rely on a spirit farmer in the Qi Refining stage.

Because it takes too long for low-level cultivators to harvest spirit rice, they simply can't keep up.

It would be best to issue mandatory tasks to Foundation Establishment stage cultivators and assign them to planting spells.

Thinking of this, he naturally thought of Ji An.

At this moment, he sensed the aura fluctuation of the golden communication sword and cupped his hands in greeting:

“I am being sought by a talismanic sword outside. This disciple will take his leave.”

Zhang Zizhao waved his robe and said, "Go on with your work."

Ye Changqing backed away, and after leaving the house, he picked up the golden sword. Sensing the aura of the magical imprint on it, he chuckled.

'Junior Brother Ji, I was just thinking about you when I received your message.'

He walked forward while reading the information in the golden sword.

After walking a dozen steps, he turned around with a happy expression and walked back.

Inside the room, Zhang Zizhao frowned slightly upon hearing the sound of footsteps turning around, a sense of suspicion creeping into his heart.

'Why are you back again? Is there an emergency?'

"Uncle-Master, there's good news!"

The green gourd was as big as a horse-drawn carriage, and was decorated with pale gold cloud patterns and streaks of purple lightning.

The gourd opened its mouth and spewed out a blazing blue flame, which swept through the air at great speed, leaving a long trail of flame.

Like a flying missile, towering mountains and steep ridges were left behind in an instant.

On the ground, a disciple glanced up and noticed the magical artifact with its dazzling light and shadow effects, and couldn't help but ask:

"Whose treasure is that?"

With the mountain peaks spewing golden-red mist close at hand, Zhang Zizhao slowly reduced his speed.

Upon arriving at Crimson Flame Peak, he controlled the magical artifact to hover outside.

On this clear day, a thin mist rose from the mountain peaks.

Zhang Zizhao carefully observed the situation inside and said softly:

"The protective array here is activated; you can't force your way in. Send the talisman sword in."

Upon learning that the Emerald Lotus had been discovered here, he immediately summoned his magical artifact and rushed over.

He knew the name of the Azure Lotus Burning Heart Flame. He learned from an ancient book that when a spiritual fire has three layers of flame, refining it can slightly increase the chance of forming a core. Such a rare treasure could not help but tempt him.

Ye Changqing sensed his uncle's urgency from the speed at which the magical artifact flew. He immediately took out a golden arrow for communication, quickly entered the information, and activated it.

A flash of light, and the golden sword for communication disappeared into Crimson Flame Peak.

"Please wait a moment, Uncle-Master. Ji An will receive news of our arrival soon."

About ten breaths later, the thin mist in a certain area dissipated, clearly indicating that the entrance and exit had been opened.

The green gourd immediately rushed in through the gap in the magic array, and Ye Changqing said:

“Uncle-Master, there is a pool of water at the foot of this mountain. We will land there. Ji An usually spends most of his time near the pool.”

"Understood."

Zhang Zizhao responded in a low voice and controlled the magical artifact to begin its descent.

He saw the spiritual light emanating from the mountains and forests, and a smile appeared on his face:

"Normally, we only see the numbers that are fed back, saying how many second-realm spiritual plants there are here."

I didn't feel much of a connection at the time, but seeing the actual object now feels different.

Crimson Flame Peak, what a wonderful place!

He began to recall the produce of Crimson Flame Peak, and the more he thought about it, the more he felt that this place was a treasure trove.

"The sect has not developed and utilized Crimson Flame Peak enough before, leaving it abandoned for a long time."

The situation quickly improved after Junior Brother Ji moved in.

Several second-tier Earth Spirit Fruit trees still grow in this underground cave.

Ye Changqing spoke with a sense of pride, as he had, in a way, participated in the planting here as well.

He transported the saplings of Emerald Mulberry, Copper Pattern Mulberry, and Green Vine Fruit by spirit boat, and he also participated in the entire process of cultivating the fifty acres of second-grade mid-level spirit fields.

Ji An was already waiting by the cold pool, and he waved to the cultivator on the spiritual artifact.

He thought to himself, "This is too fast. Only two hours have passed since the golden sword sent the message."

Normally, even when he flies at full speed in his flying shuttle, it takes him an hour and a half to reach Lingxiao Mountain.

Ji Anji launched his shuttle and approached the green gourd:

"Uncle Zhang, Senior Brother Ye, please come with me. We'll go directly to the underground cave to investigate."

The other party arrived so quickly, they must want to see the spiritual plant as soon as possible, so we can't waste time on small talk.

"Haha, Junior Brother Ji understands me perfectly!"

Ye Changqing laughed. He wasn't actually in such a hurry; he could have a drink before looking at the spiritual plants, but his uncle was just too anxious.

With the shuttle in front and the gourd behind, they flew quickly toward the ant nest.

Ji An landed at the cave entrance and waved his sleeve to signal the two beasts to move aside.

The beast tamer sensed Zhang Zizhao's power and immediately obediently made way for the entrance.

"Uncle-Master, please!"

As Ji An spoke, he took the lead and entered the passage.

"We only discovered the lava pool today, and haven't had time to embed luminous pearls in the passage yet, so the lighting is a bit dim. Please forgive us."

“It’s alright,” Zhang Zizhao said dismissively. With the eyesight of a cultivator at the Chaoyuan stage, the cave did not obstruct his view.

"Are the two demonic beasts at the cave entrance my nephew's tamed beasts?"

"Exactly."

"Well raised, with bright and intelligent eyes."

Raising powerful beasts is not difficult; the difficulty lies in raising beasts with intelligence and spirit.

Sadly, many cultivators' tamed beasts become increasingly stupid the more they raise them, serving no purpose other than to fight and be aggressive.

These types of tamed beasts are easily injured in high-intensity battles.

"Thank you for the compliment, Uncle-Master."

Chatting casually, the group soon arrived at the lava pool inside the mountain.

Zhang Zizhao carefully observed the growth of the green leaves and red lotus, occasionally sticking a jade slip to his forehead.

Finally, he sighed softly and said:

"Unfortunately, this spiritual plant will probably take two hundred years to fully mature."

He couldn't help but grin. In two hundred years, if he hadn't broken through to the Golden Core stage, he would have already turned into a pile of dust.

His main purpose was to use the Azure Lotus Heart-Burning Flame to increase the chances of forming a Golden Core, but it seems that this is no longer possible.

Thinking of this, Zhang Zizhao suddenly felt disheartened.

He pondered for a moment and said:

"According to the regulations, those who discover and report spiritual plants with great potential within the sect's jurisdiction will be rewarded with one to two hundred merits and will have priority in selecting spiritual plants for harvesting."

I have determined that the reward will be 100 merits. If the flames of the Azure Lotus Heart-Burning Flame are two-colored in the future, I will add 50 merits. If the flames are three-colored, I will add 100 merits.

Ji An, do you have any objections?

If he cannot break through to the Golden Core stage, he will not be able to enjoy the Azure Lotus Heart-Burning Flame. He wonders which lucky cultivator will be able to enjoy such a tremendous benefit.

“My master is impartial in handling matters, and I am completely convinced and have no objections.”

Ji An cupped his hands in greeting, his heart overflowing with joy.

Such a rule is equivalent to giving a reward in advance, and then using that reward to buy the benefits of the next stage, which is really a great deal.

One hundred major merits is equivalent to ten thousand minor merits, which will give me more confidence when exchanging for Qi Cultivation Pills in the future.

Zhang Zizhao nodded slightly:

"I have the spirit disc with me, and I will reward you with the great merit later!"

The Green Leaf Red Lotus cannot be transplanted. Nephew Ji, you have a duty to look after it and must not neglect it.

If the spiritual plants are damaged, you will be held accountable by the sect. Remember this!

"Don't worry, Uncle-Master, I will definitely take good precautions."

Ji An decided to move Da Huang's nest to a nearby location so he could guard it day and night.

Meanwhile, the Fire Crystal Ant colony was assigned to guard the passageway.

After rewarding Zhang Zizhao for his great achievement by manipulating the spirit disk, Zhang Zizhao showed a satisfied expression and turned to give the following instructions:

"Changqing, after you return to the Qin Gong Hall, remember to send over a set of mimicry magic arrays to seal the cave entrance."

"Disciple understands."

"Now that I've finished my business, I'm going back to the Qin Gong Hall."

Changqing, will you come back with me?

"Uncle-Master, I have something to discuss with Junior Brother Ji. I'll take this opportunity to talk to him in detail."

Ji An hurriedly said:

"Uncle-Master, since you have graced Crimson Flame Peak with your presence, please allow me to extend my hospitality as your host."

There are some rather unique ingredients here; please, Uncle-Master, sample them.

"Haha, maybe another time."

The spirit wine from Crimson Flame Peak is exceptionally fragrant and mellow; I've heard Junior Brother Jia Yu mention it before.

"Once the demonic calamity is over, I'll come back for a few more drinks."

Zhang Zizhao politely declined, then summoned the green gourd and rode the magical artifact away.

(End of this chapter)