The Sect Leader's Bizarre Recruitment Chapter 234: Fierce! Devouring Crystal Flame, Soaring Strength (Part 1) - Novel Cool

Chapter 234: Fierce! Devouring Crystal Flame, Soaring Strength (Part 1)

Chapter 234: Fierce! Devouring Crystal Flame, Soaring Strength (Part 1)

(PS: The extra chapter for last month's votes is here~ Hmm, I've kept my word, and this week, I'm making up for it with a strong comeback!)

Even if it's through special means, reaching the Ninth Stage is still an incredible feat.

Hai Dongpo quickly realized that Lin Fan was trying to get something for nothing.

What frustrated him the most was that when he looked at Lin Fan, he saw a face that seemed 'adorably naive' and 'obediently' staring at him.

Just like this—(▽).

"!!!"

You're making it hard for an old man like me!

He lowered his gaze, avoiding Lin Fan's face, and said, "What you said seems reasonable, but the Crystal Flame is the top-ranked Unusual Flame on the Unusual Flame Ranking. Its value is undeniable."

"You want to take it from the Hai Clan without offering anything in return, just a promise or a vow, is a bit too much."

"Eh... Eh?!?!"

Xiao Qi was surprised. "What, without offering anything?"

She was a bit confused.

Didn't he just say that he would offer a lot?

Hai Danping placed her hand on her forehead and pulled Xiao Qi behind her, transmitting her voice, "You... should stop thinking about such complicated matters. Just listen."

"Hmm!"

Xiao Qi scratched her head, not getting angry.

She stuck out her tongue, covered her mouth, and fell silent.

Hai Dongpo didn't even glance at him, appearing to be talking to Lin Fan but staring at Xiao Ling'er, obviously waiting for her response.

"Of course not!"

Xiao Ling'er spoke up, already aware of Lin Fan's intentions. In her Sea of Consciousness, she was having an intense 'discussion' with Yao'er.

They were both shocked by Lin Fan's 'bold move'. As master and disciple, they had been thinking about how to obtain the Crystal Flame from the Hai Clan, but no matter how they tried, it seemed nearly impossible.

Yet, with Lin Fan's persuasion, he almost succeeded in getting something for nothing!

They believed Lin Fan was a reincarnated individual with knowledge of the future.

Otherwise, they would never dare to believe it.

Who would have the audacity and attention to detail to gather information and attempt such a bold move!

To get something for nothing!

However, Xiao Ling'er, aware of Lin Fan's tactics and understanding Hai Dongpo's thoughts, could confidently provide assistance without worrying about her words.

"Getting something for nothing has never been a good thing. We, as master and disciple, would never do such a thing."

"Before coming here, I had already prepared many sixth, seventh, and eighth-stage medicines, all of which are seventh-rank and above. I believe that even for the Hai Clan, such high-quality medicines would be quite scarce?"

Scarce was an understatement!

Hai Danping's heart skipped a beat, almost blurted out.

Xiao Ling'er waved her hand, and over a dozen jade bottles appeared on the table. She continued, "These are mostly cultivation medicines, ranging from seventh to ninth rank!"

"These are healing medicines, and the most precious among them is the ninth-rank Revitalizing Pill."

"These are breakthrough medicines, which can aid in breaking through..."

"Although there are no ninth-rank medicines, and none that can help a peak seventh-stage cultivator break through, if we obtain the Crystal Flame, these will not be far off!"

"As long as the Crystal Flame is handed over to me, these will be given to the Hai Clan."

"After that, as long as the Hai Clan gathers the necessary ingredients, I can refine medicines for them, only charging the most basic fee. How about it?"

Hai Danping's heart raced.

If such high-quality medicines were supplied without limit, after a while, the Hai Clan...

Suddenly, she realized, "So, the medicines sold by the Liu Clan were made by you?"

As she was being groomed as a successor, she naturally understood these 'trivial matters'.

Additionally, the relationship between the Liu Clan and the Moon Embrace Sect wasn't a secret, so it was natural to make this connection.

"Yes."

Xiao Ling'er didn't hide the truth, "The medicines they sell are considered mid to low-quality ones that I refined."

Upon hearing this, Hai Danping couldn't help but look at Xiao Ling'er deeply, then held her breath.

Hai Dongpo also realized the importance of these medicines and the benefits this promise could bring to the Hai Clan. However, he noticed a problem and rolled his eyes, "It sounds good."

"But I feel like this is also part of getting something for nothing."

"A vow..."

Xiao Ling'er calmly said, "Junior can swear a Daoist Heart Oath."

"Never mind."

Hai Dongpo waved his hand.

"Since that's the case, let's make a deal and swear Daoist Heart Oaths."

"Old man..."

"I really want to see if you can do it!"

"This is undoubtedly the right choice."

Lin Fan smiled, "Then, shall we discuss?"

"..."

After that, both sides began to negotiate.

This deal had two parts.

First, Xiao Ling'er took out the medicines she had just shown, totaling over three hundred pills, all of which were given to the Hai Clan.

Second, Xiao Ling'er would refine high-quality medicines for the Hai Clan at a 'basic fee', and once capable, she must prioritize refining ninth-rank and breakthrough medicines for peak seventh-stage cultivators until the Hai Clan has at least one ninth-stage cultivator.

Additionally, if the Hai Clan faces a crisis within the next thousand years, Xiao Ling'er and Lin Fan cannot stand idly by.

This was the first part.

A pure transaction.

The second part involved Lin Fan and was also a transaction, but the traded items were not so 'clear'.

Firstly, they would exchange their Imperial Scriptures, one for one.

Secondly, the heritage secret art would be included and handed over to Lin Fan. If Lin Fan could remove its flaws and solve the aftereffects within the promised five years, the Hai Clan would owe Lin Fan a 'clan-saving favor'!

This favor would prompt the Hai Clan to protect Lin Fan with their lives!

Regardless of the Hai Clan's situation, the number of experts, or even if they were in a life-threatening war, they would do their utmost to fulfill the request.

The trading conditions were incredibly stringent.

But Hai Lao agreed.

Hai Danping had no objections, but as for Xiao Qi... she could only watch, as these matters had already surpassed her ability to handle, let alone understand.

"What happened in the chamber today, you must swear an Oath of the Daoist Heart, and you cannot reveal it in any form," Hai Danping emphasized.

Xiao Qi nodded.

Although she didn't have much experience, and was a little confused, she still understood this matter.

She nodded immediately and then swore the oath.

After Hai Dongpo had sworn the Oath of the Daoist Heart, he removed the restrictions and barriers he had previously set up and said with a smile, "Although I can make the decision, I also need to consider the feelings of the younger generation."

"You two, wait here for a moment. I'll go and discuss it with them."

"Of course, Hai Lao, please do as you see fit."

Lin Fan responded with a smile.

Soon, only Lin Fan and his disciple were left in the chamber.

"It's settled!"

Xiao Ling'er waved her tiny fists, unable to hide her excitement. With no outsiders present, she didn't need to hide anything, nor did she need to worry about her image. "Thank you, Master!"

"I can only say that it's half-done, don't get too excited too soon."

Xiao Ling'er was startled. "Hai Lao has sworn the Oath of the Daoist Heart, could he possibly go back on his word?"

There was another sentence she didn't say.

That was... the feeling that she always mixed up Hai Dongpo and Hai Bodong, believing that Hai Dongpo should be trustworthy, and even willing to risk his life for her!

However, this feeling was too strange.

She really didn't have the face to say it.

"Hai Lao wouldn't go back on his word. With him taking the lead, and us showing enough sincerity, I believe the current head of the Hai Clan and the others won't refuse."

"After all, over the years, perhaps the method we've offered is the closest to success. Of course, the most important thing is you and Liang Danxia!"

"The Alchemy Emperor, tsk tsk."

Yao Mu transmitted her voice, sighing, "Fellow Daoist, please don't mock me."

"Initially, I was indeed satisfied with this title, and even felt a bit proud. But after the incident, I realized that everything external is fake, and it's all just fleeting."

"I'm not mocking you, I'm genuinely surprised."

Lin Fan emphasized, "In any case, I'm not worried about the Hai Clan's resistance, but... I just feel that it's not that simple!"

...

Lin Fan's concerns were not unfounded.

On Hai Dongpo's side, after discussing the matter with Hai Danping, Hai Tianren, and Hai Shaofeng, they all lit up, finding the plan feasible.

Upon learning that the Ancestor had sworn the Oath of the Daoist Heart, they all praised Hai Dongpo for his wisdom.

"We can't find any fault with Hai Lao's decision!"

"After so many years, we've tried everything, but to no avail. Perhaps it's because we've been too conservative. Occasionally, we need to take risks."

"Moreover, isn't Xiao Ling'er the heir of the Alchemy Emperor?"

"Indeed, I also believe that by handing over the Crystal Flame, our Hai Clan will reduce a bit of the crisis. Even if Lin Fan can't improve our clan's secret technique, it doesn't matter."

"As long as we can hold on for a while, I don't believe that with our clan's manpower, resources, and wealth, plus Xiao Ling'er's alchemy skills, we won't be able to cultivate even a single Ninth Stage cultivator!"

"That's right. If we, the unfilial descendants, can't even cultivate a Ninth Stage cultivator with our talents and opportunities, then we can't blame others."

"After all, if we can't pass on the torch to the next generation, and they don't have the strength, it's not others' fault if our clan faces a crisis."

"As for the once-in-a-millennium crisis, in the past, hasn't our clan weathered it multiple times? It's just that Hai Lao might face a crisis."

"No problem."

Hai Lao waved his hand. "I've also experienced it multiple times. What's one more time?"

"But there's one more thing."

"Lin Fan and the others requested that, at least for a short period, Xiao Ling'er's acquisition of the Crystal Flame should not be revealed."

"Uh..."

The Hai Clan members were taken aback, then sighed and nodded.

This request was unexpected, yet also within their expectations.

The top-ranked Unusual Flame was undoubtedly valuable, but it also increased the risk for the Hai Clan.

Falling into Xiao Ling'er's hands...

That would be even more dangerous, especially if her identity as the heir of the Alchemy Emperor was exposed...

Xiao Ling'er would surely face endless calamities.

Countless people and powerful forces would spare no effort to suppress and capture Xiao Ling'er, taking her back as a tool.

"Therefore, this matter must be kept confidential!" Hai Lao emphasized.

"Now that we're on the same path, it's only right," Hai Shaofeng was the first to express his agreement.

It was not because of any alchemy pills.

"Indeed," the other Hai Clan elders chimed in, expressing their approval.

Seeing this, Hai Lao couldn't help but smile and nod. "In that case, I'm relieved."

"Then I'll take them to the forbidden grounds."

"As for whether it will succeed..."

"It's up to their luck."

"And our clan's opportunity."

"..."

...

"You two, follow me. The Ancestor has made preparations and will take you to subdue the Crystal Flame."

Hai Danping led them to the chamber once more.

"Good!"

Lin Fan and his disciple followed behind her.

After a while, they reached the depths of the Hai Clan's forbidden grounds.

Hai Lao pointed to an ordinary-looking pond ahead, "The Crystal Flame is within."

"But there are some matters that need to be clarified in advance."

"First, the Crystal Flame has already developed spiritual intelligence and is innately proud, making it extremely difficult to tame. The challenge of making it submit is comparable to defeating a Ninth Stage cultivator."

"Moreover, only you can subdue it, and it will submit."

"Secondly, before subduing it, you must first find it."

"Huh?!"

Lin Fan and Xiao Ling'er were taken aback.

The first point was easy to understand.

Isn't this the case with many ferocious beasts and even humans?

Admiring and submitting to the strong.

If you're not as strong as me, why would I submit to you?

However, the second point was intriguing.

Find it first?! Without waiting for their questions, Hai Lao continued, "There's no need for further inquiries. Once you enter, you'll understand. But with your possession of various unusual flames, the difficulty will be significantly reduced. However, I must be frank; I still don't see much chance of success."

"But don't worry too much."

He handed over a jade plaque, only an inch long, but exquisitely crafted.

"If you encounter danger and are unable to resist, crush the jade plaque, and I will immediately come to your aid. At the very least, I can ensure your safety."

Lin Fan and Xiao Ling'er exchanged glances, took the jade plaque, and then jumped into the pool.

Splash!

The water splashed up.

In the moment they leaped into the water, they felt the world spinning.

Then, everything seemed to turn upside down.

It was as if they had entered a mirror world.

Pop...

A soft sound echoed.

They stood firmly on the ground, but their faces changed instantly.

"This is... a small world." Lin Fan surveyed the surroundings.

"No wonder I couldn't see any clues before. The pool also looked ordinary at first glance, but it's actually like this!"

Even Yao Mu appeared, floating in the air and examining the surroundings.

This was a crystal world! As far as the eye could see, everything was made of crystal.

There was no vegetation.

No flowing water.

Only endless crystals, stretching beyond sight.

At the same time, the world was filled with Crystal Flames.

These crystals, taking the form of flames, seemed to be 'growing' and even 'dancing'.

The sheer number was beyond count.

Even with divine perception, it was difficult to count them all at once.

In the sky, a 'crystal sun' hung high, emitting dazzling brilliance.

When the sunlight fell upon the numerous Crystal Flames, it refracted countless rays of light, creating a dazzling and mesmerizing sight that was almost blinding.

"So that's how it is."

Yao Mu descended and whispered, "No wonder Hai Dongpo said we must first find the Crystal Flame."

"If I'm not mistaken, the Crystal Flame is too powerful, and it has long since gained sentience. Moreover, it has created this 'small world' for itself."

"This is its favorite environment, but it also causes us many troubles."

"These 'countless' Crystal Flames seem real, but in truth, there's only one genuine crystal. It's almost impossible for us to distinguish which is real and which is fake."

"If we can't find the real Crystal Flame, how can we talk about subduing and capturing it?" Lin Fan added.

Bang!

He struck a Crystal Flame with a casual yet powerful blow, but there was no reaction.

The crystal was too sturdy.

He couldn't even chip off a tiny piece.

Using a Barrett might work, but it would be too time-consuming and laborious!

In this small world filled with Crystal Flames, searching for the real one using this method would take ages. And by the time they found it, the opportunity would be long gone.

"Is there a way?" Lin Fan asked Yao Mu.

Yao Mu nodded and smiled confidently, "If it were anyone else, there would be no solution."

"But, Ling'er is different."

"She possesses five types of unusual flames, and these flames can devour and grow by consuming others."

"The Crystal Flame is too powerful, but it will inevitably seek to become stronger. Therefore...

"We only need to use the flames as bait, and it will reveal itself."

"However, this is extremely dangerous!"

Yao Mu's expression turned solemn. Without outsiders present and knowing Lin Fan's status as a 'reborn' cultivator, she didn't try to hide anything. She continued, "The Flame Destruction Art is special, but the prerequisite for refining flames is to suppress them first."

"If you can't even suppress them, how can you refine them?"

"According to Hai Dongpo, the Crystal Flame's combat power in this world is no weaker than a Ninth Stage cultivator. Even with the assistance of unusual flames, it's still extremely dangerous."

"Ling'er..."

"Teacher, there's no need to worry."

Xiao Ling'er smiled slightly and said, "I've already experienced this four times."

"The Crystal Flame is indeed unprecedented and extremely dangerous, but I'm prepared and unafraid!"

Seeing that the two were deep in conversation, Lin Fan didn't interrupt.

The danger was inevitable, but.

(End of Chapter)

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