Fang Hao and Lin Wan left the Northern Region and began their journey back. Both were in high spirits—Lin Wan’s injuries were gradually healing, and Fang Hao had collected all the main ingredients for the foundation establishment pill.

"Once we return, Junior Brother Ning, you will be preparing for Foundation Establishment, right?" Lin Wan asked with a smile. "With all seven main ingredients collected, the foundation establishment pill is within reach."

Fang Hao nodded, anticipation in his eyes: "I hope to succeed on the first try. Foundation Establishment with Seven Spiritual Roots is quite difficult."

Lin Wan encouraged him: "With your accumulation, it will surely be no problem! You must treat me to a meal when the time comes!"

As they talked and laughed, they passed by a volcanic cluster. The Earth Fire was active here, and the air was filled with the scent of sulfur.

"Be careful," Lin Wan warned, "This is the Earth Fire Abyss. Volcanic eruptions are frequent, so it’s not very safe."

Fang Hao activated his Clear Spring Spirit Eyes to observe, then suddenly gave a soft exclamation: "The Spiritual Qi fluctuation over there is abnormal; it seems a rare treasure has appeared."

Lin Wan looked in that direction and indeed saw chaotic Spiritual Qi in the distant valley, with faint light flickering.

"Should we go take a look?" Lin Wan asked, eager to try.

Fang Hao pondered for a moment: "Caution is better; there might be danger."

The two quietly approached the valley. The closer they got, the hotter it became. Red light shot into the sky from the valley, clearly indicating an eruption of Earth Fire.

Upon reaching the valley entrance, they discovered two groups of people confronting each other. One group consisted of Chiyang Sect Disciples wearing red Daoist robes; the other group were Xuan Ming Cult members in black tight-fitting attire. Both sides were at daggers drawn, clearly fighting over something.

"Scum of the Chiyang Sect! We discovered this Earth Core Flame Fire first!" the leader of the Xuan Ming Cult roared.

The Chiyang Sect Disciple sneered: "Bullshit! It was obviously us who arrived first! Get lost if you know what’s good for you!"

Fang Hao and Lin Wan concealed their auras and observed from the shadows. In the center of the valley, there was a pool of magma, and in the pool, a crimson flame was jumping unpredictably, emitting terrifying heat!

"It’s the Earth Core Flame Fire!" Lin Wan whispered, "A Grade 3 Strange Fire! A top-tier auxiliary for Alchemy and Artifact Refining!"

Fang Hao was also moved. If he had the Strange Fire to assist him, his success rate in refining the foundation establishment pill would greatly increase!

Just then, the two groups started fighting! Spells bombarded each other, and Sword Qi crisscrossed, the battle extremely intense.

The Chiyang Sect’s Cultivation Technique was extremely Yang and rigid, while the Xuan Ming Cult’s Spells were Yin, evil, and strange; they countered each other perfectly. For a time, it was hard to tell who had the upper hand.

"Ah!" A sudden scream rang out as a Chiyang Sect Disciple was struck by the Xuan Ming Cult’s Nether Palm and collapsed to the ground.

"Junior Brother!" The Chiyang Sect leader’s eyes were filled with rage, "You bastards of the Xuan Ming Cult! I will make you pay with your lives!"

He unleashed his full power, flames roaring around his body, and charged at the Xuan Ming Cult members.

The Xuan Ming Cult leader sneered: "A spent force!" He sacrificed a black banner, stirring up Yin winds and ghostly wails.

Both sides fought until they were both heavily injured, and in the end, neither had the strength to collect the Strange Fire, retreating in defeat.

Only then did Fang Hao and Lin Wan appear.

"The snipe and the clam fight, the fisherman gains," Lin Wan smiled, "Junior Brother Ning, this Strange Fire is a perfect match for your Alchemy!"

Fang Hao frowned, however: "I’m afraid it’s not that simple. Both groups are quite strong, yet both failed to subdue it; there must be a catch."

The two cautiously approached the magma pool. The closer they got, the hotter it became, and even their protective Spiritual Qi could barely block the high temperature.

The Earth Core Flame Fire jumped in the pool as if it had sentience, emitting hostility toward those who approached.

"Let me try first," Lin Wan volunteered. She cultivated an Ice-type Cultivation Technique and might be able to suppress the Strange Fire.

Lin Wan cast a Spell, cold air filled her surroundings, and she slowly reached out to grab the Strange Fire. Just as she was about to touch it, the Strange Fire suddenly exploded! The scorching airflow knocked Lin Wan back several steps, her arm scorched! 𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞

"What a powerful Strange Fire!" Lin Wan exclaimed in shock, "Even my Profound Ice Technique couldn’t suppress it!"

Fang Hao rushed to treat her injuries: "I’m afraid this Strange Fire has already gained sentience; it won’t be easy to subdue."

After resting for a moment, Lin Wan was unwilling to give up: "I will try again!"

This time, she circulated her Profound Ice Technique with all her might, and the cold air grew even more intense. But the Strange Fire also became stronger in response, its flames soaring to the sky; ice and fire clashed, causing mist to steam!

After a stalemate, Lin Wan was ultimately defeated, her Meridians scorched by the heat, and she retreated while coughing up blood!

"Senior Sister!" Fang Hao hurriedly supported her, channeling Spiritual Qi to heal her.

Lin Wan smiled bitterly: "It’s no use... This Strange Fire is too tyrannical; my Cultivation Technique is completely countered."

Fang Hao’s eyes were firm: "Let me try!"

He first set up several protective Formations to avoid being backlashed if the subduing failed. Then, he activated the Myriad Manifestations Heaven Swallowing Art, protected by seven types of Spiritual Qi, and slowly approached.

The Earth Core Flame Fire seemed to sense the threat, and its flames grew even more intense! Heat waves rushed toward him, and even Fang Hao’s protective Spiritual Qi was sizzling!

"So strong!" Fang Hao was shocked. The power of this Strange Fire far exceeded his expectations!

He tried to suppress it with Earth-type Spiritual Qi, but the Strange Fire absorbed the power of the Earth Fire and became even stronger! He used Water-type Spiritual Qi to counter it, but it was evaporated instantly!

"Seven Spiritual Roots cycle!" Fang Hao had a flash of inspiration and circulated the seven types of Spiritual Qi, creating a subtle balance through mutual generation and restriction.

The Strange Fire seemed confused by this change, and the flames slowed down slightly.

Fang Hao seized the Opportunity to force out a drop of essence blood, attempting a blood pact! This was a common method for subduing Strange Fire.

But as soon as the essence blood approached, it was evaporated by the Strange Fire! Instead, it enraged it! The flames surged, turning into a Dragon of fire and pouncing on him!

"Careful!" Lin Wan exclaimed.

Fang Hao retreated rapidly, but was still grazed by the tongue of fire, leaving a large burn on his chest!

"Junior Brother Ning! Forget it! This Strange Fire is too dangerous!" Lin Wan urged.

Fang Hao’s eyes, however, shone brighter: "Interesting! The harder it is to subdue, the more powerful it must be!"

He pondered for a moment and suddenly thought of a way: "The Strange Fire has a spirit; perhaps I can take it by wit."

Fang Hao no longer forcibly suppressed it, but instead activated his Fire-type Spiritual Root, attempting to communicate with the Strange Fire. He slowly released his own Fire Spiritual Qi, letting it merge with the Strange Fire.

At first, the Strange Fire was very repellent, but it gradually realized that Fang Hao’s Fire Spiritual Qi was exceptionally pure, carrying a scent that made it feel comfortable.

Fang Hao’s Fire Spiritual Root was derived from the Myriad Manifestations Heaven Swallowing Art, blending the essence of the seven types, so it was indeed extraordinary.

The Strange Fire gradually calmed down, even actively absorbing the Fire Spiritual Qi released by Fang Hao.

"It works!" Fang Hao was overjoyed and continued to release Fire Spiritual Qi, coaxing the Strange Fire as if feeding it.

The Strange Fire became increasingly docile, even actively approaching Fang Hao, jumping and circling around him.

Lin Wan watched, dumbfounded: "This... this actually works?"

Fang Hao smiled: "All things have a spirit, and Strange Fire is no exception. Forcing it to submit is not as good as treating it with sincerity."

When the time was ripe, Fang Hao forced out his essence blood again. This time, the Strange Fire did not repel it, but instead actively merged into the essence blood!

The blood pact was achieved! Fang Hao suddenly felt a connection with the Strange Fire!

"Subdue!" Fang Hao gave a soft shout, and the Strange Fire turned into a streak of red light, entering his Dantian!

Suddenly, Fang Hao felt a scorching heat in his Dantian, as if he had swallowed a branding iron! He hurriedly circulated his Cultivation Technique to refine the Strange Fire.

The Earth Core Flame Fire rushed left and right in his Dantian, struggling against the refinement. Fang Hao suppressed it with all his might, taking turns with his seven types of Spiritual Qi, engaging in a tug-of-war with the Strange Fire.

This was a battle of will. Fang Hao gritted his teeth and persisted, letting the Strange Fire wreak havoc in his body without backing down.

Lin Wan acted as his Protector on the side, watching with trepidation. She saw Fang Hao suddenly cold and then hot, his expression constantly changing, clearly experiencing extreme pain.

After three full hours, Fang Hao finally let out a long breath and opened his eyes.

"Did you succeed?" Lin Wan asked anxiously.

Fang Hao nodded with a smile and extended his palm. With a thought, a crimson flame jumped on his palm, docile as a pet.

"Great!" Lin Wan was overjoyed, "This Strange Fire is extremely powerful; it will be like a tiger with wings for your future Alchemy and Artifact Refining!"

Fang Hao felt the Strange Fire in his Dantian and was also very satisfied. The Earth Core Flame Fire was not only powerful, but more importantly, it was full of spirit and connected to his heart.

"Thanks to Senior Sister for acting as Protector this time." Fang Hao said gratefully.

Lin Wan waved her hand: "It was your own ability. However, the news of this Strange Fire probably can’t be hidden; those two groups might come looking for trouble."

Fang Hao’s eyes turned cold: "Soldiers come, generals block. Since the Strange Fire has recognized its master, it is my Opportunity."

The two left the Earth Fire Abyss and continued their journey. With the Strange Fire, Fang Hao was even more confident in his Alchemy.

On the way, Fang Hao tried to control the Strange Fire. The Earth Core Flame Fire was indeed mysterious; it could be large or small, rigid or soft, controlled by his will.

Most miraculously, the Strange Fire could fuse with the seven types of Spiritual Qi, producing various changes. Fusing with the Gold-type, the flame became as sharp as a blade; fusing with the Water-type, it produced steam explosions; fusing with the Earth-type, it turned into lava...

"This Strange Fire is simply tailor-made for my Seven Spiritual Roots!" Fang Hao was overjoyed.

Lin Wan was also happy for him: "It seems that after you succeed in Foundation Establishment, your strength will far exceed those of the same rank."

A few days later, the two returned to the Sect. Sure enough, as soon as they returned, they heard rumors: both the Chiyang Sect and the Xuan Ming Cult were inquiring about the whereabouts of the Earth Core Flame Fire.

Fang Hao didn’t care. In the world of Cultivation, Opportunities depend on one’s own ability; since the Strange Fire had recognized its master, it was his destiny.

He went to find Liang Ling at the first Opportunity to report his safety and incidentally showed off his newly acquired Strange Fire.

When Liang Ling saw the Earth Core Flame Fire, she was also quite surprised: "A Grade 3 Strange Fire is extremely difficult to subdue; that you could succeed, you have quite an Opportunity."

Fang Hao said modestly: "Just luck."

Liang Ling, however, said: "Opportunity is also a part of strength." She rarely showed a look of approval, "With the Strange Fire to assist you, your success rate in refining the foundation establishment pill will increase by at least 30%."

Fang Hao was happy in his heart, looking forward to starting the furnace for Alchemy even more.

In the following days, Fang Hao went into seclusion to adjust his state. Subduing the Strange Fire consumed a lot of energy, and he needed time to recover.

At the same time, he began to prepare for the Alchemy. The foundation establishment pill was no small matter, and he could not afford the slightest carelessness.

The Pill Furnace had to be the best, the Spirit Medicine had to be carefully processed, and the environment had to be absolutely quiet... Fang Hao prepared for every detail.

The seven main ingredients were neatly placed in jade boxes, emitting an enticing Spiritual Qi. Fang Hao checked them every day to ensure everything was foolproof.

Everything was ready; he only had to adjust his state to the best, and he could start the furnace for Alchemy!

On this day, Fang Hao was meditating when he suddenly received a message from Liang Ling: "Come to my Immortal Cave immediately, there is an urgent matter."

Fang Hao’s heart tightened, and he immediately headed there.

In Liang Ling’s Immortal Cave, she looked grave: "I just received news that Bao Zhijian might try to cause trouble when you are refining the pill."

Fang Hao’s eyes turned cold: "He dares!"

Liang Ling shook her head: "He wouldn’t dare to do it openly, but it’s hard to say in secret. The refining of the foundation establishment pill cannot be disturbed, or all previous efforts will be wasted."

Fang Hao pondered for a moment: "Does Senior Sister have a good strategy?"

Liang Ling took out a set of Formation Flags: "This is the Four Symbols Protection Formation, which can protect you while you refine the pill. I will also have Lin Wan act as your Protector outside."

Fang Hao said gratefully: "Thank you for your trouble, Senior Sister."

Liang Ling said indifferently: "You’re welcome. You just focus on refining the pill, and I will handle other matters."

With Liang Ling’s support, Fang Hao was even more confident. Returning to his Immortal Cave, he checked all his preparations one last time.

"Tomorrow I will start the furnace and refine the foundation establishment pill."