Chapter 13: Seizing the Sea Heart Flame

The Black Horn Region offered the fastest path to power—but only to those with the strength and resources to survive. Those who lacked either would perish before they could even make a name for themselves.

This was a land of chaos, where the strong fell daily, only to be replaced by new arrivals. Death lurked around every corner, yet so did opportunity.

Here, treasures that were rare elsewhere overflowed in abundance:

High-tier cultivation techniques

Combat skills of unimaginable power

Rare artifacts, alchemy cauldrons, and precious herbs

Top-grade pills that could alter one's destiny

Rumors claimed that even Earth-grade techniques had appeared twice in the Black Horn Auction House.

But nothing came free.

Every prize demanded a price—whether in wealth, blood, or something far more personal.

Though this was Gu Fei's first visit, he knew the Black Horn Region's factions well. Concealing his identity, he gathered information swiftly, pinpointing his destination: Maple City.

Nestled beyond the thousand-mile mountain range bordering Jianan Academy's inner grounds, Maple City was small but held immense influence.

And for one reason alone:

Han Feng, the "Medicine King" of the Black Horn Region, resided here.

As a Tier 6 Alchemist, Han Feng commanded respect even from Dou Sovereigns and Dou Ancestors. His prowess made him untouchable—a man whose favor could mean the difference between life and death.

Such was his prestige that the city itself bore his name.

In this lawless land, few earned such an honor.

At the city's heart stood a tranquil bamboo grove, a stark contrast to the surrounding chaos.

But its serenity was a lie.

The forest was a death trap.

Intruders who ventured too close were slaughtered without warning by its hidden guards. Over the years, countless bodies had fertilized its soil, turning the grove into a forbidden zone.

Deep within stood a towering bamboo house.

Inside, a man in alchemist robes sat cross-legged, his back embroidered with the character "Maple." His focus was absolute as he studied an ancient prescription.

Suddenly, his head snapped up.

Something was wrong.

His Dou Qi sensed nothing, yet his instincts screamed of danger.

[Han Feng's unease: +15 Emotion Points]

Before he could react—

"Han Feng."

A voice spoke directly behind him.

Han Feng whirled around, cold sweat drenching his back.

[Han Feng's terror: +20 Emotion Points]

How?!

No alarms had sounded. No guards had intercepted the intruder. This stranger had slipped past every defense like a ghost.

The youth before him seemed unremarkable, his aura muted—but years in the Black Horn Region had honed Han Feng's instincts.

This boy was lethal.

Suppressing his panic, Han Feng forced a smile.

"Young friend, what brings you to my humble abode?"

Gu Fei didn't waste words.

"I'm here for your Sea Heart Flame."

Han Feng's pupils contracted sharply. The Sea Heart Flame was his lifeblood - without it, his alchemy prowess would plummet. That this stranger would demand it so brazenly...

Rage surged through him, momentarily overpowering his fear. His fingers twitched imperceptibly as he analyzed the situation. This youth must possess some concealment treasure to have approached undetected - there was no way someone so young could truly surpass him in strength.

[Han Feng's suppressed fury: +25 Emotion Points]

With a cold laugh, Han Feng's entire demeanor transformed. His eyes snapped shut as his hands formed an intricate seal. Suddenly, azure flames erupted from his body - not the wild, explosive fire one might expect, but something far more unsettling.

The Sea Heart Flame manifested like liquid sapphire, flowing across Han Feng's skin with deceptive serenity. Its surface shimmered like tranquil lake waters, yet the surrounding bamboo instantly blackened and crumbled to ash without so much as a spark.

"Since you're so eager..." Han Feng's voice dripped venom as his spiritual energy skyrocketed, "Come and take it!"

The azure fireball shot forward with terrifying speed - not toward Gu Fei, but arcing around him in a calculated pincer movement. At the last instant, it split into three separate tendrils attacking from different angles.

Gu Fei didn't even blink.

A mere flick of his finger sent spatial distortions rippling outward. The deadly flames froze mid-air as if trapped in amber, their heat waves visibly warping the space around them.

Han Feng's triumphant sneer died on his lips.

[Han Feng's dawning realization: +40 Emotion Points]

The truth crashed over him like a tidal wave - this was no trick of concealment. The youth before him wielded power so absolute it defied comprehension. Every instinct screamed that resistance meant death.

With trembling hands, Han Feng dispelled his flames. The once-proud alchemist looked decades older as he wordlessly summoned the Sea Heart Flame's core - a pulsating blue heart of fire - and offered it forward.

Gu Fei accepted the offering with neither gloating nor mercy. As his fingers closed around the flickering essence, Han Feng couldn't suppress a whimper - it felt like surrendering his very soul.

[Han Feng's despair: +50 Emotion Points]

What happened next shattered Han Feng's remaining pride.

Without any preparatory rituals or protective arrays, Gu Fei simply... absorbed the flame. The terrifying Heavenly Fire that had taken Han Feng years to tame flowed obediently into the youth's meridians like water finding its course.

For the briefest instant, Gu Fei's restraint slipped. A wisp of his true aura leaked out - and the entire bamboo forest trembled. Ancient trees splintered. The very air seemed to solidify under the overwhelming pressure.

Han Feng collapsed to his knees, blood trickling from his nose. In that moment, he understood with crystal clarity: he'd been spared not out of weakness, but by the same mercy one shows an ant beneath one's boot.

[Han Feng's utter submission: +80 Emotion Points]

As the pressure lifted, Gu Fei examined his prize with satisfaction. The mutated Great Flame Heart Sutra thrummed within him, already beginning the process of integrating this new power. Where others could barely withstand one Heavenly Flame, his evolved technique could harmonize five.

He glanced at the broken alchemist still kneeling in the ruins. Gu Fei could have killed him - the attack with the Sea Heart Flame had been a genuine attempt on his life. But he understood the man's reaction. Had their positions been reversed, he too would have fought desperately for such a treasure.

Moreover... Han Feng's feud with Yao Lao and Xiao Yan was none of his concern. Let history unfold as it would.

With his business concluded, Gu Fei turned to leave. Behind him, Han Feng remained prostrate, his entire worldview in ashes - both literally and figuratively.

The last whisper of Gu Fei's presence triggered one final emotional spike:

[Han Feng's lingering terror: +30 Emotion Points]

A satisfactory harvest indeed.