From that moment on, Lin Fang became the apprentice under Ling Xuzi.
The task of keeping the fire seemed simple, but in reality, it was a profound secret; the rhythm of its intensity and pace could not be off by the smallest bit.
Fortunately, Lin Fang was clever and quick-witted, understanding with just a hint, able to precisely control the heat of the fire, which made Ling Xuzi grow even fonder of him.
One day, as Ling Xuzi started alchemy, Lin Fang vigorously fanned the flames. The fire roared high as Ling Xuzi placed various spiritual herbs and minerals into the furnace, chanting incantations. The flames surged wildly, and from time to time, his commanding voice echoed authoritatively around them. Lin Fang did not dare to be careless, focusing intently, sweat gradually covering his forehead. Before long, a fragrant medicinal scent wafted from the furnace, refreshing to the soul, indicating the alchemy process was proceeding smoothly.
Ling Xuzi nodded with pleasure. Ever since Lin Fang took up the task of fanning the flames, his skill in alchemy had improved rapidly, and he no longer had to worry about ruining elixirs due to incorrect heating.
The elixir first required intense heat, then it needed to be slowly nurtured with a gentle flame, which also gave Lin Fang a slight chance to catch his breath.
"Alright, this batch of elixirs can now simmer slowly. Today happens to be the day we discuss the Dao, and I'll take you to broaden your horizons," Ling Xuzi said joyfully to Lin Fang.
During this period, Lin Fang had already learned about this matter and confirmed that the time he was in was indeed the Journey to the West world, and the discussion of the Dao mentioned by Ling Xuzi was a meeting with the Black Wind Great King and the White-clad Scholar.
Usually, the miserly Immortal was so tightfisted that he wouldn't even spare a waste pill to anyone, let alone bring someone to a meeting.
But now that he had Lin Fang as an apprentice, he also wanted to show off in front of his two old friends and display the image of a highly attained Immortal.
After assigning the duties within the cave, Ling Xuzi summoned a gust of magic wind and carried Lin Fang towards Heifeng Mountain. In no time, they arrived at the base of the mountain.
Heifeng Mountain was even more precipitous and scenically beautiful than Luoxia Mountain, with lush forests and blossoming flowers, and cranes and white deer moving through. Anyone unaware of the truth would think it was the blessed land of Immortals.
Seeing this, Lin Fang was even more convinced of the extraordinary origins of the Black Wind Monster; such a treasure land was surely not something a mere wild demon could manage.
While still admiring the view, a voice came from the other side: "Ling Xuzi, you're a little late today!"
His voice was heard before he was seen, rough and magnanimous, engendering a sense of likability in those who heard it.
Looking up, Lin Fang saw a dark-faced, burly man and a white-clad scholar sitting on stone benches on the cliffside, a stone table laden with fruits and vegetables in front of them. The brawny man had a round face with facial features placed quite close together, giving off a rather comical impression. What stood out the most were his round little eyes, which looked especially delightful. Lin Fang knew this must be the notorious Black Bear Monster from the Journey to the West.
"This little Daoist boy, I don't know from which Immortal Mountain or blessed land you've coaxed him from; aren't you afraid his master will come looking for trouble with you?" the white-clad scholar looked at Lin Fang and frowned.
"Haha, White-clad, take a closer look!" Ling Xuzi laughed heartily; the scholar's words made him feel rather proud.
"You're quite unusual, little demon, with abundant spiritual energy and indeed a bit of the air of Immortals!" After observing Lin Fang up and down, the Black Wind Monster exclaimed in admiration.
Ling Xuzi's vanity was greatly satisfied. Being able to surprise his two old friends so much, his face glowed with delight, and his satisfaction with Lin Fang grew even deeper.
Three people sat discussing the Tao, engaging in lofty talk that seemed quite characteristic of refined scholars, while Lin Fang filled their cups with wine.
"My brothers are in luck," the White-clad suddenly said with a smile, "I've recently come across some fine items. It's time for you to truly appreciate something special!"
"Oh! For something to be praised by the White-clad, it must be a rare find indeed!" the Black Bear Monster chuckled, knowing that the White-clad was a discerning Demon King, and very few things could catch his eye!
Upon a command, a Little demon soon brought in a porcelain vase.
"What a coincidence, I've heard that elder brother loves honey. Recently, I found a nest of spiritual bees behind my mountain, and I've obtained some honey for you to sample," he said as he poured several cups.
The two Demon Kings were intrigued and took a taste of the honey. With just one sip, their eyes lit up.
"This is fantastic, not only does it taste great, but it can also nourish the flesh. For untransformed Little demons, this is surely a supreme medicine!"
"Since this apprentice was fated to come here, I shall also share a bit with him as my welcoming gift!" And so, he poured a little for Lin Fang as well.
Lin Fang thanked the Demon King and joyfully consumed the honey. He could feel a refreshing sensation throughout his body, and most valuable of all was how the honey transformed into a gentle spiritual energy inside him, coursing through his body and repairing the internal injuries from the Demon King's Enlightenment technique.
"If only there was more of this honey, then I could fully restore my foundation!" Lin Fang thought to himself.
He had been feeling rather hopeless, knowing that the Journey to the West was upon them but his own foundations had been damaged, inhibiting his true transformation. He feared that the coming catastrophe would leave him facing certain death. However, the appearance of this honey showed him a clear path, and he was already determined to acquire this nest of spiritual bees. After all, his grandfather from a past life had been a lifelong beekeeper, so naturally, he too was quite experienced with apiculture.
Time passed like a flowing river, never pausing for anyone. In the blink of an eye, more than half a year had passed since Lin Fang and Ling Xuzi went to the banquet. During this time, Ling Xuzi was often away, leaving Lin Fang completely unsupervised.
He took advantage of this to locate the nest of spiritual bees and covertly split off a colony, raising them on a cliff behind the Cave Mansion. By now, they were already producing honey. Though the quantity wasn't large, it was more than enough for Lin Fang.
On this beautiful and peaceful day, Ling Xuzi, who had been out for a long time, returned to his Cave Mansion.
"I'm preparing to concoct a batch of Sixth Turn Golden Pills. In the next few days, you need to adjust your condition properly. If you cause my elixirs to fail, I will flay your skin and dismantle your bones, relegating your soul to the Nine Underworlds to never be reincarnated!" Ling Xuzi said fiercely to Lin Fang, his words reflective of the great importance he placed on these elixirs.
Lin Fang drew a sharp breath. He knew very well that Ling Xuzi wasn't joking and was indeed capable of such actions if the elixir failed.
He was no longer the naive Little demon from the beginning. During this period, he had read all the books Ling Xuzi brought back and committed a lot of knowledge about cultivation firmly to heart. It was precisely because of this knowledge that he found the situation so tricky.
It has to be known that the Sixth Turn Spirit Pills could already be considered Immortal Pills. With elixirs categorized into Nine Turns, the higher the level, the more difficult they were to refine, the rarer the required herbs, and the more complex the craftsmanship, especially controlling the fire, a moment's inattention could ruin the elixir.
"Damn it! Why would he think of concocting something as difficult as the Sixth Turn Golden Pills out of the blue? Am I really doomed to face this disaster?" Lin Fang complained inwardly, yet dared not run away, knowing full well that he couldn't escape a Demon King's methods!
His only hope was for the Monkey to arrive soon and strike this fellow down with his staff, freeing Lin Fang from this ordeal.