The Black-Corner Region offers the fastest shortcuts to power—if, and only if, you have the strength and resources to survive. Otherwise, you'll lose your life before you gain any fame. Known across the continent for its chaos, this region sees powerful individuals perish daily while others flock in, seeking fortune and challenge.
This place is a land of death, challenges, and temptation. Here, rare high-level techniques, battle skills, divine weapons, armor, medicinal cauldrons, herbs, and advanced pills are readily available—if you're willing to pay the price, whether in money or other means. However, in the Black-Corner Region, nothing comes without a cost.
Although it was Gu Fei's first time in the Black-Corner Region, he was well-informed about the powers within. Disguising his appearance, he discreetly gathered information and soon located the position of Feng City.
Feng City was not large, situated beyond the mountains surrounding the Inner Academy of Jia Nan. However, it held significant influence in the Black-Corner Region, for it was home to Han Feng, the region's foremost alchemist, known as the "Emperor of Medicine."
As a six-tier alchemist, Han Feng commanded immense respect from various factions and even powerful individuals. Even across the continent, a six-tier alchemist was far from insignificant, often garnering more respect than an average Dou Emperor or even a Dou Ancestor. Such was the power of an alchemist of his caliber!
Feng City, named after Han Feng, was one of the few cities in the Black-Corner Region that enjoyed such an honor- a rare distinction in a land of chaos and bloodshed.
At the center of Feng City was a bamboo grove, a stark contrast to the bustling market outside. This grove was heavily guarded, and intruders were met with lethal force. Every year, numerous people were killed by these guards simply for approaching the grove, making it a place of tranquility but also a forbidden zone in the hearts of many.
Deep within the grove stood a bamboo house, with a high, windowed room where a man in an alchemist's robe sat cross-legged, deeply focused on a prescription in his hand. The robe bore a meticulously crafted "Feng" character on the back.
As the man sat in quiet concentration, his head suddenly shot up, his sharp eyes scanning the surroundings.
Gu Fei had already arrived nearby, and although Han Feng didn't detect anything unusual, a sense of unease welled up inside him. His eyes scanned the area, but his Dou Qi (battle energy) senses detected no disturbance.
Han Feng feels uneasy, +15 emotional points
Just as Han Feng lowered his head again, Gu Fei silently appeared, standing just a step behind him. Han Feng quickly turned around, cold sweat breaking out as he was startled by Gu Fei's sudden appearance.
Han Feng feels fear, +20 emotional points
"How is this possible?" Han Feng thought, shocked that someone had bypassed all his defenses without being detected, appearing so suddenly at his side. He was uncertain of Gu Fei's intentions and didn't dare to act rashly. Although Gu Fei seemed weak, Han Feng, seasoned by his time in the Black-Corner Region, instinctively sensed the danger in him.
Stalling for time, Han Feng clasped his fists politely and asked, "Little brother, why have you come to my bamboo house so suddenly?"
"Han Feng, I've come for your Sea Heart Flame," Gu Fei replied bluntly, stating his purpose.
Han Feng was both shocked and furious. The Sea Heart Flame was crucial to him—losing it would significantly diminish his alchemical abilities. Gu Fei had appeared out of nowhere, demanding his most prized possession. Rage welled up within Han Feng as he suspected that Gu Fei must possess some treasure that allowed him to mask his presence, rather than being supremely powerful.
Han Feng's eyes narrowed as he flicked his finger, summoning a deep blue flame that resembled clear lake water, enveloping him completely. The flame, though appearing like water, was unmistakably a fire, and as it rose, Han Feng's soul power surged dramatically.
Han Feng opened his eyes and laughed angrily, "The Sea Heart Flame is right here! If you dare, come and take it!"
However, the scene he anticipated- Gu Fei being burned to ashes- did not unfold. Gu Fei extended his hand, and the Sea Heart Flame froze in front of him, unable to move forward.
Seeing this, Han Feng finally realized that neither he nor everyone in the bamboo house combined could match Gu Fei's strength. Though unwilling, Han Feng ceased his attack, helplessly shaking his head as he handed over the Sea Heart Flame to Gu Fei.
Gu Fei's expression remained unchanged even as he was attacked by the 15th ranked heavenly flame. He took the Sea Heart Flame and turned to leave. Although he could have killed Han Feng for harboring murderous intent, Gu Fei understood that if someone demanded his most precious possession, he would likely want to kill them too. Therefore, he spared Han Feng's life. Moreover, Han Feng's enmity with Yao Lao and Xiao Yan was none of Gu Fei's concern.
As Gu Fei absorbed the Sea Heart Flame, he felt an immediate sense of comfort. The Great Flame Heart Sutra he cultivated was an ordinary fire attribute Heaven-tier technique, but after evolving once using emotional points, it had mutated.
Ordinarily, a person could only refine one type of heavenly flame in their lifetime, as these fires were extremely violent. Even the leader of the Yan Clan could only forcibly merge two different heavenly flames into a new one. But with this mutated technique, Gu Fei could fuse five different heavenly flames.
At that moment, Gu Fei focused on the Sea Heart Flame, forcibly absorbing it into his body. Unintentionally, a powerful aura leaked out, causing Han Feng's face to turn deathly pale under the terrifying pressure.
Han Feng feels extreme fear, +30 emotional points
Gu Fei's mood brightened slightly. Han Feng's luck was stronger than most, making the emotional points generated by his fluctuations more significant.