Chapter Ch163 - Repeated Harvests
Once the Earthen Core Flame was subdued by Gu Zuo, the ambient temperature immediately plummeted. If it was originally as warm as spring, there was now a somewhat cool sensation â Naturally, it wasnât genuinely cool. Rather, because the two had stayed in the previous temperature for a long time, this misperception arose.
Gongyi Tianheng looked at Gu Zuoâs reddening complexion and shining eyes. He smiled: âWould Ah Zuo be able to operate that Earthen Core Flame so I can have a look?â
Gu Zuo was a little excited: âNaturally, thereâs no problem!â
After that, his facial expression held a bit of prudence. His palm unfolded and his thoughts whirled.
In the blink of an eye, a gout of heat flowed from a bone pearl in his elbow and rushed out. It passed through his meridians and out of his medicinal bead, before suddenly appearing in the palm of his hand.
Yes. It was there that a bundle of tiny orange-vermilion flames swiftly gushed out, burning calmly.
He felt the interconnected intent between himself and this wisp of Earthen Core Flames. It seemed that so long as he use a type of hand seal, he could operate it⊠What was the hand seal?
There were countless notions streaking across his mind. Suddenly, he was blessed with inspiration. His other hand flipped over and his fingers flashed with ribbons of formless trajectories, which were all directed at the Earthen Core Flameâs location.
At this moment, the Earthen Core Flame twisted.
Following which, the flames underwent changes.
One would only see it change into a bird-shaped flame one moment, then a fish-shaped flame the next, and then an ape-shaped flame after that. It was just that one could only make out the general shape of a fiery bird, fish, and ape. However, the specific image was still very crude, and they didnât feel life-like one bit â If there were any merits, itâd be that the flames were very spirited. Even though it wasnât distinct enough, there was still a quick-witted feeling.
All of the Earthen Core Flameâs changes were taken into Tianhengâs eyes. His expression suddenly became somewhat strange. His little pharmacist really had qualities thatâŠ
delighted children
? On the Tianwu Continent, sixteen to seventeen year old youths already could undertake many affairs. On the contrary, it was very rare to have one that was so mischievous and cute.
However, Gongyi Tianheng watched on and his mood was very good. His smile deepened and he didnât prohibit Gu Zuoâs âplaytimeâ.
A good while later, Gu Zuo reacted and let the Earthen Core Flame return to normal with a hint of embarrassment â It was mainly that freely controlling the Earthen Core Flame felt too good. As a result, he couldnât stop playing with it.
He thought it over, and explained his actions just then: âThe Heavenly Fire-Submission Seal seems to be one that subdues Wondrous Fires. If I want to control it, I need to use a fire controlling seal. Speaking of which, itâs strange. The fire controlling seal is the first seal of Plucking Nine Stars, and it seems very compatible with the Heavenly Fire-Submission Seal.â
Tianheng pondered somewhat, and prudently said: âItâs probable that youâre learning the core content. The Divine Medicine Cultivation Method, the Primary Medicine Refining Hand Seals, the Spirit Piercing Awl, and the Heavenly Fire-Submission Seal should all belong to the same collective inheritance. Thus, you have this feeling of a completed set.â
Gu Zuo thought deeply: âWhat big brother says is reasonable.â
Tianhengâs vision softened: âAh Zuo should properly study. It seems that these inheritances have great use to Ah Zuo. In the future, when your strength is even more profound, youâll be able to work wonders.â
Gu Zuo naturally responded again: âBig brother, I understand.â
The two chatted for a bit before Gu Zuo went strolling through the mountain crevice.
It stood to reason that places where the worldâs Wondrous Fires appeared should also have priceless treasures. Although it seemed that there was nothing at first glance, now that they subdued the Earthen Core Flame, they could just look around.
Yet, Gu Zuo miscalculated this time.
He circled around the entire mountain crevice several times, but didnât find anything. As for what he harvested, it was just that chunk of Fire-Spirit Jade, which had a tiny breach in it. Fortunately, a bit of damage to this chunk of jade was alright. After the Earthen Core Flame emerged to run away, that crack had already healed somewhat within a brief period of time! Moreover, the jadeâs color was unsullied. The entire chunk of Fire-Spirit Jade had been polished even more because the Earthen Core Flame was stored and raised inside â The Fire-Spirit Jade and Wondrous Fire were mutually beneficial. The former protected the latter, and the latter polished the former. They complemented one another.
Gu Zuo received the Earthen Core Flame into his body, so he handed the Fire-Spirit Jade over to Gongyi Tianheng: âBig brother, this is for you.â
Tianheng took it: âOh?â
Gu Zuo earnestly said: âThis is top-notch material, and it isnât something that must contain Wondrous Fires. In the future, big brother can take it to go refine a weapon and increase his strength.â
For a martial artist, cultivation methods and martial skills were indispensable, but a proper weapon was also necessary. Currently, the weapons that Tianheng used were only barely suitable. When his realms were even higher, he would have to replace them. Otherwise, when both partiesâ weapons clashed during a battle, his own weapon would already be broken. That would be a terrible thing.
Tianheng also understood Gu Zuoâs intentions, and faintly nodded. However, he stuffed the Fire-Spirit Jade back into Gu Zuoâs hands: âSince itâs precious, Iâll have to ask Ah Zuo to keep it safe for me. Rather than putting it in my Fangcun Cloth, itâs safer in Ah Zuoâs storage space.â
Gu Zuo thought this was reasonable, too. His palm flipped, and that Fire-Spirit Jade was put away in that region of his storage space that was reserved for his dear big brother.
After that, the two prepared to leave.
When ascending, they still needed to penetrate through the dense magma. Gu Zuo abruptly recalled that embarrassing spectacle when they were going down. There was a lurch in his heart and he couldnât take a step forward.
Gongyi Tianhengâs thoughts turned. He realized what was troubling Gu Zuo and he couldnât help chuckling. Although that scene wasnât one he anticipated, it only gave him a novel feeling. It didnât give rise to any uncomfortable lines of thought. Right now, as he looked at how embarrassed and hesitant Gu Zuo was, he was fully invested, and waited for Gu Zuoâs response.
Then, Gu Zuo suddenly slapped his forehead.
Right! He now had an Earth Fire protecting his body! At worst, he would only be wasting some true qi! Basically, it wouldnât be like before when he needed to rely on his big brotherâs body temperatureâŠ
Hence, Gu Zuo promptly operated his true qi. In a split second, a gout of flames gushed out from both of his palms. In addition, under his control, it formed something like a membrane, which covered the surface of his body.
Following which, Gu Zuo beckoned Tianheng: âBig brother, come quick!â
Tianheng leisurely walked closer.
Gu Zuo extended a hand and pulled Tianheng over: âBig brother, follow me this time!â
Gongyi Tianheng smiled and softly said: âOkay.â
In an instant, petals of flame scattered about. Many sparks fell upon Tianhengâs body, but because Gu Zuoâs palm was tightly clasped to Tianhengâs arm, these sparks didnât set Tianheng on fire nor injure him. Rather, they similarly changed into a fiery-red membrane, enveloping the two inside.
This kind of scene was almost identical to when Tianheng discharged his true qi and Gu Zuo formed his psychic barrier to protect the two unwaveringly.
Tianheng attempted to operate his true qi.
Yet, it was hard to release his true qi within the Earthen Core Flameâs membrane. Unexpectedly, he was unable to change it freely. He let Gu Zuo know of this matter.
Gu Zuo was a little embarrassed: âItâs that my control isnât too good yetâŠâ
Tianheng didnât mind. Instead, he said meaningfully: âIn that case, Iâll have to ask Ah Zuo to take me along the way.â
Gu Zuo: ââŠâ
He also realized that this was the first time heâd done something like this. There was a lot of pressure.
Then, Gu Zuo nodded his head: âI understand.â
Following that, he discharged his psychic power, which fell straight to his feet. Gu Zuo extended his other hand. Just like what Tianheng did before, he pulled Tianheng into his embrace.
But for such an embrace, a problem was found.
â His stature was a full head shorter than Gongyi Tianhengâs. There werenât any issues with Tianhengâs long arms and long legs hugging him, but if he wanted to hug Tianheng, he could only hug the waist. Ah, it was very hard for a shortie to keep up his spirits!
Gongyi Tianheng watched Gu Zuoâs predicament, and couldnât help laughing.
Gu Zuoâs face took a big hit.
He was being laughed at! How sadâŠ
After Tianheng laughed for a while, he simply seized Gu Zuo into his arms. His words carried a smile that couldnât be hidden: âAh Zuo doesnât need to constrain himself⊠It only needs me to carry you this way, while Ah Zuo uses his psychic power to carry me out.â
Gu Zuo snapped out of it.
Oh, right. Why did he have to carry his big brother? It would be the same if his big brother carried him. He simply didnât need to cling to preconceived positions. It didnât matter who carried who.
After realizing this, the heat on Gu Zuoâs face waned: ââŠBig brother, letâs go.â
Once he was done speaking, he sent out his psychic power to beneath his feet, making him shoot up instantly like a rocket. When they approached the top of the mountain crevice, he discovered a tunnel entrance that could fit two or three people. It was here that he and his big brother had previously dropped down from.
Gu Zuo didnât hesitate in the least. He brought Tianheng through this tunnel entrance and went straight up. After passing through, he found a fiery-red substance that was in a semi-solid state all around them â Originally, he wanted to leave immediately, but after seeing this fiery-red material, he couldnât tear his eyes away.
âFire Essence Stone?â
Werenât these Fire Essence Stones, which could upgrade a Wondrous Fireâs rank? Xu Lingxiu had given him a piece before!
Gu Zuo felt that his own pair of eyes shouldâve been emitting golden rays of light right now.
Fire Essence Stone! Very expensive Fire Essence Stone, which could be sold for money!
These Fire Essence Stones developed from the fire qi of the Earthen Core Flame, a Wondrous Fire that surpassed first class. The stones were absolutely capable of upgrading second class Earth Fires to first class Earth Fires. Although the stones couldnât upgrade a first class Earth Fire to a Spirit-Grade Earth Fire, they were top grade Fire Essence Stones that could slightly improve the intrinsic qualities of first class Earth Fires!
Tianheng listened to Gu Zuoâs words and faintly inclined his head: âWhat does Ah Zuo want to do?â
Actually, he knew about Fire Essence Stones, but heâd never seen them before. When he previously arrived, he was focused solely on carefully bringing Gu Zuo down below and searching for the Earthen Core Flame. He didnât once pay attention to these particularly fiery-red things.
Gu Zuo clenched a fist: âIâm going to take everything away!â
Gongyi Tianheng couldnât help smiling: âIs it possible for Ah Zuoâs true qi to support this?â
Through his perception, Gu Zuo felt that, although the rate of the true qiâs consumption wasnât small, there shouldnât be any problems if he was a little bit faster. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. If he didnât take the good things that were presented in front of him, wouldnât that be a reckless waste of resources? Who knew if thereâd be another chance in the future?
Hence, Gu Zuo solemnly said: âIâll do my very best!â
Naturally, Tianheng also accompanied him and arrived before those fiery-red materials.
When they approached, they discovered that these Fire Essence Stones were perfectly round pearls that were about the size of the pad of the little finger. They were bunched up in piles, forming a glittering and beautiful scene like the glow of a sunset.
Gu Zuo was very decisive. He grabbed a big handful as soon as he reached out, and quickly put them into his storage space.
At this time, one could see the usefulness of the storage space.
So long as Gu Zuoâs thoughts turned, his extended palm would flick aside the pearls of Fire Essence Stone, and all of them would be collected at very high efficiencies. His speed was very fast. The more time that passed, the livelier his thoughts and the more active his psychic power. Later on, his psychic power discharged a shroud, where all the Fire Essence Stones within the extended range were collected!
The pearls of Fire Essence Stones were like a river of scarlet clouds. Gu Zuo spent less than a minute and everything had already been put away. Not a single pearl was left behind!
A sweep such as this was trulyâŠextremely thorough.
Yet, this still wasnât the end of it.
At first, Gu Zuo was prepared to leave, but he didnât anticipate that there was a dense growth of dark-red things underneath the Fire Essence Stone pearls. They attracted his attention, and he couldnât help taking a closer look.
This time, he was a little startled.
Those were â Fire Mushrooms?
The Fire Mushrooms covered a wide area. Each mushroom was the size of a thumbâs fingernail. The color was dull, but the mushroomâs body was quite fleshy and it looked very appetizing.
It was undoubtedly an exceptionally good medicinal herb. Most of all, when it was refined in a medicinal pill for a suitable fire attributed martial artist, there would be extremely powerful effects⊠This couldnât be missed either!
Gu Zuo sucked in a deep breath. His pharmacistâs willpower was igniting!
Take! He needed to take everything!
This time, however, he requested Gongyi Tianhengâs help: âBig brother, can you help me chop them off?â
The ârootsâ would be left behind. Perhaps the remnant fire qi here could let a second batch of crops grow?
Tianheng smiled.
Although it was for the best that he didnât use his true qi now, the control over his martial skills was very precise. Time was running out. He didnât hesitate and immediately took out a long saber. He sent a couple chops towards those Fire Mushrooms!
Gu Zuoâs coordination was exquisite. The instant that those Fire Mushrooms were cut off, his psychic power had already enveloped them. They were all collected!
This time around, it only took a few moments. Each and every mature and plump Fire Mushroom was harvested by the dual cooperation of Gu Zuo and Gongyi Tianheng. Soon after, Tianheng put away his saber, while Gu Zuo stamped his foot. Psychic power exploded underneath and the two rapidly shot straight up.
Magma smothered them from all directions. Compared to when they were at the volcanic crater, it was much denser and hotter. However, perhaps it was due to the protective escort of the Earthen Core Flame and that the magma originated from the Earthen Core Flame, but no matter how powerful the magma was, it couldnât hinder the momentum of their rise. Moreover, the higher they went up, the sparser the heat of the magma and, naturally, the smaller the possibility of injury to the two of them.
Gu Zuo did his best to conserve the usage of his psychic power. In his mind, he was only thinking: Faster! Faster! Faster!
If they werenât fast enough, if they couldnât get out in time, then it would be a disaster!
Only, when all was said and done, he had just subdued the Earthen Core Flame. No matter how careful Gu Zuo was, he still wasnât proficient enough with his usage. As a result, the consumption of his true qi really wasnât slow. When there was only a couple dozen meters to successfully get out, the Earthen Core Flame on Gu Zuoâs body wavered. It flickered a few times, and then it vanished.
Gu Zuo: ââŠâ
Give a bit of time to react, okay!?
Gongyi Tianheng couldnât help smiling. However, heâd long anticipated that there might be a slip-up with the Earthen Core Flame, so he never lowered his vigilance. Thus, he abruptly released his true qi and blocked the surrounding magma in the blink of an eye.
Gu Zuo also promptly responded. His true qi wasnât sufficient, but he still had his psychic power! After that, he unleashed his psychic power to wrap himself and Tianheng up.
Following that, it was Tianhengâs home field.
He tightly embraced Gu Zuo, and his figure suddenly lightened. Their speed immediately doubled. Without the obstruction of the Earthen Core Flame, he now had an abundance of true qi. He was able put his martial skills to use and soared out!
A few seconds later, the volcanic crater was right before their eyes. At this moment, Tianheng swiftly rose up and carried Gu Zuo out!
Gu Zuo only felt that the air was fresh and cleanâŠ
Being covered by the magma in the volcanic crater just then was too stifling. Even though they werenât injured by the magma, it was insufferable. After coming out, while the outside worldâs ambient qi was thin, it really made one comfortable. How could there still be feelings of avoidance when they arrived at the Cangyun Continent from the Qingyun Continent?
Gongyi Tianheng set Gu Zuo down, and the true qi and psychic power of the two dispersed.
He didnât know if it was an illusion, but Gu Zuo felt that the lavaâs degree of boiling in the volcanic crater wasnât as violent as when they first went in.
The Earthen Core Fire was already in his possession. Gu Zuo wasnât prepared to stay here for too long, so he followed Tianheng down the mountain. Tianheng still took Gu Zuo into his embrace, and the two descended straight down from the mountain summit. The wind whistled past their ears, and it didnât take much time for them to smoothly arrive at the base of the mountain.
This was much more relaxed compared to when they first climbed up.
After Gu Zuo regained his footing, the two walked out of the lava pool region. This time, Gu Zuo found that the boiling lava in the outer lava pools were much more calm. It seemed that it really was due to the loss of the Earthen Core Flame? But all this had nothing to do with him.
Tianheng pondered for a bit, and said: âThis land of adventure probably wonât last for too long.â
Gu Zuo sighed: âAfter a few years, will that Hezui City no longer be as bustling as it is now?â
Tianheng smiled and said: âPreviously, Hidden Dragon Mountain erupted with lava. This was a catastrophe for the surrounding common folk, but it was also an opportunity for Hezui City. But if Hezui City doesnât grasp this opportunity nor develop while this land of adventure exists, then thatâs their own fault. They canât blame the heavens and they canât blame other people.â
Gu Zuo finished listening, and nodded his head: âWhat big brother says is true.â
The prosperity here was false. It was just like when Huangfu Zhanghao undoubtedly borrowed the luck of the Tiandu Body. If a person couldnât grasp their own chance, then it would ultimately be a flower in the mirror or the moon reflected on the water. It would just be a dream.
He, this insignificant mortal, was still serious about finding a way home. This kind of business had absolutely nothing to do with him.
Because the prosperity that Hezui City was experiencing was false, the construction within it actually hadnât been done well. However, a martial artistâs ability to mobilize was very strong. Within a short period of time, there were already huge differences in comparison.
Gongyi Tianheng never came to Hezui City before, but he knew about the original composition of the city â Previously, even though he was sickly, not a single worldly matter nor a city of the Cangyun Empire was beyond his gaze.
Gu Zuo always felt that even if his big brotherâs health hadnât improved, he was already a winner in life. Now that he improved, perhaps he could become an ultimate powerhouse. For this kind of person, if it wasnât for Gu Zuo obtaining a system in this world, if Gu Zuo didnât have the talent for refining medicine, there probably wouldnât have been any intersection between themâŠ
Initially, he never thought about it because he still trembled in fear. Now that he recalled this, he felt that if they truly never met, if their paths had never crossed, then it wouldâve become the thing heâd regret the most in his life.
â Of course, if they never got acquainted, then perhaps there simply wouldnât have been a way to discover this regret.
Sighing in lament, Gu Zuo unwittingly pulled Tianhengâs sleeve, and followed him by his side, glancing to the left and right. Gu Zuo sized up the style of this Hezui City.
Right now, they were trying to find the tavern that Gongyi Tianyang and the others were staying at. There were many people here and those Armor-Plated Rhinos were very eye-catching. After making inquiries, they should be able to find out.
Gu Zuo felt he couldâve done this kind of thing himself.
On the contrary, Tianheng was somewhat surprised by his decision.
Gu Zuo looked at his dear big brotherâs slightly moved expression and reacted â It seemed that every time before, it was his big brother who did it? Generally, he himself acted as his big brotherâs attendant, and didnât open his mouth at all.
Tianheng faintly chuckled, and patted his head: âAh Zuoâs confidence is now sprouting. This is very good.â
Gu Zuo suddenly understood.
Yes. Firstly, he previously hid himself and was afraid having his secrets discovered by others. Secondly, because he had just come to this world and didnât know anything, he actually felt a very minor sense of inferiority.
And now, although his secrets still couldnât be seen by others, a small part had been revealed through his big brotherâs planning, and a fortuitous encounter had been appropriately used to cover the past. At the very least, his small life was safeguarded. Moreover, because he made friends, he discovered that his medicine refining skills were pretty good compared to other pharmacists. Thus, the initial fear of the unknown to this otherworld no longer existedâŠ
In fact, what was even more important was that â Gu Zuo glanced at Gongyi Tianheng.
What was even more important was that this once patron, now big brother, genuinely made Gu Zuo feel that this was a family member he could mutually trust and rely on.
Having a family member meant having a place to entrust oneâs hope. Even a coward could become braver as a consequence.
Of course, Gu Zuo didnât share these words with Tianheng.
BecauseâŠit was very shameful.
He wasnât used to analyzing his heartâs sentiments. It was also too maudlin.
As a result, Gu Zuo only treated Gongyi Tianheng to a glittering smile, and effortlessly came to a tea stand off to the side. He called out to greet the outermost martial artist who was drinking tea and eating food: âWho might this Senior Brother be?â
The person whoâd been âlooked uponâ had an appearance that was very good-natured. He was probably a Meridian Condensing Realm martial artist. In this Hezui City, this was considered a high level that the average person wouldnât provoke lightly.
â This was a land of adventure. Although Hidden Dragon Mountain was rather interesting, the surrounding zone where lava pools had formed only had Houtian Realm martial artists come over to practice. Martial artists who were Xiantian and above had little interest in the periphery. As for Hidden Dragon Mountain itself, it still wasnât time for scouting things out. For martial artists throughout the nation, not everyone received the news quickly. Those who got the news were either those who were self-reliant or those who were waiting on the sidelines. Otherwise, thereâd inevitably be many Xiantians investigating the phenomena on Hidden Dragon Mountain. Tianheng and Gu Zuo wouldnât have obtained the Earthen Core Flame without attracting any attention.
That martial artist, who was originally eating, sprung up when someone abruptly moved next to him. His vigilance wasnât bad, so he promptly detected this and kept his guard up. He looked to Gu Zuo: âWhat is it?â
Once he saw Gu Zuo clearly, his expression somewhat relaxed.
After all, Gu Zuo wasnât a martial artist. Rather, he was a very young-looking teenaged pharmacist. Even if his temper was bad, he wouldnât be too neglectful towards this kind of person.
Gu Zuo revealed a smile: âI want to ask you about a few people. Would it be convenient for this Senior Brother?â
T/N: Heavenly Fire-Subduing Seal will be retroactively changed to Heavenly Fire-Submission Seal. Also, volume one has finally been completely edited, so terms should now be up to date.
Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.
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