Chapter 434: Collaborating with Han Feng—A Masterstroke!

Join my Patreon to be 30 chapters ahead of the webnovel releases:

patreon.com/ZeroMoney

I would appreciate your help if you could join my Patreon and support me because it would keep me motivated. 

******

Bai Canglong suddenly had a revelation. If he lacked the strength to seize the heavenly flame himself, why not enlist someone powerful to do it for him? Even if he couldn't have the whole feast, he could still savor the soup!

Without delay, Bai Canglong convened a meeting.

Seated at the head of the family hall, he exuded an imposing presence. Around him sat the Bai Clan's core leadership, the atmosphere solemn and tense.

His gaze was as deep as a bottomless well, steady and profound.

"Everyone, I have something important to discuss with you," Bai Canglong announced, his voice low and commanding, carrying the weight of authority.

As the gathered elders leaned in, he recounted the information Bai Shan had shared regarding the heavenly flame at Jia Nan Academy.

"This is the situation. I intend to secure the heavenly flame from Jia Nan Academy, but I can't accomplish this alone. I need your support to identify a suitable collaborator."

The elders exchanged glances, each understanding the gravity of the proposal.

One elder finally broke the silence. His tone was steady yet solemn as he said, "Perhaps we can seek cooperation with Han Feng.

The Black-Corner Region is teeming with powerful figures, but Han Feng stands out. As a sixth-tier alchemist known as the First Alchemy Emperor, his strength is unparalleled.

He is our best option."

Bai Canglong nodded slightly. He was well aware of Han Feng's reputation and capabilities. Without hesitation, he approved the suggestion.

"Very well. Let us approach Han Feng immediately."

Bai Canglong rose to his feet with resolve, his eyes gleaming with anticipation and excitement. The others followed his lead, accompanying him as they set out for Han Feng's estate.

---

*Han Manor: The Grand Banquet Hall*

The hall was a scene of opulence and celebration. Brightly lit by magnificent chandeliers, it glowed with warmth and splendor. Gilded walls adorned with exquisite tapestries shimmered under the lights.

The banquet hall teemed with people—powerful figures from the Black-Corner Region's most prominent factions. Dressed in luxurious robes, each exuded an air of dominance, a master in their own right.

Tonight's grand celebration honored none other than Han Feng, marking his birthday. Many had come bearing gifts to pay homage to the legendary alchemist of the region.

The sound of clinking wine glasses and cheerful laughter filled the air. The hall bustled with a lively and harmonious energy.

Tables were laden with delectable dishes, their rich aromas tempting the senses. Musicians played enchanting melodies, while elegant dancers whirled gracefully in the center, enhancing the atmosphere with joy and mirth.

Amidst the lively festivities, Han Feng himself seemed disengaged. Unmoved by the jubilation, he quietly left the hall, making his way to the underground laboratory in the manor's rear courtyard.

---

*Han Feng's Underground Laboratory*

This dimly lit basement was Han Feng's private sanctuary, where he conducted secret experiments and alchemy. As he arrived, the heavy door creaked open, releasing a chilling draft.

The dim light of a few candles flickered, barely piercing the shadows. Han Feng stepped inside, heading straight for a workbench cluttered with alchemical tools and rare herbs. The air was thick with an eerie, enigmatic aura.

Clad in a dark robe, Han Feng's piercing eyes glinted with cold ruthlessness. His expression was devoid of warmth, exuding an aura of cruelty.

Beside him, several captive women stood trembling. Their faces were pale, their eyes brimming with terror and despair.

"Master Alchemist, please… let us go!" one of them pleaded, her voice trembling with desperation.

Han Feng's gaze remained indifferent, unmoved by their cries.

Reaching for a small vial on the table, he held up a freshly concocted pill, its surface gleaming ominously.

"Consume these pills. I need to observe their effects," he commanded, his tone chilling and devoid of compassion.

With shaking hands, the women accepted the pills. They knew all too well that no matter the outcome, death awaited them.

But faced with Han Feng's piercing gaze, the women dared not defy him.

The moment they consumed the pills, their bodies began to convulse violently. Pain and despair flooded their eyes as though they were enduring a hellish torment.

Han Feng observed coldly, utterly indifferent to their suffering, his attention fixed solely on the effects of the pills.

When the women eventually collapsed lifelessly to the ground, his expression darkened with dissatisfaction.

"These pills need further refinement," Han Feng remarked casually, his tone tinged with disappointment.

Just then, a knock on the door broke the oppressive silence of the underground chamber.

A servant rushed in, his face tense as he reported, "Master, the Bai family patriarch has arrived with several elders. They claim they have an urgent matter to discuss."

Han Feng's lips curled into a faint smile. Nodding, he said, "Let them in."

The heavy door creaked open, and Bai Canglong entered with his entourage of elders.

As they stepped into the dimly lit laboratory, the gruesome scene on the table caused their expressions to waver. However, they quickly masked their discomfort and feigned composure.

Bai Canglong spoke first, wearing a polite smile. "Brother Han, today is your esteemed birthday. Naturally, I couldn't come empty-handed. I've brought some rare medicinal herbs as a gift. Please accept them as a token of my respect."

Han Feng's cold gaze swept over them, his tone devoid of warmth. "The Bai family patriarch doesn't come uninvited without reason. Spare me the pleasantries and get to the point—I don't have time to waste."

Bai Canglong and his elders were startled by Han Feng's bluntness but knew the matter at hand was far too critical to delay.

Clearing his throat, Bai Canglong adopted a serious tone. "Brother Han, my family has an important matter to discuss with you."

He narrowed his eyes slightly, his voice dropping to a sly murmur. "Master Han, I have a piece of information that may interest you. However, such knowledge doesn't come cheap."

Han Feng smirked, a glint of cold calculation flashing in his eyes. "Don't worry. There's nothing Han Feng can't afford."

Satisfied, Bai Canglong nodded and began to relay his intelligence. He detailed the presence of a heavenly flame hidden within the Burning Sky Qi Refining Tower at Jia Nan Academy.

Han Feng's eyes lit up at the revelation, a surge of indescribable excitement coursing through him.

"What? There's a heavenly flame inside the Burning Sky Qi Refining Tower?"

His eyes narrowed slightly. He had long suspected that Jia Nan Academy concealed a heavenly flame, but to have it confirmed—and its exact location revealed—was beyond his expectations.

A sinister grin spread across his lips, and his gaze sparkled with unrestrained glee. "This is excellent news!"

With that, Han Feng threw back his head and laughed, his voice resonating through the underground chamber like that of a triumphant demon. His elation was palpable.

Having already mastered the Sea Heart Flame, Han Feng was well aware of the unparalleled power of heavenly flames.

The thought of obtaining another heavenly flame from the Burning Sky Qi Refining Tower was nothing short of a divine opportunity.

Such a treasure would elevate his cultivation to new heights, empowering him to ascend further on the path of martial prowess. It was as if the heavens themselves had smiled upon him.

(End of Chapter)