Transmigrating Into a Fantasy World: Signing in During Pregnancy, Reaching the Summit with My Childhood Sweetheart

232: Chapter 232: The Star Core Shines with Flame, the Fiery Shadow Reveals its FangsThe rear hall of Earth Fire Fortress was completely different from the noisy, blazing Molten Fire Grand Hall outside. It was deeper, quieter, its walls built from dark-red warm jade. The naturally formed patterns on the jade resembled flowing magma, emitting a constant, gentle heat. There was a faint scent of sulfur in the air, but more dominant was the heavy, condensed aroma of fire essence, accumulated over untold years.

The hall was sparsely furnished. At its center stood a massive bronze furnace, its base connected to the earth’s Core fire veins. The furnace fire wasn’t fully ignited now; only a dark-red glow slowly churned within, like the breath of a great beast.

Fortress Lord Yan Luo dismissed his attendants, leaving only his son Yan Feng and Nangong Xuan. He no longer concealed the burning desire in his eyes, staring directly at Nangong Xuan: ”Young friend Xuanye, there are no outsiders here now. Name your price for the solar essence crystal. Spirit Stones, mineral resources, Cultivation Techniques, Magical Artifacts, even a position as an Elder of my Earth Fire Fortress—just say the word!”

Nangong Xuan didn’t answer immediately. Instead, his gaze swept over the bronze furnace as he said slowly, ”Fortress Lord, do you know why the True Solar Fire is hailed as the Origin of all flames, the most Supreme and noble?”

Yan Luo raised an eyebrow. ”Naturally, because of its ultimate Yang and extreme hardness, its vast Origin, capable of incinerating all things yet also nurturing life.”

”You only know one aspect, Fortress Lord.” Nangong Xuan shook his head. ”The true preciousness of the True Solar Fire lies in its ’righteousness’. Majestic and vast, it purges evil, nourishes all living things—this is the Righteous Path of heaven and earth. Thus, it can endure countless tribulations without perishing, shining upon all heavens for eternity.” His tone shifted, and his gaze seemed to inadvertently glance towards the direction where the Black Fiend Forest group was outside. ”Unlike certain Yin evil fiend fires, which may blaze fiercely for a time but are fundamentally based on erosion, pollution, and destruction. They are ultimately rootless duckweed, defying the Heavenly Dao, destined to backfire sooner or later.”

The expressions of both Yan Luo and his son changed. Yan Feng couldn’t help but ask, ”Brother Xuanye, are you referring to the Nether Fiend Underworld Fire of Black Fiend Forest?”

”Not just the Nether Fiend Underworld Fire.” Nangong Xuan’s tone was calm, yet each word carried immense weight. ”All flames fueled by negative emotions, filthy energy, or plundered vitality are ultimately misguided paths. Their power might be evident in the short term, but persisting in their use will inevitably erode one’s Dao foundation, pollute the Divine Soul, and ultimately reduce one to a monster that knows only destruction. Fortress Lord, with your profound Cultivation and lifelong mastery over fire, have you never noticed? After prolonged exposure to that Nether Fiend Underworld Fire, does your mind occasionally stir with inexplicable restlessness and greed? Does your own True Fire carry a trace of shadowy impurity, difficult to detect?”

Yan Luo’s face paled. He had indeed felt increasingly unsettled lately, and his True Fire during Cultivation seemed less pure than before. He had attributed it solely to his eagerness for a Breakthrough and never considered the Black Fiend fire seed! Now, with Nangong Xuan’s revelation, upon careful reflection, a cold sweat broke out on his back!

Observing his expression, Nangong Xuan knew his words had taken effect and pressed further. ”This Junior is not particularly talented, but has gained some insights into the path of fire. I am willing to use a wisp of Origin True Fire aura from this solar essence crystal to assist the Fortress Lord in refining your True Fire, dispelling the shadowy impurities, and exploring a higher Realm of the fire Dao. In exchange, I only hope the Fortress Lord will temporarily suspend cooperation with Black Fiend Forest and thoroughly investigate the Origin and true purpose of their fire seeds. After all,” he looked meaningfully at Yan Luo, ”cooperating with a powder keg that could explode at any moment is hardly wise.”