Chapter Twenty: The Bone Spirit's Cold Flame

That day, Xiao Yan carefully wrapped the pills, donned a black robe to conceal his face, and headed toward the Mittel Auction House.

Ya Fei calmly approached him with a smile and said, "We meet again, sir. How may I assist you today?"

Lowering his head, Xiao Yan replied in a deep voice, "I have some pills I'd like to auction."

Ya Fei took the pills from his hand and examined them closely, inwardly startled. These were no ordinary concoctions that any alchemist could produce. She looked up and her eyes fell on the ring adorning Xiao Yan’s hand—it seemed strangely familiar...

Suddenly understanding everything, Ya Fei gave a slight smile. "Xiao Yan, long time no see."

Xiao Yan was taken aback; he hadn't expected Ya Fei to recognize his identity.

He lifted the black robe, raised his head to meet her gaze, and said helplessly, "Sister Ya Fei, how did you recognize me?"

Ya Fei smiled and said, "Your figure and the ring on your hand—I could hardly mistake you. Moreover, there aren't many in Wutan City capable of refining such pills."

Xiao Yan shook his head in resignation, realizing he could no longer hide his identity. He briefly shared his situation with Ya Fei.

She promised to keep his secret and arranged a special auction for his pills.

After thanking Ya Fei, Xiao Yan left the auction house.

Back home, he resumed his alchemical practice.

That day, while refining pills in the alchemy room, Elder Yao suddenly spoke, "Xiao Yan, alchemists usually judge their rank by the color of their flame."

Xiao Yan’s heart stirred, and he quickly asked, "Teacher, how does that work?"

Elder Yao explained, "Generally, as an alchemist’s rank rises, the flame color changes accordingly."

"A first-rank alchemist’s flame is red, second rank orange, third rank yellow, and so on. The ninth rank flame is purple. The purer and more intense the flame color, the higher the alchemist’s rank."

Hearing this, Xiao Yan felt puzzled. He looked at the flame in his hand and asked, "Teacher, why is your flame white then?"

Elder Yao smiled and said, "My flame is white because it's not an ordinary Dou Qi flame. It’s a special kind of flame—an Exotic Fire."

"Exotic Fire is the supreme fire among all fires, its power and quality far beyond ordinary flames, so its color is unique."

Xiao Yan’s curiosity surged. "Teacher, what exactly is Exotic Fire? Is it really that powerful?"

Elder Yao nodded and said, "Exotic Fires are the rarest flames in the world. They possess immense power and unique attributes. Each has its own name and ranking, known as the Exotic Fire List."

"The fires on the list are rare treasures with world-shattering might."

"Teacher, what is the name of your Exotic Fire?" Xiao Yan paused his pill refinement, eyes burning with curiosity as he looked at Elder Yao.

Elder Yao narrowed his eyes slightly, a trace of reminiscence on his face, and said slowly, "My Exotic Fire is called Bone Spirit Cold Fire, ranked eleventh on the Exotic Fire List."

Xiao Yan nodded softly, thoughtfully pondering the power of this eleventh-ranked fire.

Seeming to perceive Xiao Yan’s thoughts, Elder Yao continued, "Although Bone Spirit Cold Fire ranks relatively low on the list, capturing it was no easy feat."

"I spent eight years in that dark, sunless ghostly realm—eight whole years! Even with careful preparation, when absorbing it, I was nearly burned to ashes."

"But in the end, I obtained this 'Bone Spirit Cold Fire.' It was all worth it."

Elder Yao paused. "Possessing Exotic Fire greatly increases the success rate and quality of alchemy. In battle, Exotic Fire can unleash devastating power."

"The fire’s temperature is extremely high and its unique attributes can incinerate all things. Even some high-level Dou Techniques pale in comparison. Experts of the same rank dare not clash with it head-on."

Listening to Elder Yao, vivid images of his perilous capture of the fire and its terrifying battle presence filled Xiao Yan’s mind.

His eyes shone with deep admiration—a yearning for such immense power.

Elder Yao looked at Xiao Yan and gently patted his head with an ethereal hand, saying resignedly, "Exotic Fire is wonderful, but for you, it’s too far out of reach. With your current strength, trying to capture Exotic Fire is a fool’s dream."

"Exotic Fire’s power is immense but comes with great danger. Without sufficient strength and opportunity, it cannot be controlled."

Xiao Yan’s admiration faded slightly. He nodded regretfully, understanding the truth in Elder Yao’s words.

He was only just beginning his journey in alchemy and cultivation; obtaining such a divine flame was still a distant goal.

"I understand, Teacher. I will train hard and improve my strength. One day, I will be like you." Xiao Yan clenched his fist, rekindling his fighting spirit.

Elder Yao looked at Xiao Yan’s determined expression and nodded approvingly. "You can already refine decent first-rank pills, and occasionally succeed with second-rank ones. That’s quite an achievement."

"Now, try refining a Qi Recovery Pill. I want to see how well you control the flame and ingredients."

Xiao Yan responded and began preparing the necessary ingredients for the Qi Recovery Pill.

He arranged the herbs neatly, checked carefully to ensure nothing was missing or damaged, then took a deep breath and slowly channeled Dou Qi, drawing the flame into the alchemy furnace.

Elder Yao stood nearby, eyes fixed on Xiao Yan’s every move, occasionally offering guidance: "Control the flame’s temperature carefully—not too high. The ingredients for the Qi Recovery Pill are delicate. Too much heat will destroy their medicinal properties."

Xiao Yan nodded slightly, cautiously adjusting the flame’s intensity. He placed each herb into the furnace, carefully observing the flame’s reaction and the ingredients’ response.

"Pay attention to how the ingredients merge; control the timing carefully," Elder Yao’s voice sounded again.

Xiao Yan was fully focused, not daring to slacken. As the herbs gradually fused in the furnace, a faint medicinal fragrance began to spread.

"Almost done, prepare to reduce the flame," Elder Yao reminded.

Xiao Yan quickly controlled the flame, slowly lowering the temperature. Moments later, smooth, glossy Qi Recovery Pills appeared in the furnace.

Elder Yao picked up a pill and examined it thoroughly, then said with satisfaction, "Well done. This was a successful refinement. Both the fusion of ingredients and the control of the flame have greatly improved. But don’t get complacent—keep working hard."

Xiao Yan responded and refocused on the furnace, continuing his practice.

The room once again echoed with the sound of burning flame as Xiao Yan, under Elder Yao’s guidance, continuously adjusted the flame’s temperature and strength.