Chapter 321: Chapter 321: Fire
Leaving Han Mo’s personal space, his consciousness returned to reality. Xu Wuyi slowly opened his eyes.
The light in the Cultivation Room was soft, and the faint scent of Earth Fire Marrow filled the air. He stood up, walked to the window, and looked out at the campus under the night sky.
The Flame Venerable’s invitation, Han Mo’s approval, the impending conscription... All sorts of information swirled in his mind.
He took a deep breath, pushing down the distracting thoughts.
’Since my teacher has already agreed, I should set off as soon as possible.’
The next morning, Xu Wuyi packed a simple bag and went to Han Mo’s residence again.
This time, it was in reality.
Inside the small, gray-white building, Han Mo sat on a bamboo chair with a tea set before him. Seeing Xu Wuyi enter, he gestured for him to sit down.
"Have you decided?" Han Mo asked.
"Yes." Xu Wuyi sat down across from him. "I plan to set out today."
Han Mo nodded and poured him a cup of tea. "The journey to the West Desert isn’t long. It’s just a few hours by high-speed aircraft. Once you’re there, focus on your training with Senior Flame Venerable and don’t worry about other things."
"I understand."
Han Mo put down the teapot, his expression turning serious. "However, there is something I must remind you of."
Xu Wuyi sat up straight. "Please, Teacher."
Han Mo looked at him, speaking word by word. "For the time being, do not rush to break through your Life Energy Level. Just focus on Heart Fire Refining Spirit, honing your Spirit, and solidifying your foundation."
Xu Wuyi was slightly taken aback. "Teacher, you mean..."
"The Federation is currently fighting the Werewolf Race for control of a newly discovered Star Realm," Han Mo said slowly. "This Star Realm is very special. It has a natural spatial restriction that only allows life forms below Level 35 to enter."
Xu Wuyi’s gaze hardened.
Han Mo continued, "Both sides are currently in a standoff, gathering their forces. As is customary, these conflicts will primarily involve the younger generation of Martial Artists in small-scale skirmishes and resource contention."
He paused. "At your current strength, you’re already in the Federation’s top tier for anyone below Level 35. If the Federation decides to seriously contend for this Star Realm, you’ll be conscripted very soon."
Xu Wuyi was silent for a few seconds before asking, "Roughly when?"
"Half a month at most." Han Mo gave a precise timeframe. "The military is already screening candidates. You’re a Genius who was promoted to Martial Artist in your first year of university. You’re definitely on the list."
"I understand." Xu Wuyi nodded. "I will not let you down, Teacher."
"This isn’t about whether or not you disappoint me." Han Mo shook his head. "The Star Realm Battlefield isn’t like a tournament ring. It’s a place where people actually die. The warriors of the Werewolf Race are fierce and aggressive. At the same level, their combat strength is no weaker than ours."
He looked at Xu Wuyi, his gaze profound. "Therefore, before the conscription order arrives, you must improve your practical combat abilities as much as possible, especially your use of True Intention."
"Senior Flame Venerable’s mastery of the path of fire ranks in the top three of the entire Federation. You must seize this opportunity."
"Yes."
Han Mo gave him a few more instructions, and Xu Wuyi committed each one to memory.
Half an hour later, he left the small building and headed directly for the airport.
...
The high-speed aircraft broke through the clouds, speeding westward.
Xu Wuyi sat by the window, resting with his eyes closed.
In his mind, Han Mo’s words replayed over and over.
’A conflict in a Star Realm below Level 35... The Werewolf Race...’
’Could he be talking about the Celestial Spirit Star Realm?’
Of course, Xu Wuyi hadn’t forgotten that his only encounter with the Werewolf Race had been in the Celestial Spirit Star Realm, which was restricted to those at or below Level 35.
If he really had to go to the battlefield, his Undying Flame might have a miraculous effect.
But that would only be possible if his comprehension of the Fire Realm reached a new level.
’Senior Flame Venerable...’ Xu Wuyi opened his eyes and looked at the sea of clouds rapidly receding outside the window.
’What will this Desert Grandmaster teach me?’
...
By the time the aircraft landed at the airport in the Western Desert Royal Capital, it was already evening.
Just as Xu Wuyi stepped out of the cabin, a man in a Royal Family guard uniform approached him.
"Mr. Xu, Princess Tana asked me to wait for you here." The man bowed respectfully. "Senior Flame Venerable has already given instructions. You may proceed directly to the Royal Palace East Garden."
"Thank you."
Xu Wuyi followed the man into a private car, which drove toward the Royal Palace.
The car passed through three palace gates before finally stopping in front of a secluded garden.
"We’ve arrived at the East Garden." The man got out and opened the door for Xu Wuyi. "Senior Flame Venerable lives in the Yan Hut at the very end. Just follow this path straight ahead."
After thanking him, Xu Wuyi walked into the garden alone.
Inside the garden, ancient trees reached for the sky among scattered, peculiar stones. A clear stream meandered through the serene and elegant environment.
Compared to the solemn majesty of the rest of the Royal Palace, this place felt more like a hermit’s retreat.
After walking along the path for about ten minutes, a simple bamboo house appeared ahead.
In front of the bamboo house, an old man with white hair and a white beard sat on a stone stool, playing a board game against himself.
It was the Flame Venerable.
Xu Wuyi quickened his pace, stepped forward, and bowed. "Xu Wuyi pays his respects, Senior."
The Flame Venerable didn’t look up, his gaze still fixed on the game board. He just gave a casual wave of his hand. "Sit."
Xu Wuyi sat down on a nearby stone stool and waited quietly.
About five minutes later, the Flame Venerable finally placed his last piece, ending the game. He looked up at Xu Wuyi, a gentle smile on his face.
"You’re here."
"Yes."
"Did Han Mo agree?"
"My teacher told me to learn well from you, Senior."
The Flame Venerable nodded and stood up. "Follow me."
Xu Wuyi followed him into the bamboo house.
The furnishings inside were extremely simple: a bamboo bed, a wooden table, two chairs, and nothing else.
But a painting hanging on the wall caught Xu Wuyi’s attention.
It was an ink wash painting. In the center, a Divine Bird spread its wings, bathing in a roaring blaze.
The brushstrokes depicting the flames were wild and unrestrained, as if they could leap off the paper at any moment. Yet the Divine Bird’s gaze was calm and profound, exuding a transcendent Mental Realm.
"This is the Celestial Bird Bathing in Fire Painting," the Flame Venerable’s voice sounded from behind him. "I found it in some ancient ruins when I was young. The artist’s comprehension of the Fire Realm had already reached a masterful Realm."
Xu Wuyi stared at the painting, feeling as if the flames were flowing, burning, breathing.
"For the next three months, you will have only one thing to do each day." The Flame Venerable walked to his side and said slowly, "Sit here and look at this painting."
Xu Wuyi was slightly stunned. "Just look at the painting?"
"Correct." The Flame Venerable nodded. "Until you can tell me what fire is."
Xu Wuyi was silent for a few seconds, then asked, "Senior, what is fire?"
The Flame Venerable smiled.
"That is a question I cannot answer for you," he said.
"The fundamental intention of fire is to burn. But everyone’s comprehension is different, and so are the results they reach. Some people feel fire is destruction. Some feel it’s rebirth. Some feel it’s purification, and some feel it’s warmth... None of these answers are right or wrong."
He looked at Xu Wuyi, his gaze profound. "As long as you truly delve deep into it, everyone is correct."
