"I'm looking for something that, if I can get it, will make dealing with the Eighth Prince's manor a trivial matter!"
Lu Fan's expression was serious. He urgently needed strength to achieve revenge.
"But you're alone, and I can't rest easy!"
Long Yi frowned, "Why don't I go with you? We can look out for each other!"
"Are you questioning my strength?"
Lu Fan narrowed his eyes, and the White Lotus Sacred Fire instantly surged from his palm, the surrounding air becoming scorching hot.
"What powerful flame energy!"
Han Feng was shocked, "Sect Master, how did you cultivate this flame energy?"
"It wasn't cultivated; this is the Sacred Fire of Heaven and Earth!"
Lu Fan stated directly, "I'm setting out this time precisely for the Sacred Fire. If I can find it, my strength will increase, and dealing with the Eighth Prince's manor will not be difficult!"
"Then allow me to congratulate the Sect Master on finding the Sacred Fire soon!"
Han Feng cupped his fists in haste, his expression becoming even more solemn.
Not long after, Lu Fan's figure departed from Han City.
Long Yi stood to the side, watching Lu Fan's receding figure with a hint of helplessness.
The Heavenly Fire Pavilion was located to the north of the White Dragon Dynasty. Around it were dozens of fiery mountains, and unless one was a spirit cultivator, they dared not tread there lightly.
Fire City was within the Heavenly Fire Pavilion's jurisdiction. Within the city, people wore scant clothing, and sweat constantly beaded on their faces.
Yet, despite this, Fire City was still bustling with activity, appearing quite prosperous.
Lu Fan arrived at a tavern and ordered a few small dishes. The journey had been quite arduous.
"This gentleman, you don't look like a local. Are you perhaps preparing to apply for a position as a worker at the Heavenly Fire Pavilion?"
The shop owner smiled, appraising Lu Fan.
The reason for so many people in Fire City was that the Heavenly Fire Pavilion was recruiting workers to clean within the pavilion.
Although it was a low-level position, many people applied.
Those who managed to enter the Heavenly Fire Pavilion as servants received a substantial amount of spirit stones each month, a sum that was incredibly generous for ordinary people.
"Indeed, I'm here to apply!"
Lu Fan said affably, "May I ask where the application point is?"
"Just turn right when you go out," the shop owner replied with a smile.
Lu Fan thanked him and left the tavern, proceeding directly to the application point as the owner had directed.
The applicant was an elder, who sat by the side, observing them one by one, but was not satisfied with any of them.
"Sir, I'm very sturdy. If I can enter the Heavenly Fire Pavilion as a handyman, I definitely won't be lazy!"
A queuing man spoke, bowing respectfully.
The elder glanced at him and then said, "Next!"
The queuing man was quite disappointed and had no choice but to turn and leave. Looking at the long queue behind him, the white-bearded elder became even more disheartened, sipping the tea in his hand.
"Sir, I have long admired the Heavenly Fire Pavilion. Could you allow me to be an exception and serve as a handyman?"
Lu Fan approached, taking out a Spirit Gathering Pill. "This is something passed down from my ancestors. I hope you will accept it!"
The white-bearded elder opened the box and his eyes immediately lit up. "It's you, kid!"
Lu Fan nodded repeatedly, his face full of flattery.
Those in the queue felt indignant but were powerless.
Many of them had also offered gifts, but they were not favored by the elder. They wondered what Lu Fan had given that the elder liked so much.
After being selected, Lu Fan was also very excited. As long as he entered the Heavenly Fire Pavilion, he would have a chance to obtain the Azure Lotus Sacred Fire. He would not easily let this opportunity pass.
Before long, Lu Fan was brought to the Heavenly Fire Pavilion. The journey had been long and arduous; an ordinary person would have likely been overwhelmed long ago.
"You're quite composed, kid."
The white-bearded elder spoke, "The surroundings of the Heavenly Fire Pavilion are all fiery mountains. Ordinary people who enter the Heavenly Fire Pavilion are usually very weak, yet you show no change in your expression."
"I've been strong since childhood, and besides, I'm not afraid of fire," Lu Fan smiled. "May I ask what position you hold in the Heavenly Fire Pavilion? You must be highly respected."
"Naturally. I am the Grand Steward of the Heavenly Fire Pavilion!" the white-bearded man declared proudly. "Everyone calls me Steward Zhao, and you can call me that too from now on!"
"I see!" Lu Fan nodded quickly.
"To tell you the truth, within the Heavenly Fire Pavilion, all handymen are managed by me. I control your life and death. From now on, if you have anything good, be sure to show me some respect, and I naturally won't treat you poorly!" Steward Zhao said proudly.
"Of course. If I have anything good, how could I forget Steward Zhao? It's all thanks to your personal recommendation that I could enter the Heavenly Fire Pavilion!" Lu Fan quickly replied.
"You're a good kid, you speak well, and I like that," Steward Zhao nodded. "However, once you reach the Heavenly Fire Pavilion, you must behave yourself. Don't go where you shouldn't, don't do what you shouldn't, and don't offend those you shouldn't. Otherwise, even I won't be able to save you."
"Thank you for the reminder, sir!" Lu Fan nodded hastily.
Not long after, they arrived at the Heavenly Fire Pavilion. Inside, there were numerous disciples, and moreover, many pavilions, with each floor of the pavilions having a different temperature of flame.
"Within the Heavenly Fire Pavilion, there are three levels. We, who are of low status, can only act in the first level," Steward Zhao reminded him. "Kid, don't wander around randomly. If you enter the second level, it's a capital offense. Even if you aren't executed, you'll quickly die an unnatural death once you enter the second level."
"Why is that?" Lu Fan asked, confused.
"Within the second level, the flame energy is extremely strong; it's simply not something we ordinary people can withstand. There was once a handyman who, for no reason, entered the second level and was reduced to ashes," Steward Zhao stated directly. "This is why I'm warning you."
"Thank you for the reminder, Steward Zhao!" Lu Fan cupped his fists in haste, feeling quite grateful. This old man before him was not bad. Although a bit greedy, he was still quite upright.
Upon arriving at the kitchen, Steward Zhao said to a stout man, "Big Head, this one's for you. Your kitchen is already full!"
"Thank you, Steward Zhao!"
Big Head quickly expressed his gratitude and looked at Lu Fan. "You're a sturdy-looking kid. Work hard in this kitchen, and one day you'll definitely reach my position!"
Lu Fan nodded slightly. His mind was not here at the moment. As long as he found an opportunity, he would enter the third level of the Heavenly Fire Pavilion, for he understood very well that the Azure Lotus Sacred Fire was definitely located there.
After a day of manual labor, everyone was somewhat exhausted and returned to their living quarters. Lu Fan also arrived at a small courtyard, coincidentally sharing it with Big Head.
"You came to the Heavenly Fire Pavilion, you must have a purpose, right?" Big Head looked at Lu Fan.
"No!" Lu Fan's heart skipped a beat.
"Don't lie to me. Everyone who enters the Heavenly Fire Pavilion is for the purpose of improving their cultivation one day," Big Head said directly. "However, not many are as lucky as you to be assigned to the kitchen. I presume Steward Zhao has already taken good care of you."