Chapter 744 The Essence of Extreme Fire - I Became the Rich Second-Generation Villain

In the Spirit Tower, the so-called body refiner can actually be understood as a form of "iron forging." Using the body as the "iron," it undergoes tempering. Thus, this process is extremely painful. Wang Haoran spent three full days in the third layer of the Spirit Tower refining his body and nearly collapsed, but ultimately managed to endure it. Fortunately, this pain did not go to waste. The improvement in Wang Haoran’s physique was very evident. Even if he doesn’t use spiritual energy now, solely relying on his physical strength, he can contend with a first-level Foundation Establishment cultivator. His robust body, combined with vast spiritual energy, complements each other, significantly enhancing his combat power. The strength of his physique also increased Wang Haoran’s endurance. This endurance is not just about being able to withstand attacks better during battle. It's that Wang Haoran can maximize the use of the power of the Hongmeng Sword. If Chu Tian had such a physique back in the imperial capital, wielding the Hongmeng Sword, he would have been able to easily dominate Ye Fan. Before entering the Spirit Tower, Wang Haoran could only slightly contend with a Nascent Soul first-level cultivator. After the body refining in the Spirit Tower, he could effortlessly defeat a Nascent Soul first-level cultivator. While this improvement might not seem substantial at first glance, it is actually quite terrifying. After all, Wang Haoran’s spiritual power cultivation is currently only at the third level of the Golden Core stage. If the word got out that a third-level Golden Core cultivator can overpower a first-level Nascent Soul cultivator, it would definitely shock countless cultivators. At that moment, there were still two days left before the Spirit Tower closed. Wang Haoran used this time to search for something Gu Hong Yi needed. After quite some effort, he finally found it. Inside the Spirit Tower, there was a Soul Calming Pearl. This pearl is indispensable for reconstructing Gu Hong Yi’s body. The Soul Calming Pearl is the core of the Spirit Tower; losing it would significantly diminish the Tower's future body refining effects. However, Wang Haoran was not concerned about that. Setting aside the fact that he’s a villain and should resort to any means necessary, even if the protagonist Su Xuan were in his place, he would have done the same. After leaving the Spirit Tower, Wang Haoran inquired about what Su Xuan had extorted from the three major factions. Upon learning the details, Wang Haoran couldn't help but smile. Based on what Su Xuan obtained so far, there was only one material left for reconstructing Gu Hong Yi’s body. Her rebirth was near. However, the final material was extremely difficult to find. Wang Haoran, having limited understanding of the situation within the Holy Domain, was unsure if it even existed there. After pondering for a while, Wang Haoran decided to find Jiang Qing Kui. Jiang Qing Kui was staying at an inn in the Sky Fire City, waiting for Wang Haoran to emerge from the Spirit Tower. Upon seeing Wang Haoran, she was overjoyed and quickly inquired about his gains. Wang Haoran briefly described the events and then asked about the important matter. "Miss Jiang, do you know where in the Holy Domain I can find the Essence of Extreme Fire?" Gu Hong Yi is a fire cultivator, and the Essence of Extreme Fire is essential for reconstructing her body and restoring her former power. "Why does Young Master Wang need the Essence of Extreme Fire?" Jiang Qing Kui asked curiously. "A friend of mine needs it," Wang Haoran replied vaguely. "The Essence of Extreme Fire is a legendary item, not even present within the Jiang clan." Jiang Qing Kui said thoughtfully, and then added: "I don’t know where you might find it, but if anywhere in the Holy Domain has the Essence of Extreme Fire, it would be in one of the nine provinces, the Golden Flame Province." Hearing this, Wang Haoran was contemplative. Jiang Qing Kui’s words carried uncertainty. But Wang Haoran understood narrative tropes well. If he weren’t present, Su Xuan’s storyline would proceed smoothly. In such a scenario, Su Xuan would still have extorted the three major factions, retrieving what Gu Hong Yi needed. Having successfully refined his body and obtained the Soul Calming Pearl, only the Essence of Extreme Fire would remain. Wang Haoran could easily predict that Su Xuan would ask Jiang Qing Kui about the Essence of Extreme Fire. Jiang Qing Kui's words to him were likely originally meant for Su Xuan. To verify, Wang Haoran suddenly asked: "After Su Xuan extorted from the three major factions and received the list of items, did he come to you?" "He did, saying he wanted to ask me about something, but I was afraid of entanglement, so I never met with him and sent him away," Jiang Qing Kui explained. Upon hearing this, Wang Haoran was nearly certain of his guess. It seems the next step would be to have Su Xuan serve as a laborer to find the Essence of Extreme Fire. Narrative conventions dictate that this Essence of Extreme Fire must be within the Golden Flame Province. However, there seems to be a problem. Of the nine provinces in the central region, the Golden Flame Province is only second to the Supreme Province. The Golden Flame Province is full of powerful factions and countless talents. Having missed the opportunity for body refining in the Spirit Tower, Su Xuan’s cultivation progress is limited, and going to the Golden Flame Province would be seeking trouble. In this way, he might not be able to obtain the Essence of Extreme Fire as the narrative intends. After some thought, Wang Haoran quickly devised a plan. Although it requires sacrificing something, it is worth it for Gu Hong Yi's earlier rebirth. After a brief chat with Jiang Qing Kui, Wang Haoran bid her farewell. Leaving the inn, he went to a secluded place and entered the Heaven-Opening Tower. About seven days passed outside, which translates to ten times the duration inside the Heaven-Opening Tower. Gu Hong Yi’s spirit had long recovered to its optimal state. However, without Wang Haoran, she couldn’t leave and had to wait. Gu Hong Yi did not blame Wang Haoran, but worried he might have encountered problems. Upon seeing him, she asked for an explanation. Wang Haoran explained the situation, substituting for Su Xuan in the Spirit Tower incident, and handed the Soul Calming Pearl to Gu Hong Yi. Delighted at first, Gu Hong Yi then sighed quietly for Su Xuan’s missed opportunity. She felt a slight regret over the missed opportunity. "Take this to Su Xuan," Wang Haoran said, handing her a small jade bottle. Curious, Gu Hong Yi opened it, immediately identifying its contents. "So many Foundation Building Pills, and all of perfect quality!" Gu Hong Yi exclaimed. "I made them all. Give them to Su Xuan; although we have some differences, out of respect for you, I won’t hold grudges. Since you are my consort, Su Xuan is somewhat like a half-disciple to me," Wang Haoran said seriously. "Thank you for your generosity, Emperor. I thank you on Su Xuan’s behalf," Gu Hong Yi said gratefully. "Apart from the Soul Calming Pearl, Su Xuan also obtained many things from the three major factions of the Qing Province. Now, only the Essence of Extreme Fire is left for reconstructing your body," Wang Haoran said. "I’ve found out that one of the nine central provinces, the Golden Flame Province, likely holds the Essence of Extreme Fire. However, for specifics, you and Su Xuan will have to search together. I am entangled with other matters and can’t accompany you." (End of Chapter)