"I'm looking for something. If I can find it, dealing with the Eighth Prince's Mansion will be a piece of cake!"
Lu Fan's expression was serious. He urgently needed power to exact his revenge.
"But you're going alone. I'm worried!"
Long Yi frowned. "Why don't you let me accompany 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 onto his palm, heating the surrounding air.
"What powerful flame energy!"
Han Feng was shocked. "Sect Master, how did you cultivate this flame energy?"
"It wasn't cultivated; this is the Heavenly Sacred Fire!"
Lu Fan stated directly. "I'm setting out this time to find the Sacred Fire. If I can find it, my strength will increase, and dealing with the Eighth Prince's Mansion won't be difficult!"
"Then I congratulate the Sect Master on finding the Sacred Fire soon!"
Han Feng quickly cupped his fists, his expression becoming even more solemn.
Not long after, Lu Fan's figure left Han City.
Long Yi stood by, watching Lu Fan's departing figure with a hint of helplessness.
The Heavenly Fire Pavilion was located north of the White Dragon Dynasty. Around the Heavenly Fire Pavilion were dozens of fiery mountains. Unless one was a spiritual practitioner, they dared not venture there lightly.
Fire City was within the jurisdiction of the Heavenly Fire Pavilion. Inside the city, people wore minimal clothing, and sweat constantly beaded on their faces.
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.
"Esteemed sir, you don't look like a local. Are you perhaps here to apply for a job as a handyman 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 handymen to clean the premises. Although it was a lowly position, many people applied.
Those who entered the Heavenly Fire Pavilion as servants received a substantial amount of spirit stones each month. For ordinary people, this was extremely generous compensation.
"I am indeed here to apply!"
Lu Fan said amiably. "May I ask where the application point is?"
"Turn right outside, and you'll reach it!" the shop owner smiled.
After thanking him, Lu Fan left the tavern and, following the owner's directions, headed straight for the application point.
The applicant was an old man who sat there, looking at each person one by one, but none satisfied him.
"Sir, I am very strong. If I can become a handyman in the Heavenly Fire Pavilion, I will certainly not be lazy!"
A man in line spoke, bowing respectfully.
The old man glanced at him and then said, "Next!"
The man in line turned away in disappointment. Looking at the long queue behind him, the white-bearded old man became even more disheartened, sipping his tea.
"Sir, I have long admired the Heavenly Fire Pavilion. Can you allow me to be a handyman through special consideration?"
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 old man opened the box and his eyes lit up with joy. "It's you, kid!"
Lu Fan nodded repeatedly, wearing a fawning expression.
The people in line were displeased but helpless.
Many of them had also offered gifts, but the old man hadn't taken a liking to them. They didn't know what Lu Fan had given to earn such favor.
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 Green Lotus Sacred Fire. He would not let this opportunity slip away easily.
Not long after, Lu Fan was brought to the Heavenly Fire Pavilion. The journey had been long and tiring; an ordinary person would have likely collapsed.
"You're quite calm, kid."
The white-bearded old man remarked. "The Heavenly Fire Pavilion is surrounded by fiery mountains. Ordinary people who enter the pavilion are often weak, yet you show no change in your complexion."
"I've been strong since childhood, and 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 said proudly. "Everyone calls me Steward Zhao. You can call me that from now on!"
"I see!" Lu Fan quickly nodded.
"To tell you the truth, within the Heavenly Fire Pavilion, all handymen are managed by me. I hold your life and death in my hands. From now on, if you have anything good, try to show me some filial piety, and I won't treat you unfairly!" Steward Zhao said proudly.
"Of course. How could I forget Steward Zhao if I have something good? I was promoted into the Heavenly Fire Pavilion through your efforts!" Lu Fan quickly replied.
"You're a good kid, eloquent. I like that," Steward Zhao nodded. "However, once you arrive at the Heavenly Fire Pavilion, you must behave. 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 quickly nodded.
Not long after, they arrived at the Heavenly Fire Pavilion. Inside, there were many disciples, as well as numerous pavilions. Each floor of the pavilion had a different temperature of flame.
"Within the Heavenly Fire Pavilion, there are three levels. We, being of low status, can only operate in the first level," Steward Zhao warned. "Kid, don't wander around. If you enter the second level, you'll be beheaded. Even if you aren't beheaded, you'll die a violent death very soon."
"Why is that?" Lu Fan asked, puzzled.
"Within the second level, the flame energy is extremely strong, far beyond what we ordinary people can withstand. There was once a handyman who entered the second level without cause and was burned to ashes," Steward Zhao said frankly. "That's why I'm warning you."
"Thank you for the reminder, Steward Zhao!" Lu Fan cupped his fists, feeling quite grateful. This old man seemed decent, though a bit greedy, he was still somewhat upright.
Upon arriving at the kitchen, Steward Zhao spoke to a large, fat man. "Big Head, I'm entrusting him to 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 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, because he understood very well that the Green Lotus Sacred Fire must be there.
After a day of menial labor, everyone was tired and returned to their quarters. Lu Fan also went to his small courtyard, sharing it with Big Head.
"You must have a purpose for coming to the Heavenly Fire Pavilion, 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 does so with the hope of improving their cultivation one day. However, not many are as lucky as you to be assigned to the kitchen. I suppose Steward Zhao has already been quite accommodating to you."