As for Ziyan’s true form, after many years of research, Xiao Yan had gradually gained clarity. An魔兽 capable of feasting on ancient bizarre creatures like the Tianyao Phoenix must be the enigmatic Tai Xu Ancient Dragon from the demonic beast world, who else could it be? Moreover, being adept at spatial traversal, the rare displays of magical might Ziyan occasionally manifested were closely linked with spatial manipulation. Even before, when she mysteriously accessed the alchemical domain and emerged seemingly at will, the clues pointed toward this conclusion; Ziyan was, without a doubt, the Tai Xu Ancient Dragon. Regarding this highly mysterious creature, Xiao Yan had but brief mentions from whispers and rumors; he’d never had the occasion to view their appearance himself, yet Ziyan now suggested that the Sanqian Burning炎 Fire had indeed borne the form of the dragon. Could this imply the Sanqian Burning炎 Fire had some kind of link to the Tai Xu Ancient Dragons?
Noticing Xiao Yan’s contemplative expression, Ziyan dismissed the tiny violet-dragon form from her hand casually, explaining, “The Sanqian Burning炎 Fire is wild to the extremes. Capturing and controlling it forcefully is an impossible feat; not even the Three Grand Elders from the Pill Clan stand capable. Combined with the fact that this fire has developed substantial intelligence, would it readily submit to absorption voluntarily?”
Xiao Yan lapsed into silence. With the Sanqian Burning炎 Fire possessing intelligence indeed, it would naturally disdain control or subjugation. If coercion seemed the only route, destruction appeared futile since the Sanqian Burning炎 Fire was rumored immortal, impossible to be destroyed totally. Thus, even a practitioner as formidable as Xuankong would hesitate against such a blaze.
“So that suggests taming the Sanqian Burning炎 Fire is no easy endeavor,” Xiao Yan pondered.
“With all due credit, perhaps you could see it that way. Danza’s top elites underestimated this blazing phenomenon. Harking on the dream of some fabled encounter between fate-filled beings who resonate enough so as to form a perfect link was wishfully optimistic; if it already possesses intellect, what fool willingly ventures along with an intruder? Were it me, do you suppose submission were second nature?” Ziyan shrugged dismissively.
Nodding, Xiao Yan acknowledged such bluntness held its truths—controlling the Burning炎 seemed tougher than he first anticipated.
After moments spent in reflection, his attention redirected itself sharply onto Ziyan, querying shrewdly, “If you chose interweave in this dilemma, it’s implied you may have devised an alternative plan?”
A smug laugh spilled free as Ziyan revealed two little tiger-shaped teeth while she shook her head boastfully, responding, “Ever wonder why Burning炎 bears my kind’s visage so impeccably?”
“Admittedly ignorant on such,” Xiao Yan honestly replied.
“Withheld by awe-inspiring revelation; thus, allow a revelation—a tale of guardianship!—For centuries, the ancient flames resided as our tribe’s cherished ward,” came the casual assertion that dropped Xiao Yan bowl mid-sip amidst its impact.
Gasping in disbelief, he demanded clarity—recounting the revelation that his ancestors’ tribe marked this ember early on.
Amid disbelief etching further upon his features, a long spell ensued silent thought before sinking dejectedly into sitting stance again; having labored extensively all leading hence for Burning炎 Fire ownership, and now, unexpectedly learning otherwise—was this relic still bound?
“If such ancient ties maintained relevance, indeed, claim was possible,” murmured Xiyan before easing matters. “Fortunately, records indicate said forefather vanished forever following one inter-dimensional exploration; likely departed entirely.”
Relief washed briefly onto Xiao Yan’s drained face as cold sweat faded—having strained himself relentlessly towards his cherished purpose; learning now of established ownership from others could shake stronger hearts!
Ziyan chuckled gleefully, adding:“Count yourself immensely fortunate for this embedded draconian印记, for if such ancestral marking weren’t already within fire’s depths awaiting, opportunity likely dwindled for common men.”
As she spoke, a small jade vial arose within reach from her hand revealing a faintly glimmering viscous golden liquid—intoxicating waves of potent ancient-dragon威 spiraled outward. Intrigued and puzzled, he inquired:
“What’s this exactly?”
“Pure dragon blood! Offer your palm,” she commanded.
Though confused, obedience followed hand extension. With precise application, just one drop from vial stained his palm followed quickly by mystical transformations; flowing, morphing until an otherworldly glyph adhered firmly onto his hand.
“Will such suffice my task now, controlling flames?” asked excitement flickering eyes.
“Funny you’d dream so easily…” Ziyan smirked, elaborating: “Take this vial. On journeying through astral gates, find moments where trace amounts applied upon炎 Fire’s brow might coax emergence of ancient印记 buried beneath flame essence; however, await weakened foes’ opportune timing—their strength compromised—for higher potential yielding success.”
Curiously he pressed: “Failures—how are they addressed?”
Silently contemplative before answering, Ziyan’s reply finally broke forth timid apprehension:
“A double-edged印记. Control may flip—your will subdued instead; failure implies yielding yourself unto炎 Fire.”
The notion struck both as jolt—Xiaoyan’s companion sternly reacted with disbelief and reprimand against Ziyan’s casual brush toward perilous stakes.
“Only reckless determination paves this route—since Sanqian焱炎 remains essentially immortal. Do you think it fearful even of extinction? You think longevity surpassable? Outrunning flame persistence is no option—it remains,” she reasoned stubbornly as Xiao Yan winced reluctantly—a gamble heavy but seemingly only option.
Accepting vial’s weight, Xiao Yan murmured approval with heavy caution, to which Ziyan countered: “This imprint comes painstaking from an unsuspectingly drowsing senior, superior against those left hastily long eons by now obsolete ancestors! If well-placed upon opportune vulnerable stages within焱，seize the chance boldly—the odds tilt highly.”
With a helpless laugh, Xiao Yan realized no ordinary mischief but grander audacity governed her; indeed, her kin suffered untold antics recently, no doubt.
“Very well—I’ll entrust fate’s gamble this once…” He tucked item inside alchemy ring as he rose toward Xiaoyin’s worrisome demeanor for comfort; reassuring that discretion assured survival instincts dictated action. Witnessing their interactions momentarily, Little Immortal Healer relented with resigned nod while glaring briefly at a visibly smug Ziyan.
Gently toying with his ring while gazing through the windows to endless skies afar—every endeavor to chase Sanqian焱炎 across vast landscapes from Heijiao Territory to Zenith Lands—years spent leading toward this decisive moment.
Two days passed fleet, amidst eager spectators.
As first morning light painted horizon golden hues, tranquility of Sanctified Pill City abruptly shattered amidst gathering crowds thrashing towards Pagoda direction. This very very dawn heralded top-tier candidates entering the celestial Star Domain, set upon taming Burning炎. Countless curious souls wondered whether this time—might it finally bow humbly after decades sealed away?
By noon, as midheaven’s blazing light illuminated fervor, masses crowded every corner.
Above bustling streets three silhouettes departed pagoda apex upwards in a flash, hovering majestically before skyward spectators.
“All competitors intending Pill Sanctuary entry prepare yourselves!” came Xuankong’s resonating command, his voice rolling through atmosphere from aerial grandstands.
Like hounds unbound, competitors launched airborne toward summons. Ten famed names from ten trials emerged. Amid hovering silhouettes lay the ten finalists—prominent among them stood Xiao Yan amidst peers.
Cold sweeping eyes from all three overseers settled heavily over Mu Gu, the scorned one, grinning below amidst them. However unaffected he seemed, the oppressive stares unnerving yet unyielding stance—understanding their restraint amidst crowds.
Exchange of significant glances passed. Three grand hand seals enacted—rippling with soulforce that summoned celestial phenomena—the empty sky quivered in response and as consequence, a silvery portal emerged, shimmering into focus for masses gathered.
“This elder oversees your pilgrimage,” declared Xuankong, directing sight past gate toward entrants, his tone steely, his aura sharpening, as final command bellowd—
“Forth—enter.”
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