As his steps drew closer to the colossal dragon, the might of the dragon grew increasingly powerful, and there was a faint sense that it would make Xiao Yan’s legs feel weak, as if he were about to kneel. Noticing this change, Xiao Yan’s brows slightly furrowed. This Three Thousand Purifying Flame truly was bizarre; could it truly regard itself as an ancient Void Dragon? As this thought flashed through his mind, Xiao Yan became more cautious. From the aura alone, the Three Thousand Purifying Flame far surpassed the Falling Heart Flame from back then. If he was not careful, and met with disaster, he would regret it deeply.
Under the intense gazes of the crowd, after a moment, Xiao Yan finally stood before the colossal dragon. His body hovered above its head, and from afar, compared to the enormous body of the Three Thousand Purifying Flame, his figure was practically negligible. Now that he was in close proximity to the Three Thousand Purifying Flame, Xiao Yan once again felt the overwhelming power it exuded. In terms of size, he was probably no larger than a single scale on the creature’s body.
Standing before the enormous dragon, although the eyes of the Three Thousand Purposing Flame were tightly shut, Xiao Yan had a strange feeling. It seemed as if the huge creature was staring at him with a cold gaze. This sensation made Xiao Yan feel a chill down his spine, and he quickly focused his mind.
“Xiao Yan, place your palm on the forehead of the Three Thousand Purifying Flame. There is a scale there that is not covered by the purple-black flames. Then, infuse your soul force into it. If you are lucky, you might be able to subdue it,” Hill’s voice suddenly called out from behind, breaking the silence.
Hearing this, Xiao Yan couldn’t help but chuckle bitterly. The Three Thousand Purifying Flame was not so easily subdued. Yet, though he thought this, Xiao Yan moved forward according to the instructions and found the gigantic scale that lacked the surrounding flames.
Scanning the scale, Xiao Yan noticed thin black lines resembling spider silk covering the entire surface. These lines intertwined, forming intricate and strange runes, which clung tightly to the scale, resembling an enormous black web that enveloped the Three Thousand Purifying Flame.
“Is this… a seal?” Seeing the black line symbols, Xiao Yan’s eyes flickered. His gaze swept over the other scales, and indeed, they too were covered with these same black line symbols. He realized that these must be the seals set by Xuan Kongzi and his companions.
“This is a powerful seal, countless times stronger than the one on the Fallen Heart Flame back in the Inner Academy,” Xiao Yan muttered, amazed by the strength of the sealing power. Without further delay, he stepped forward and placed his palm on the unburning scale. To his surprise, there was no heat, but instead, a faint coldness. Yet, he did not have time to ponder, and closed his eyes, allowing his soul force to carefully flow through his arm and into the scale.
The moment his soul force entered the scale, the attention of Hill, Cao Ying, and Elder Mu Bone turned towards him.
*Bam!*
After Xiao Yan’s soul force entered the scale, a faint, deep sound suddenly echoed, and Xiao Yan’s soul seemed to break through something, appearing in a strange, void-like place. This void was filled with purplish-black flames, and at the center, there was a miniature version of the colossal dragon, but it was asleep, its eyes closed.
Seeing the little fire dragon with its eyes closed, Xiao Yan knew that this was the origin flame of the Three Thousand Purifying Flame. Even though he knew it would be extremely difficult to obtain it, this did not prevent his eyes from burning with desire. The object of his dreams was finally within reach.
Taking a deep breath to calm his excitement, Xiao Yan’s soul force slowly dispersed, floating towards the little fire dragon and gently wrapping around its body, continuously emitting gentle and friendly signals.
Although this method seemed childish, it was all he could think of at the moment. After a few moments, Xiao Yan realized to his dismay that there was no response.
“This method truly won’t work…” Xiao Yan shook his head in frustration. Just as he was about to withdraw his soul force, he noticed that the little fire dragon, which had its eyes closed, suddenly opened them. Its eyes, filled with purplish-black flames, stared at Xiao Yan’s soul with a cold glare.
Every hair on Xiao Yan’s body stood on end, and his scalp tingled. This origin flame of the Three Thousand Purifying Flame was clearly not asleep.
“Stupid human,” the fire dragon spat out a chilling phrase, filled with mockery.
“This Three Thousand Purifying Flame can speak!” Hearing this, Xiao Yan’s mouth twitched. Back then, the Fallen Heart Flame seemed extraordinary, but this Three Thousand Purifying Flame was even more formidable, able to speak and mock. Truly, anything that lived long enough would become a spirit.
*Cough* “I… I came here to rescue you, to give you freedom…” Xiao Yan’s words sounded incredibly false, even making his skin crawl.
“Go away!” Facing Xiao Yan’s “heartfelt” words, the mocking in the Three Thousand Purifying Flame’s eyes only intensified. This time, it did not waste any more words. A cold word rang out!
Before Xiao Yan could say anything else, purplish-black flames erupted from the fire dragon’s body, spreading out and rushing towards him.
Seeing this, Xiao Yan’s face changed. He knew he was no match for the Three Thousand Purifying Flame, and his soul force hurriedly retreated.
*Sizzle!*
He retreated quickly, but the purplish-black flames were even faster, and in a flash, they caught up and swept Xiao Yan’s soul force into the flames, turning it into nothingness.
Within the starry realm, Xiao Yan’s hand still touching the scale, his eyes snapped open, and he quickly withdrew his hand, retreating swiftly. The Three Thousand Purifying Flame was too vicious, completely vaporizing his soul force.
After a string of curses, Xiao Yan wiped the cold sweat from his brow and turned to Hill and the others, shrugging his shoulders. “It failed. That guy is too fierce.”
Hearing this, disappointment flashed in Hill’s eyes, and he nodded. “Since that is the case, then let the next person try.”
As soon as he spoke, Elder Mu Bone stepped forward, but when he saw him move, a cold glint appeared in Hill’s eyes, and he stepped forward to block him.
“Haha, what? Is the Great Elder Hill not allowing me to make a move? It seems the so-called qualification of the Pill Gathering is entirely based on the Pill Tower’s preference,” Elder Mu Bone sneered.
“Elder Mu Bone, I advise you not to play any tricks. Otherwise…”
“If I can subdue the Three Thousand Purifying Flame, wouldn’t that remove a great threat for your Pill Tower?” Elder Mu Bone smiled and then walked past Hill, approaching the Three Thousand Purifying Flame.
Hill’s hand tightened in his sleeve, and he signaled Xiao Yan, Cao Ying, and the others to be alert. Then, he turned and followed closely behind Elder Mu Bone, his enormous dou qi fluctuating without restraint around him, ready to strike at any sign of trouble.
Elder Mu Bone’s lips curled into a sneer at Hill’s watchful eyes and touched the scale before closing his eyes.
As Elder Mu Bone’s eyes closed, the dou qi within Xiao Yan, Cao Ying, and the others also gathered quietly, prepared to react if he tried any tricks.
To their surprise, there was no sudden movement. After about ten minutes, Elder Mu Bone’s eyes suddenly opened, and he took a couple of steps back, frowning and cursing under his breath.
Seeing Elder Mu Bone fail and the Three Thousand Purifying Flame remain unchanged, Hill finally relaxed and said, “Next.”
In the following moments, the remaining individuals all attempted to subdue the flame, but each one failed, with one weaker individual even spitting blood onto the dragon’s head.
When the last person also failed, Hill sighed, his eyes showing his disappointment. “Since no one can subdue it, let us return.”
As Hill waved his hand, Xiao Yan suddenly noticed a strange smile curling on Elder Mu Bone’s lips, sending a chill down his spine.
“Hehe, Hill, like this, you will never be able to subdue the Three Thousand Purifying Flame. Next, let this old man show you a proper demonstration!”
The sudden, eerie laughter caused everyone’s faces to turn pale.
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