The list of the bizarre flames, known as the “Flame Codex,” records twenty-three types of unique and peculiar flames discovered across the continent. Each flame on this esteemed list is coveted by countless individuals, and even the faintest whispers concerning them can cause a massive uproar. This has been repeatedly confirmed over time. Each bizarre flame possesses its own unique power. However, as with any hierarchy, there are strengths and weaknesses among these flames. Xiao Yan’s first acquired flame, the Cyan Lotus Earth Heart Flame, only ranks nineteenth on the codex. Besides its fiercely explosive heat, it seems to have the ability to trigger volcanic eruptions. Though, up until now, Xiao Yan has not attempted such a feat himself and thus, the truth of it remains uncertain.
The second type of flame, ranked fourteenth, is the Fallen Heart Flame. Being an elusive and formless fire, it shares a similar level of destructive power to that of the Cyan Lotus Earth Heart Flame. However, it excels in its strangeness and most notably, it holds a coveted effect: it can assist in refining one’s internal Dou Qi, thereby accelerating the pace of cultivation.
Since learning of the Flame Codex, the highest-ranked flame that Xiao Yan has encountered is none other than Old Medicinal Elder’s Bone Spirit Cold Fire, which stands at eleventh rank. In terms of destructive prowess, it far surpasses Xiao Yan’s two flames. Only his amalgamation of the Glazed Lotus Heart Flame might match it. The higher-ranked flames, however, remain a mystery to Xiao Yan, their names and attributes unknown.
The Bone Spirit Cold Fire, ranked eleventh, already bears tremendous and unimaginable destructive potential. It’s hard to fathom the terrifying power of the Heavenly Sacred Lotus Flame, holding the third position. According to Old Medicinal Elder, he had never once seen or heard of anyone possessing such a flame. Such a rarity seemed to be almost non-existent; how the creator of the Flame Codex managed to document and rank it remains a profound mystery.
Xiao Yan once casually learned from Old Medicinal Elder that the top five flames on the Flame Codex were essentially enigmas, existing only by name with no sightings, even throughout his era. Driven by his pride in his abilities, he originally vowed to obtain a flame amongst the top five to match his status. Yet, after expending boundless time and effort, acquiring even a top-ten ranked flame proved unattainable. In the end, he settled for the eleventh-ranked Bone Spirit Cold Fire. Even then, the task of acquiring it was fraught with peril, underscoring the formidable nature of these rare flames.
Recalling the moment back in the cave when he first pieced together parts of the broken ancient map and identified the mysterious black marks, Old Medicinal Elder was staggered. Little did he expect that something he had long sought without leads would lie hidden in such a secluded place.
As Xiao Yan reflected on the history and lore of the strange flames, he sighed softly before leaping from his bed and approaching the table. There, he meticulously aligned the several faded and fragmented portions of the old map. As the maps came together, a web of routes gradually connected. Still, for these markings, Xiao Yan had no clue. With his limited knowledge, he couldn’t pinpoint the exact locations depicted.
Running his fingers gently over the map, Xiao Yan’s gaze rested on the missing corner. From his calculations, the complete map should consist of four parts. Currently, he held three. If he could acquire the final piece, perhaps he could discover the true location of the Heavenly Sacred Lotus Flame.
However, finding the final segment within the vast expanse of the Dou Qi Continent posed a colossal challenge—akin to searching for a needle in a haystack. Moreover, such a task cannot be undertaken openly. Given the multitude of powerful cultivators across the continent, exposure to even a hint of the Heavenly Sacred Lotus Flame could lead to innumerable troubles.
Xiao Yan couldn’t help but let out a wry smile, realizing that his acquisition of these three map fragments was purely serendipitous. Obtaining another fragment wouldn’t be nearly as easy. “Ah, I know so little about the Dou Qi Continent. Any information I have is nil, and finding the last piece of this map is next to impossible…”
Frowning, he mused aloud, “I suppose I need to find someone knowledgeable and trustworthy.” But both Cai Lin and Little Healer Immortal, while trusted, were not well-versed in the secrets of the continent. Tapping his fingers against the table, Xiao Yan sank into deep thought. After a while, his eyes lit up, and he stood, smiling. “How could I forget the Great Elder Su Qian? An elder with many secrets, if I want information on the bizarre flames, he’s the best source.”
“Even if I don’t get the flame, it’s rumored that the headmaster of the Inner Academy is a match for Teacher, a Dou Zun powerhouse. If I can meet him, given our relationship, he might help me with the demonic poison mark.”
Feeling lighter, Xiao Yan carefully stored the map in his storage ring and extinguished the room’s light. Darkness filled the space.
“Are you planning to return to the Black Corner Region?” Medusa asked, surprised.
“Yes,” Xiao Yan nodded. “The headmaster is a Dou Zun. If I can meet him, perhaps he’ll help.”
“Pfft, that old guy is elusive. In all my years, I’ve only seen him once. You might not even catch him,” Zi Yan interjected.
“One must try. Even if I miss him, I can ask the Great Elder about the bizarre flames. If I get another one, I can handle the demonic poison myself,” Xiao Yan replied, unfazed.
“Alright, going to the Black Corner Region is better than staying in the Jia Ma Empire. Do you need me to come along?”
Xiao Yan hesitated. “While your presence would be invaluable, leaving would leave the Burning Flame Alliance and the Snake-People without protection. Could you stay and protect them?”
Medusa furrowed her brows. Sending Xiao Yan alone to the dangerous Black Corner Region troubled her, but she acknowledged the necessity of a Battle Sect to watch over the territory. Xiao Yan’s reasoning was sound.
“Let me go with you. The Poison Sect of the Cloudy Empire has no rivals. My absence won’t matter much,” Little Healer Immortal spoke up, sensing Medusa’s concern.
Xiao Yan was taken aback but nodded. “Thank you. Having you, a Battle Sect, would be invaluable. But you have the entire Poison Sect to manage.”
“If my Poison Body flares up, who will control it? Let me accompany you. Thank you.”
Relieved, Medusa agreed. “If that’s the case, when do you leave?”
“Tomorrow. Now…” Xiao Yan smiled, revealing a jade bottle sealed with an invisible flame. Staring at it, he said, “First, let’s see what I can pry out of this fellow about the Soul Palace.”
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