Within Xiao Yan’s heart, a storm of shock and awe surged, yet his face betrayed no change. His hand within his sleeve gently rubbed the jade of Tuo She Ancient Emperor a few times before he took a deep breath. The ancient jade, which had long been silent, began to stir at this moment. It was clear that this was due to the domain of lava. More accurately, it was because of the bottom of the Lava World. Xiao Yan was eighty percent certain that something linked to the Tuo She Ancient Emperor Jade must exist beneath the seemingly endless sea of molten lava! Recalling Xun Er’s words, that the Tuo She Ancient Emperor Jade was left by an almighty Battle King, a surge of scorching emotion welled up in Xiao Yan’s heart. A Battle King is a supreme being who stands at the pinnacle of power in this world. Though Xiao Yan had never witnessed a Battle King’s strength firsthand, he could vaguely imagine the terrifying dominance with which they could shake the world with a mere gesture. An item left behind by a Battle King could unleash waves of blood and turmoil on the continent, of course. Such an item would undoubtedly be the cause of the chaos. Put simply, if Xiao Yan could obtain the remnants left by a Battle King, he might just gain the true power to challenge the Soul Temple! This was a proposition filled with great temptation for Xiao Yan.
Swimming like a fish through the lava, Xiao Yan couldn’t help but glance over his shoulder. The red magma blocked his view, but he could still faintly see the chilling pitch-blackness at the very bottom of the Lava World—perhaps there lay a clue to the Tuo She Ancient Emperor. The burning anticipation in his eyes lingered for a moment before fading as he gradually recovered from his shock. Slowly, he exhaled, and the fire in his eyes dissipated. He did not turn to head towards the bottom of the lava, for though he knew it would trigger a reaction from the Tuo She Ancient Emperor Jade, he also understood the incredible danger lurking there. To save his father and the Alchemist Elder, he needed power, yes, but only if he survived. Xiao Yan had faced many dangerous situations before, but there were always limits. This time, venturing into the mysterious depths of the magma, he had no confidence that he would escape unscathed. If he lost his life, even the mightiest power would be of no use.
Moreover, the Tuo She Ancient Emperor Jade was a key to unlocking something left behind by the Tuo She Ancient Emperor. But what if the thing in the depths of the lava was indeed related to the jade? Xiao Yan knew that the key in his possession was only a part of a larger whole. Even if he found the ancient emperor’s legacy, he’d merely sigh in lament, holding a piece of a broken key. With his current strength, he could barely pass through the flames, let alone face the terrifying presence even the Venerable Heavenly Fire feared. Perhaps after countless sacrifices, he would end up empty-handed—a price he could not afford.
As these thoughts raced through his mind, Xiao Yan slowly calmed down. Gritting his teeth, he turned his head and discreetly placed the ancient jade back into his ring. He was carrying the soul of the Venerable Heavenly Fire, and he was no Phramacist Elder. Things like the Tuo She Ancient Emperor Jade, capable of catching the eye of Dou Zun, could not be revealed to anyone. Thus, the events here must be kept a secret. Perhaps, when he truly possessed the power, he could confidently return to the Lava World to unravel its mysteries! But not now. This secret, he must guard alone, for if word got out, the tranquility of Can Nan Academy would be forever shattered!
Calming his agitation, Xiao Yan shook his sleeves, and a burst of Dou Qi erupted, accelerating his speed. With the Venerable Heavenly Fire helping to mask the flow of lava, he sped up without fear of detection by the flame lizards. The Venerable Heavenly Fire’s assistance made the journey smoother, and after about ten minutes, he left the area where the flame lizards dwelled. The temperature and pressure in the lava significantly decreased, indicating that he was close to the surface of the Lava Sea.
Heaving a sigh of relief, Xiao Yan gazed at the increasingly bright lava above. Then, turning back, he murmured, “I will return.”
“Plunge!”
The serene Lava Sea, motionless and silent, was suddenly disturbed by a splashing sound. A figure, enveloped in green flames, shot out from the lava, hovering in mid-air, gasping with a relieved smile on his face. “Finally, I’m out of that accursed place…”
Wiping the cold sweat from his forehead, Xiao Yan chuckled. This underground expedition had been perilous, yet he had gained valuable benefits. Not only had he resolved the hidden dangers of the Inner College’s Heaven Burning Tower, but he had also acquired a fire control technique that could match a Heavenly Rank skill when honed to perfection. Most importantly, he had once again obtained the soul of a Dou Zun level expert. If Xiao Yan could restore the Venerable Heavenly Fire’s soul, he would have a super-strong bodyguard for a year—a period more than sufficient for him.
Gazing at the white storage ring on his finger, Xiao Yan’s lips curled. The scene reminded him of his first encounter with the Alchemist Elder in Wutan City. A warm feeling welled up in his heart. Gently touching the flame mark on his forehead, Xiao Yan clenched his fists, whispering to himself, “Soul Temple, wait for me. I will come for you, and all accounts will be settled then!”
“Finally, I can see the world beyond the lava again. How I missed it…” A phantom figure in a white robe floated out from the storage ring, the Venerable Heavenly Fire gazing at the surrounding mountains, sighing.
Xiao Yan smiled and grasped the air, a black shadow shooting towards him, transforming into a heavy ruler in his hand. “Xiao Yan, my soul is extremely weak and cannot stay for long. I entrust the task of restoring my soul to you. Remember, the time I can manifest is limited. You must hurry…”
Nodding, Xiao Yan replied, “Venerable Heavenly Fire, please rest assured. Xiao Yan is not one to take benefits without effort.”
Not long after, Xiao Yan would set off for the Central Plains. To survive in that land of powerful experts, he needed more power, whether innate or external. If he could quickly restore the Venerable Heavenly Fire’s soul, he would gain a formidable ally. This would bring him numerous benefits, so he would not skimp on effort.
The Venerable Heavenly Fire nodded in satisfaction. “If you have any questions while cultivating the ‘Five-Flame Separation Technique,’ feel free to ask. Since you helped me, I won’t hold back.”
“Then, thank you in advance,” Xiao Yan smiled, bowing to the Venerable Heavenly Fire.
The Venerable Heavenly Fire waved his hand. His soul, having expended its energy, became more ethereal. Smiling wryly, he sighed and transformed into light, returning to the storage ring.
Watching the Venerable Heavenly Fire return to the ring, Xiao Yan shrugged and looked up at the deep hole leading to the Heaven Burning Tower. Hesitating, he decided not to leave. He was getting closer to the six-star Battle Emperor stage. Given the effectiveness of the Flame Pearls, he estimated that within a month, he would reach this new level.
Despite its dangers, the Lava World was a treasure trove for cultivation. As his departure for the Central Plains drew near, he needed to strengthen himself as much as possible. In the Central Plains, where many dragons hid, his current strength wouldn’t amount to much. To gain a top-ten ranking at the Continental Alchemist Assembly, crowded with geniuses, was no easy feat. These goals required immense effort and dedication.
With his mind made up, Xiao Yan wasted no time. Diving into the cave, he quickly sat cross-legged, his face serious. This time, he would strive to break through to the six-star Battle Emperor stage as quickly as possible.
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage