Passing through the Sacred Gate and undergoing the baptism of True Fire, Huo Ling’er’s forehead shimmered with a crystalline glow. A tiny Vermilion Bird mark flickered upon it, resembling a lotus at first glance—vibrant red, as if dripping with life. Her raven-black hair cascaded freely, and her jade-white body radiated a mesmerizing luster, captivating all who beheld her. At this moment, she was truly enchanting, exuding an irresistible allure.
With delicate steps on her snow-white feet, Huo Ling’er approached, her intoxicating fragrance filling the air. A hint of confusion flickered in her starry eyes—why was this fellow staring so wide-eyed? Yet, a trace of smugness also surfaced. Normally so arrogant and ruthless, today he was utterly spellbound, his gaze locked onto her.
“Here you are, it’s not my fault, beautiful chubby one. Since it’s come to this, let’s celebrate with fervor! Break free from the shackles of mortality—let the heavens rejoice!” The holy terror’s eyes burned with intensity as he spread his arms wide, embracing her with an overwhelming “bear hug.”
Huo Ling’er hadn’t intended any celebration. Having passed through the Sacred Gate, she was brimming with joy and had turned back merely to flaunt her pride, teasing the holy terror for his dumbstruck expression. Only when the “fervent embrace” actually happened did she realize the problem—no wonder the usually ruthless brat was acting so dazed, his eyes wide and gleaming with mischief.
“Ah—!” A piercing shriek erupted, sharp enough to shatter metal and stone, echoing through the Sacred Imperial Palace and reverberating over the sea of magma. This sensation… She couldn’t believe it—she was completely exposed, her ivory-like body bare, not a stitch of clothing left.
“My ears are going deaf!” Shi Hao winced, his ears ringing as his arms encircled her pristine, jade-like form. It felt extraordinary—soft, fragrant, and utterly intoxicating. His hands traced down her back, gliding over her snow-white skin, smooth as satin, before finally resting on the curves of her waist.
Huo Ling’er shrieked again as his hands roamed from her delicate shoulders down to her slender waist, sending jolts through her like an electric shock. This was outrageous! A true “bear hug,” and an utterly shameless one at that! His hands ventured lower, making her stiffen in shock, her curves tensing in outrage.
“Go die!” Finally snapping out of her daze, she shoved him away with all her might, breaking free from the “fervent celebration.” How dare he?!
At that moment, the holy terror’s hands happened to be gripping her curves, and the sudden push made him reflexively squeeze—hard.
Huo Ling’er yelped, her body recoiling like a spring, goosebumps erupting across her flawless skin. The abruptness of it all sent her stumbling backward.
Everything had happened in the blink of an eye, much of it instinctive. Her eyes widened in disbelief, her entire body burning with embarrassment. Her fair skin flushed a delicate pink—how could this have happened?!
“You—!” She was speechless.
Shi Hao, meanwhile, stared ahead unabashedly. Her tall, jade-like figure, cascading hair, and blushing skin painted a breathtaking picture, like a masterpiece come to life.
“Turn around! Look away!” Huo Ling’er snapped, her face burning with fury and shame. She swiftly summoned a spatial artifact, pulling out a fiery red dress and hastily draping it over herself.
Shi Hao, ever the obedient one, turned as instructed—then immediately turned back to keep watching.
“I said turn around!” she shrieked.
“I did what you said,” he muttered.
Her eyes blazed with murderous intent, but thankfully, she had already slipped into the dress, concealing her alluring curves—though her flushed cheeks and heaving chest betrayed her lingering fury.
“What’s wrong? Don’t get too worked up,” the holy terror said innocently.
“You—!” She pointed at him, nearly fainting from rage.
Silence fell. Huo Ling’er finally steadied her breathing, but the memory of what just happened made her want to strangle him.
“This isn’t over. Come here—let me beat you up.”
“Fine.” Shi Hao stepped forward.
“Stop!” she suddenly shouted—but it was too late.
Flames erupted, engulfing him in a blazing inferno.
This was the Sacred Gate’s trial—a brutal, life-or-death ordeal where nine out of ten perished, reduced to ashes. The entrance was littered with blackened remains, remnants of past Fire Clan elites who had failed.
“Retreat, now!” Huo Ling’er cried, her eyes wide with alarm.
But it was futile. The flames had already claimed him. Unless he passed the trial, the True Fire would never extinguish.
“It’s over…” Her face paled. This trial was meant for the Fire Clan, whose bloodline carried the Vermilion Bird’s essence. The stronger one’s potential, the greater the rewards. Awakening the Vermilion Blood would grant immunity to flames and enhance the body immensely, accelerating mastery of fire-based divine arts.
For an outsider without the bloodline, this was a death sentence.
“Damn, this hurts!” Shi Hao’s pained groan echoed from within the flames.
“You’re… alive?!” The Fire Princess gasped.
Shi Hao gritted his teeth, his skin blistering and peeling under the scorching heat. He had already been burned earlier by Little Red, and now the agony was unbearable. Yet, he wasn’t turning to ash—instead, he was resisting, enduring the flames.
Old skin sloughed off, revealing new, radiant flesh beneath. Though the pain was excruciating, his body wasn’t splitting apart—instead, the fire tempered him, refining his physique.
“So this is the true meaning—forging the golden body through fire!” Huo Ling’er realized.
For non-Fire Clan members, only the strongest could survive this trial, enduring the flames through sheer physical might. And Shi Hao was doing just that.
She recalled his battle against Shi Yi in the Void God Realm—his body had been compared to the Indestructible Vajra Body of the Western Paradise Sect. Now, that legendary resilience was on full display.
“Incredible… Only the supreme prodigies of ancient times achieved this,” she murmured in awe.
“Ow, ow, ow—!” The holy terror howled, but it was clear he wasn’t about to be reduced to cinders.
Without the Vermilion Blood, he relied solely on his monstrous physique. The flames seared his skin, organs, and even his marrow—yet his body refused to yield.
Time passed. Eventually, his charred skin shed entirely, revealing fresh, luminous flesh beneath. The flames sputtered from his bones before finally extinguishing.
With a final *puff*, the last ember died. The Sacred Gate fell silent.
Shi Hao grimaced, the pain fading as his wounds rapidly healed. The fire had contained divine essence—first cutting like blades, then nourishing like water.
Now, his body felt indomitable. In the Engraving Realm, he no longer needed to temper his physique—only focus on laws and the Dao.
Forged in fire, his golden body was complete.
Shi Hao grinned. The torment had been worth it—saving him years of grueling cultivation.
Then he noticed his predicament—his clothes had been incinerated, leaving him stark naked.
Not that he cared, but Huo Ling’er had already turned away, her back rigid.
Unfazed, he casually pulled on a new robe and declared, “Now we’re even. You peeked at me too—never seen such a perfect body before, huh?”
Huo Ling’er clenched her fists, resisting the urge to punch him. “You… utter scoundrel!”
“I know you’re jealous. To make it fair, I’ll let you hug me too. How about it?” His shameless grin widened as he sauntered forward.
“Disgusting!” she spat, her flawless face twisted in frustration. She scanned the area, itching to find a divine artifact to smite him with.
“Not very sporting. I celebrated your success, but when I pass, you don’t even congratulate me.”
“How can you be this shameless?!”
“My heart is pure. I see the world with clarity, free of impure thoughts. Unlike you—what wicked ideas were swirling in that head of yours? Out of compassion, I’d gladly help you indulge them.”
“Die, you thick-skinned fiend!” she snapped, bestowing upon him a new title.
The grand hall stretched endlessly, its vastness defying comprehension. Towering pillars rose like celestial supports, holding up the heavens themselves.
As they ventured deeper, an indistinct chanting gradually grew louder—a soul-stirring mantra that swelled into a deafening roar.
“What is this?” Shi Hao murmured, unable to decipher the words.
Huo Ling’er’s brows furrowed before her eyes widened in realization. “This… is the supreme scripture of the Fire Dao!”
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