Within the grand hall, members made quick introductions before settling into their seats.
“Aside from forces in the Black Horn Domain already wiped out by the Hall of Souls, prior invaders have since been eradicated,” began Xiao Yan, glancing across the company assembled. At this remark Su Qian and others couldn’t hide a subtle tremble in their expressions—possessed of such monstrous might, it wouldn’t be out of the question for them to reduce the whole Black Horn Domain to crimson ruins.
“I’m certain the Black Horn has no particular blood feud nor grudge with these invaders. Or so it would appear,” mused Su Qian unhappily. As a force from the Central Plains, the Hall of Souls rarely interfered this territory; this attack therefore struck him as bewilderingly unprovoked.
Meeting eyes with Mang Tianchi across the room, Xiao Yan gave a small nod. Whereafter Mang Tianchi spoke, carefully relating to those assembled certain crucial events unfolded in the Central Plains lately—including notably the formation of our Coalition against the Souls’ Clan.
“That fellow—truly one-of-a-kind! Just a handful of decades and you’ve already reached the point where…” exclaimed Su Qian, his gaze lingering on Xiao Yan curiously. Despite a degree of brevity characterizing Mang’s recount, he nonetheless detected an undercurrent of sheer breathtaking turbulence.
By their side, elders Qianbai echoed his approval with knowing nods. Back then—as Xiao Yan bade leave of the Black Horn—he bore merely the cultivation level of Sky Sovereign (Battle Emperor). However, now…he ranks among such rare individuals capable of going toe-to-toe with a Celestial Being, across heaven and earth.
Truly—his rise to such stature had earned collective astonishment and recognition.
“Then according to Director Mang, we’ve brought disaster upon this domain because of whatever resides underneath this very magma world of yours!” observed elders Qianbai to one another in astonished tones.
“It’s possible whatever lies in magma’s depths is exactly what those from the Souls’ Clan are seeking,” Mang Tianchi affirmed. “Their methods are notoriously ruthless and ruthless beyond calculation; slaying every single life-form here won’t give them pause as they strive to obtain what they so desperately seek.”
“The vanguard force that approached us was merely the precursor—greater waves are sure to follow soon enough. When that happens,” said Xiao Yan, “this location will surely witness titanic and world-shaking battle. Thus—it is important we do not continue keeping these pupils within harm’s line-of-effect.”
At the prospect of a catastrophe descending from out-of-nowhere—when all had intended was quietly educating the younger generation—the group exchanged weary smiles laced with bitter recognition. And this storm of trouble centered unmistakably around one of all Dou Qi’s most fearsomely established clans—the Souls.
“Were you not on time with your intervention, this entire Black Horn might today already been drenched with bloodshed…” murmured Su Qian with deepening gratitude, mindful especially of witnessing firsthand the brutal tactics that were deployed.
“One need not fret Director. Though formidable, the Souls’ Clan can expect little mercy from Our Coalition Force. Be assured—that no part nor parcel of this Jia Nan Educational Grounds shall be permitted the privilege to fall at the hands of marauders without our resistance…” Xiao Yan added reassuringly.
“It was our fortune as a community of institution—so long as none among those trained suffer,” was how Director Su chose to deflect. His gaze then fell affectionately at Xiao Yan; a measure both tender and proud was detectible in the man’s tone as he added softly but earnestly: “It still warms my heart greatly knowing how thoroughly the youthful boy’s been transformed. And how fully he has risen as our generation’s truly worthy contender indeed.”
“My Director’s kindness and training have remained deeply etched ever since. It will never fade from memory,” offered Xiao Yan modestly—with genuine feeling underlining his utterances. In certain respects at least, Su Qian truly deserved half the credit that a teacher normally earned. From the days of early arrival as greenhorn into this school’s fold—Xiao bore much from Su Qian’s care, in particular during an era of still-burdens tied with seeking vengeance—and of escape, flustered and fleeing west out of the shattered Gamara empire (Jia Ma).
“Merely what might be expected of one’s duties,” Su brushed the thanks away with light laughter. “It falls naturally under what all educators may reasonably undertake, as a matter of course.”
“Haha. Now this one,” chuckled Mang, “he already sits virtually face to nose alongside clan chiefs. So speaking, perhaps if hereabouts it still remains for him to hold sway over yours truly…”
Mang Tianchi cackled heartily, already long resigned—and fully prepared—to refer any future queries directly onto someone whose strength he now treated respectfully albeit grudgingly. When first they met—within Vacuum’s Thunderscend Pool—the Xiao Yan of then still held rank of Sky Ascetic.
Who then could have imagined—hardly more than just few years had gone by—next meeting should witness his surpassing Mang entirely? The speed—truly left Mang with nought to counter-express save exasperated amusement mingled awe. For this topmost spot reserved exclusively amongst all youths continentwide—undoubtedly well earned. Yet more gratifying for Mang personally because—was earned through this very institution’s training, where all this youth’s greatness initially germinated, in fact.
XIAO Yan gave an indulgently bemused shake of his head before straightening momentarily serious.
“Director. You might wish increase vigilance for days ahead—as any sighting of hostile members should be promptly sounded. Reinforcement contingents comprising greater portions from the Coalition Forces will shortly be joining our cause.”
“Then where shall we go Xiao Ge Ge (beloved older Brother Xiao)?”, fluttered Miss Xi’er in mild worry.
“I must return again to the magma world,” his visage darkened, a resolute glint emerging. Xiao was resolved on ascertaining precisely just exactly what mystery remained sealed below those blistering depths!
At that pronouncement, gasps of shock arose from the gathered, although quickly replaced by nodding confidence—when recollecting the extent of Xiao’s fearsome cultivation today. Mysterious though the magma’s subterranean domain surely was, his ability would more than suffice enabling a secure egress, should danger arise.
“I’d like to descend alongside you if I may,” she added with fidgeted brows; clearly sensing danger potentially entailed by any supposed ancient palace dwelling hidden beneath here. “After all,”—her pause betrayed anxiety—”remnants left by the Sage Emperor would not likely prove trivial in degree of peril.”
“The venture entails small party sizes as well as continued oversight needs over students here at the school,” he shook his head politely but firmly, with an assuring smile following after. “No worries necessary.” He concluded.
Even supposing a lurking presence matching—or approaching—the level of Master Hall-of-Soul Sovereign himself should await beneath there—he knew it unlikely he could prevail, yet escape still likely possible all the same.
Reluctantly conceding his resolve, Xi’er merely gave a small reluctant nod of compliance.
“Not another moment should delay us—immediate action is imperative.”
No delay—no prolonged hesitation. As decisive with word as action, he sprang upwards and announced his departure.
The elders exchanged another look before offering solemn, unanimous nods of agreement.
Descending to lowest levels deep into the Tian Fen refining steeple tower below, the hidden gateway entrance awaited. Suddenly he flicked a finger and across vast space—flame after flame materialized. Collectible entities known collectively as Unseen Flames—invisible yet burning all the same flew together in formation, until converging into one swirling ball upon his outstretched palm.
“Fallen-heart Fire…” smiled Xiao Yan.
It had grown significantly through decades of care—from that juvenile sprout originally acquired in this fiery underground realm so long ago. No mean cultivation endeavor had it proved! It was precisely these nurturing efforts over decades past—efforts by he who was here now responsible together with others—had successfully made this present tower infinitely more functional than in bygonest ages when the matured variety of such fires remained obstinate and uncontrollable.
Su Qian’s nod carried equal humor as it did affection for shared memories.
A casual finger-snap followed, sending this fiery charge soaring away. He paused for one last glance at Xier and remaining company before:
“Await return…”
“Do take careful caution…”
Voices of parting echoed behind his back as he stood, unwavering now in resolve. No further procrastination awaited—the body itself dissolved into black streaks piercing headfirst directly downwards through the gateway towards depths hidden below.
Even as before—this subterranean magma world had changed little appearance-wise in the passing many years that had elapsed—vibrant with red heat in all visible expanse, endless expanse in every direction. He hovered there above a vast bubbling sea whose surface remained restless eternally; the distant opening far above—the entrance tunnel itself—was dimly visible. His lips twitched faint recognition—a smile touched—revisiting thoughts of old arduous cultivation trials endured within those days.
“Returned again at last…” murmured Xiao to himself quietly.
He scanned deeply downward now with sharper vision.
A moment later—the demonic blue lotus fire erupted outward from his body like tidal burst.
A blazing fire-beam—plummeted down in one continuous whoosh. Plunge.
Crash.
Upon impact with surrounding lava—violent boilings ensued—tremulous waves surging outwardwards.
Whizzzz!
As he plunged deeper and faster still—within a two metre halo encompass his own form—a sudden void emerged wherever surrounding fire tried closing in—it began evaporate instantly, unable to withstand demonic lotus flame radiating forth unyielding heat waves.
At present speeds surpassing previous versions manifold—less than ten short mins passed and he was already making descent to lower reaches far beyond previous limits. However, now—contrary movements began slowing—deliberatively cautious, scanning with acute focus around.
Fainthints. Whispery signals…
His sense—suddenly alerting incoming waves approaching fast.
“Those magma dwellers I’ve heard stories of perhaps…”
A knowing smirk formed as he stamped foot hard. A sudden tremendous tremble erupted simultaneously through his forehead—and spread into immediate explosion effecting entire region—rock, earth and flame bursting in all directions.
Simultaneous wailing followed in chorus—all manner of life-form screeching piteously—burst outward like a thousand devils.
Chhhhhhhkrrrrshhh!
As the screams pierced outward violently—immediately surrounding molten tides became roiling tempests. From amidst chaos—thick masses of crimson-hued entities began coalescing all around him.
His eyes skimmed swiftly through hordes of creatures resembling magma reptilian forms—but paused when locking onto twin white lizard-flesh figures slightly ahead in distance further down beneath the sea surface.
There…twosome senior beings of same lizard kin appeared aged much beyond their kind—what astounded further, each radiated half-deity cultivational aura from where they loomed above lesser kin nearby!
“No wonder back in the day—the Revered Sky Fire perished here. So the real reason behind all?”—he muttered aloud.
At last—realizing—there indeed lingered ancient and higher level existences that once escaped detection. Feeling immense relief inwardly that none of those powerful beings crossed path previously. Back then, his earlier form could barely resist their might for even brief moments. Any confrontation would result in utter and immediate obliteration.
“You trespass here in divine tombs. Such lands unfit for mere mortals. Depart before awaking the Guardians,” declared elder lizard with surprisingly coherent voice—if still somewhat laboured—as message delivered in human language reached even Xiao Yan’s ear.
“Divine tombs? Guardians you speak of—” echoed Xiao, his mind snapping with sudden realization—and sharpened curiosity. His gaze flashed at the revelation and possibilities.
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