Chapter 1356: Opening the Crystal Barrier

Collecting numerous energy cores into the Storage Ring, Xiao Yan’s smile gradually faded from his face. His eyes fixated on the crystalline wall ahead. At this moment, some wriggling figures of worms could be seen moving with the naked eye beyond that crystal wall. Streams of liquid energy continuously seeped through the crystal wall, then coagulated and stuck to it…

“Both of you, take the sides,” said Xiao Yan, turning his head toward Huo Zhi and Yao Xingji.

Huo Zhi slightly nodded in response to his words, while Yao Xingji cast a glance at Xiao Yan. Though he did not speak, it was clear that he was somewhat displeased at being ordered around by Xiao Yan.

*Hiss!*

Yao Xingji retracted his gaze and made a hand seal, summoning a faintly black flame to appear in his palm. As the flame roared, a strange whistling sound emerged, which caused anyone who heard it to feel an unusual agitation, as if the strange noise could provoke emotional fluctuations.

“This…”

Everyone’s eyes were drawn to the peculiar black flames in Yao Xingji’s hand. Their eyes showed some astonishment. After all, different fires like these were incredibly rare. Even if they were from the ancient clans, it wasn’t something one would frequently see.

“Nine Requiem Borealis Flame, ranked tenth on the Different Flames rankings,” said Yao Xingji, lifting the corner of his mouth into a half-smile, unable to resist as he saw the astonished looks on everyone’s faces.

“Nine Requiem Borealis Flame…”

Xiao Yan’s eyes also fixated on the black flame. As an Alchemist, he had, of course, heard of this name. The formation of different flames was quite astounding; for example, his Thousand Blaze Inflammatory Fire took shape in the void. The Nine Requiem Borealis Flame, however, originated from the endless abyss of the most yin place, where the cold wind blew all year round, and even ordinary Douzong level experts wouldn’t dare to venture. It was in the most vigorous area of that fierce winds that the so-called Nine Requiem Borealis Flame formed.

To obtain such a flame required not only luck but also an exceptionally powerful strength. Judging by Xiao Yan’s speculation, the price the Yao Clan must have paid for this Different Flame was no small matter.

*Pft!*

Just as everyone’s gazes gathered on the Nine Requiem Borealis Flame in Yao Xingji’s hands, a sudden subtle sound emerged. Within the passage of the crystalline wall, a deep crimson light slowly began to spread. Gazing in the direction of the incoming glow, they noticed that in Huo Zhiyu’s hand, a rather enchantingly dark red flame rose, forming lotus-like shapes above the flickering fire.

As this deep crimson fire appeared, the Nine Requiem Borealis Flame in Yao Xingji’s hand dimmed slightly, and even the whistling sounds of the wind diminished. Seeing his own Different Flame perform like this, Yao Xingji’s face couldn’t help but twitch. However, although slightly annoyed, there was nothing he could do about it. The Vermillion Lotus Induction Flame ranked two spots above his Nine Requiem Borealis Flame, naturally showing a considerable gap between them.

*Tsk tsk, presumably, this is the Vermillion Lotus Induction Flame of the Flame Tribe, right?* Gu Qingyang remarked while eyeing the flame in Huo Zhi’s hand, chuckling.

“Mm-hm.” Huo Zhi slightly nodded, but her lovely gaze turned towards Xiao Yan, holding a hint of peculiarity.

Seeing Huo Zhi’s challenging glance, Xiao Yan smiled. This lady, usually quiet and reserved, now exhibited a wild spirit in regard to Different Flames.

With a light breath, Xiao Yan closed his fingers, drawing out multi-colored flames from their tips. These threads converged into a single purplish-brown flame interwoven with a trace of ghastly white. As the flaming mass churned, strands of dragon-shaped flames soared repeatedly within it, releasing a surprisingly audible roar!

*Roar!*

At the very moment Xiao Yan summoned his Different Flame, the scarlet lotuses hovering over Huo Zhi’s Vermillion Lotus Induction Flame began fluctuating intensely, giving off an almost illusory sensation. Meanwhile, the Nine Requiem Borealis Flame in Yao Xingji’s hand, which already was subdued by the presence of the Vermillion Lotus Induction Flame, grew dimmer, and the faint howling sound vanished altogether.

“Although your Different Flame isn’t ranked too high, after your fusion, it’s potent enough to match those in the top six,” Huo Zhi commented, a ripple crossing her beautiful eyes, as her melodious voice carried under the veil.

To this comment, Xiao Yan gave an uncertain reply. Though the idea of fusing Different Flames was seen as insane, it was not entirely impossible. Claiming he was the first one, though, seemed somewhat less credible – at least, the creator of the Flame Annihilate technique must have also fused Different Flames…

“Now, let’s not waste more time. We should start right away.” Without indulging further in the discussion about merging Different Flames, Xiao Yan called forth his own unique flame. After both companions summoned their powers, he stepped closer to the crystal wall, saying, “Stay close and don’t lag behind!”

Upon issuing the command, Xiao Yan’s hand suddenly burst with Different Flames, igniting a deafening dragon’s roar. A colossal, purplish brown fire dragon surged forth, fiercely striking the sturdy crystal wall. The sharp claws swayed, causing the barrier to explode outward, carving a large cavity.

“Follow!” As the tail of the fire dragon connected to his arm, he shouted and stepped forcefully onto the ground, lunging forward. Behind him, Gu Qingyang and the others hastily followed suit.

“What a formidable control over fire…” marveled Huo Zhi, watching Xiao Yan form his flames into a dragon. She rushed to catch up and, in turn, sent out a wave of scarlet flames, enveloping the left side of the wall, immediately slowing down its reclosing.

On the other side, Yao Xingji began his work as well. Even though he was irritated by Xiao Yan’s commanding, he knew better than risking his life just because of pride. He diligently performed his task without reserve.

Within the crystal walls, the blazing fire dragon stormed ferociously, incinerating the hordes of ancient worm parasites concealed ahead with intense heat. Despite this, more kept surging like moths to a flame. The copious secretions posed substantial resistance against Xiao Yan.

*Boom, boom, boom!*

Amidst the frequent crashes resounding within the barriers, Xiao Yan and the group quickened their advance. Sensing the draining flow of Dou Qi within him, his expression turned grim.

“Is the end near?” Observing the ever-darkening fire dragon, Xiao Yan urged. They glanced ahead, where the swarm of worms thickened. Passing through here, they’d step into the genuine layers of the Heavenly Tomb.

*”Hmm? What’s this?*” Just as the fire dragon neared its clash with the final emerald crystal wall, Xiao Yan’s drifting gaze locked on a spot in the center. Vaguely, a fist-sized object, radiating a gentle rosy hue, stood in stark contrast to the surroundings, reminiscent of an unusual cocoon.