"This technique truly is good stuff," Xiao Hua exclaimed, his excitement barely contained. A grin spread across his face as a surge of anticipation swelled in his chest.
Xun Er giggled softly at Xiao Hua's reaction, her gentle smile lighting up her face. "Congratulations, Brother Xiao Hua. It seems Lady Azure has left you with a technique that will be extremely beneficial."
Xiao Hua turned to her with a warm gaze, his decision already made. "Indeed. This technique is invaluable. I'll give you the scroll and my spiritual seal so you can learn it as well. In a dire situation, it could save your life."
He wasn't one to hoard such precious techniques, especially not from those he considered family. To him, Xun Er was more than just a companion—she was someone he cherished, and he was more than willing to share anything that could protect her.
However, Xun Er gently shook her head, her smile unwavering. "You don't need to, Brother Xiao Hua," she said, her voice soft but firm. "This technique was created and given to you by Lady Azure. Besides, we've already received far more than enough from the Qi Methods that she bestowed upon us. If we keep taking, we might end up relying too much on you and Lady Azure."
Her eyes held sincerity as she continued, "If there's ever anything we truly need from you, we'll ask for it when the time comes."
A faint smile played on his lips as he responded, "If that's the case, then don't hesitate to ask when you need something."
Seeing that she wouldn't change her mind, Xiao Hua decided to drop the topic. He knew Xun Er's nature well—her kindness was matched only by her stubbornness.
"Now that settles it," Xue Yue interjected, drawing the attention of both Xiao Hua and Xun Er. "Let's enter the cave. It seems one of the materials you've been seeking is inside."
"Indeed, Sister Xue Yue," Xiao Hua nodded, turning to Xun Er with a gentle smile as he held her hand. "Let's go, Xun'er. Perhaps we'll find something within the cave that may benefit you as well."
"Then let's hope the Heaven Demon Phoenix has left behind plenty of treasures so we can share them with Sister Li Mei and the others," Xun Er replied, her eyes shimmering with hope. She tightened her grip on Xiao Hua's hand, her smile radiant and filled with warmth.
With Xue Yue leading the way, the trio stepped into the cave, their figures slowly disappearing into the darkness as they ventured deeper into its mysterious depths.
They walked in silence for some time, the atmosphere heavy with anticipation, until Xue Yue suddenly came to an abrupt halt.
She closed her eyes, and in an instant, a surge of vast, mighty Spiritual Strength burst from between her brows. Like a tide, her Spiritual Strength spread outward, washing over the walls and floor of the cave, probing its depths and secrets.
In the meantime, Xiao Hua and Xun Er remained silent, not daring to disturb Xue Yue. They could sense that she had discovered something significant.
Suddenly, a blinding light erupted from beneath them, forcing Xiao Hua and Xun Er to shield their eyes with their hands. The brilliance was overwhelming, filling the cave with a radiant glow.
As the light receded, they cautiously lowered their hands, only to find a massive formation array beneath their feet. The array pulsed with a low, melodious phoenix cry, its presence heavy and suffocating, making the air around them feel dense with pressure.
"Hmph!"
A cold snort echoed from Xue Yue. With a mere wave of her hand, the overwhelming aura that had pressed down upon Xiao Hua and Xun Er instantly dissipated, freeing them from its crushing weight. As the aura vanished, the formation array began to flicker, accompanied by the faint sound of glass shattering.
A delicate crack appeared within the array, slowly spreading outward like a web of fine fractures. Within moments, the entire formation crumbled, disintegrating into countless fragments of light that disappeared into the air.
With the array's destruction, the cave trembled slightly, revealing a hidden stairway descending into the earth before them.
"This is..." Xiao Hua muttered under his breath, feeling the overwhelming aura of the Heaven Demon Phoenix mingled with the thick stench of blood in the air.
Without a word, Xue Yue stepped forward into the stairway, her expression unfazed by the oppressive atmosphere. Naturally, Xiao Hua and Xun Er followed closely behind. As they descended deeper into the cave, the violent aura intensified, and the pungent smell of blood grew more suffocating.
After what felt like an eternity of descending, they finally reached the bottom. But the scene before them was shrouded in complete darkness, rendering Xiao Hua and Xun Er momentarily blind to their surroundings.
With a simple wave of his hand, Xiao Hua summoned three embers of flame, illuminating the floor below. What emerged from the shadows was a long, straight path stretching deeper into the unknown. However, the end remained hidden, swallowed by the darkness.
Xiao Hua's gaze swept over the path, his brows furrowing in concentration. With his finely tuned Spiritual Perception, he could sense countless formation arrays and hidden traps lying in wait, poised to activate at the slightest misstep.
"It seems the Heaven Demon Phoenix was extremely cautious," he remarked, his voice low. "This straight path is riddled with formation arrays."
"Indeed." Xue Yue nodded, raising her hand with a casual wave. Instantly, the sound of shattering glass echoed throughout the path. Countless faint glows flickered briefly before disintegrating into fragments, as if the formation arrays had been effortlessly undone.
These arrays, powerful enough to claim the lives of even the most skilled, were rendered utterly useless in Xue Yue's presence. The sheer dominance she displayed over such formidable traps left Xiao Hua and Xun Er in awe.
Even if the Heaven Demon Phoenix had been severely wounded when it set these formations, it remained a Rank 8 Magical Beast, a force comparable to a mighty Dou Zun. Yet, before Xue Yue, its defenses crumbled like fragile glass.
"Let's go," Xue Yue said calmly, stepping forward to lead the way. Her protective presence was unmistakable—there would be no danger as long as she was with them. Since she had brought them to this place, her resolve to safeguard them was unwavering.
Xiao Hua and Xun Er exchanged a glance, smiles touching their lips. Despite the icy exterior that Xue Yue often showed the world, her warmth and protectiveness toward those she considered family were undeniable.
After traversing the long, dark path illuminated only by the three green flames hovering before them, the narrow passage gradually widened. At its end, a vast tunnel emerged, looming ominously ahead.
Without hesitation, they pressed forward, knowing that this tunnel would lead them to their ultimate goal—the corpse of the Heaven Demon Phoenix!
As they passed through the wide-open tunnel, they found themselves in an enormous chamber. The room was immense, both wide and towering, its shape perfectly circular. The smooth, polished walls gleamed faintly, as if crafted by skilled hands or some ancient force.
Unlike the oppressive darkness of the path they had just left behind, this chamber was bathed in a soft, ethereal glow emanating from the ceiling. Above them, the ceiling was formed from a pile of rocks that emitted a faint light, casting a serene yet eerie brightness over the entire room.
With the natural light filling the space, Xiao Hua waved his hand, and the three embers of green flame flickered out, their purpose fulfilled.
Their gazes remained fixed on the center of the room, ignoring the vastness of the cave around them. In the heart of the circular chamber stood a colossal raised rocky platform. Though towering high, they could already glimpse the beak of a massive Magical Beast peeking over its edge.
From what they could see, the corpse of the Heaven Demon Phoenix had not decayed, yet the thick stench of blood was nearly suffocating. The oppressive aura that filled the room made the air feel dense, each breath a struggle for Xiao Hua and Xun Er.
"Let's deal with this quickly," Xue Yue muttered, her brows furrowing as her nose wrinkled in disgust. "The smell is unbearable..."
Neither Xiao Hua nor Xun Er could argue, both finding the stench overwhelming. With determined steps, they advanced toward the platform. The sheer height of it meant there were more than a hundred steps, and despite their cultivation, it took some time before they reached the top.
Once they reached the top, an enormous corpse, stretching over a hundred feet, loomed before them. Though they could not tell how long this Heaven Demon Phoenix had fallen, its vibrant wings still shimmered, untouched by time. Each feather remained flawless, exuding a graceful elegance, as though the creature could take flight at any moment.
Xue Yue's sharp gaze swept across the fallen beast, searching for the cause of its demise. It was clear to her that this creature had been on the verge of breaking through, attempting to ascend to a higher realm, but tragically, it had failed at the final moment.
"This Heaven Demon Phoenix," Xue Yue began, her voice calm but carrying a trace of solemnity, "suffered grievous wounds and fled to this cave, constructing a powerful formation to hide its presence. Yet, its injuries worsened, and in the end, it succumbed."
Xun Er nodded in agreement. "Indeed, this Heaven Demon Phoenix was on the cusp of entering the eighth rank. Its failure not only halted its advancement but caused its old wounds to resurface, leading to its demise."
Xue Yue turned her eyes towards Xiao Hua, her tone firm yet instructive. "Child, you must understand—if you wish to refine the 'Four Divine Phoenixes, Fly and Dance Across Heaven,' the first step is to dispel the lingering aura of the Magical Beast from the wings you have gathered."
Xiao Hua nodded, a calm smile playing on her lips. It was common knowledge that the wings of a Magical Beast retained remnants of their original aura. However, to forge a powerful flying Dou Skill, one had to first purify these wings, erasing every trace of the beast's spirit before proceeding.
Though this task might pose a challenge for ordinary cultivators, it was nothing to him. With the power of the Lightning Beasts in his body with the Heavenly Astral Lightning coursing through his veins, any lingering aura, no matter how formidable the Magical Beast once was, was as harmless as a weak prey. Dispelling it was merely a trivial matter.
"Then, get to it quickly," Xue Yue instructed, her voice laced with impatience. "The stench of blood here is suffocating, and I wish to leave as soon as possible. Come, little lass, let's descend."
Without waiting for a response, she took Xun Er by the hand and swiftly descended from the towering platform. As they moved further away, Xiao Hua suspected that Xue Yue had likely found a hidden treasure within the Heaven Demon Phoenix's lair, something it had kept concealed in its final moments.
Just before leaving, Xue Yue cast one final glance over her shoulder, her tone firm but advising, "Make sure to use that flame to refine its body."
Xiao Hua acknowledged her words with a nod, his expression serene.
Once they were out of sight, Xiao Hua stood in silence, his gaze fixed upon the fallen phoenix. Slowly, he approached, his steps halting mere inches from the massive corpse. His eyes traced the creature's form, absorbing the grandeur of the once-mighty being before him.
While Xiao Hua admired the Heaven Demon Phoenix's beauty and regal colors, his true interest lay not in its appearance, but in its Blood Essence and its magnificent wings. These wings, brimming with latent power, would be the key to refining the "Four Divine Phoenixes, Fly and Dance Across Heaven."
He stepped closer, his gaze fixed on the breathtaking wings that stretched twenty to thirty feet wide. With a gentle touch, his fingers brushed against the delicate feathers, feeling an unexpected chill. Yet, contrary to the cold one would expect from a creature that had long perished, a subtle warmth still radiated from the wings.
His spiritual perception, sharp and acute, detected a strange, residual energy within the phoenix's corpse. The energy pulsed faintly, as though it still coursed through the majestic wings. This was no ordinary warmth—it was the essence of the creature's wind affinity, intertwined with a lingering trace of fiery heat.
Xiao Hua smirked inwardly. The violent wind energy and the faint heat coexisted in perfect harmony, a testament to the unique nature of the Heaven Demon Phoenix. It was clear to him that these wings held within them the power of both wind and flame, perfectly preserved even in death.
"These wings truly live up to the Phoenix's legendary reputation," he thought, his mind already calculating how best to refine the wild and violent energy stored within.
Xiao Hua's hand trembled as a golden-green flame ignited in his palm—the renowned Tribulation Lotus Flame. With a flick of his finger, the flame expanded, enveloping the entire body of the Heaven Demon Phoenix. The flame danced elegantly, consuming the corpse with a gentle, yet fierce heat.
However, just as the flame began to work, something unexpected occurred. The Heaven Demon Phoenix's eyes, which had long since darkened, suddenly flickered to life. A crimson slit, like the eye of a bloodthirsty beast, appeared within the pitch-black orbs, emanating a sinister, bloody glow.
In the next instant, a thread of violent, blood-red energy surged from deep within the corpse. It fought back against the Tribulation Lotus Flame with terrifying force, extinguishing the flame in an instant.
Xiao Hua's brows furrowed as the overwhelming energy pushed him back. Sensing the imminent danger, he summoned his Dou Qi Wings, swiftly retreating several meters into the air. The surge of energy from the corpse was far more potent than he had anticipated.
"Tch! This is getting troublesome!" Xiao Hua muttered, clicking his tongue in frustration. "It seems that unlike when Xiao Yan will obtain it in the future, this damned bird's energy is far more intense... thicker and more savage than I imagined."
Despite the growing resistance, Xiao Hua's resolve only strengthened. A determined glint flashed in his eyes as he surged even more of his Tribulation Lotus Flame onto his arm. Waves of blistering heat radiated from him, distorting the air around his figure. Without hesitation, he directed the scorching golden-green flames toward the corpse once again.
The moment the flame touched the body, the violent energy within the Heaven Demon Phoenix flared with renewed fury. The two forces—his flame and the Phoenix's energy—clashed violently, each trying to overwhelm the other. The surrounding air buzzed with intense pressure, a chaotic battle of power unfolding between the primordial fire and the fierce remnant energy of the ancient beast.
In normal circumstances, such a conflict of energies would require cultivators of a far higher rank, and the battle could drag on endlessly. But Xiao Hua held a distinct advantage. The Tribulation Lotus Flame was no ordinary flame, and coupled with the power of the Heavenly Astral Lightning residing within him, it wielded a dominion few energies could withstand.
"I may not have time to spare," Xiao Hua muttered, eyes sharp and focused, "but with the strength of the Primordial Heavenly Flame and the Heavenly Lightning, this ferocious energy won't hold out for long."
Though the struggle was fierce, he knew it was only a matter of time. The Heaven Demon Phoenix's once-violent energy would eventually succumb, becoming mild and docile under the relentless assault of his flame, allowing him to finally begin refining the prized wings.
.....
As time crept by, the fierce clash between the golden-green Tribulation Lotus Flame and the blood-red violent energy began to shift. Xiao Hua felt a subtle tremor in the air, signaling a change in the energy surrounding the corpse.
His eyes narrowed, and a faint smirk played on his lips. The violent blood-red energy, which had fiercely resisted his flame, was now gradually weakening. Countless threads of crimson energy that once surged with hostility were now slowly being refined, dissipating into nothingness under the relentless heat of his flame.
After a while, a surge of energy erupted from the corpse, wild and explosive. But this time, the energy lacked the hostile edge it once held. The ferocious intent had faded, replaced by something far more manageable, as if the corpse itself had finally submitted to the purification.
Xiao Hua's gaze shifted, landing on something unusual—the ten white-jade nails embedded in the corpse. Despite the fierce grilling from the Tribulation Lotus Flame, they had not turned to ash. Instead, they seemed to shrink, albeit at a painfully slow pace, resisting the destructive force of his flame.
As the white jade nails continued to shrink, their pale color faded away, replaced by a brilliant golden-green hue. The transformation imbued them with a majestic, almost regal aura. The sharp edges of the nails gleamed coldly within the flames, their sheen so piercing that even Xiao Hua, with his vast experience, felt a subtle chill creep over him.
The burning persisted for about ten minutes, during which the nails fully transformed into sharp, knuckle-sized golden-green thorns. There was something unique about their appearance—the blend of green and red in their surface, as though wind and flame had merged within them. These thorns emitted a soft whizzing sound, accompanied by a faint, yet distinct, heat that hinted at the power they held.
Xiao Hua did not pause, however. His Tribulation Lotus Flame continued to grill the corpse, refining it meticulously. Soon, the last remnants of the blood-red energy seeped out from the Phoenix's head. Slowly, the threads of blood-red energy gathered above the corpse, swirling together. In the center of this mass, Xiao Hua detected a hint of green wind energy, intertwining with the blood-red aura.
The flames grew more intense as Xiao Hua directed his focus, the energy agglomerating into something more tangible. Finally, the chaotic mix of blood-red and green condensed into a single drop—a drop of blood that radiated immense power. The blood was green-red in color, with a blood-red thread of aura swirling around it like a coiling dragon.
"Finally... there it is," Xiao Hua muttered inwardly, a wave of relief washing over him. This was it—the Blood Essence of the Heaven Demon Phoenix, one of the most crucial elements he had been seeking. This essence held the boundless power of wind and flame, the key to his future refinement.
With a casual wave of his hand, the drop of green-red blood shot toward Xiao Hua, quietly hovering before him. The swirling blood-red thread of aura surrounding it seemed alive, pulsating with the strong lifeforce of a Heaven Demon Phoenix.
Xiao Hua gently closed his eyes, allowing his mind to sharpen its focus. From the center of his brow, a surge of powerful Spiritual Strength flowed out, gathering and coalescing before extending toward the drop of blood. His movements were deliberate and cautious, knowing full well the dangers that could lurk within.
Bang—!
The moment his Spiritual Strength made contact with the blood, a low, thunderous sound echoed through his mind. It was as if the very heavens had cracked open. Xiao Hua's mind was briefly shaken, but he maintained his composure. His spirit remained steadfast, and his eyes narrowed as he observed the world before him shift.
"So, this is the Spiritual Space of the Heaven Demon Phoenix..." he murmured to himself.
The scene around him had transformed into a vast, dusky world, devoid of any signs of life. The atmosphere was heavy, the sky above him thick with oppressive clouds. Xiao Hua hovered high in the air, his spiritual form observing the strange, lifeless domain. He knew this place well—it was the residual spiritual space of the Heaven Demon Phoenix, a realm where the creature's final traces of consciousness and aura still lingered.
Though this overcast world was bleak, he remained calm. The remnants of the Phoenix's spirit were formidable, but Xiao Hua had ventured into such spaces before. This time, his goal was clear: he had to tame and refine the spiritual residue left behind by the Heaven Demon Phoenix, harnessing its essence for his own.
Xiao Hua's eyes narrowed, his senses immediately picking up a powerful presence behind him. He turned swiftly and was met with an ominous sight—massive eyes glowing faintly with blood-red light, their sharp, vertical slits filled with strong malice.
The creature's head moved, and Xiao Hua finally beheld the full form of the Heaven Demon Phoenix. Its towering figure stretched hundreds of feet, wings unfurling in a majestic yet terrifying display that could easily engulf his entire spiritual form. As it spread its wings, the Heaven Demon Phoenix's overwhelming aura surged forth, pressing down on him like a mountain, threatening to crush his very soul.
Roar—!
"Since when has an ant dared to refine a member of the Heaven Demon Phoenix?" Its voice was deep and screeching, laced with pure bloodlust, each word dripping with scorn. "Though I am dead, I will not allow you to take my blood and essence, brat!"
As the creature spat out its words, a violent burst of spiritual power erupted from its form, crashing into Xiao Hua with the force of a tidal wave. The immense pressure sent him stumbling back several steps, the oppressive energy rattling his soul.
Xiao Hua gritted his teeth, his body trembling under the onslaught. But deep within his eyes, there was no fear—only determination. He had anticipated such resistance. Facing the lingering will of a Heaven Demon Phoenix was no small matter, but he was not one to retreat.
"Dead or not, your blood essence will become mine!" Xiao Hua growled, his spiritual energy flaring as he steadied himself. The battle had only just begun.
Xiao Hua steadied himself, his eyes narrowing as he locked onto the Heaven Demon Phoenix's spiritual body. The oppressive aura weighed down on him, but his focus remained unshaken. Suddenly, the massive form of the Phoenix vanished from his sight. Despite its disappearance, Xiao Hua's sharp spiritual senses detected its presence behind him. He swiftly turned, his instincts screaming of danger.
A moment later, the Phoenix reappeared, a distance away. Its enormous head lifted, and Xiao Hua immediately felt the violent energy swirling around its mouth.
The air trembled under the sheer force of the gathering power, and the aura within the breath made the space around them vibrate with raw intensity.
In an instant, the Heaven Demon Phoenix unleashed its devastating breath. A massive, terrifying beam of energy shot forth, the very air around it rippling as it tore through the space between them, heading straight for Xiao Hua. The pressure was suffocating.
Without hesitation, Xiao Hua summoned his Spiritual Strength, his focus sharp and swift. He quickly maneuvered the energy within him, forming a protective spiritual barrier around his entire being. The barrier materialized just in time, enveloping him in a shimmering shield of pure spiritual power.
The collision between the Heaven Demon Phoenix's terrifying breath and Xiao Hua's spiritual barrier was like two worlds colliding. The translucent energy from the Phoenix's attack suddenly became almost tangible, crashing into the barrier with incredible force. The impact caused the once invisible shield to ripple, waves of energy pulsing outward from the point of contact.
"Ggghk—!" Xiao Hua let out a stifled grunt, his spiritual form trembling under the pressure.
The impact resonated deep within him—his Spiritual Strength, which was directly linked to his soul, strained under the assault. He knew that if his Spiritual Strength were breached, the damage would not remain isolated within this space; it would extend to his very soul.
As the energy pressed against his barrier, Xiao Hua could feel its insidious nature slowly trying to seep through. It was attempting to erode and weaken his Spiritual Strength, like poison creeping toward its prey. The sheer force behind the attack was enough to make even the most seasoned cultivator falter.
But Xiao Hua had an edge—his Spiritual Strength carried the unique properties of the Heavenly Astral Lightning. This trait was his saving grace. As the Phoenix's breath clawed at his barrier, the lightning-infused strength repelled it, crackling faintly as it neutralized the invasive energy. The violent breath, for all its ferocity, failed to breach his defenses.
"Even so, if we continue like this, I'll end up at a disadvantage," Xiao Hua muttered softly to himself.
The oppressive atmosphere in this spiritual space—filled with lingering negative emotions—was subtly working against him. Although Xiao Hua's mental fortitude was immense, even he could feel a sense of unease creeping in after being exposed to this environment for too long. The malevolent aura sought to disturb his mind, slowly eroding his calm.
On the other hand, the spiritual body of the Heaven Demon Phoenix showed no signs of fatigue or wear. It seemed to possess a certain degree of intelligence, fueled by its relentless attacks.
Xiao Hua understood that if this battle dragged on, it would be his Spiritual Strength that would falter first. The Phoenix's sheer will, even in death, was formidable.
"Though dead, it was once a Rank 7 Magical Beast on the verge of breaking through to Rank 8… I can't afford to underestimate it," Xiao Hua murmured, his eyes locking onto the majestic and terrifying figure of the Heaven Demon Phoenix.
Its relentless attacks gave him no room for error. Every move it made was calculated, as though it sensed the threat posed by the Heavenly Astral Lightning within him. This was likely the reason the beast maintained a certain distance, wary of coming too close.
However, if the Heaven Demon Phoenix believed that this was enough to suppress Xiao Hua, then it was gravely underestimating the depths of his power.
A faint tremor ran through Xiao Hua's body, and in the next instant, a surge of azure lightning erupted from his spirit. The radiant arcs of electricity spread with ferocious momentum, shaking the very fabric of the Spiritual Space.
As the blue lightning spiraled into the air, it condensed above his spirit, gradually taking form. In the blink of an eye, the lightning coalesced into a towering Lightning Beast, its terrifying presence causing the entire Spiritual Space to quiver violently.
Roar—!
The Lightning Beast released a deafening roar, and the Heaven Demon Phoenix, caught off guard, let out a miserable shriek. Its spiritual body shuddered violently and was hurled backward as if struck by a devastating force. With each passing moment, its once-proud figure grew dimmer, more insubstantial.
Panic flickered in the eyes of the Heaven Demon Phoenix as it gazed upon the Lightning Beast, its heart gripped by fear. It understood all too well—this Lightning Beast was the nemesis of spiritual forms and ethereal entities.
"Go!" Xiao Hua's voice rang out like thunder, as his finger pointed decisively toward the Heaven Demon Phoenix. The Lightning Beast, crackling with blue arcs, surged forth to deliver the final blow.
Roar—!
At Xiao Hua's command, the Lightning Beast let out an earth-shattering roar and charged forward, each step causing ripples of destructive force that shook the Spiritual Space to its very core. The once-stable realm now trembled, as if on the verge of collapse, the very fabric of space threatened by the beast's overwhelming power.
"Was it a mistake summoning the Lightning Beast...?" Xiao Hua muttered, his voice barely audible. A sliver of dread crept into his heart. If the Spiritual Space were to shatter, the backlash would be severe—even for him. He feared that subduing the Heaven Demon Phoenix would take longer than expected.
But there was no turning back now. The moment the Lightning Beast had locked onto its prey, the Heaven Demon Phoenix was doomed. It would not stop until its target was utterly devoured.
Yet, it seemed Xiao Hua had underestimated the beast's terrifying strength. With a single swipe of its massive claw, the Lightning Beast tore through the Heaven Demon Phoenix's spiritual body as if it were paper, shredding it into countless fragments. In the blink of an eye, the once-mighty figure was consumed, leaving nothing but emptiness in its wake.
"The nemesis of spiritual bodies... truly, its power is beyond measure."
Xiao Hua's eyes twitched ever so slightly as he stood there, witnessing the effortless destruction of a Rank 7 Magical Beast's spiritual form. He couldn't help but feel a deep sense of awe and respect for the sheer might of the Lightning Beast.