Letting out a soft sigh, Yao Tian Huo shook off the troubling thoughts and turned his attention to the snow-white Storage Ring he held. He glanced at the pile of bones beside him and spoke with quiet solemnity, "Please take these remains of mine as well. The bones of an elite Dou Zun still carry certain uses."
Xiao Hua naturally would not refuse this little request from Tian Huo zun-zhe. With a wave of his hand, a surge of suction force burst forth, pulling the pile of bones into his Storage Ring without resistance.
After completing the task, Xiao Hua lightly patted his hands clean. His gaze shifted to the world beyond the shimmering light barrier.
The blazing red magma flowed silently outside, with no trace of the lizardmen in sight. While their presence was difficult to detect within the molten sea, it would not pose a true challenge for someone of his caliber.
Moreover, given his current speed, even if those creatures were natives of this magma world, they would still be unable to catch him. Especially once he unfurled the two pairs of wings upon his back—by then, all they could ever grasp would be the dust trailing behind him.
"I shall exert all my strength to veil the disturbance in the magma using spatial force," Tian Huo zun-zhe said with a faint smile, turning to look at Xiao Hua, who was silently gazing beyond the barrier. "Make the most of this window. In my present condition, I cannot maintain it for long…"
"Worry not, Senior. Leaving this place without being pursued is a simple matter for me."
Xiao Hua shook his head, a calm and confident smile gracing his lips. He held no desire to linger in this molten realm any longer. Even the Fire Beads scattered throughout the magma held little worth in his eyes.
"Are you certain?" Tian Huo zun-zhe raised his brows slightly, his voice carrying a hint of concern. Yet upon seeing that unwavering smile on Xiao Hua's face, he chose to remain silent.
Deep within, he, too, was curious—just what kind of monstrous ability did this youth possess to command five Heavenly Flames?
Without another word, Xiao Hua slid the snow-white Storage Ring onto his finger. In the next moment, Tian Huo zun-zhe's figure flickered and disappeared into the ring.
Then, with a faint rustle, Xiao Hua unfurled the twin pairs of wings on his back. In a flash of brilliant light, his figure shot forward like a bolt of lightning. The instant his body brushed against the light barrier, a subtle ripple of spatial energy flowed from him—silently splitting open the barrier without resistance.
"Spatial strength?!" Tian Huo zun-zhe's startled voice echoed from within the ring. He had never imagined that the youth before him could wield spatial strength at Dou Zong class.
What shocked him even more was that Xiao Hua did not rely on brute force to manipulate space—it was as though he were born with it, moving through the fabric of space itself as effortlessly as a fish gliding through water.
His speed did not falter. He surged ahead without pause, vanishing into the sea of magma like a phantom.
By the time the Fire Lizard Race, stationed as sentries, sensed something amiss, Xiao Hua had already vanished from their perception—his figure now tens of miles away, like a passing breeze that left no trace behind.
Silently, Xiao Hua glided through the vast sea of magma, his speed swift and ghost-like. Suddenly, the five Primordial Heavenly Flames within his body stirred, releasing a faint fluctuation.
His eyes narrowed slightly. Curiosity piqued, he came to a halt, his figure suspended within the molten abyss. Raising his brows, he turned his gaze toward the deepest depths of the magma world. Yet all he could see was an endless darkness.
"Child, there is something rather amusing lurking at the bottom of this world," Lady Azure's voice echoed leisurely in his mind, tinged with a trace of amusement.
"For my flames and Sister Azure to react… it must indeed be something extraordinary," Xiao Hua murmured in reply, a mysterious glint flickering within his eyes. He knew well what lay buried below—but now was not the time to seek it out. That moment belonged to another.
The Tou She Ancient God Mansion—hidden deep within this magma world. It was the destined place where Xiao Yan would one day inherit the legacy of the Tou She Ancient God.
"Extraordinary, perhaps…" Lady Azure murmured with a nod.
Xiao Hua smirked faintly and was about to turn away when her next words caused him to pause mid-motion.
"But there is something else that has caught my attention," she continued, her voice laced with mild amusement. "Faint though it is, I can sense a presence... one that carries a trace remarkably similar to Zi Yan. It may very well be her long-lost parent. However—"
Her tone turned slightly colder. "—I advise you to abandon any thoughts of attempting a rescue."
"There are two Ban Sheng-level experts of the Fire Lizard Race guarding that place. Even if you manage to defeat them, it would drain a significant portion of your strength. And more importantly, a seal left behind by a true Dou Di lies within—its power is not something to be taken lightly."
"Once you have passed the ninth trial of Heavenly Judgement Lightning and stepped into the realm of Half-Step Dou Di, only then will you possess the qualifications to enter and save her parent."
Xiao Hua's brows furrowed, a flicker of shock flashing in his eyes. His voice echoed within the spiritual sea, tinged with disbelief.
"Even Sister Azure is helpless against it?"
"No. I can shatter the seal and release the one trapped within," Lady Azure replied calmly.
"However, doing so would expose that place to the outside world. The moment that happens, every powerful force across the Dou Qi Continent will descend upon it like vultures. From that day forward, Jia Nan Academy would never know peace again."
Xiao Hua fell silent at her words, the shock that had stirred in his heart slowly settling like dust in still water. He took a deep breath, suppressing the impulse to act. Then, without a word, he turned and soared upward. The twin pairs of wings behind him—each of differing form and hue—flapped once, and his figure instantly blurred into a streak of light.
Splash!
A sharp sound rang out as something broke through the surface of the magma. Xiao Hua, his body cloaked in five Heavenly Flames of varying colors, shot out from the molten sea like a divine phoenix rising from fire.
Coming to a halt in mid-air, he hovered silently. Then, with a few crisp pops, he stretched and cracked the bones in his body.
Letting out a breath tinged with irritation, he muttered, "Even if it was brief, that place was far too stifling… Thank the heavens I've finally escaped that god-forsaken place."
"At long last, I can once again see the world beyond the depths of magma… How I've longed for this sight,"
The illusionary figure of Tian Huo zun-zhe, clad in white robes, slowly drifted out from within the Storage Ring. His gaze swept across the surrounding mountain walls as he let out a wistful sigh.
"Don't worry, Senior. Once I've settled my matters, I will devote myself fully to fulfilling your request," Xiao Hua replied with a faint smile.
Tian Huo zun-zhe suddenly paused, as if realizing something. "Now that I think about it… I don't believe I've ever asked for your name."
"This junior is called Xiao Hua," he replied with a calm smile. As he spoke, he extended his hand toward the mountain wall, and a flash of silver light shot forth.
The silvery figure quickly solidified into the longsword he had previously embedded as a marker—to avoid losing his way within the magma world.
"Xiao Hua…" Tian Huo zun-zhe repeated softly. His expression grew solemn. "My soul is exceedingly weak and cannot remain outside for long. The matter of restoring my spirit will rest in your hands."
His gaze turned steady and serious. "Remember well—my soul cannot endure for extended periods. You must make every moment count."
"Rest assured, Senior Yao," Xiao Hua responded with quiet confidence. "Once I refine the Tier 9 Treasure Pill and settled my business, I will immediately begin searching for the medicinal ingredients required to restore your soul."
Tian Huo zun-zhe nodded with satisfaction and spoke slowly,
"If you have any questions while cultivating the 'Five Ring Flame Expelling Technique,' feel free to ask. Since you have aided this old one, I will naturally not be stingy with my guidance."
"In that case, this junior offers his sincere thanks," Xiao Hua replied with a faint smile, cupping his hands in gratitude.
Tian Huo zun-zhe waved his hand gently, his figure dissolving into a stream of light as he quietly returned to the snow-white ring.
"You've finally returned, little fellow."
Just as Xiao Hua was about to turn around, an old, raspy voice echoed behind him. He glanced back, only to see an aged figure descending from the opening above.
A smile tugged at Xiao Hua's lips upon seeing the familiar elder. However, his brows soon furrowed when he noticed the troubled look on the elder's face. His tone turned solemn as he asked,
"Did something happen, First Elder? Your expression seems... unsettled."
Su Qian hovered silently in midair, his gaze fixed on Xiao Hua, who was swiftly approaching with two pairs of wings—one vibrant and radiant, the other majestic and crimson. A faint frown lingered on his brow. He hesitated, torn over whether he should speak the truth now.
After a brief pause, he drew in a deep breath and exhaled slowly, his voice soft and low.
"Prepare yourself and remain calm… Xun Er has retu—"
Before he could finish his words, a surge of powerful spatial energy erupted, distorting the air. A spatial tear ripped open before him, and in the next instant, Xiao Hua's figure shot into it without the slightest hesitation.
"…Naturally, you wouldn't remain calm after hearing that," Su Qian muttered as he watched the rift slowly begin to close. He shook his head and let out a helpless, dry smile.
Lifting his gaze to the sky, he whispered, "I can only hope things will not turn carnage for you… Xiao Hua."
Shaking his head, Su Qian turned and left the magma world. However, the moment he stepped into the room above, a sudden realization struck him.
"Now that I think about it… didn't he forget to hand over the infant Fallen Heart Flame he was supposed to give me?"
He stared in the direction of the Chaos Spiritual Forest, sighing deeply. He couldn't help but smile bitterly at his own mistake.
"I should've led with that instead of bringing up Xun Er… Now I'll have to wait a little longer to get my hands on the Fallen Heart Flame."
…
Meanwhile…
Outside the tower, the air began to ripple, and the space itself twisted unnaturally. A thin spatial line shimmered into view, quickly spreading outward until the sky split open—revealing a massive spatial crack.
The sudden phenomenon drew startled gazes from nearby students who had been waiting patiently for the black, ivory tower to be open. They lifted their heads, murmurs beginning to rise.
But before any discussion could break out, a figure cloaked in a five-colored fiery aura shot out from the spatial rift like a comet. His trajectory was sharp and unwavering—straight toward the Chaos Spiritual Forest.
As swiftly as it had appeared, the spatial crack closed behind him, the air mending itself until not a single ripple remained—like nothing had ever occurred at all.
This scene stirred confusion among the students who had witnessed it. None could make sense of what had just occurred, nor did they recognize the figure who had emerged from the spatial rift.
Among the onlookers stood several small groups, quietly murmuring among themselves. Within one such group were Lin Xiuya, Han Yue, and Yan Hao. Yet, three additional figures stood beside them—each exuding a presence that marked them as no ordinary disciples.
"Lin Xiuya, was that Elder Xiao Hua who just came out?"
The question came from a tall, broad-shouldered man with a long scar trailing down his right eye. He wore a blue traditional robe, reinforced with black shoulder guards lined in gold, giving him the appearance of a battle-hardened warrior.
Faint scars marked his body, and large metal earrings hung from both ears, clinking slightly with every movement.
Lin Xiuya remained silent, his gaze shifting toward Han Yue. Of the two, she was far more familiar with Xiao Hua's affairs. As for himself, he only knew of Xiao Hua through the stories—legends left behind by him and the other founders of Chaos Gate.
Han Yue immediately understood the meaning behind Lin Xiuya's glance and calmly stepped forward to explain.
"Senior Liu Qing, that was indeed him. According to what Elder Sister Li Mei once told me, Xiao Hua possesses a unique five-colored fiery aura. The figure that emerged from the spatial rift was wrapped in exactly that."
At the mention of Li Mei—one of the six most outstanding figures of the Inner Academy who stood alongside Xiao Hua—a faint flicker of envy flashed in the eyes of those present.
They all knew that Han Yue had been personally guided by Li Mei, albeit briefly. Even so, it was enough for her to defeat the notorious Black White Evil Stopper during the Fire Energy Hunting Competition—a group of seniors that even Lin Xiuya, Yan Hao, and Liu Qing had failed to overcome.
Following that victory, Han Yue went on to establish her own faction and eventually challenged a senior on the Strong Ranking, defeating them and claiming her place among the top ten elites of the Inner Academy.
Though her talent and determination were undeniable, none could ignore the powerful Qi Method and Dou Techniques she had received from Li Mei. How could they not feel a trace of envy?
"I see..." Liu Qing muttered, his expression unreadable. Though a flicker of envy crossed his heart, it was quickly buried beneath calm composure. His eyes turned toward the distance, where Xiao Hua had vanished in a flash of speed.
"His aura... it surpasses even the Elders of Jia Nan Academy. Not even those in my clan can compare. Perhaps… he is already nearing the threshold of Dou Zun."
"Damn… So that's the legendary student who defeated an elite Dou Zong while he was still at the Dou Wang level…"
The one who muttered in awe was a red-haired youth, dressed in crimson robes that left part of his toned abdomen exposed. A black headband adorned with three glowing yellow crystals rested across his brow, and his eyes sparkled with admiration.
"I understand why Brother Liu Qing received his attention, but why were you summoned as well, Lin Yan?"
The voice came from a young woman standing beside Liu Qing. Her features were delicate—fair skin, soft contours, and a graceful posture—but her eyes held a sharp glint, betraying a haughty and willful nature. Arrogance lingered subtly in her gaze, born not from ignorance but from the praise she'd received throughout her life, praise that often overlooked her flaws in favor of her cultivated image.
Her long, dark hair cascaded smoothly over her shoulders, with a refined floral ornament pinned to one side. Her dress, matching Liu Qing's in both color and style, further signified her association with Liu Qing's group.
"Liu Fei, why not ask him yourself?" Lin Yan replied lazily, rolling his eyes with an exaggerated sigh. A playful grin tugged at the corner of his mouth. "I'm not complaining. It's basically a free lecture from him."
"You…!" Liu Fei's expression darkened, her voice rising sharply in irritation. A hint of vexation and disbelief laced her tone, clearly unaccustomed to being brushed off so casually.
"Fei-er, enough." Liu Qing's voice deepened, its chill slicing through the tension like a blade. His gaze hardened as he spoke, a subtle warning in his tone. "It is not our place to question Elder Xiao Hua's intentions. Moreover, Lin Yan is ranked ninth on the Strong Ranking. It is only natural that he would attract the Elder's attention."
Upon hearing Liu Qing's scolding, Liu Fei could only stomp her feet in frustration, feeling both wronged and humiliated. Though still brimming with indignation, she bit her tongue and fell silent.
"Even so... a Dou Zun, huh?" Lin Xiuya rubbed his chin thoughtfully, a trace of disbelief flickering in his eyes. "Didn't Elder Xiao Hua break through to Dou Zong only a short while ago?"
"Precisely three years ago, Lin Xiuya," Yan Hao replied calmly. Ever since learning of Xiao Hua, he had been quietly gathering information from the elders—especially while the tower was closed under First Elder Su Qian's orders. Through his inquiries, he had come to understand far more about the legend that was Xiao Hua.
"In just three years… he's already approaching the threshold of Dou Zun?" Lin Xiuya murmured, shock and awe bleeding through his voice. His words carried a genuine sense of admiration for such monstrous talent.
Han Yue's gaze also deepened, holding admiration that perhaps surpassed even Lin Xiuya's. Unlike the others, she understood the brutal path Xiao Hua had walked.
For every rise in star, he was forced to absorb vast quantities of lightning energy—each advancement requiring a heavenly tribulation most cultivators would fear. Often, he refined Tier 8 Medicinal Pills and used the descent of six-coloured Pill Lightning or higher to temper his body and fulfill the conditions needed for advancement.
The fact that Xiao Hua is currently near the peak of Dou Zong, Han Yue understands that he has refined multiple Tier 8 Pills hundreds of times to achieved where he is.
Such a method was not just arduous—it was borderline insane.
It was no surprise that Han Yue harbored deeper admiration and respect for Xiao Hua than anyone else within the Jia Nan Academy.
'Even so… where does he find the medicinal ingredients to refine those Tier 8 pills?' Though she admired him, a trace of confusion lingered in her heart. Tier 8 pills were no trivial matter—refining them once was already astonishing, but Xiao Hua had done so repeatedly.
Possessing the skill to refine them was one thing. Possessing a seemingly endless supply of high-grade, extremely rare medicinal ingredients was another matter entirely.
This was precisely why most cultivators hesitated to seek out an alchemist—especially for high-tier pills. The required ingredients were so scarce that many chose to hold onto them until they were in truly desperate need. To squander such treasures through repeated refinements was a luxury few could afford.
She had heard whispers that Xiao Hua had discovered multiple ancient ruins left behind by fallen experts… but that alone could not explain everything. Not every ruin contained treasures—much less the rare and specific herbs needed for Tier 8 refinement. And yet, he always seemed to possess what was needed, as though the heavens themselves favored him.
Han Yue had encountered countless talented young men—within her clan, the Jia Nan Academy, and even among the powerful factions of the Central Plains. But none had ever felt as elusive or unfathomable as Xiao Hua.
What made it all the more astonishing was his youth. He was even younger than her, and he had managed to carve such a terrifying path without the support of any influential clan or sect behind him. It was no wonder Han Yue found herself increasingly drawn to him.
'No wonder Sister Li Mei and the others are always singing his praises...' Han Yue smiled bitterly as she recalled how she once thought Li Mei was merely overhyping her younger sworn brother due to their close bond.
'Now I see… Xiao Hua truly is a monster among the geniuses!'
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