The Yan Clan, located in a remote corner of Western Central Plains, was situated deep within a vast volcanic range. Anyone following a map to this region would no doubt be shocked—for the area was filled with continuous volcanoes, many of which were active and erupting. The Yan Clan's domain was hidden amidst these fiery peaks.
Of course, that didn't mean the Yan Clan lived directly inside volcanoes. Like the Gu Clan's Ancient Realm and the Hun Clan's Soul Realm, the Yan Clan had created an independent dimension of their own—known as the Flame Realm. Though their strength didn't rival that of the Gu or Hun Clans, the Yan Clan, as one of the ancient clans, still possessed formidable heritage. The entrance to the Flame Realm lay within one of the volcanoes, and the searing magma during eruptions served as its natural defense.
Additionally, due to the intense fire-elemental energy, many strange flames were hidden within the volcanic region. The Yan Clan leader, Yan Jin, found his Volcanic Rock Flame here. While these flames couldn't compare to Heavenly Flames, they far surpassed ordinary Dou Qi flames. Every year, brave and skilled Yan Clan cultivators scoured the lava flows in search of these rare treasures.
The Mystic Flame Assembly was one of the Yan Clan's most important events, held in the Mystic Flame Mountain Range near their territory. Although this area was also volcanic, all the mountains here were extinct. After accumulating energy underground for over a millennium, this region became a sacred land for those cultivating fire-type Dou Qi.
Held once every five years, the Mystic Flame Assembly primarily drew in young talents—geniuses from across the clan. It was akin to the Strong Ranking Tournament once held at Jia Nan Academy. Achieving high placement in this assembly earned not only generous rewards but also access to a unique privilege: Body Tempering with Earth Flame.
This Earth Flame Tempering was a secret Yan Clan technique that invoked the volcano's fire energy to refine the body—purging impurities and strengthening the physical form. Those who underwent the process even had a chance for their Dou Qi to mutate, significantly boosting their combat prowess.
Because of this incentive, the Yan Clan's training atmosphere remained passionate and competitive. With each assembly, dark horses often emerged. This year, the most promising dark horses had been Huo Xuan and Huo Zhi—until they fell into a trap in the Fire Jiao ruins. Both lost their Heavenly Flames and Dou Di bloodlines, leading to a dramatic decline in their strength.
Although the clan elders used secret techniques to restore their bloodlines, the forced extraction of their Heavenly Flames and bloodlines had irreparably damaged their foundations. Most critically, their mental states were shaken—especially Huo Zhi, who though visibly dispirited, now trained with greater diligence to avenge the elders who had perished in the ruins. Unfortunately, due to the aftereffects, she had yet to even return to the Dou Zong level.
Still, Yan Jin chose to bring them along. On one hand, he hoped to reignite their fighting spirit. On the other, he wished the Earth Flame Tempering could help heal their damaged foundations. They were the clan's designated successors, and he had invested tremendous effort in their cultivation—he wasn't about to give up on them so easily.
Deep within the Mystic Flame Mountains stood the Mystic Flame Pavilion, specially constructed to host the assembly. By now, many figures had gathered within the hall. Most were young participants, while only a few dozen were clan elders and high-level guards. At the head sat none other than the Yan Clan's patriarch, Yan Jin.
Though the event wasn't staffed by many elders, Yan Jin's personal attendance demonstrated the clan's great emphasis on the assembly. Not only to protect the juniors, but to assess their growth—for ancient clans relied heavily on the strength of their younger generations.
If the next generation proved inept, even the inheritance of a Dou Di bloodline couldn't save the clan from eventual decline. Once, Huo Xuan and Huo Zhi had been poised to uphold the clan's future after Yan Jin's passing. But after the disaster at the Fire Jiao ruins, both had been severely weakened, leaving the clan without a standout youth to carry its banner.
"Sigh…" Yan Jin cast a glance at the still dispirited Huo Xuan, then at the stubborn-faced Huo Zhi. He sighed softly and shifted his gaze to the other juniors, hoping one might surprise him with great talent and potential.
After adjusting his thoughts, Yan Jin stood to announce the beginning of the assembly—but suddenly, his expression darkened. His eyes locked onto a patch of space before him, and he barked sharply, "Who's hiding there? Reveal yourself!"
"Full clan alert!" he ordered. In an instant, the Yan Clan's experts surged into motion, fanning out around the Mystic Flame Pavilion. Their eyes warily tracked the area Yan Jin had targeted.
"As expected of the Yan Clan leader. Such sharp perception." A figure wreathed in black flames emerged from the rippling space, striding forward with a calm smile. "It's been a while, hasn't it?"
"You! Hun Xuzi!" A red-robed woman near Yan Jin narrowed her eyes at the black-clad figure. Her aura indicated she was a Seven-Star Dou Sheng, with a soul at the peak of the Heavenly Realm—comparable to Hun Xuzi in strength. Clearly, she knew him. "You treacherous scum! How dare you show your face again?"
"Fairy Huo Ling, it's been years and yet your charm remains undiminished," Xiao Yan—still disguised as Hun Xuzi—smiled faintly. "As for the 'betraying master' part… I never acknowledged that old ghost as my teacher. I'm a member of the Hun Clan. Serving the clan is my duty. What betrayal is there in that?"
"Bah! Despicable worm! Don't act familiar with me!" Huo Ling sneered. Just as she was about to explode, Yan Jin raised a hand to stop her. He stared gravely at Hun Xuzi.
"Today is our Mystic Flame Assembly," Yan Jin said. "State your purpose for trespassing into the Mystic Flame Mountains."
(End of Chapter)
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