Transparent threads with a sinister black hue tangled around the four Dong Fang men, suspending them in mid-air like helpless insects ensnared in a spider's web. Their faces were devoid of life, as if their very souls had been siphoned away by some malevolent force.
The only one with the fortitude to resist was Dong Fang Jun, his expression twisted in pain as he shouted furiously, "If you kill us, the Dong Fang Family will never let you live!!"
Chao He's lips curled into a dark, mocking grin. "The people from the famous family are really dumb! I'm not even scared of the Enforcement Union, why would I be scared of a mere branch family?"
He barely spared a glance for the men whose life essence was being drained away, their fates inconsequential.
His true focus was on the bottom of the severely cracked reservoir, where something extraordinary awaited him.
Even Chao He, with all his knowledge, was taken aback by the discovery. This was undeniably a water source, so how could a Fire Soul Core have appeared here?
"Nature truly works in mysterious ways," he mused, a smirk playing on his lips. A Spirit Grade Fire Soul Core—such a prize was the ultimate aspiration for many Fire Element Mages.
Its subtlety and formidable strength made it highly coveted, often fetching exorbitant prices at auctions, yet still within the reach of those desperate enough to invest in their power.
The value of one of these Elemental Soul Cores could easily soar into the hundreds of millions. The risk was equally monumental; If you failed to refine it, then you might as well abandon your cultivation!
But Chao He was not bothered by that fact, since he came prepared. "Very good. After I refine this Flame, I will be able to do whatever I want with my increased power!!" he declared with joyous conviction.
He knew the chasm between his current state and that of an Advanced Mage was vast. Under normal circumstances, his strength wouldn't see a significant increase in such a short period.
But with the Spirit Grade Fire Core, his Fire Magic would receive a monumental boost. Let's see if those Hunters and the Enforcers dare to hunt me then!
The prospect of such power sent a thrill through him. Chao He imagined the faces of his adversaries, twisted in fear and disbelief as he unleashed his newfound strength upon them. His enemies had long underestimated him, but soon they would tremble before the might he would wield.
With a final, disdainful look at the dangling bodies of the Dong Fang men, Chao He turned his attention fully to the Fire Soul Core. His fingers twitched with anticipation, the power he sought so tantalizingly close. The future was his to command, and nothing—no family, no enforcer, no hunter—would stand in his way.
He extended his hand high into the sky, and orange flames suddenly enveloped his fingers, growing in intensity and heat. "Fiery Fist! Ground Break!" he roared, his voice echoing through the desolate landscape. The flames on his hand reached an almost unbearable temperature, and with a forceful thrust, he smashed his fist into the ground.
BOOM!
All the fire elemental energy accumulated in his hand surged into the earth, causing the ground to crack open. Red fissures spread like a spider web, radiating outward from the impact point. Chao He's intermediate fire spell clashed violently with the Spirit Grade Fire Soul Core hidden beneath the surface.
THUDOOM!
WHOOSHH!!!
A screeching noise filled the air as the cracked and dry water reservoir exploded, leaving a scorched hole in its place.
BOOM!
The flames weren't buried deeply. This type of Elemental Core often caused significant alterations to its surroundings, indicating its readiness for discovery. After the hole exploded, a powerful steam shot up from below. The steam quickly ignited, forming a towering pillar of flames, as if it had been freed from its long confinement. The orange pillar of flames transformed into a stunning display of Rose Flames.
Chao He laughed maniacally at the sight of the majestic pillar of flames. "There really was a Fire Soul Core!" he exclaimed with a crazed glint in his eyes. Judging by the clean, captivating color of the flames, he determined that this fire was relatively pure—it was a Rose Flame!
The normal color of base flames was orange, commonly referred to as Common grade. Any Mage who had awakened the Fire Element could control such flames. However, this Rose Flame was of the Spirit Grade, a level far beyond the ordinary. Elemental Cores were formed through the natural accumulation of elemental energy over extended periods, with the Spirit Grade being a testament to their purity and potency. They were further classified into Spirit Grade, Soul Grade, and Heaven Grade, each more powerful and rare than the last.
This particular flame, with its captivating rose-red hue, was named as Rose Flame. Its heat was far more intense than that of other Fire Soul Cores of the same grade. The Rose Flame was simple in appearance, yet its ferocity was unmatched. It could incinerate almost anything in its path, a true testament to nature's raw power.
The nature of Elemental Cores was fascinating. Over decades and centuries, the elements gathered in one place, coalescing into a concentrated core of pure elemental energy.
The Spirit Grade represented a significant accumulation of this energy, producing flames that were both beautiful and deadly. The Rose Flame, with its enchanting rose-red colour, was one of the most prized among the Spirit Grade Fire Cores. Its heat and purity made it a valuable asset, worth any risk to obtain.
Chao He's entire being trembled with excitement. The effort and bloodshed to obtain such a treasure were more than justified.
His ecstatic expression stood in stark contrast to the lifeless bodies of the four Dong Fang men, their souls drained dry by his dark magic. As he basked in the glow of the Rose Flame, Chao He's mind raced with possibilities. The power he could wield with this Spirit Grade Fire Core would elevate him to new heights, making him a force to be reckoned with.
With a final, triumphant laugh, Chao He reached out toward the pillar of Rose Flames, ready to claim the power that would change his destiny forever.
—
"Are you sure they didn't die?" Tang Yue asked, her eyes fixed on the lifeless bodies of the four Dong Fang mages.
"Yeah! They're just in shock, their soul as well as their bodies are fine. They'll wake up after a day or two." Mo Fan affirmed with a nod, his voice steady.
"Blessing Element... How mysterious, it's my first time seeing it in action. To think it could offset a Curse of peak Intermediate Level with just a Basic Level Spell..." Tang Yue mused, her surprise evident. She knew there was more to the blessing which he cast but she didn't pry any further when she noticed Mo Fan's reluctance to continue the conversation.
"Let's go and take care of him now!" Mo Fan said while cracking his knuckles.
"No... You stay here! I'll go." Tang Yue adamantly refused Mo Fan.
"Huh? I mean sure, you can beat him as an Advanced Level Mage and all, but don't you think it's better to be safe?" Mo Fan argued. He felt an unsettling sense of foreboding, as if he was forgetting something crucial, knowing instinctively he shouldn't let Tang Yue face the threat alone.
"I'm not doubting your capabilities, but we are up against a crazy murderer. I know I brought you here with me, but I'd rather you not get exposed to things like this," Tang Yue insisted, her voice firm despite the hypocritical undertone. In her eyes, no matter how brave Mo Fan was, he was still a student. She couldn't let him face such a vicious criminal who wouldn't hesitate to kill.
"... Well, I can't really argue when you're being so unreasonable..." Mo Fan said, feeling conflicted. He decided to observe from a distance and intervene if things became too complicated.
"Haha, the nerve you have! Calling me unreasonable, you brat!" Tang Yue teased, pinching Mo Fan's ear.
"Ow! Why'd you do that?!" Mo Fan yelped in pain.
"Anyways, stay here, okay? I'll take care of him and be back soon," Tang Yue said.
"Fleeing Shadow!"
Seven Black stars immediately circled around her and formed a Black Star Orbit! Tang Yue's dreamy crimson eyes turned Black momentarily as she quickly assimilated into shadows!
POOF~
SWOOSH!!
Even though they were floating in air under the shining sun, she was able to move freely through the surroundings. Her Shadow Element was no longer constrained by the limitations of being only able to move in dark places or Shadows now that she was an Advanced Shadow Mage.
She swiftly travelled in the shadow form without being noticed and reached Chao He within five seconds!
"Hahaha! Finally it's mine!" Chao He exclaimed excitedly!
Just as Chao He was about to submerge his hand into the pillar of Rose Flames to refine them, Tang Yue got out of the shadows eerily but elegantly like beautiful ghost!
"Not on my watch!" Tang Yue's voice echoed right from behind Chao He, giving him a great scare! He spun around, flames flaring in his hand.
But Tang Yue was ten seconds faster than him! She had three black needles in her fingers which were constantly emitting black smoke!
"Giant Shadow Spike!" Tang Yue had already finished casting the 3rd tier intermediate spell of Shadow Element while she was traversing.
SWOOSH~
WHOOSH~
SWOOSH!!
Tang Yue launched the black needles at Chao He with impeccable precision, giving him no time to react.
Prick!
All three Needles pierced into his body and immobilized him completely! The peculiarity of the Intermediate Level Shadow Spell was that it could easily subdue an opponent into submission! The higher your mental strength, cultivation and Shadow Core, the better the effects!
Tang Yue might not have a Shadow Core yet, but her mental strength and cultivation were levels above Chao He!
The first needle pierced his shadow, rendering him immobile. The second needle struck his head, sealing his thought process. The third needle pierced his heart, causing direct damage to his soul and sealing his magic.
Chao He's body stiffened as the needles took effect, his flames extinguishing as his power was sealed. Tang Yue stood before him, her presence commanding and her eyes cold.
"This is the end of the road for you," she declared, her voice a chilling promise.
Chao He's eyes widened in terror as he struggled against the darkness binding him, but it was futile. The dark energy from Tang Yue's Shadow needles coursed through his body, leaving him paralyzed and powerless. His triumphant smirk faded into a grimace of pain and fear.
Tang Yue stepped closer, her gaze unwavering. "You thought you could get away with murder and treachery. But this is where your ambitions end."
Chao He tried to speak, but only a hoarse whisper escaped his lips. "You...you don't understand. The power..."
"I understand perfectly," Tang Yue interrupted, her tone ice-cold. "Power comes with responsibility. You chose to misuse it. Now, you face the consequences."