Chapter 539: Tianji Fire Region's Fire Beast King

Tianji Mountain Range, this ancient and mysterious mountain range, like a giant dragon, spans the heartland of Tianji Shengyu, and its heartland is further shrouded in countless legends and taboos.

This is the site of the Tianji Holy Land's ruins, a mysterious place filled with prohibitions and danger.

The prohibitions in the mountain range's core are endless; they are protective measures left by powerful ancient cultivators, intended to guard the holy land's secrets from being easily probed by outsiders.

These prohibitions either hide in clouds and mist, lie beneath rocks, or appear above streams; they vary in form and possess astonishing power.

Some prohibitions are like labyrinths; once entered, it is hard to escape;

Some prohibitions are like thunder and lightning; touching them instantly summons heavenly thunder and earthly fire;

Still others are like illusions, causing people to fall into endless phantasms and lose themselves.

Besides the prohibitions, the mountain range's core is also a habitat for various ferocious beasts and raptors.

These creatures, nourished by the holy land's spiritual qi, become abnormally strong and ferocious.

They either possess razor‑sharp claws and fangs, or can spray poisonous mist, or wield elemental control.

These ferocious beasts and raptors roam freely through the mountain range, launching merciless attacks on any intruders.

In this zone where prohibitions and ferocious beasts coexist, fear is everywhere.

Whenever night falls, the mountain range echoes with various strange cries—some like ghosts wailing and wolves howling, others like thunder rumbling—making people shudder.

Under the moonlight, the mountain shadows loom, as if countless spirits wander among them, adding a touch of gloom and eeriness.

Nevertheless, despite the dangers, the ruins of the Tianji Holy Land continue to attract countless cultivators coming to explore.

They are either drawn by the legendary treasures, eager to obtain the inheritance of ancient cultivators, or wish to prove their own strength and courage.

But no matter their goals, they must face this terrifying land of prohibitions and ferocious beasts and raptors.

At the mountain range's center, every step is filled with the unknown and danger; each breath may draw in deadly poisonous mist, and whatever one sees may be a chilling sight.

At this moment, at the foot of the Tianji Mountain Range, cultivators gather, their gazes all focused on the mountain range's center, shrouded in clouds and mist and layered with prohibitions.

That place is where the Tianji Holy Land's ruins lie, and also the mysterious site they long to explore in their hearts.

Yet, facing unknown dangers and powerful prohibitions, even these cultivators of high cultivation level cannot help feeling worry and fear.

Hu Wang, a member of the Heavenly Beyond Longyuan Immortal Sect, renowned for his bravery and strategy, with a firm gaze and steady voice, said: "Everyone, there's no need to worry pointlessly here. The disciples of the major powers are preparing to enter the mountain range's depths; why don't we disguise ourselves, mingle among them, and take this opportunity to delve deeper into exploration?"

Upon hearing this, the cultivators all turned their heads toward Hu Wang, a glint flashing in their eyes.

Although this plan is risky, it is nonetheless a viable strategy.

Hu Wang continued: "The disciples of the major powers regard themselves highly and will not notice our actions as 'fellow sect members.' We can use this opportunity to learn their plans while seeking the best route into the holy land."

Ziyang True Person stroked his beard, nodded in agreement: "Hu Wang's plan is excellent; our sect members can not only avoid directly confronting the prohibitions and ferocious beasts' dangers, but also obtain more information without their knowledge."

Longling also pondered for a moment, then said: "We must act carefully, revealing no flaw; if discovered, not only will the plan fail, but our lives will also be threatened."

Heavenly Pivot True Person added: "We need to prepare some special magic treasures and elixirs to deal with possible prohibitions and ferocious beasts, and also formulate contingency plans just in case."

After discussion, the cultivators ultimately decided to adopt Hu Wang's plan.

They began preparing the disguises' clothing and magic treasures, while studying the behavior habits of the major powers' disciples to better blend in.

Once everything was ready, they quietly approached the major powers' disciples, cautiously imitating their words and deeds, gradually merging into their groups.

Their goal is the depths of the mountain range, where the secrets of the Tianji Holy Land lie hidden, and also the ultimate site they long to explore in their hearts.

As the team went deeper, the threats from prohibitions and ferocious beasts grew greater.

But the cultivators, relying on wit and courage, repeatedly resolved crises, gradually approaching the mountain range's center and also drawing near to the holy land in their hearts.

As the cultivators ventured into the heart of the Tianji Mountain Range, the ancient architectural complex, eroded by time, had turned into ruins—broken stone pillars, collapsed walls, and the once glorious palace now reduced to remnants of walls.

Among these ruins, skeletons clad in ancient attire can be seen everywhere, lying in various disordered postures, as if narrating an ancient tragedy.

The presence of these skeletons made the Huanyu cultivators involuntarily feel their scalps tingle, a chill rising from their feet straight to their heads.

Their minds filled with doubt and fear, they speculated wildly about the identities of these fallen cultivators.

These cultivators must have been powerful in life; their attire and relics exude an ancient, mysterious aura, utterly different from today's cultivators' garb.

Ziyang True Person gazed at the skeletons, brow furrowed, and said softly: "These cultivators might have been mighty beings of antiquity, perhaps meeting mishap while exploring the holy land, or perishing in battles over treasures and resources."

Longling cautiously observed the surroundings, eyes sweeping back and forth between the skeletons and ruins, seeking clues: "The existence of these skeletons indicates that fierce battles once took place here; perhaps they fought each other over a powerful magic treasure or cultivation resources."

Hu Wang paid even more attention to the skeletons' battle marks, crouching to carefully examine the wounds on one skeleton: "Look at these injuries; in life they must have endured a fierce battle—these wounds could not have been made by ordinary weapons, and the power contained within them is extremely great."

Heavenly Pivot True Person pondered the significance of these skeletons: "The relics of these fallen cultivators might provide us with clues, guiding us to the holy land's core."

Besides shock and fear, the cultivators also began cautiously searching the skeletons, hoping to find useful information.

These skeletons are not only a testament to history; they may also be the key for them to enter the holy land's depths.

As exploration deepened, they discovered that around the skeletons lay scattered ancient magic treasures and elixirs; though aged by time, they still emitted a faint glow.

The style of these magic treasures and elixirs is completely different from modern ones; their presence convinces the cultivators that they have already approached the holy land's core area.

However, these discoveries also made them realize that this ruin is not as simple as it appears on the surface.

Here lie countless secrets and dangers; each step could trigger an unknown prohibition, and each relic may conceal a deadly trap.

Boom—rumble—rumble…

Suddenly, the heavens and earth trembled; a shocking spectacle appeared in the heartland of the Tianji Mountain Range.

The ground split open, revealing a deep black abyss, like a wound in the earth, bottomless.

From this mysterious black abyss burst a fire waterfall; flames poured down like liquid, scorching and wild, the firefall blotting out sky and sun, bathing the whole area in a light like doomsday.

Above the fire waterfall stood an ancient sect ruin; this is the legendary Tianji Holy Land.

This ruin, illuminated by the fire, appears mysterious and solemn; its architectural style is ancient and grand, forming a stark contrast with the surrounding wreckage.

The ruin's walls are etched with the marks of time, yet one can still sense its former splendor.

The Huanyu cultivators witnessed this spectacle, their hearts filled with shock and awe.

This fire waterfall and the mysterious sect ruin are exactly the endpoint of their journey—the core of the Tianji Holy Land.

Longling gazed at the fire waterfall, a flash of determination in his eyes: "This fire waterfall must be the key to entering the Tianji Holy Land; we must find a way to pass through it."

"This flame is not ordinary; it's probably not a common flame, so we must not act rashly." Purple Yang True Person frowned and pondered.

Hu Wang clenched his fists, battle spirit blazing: "No matter how fierce this flame is, we must charge through. The secret of Heaven's Extreme Sacred Land lies right before us—how could we retreat?"

"We need to devise a detailed plan; perhaps we can resist the flame's heat with special magic treasures or spells, or find a safe route." Heavenly Pivot True Person remained even calmer.

After a discussion, the cultivators decided to take action.

They began gathering surrounding materials, preparing to craft magic treasures that could resist high heat, while also attempting to cast water- and ice-system spells, hoping to lower the temperature of the Fire Waterfall.

After sufficient preparation, the cultivators began to cautiously approach the Fire Waterfall.

They cast spells, deployed magic treasures, forming a protective shield that enveloped them.

As the protective shield drew near, the flame's heat began to affect it, and the cultivators felt an unprecedented pressure.

But they did not give up; under Longling's lead, the cultivators, with firm will and great strength, inched through the Fire Waterfall.

However, as the cultivators approached the Fire Waterfall's magma pillar, preparing to enter Heaven's Extreme Sacred Land, Huanyu cultivators also hurried to the scene.

They had long coveted the relics of Heaven's Extreme Sacred Land; seeing someone move ahead, their greed and jealousy were instantly aroused, and they decided to act, blocking other cultivators' entry.

Huanyu cultivators immediately launched a terrifying attack, either casting powerful spells or deploying sharp magic treasures, trying to repel the vanguard cultivators.

The air around the Fire Waterfall instantly grew tense, sparks of battle ready to ignite.

Facing the sudden attack, Longling and Heavenly Pivot True Person quickly responded, commanding the disciples of Heaven-Outside Longyuan Immortal Sect to form a defensive formation while preparing to counterattack.

"Everyone, don't panic, hold formation, prepare for battle!" Longling shouted loudly.

Ziyang True Person swiftly cast successive defensive spells, forming layers of light curtains, attempting to block the Huanyu cultivators' assault.

"Hold steady, their attacks may be strong, but our defense is no pushover!" His voice was calm and powerful.

"Want to stop us? Ask my fist first!" Hu Wang roared, his body like lightning, charging straight into the Huanyu cultivators' camp; his stature in the fire's glow appeared especially mighty.

In this sudden battle, the disciples of Heaven-Outside Longyuan Immortal Sect displayed their strength and courage.

They either met with sword techniques or countered with spells, engaging in fierce clashes with the Huanyu cultivators.

In the battle, both sides suffered casualties, but the Heaven-Outside Longyuan Immortal Sect cultivators, relying on seamless coordination and strong power, gradually steadied their stance.

They knew that only by repelling these Huanyu cultivators could they continue their expedition.

In the battle's lull, Longling and Heavenly Pivot True Person quickly discussed tactics, deciding to split forces: one contingent would continue to entangle the Huanyu cultivators, while the other would seize the chance to enter Heaven's Extreme Sacred Land's ruins, seeking a way to break the Fire Waterfall.

As the battle continued, the Heaven-Outside Longyuan Immortal Sect cultivators gradually gained the upper hand.

Their bravery and wisdom, plus their yearning for Heaven's Extreme Sacred Land, allowed them to gradually gain advantage in this battle.

"Almost there—charge……"

As the cultivators were about to approach the Spirit Platform on the Fire Waterfall, hoping to glimpse the secret of Heaven's Extreme Sacred Land, the Fire Waterfall suddenly underwent a terrifying aberration.

Boom—

The flames, already fierce and violent, became even more savage, as if enraged by some unknown power.

From the depths of the Fire Waterfall, endless fire beasts surged forth, composed of flame, taking various forms—some resembling dragons, some tigers, some unrecognizable, merely seen as twisted masses of fire.

The appearance of these fire beasts made the already tense situation even more perilous.

They seemed full of hostility toward the Huanyu cultivators, targeting them specifically for brutal and terrifying attacks.

The fire beasts' attacks not only brought extreme heat but could also burn the cultivators' mana, making their defense and counterattacks extremely difficult.

Facing this sudden disaster, the Heaven-Outside Longyuan Immortal Sect cultivators and other Huanyu cultivators had to temporarily set aside their conflict and jointly confront this new threat.

"Don't panic, everyone—though the fire beasts are strong, united strength is greater; we must unite to resist these fire beasts!" Longling shouted, trying to organize everyone.

"Everyone, use water- and ice-system spells; this is the best way to counter the fire beasts, while protecting yourselves and avoiding direct contact with flames." Heavenly Pivot True Person immediately responded, his voice clear amid the chaos.

Ziyang True Person swiftly erected ice walls, attempting to block the fire beasts' charge: "Quick, use the ice walls as barriers to buy us time."

Hu Wang led a group of cultivators straight at the fire beasts; their attacks were full of force, and each hit temporarily weakened the fire beasts' flames.

"Follow me, use our weapons and spells to drive back these monsters!"

In this sudden battle, the cultivators displayed unprecedented unity and courage.

They either cast spells or waved magic treasures, engaging in fierce combat with the fire beasts.

Although the fire beasts were mighty, through the cultivators' joint effort their numbers gradually dwindled.

However, the fire beasts' numbers seemed endless; the battle dragged on for a long time, and the cultivators began to feel exhausted.

At this point, Longling and Heavenly Pivot True Person decided to adopt a more radical strategy.

They led a contingent of elite cultivators to seek the fire beasts' source, aiming to resolve the problem at its root.

After arduous exploration and battle, they finally discovered the fire beasts' source—a mysterious magic array deep within the Fire Waterfall.

This magic array continuously released flame energy, forming countless fire beasts.

Longling and Heavenly Pivot True Person immediately began to decipher the array, while the other cultivators outside held off the fire beasts' attacks, buying them time.

After arduous effort, the magic array was finally broken, and the generation of fire beasts was curbed.

As the fire beasts were gradually eliminated, the cultivators had just breathed a sigh of relief when they suddenly sensed a far greater power emanating from within the Fire Waterfall.

This power carried unmatched heat and fury, as if even heaven and earth would tremble before it.

Immediately afterward, a colossal fire pillar shot skyward, and the Fire Beast King appeared in the blaze—its massive form, a body of flame, dwarfing and terrifying beyond any fire beast.

The emergence of the Fire Beast King made the already tense atmosphere even graver.

Its eyes were like two blazing suns, emitting scorching light, and each breath seemed to spew fire.

The Fire Beast King's aura filled those present with unprecedented fear.

Upon its birth, the Fire Beast King began a rampage, its attack range vast and power immense—even the strongest defensive magic treasures could hardly withstand it.

The Fire Beast King's flames could not only scorch flesh but also corrode the cultivators' mana and souls, making their resistance extraordinarily difficult.

"Don't meet it head-on—its power far exceeds our imagination; we need to find its weakness." Facing the Fire Beast King's fierce assault, Longling swiftly commanded the cultivators to retreat while seeking a countermeasure.

"The Fire Beast King's power stems from the Fire Waterfall; perhaps we can sever its link to the falls, weakening it." Heavenly Pivot True Person calmly analyzed.

Ziyang True Person immediately unleashed powerful ice-system spells, attempting to slow the Fire Beast King's onslaught: "Quick, we need time to find its weakness; my spells can only hold it back temporarily."

"Though its body is made of flame, it must have a core—find it and destroy it!" Hu Wang led a group of cultivators to flank-attack the Fire Beast King, seeking an opening.

Under the fierce attacks of the Fire Beast King, the cultivators suffered heavy losses, but they did not give up.

That Fire Beast King, unlike ordinary fire beasts, possessed power far beyond imagination, almost reaching the point of destroying heaven and earth.

The Fire Beast King's body was huge, nearly occupying half the width of the fire waterfall; its body consisted of the purest flames, and every inch of its skin radiated a temperature high enough to melt metal.

At its forehead, unlike the two eyes of ordinary fire beasts, it actually had four eyes, each representing the elemental forces of wind, fire, thunder, and lightning; they could summon the corresponding elemental powers for the Fire Beast King's use.

When the Fire Beast King's four eyes opened simultaneously, the heavens and earth changed color, winds rose and clouds surged, flames raged, and thunder and lightning intertwined. It could summon gales to blow the cultivators helter-skelter; summon flames to reduce everything to ash; summon lightning to paralyze the cultivators numb; summon storms to blow away all the cultivators' spells.

The combination of these four powers made the Fire Beast King nearly invincible under heaven.

Faced with such a terrifying Fire Beast King, cultivator leaders Longling, Tiger King, Golden Peng King, and others each displayed their strongest dharma manifestations, preparing for a life-and-death showdown with the Fire Beast King.

On Longling, the White Bone Dharma Manifestation appeared, his body becoming like white bone, emanating a chilling yet powerful aura.

This White Bone Dharma Manifestation, which Longling comprehended after countless brushes with death, not only greatly enhanced his defensive power but also made his attacks more fierce.

Empowered by the White Bone Dharma Manifestation, each of Longling's attacks carried the power to destroy everything; even the Fire Beast King dared not underestimate it.

Behind Tiger King, a huge tiger shadow appeared, condensed from his magic power; its image was mighty and ferocious, like a true ancient divine tiger.

Every roar of the tiger shadow could cause the surrounding air to vibrate, and even affect the Fire Beast King's flames.

Empowered by the tiger shadow, Tiger King's strength and speed were greatly increased; each of his strikes was like a tiger descending the mountain, unstoppable.

On Golden Peng King's body, a pair of huge eagle wings unfolded; his name Ying Ming Chongxiao comes from this.

These eagle wings not only allowed Golden Peng King to soar freely in the sky, but also made his attacks swifter and more agile.

In the air, Golden Peng King was like a bolt of lightning; each of his dives carried the power to tear through space, and even the Fire Beast King dared not meet them head-on.

In this life-and-death showdown, the cultivators each displayed their utmost strength.

They knew that only by standing united could they hope to defeat the Fire Beast King.

Under Longling's command, the cultivators began to launch their attacks in an orderly manner.

Longling's White Bone Dharma Manifestation, Tiger King's tiger shadow, Golden Peng King's eagle wings, and the dharma manifestations of the other cultivators together formed a breathtaking battle scene.

The Fire Beast King's four eyes continually summoned wind, fire, thunder, and lightning, trying to suppress the cultivators' offensive.

However, the cultivators were not intimidated; relying on their powerful dharma manifestations and steadfast will, they continually engaged in fierce confrontation with the Fire Beast King.

Each attack was like a collision between heaven and earth, producing a deafening roar.

In the battle, Longling continually sought the Fire Beast King's weakness.

He discovered that whenever the Fire Beast King summoned a power, the corresponding eye in its forehead would light up.

Longling immediately realized that these four eyes were the source of the Fire Beast King's power; destroying them would weaken its strength.

Longling immediately told the other cultivators of this discovery, and they began to concentrate their fire on the Fire Beast King's four eyes.

Under the cultivators' fierce attacks, the Fire Beast King's four eyes began to show cracks, and its power gradually waned.

Sensing the threat, the Fire Beast King began to frenziedly counterattack, and the power of wind, fire, thunder, and lightning became even more violent.

However, the cultivators did not retreat; relying on their powerful dharma manifestations and seamless cooperation, they continually blocked the Fire Beast King's attacks while also continually destroying its eyes.