Chapter 302: Ao Li's Determination

Ao Li's eyes were resolute as she stood before the blazing Nirvana Fire, the flames towering several zhang, heat waves rolling, as if they could turn all things in the world to ash. The lingering souls of the ancient Dragon Clan flickered in the scorching fire, their silhouettes swaying with the flames, exuding a mysterious and powerful aura. Ao Li knew well that this Nirvana Fire is a sacred relic of the ancient Dragon Clan, containing world‑shattering power, and now it would become the key step for her to break free from Shiyanshi's control.

Ao Li inhaled deeply, letting her mind gradually calm, then her hands swiftly formed a seal, ten fingers dancing, as if weaving an invisible net. At the same time, she murmured words, her voice low and distant, an ancient Dragon Clan incantation containing the mysterious power to commune with the Nirvana Fire. As the chant rose, the Nirvana Fire seemed summoned, the previously wild flames began to converge toward Ao Li, gradually forming a massive pillar of fire that enveloped her.

In the fire's glow, Ao Li's face flickered, like a war god baptized by flames. She bit her lip hard, her molars nearly sinking into her tender skin, beads of sweat the size of beans rolled from her forehead, only to vaporize instantly in the heat. The scorching force from the Nirvana Fire acted not only on her body but penetrated deep into her soul, bringing a pain that seemed to tear the soul apart. Yet Ao Li's gaze remained steadfast, with no hint of retreat.

Just as Ao Li endured the pain, a forgotten past began to surface in her mind. It was a long‑buried memory, the scene vague, yet every detail felt strikingly real.

In the vision, a young Ao Zhan stood in a mysterious Shiyanshi, surrounded by various instruments flashing with strange light and containers filled with mysterious liquid. Ao Zhan's face was full of resolve; before him stood an Elder with white hair, whose eyes revealed a complex expression—some reluctance, some helplessness, and a hint of a deeply hidden expectation.

Suddenly, Ao Zhan lunged, snatching a crystal Container from the Elder's hand, which held the First-generation Gene Sample. The Elder seemed to have anticipated this and did not intervene much, but a flash of pain crossed his eyes. Holding the Container, Ao Zhan unhesitatingly smashed it onto the ground; the crystal Container shattered instantly, and the First-generation Gene Sample spilled everywhere, gradually dissipating.

It turned out that the so‑called "Assassin of the Master" that Ao Zhan spoke of back then was actually to destroy the First-generation Gene Sample. Behind this lay an unknown secret, also echoing the Secret History of the Measuring Ruler mentioned in the introduction. Legend says this First-generation Gene Sample was a plot by the Observer to control the Dragon Clan; once activated, the Dragon Clan would fall into an irredeemable abyss. The Measuring Ruler, a mysterious and powerful artifact of the cosmos, is intricately linked to this Gene Sample. The Measuring Ruler may hide the key clue to unraveling the Observer's scheme; Ao Zhan knew this, so he bore the "Assassin of the Master" label to destroy the sample and thwart the Observer's plan.

Ao Li immersed herself in this memory, a swirl of emotions welling up. Her admiration for Ao Zhan surged, and at the same time her resolve to break free from Shiyanshi's control and thwart the Observer's conspiracy hardened.

"No matter how painful, I will keep going. For the Dragon Clan, for Senior Ao Zhan's sacrifice, I cannot give up," Ao Li vowed silently in her heart.

Yet the scorching force of the Nirvana Fire grew stronger, and Ao Li felt her soul as if being completely devoured by the flames. Her consciousness began to blur, her body swayed on the brink of collapse. But whenever she thought of giving up, Ao Zhan's resolute figure appeared before her eyes, granting her the strength to persist.

Just as Ao Li was about to collapse, the Taichu She Shen Jing within her seemed to sense the threat of the Nirvana Fire and began to rebel wildly. A powerful darkness surged from her body, trying to break the Nirvana Fire's shackles. The dark force intertwined with the flames, sparking an intense battle inside Ao Li.

"No, I will not let you succeed!" Ao Li roared, concentrating her last ounce of will, intensifying her guidance of the Nirvana Fire. The Nirvana Fire seemed to feel Ao Li's determination; the flames grew hotter, the light brighter. Through Ao Li's effort, the Nirvana Fire gradually suppressed the dark power of the Taichu She Shen Jing, slowly scorching this hateful technique.

As the Nirvana Fire continued to scorch, the Taichu She Shen Jing emitted a mournful wail, and the dark power gradually faded. Ao Li could feel the force controlled by Shiyanshi weakening within her; she was drawing ever closer to success.

But at that moment, turmoil beyond the forbidden zone intensified. Powerful energy fluctuations kept arriving, as if a great battle was erupting. Ao Li's heart tightened; she knew she must finish this step quickly, otherwise the external upheaval might interfere, even nullifying all her prior efforts…

May I ask whether you wish me to continue writing the subsequent chapters?