Chapter 165: Chapter One Hundred Sixty-Five

At the critical moment, a streak of cold, dim light arrived later but struck first, precisely severing the flame chain. As the power of Annihilation brushed past, the flames on the chain instantly dimmed and snapped apart.

The one who acted was Shi Ran. She could not stand by and watch innocent people perish; moreover, she also wanted to observe the Earth Fire Lotus Core up close.

This single move immediately shattered the battle's equilibrium.

"Who?!" The three Burning Heaven Valley disciples were both shocked and enraged. Following the source of the dim light, they saw the four from Lingxiao emerge from behind the rocks.

"It's you!" The lead disciple recognized the few who had stood out on the Yanhuo Ping, especially Shi Ran, whose attribute countered theirs; his face instantly darkened. "What, want to meddle in others' business? Or do you also want to snatch this Earth Fire Lotus Core?"

Lingxiao stepped forward unhurriedly. Though his aura was not fully released, that unfathomable pressure already made the three Burning Heaven Valley disciples feel their breathing catch. He said indifferently, "Spiritual treasures and opportunities go to the capable. But bullying the weak with strength is not the act of the righteous path."

Luo Changfeng stood with sword in hand, sword intent locking onto the three, and said coldly, "Leave now, and you can avoid physical suffering."

Xiao Muyu swiftly moved to the side of the male and female cultivator pair, handing over healing pills.

The three Burning Heaven Valley disciples' expressions flickered. Sensing the heart-palpitating aura on Lingxiao, and seeing Luo Changfeng's pressing sword intent, they knew they were absolutely no match. The leader glared fiercely at Shi Ran, as if to engrave her appearance in his heart, gritted his teeth, and said, "Good! Good! We're leaving! The mountains don't turn but the waters do; fellow daoists, we'll settle the score inside the Chiyan Dao!"

With that, the three clumsily stowed their magic artifacts and retreated swiftly.

The rescued male and female cultivators hurried forward to offer thanks. The man cupped his fists and said, "Many thanks to several fellow daoists for your righteous aid! I am Han Gang, this is my younger sister Han Xue. If not for you several, my sister and I would likely have met with more misfortune than good today."

The woman, Han Xue, also bowed gracefully, her face still somewhat pale. "Thank you, all of you, especially this elder sister." She looked at Shi Ran, her eyes holding gratitude.

Shi Ran shook her head slightly. "A trivial effort." Her gaze once again turned toward that Earth Fire Lotus Core.

Seeing this, Han Gang immediately said, "This Earth Fire Lotus Core rightfully should be taken by you several fellow daoists. My sister and I absolutely have no intention of laying a finger on it."

Lingxiao, however, said, "This item is of no great use to us. Since you two came for it, take it. Only, this place is perilous; your cultivation is still shallow, so you must be extra careful."

Upon hearing this, Han Gang and Han Xue were even more overwhelmed with gratitude. After bowing repeatedly in thanks, they carefully went to collect the Earth Fire Lotus Core.

After the two left, Shi Ran walked to the lava lake shore where the Earth Fire Lotus Core had been growing, crouched down, and lightly touched the black reef with her fingertips. A breath of scorching heat mixed with a bizarre, decaying aura traveled along her fingertips, causing her Annihilation Origin to faintly resonate once more.

"Master, did you sense it? This reef, and this lava lake... they all seem to contain a trace of 'Annihilation' resonance after having their vitality forcibly extracted." Shi Ran raised her head, her eyes thoughtful. "It's as if some power forcibly plundered the essence of fire, leaving only violence and emptiness."

Lingxiao's expression was grave. He bent down to investigate for a moment, then said slowly, "Correct. This is not naturally formed Annihilation intent; rather, it resembles... the residue left after some devouring. The 'treasure disturbance' spoken of by Burning Heaven Valley is probably not false. Deep within this Molten Fire Heart, there may exist something that is continuously devouring fire spirit origins."

Luo Changfeng and Xiao Muyu also revealed shocked expressions. If that were truly the case, then this trip into the Chiyan Dao would likely be even more dangerous than anticipated.

"Devouring fire spirit origins..." Shi Ran murmured to herself, subconsciously stroking her storage ring. The warmth of the seven-colored feather transmitted once more; this time, it seemed to carry a distinct guiding direction, faintly coinciding with the stinging sensation of the Red Silk Thread.

"It points that way." Shi Ran pointed toward the depths of the Chiyan Dao, that region where fire pillars rushed skyward and space itself appeared distorted. "In that direction, something is attracting it; it might also be... the answer we seek, or... an even greater crisis."

Lingxiao looked in the direction she pointed, his gaze deep. "Since that is so, we shall go investigate. Everyone, brace yourselves; the road ahead will not be peaceful."

The four rested briefly, then set off once more, toward the depths of the Molten Fire Heart, toward that unknown attraction and danger, advancing with determination. The power within Shi Ran's body was restless; the environmental pressure grew ever stronger, yet the light in her eyes became increasingly condensed. She knew she was stepping closer to the truth, whether regarding her own hidden ailment or the secrets of the Molten Fire Heart. The scorched earth beneath her feet baked her soles; heat waves in the air distorted vision; every step felt like treading on a red-hot branding iron. Her Netherworld Stillness Seal was already operating at its limit; dim light flickered uncertainly on her body surface, like a candle in the wind, resisting the pervasive scorching heat and that bizarre "Annihilation" resonance. The stabbing pain in her meridians had almost become a constant; every breath carried a scorching sensation.

As they went deeper, the surrounding scenery became increasingly horrifying. Huge lava rivers flowed across the ground like crimson blood vessels; bubbles would occasionally swell and burst, splashing scorching waves. The charred mountain bodies were covered in crisscrossing cracks, from whose depths dark red light seeped, as if they might erupt again at any moment. Free-floating fire spirits began to appear in the air; they had no fixed form, merely pure energy bodies. Upon sensing a living person's aura, they would pounce. Though individually not strong, their numbers were vast, annoying beyond measure.

Luo Changfeng's sword light moved like a dragon, clearing the path ahead; sharp sword qi shredded the pouncing fire spirits. Xiao Muyu continuously cast auxiliary spells; cool water vapor and vital force, though rapidly evaporated and dissolved by the environment, still briefly bought everyone a moment of respite — especially crucial for Shi Ran.

Lingxiao walked at the rear, his divine sense fully expanded, vigilant against danger from any direction. His face was also slightly grave; the chaos and abnormality of this place exceeded his initial estimates.

"There are strong energy barrier fluctuations ahead." Lingxiao suddenly halted and said in a low voice.

The four focused their gaze. Several hundred zhang ahead, a visible crimson light curtain, like an inverted bowl, covered a large area. Flame runes flowed across the light curtain, emitting powerful restrictive power, isolating inside from outside. Within the light curtain, the scene was even more blurred and distorted; only sky-reaching firelight and even more violent energy flows could be vaguely seen.

"Is it a restriction set by Burning Heaven Valley?" Xiao Muyu guessed.

"Doesn't look like it." Lingxiao closely observed the runes on the light curtain. "These runes are ancient and barbaric, not the style prevalent in the current cultivation world; rather, they resemble... an ancient remnant. Burning Heaven Valley perhaps merely discovered it and attempted to utilize or control it."

Just then, the sound of air being torn came from the side-rear. Several figures rushed over at high speed, their auras powerful; they were precisely the three Burning Heaven Valley disciples who had clashed with them before. The leader wore a ferocious smile. Besides them, there were two more cultivators likewise dressed in core disciple attire, with even stronger auras. One had a cold, stern face, eyes like a hawk; his gaze swept over the four from Lingxiao and finally fixed on Shi Ran, carrying unconcealed scrutiny and a hint of greed.

"Senior Brother Chiliao, it's them! Not only did they snatch the Earth Fire Lotus Core we discovered, they also attacked and injured us!" The previous lead disciple immediately said to that cold, stern man.

The man called Chiliao did not heed his instigation, but looked straight at Lingxiao. His voice was hoarse and full of pressure: "Outsiders, to reach here your strength is not bad. However, ahead is my Burning Heaven Valley's forbidden ground; entry without invitation is forbidden. Hand over the treasure on you that can provoke the fire spirits' disturbance here, and I can guarantee you leave the Chiyan Dao safely."

As soon as he spoke, the hearts of all four from Lingxiao tightened. The other party was indeed after the seven-colored feather! It seemed the connection between this feather and the Molten Fire Heart was known better by Burning Heaven Valley's interior — at least the Great Elder's lineage — than by them.

Shi Ran's heart tightened; she subconsciously gripped her storage ring.

Lingxiao's expression did not change. He said calmly, "We possess no treasure that provokes fire spirit disturbance. As for whether ahead is a forbidden ground, that also does not seem to be determined by your mere say-so. Each seeking their own opportunities without interfering with each other is best."

Chiliao's eyes turned cold. "Refusing a toast only to drink a forfeit! Since you won't hand it over, then stay — all of you!" His aura erupted violently; he was actually at the early Nascent Soul stage! The four disciples behind him simultaneously revealed their magic artifacts, forming a battle array. Scorching fire spirit power linked into one piece, transforming into a giant flaming hand that grabbed down at the four! Its might was far beyond the previous comparison!

"Form the array, protect Ran'er!" Lingxiao shouted lowly, making a move on his own initiative for the first time. His sleeves billowed; he struck out a palm. It was not a particularly dazzling move, yet it stirred the surrounding heaven and earth spiritual qi, transforming into an incomparably solid cyan palm imprint. Arriving later but striking first, it collided head-on with that giant flaming hand!

"Boom—!"

Violent energy shockwaves scattered in all directions, lifting the scorched earth several zhang high. Flames and cyan light intertwined and annihilated; they actually fought to a standstill!

Chiliao's face changed slightly; he clearly had not expected Lingxiao's cultivation to be so profound. He shouted sternly, "Change array! Flame Dragon Burns Heaven!"

The five Burning Heaven Valley disciples changed their hand seals. Surging fire spirit power converged, forming a lifelike giant fire dragon, scales and armor fully visible, roaring as it charged at the four. Where it passed, the air itself was ignited!

Luo Changfeng let out a long howl; man and sword merged into one, transforming into a dazzling sword rainbow that tore across the long sky, meeting the giant fire dragon head-on! Sword light and dragon breath collided intensely, emitting a piercing sound of metal and iron clashing.

Xiao Muyu's hands moved rapidly; streak after streak of cyan-green spirit patterns entered the void, laying down layer upon layer of protection around the four, while simultaneously attempting to disrupt the enemy's array operation.

Shi Ran knew this was the critical moment. She forcibly endured the surging conflict within her body, condensed dim light at her fingertips, pushed the Netherworld Stillness Seal's power to its limit, and a gray-white Annihilation beam shot out soundlessly. It did not aim at the giant fire dragon, but pointed straight at the core of the battle array formed by the five disciples — the pivot where the fire spirit power circulated!

She had seen that although this battle array was strong, the five people's powers were not perfectly fused; there existed a slight sluggish point. And what her Annihilation power excelled at was precisely eroding and dismantling energy structures!

"Hiss!"

The Annihilation beam precisely struck that pivot. Like boiling water poured on snow, the circulating flame halo violently trembled; its operation instantly fell into a trace of disorder! Though only for an instant, for a sword cultivator like Luo Changfeng, it was already enough!

"Break!"

The sword rainbow's light surged; seizing the moment the giant fire dragon's energy linkage faltered, it forcibly cleaved it in two from the middle! The violent fire energy lost control and exploded with a boom!

"Pfft!"

The five Burning Heaven Valley disciples simultaneously suffered backlash, each spraying a mouthful of fresh blood; the array instantly collapsed. Chiliao was both shocked and angry, staring dead at Shi Ran: "Annihilation power?! Who exactly are you?!"

He clearly recognized the characteristic of Shi Ran's power, which startled him even more. A person possessing Annihilation power, who also owned a treasure that could provoke the Molten Fire Heart's disturbance — their origin was absolutely not simple.

Lingxiao gave him no chance to catch his breath. He took a step forward; his figure appeared before Chiliao like a ghost, and he pointed a finger. This finger seemed slow, yet it sealed off all of Chiliao's retreat paths; the power condensed at the fingertip made Chiliao's scalp tingle!

Chiliao roared wildly, sacrificing a crimson shield to block before him, while his figure violently retreated.

"Clang!"

The finger force struck the shield, emitting a loud sound like a great bell. The shield's light flashed wildly; a fine crack actually appeared on its surface! Chiliao borrowed that tremendous force to fly backward, his face ashen, his eyes finally revealing a look of horror.

"Go!" He did not hesitate, shouting to the remaining four disciples. The five turned into streaks of light and fled in panic, not even having time to leave a harsh word.

Having repelled a strong enemy, the four felt not a shred of joy. Luo Changfeng's breathing was somewhat disordered; clearly, the hard clash with the array moments ago had consumed him greatly. Xiao Muyu hurriedly helped him regulate his breath. Shi Ran was even more nearly drained of strength, leaning against the charred black rock and panting violently; the light of her Netherworld Stillness Seal had also dimmed somewhat.

"They won't let it go." Lingxiao watched the direction where Chiliao and the others disappeared, his brow slightly furrowed. "Moreover, they seem to have recognized Ran'er's Nirvana Origin."

Shi Ran caught her breath and took out the wooden box holding the seven-colored feathers. At this moment, the temperature on the surface of the wooden box was even higher, even emitting a faint seven-colored radiance, which clearly resonated with the crimson light curtain ahead. The tingling pain from the red threads also became more distinct.

"Master, the feathers' resonance has grown stronger. Whatever is attracting them is very likely just beyond this light curtain." Shi Ran's voice carried a hint of fatigue, yet was unusually resolute.

Lingxiao stepped up to the crimson light curtain and extended his finger to lightly touch it. The runes on the curtain flowed, and a powerful repelling force surged forth, bouncing his finger back.

"A very strong ancient prohibition. Forcibly breaking it would likely cause unpredictable consequences." Lingxiao mused, "But since the feathers resonate with it, perhaps... the key is in our hands."

He looked at Shi Ran: "Try using the feathers' power to touch the light curtain, but be extremely careful."

Shi Ran took a deep breath, opened the wooden box. Seven-colored light surged forth again, a warm and harmonious aura dispelling some of the surrounding heat and ferocity. She carefully channeled her spiritual power into the feathers, guiding that strand of auspicious purifying power, slowly probing toward the crimson light curtain.

At the moment the seven-colored light touched the light curtain——

"Om!"

The entire light curtain violently trembled! The ancient runes on it came alive, flowing and combining rapidly. Then, in the astonished gazes of the four, ripples spread across the light curtain, and a seven-colored light gate just large enough for one person to pass through slowly emerged!

Beyond the gate, no longer twisted firelight, but a strange sight: it seemed to be an ancient altar. At the altar's center, a flame of indescribable color burned silently, as if it contained all the light and heat in the world, yet emanated a feeling of heart-pounding annihilation and emptiness.

Around the altar, several figures sat cross-legged, their auras vast—indeed, the core leadership led by Yan Jin, the Valley Lord of Blazing Heaven Valley, and Chi Xuan, the Grand Elder! They appeared to be gathered around that strange flame, performing some ritual, each face grim beyond measure.

The appearance of the light gate clearly startled them as well.

Yan Jin and Chi Xuan almost simultaneously opened their eyes, gazes like lightning, piercing through the light gate and landing on Shi Ran, who held the seven-colored feathers.

A flicker of shock and realization passed through Yan Jin's eyes.

While in Chi Xuan's eyes, an incomparable blazing greed and killing intent erupted!

"Finally... you've come!" Chi Xuan's voice, like it came from the Nine Abysses Hell, carried uncontainable ecstasy and coldness.