The so-called "Thunder Contest" held by the Flame Temple had become the most anticipated event across the entire Chaos Demon Sea. The scale of this competition far surpassed the so-called "Hunt" in Qingyang Town—this was an event that gathered powerhouses from every corner of the realm.
What truly stirred the crowd wasn't just the prestige of the Flame Temple—it was the prize: the Thunder Ancestral Talisman.
To most forces, acquiring such a divine treasure would mean hiding it in secrecy, safeguarding it at all costs. Yet the Flame Temple had announced it publicly as the prize for a contest open to outsiders. Their behavior defied conventional logic. But that was the Flame Temple—unpredictable, overwhelming, and arrogant.
Because of this, regardless of how convoluted or dangerous the competition was, countless powerful cultivators were compelled to attend.
As they neared the Sea of Flame, the waters grew crowded with massive ships and flying beasts carrying warriors from all directions.
Mu Lingshan sat atop a giant blue whale, her legs dangling playfully. Behind her were Ye Feng and Ying Huanhuan, calmly observing the growing commotion below.
A tiny spirit bird fluttered into Ying Huanhuan's palm. She gently untied the letter it carried, but the bird didn't fly away. Instead, it perched on her shoulder, watching.
"Feng, it's a letter from my father."
"What does it say?"
"He says demonic activity in the Eastern Xuan Territory has increased recently."
Ye Feng narrowed his eyes. "Write back and tell him—don't interfere. Let the sealed Demon Kings and generals roam freely."
Ying Huanhuan's eyes widened. "Are you insane?! Those Demon Kings were sealed by the Eight Ancient Lords! If they're freed, chaos will erupt. The world might fall!"
Then, realization dawned.
"…You're planning to catch them all at once?"
Ye Feng nodded. "The Demon Emperor remains sealed. These movements are nothing more than an attempt to break the chains holding their king. Let them try."
"If they gather together…" Ying Huanhuan muttered.
Ye Feng reached out and gently tapped her nose. "My Huanhuan is finally catching on."
"This is too reckless," she murmured, but her tone was soft.
"As long as I'm alive," Ye Feng said with a calm smile, "the sky will never fall."
After a moment's hesitation, Ying Huanhuan passed his words along through the spirit bird.
---
"Eh? Lin Dong's ranked second on the Rookie List?" Huanhuan exclaimed as she flipped open a golden scroll. The scroll radiated faint light, the words "Rookie List" etched across the cover.
This was a spiritual treasure crafted by Tianji Tower, an influential organization in the Chaos Demon Sea. Those listed were the elite among the younger generation.
Glowing characters flickered across the scroll, displaying the rankings:
No. 2: Lin Dong
"Great Perfection of the Profound Death Realm. Possesses two high-temperature divine flames, second only to the Flame Ancestral Talisman. Origin: Lin Family, Eastern Profound Region. Disciple of the Chaos Saint. Once used Buddha's Wrath Lotus in the Thunder Sea to kill two Reincarnation Realm cultivators."
No. 3: Lin Langtian
"Mid-stage Profound Death Realm. Wields both the Devouring Ancestral Symbol and the Ancestral Stone. From the Lin Family. Disciple of the Chaos Saint. Once slew ten Demon Whales in a single battle."
No. 4: Chi Hao
"Realm unknown. Chaos Saint's disciple. Known for tearing a Death Profound Realm Blood Shark apart using only his physical strength."
Mu Lingshan blinked. "This 'Chaos Saint' seems ridiculous! All the top disciples are under him."
Then she looked further up the scroll.
"…Wait… the first place is… Ye Feng?!"
Ye Feng glanced at the list, indifferent.
No. 1: Ye Feng
"Realm unknown. Delivered a lecture that caused mass breakthroughs in cultivation. Can summon the Light of Chaos God, a divine shield capable of reflecting attacks even from Shengxuan Realm powerhouses. Drew the Wudao Jiangshan Tu, presented it to Dao Sect's Ying Xuanzi, leading to a major power increase. Burned a sealed Demon King with the Seven-Colored Flame."
"Big brother… what's your name again?" Mu Lingshan asked cautiously.
"Lingshan, don't be silly. He is Ye Feng," Ying Huanhuan said, amused.
Mu Lingshan gasped. "You're that Ye Feng?!"
Ye Feng waved it off. "Just a meaningless list."
"But still… wow." Mu Lingshan continued reading aloud:
No. 5: Xu Xiu
"Faceless cultivator. Killed a Death Profound Realm master."
No. 6: Tang Xinlian
"Flame Temple's Fire Fairy. Chief disciple of Moro, holder of the Flame Ancestral Talisman. Next successor to the Flame Temple."
No. 7: Zhou Ze, Little Elephant King
"Disciple of Wanxiang Mountain. Mastered Wanxiang Heavenly Law. Wields the power of all things."
---
As they neared Dayan City, the heart of the Sea of Flame, the sky darkened into twilight. They passed squadrons of warriors in flame-red armor soaring through the air. The glowing flame emblems on their chests marked them as enforcers of the Flame Temple.
The city finally came into view—a massive red land rising from the sea, stretching endlessly across the horizon.
A dome-shaped, glowing red shield covered Dayan City like an inverted bowl. Waves of powerful energy shimmered along its surface, distorting the space itself.
"Still not as impressive as the Chaos God Light," Ying Huanhuan remarked, her tone nostalgic.
Ye Feng chuckled. "But the scenery is nice."
Mu Lingshan leaned forward excitedly. "Brother, first-time visitors must report at the Welcoming Pavilion before entering the city. Let's go!"
"Alright."
---
Ten minutes later, they arrived at the Welcoming Pavilion.
The towering crimson structure stood like a bastion before the city gates. Rows of Flame Temple warriors in red armor stood at attention, unmoving like ancient statues carved from stone.
Their auras were powerful—overbearing. Even those used to walking arrogantly among mortals felt compelled to lower their heads in this place.
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