The Aftermath of the Volcanic Eruption
The Black Corner Region, at the site of the volcanic eruption in the north.
Within the endless magma, ripples caused bubbles to surge. Suddenly, more and more bubbles continuously emerged, and the commotion grew larger, with the magma beneath even starting to well up like a spring.
Boom…
Accompanied by muffled rumbles, disheveled figures burst out from within the magma. These were none other than the powerhouses from the three factions who had previously fought fiercely in the underground magma world.
However, compared to their earlier formidable presence, far fewer people were alive now.
The three major forces had engaged in a massive battle to seize the Heavenly Flame.
They weren't sure if their immense commotion had triggered the Heavenly Flame's reaction, causing an outburst of its energy. Initially, just the Heavenly Flame's explosion shouldn't have posed a threat to them.
But who knew if they were truly unlucky? When the energy exploded, the magma at the earth's core, which had accumulated energy for an unknown number of years, was also ignited. Under a chain reaction, the entire northern Black Corner Region experienced a cataclysmic volcanic eruption.
This volcanic eruption ignited the energy accumulated for many years in the underground magma world of the northern Black Corner Region. Coupled with Yan Qingshan's machinations, it triggered a series of chain reactions, including shifts in the earth's meridians, essentially a volcanic eruption mixed with violent earthquakes—an extreme natural phenomenon.
And these experts at the epicenter of the eruption bore the brunt of nature's fury. Because it happened so suddenly, none of them had time to react. Even Mo Tianxing, a Dou Ancestor, couldn't escape unscathed.
The original volcanic passage they used to enter was sealed by countless falling boulders during the earthquake, blocking their entry point. The expanding, erupting magma was obstructed and accumulated once more, and another explosive energy burst finally proved too much for some of them to withstand.
At least Dou King-level experts met their doom in this underground magma world. In this situation, everyone cast aside their previous grievances and united their Dou Qi to form an energy shield, barely managing to hold back the onslaught. But it was only just barely.
Because the opening above was sealed, they couldn't escape immediately and were all trapped underground, forced to silently endure the impact of the energy eruption.
They dared not rush out during the volcanic eruption because the energy at the center of an eruption is the most terrifying. Trying to use that power to ascend, even a Dou Ancestor would struggle, so naturally, no one sought death.
Instead, the underground magma world, apart from the impact of magma currents, held no other dangers. So, they chose to stay underground until the erupting energy finally subsided, at which point they rushed to the surface.
This treasure-hunting expedition resulted in heavy losses for all three factions, especially the Dou King experts below the Dou Emperor level, more than half of whom died, and the rest were severely injured. Even the Dou Emperor experts suffered considerable wounds.
The only one in relatively better condition was Mo Tianxing. As a Three-Star Dou Ancestor with control over spatial energy, his overall qualities were far superior to others. If he hadn't slightly diverted his Dou Qi to save his son, Mo Ya, he wouldn't even have that burn on the back of his hand.
Mo Tianxing gazed at the magma still erupting behind him. This accursed place had buried over a dozen elders of his Black Emperor Sect. Rage filled his heart. He turned to Han Feng, "Medicine Emperor Han, you are an expert at playing with fire. What just happened? Can you explain?"
"Sect Master Mo, are you doubting me?"
Han Feng was an incredibly shrewd individual; naturally, he detected something amiss in Mo Tianxing's words. He turned and sneered, "Heh heh, Sect Master Mo thinks too highly of me, Han. My flame control may be strong, but to say I could cause a Heavenly Flame that I haven't even devoured to erupt is a joke. This Heavenly Flame eruption was sudden, not man-made. It's more like the Heavenly Flame had a spirit and erupted to protect itself.
What a pity, I couldn't shatter the Heavenly Flame's spirit and seal it immediately. Now, this underground magma world is in chaos, and the Heavenly Flame is no longer in its original place. Although the Green Lotus Core Flame's intelligence has always been low, finding it again will be extremely difficult."
Han Feng spoke of difficulty, but the joy in his eyes couldn't be hidden. Finding a Heavenly Flame might be difficult for others, but for him, who possessed the Sea Heart Flame and could sense Heavenly Flame energy, it wasn't too hard. Once the storm passed, he could secretly sneak back and search for the treasure.
"Is that really so?"
Mo Tianxing still harbored some doubt. He simply couldn't believe how coincidental it was that the Heavenly Flame erupted at such an inconvenient time. This matter was exceedingly peculiar, and many lingering doubts remained in his heart.
Qi Shan, the chief alchemist of the Black Emperor Sect, also spoke at this moment, "Sect Master, what Medicine Emperor Han said should actually be true. This Heavenly Flame is inherently volatile. It's very possible that our great battle caused it to erupt its energy in self-preservation."
"Everyone suffered significant losses today. Since Han Feng invited everyone here, there will certainly be an explanation. Please accept these healing pills. Once your injuries have healed, we will gather in Feng City in half a month, and I will double the previously promised pills."
While Mo Tianxing still had doubts, Han Feng was already preparing to leave with his people. After doubling the previously agreed upon price for their services, these Black Corner Region ruffians had long since cast aside their minor displeasures.
Although they were unhappy about accompanying Han Feng on a life-threatening journey and suffered serious injuries, receiving gifts from Han Feng and having their remuneration doubled was naturally a huge benefit for them. How could they refuse?
"Han Feng, stop right there!"
Just as Han Feng was about to leave with his people, a weak, coughing voice stopped him. Turning around, it was the Demon Flame Valley experts, now only seven or eight remaining.
Fang Yan's tiger-like eyes were bloodshot, staring intently at Han Feng. "Return our three brothers' Flame of Life Transformation, otherwise, our Demon Flame Valley will pursue you relentlessly."
Fang Yan and the other two stared fiercely at Han Feng. The Flame of Life Transformation was the fruit of their lifelong cultivation, essentially a part of their origin. Now that it had been plundered, their fundamental essence was lost, and even their cultivation was severely affected.
Fang Yan had originally reached the Half-Step Dou Ancestor stage, but now he was barely at the peak Dou Emperor level. As for the other two Elders, they couldn't even maintain their peak Dou Emperor aura. However, their Dou Qi strength was still there, and together, they were not afraid of Han Feng.
Previously, their miscalculation and overconfidence led them to challenge a true Heavenly Flame with a fake one, resulting in a tragic defeat. But fighting solely with Dou Qi, their combined strength still surpassed Han Feng's.
"Fang Yan, heh heh heh, are you a sore loser?"
Han Feng sneered, "You and I fought fairly, and you even had two helpers. Yet you still lost to me. The fact that I spared your life is already out of respect for the Old Ground Demon Ghost. Yet you still dare to negotiate with me? What a huge joke."
Han Feng had no intention of returning the Flame of Life Transformation to Fang Yan. The Green Lotus Core Flame was still nowhere to be found, but he had this unexpected delight in the Flame of Life Transformation.
All he could think about now was returning to cultivate the Flame Mantra with the Flame of Life Transformation and evolve his cultivation method. How could he possibly return the Flame of Life Transformation?
Back then, for the sake of the Flame Mantra, he even found a way to deal with the peak Dou Venerate Medicine Saint, Yao Chen, let alone a mere Seven-Star Dou Ancestor like the Old Ground Demon Ghost. He, Medicine Emperor Han Feng, was not without backing. Although he had left the Central Plains, he was still the Young Pavilion Master of the Falling Star Pavilion!
Fang Yan roared in anger, "Han Feng, with such actions, are you trying to create an endless feud with my Demon Flame Valley?! Don't forget, the Old Ancestor is no ordinary Dou Ancestor. Before his seclusion, he had already reached the peak of Six-Star, and must have broken through by now.
A Seven-Star Dou Ancestor is not a Seven-Star Dou Emperor. A mere Three-Star Mo Tianxing can barely protect himself in front of the Old Ancestor, and the Gold and Silver Twin Brothers won't be able to protect you either!"
"Are you threatening me, Fang Yan? You're courting death! Who am I, Han Feng? I am the Medicine Emperor of the Black Corner Region, and I am also a favored son of heaven from the Central Plains."
Han Feng looked at Fang Yan and said coldly, "My teacher is the renowned Medicine Saint of the continent. Let alone a mere Seven-Star Dou Ancestor like the Old Ground Demon Ghost, even Dou Venerate powerhouses, who would dare to kill me?
However, you did remind me. If I let you go back and the Old Ground Demon Ghost investigates, I would have quite a bit of trouble. You can only blame yourself for not controlling your tongue and walking down a path of death. Your Demon Flame Valley only has so few people left. What right do you have to negotiate with me?"
"Han Feng, what are you trying to do?!"
Fang Yan watched as Han Feng slowly walked towards him, a lake-blue flame igniting on his body. A look of panic flashed in his eyes, and he had a bad premonition.
"Sect Master Mo, this Zong Breaking Pill came from my teacher's hand, and its quality is excellent. Would you mind turning away for a while?"
A jade bottle suddenly appeared in Han Feng's hand. He smiled sideways at Mo Tianxing. Seeing the jade bottle in Han Feng's hand, not only Mo Tianxing, but many Dou Emperors in the vicinity unconsciously swallowed their saliva, sniffing the faint medicinal fragrance.
A Rank Six Zong Breaking Pill personally refined by the renowned Medicine Saint of the continent – this was a superior product, far exceeding ordinary Zong Breaking Pills. Taking it would significantly increase the chances of breaking through to Dou Ancestor, very possibly creating a Dou Ancestor expert.
"I naturally want the Medicine Saint's Zong Breaking Pill. I'll take my son to heal over there and won't disturb Medicine Emperor's affairs."
After weighing his options, Mo Tianxing quickly made a decision. Compared to offending the Old Ground Demon Ghost behind Fang Yan, tangible benefits were far more important. This Breaking Sect Pill held immense significance for his Black Emperor Sect!
In Fang Yan's almost desperate gaze, Mo Tianxing led the heavily injured Mo Ya and the experts of the Black Emperor Sect to sit among the scorching rocks nearby to heal.
"Everyone, please help me surround these people from the Demon Flame Valley. Don't let a single one escape. Han Feng will greatly reward you."
Even though they already knew that Medicine Emperor Han Feng acted decisively and was ruthless, these Black Corner Region ruffians still gained new insight today. Even against people from the Demon Flame Valley, which had a Seven-Star Dou Ancestor guarding it, Han Feng was actually prepared to strike.
Fang Yan retreated step by step as Han Feng slowly advanced. "Han Feng, don't mess around! The Old Ancestor will definitely investigate the truth, and you won't be able to escape then!"
"Fang Yan, don't worry, I naturally won't personally make a move."
A sinister smile appeared on Han Feng's lips as he looked at the other Demon Flame Valley experts, excluding the three Elders. He sneered, "If you want to live, help me keep this matter a secret.
Whoever can kill these three old fellows and, when reporting back to the Old Ground Demon Ghost, tell him that these three old fellows died in the magma explosion, and their deaths had no direct connection to anyone else.
If you can do this, this Rank Six Dou Spirit Pill will be yours."
As Han Feng spoke, he took out another jade bottle, inside which dragon-eye-sized pills shimmered with pill patterns. At his words, the eyes of many Demon Flame Valley experts showed struggle.