To Xiao Yan, this so-called Saint Flood Flame wasn't considered especially powerful—it merely surpassed most of the flames he had collected in the Great Thousand World. But for those on Tianluo Continent, the Saint Flood Flame remained an extremely intimidating force. After all, it had clashed evenly with the Ice Spirit Clan's elder, which was proof enough of its might.
Xiao Yan had read the elder's memories and learned that members of the Ice Spirit Clan possessed extraordinary innate gifts. Their spiritual energy was fused with a rare crystalline substance known as the Void Profound Crystal, resulting in terrifyingly cold ice-type spiritual energy that most ordinary experts could not withstand. Had he used any of the flames he had acquired from the Northern Region, they would likely have been frozen solid at first contact. From that, it was evident that the Saint Flood Flame had some real strength.
After extracting the Saint Flood Flame from Lu Heng's body, Xiao Yan didn't immediately refine it. From Lu Heng's memories, he discovered that the flame hadn't been acquired by Lu Heng himself—it was bestowed upon him by a much stronger figure. That individual had left behind a spiritual imprint in the flame. If Xiao Yan recklessly refined it, he might be controlled through that imprint. Thus, the first step was to remove it.
Taking a deep breath, Xiao Yan lightly waved his hand. A colossal platform slowly descended from the sky and settled before him. The platform featured twenty-three stone pillars—one of which was empty while the other twenty-two blazed with various flames. This was the Heavenly Flame Square he had obtained from the ruins of the Ancient Emperor Tuoshe.
With a flick of his finger, the dazzling Emperor Flame emerged and was injected into the vacant pillar. As the Emperor Flame settled in, arcs of flame coursed along the mysterious patterns etched into the plaza, revealing that it was in fact a formation—a powerful flame array.
At the same time the Heavenly Flame Array activated, divine treasures like the Spirit of the Ancestral Stone—now evolved into a sacred artifact—also emerged. Furthermore, the Nine Ancestral Symbols floated in the air, their radiant beams merging with the array and gradually encasing the pitch-black Saint Flood Flame.
As it was enveloped in a myriad of divine lights, the flame—or rather the spiritual imprint hidden within—sensed danger and began to resist violently. But this was Xiao Yan's domain. How could he allow such chaos here? In no time, the flame was subdued, and the imprint inside began to be slowly refined.
Xiao Yan was well aware that the creator of this imprint was likely an extremely powerful individual—possibly even one of the apex figures among Heaven Sovereigns. Under normal circumstances, removing such an imprint—even with the aid of divine artifacts—would be nearly impossible. Fortunately for him, the imprint embedded in the flame hadn't been forged with full power. It had been casually placed, which presented a rare opportunity.
With the support of so many divine tools, the flame eventually quieted. Finally, the imprint dissipated completely. At that moment, a beam of dark light suddenly shot out from within the flame and rapidly formed into a blurry silhouette in front of Xiao Yan.
The figure was shrouded in a pitch-black flame that radiated an overwhelming demonic aura—far more terrifying than the Demon Emperor of the Otherworlds. Strangely enough, however, there was also a faint white glow intermingled within that black fire, creating a disturbing yet captivating contrast.
Xiao Yan understood immediately. This was the one who had been behind Lu Heng all along. From the fragments of Lu Heng's memories, Xiao Yan had learned that this entity was a king-class existence among the Extraterritorial Evil Clan. It was he who had given Lu Heng the flame and instructed him to found the Sacred Demon Palace on Tianluo Continent. Once the Ancient Heavenly Palace opened, Lu Heng was to free the Nine-Corpse Heavenly Demon Emperor sealed by the Heavenly Emperor himself. Unfortunately for him, that plan was snuffed out prematurely.
"I don't know who you are," the shadowy flame figure spoke coldly, "But since you killed that useless Lu Heng and erased my imprint from the Saint Flood Flame, then it's clear you're aware of who I am. Though that fool was a failure, no one has the right to execute him except us. By taking his life, you now owe a debt that must be repaid."
His voice was devoid of emotion, and the surrounding space trembled under the weight of his gaze. Yet, Xiao Yan remained utterly unfazed. Whether it was a mere projection or the real body, he had never feared anything in his life. This wasn't about raw power—it was a matter of indomitable will. Since childhood, Xiao Yan had never known the meaning of fear.
So when he heard the threat, he only sneered with disdain. "Done barking yet, mutt? If so, get lost. I don't care who you are—I have no interest in listening to the yapping of some mangy dog."
"You insolent brat!" the shadow flared with rage. The eerie black fire surged violently, threatening to devour Xiao Yan where he stood.
But Xiao Yan didn't even blink. He looked calmly at the figure and replied coolly, "If you really had the ability to do anything to me, you would've done it the moment you appeared. Instead, you're here talking nonsense. Face it—you can't touch me. So what if I insult you? What can you do about it?"
"Hahaha!" the shadow unexpectedly burst into laughter. "Interesting. You're the first in tens of thousands of years to dare speak to me this way—especially with such meager strength. I must say, your audacity is... admirable."
Xiao Yan's eyes narrowed slightly. 'This guy has a deep mind.' Most others would have exploded in fury at his insults, but this one calmed down in mere seconds. Clearly, he was a scheming overlord in his own right.
"However, that flame was a gift from me to Lu Heng. Useless as he was, I still won't allow my possessions to be spread around freely. Soon, I'll send someone to reclaim it—even if you hide to the ends of the earth. If your abilities match your silver tongue, then I look forward to seeing how you perform."
As the demonic flame figure fixed its eyes on Xiao Yan, it seemed to hunger for a glimpse of fear or despair. But it was sorely disappointed.
"Perfect," Xiao Yan said with equal coldness. "I'm interested in the flame on your body too. Let it stay with you for now. I'll come and take it myself."
(End of Chapter)
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