In the vast southern territories, the Flame Divine Palace is undoubtedly a colossal force.
The Southern Barbarian World is divided by the Red Flame Strait. North of the strait lies the Flame Divine Palace's control, while south of the strait lies a chaotic landscape of conflicting powers. Numerous alien sea tribes gather in the Red Flame Sea, constantly at odds with one another. While some have formed alliances to seize the vast territories north of the strait, these fragile alliances often prevent them from sustaining any long-term gains. Even if they manage to control the strategically important Red Flame Strait, these alliances often vanish as quickly as a summer rainstorm, rendering them unsustainable.
Over time, the Flame Divine Palace has achieved a delicate balance with the numerous powers south of the strait.
Of course, while the Flame Divine Palace reigns supreme over the Southern Barbarians, it remains under the control and rule of the Central Earth Divine Realm. This is undeniable.
The Fire Phoenix Shore is scorching year-round, as if perpetually sweltering summer. Here, residents and cultivators alike possess a naturally robust and rugged temperament, seemingly their trademarks of savagery and ruggedness.
The Flame Divine Palace is home to numerous masters and disciples. Aside from the hidden masters, the Three Flame Kings are undoubtedly among the most powerful within the Flame Divine Palace.
One of the Three Flame Kings, Fire Leopard, the Lord of Eight Desolate Fiery City, seemed completely transformed after witnessing a bizarre event that still pierced his imagination, the most incredible mass defeat of so many powerful individuals he had ever witnessed.
Five days after the battle, Fire Leopard sat quietly in his room, eyes closed, like a clay statue.
He had rushed back to Eight Desolate Fiery City three days prior and had sat there motionless since returning. It took him a long time to calm down after surviving this catastrophe, but he still couldn't believe that an unassuming young man, apparently only at the Martial King level, had personally thwarted the immortal paths of so many powerful individuals.
Indeed, what could be more shocking than seven or eight formidable warriors being slain in the blink of an eye?
Huo Bao considered himself a man of great experience, but this kind of scene was unheard of, let alone witnessed.
His narrow escape was entirely due to the severe injuries he sustained in his previous single-handed battle with that man. If he hadn't been injured, knowing that even if he forced the Heavenly War Drum out, he wouldn't be able to wield it, and hadn't attempted to approach, he, like those masters, would have been annihilated five days ago.
This event, completely overturning all perceptions, was like an inescapable, soul-destroying sword, forever hanging over his heart.
From morning to noon, Huo Bao remained motionless, a hollow shell devoid of soul.
At that moment, a voice echoed from outside the door.
"Lord of the City, the Lord of Jinou City is here to see you."
The voice finished, and without waiting for Huo Bao to react, footsteps echoed again, clearly indicating his departure.
Zijinwu, the Lord of Jinou City, was also one of the Three Flame Kings.
Zijinwu was a woman, seemingly in her twenties. From her figure to her demeanor and features, she was a breathtakingly beautiful young woman. Her graceful figure, clad in a purple robe, always captivated the imagination.
Zijinwu ignored Fire Leopard's approval of her arrival and went straight to Fire Leopard's room, pushing open the door and stepping inside.
Entering the room, Zijinwu circled Fire Leopard several times, then stared at his still-closed eyes and said with interest, "I never imagined that such a dignified Fire Leopard would be so frightened. If word of this reached the Palace Master, he would probably take it as a rather amusing joke."
As Zijinwu finished her words, Fire Leopard suddenly opened his eyes, unreservedly casting a fierce aura upon Zijinwu.
"You didn't see it with your own eyes. A mere Martial King instantly killed eight Martial Saints. This is probably more ridiculous than any joke in the world."
Huo Bao's tone was extremely calm, but anyone could hear the complex emotions that were beyond words.
Zi Jin Wu's lips curled up, revealing a captivating smile.
"To be honest, the Palace Master is also very interested in that person. He has been searching the entire land for the past few days. If he sets foot on the Fire Phoenix Shore, he will never leave."
Huo Bao snorted coldly, "The Palace Master is also interested? And he's leaving this matter to you?"
Zi Jin Wu didn't respond, but moved on to other matters.
"During this trip to Fuyao Island, most of the sect's new elite troops were killed or wounded. The Palace Master is eagerly awaiting your full explanation for this matter."
Huo Bao's expression changed, and he said in a deep voice, "I will naturally report this to the Palace Master when I return. However, I do kindly remind you that when we actually face that brat, I hope you're not the first to flee."
Zi Jin Wu remained unperturbed. Instead, she smiled sweetly and said, "Don't worry. I'll bring him to the Palace Master immediately to claim his reward."
With that, Zi Jin Wu departed, swaying her waist.
...
After passing through several treacherous areas and slaying numerous demonic beasts, Ming Qi and his companions finally sighted a city in the distance.
The Fire Phoenix Shore is teeming with demonic beasts and fire miasma. Ordinary places are unsuitable for human habitation, so all residents of the Flame Shore live within the massive city.
The city ahead was called Baiyan City. It covered a vast area and was one of several cities near the southern border of the Central Land, governed by Fire Leopard, one of the Three Heavenly Kings.
Because Baiyan City was close to the Central Land border, regional distinctions were less pronounced. When Ming Qi and his companions entered the city, they discovered a significant number of northerners, some engaged in commerce and some settled there, with no clear distinctions.
However, the atmosphere was pervasive, a rugged and rugged character, warm and passionate.
Ming Qi naturally had no time to admire the local customs and found a nearby hotel. He simply planned to rest for the night before hurrying back to the Glazed Holy Land.
It was nearly evening, and the bustling hours of Baiyan City were just beginning.
"Brother Ming, today is over, and I am leaving."
Zong Feng raised his glass, offered Ming Qi a toast from afar, and drank it all in one gulp.
Ming Qi was 99% responsible for obtaining the ancestral artifact, the Celestial War Drum. He even damaged one of Ming Qi's world-class magical weapons. He was already considering what his clan could offer as compensation.
"I also need to return to my sect. I've been away for a long time, and there are many things I need to attend to."
Ming Qi didn't mention the Celestial War Drum at all, simply sipping his wine.
Zong Feng paused, then said, "Brother Ming, please visit my Western Wilderness someday, so I can fulfill my promise."
Ming Qi nodded and said, "I will."
The group ate and drank in silence. The quiet after the disaster was much-needed by everyone.
However, at that moment, there was an unexplained commotion outside the hotel, followed by the sound of magical powers clashing, clearly a conflict had occurred.
Normally, Ming Qi would not interfere in other people's conflicts, but when this conflict occurred, he suddenly felt a familiar breath, so he immediately stood up and walked out of the hotel.