Riding atop the captured Black Feather Eagle, Liu Xi and Xiao Yixian continued their journey northward. Along the way, Liu Xi cultivated Dou Qi, studied pill recipes, and collected medicinal ingredients as they traveled. With Xiao Yixian—now a 4-Star Dou Zun whose strength continued to grow—guarding closely at his side, their path remained smooth and uneventful until they reached the deep northern mountains of the Northern Region.
Their speed wasn't fast, and by the time they arrived, half a year had already passed. Yet the journey was far from fruitless—Liu Xi's cultivation had already reached the peak of 9-Star Dou Zong. Still, he found himself unable to touch that elusive barrier to Dou Zun. That bottleneck had blocked countless cultivators throughout history, and Liu Xi was no exception. Moreover, since much of his Dou Qi was formed through refining Heavenly Flame energy within a single year, it would take time before he could achieve another natural breakthrough.
As for refining 8th Tier pills and imbuing them with spiritual essence, Liu Xi had already memorized the procedures by heart. Unfortunately, he lacked the opportunity to practice them in full. Xiao Yixian's progress, however, was even more astonishing—ever since she had gained control over her Woeful Poison Body, her cultivation seemed to know no bottleneck at all. She had already advanced to 5-Star Dou Zun, leaving Liu Xi far behind.
The Northern Wilderness Mountain Range.
The Black Feather Eagle cut through the skies like lightning, soaring across a world of white. Snow fell endlessly from the heavens, blanketing the ground in silence. Yet with their Dou Qi cultivation, neither Liu Xi nor Xiao Yixian felt the slightest chill. Even the eagle beneath them seemed unbothered by the cold.
In the past six months, thanks to Liu Xi's clever tactic of rewarding every effort with a pill, the once-rebellious eagle had grown so obedient that it now refused to leave even when dismissed.
"Young Master, are you sure the Heavenly Flame you're seeking is here?" Xiao Yixian asked softly, her delicate jade hand catching a snowflake midair. It melted into water instantly upon touching her skin. "This climate doesn't seem like a place where a Heavenly Flame could exist."
Liu Xi stood at the eagle's back with his hands behind him, smiling faintly as he gazed into the distant horizon. "Don't be deceived by appearances. The birth of a Heavenly Flame is never bound by common logic. So long as fate aligns, it can appear anywhere. Black Eagle, keep going."
The eagle flapped its vast wings obediently, stirring up gales as it soared higher into the sky. Half an hour later, a dormant volcano wreathed in faint smoke appeared ahead, majestic and awe-inspiring in the snowy expanse.
Liu Xi's eyes lit up. "Black Eagle, fly there."
The pulsing sensation between his brows grew stronger—the flame within that volcano was of the same origin as his own.
Suddenly, a thunderous roar boomed from below, shaking the air like nine heavens crashing down. "Who dares trespass upon the Sacred Mountain of the Great Wilderness? Leave now, or face the consequences!"
Two colossal figures shot up from the volcano's base. Though humanoid in form, they still bore beastly features—clearly Magical Beasts that had yet to fully transform.
Both were 7th Rank Magical Beasts!
The Heavenly Flame was right before him; Liu Xi had no interest in wasting time. He turned toward Xiao Yixian. She instantly understood.
Taking a step forward, her skirt swayed lightly as a wave of Dou Qi spread outward, rippling through the air. Her slender jade hand made a subtle motion, and the two beasts flying toward them suddenly slammed into an invisible wall of space, completely immobilized. Then she flicked her fingers—an invisible force exploded outward like a divine hammer, smashing into them with devastating might.
With twin screams, the two beasts plummeted from the sky, crashing into the forest below with far greater speed than when they'd risen.
The Black Feather Eagle's eyes filled with awe. Those were two 7th Rank beasts, yet they were subdued with a single gesture. Clearly, resistance was futile—it had better continue being a well-behaved mount.
Flapping its wings fervently, the eagle shot forward like an arrow, carrying Liu Xi and Xiao Yixian to the peak of the volcano.
Moments later, they landed. Liu Xi leapt from the eagle's back and walked to the edge, peering down. A wave of blistering heat surged upward. Below him, scarlet magma churned violently, bubbling with thick, toxic vapors that rose and dissipated in the air.
"Xian'er," Liu Xi said, "guard the entrance. I'll go down to collect the Heavenly Flame."
Xiao Yixian frowned slightly, concern glimmering in her eyes. "Young Master, let me go with you. I can protect you."
Liu Xi waved a hand and smiled. "When it comes to subduing Heavenly Flames, I'm quite adept. I'll be fine."
With that, he stepped forward, and his body descended into the volcano. Cyan flames erupted from his body, coiling around him like living spirits, making him resemble a deity of fire descending into the abyss.
This flame was no longer the original Green Lotus Core Flame—it was a fusion of the Green Lotus Core Flame, Sea Heart Flame, Falling Heart Flame, and Ten Thousand Beast Flame. It could no longer be considered a single Heavenly Flame, but rather Liu Xi's unique origin fire.
Though its appearance still resembled the Green Lotus Core Flame, it now contained traits of the other three as well. Its power and heat had risen to terrifying levels—strong enough to rank within the top ten, perhaps even top eight, of the Heavenly Flame Ranking.
With his current 9-Star Dou Zong strength, Liu Xi estimated that if he unleashed his Sky Incinerating Expelling Flames Formation using this flame, its might would approach that of a Dou Zun.
Splash!
Liu Xi plunged into the magma, sending waves of molten rock splashing in all directions.
His vision turned crimson, the overwhelming heat and pressure pressing down on him from all sides. Yet the cyan flame around him absorbed it effortlessly, leaving him completely unharmed.
Deeper and deeper he sank—the red glow intensified, and the heat and pressure grew unbearable for any ordinary being. But the flame around Liu Xi remained unshaken, its surface rippling faintly as it suppressed the boiling currents.
Then, suddenly, the magma around him began to stir violently.
Sensing danger, Liu Xi's eyes brightened in excitement. 'Here it comes… this fluctuation—only an unsealed Heavenly Flame could cause such a disturbance!'
"Roar!"
A thunderous dragon's cry erupted, shaking the entire molten sea. The fierce sound carried a wave of battle intent that struck directly at Liu Xi's heart, stirring his blood. From within the magma, a giant draconic form—its eyes blazing gold and brown—surged toward him with unstoppable might.
"Soul Dominion!"
Liu Xi's spiritual power burst forth. Waves of immense Spiritual Power surged from his brow, sweeping across the magma like a tidal storm.
A deafening boom echoed in the depths as the draconic form froze midair, its pupils dimming and body quivering.
Liu Xi extended his hand, and the magma dragon—its body wrapped in golden-brown flame—spiraled toward him obediently, coiling around his form like a guardian spirit.
Placing his palm upon its massive head, Liu Xi smiled faintly. "Impressive form, but your strength is barely on par with a Dou Huang… this Heavenly Flame should be the 23rd-ranked Mysterious Yellow Flame."
(End of Chapter)
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