The gases hidden within her body vanished as if nothing had ever happened.
Looking at the circular symbol in her dantian, she noticed a point emitting a bright glow, flickering. It was the flame seed she had successfully refined. At that moment, both the Immortal energy and the chaotic energy began nourishing the flame seed.
Song Wanníng could even hear a crisp little "pop!"
The flame seed immediately began absorbing energy and growing at an astonishing speed, fast enough to surprise Song Wanníng.
The formation of such a strange flame usually required tens of thousands of years. After obtaining the flame seed, nurturing it independently would take at least several hundred years. Yet the Red Lotus Karma Fire grew so rapidly. This truly exceeded her expectations.
Her mind sank slightly as she gained a new understanding of the circular symbol in her dantian. It seemed extremely mysterious. Even as its owner, she could not fully grasp its purpose.
She had no idea of its limits. From her experience, anything that could be absorbed was precious. Those treasures forged later could not compare. Observing the anomaly in her dantian once more, Song Wanníng relaxed. In just some time, the Red Lotus Karma Fire would mature. It would be a tremendous asset for her.
Song Wanníng opened her eyes, a smile curving her lips. She could irritate Mu Zixu while also gaining the Red Lotus Karma Fire. A double advantage. She consumed another pill, allowing her spirit to fully recover before leaving the side hall.
King Yama had been waiting in the main hall. Seeing her ready, he smiled in satisfaction.
"Song Xiaoyou, you truly are gifted. In just two short days, you have already refined the Red Lotus Karma Fire."
The Red Lotus Karma Fire was one of the Underworld's most prideful strange flames. Many talented cultivators needed at least half a month to refine it. Even gaining its recognition alone could take several days. Yet Song Wanníng achieved it in only two days, even faster than he had. A talent like her would have limitless potential in the future.
Song Wanníng smiled modestly. "Senior, you overpraise me. I just got lucky."
King Yama said nothing, standing up. "Since you have refined it, I will send you on your way."
He was both protector and overseer. Song Wanníng, after all, came from the outside world. Providing her with the flame seed already repaid any debt. Naturally, she could not remain here indefinitely.
"Alright. Thank you for your trouble, Senior!"
Song Wanníng understood his intentions and did not object, following him out of the Underworld Hall.
"I entered through this passage."
She did not want to give Mu Zixu another chance to return. The passage needed to be completely blocked. The Immortal Realm was the higher realm. It should not be involved with the Underworld. This error needed correcting. Thus, Song Wanníng pointed out the hidden passage.
King Yama's smile grew warmer. This young girl had a kind heart. "Little girl, I remember your kindness. If fate allows, we will meet again in the Immortal Realm."
If at first he had only been polite, now he genuinely hoped to encounter Song Wanníng again.
"Good! It is a promise!"
Song Wanníng smiled, bowed to the King, and strode into the passage. The familiar white light pierced her eyes, and she felt her way forward. Behind her, the passage sealed with a sound, though she did not know what the King had done. This time, the passage would ultimately remain closed.
At that moment, Song Wanníng paused. Before entering the time fragment, when she had entered the Underworld, this passage had been abandoned, including the River of Forgetfulness. All had been completely deserted.
Yet now, under her guidance, it was sealed…
The feeling of space-time disorder intertwined with inexplicable connection was extraordinarily strange. Song Wanníng's expression became thoughtful and slightly confused. The surrounding aura seemed to sway with her.
Unfortunately, this peculiar sensation lasted only a few minutes before abruptly ending. Song Wanníng could not comprehend it and lost her first opportunity to break through the time fragment. She did not notice this, shaking her dizzy head and continuing toward the exit of the passage.
Halfway through, she activated a spatial rune. The next moment, she vanished from the passage entirely. After a brief dizziness, she appeared underwater, slightly farther from the passage.
This was to prevent Mu Zixu from ambushing her. That man was capable of anything. Grudge-holding and petty, he had left a lasting impression on her.
Fortunately, everything was safe. Song Wanníng happily began exploring the seabed. There were treasures here, but with so many powerful seniors present, she did not expect to obtain them. She felt no pressure. Instead, she focused on how to return. An invader awaited her resolution. She could not delay too long.
…
For the next ten days, Song Wanníng did not encounter a single creature underwater, not even fish. Something felt wrong.
Finally, she spotted a valley in the distance. The underwater valley was sealed with a restriction, exuding an aura of majesty. She approached carefully. The valley seemed conspicuous underwater yet harmoniously concealed. Without the flickering array patterns above, she would not have noticed it.
Even Long Ling could detect no aura, showing the restriction's formidable power. No wonder she had been unable to find direction. Song Wanníng produced her hairpin and successfully entered the restriction. But the moment she stepped inside, she nearly collapsed to her knees.
Her Primordial Soul was strong, allowing her to stabilize immediately, though her knees remained bent. She could not stand upright.
Such overwhelming pressure!
Furrowing her brows, she struggled, eventually standing and moving deeper into the valley. Inside, she saw many buildings arranged neatly in rows and clusters. This… appeared to be the remains of a sect or family.
Her eyes gleamed with curiosity as she began searching between the buildings. Unfortunately, they had already been looted. Besides furniture, there was nothing left. Some rooms even had the ground dug up…
Song Wanníng exhaled softly. These people were harsher than she could imagine…
After searching more than ten buildings with no results, she gave up. The immortals had surely already scoured the place. Good treasures would not be left for her. She shifted her gaze to the pavilion farthest away. The pavilion was exquisitely carved, exuding mystery and uniqueness. The immortals were likely there.