.
Although the Fallen Heart Flame before him was only a juvenile, its power not yet fully mature, its very appearance was a rare miracle.
As a rare and precious flame, it not only possessed the ability to accelerate cultivation, but was also highly sought after among alchemists.
"Finally found it,"
Xiao Ling said, standing before the flame, his eyes flashing with unconcealed excitement. His figure, like a phantom, instantly rushed towards the mysterious circle of light.
As he passed through the circle of light, a wave of soul seemed to sweep through it, but upon sensing the presence of the Fallen Heart Flame, the wave quietly receded, allowing Xiao Ling to enter smoothly.
Xiao Ling landed on the ground not far from the skeleton, the invisible flames on his body receding at that moment. His gaze fixed on the invisible flame, the size of a human head. Xiao Ling
did not act rashly; the remnant of the Venerable Skyfire had not yet appeared.
The surroundings were unusually quiet, with only the occasional sound of wind and faint ripples in the air.
Xiao Ling stood in this empty space, feeling the ancient aura permeating the air, as if he could hear the whispers of time.
A moment later, a dazzling white light suddenly erupted from the skeleton.
The light slowly converged, gradually forming a human shape. As the light faded, a clear figure appeared before Xiao Ling.
The figure was clad in a white robe, his hair and beard a snow-white. His face was aged, but his eyes gleamed with a faint brilliance.
As the illusory figure appeared, a faint pressure spread, as if even the air itself had become heavy.
"Fallen Heart Flame? I didn't expect... it's been subdued..." The illusory figure glanced at Xiao Ling, a hint of something inexplicable in its voice.
A faint smile crossed Xiao Ling's face, unfazed by the figure's presence.
This was merely a remnant of Skyfire Venerable's soul, posing no significant threat to him. If the old man hadn't behaved, Xiao Ling would have immediately taken him into the Myriad Souls Banner. A Dou Zun-level soul was the perfect material for refining a Heavenly Demon Puppet.
Bowing, Xiao Ling smiled, "I'm Xiao Ling, honored to meet you, Senior!"
The illusory figure didn't immediately respond, but instead stared intently at Xiao Ling, as if weighing something.
Then, he slowly raised his hand and gently gestured, as if summoning something.
Surprisingly, the Fallen Heart Flame seemed to sense Skyfire Venerable's call. It trembled slightly, then slowly drifted toward Skyfire Venerable, finally igniting quietly in Skyfire Venerable's palm.
A flicker of surprise flashed in Xiao Ling's eyes, but he didn't stop Skyfire Venerable's summons of the Fallen Heart Flame.
He watched the Fallen Heart Flame dance within Skyfire Venerable's palm, as if a child in its father's arms, appearing unusually cheerful and lively.
The flame grew gentler, more intimate, as if paying homage to its former master, a stark contrast to the violent and irritable flames it had displayed at the bottom of the Skyburn Qi Training Tower.
Skyfire Venerable gazed at the Fallen Heart Flame in his hand, a complex emotion in his eyes. "It still remembers me, even though I'm now a remnant soul."
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Xiao Ling smiled faintly, his tone tinged with respect. "Senior, the Fallen Heart Flame's closeness to you is a sign of its respect for your former mastery. But now, it has been tamed by me, and I will shoulder this responsibility."
Skyfire Venerable nodded and gently pushed the Fallen Heart Flame toward Xiao Ling. "Go, Xiao Ling, take it with you and reach higher realms."
Xiao Ling reached out to take the Fallen Heart Flame, feeling its power coursing through his palm. He knew this was a heavy inheritance and a great responsibility.
"I will, Senior," Xiao Ling said firmly, his eyes gleaming with determination.
The Fallen Heart Flame, sensing his resolve, burned brighter in his hand, illuminating the entire space.
"Haha, I really don't dare to call you senior, Xiao Ling. You are really gifted and admirable. My name is Yao Tianhuo, and the world calls me Venerable Tianhuo. I was once the master of this Fallen Heart Flame. Now seeing that you have such cultivation at such a young age, and your soul perception is also very strong, I am really ashamed of myself."
Although Xiao Ling already knew the background of Venerable Tianhuo, he still listened to his past patiently, "I didn't expect that senior was a Dou Zun-level powerhouse when he was alive. I was indeed a little rude before."
Seeing Xiao Ling's humble attitude, Venerable Tianhuo also felt relieved. It seemed that this young man was a gentle person and he should not be in any danger.
With a smile, Venerable Skyfire explained, "Please forgive my earlier summons. I had no intention of seizing it. It's just that we're reunited after such a long separation, and I'm inevitably a little excited."
"You already know my current appearance. Strictly speaking, I'm no longer a living being. My soul has been eroded by time. What you see now is only a remnant, a trace of my mark. I pose no threat to you."
Xiao Ling nodded gently, a smile on his face. "Senior, you're kind. I understand your feelings. Seeing your current state, I have a proposal. If you're willing to hand over this young Fallen Heart Flame to me, I'll help you leave these ruins. How's that?"
Although Venerable Skyfire's power was now significantly diminished, Xiao Ling was perfectly capable of obtaining the Fallen Heart Flame directly.
However, he held no grudge against Venerable Skyfire, and taking the Fallen Heart Flame later would be a debt of gratitude.
Therefore, Xiao Ling did not wish to seize it by force, but instead hoped to reach an agreement with Venerable Skyfire through a more amicable means.
Venerable Skyfire's smile remained, though with a hint of sadness. "Your proposal is fair, but given my current soul's state, even if I leave, I'll only survive for a few more years."
Xiao Ling's face flickered with a faint smile, and he slowly said, "Senior, I may be able to help you recover your soul. If the opportunity arises in the future, I can even help you rebuild your body."
A flicker of surprise flashed across Venerable Skyfire's eyes upon hearing this, then turned to deep thought, as if weighing Xiao Ling's proposal.
"Xiao Ling, I sense your sincerity. If so, I will entrust the Fallen Heart Flame to you, thus finding a suitable home for it," Venerable Skyfire said slowly, a hint of relief in his tone.
Although he had failed to successfully fuse the two Fallen Heart Flames, it had always been a persistent obsession, but now, in his current state, it was best to consider how to continue living.
Xiao Ling was overjoyed. If he could take the juvenile Fallen Heart Flame, he would have an explanation to give to Canaan Academy.
"Then, Senior, let's make this an agreement. I will inherit the Fallen Heart Flame, and I will do my best to help you rebuild your body."
Xiao Ling said solemnly, his voice echoing in the empty space, full of determination and commitment.
(End of this chapter)