After diving into the magma, the scorching heat and crushing pressure instantly surged toward Liu Xi from all directions, as though the molten sea sought to squeeze him into a paste.
However, with the delicate little serpent coiled around his heart—the embodiment of the Fallen Heart Flame—boundless waves of invisible fire erupted outward. The heat and pressure were neutralized by the fiery shield enveloping his body.
'As expected of the resting place of the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor… The temperature of this magma is far hotter than the one where the Green Lotus Core Flame was born.'
With only the Green Lotus Core Flame, Liu Xi could resist this heat and pressure, but his Dou Qi as a 6-Star Dou King was not enough to sustain deeper movement within the lava.
Fortunately, this was the birthplace of the Fallen Heart Flame. Its residual energy supported him, allowing him to swim freely like a fish in water.
At the moment, the smaller fragment of the Fallen Heart Flame rested at the burial ground of the Heavenly Flame Sovereign. The larger portion—once refined by that same Sovereign—naturally remembered its location. With that connection guiding him, Liu Xi did not lose his way in the endless sea of magma.
Everywhere his eyes could reach was a lifeless crimson world. That endless monotony and silence gnawed at the mind. As time slipped away unnoticed, irritation began to rise in Liu Xi's heart—until the invisible flames around his body suddenly shot forth a streak of light.
The beam pierced downward, illuminating a patch of dark-red magma below. That section began to ripple faintly, and from its swirling depths, a faintly glowing transparent barrier slowly emerged.
The barrier did not block his vision. Through it, Liu Xi saw a skeletal figure radiating a soft light. Above the bones floated a mass of flame—the Fallen Heart Flame itself.
A flicker of joy passed through his eyes. In an instant, his figure blurred and slipped through the light barrier. As he crossed it, a gentle soul fluctuation brushed against him; after sensing the aura of the Fallen Heart Flame, it withdrew. Liu Xi entered unhindered.
Landing near the skeletal remains, the invisible flames on his body subsided. His gaze locked on the head-sized flame but he did not act recklessly—after all, the remnant soul of the Heavenly Flame Sovereign had yet to appear.
Moments later, the bones suddenly flared with white radiance. The light gathered, forming a humanoid outline. When it faded, a translucent figure appeared before Liu Xi.
The figure wore white robes, hair and beard both snow-white. His aged face was calm, and within those faded eyes glimmered a trace of light. As soon as the phantom appeared, a faint oppressive aura spread through the chamber.
"The Fallen Heart Flame… So, it has been subdued after all." The phantom glanced at Liu Xi, speaking in a slow tone laced with unspoken meaning.
Liu Xi smiled faintly. A mere remnant soul—he cupped his fists politely. "Junior Liu Xi greets the Elder."
The old phantom ignored his courtesy. His gaze lingered for a moment, then he raised his palm in a summoning gesture.
A flicker of disbelief crossed his face. He had tried to summon the Fallen Heart Flame, but the flame did not respond. He tried again—still nothing.
Watching the change in the Heavenly Flame Sovereign's expression, Liu Xi said calmly, "There's no need for Senior to keep trying. Perhaps this Fallen Heart Flame once obeyed you, but now it answers only to me. Though my cultivation cannot compare to yours, in the art of controlling fire—I am second to none."
Liu Xi did not fear that the old man would lose his temper; he could sense how fragile the remnant soul truly was. Even if its strength rivaled a Soul Domain-level spirit, its essence was beyond his control—but it could no longer threaten him either.
The Heavenly Flame Sovereign finally withdrew his hand. A faint sadness crossed his eyes, his expression turning solemn. He no longer dared to underestimate Liu Xi.
"No need to call me Senior. You, young friend, truly are a peerless talent. I am Yao Tianhuo, the previous master of the Fallen Heart Flame. Your control of flame is… humbling to witness."
"I've heard of the name Heavenly Flame Sovereign," Liu Xi replied calmly. "You deserve the title."
Yao Tianhuo paused, then smiled faintly, his gaze distant with nostalgia. "I didn't expect anyone to still remember my name… How nostalgic. You came here for that infant Fallen Heart Flame, didn't you?"
Liu Xi did not deny it. "Yes. If Senior entrusts that flame to me, I can bring you out of this place."
Compared to fighting a Dou Zun's remnant soul, he preferred to obtain the flame through negotiation.
Yao Tianhuo's smile remained, but sorrow flickered behind it. "Fair enough. But even if I leave now, my soul will last only five or six more years."
"I can repair your soul," Liu Xi said slowly. "And when the time comes, I can even refine a new body for you."
He had acquired many treasures from Han Feng's Storage Ring—including the recipe for the Bone Growing Blood Fusing Pill, essential for forging a new body.
Yao Tianhuo's voice trembled slightly, unable to hide his excitement. "If that is true, then name your price, young friend. Whatever you wish—so long as it does not violate my principles—I shall agree!"
A Dou Zun who had once roamed the continent—how could he willingly vanish into this eternal darkness? Seeing Yao Tianhuo's urgency, Liu Xi smiled faintly.
"I'll ask only for three conditions. Senior may fulfill them either with treasures or by lending your strength. Does that sound acceptable?"
Yao Tianhuo blinked, then chuckled helplessly. "You little fox… You really plan to squeeze this old man dry, don't you?"
Liu Xi's smile did not change. "A Dou Zun's life is beyond price. If I didn't set terms worthy of you, wouldn't that be disrespectful?"
At that, Yao Tianhuo burst out laughing. Stroking his beard, he nodded. "Very well! The price fits the promise. If you can truly let me live again, these conditions are worth it!"
"Then Senior can rest easy," Liu Xi said with quiet confidence. "It won't be long before your name echoes across the continent once more."
"Then this young Fallen Heart Flame shall belong to you."
Yao Tianhuo raised his hand—the flame atop the skeleton floated into his palm. He looked deeply at Liu Xi, then flicked his wrist. The flame drifted gently toward Liu Xi as his thoughts echoed faintly:
'May I not have misjudged this one… I, who once roamed the continent, am not willing to perish in this lightless sea of fire…'
(End of Chapter)
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