"It's over!"
Elder Qiu Ling's expression twisted in anguish as he fought desperately. The relentless, storm-like barrage from the Hall of Souls Dou Zun forced a crack in his defense, and with a surge of force, he was pushed back.
The Dou Zuns fighting Liu Xi and Qing Hua both retreated at once, faces filled with savage delight—they were only seconds away from being slain.
By now, part of the seal binding the Three Thousand Burning Flame had already been shattered. A single flaw was enough to unravel the whole—once the crack appeared, the Heavenly Flame's immense power began tearing through the remaining bindings like paper.
As the three Hall of Souls' Dou Zuns retreated rapidly, their curses echoed through the air.
"Damn it! When did that brat break through to Dou Zun? And what's with those two puppets? Whoever gathered this intel deserves death!" one of them shouted.
Another responded grimly, "Liu Xi rarely fought in public. Most of the time, his followers handled things. He was believed to be at most a High-Level Dou Zong—no one expected this breakthrough. As for those puppets, they must be rare evolving constructs. The plan came straight from the Hall Master himself. Even if something went wrong, at least the Three Thousand Burning Flame's seal is broken."
Upon the massive draconic body of the Heavenly Flame, the soul-forged seal crumbled further. The moment the binding shattered, the flame's sealed consciousness stirred awake.
As it revived, the Three Thousand Burning Flame began to channel endless violet-black fire, slamming against the broken seal with terrifying might. The breach widened instantly, flames spreading with uncontrollable fury.
A boundless wave of power erupted outward, sweeping through the Star Region like a raging tide. Even seasoned Dou Zuns felt their hearts tighten under its oppressive might.
This was the being even the Three Pill Tower Giants had failed to subdue—a flame so terrifying that it had been sealed away rather than destroyed.
Elder Qiu Ling's blood ran cold. 'Once this flame breaks free, it won't stay here quietly… it'll destroy Holy Pill City in vengeance.'
"I… I've doomed the Pill Tower…" His voice trembled as he glared at Mu Gu and the three Hall of Souls' Dou Zuns, eyes brimming with killing intent.
Liu Xi, standing farther away with his Heavenly Demon Puppets guarding his flanks, observed quietly. His eyes flickered with a strange light as he spoke evenly, "First Elder, there's no need for despair. Mu Gu may have broken the seal, but that doesn't mean he can subdue the flame. Let's watch and see."
"You're right, Master Liu," Qiu Ling admitted with a forced breath. "That flame's intelligence is extremely high—it won't yield so easily. But… even a slim chance is enough to make my heart uneasy."
A low, thunderous roar shattered the air.
The Three Thousand Burning Flame, now fully awakened, opened its blazing eyes. Pure exhilaration flashed within them as it reared its massive body and unleashed a sky-shaking roar.
Heat waves rolled outward, dragon might thick enough to condense into visible rings that blasted through the void. The entire Star Region trembled as torrents of starlight converged from every direction, replenishing the Heavenly Flame's consumed energy.
Mu Gu threw back his head and laughed wildly, exultant. "Hahaha! Three Thousand Burning Flame! As promised—I've broken your seal! Now, come with us to the Hall of Souls for three years of service! But before that, let's clear out these nuisances. I'm sure you'd enjoy stretching your claws a bit!"
His malicious gaze fixed instantly on Liu Xi. The others were secondary—destroying them was just a bonus—but Liu Xi was his true target, the man he most hated.
"Oh?" A low, mocking voice rolled through the air. "Why would I serve your Hall of Souls? You merely sought to trick me into captivity and steal my core flame. You're no different from the rest of these mortals."
The dragon's deep voice dripped with scorn, its eyes gleaming with human-like ridicule.
Mu Gu froze for a heartbeat, then his fury erupted. His face contorted, veins bulging as he glared at the Heavenly Flame. "You dare mock me?! You break your promise with the Hall of Souls? You'll regret spurning our goodwill, creature! I advise you—think carefully before defying us!"
'Only I deceive others… who dares deceive me?' Rage burned through Mu Gu's veins, clouding his judgment.
"You're threatening me?" The Three Thousand Burning Flame's voice thundered coldly as disdain filled its gaze. Having once faced down the Pill Tower Giants themselves, it feared no one—certainly not Mu Gu.
Its jaws opened, and a massive column of violet-black fire burst forth, roaring through the void with apocalyptic heat.
The sudden blast sent Mu Gu and the three Dou Zuns into panic; the firestorm nearly incinerated them on the spot. They barely escaped, faces pale, armor scorched.
"Mu Gu! What kind of mess is this?! You've ruined everything—you worthless fool!" one of the Dou Zuns barked furiously, his patience snapping.
Mu Gu's expression darkened like thunder. Everything had gone wrong—the Pill Gathering ruined by Liu Xi, his plan collapsing, and now even the Heavenly Flame mocked him. 'Maybe the world should just burn… I'm too tired for this farce.'
His eyes flicked toward Liu Xi in the distance, standing calmly as if watching a show. A twisted sneer curled his lips.
"Enough talk! The Three Thousand Burning Flame is rebellious, as expected. Let's activate the Ten Thousand Soul Devouring Formation and drain it dry—the Hall Master demanded this flame personally!"
At the mention of Hall Master, the other three Dou Zuns fell silent, eyes dark with fear. After a tense pause, one finally growled, "Fine. Once more—we'll follow your lead."
The four of them swiftly moved into position, forming a square around the flame. Each began weaving complex seals as oppressive yin energy erupted from their bodies.
"Ten Thousand Soul Devouring Formation—activate!"
Instantly, black mist poured out from beneath their feet. Within it writhed countless vengeful spirits, shrieking in agony as their cries echoed through the heavens. The air turned suffocatingly cold; even starlight seemed to fade, replaced by a vast, roiling canopy of darkness that enveloped the Three Thousand Burning Flame—and sealed off Liu Xi and the others beyond.
Elder Qiu Ling's expression turned grim. A moment ago, he'd been secretly relieved when the flame turned against Mu Gu. But now, seeing this horrifying Soul Devouring Formation, his blood boiled with fury.
"Damn that Hall of Souls!" he spat.
The Pill Tower and Hall of Souls had always been mortal enemies. The Hall's vile practice of harvesting souls—especially targeting alchemists whose Spiritual Power was purest—was a stain on the continent.
If not for the mysterious force backing them, such monsters would've been wiped out long ago.
Every alchemist loathed the Hall of Souls from the depths of their hearts. None wished to end up as one of their trapped souls.
Liu Xi was no different. Yet unlike most, he understood that the Hall of Souls was merely a pawn—the true hand behind it all was one of the Seven Ancient Emperor Clans: the Hun Clan.
(End of Chapter)
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