Within the depths of the Ancient Dragon Island, Liu Xi set off lightly, bringing only Xiao Yixian and Qing Lin along. Xiao Yixian, after emerging from seclusion, had consolidated her Cultivation at the early 4-Star Dou Saint stage, yet her true combat strength had skyrocketed. Qing Lin's progress was even more astonishing — she had broken through to the early 2-Star Dou Saint. Such rapid advancement was largely thanks to the selfless support of the entire Nine Serene Deep Ground Python Tribe, allowing Qing Lin's cultivation to soar.
Zi Yan had originally wanted to accompany them, but among the ancient clans, an unspoken rule had long been established — Dou Saints above 5-Star could not participate in such contests. Even for the Ancient Void Dragon Tribe, that rule could not be openly defied. Still, three of Zi Yan's former Imperial Guards secretly followed, hidden in the void, observing Liu Xi from afar. With the power of the Ancient Void Dragon Tribe, even the vastness of space could be folded upon itself — they could arrive instantly when needed.
Especially the First Commander Zhu Bei, an 8-Star late-stage Dou Saint. Even if he faced a 9-Star Dou Saint, though he might not prevail, he could at least advance and retreat freely. Against the Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame, bringing too many people would only lead to greater losses. Only true powerhouses could face this Heavenly Flame, ranked third on the list. With their combined strength — Liu Xi at late 4-Star Dou Saint, Xiao Yixian at early 4-Star, and Qing Lin at early 2-Star — they were powerful enough to sweep across most of the Central Plains without difficulty.
When they tore through space and returned to the Central Plains, the situation was unexpectedly calm. Without the Hall of Souls stirring chaos, the continent that had once been consumed by endless conflict now appeared tranquil once again.
Liu Xi traveled across many lands — from the Southern Region to the Central Region, then to the Northern Region — concealing his identity and meeting no one, merely observing the continent like an outsider. Burning Flame Valley, under the protection of Old Ancestor Huo Yun, had grown even stronger. The Sound Valley remained secluded as always, and none dared provoke them. Among the Four Pavilions, most had gone silent — only the Falling Star Pavilion had become notably active after the fall of the Hall of Souls, its Pavilion Master Yao Chen now enjoying immense prestige across the Central Plains.
As a High-Level Alchemist, Yao Chen's position brought him many benefits; with high-grade pills, he forged ties with countless strong experts, paying off old debts along the way. But Liu Xi merely smiled faintly — such superficial strength was like an illusion, easily shattered with a single blow. Under absolute power, resistance was meaningless.
Half a month of wandering gave Liu Xi a clear grasp of the continent's state. He also learned that within the western mountain ranges of the Central Plains, spatial instability had been increasing. Scorching heat radiated for miles, as though magma churned just beneath the surface. This phenomenon immediately drew Liu Xi's attention. Extending his Spiritual Perception, he sensed a familiar aura — one that could only belong to a Heavenly Flame, and a terrifyingly powerful one at that.
A spark of excitement flickered in his eyes. It wasn't hard to guess that the unnatural calm across the continent was due to this — the imminent emergence of the Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame. The ancient clans, wary after the total annihilation of the Ling Clan, were all holding their ground. Gu Yuan of the Gu Clan had no ambition beyond maintaining balance, while the scheming Hun Clan was undoubtedly targeting the origin power of the Demonic Flame. By now, the Shi Clan was likely already facing destruction.
Half a month later, Liu Xi abruptly opened his eyes. The surrounding world's energy had grown restless. Rising from his meditative state, he moved to the window and gazed into the night. The sky twisted in strange patterns — a celestial river stretched across the heavens, reflecting the light of a bright moon. Then, before his eyes, a second moon slowly rose beside it. Nine radiant stars gleamed in formation, shining brilliantly as they aligned into a straight line.
Two moons in the same sky. Nine stars connected as one.
Heaven and earth surged in response; it was not a river of stars above but a manifestation of the world's energy tide — a celestial phenomenon that stirred the balance of heaven and earth itself.
Liu Xi exhaled deeply, his eyes glimmering with exhilaration. "Two moons in the same sky, nine stars in unison. Heaven and earth surging as tides — the Demonic Flame descends. The Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame… it finally appears." His voice carried an excitement that trembled at the edge of restraint. "Truly worthy of the title 'closest existence to a Dou Di.' The seal left by the Pure Lotus Demon Saint is unbreakable, and only through the thousand-year heavenly tide can the Demonic Flame pierce the fabric of space. I don't intend to wait another thousand years. This time, I must subdue the Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame."
Those who recognized the heavenly omen were not few. The great clans and top sects all had ancient records of this event. It was not the first time the Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame had manifested. Yet every time it appeared, none had ever succeeded in taming it. Those who dared try never returned. Such was the terror of the third-ranked Heavenly Flame — mysterious and unmatched. And precisely because of that, countless people were drawn toward it, their greed outweighing fear, even knowing it meant courting death.
Across the Central Plains, powerful auras erupted one after another. In hidden sects and secluded valleys, reclusive experts tore through the void, streaking toward the western mountain range — the birthplace of the coming calamity.
Liu Xi was no exception. Fully aware of the chaos to come, he quietly concealed his presence. With his vast Spiritual Power, he placed seals upon himself, Xiao Yixian, and Qing Lin — concealing their auras to the level of Half Saint.
At that strength, they would not draw the attention of the ancient clans — particularly not the Hun Clan — and yet few would dare provoke them. The moment they unleashed power beyond Half Saint, the spiritual seals would dissolve instantly, allowing them to erupt with their full might without restriction.
Since achieving the Dou Saint realm, Liu Xi had deliberately stayed out of the public eye. To reveal himself now would only bring more trouble and diminish his advantage.
After sealing their energy and disguising their appearances, Liu Xi led the two women westward, blending in among the countless forces heading toward the fiery phenomenon. Along the way, they passed many reclusive experts who rarely appeared in the world — Peak Dou Zuns, Half Saints, even true Dou Saints. Central Plains had never lacked strength; it had only lacked a reason for these titans to act.
Even the Bodhisattva Ancient Tree could not draw so many powerhouses. Yet the Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame could — a relic of the one who came closest to Dou Di ascension, the Pure Lotus Demon Saint. His name alone was enough to drive the Dou Saints mad with desire.
When Liu Xi and his companions finally arrived, the mountain range that once stretched endlessly before them had transformed into a blazing desert. The air was searingly hot, and even 6-Star Dou Zuns turned pale from the oppressive heat.
Liu Xi stood with Xiao Yixian and Qing Lin amidst the crowd. The faint Half Saint aura surrounding them made most onlookers cautious, some even reverent. Yet others scoffed dismissively, arrogance flashing in their eyes.
Just as Liu Xi had expected, the Half Saint realm stood at a delicate balance. Too weak to threaten the apex, yet too strong for the rabble to challenge. Those beneath would not dare provoke him, and those above would not waste their time.
The Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame was about to descend — and with it, the greatest battle of the age was about to begin.
(End of Chapter)
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