But it somehow held on, and then it spread all at once, encompassing everything.
Dark clouds bore down from above, and below, countless candle-like flames danced. One flame might falter in the wind, but when countless, millions, billions sparked together, all that met the eye was flame.
It was a sight of profound awe, a sea of fire. The entire world was illuminated by these flames. Maggots shrieked in piercing terror.
On the sacrificial altar, the Spirit Emperor roared, seizing a white flag from midair and plunging it into the ground. Underneath the yellow robe, a transparent figure appeared, arms outstretched, with groups of Gu Insects flying out from the eyes, ears, mouth, nose—all facial orifices—buzzing in the sky.
Locks of hair from the earth rose up, entangling with thunder and large trees, crushing and devouring.
A coughing fit arose.
