Each member of Fire Lizardmen possessed the strength on par with Dou Venerate experts while their leader had reached the level of Half-Saint. Therefore, when Venerable Sky Fire was surrounded and ambushed by a horde of these Dou Venerate-level creatures, he stood no chance against them and ultimately fell.
The greater secret, however, lay even deeper. Below the area inhabited by the Fire Lizardmen, an unparalleled place was hidden—The Tuo She Ancient God's Mansion!
The previous Dou God, Tuo She Ancient God, had left behind his abode, guarded by the Ancient Void Dragon clan's former Dragon Emperor, Zhu Kun, who had been sealed by the Tuo She Ancient God himself. Zhu Kun was also the father of Zi Yan, one of the most important female characters in the series.
There was also an incomplete Tier-9 Pill refined by the ancient Dou God inside the abode. This pill had developed sentience and also possessed the strength of a half-step Dou God. Not only that, this mansion also held his other legacy. Either of these could help a peak Dou Saint advance to the Dou God level.
However, to obtain all this priceless treasure, one had to enter the place first. They need to defeat the Fire Lizardmen in the magma territory, gather all the eight Tuo She Ancient God's Jades in one place, and ultimately overcome its guardian, Zhu Kun, the Ancient Void Dragon.
Li Xiao needed to quickly improve his strength if he wanted to explore the mysteries within.
"Pavilion Master Li, are you alright?" Great Elder Su Qian asked, seeing Li Xiao lost in thought.
Snapping back to reality, Li Xiao shook his head. "It's nothing, just thinking about something. I'm fine."
Seeing that he was okay, Su Qian and the others quickly moved their hands, causing the sky and earth to change color. Terrifying waves of flame energy surged up to a hundred meters high.
The inner branch disciples were all sent back, fearing they would be destroyed if they moved too slowly.
Su Qian's expression grew increasingly anxious. The Fallen Heart Flame seemed to sense its impending fate and violently struck the seal, trying to escape. He and the others were unsure how to further contain it, aiming to give Pavilion Master Li enough time to seal it.
Bai Ling instantly appeared, her gaze cold. "Pavilion Master, there's something unusual about this magma..."
Before she could finish, Li Xiao stopped her. He already knew the secret there and didn't want to reveal it due to his current lack of strength.
Even Bai Ling wouldn't survive if she ventured inside, and Li Xiao didn't want her to take that risk.
At this moment, many strong figures from the Black-Corner Region had also arrived, led by the infamous Medicine Emperor Han Feng.
Han Feng sensed the tremendous oppressive force and recognized it as the aura of the Fallen Heart Flame. Having obtained the complete Flame Mantra, he now sought the Heavenly Flame to enhance it.
Seeing the Fallen Heart Flame, Han Feng laughed heartily. "Haha, I've finally found it."
"Medicine Emperor Han Feng!" Vice Principal Hu Qian's eyes were cold.
"So, it's Medicine Emperor Han Feng from the Black-Corner Region," Su Qian said coldly, his gaze sharp.
Han Feng chuckled, "The title of Medicine Emperor is just something my friends in the Black-Corner Region call me. It's not to be taken seriously."
Su Qian turned to him angrily, "If you want to steal the Heavenly Flame, just say so. No need to beat around the bush. With your ability to summon the leaders of Blood Sect and Eight Gates, you're the only one in the Black-Corner Region with such influence."
"Heavenly Flames are rare treasures of heaven and earth, yet you keep them sealed here. Isn't that too cruel?" Han Feng spoke passionately. "As an alchemist, fire is our faith. I sincerely request Canaan Academy to release the heavenly flame!"
"What a joke!" Vice Principal Hu Qian angrily flicked his embroidered robe. "Han Feng, I sensed your dark intentions from miles away."
"Since the Great Elder is straightforward, I won't beat around the bush either," Han Feng said. "You know how important a heavenly flame is to us alchemists. If you hand it over, I will fulfill any condition you ask."
Su Qian sneered, "Sorry, Medicine Emperor, but the heavenly flame has already been transferred to someone else."
"What did you say?" Han Feng's brow furrowed. "Great Elder Su Qian, you must be joking. Would you really hand over the heavenly flame to someone else?"
"When have I ever lied?" Su Qian, hands behind his back, smiled faintly. "Canaan Academy has stood on the Dou Qi continent for many years, not just because of its reputation."
"I have already transferred the heavenly flame to Pavilion Master Li. If you are dissatisfied, you are welcome to try."
At these words, the Dou Huang experts from the Black-Corner Region looked at each other in shock. Could it be true that the heavenly flame was given to Pavilion Master Li of the Heaven Ascending Pavilion?
"It's true, Pavilion Master Li is right there!" someone shouted, and everyone noticed Pavilion Master Li staring at the Fallen Heart Flame. Even Medicine Emperor Han Feng felt a jolt. How did he know about the hidden heavenly flame in Canaan Academy?
Han Feng's mind raced. He had suspected the existence of a heavenly flame for many years but never had concrete evidence. After the seal on the Fallen Heart Flame weakened, he had sensed its presence. But he hadn't expected Pavilion Master Li to also target it, which wasn't a good sign...
Fan Lao and others quickly bowed, "Greetings, Pavilion Master Li."
Unable to withstand the group's flattering, Han Feng also bowed, "Pavilion Master Li, I didn't expect you to be interested in the heavenly flame here."
Li Xiao didn't even turn his head, calmly stating, "Han Feng, I've told you many times that some things are not yours. If you don't want to die, stay put, or even I won't be able to save you."
"And Mister Gold and Mister Silver, are you here to snatch the heavenly flame too?"
Mister Gold and Mister Silver, seeing Pavilion Master Li slightly displeased, hurried over with smiles, "Pavilion Master Li, you misunderstand. We're just here to support Han Feng, nothing more."
Hearing this, Li Xiao didn't pursue the matter further. As long as they didn't cause trouble, he wouldn't act against them. Besides, once the Fallen Heart Flame emerged, Bai Ling would suppress it immediately.
Vice Principal Hu Qian squinted, impressed. As expected of Pavilion Master Li, his reputation was well-earned. With just a few words, he made Medicine Emperor Han Feng and his companions refrain from any action.
Han Feng felt dejected. Why was it that every good thing was always taken first? First the Bone Chilling Flame, now the Fallen Heart Flame.
Why didn't Lady Luck ever smile upon him...
The top experts of the Black-Corner Region exchanged glances, unsure of what to do. Since Pavilion Master Li hadn't asked them to leave, they didn't dare make any moves.