"Whoosh, whoosh!"
While Gu Fei and his group were surveying their surroundings, figures suddenly emerged from the nearby rocks. These figures hovered in the air, panting heavily, with fear etched across their faces.
"Young Clan Leader, it seems that when you tore through that illusion, it triggered a chain reaction and brought everyone else out as well," Gu Nanhai said, noticing the newcomers.
"That's how Nightmare Heavenly Fog works. Once one part is broken, the entire illusion crumbles," Gu Fei responded with a slight smile, unconcerned.
The next moment, a massive column of magma, about a hundred meters high, surged from the sea of molten lava. A handsome man in white robes stood atop the column.
As the white-robed man suddenly appeared, the space fell into a tense silence. Everyone stared at him with greedy and fiery eyes because they knew that this man was the real embodiment of the Heavenly Flame- the Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame.
"Demonic Flame, I didn't expect that in just a thousand years, you would have mastered the Nightmare Heavenly Fog left behind by the Demon Saint to such a degree. It's truly impressive," a black-robed figure, Hun Miesheng, said coldly, watching the flame with a grim expression from a rock platform.
"The flame has become even more terrifying. This time, we cannot let it escape. If it does, countless lives in the Central Plains will be lost!" Elder Yao Wangui of the Yao Clan said, his gaze burning with determination.
Hearing Yao Wangui's words, many nodded in agreement. In reality, almost everyone here had come for the Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame. Their righteous words were just a cover for their greed.
Ignoring the others, the white-robed man fixed his gaze on the silent Gu Fei.
"Tell me, how were you able to break through my Nightmare Fog illusion?"
"I told you already, once I refine you, I'll let you know," Gu Fei replied calmly, unfazed by the flame's cold gaze.
"He was the one who shattered the illusion?" The surrounding people were shocked to hear Gu Fei's words, amazed by the strength of the Young Clan Leader of the Gu Clan.
"Young Master Gu Fei, your skills are truly impressive!" "We all owe you one for this…" several ancient clan powerhouses chimed in, flattering him.
"Brother Gu Fei, you saved me again! Just now, I thought I was going to die in that illusion!" In the crowd, a young woman in a black cloak suddenly turned and ran toward Gu Fei, overjoyed.
"Miss Xun'er!" Gu Nanhai was startled as the woman removed her cloak, revealing a stunningly beautiful face. His expression showed a mix of surprise and concern. The Young Clan Leader had specifically ordered others not to come. How did Miss Xun'er sneak in?
"Miss Xun'er, how could you be so reckless? This place is dangerous!" Gu Nanhai scolded, his tone filled with worry. Xun'er, with her Half-Saint strength, would be more of a burden here.
"I was worried about Brother Gu Fei, so I followed," Xun'er explained softly, her gaze flickering toward Gu Fei. But at the moment, Gu Fei ignored her completely. This woman always acted on impulse, never considering the consequences. According to clan rules, she should be punished with a century of confinement at the very least.
"Arrogant! It doesn't matter if you don't tell me now. Once I've turned you into my flame slave, you'll willingly tell me everything…" The white-robed man on the magma column stared at Gu Fei for a moment, then waved his hand. A formless wave spread outward, and in the distance, the pale white light circle in the sky began to fade.
"The spatial tunnel is gone?" "Does he intend to trap us all here?" The group grew anxious at this sight.
"Sigh, Miss Xun'er, now that the spatial tunnel is gone, we can't leave. Stay close to us, and don't wander off," Gu Nanhai said in frustration.
"Okay!" Xun'er nodded seriously, sticking close to them.
"Flame Refining Sky!"
As the spatial tunnel disappeared, a surge of pale white flames erupted from the white-robed man. The flame spread out, forming a fiery prison that enclosed everyone.
"This Demonic Flame... it intends to refine us all!" Elder Huo Yao of the Yan Clan said gravely.
"The strength of this flame is terrifying. Right now, it's equivalent to a peak five-star Dou Saint. With its strange abilities, it could even fight against a six-star Dou Saint. No one here can surpass it," Xiao Chen, who had remained silent, finally spoke up, revealing his deep understanding of the flame's power.
"A peak five-star Dou Saint!" Hearing this, Gu Nanhai and Elder Huo Yao's faces paled slightly. The gap between each rank of a Dou Saint was immense, and because of the pact, all the ancient clans had sent only four-star Dou Saints.
"Boom, boom!"
As the group braced themselves, muffled explosions sounded from behind. Figures began to self-destruct, turning into clouds of blood mist that were instantly vaporized by the intense heat.
"Miss Xun'er, the Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame can manipulate emotions, causing people to burn from within. Do not lose control of your thoughts now!" Gu Nanhai quickly warned Xun'er, recalling Gu Fei's earlier words.
However, due to certain reasons, Xun'er's emotions were already unstable. A flame began to form in her heart.
"Ah…" Xun'er's delicate face twisted in pain, but thanks to the Gold Emperor Incinerating Heavenly Flame which she had refined, she could resist the burning effect even with her Half-Saint strength.
"Young Clan Leader, you need to help Miss Xun'er!" Gu Nanhai urgently called out to Gu Fei.
Hearing this, Gu Fei glanced at Xun'er, furrowed his brow, and finally extended his hand, gently placing it on her slender shoulder.
"Whoosh…"
With Gu Fei's help, the pale white flames within Xun'er were instantly extinguished. She was pale and covered in sweat.
"Brother Gu Fei, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have been so reckless and come here to cause trouble for you and Elder Nanhai," Xun'er said, ashamed.
She finally realized that she was only a burden in this situation. The Demonic flame was far too powerful, and now Gu Fei and Gu Nanhai would have to split their focus to protect her.