Chapter 84: Refining
In the subterranean lava world, Xiao Tian sat cross-legged in the void, with dark green flames continuously rising from his body. Each time the flames surged, the magma below would roil intensely.
After an indeterminate amount of time, Xiao Tian finally opened his eyes. The moment his eyes opened, the endless magma below erupted violently. Waves of lava surged like a stormy sea, creating a spectacular scene.
Xiao Tian spread his hand, and a wisp of dark green flame ascended. This was the newly formed flame, resulting from the fusion of the Green Lotus Core Flame, Sea Heart Flame, and Fallen Heart Flame.
"I'll call it the Green Lotus Sea Heart Flame," Xiao Tian chuckled and sensed his own strength.
Now, his cultivation had risen from one-star Dou Huang to six-star Dou Huang. The "Burning Flame Art" technique had also advanced from the low level of the Earth rank to the high level of the Earth rank. Given the uniqueness of the "Burning Flame Art," it was likely the most powerful technique at the Earth rank level. Xiao Tian wasn't sure about the Heaven rank, though.
"Hmm?" Suddenly, Xiao Tian sensed something below calling to him. Having read the original story, he knew it was the Heavenly Flame Sage using another Fallen Heart Flame to summon him. Since this was something Xiao Tian needed, he didn't hesitate and jumped into the lava.
Ordinarily, it would be difficult for someone to stay in the lava for long, but Xiao Tian's newly fused flame made the temperature insignificant. Instead, the flame even helped him by automatically absorbing the fire attribute energy.
After a long descent, the magma below turned increasingly dark. Before long, the magma had become pitch black.
Fortunately, he had reached the right place. Upon entering a specific spot, Xiao Tian's surroundings lit up. He found himself inside a transparent barrier, facing a white, glowing skeleton. A transparent, invisible flame enveloped the skeleton—another Fallen Heart Flame.
Xiao Tian looked at the skeleton and said, "Senior, please come out and talk."
Upon hearing his words, the skeleton emitted a brilliant light. An elderly man in a white robe materialized in front of Xiao Tian. The old man's face was wrinkled, his hair and beard white, and his calm eyes gleamed with wisdom.
"I didn't expect someone to tame the Fallen Heart Flame..." The old man looked at Xiao Tian and murmured, "I am the original master of this Fallen Heart Flame, called Yao Tianhuo. People refer to me as the Heavenly Flame Sage."
As he spoke, he extended his hand toward Xiao Tian.
In the original story, this move instantly summoned the Fallen Heart Flame, intimidating the protagonist. But now, the Fallen Heart Flame had merged with two other different flames, making any such attempts futile. The Heavenly Flame Sage's intimidation attempt failed.
"Uh-huh," the Heavenly Flame Sage coughed lightly and withdrew his hand. Xiao Tian cupped his hands in respect and said, "Greetings, Senior Yao."
Stroking his beard, the Heavenly Flame Sage said, "Young man, would you like this second Fallen Heart Flame?"
"Senior, I already possess one Fallen Heart Flame. A second one would be of no use to me," Xiao Tian replied calmly.
"Hmph!" The Heavenly Flame Sage snorted, "Don't play tricks with me. I see that your soul is strong, and you possess fire and a trace of wood attributes, indicating you are a high-ranking alchemist, correct? If you help restore my soul, I will give you this second Fallen Heart Flame and a fire control technique comparable to a Heaven rank technique."
As he spoke, he gestured, and a snow-white storage ring flew from the skeleton. Then, with a wave of his hand, a pale white scroll appeared, depicting various fiery beasts.
"This is my signature technique—'Five Revolving Fire Wheels'," the Heavenly Flame Sage said, handing the scroll to Xiao Tian. "Consider this fire control technique as an advance payment."
Xiao Tian examined the scroll:
"Five Revolving Fire Wheels, a fire control technique divided into five stages, each represented by a beast form—wolf, leopard, lion, tiger, and flood dragon. Each stage has its fire spirit. When perfected, the technique can summon a Five Revolving Fire Formation, capable of boiling the sea and scorching the heavens. If four of the five beasts are formed from different flames, the technique's power rivals that of a Heaven rank technique!"
Xiao Tian put away the scroll and said to the Heavenly Flame Sage, "Senior, I agree."
"I hope I have not chosen wrongly..." The Heavenly Flame Sage gave Xiao Tian a deep look before sending the second Fallen Heart Flame towards him. He then merged with his skeleton and disappeared into the snow-white storage ring, which Xiao Tian wore on his hand.
Summoning his fused flame to envelop himself, Xiao Tian headed back to the surface.
"Boom!"
As soon as he exited the space, a scorching wind attacked. Xiao Tian dodged the attack and looked around. He saw a red figure swimming in the magma. It was a half-meter-long lizard-like creature covered in scales, with a frog-like body and a wide mouth full of sharp teeth.
"Be careful. There are ferocious creatures like this in the magma," the Heavenly Flame Sage warned. "Some are as powerful as Dou Zuns. I was ambushed and killed by them after failing to refine two different flames."
Xiao Tian nodded. He was aware that these magma creatures were kept by Tuoshe Ancient Emperor to guard his tomb. For Tuoshe, these were just pets, but for Xiao Tian, they were not to be trifled with, especially those as strong as half-saints. However, this Dou Ling-level lizard was an easy target.
"Boom!"
With one punch, Xiao Tian killed the lizard instantly, leaving behind a fiery red energy bead.
"Swish!"
With a thought, Xiao Tian collected the red bead.
"Let's move. These creatures are extremely hostile to outsiders," the Heavenly Flame Sage urged. Xiao Tian's soul sense detected numerous lizards converging on him from all directions.
"Go!"
Without delay, Xiao Tian quickly ascended through the magma.