Jin Xuan stood over Fang Rui's unconscious body, his cold gaze unwavering.
His return had started with a warning.
But his true journey was just beginning.
He had two goals:
1. Find Shen Tian and Yao Ling—the ones who betrayed him.
2. Grow stronger—so no one could ever suppress him again.
The world believed he was dead.
Now, he would make them regret ever crossing him.
---
A New Target
Jin Xuan turned to his two beasts.
The Shadowclaw Phantom Wolf stood tall, its dark energy swirling in the air. The Crimson-Horned Serpent coiled beside him, its golden eyes filled with battle intent.
These beasts were strong—but not enough.
Through the Primordial Beast Codex, Jin Xuan sensed something powerful nearby.
A beast with the bloodline of the Ancient Vermilion Bird slumbered deep within Wild Flame Valley.
If he could tame it, his strength would rise to another level.
Without hesitation, he moved.
It was time for the hunt to begin.
---
Wild Flame Valley
Hours later, Jin Xuan arrived at the valley's entrance.
The air shimmered with heat, and the ground beneath his feet was cracked and scorched. Flames flickered in the distance, casting eerie shadows against the cliffs.
Then—
ROAR!
A deep, guttural cry echoed through the valley, shaking the earth.
Jin Xuan's eyes gleamed.
The beast was awakening.
But before he could enter, a group of red-robed disciples blocked his path.
The leader, a young man with a sneer, stepped forward. "Outsiders are forbidden in Wild Flame Valley. Leave now, or we'll make you regret it."
Jin Xuan smirked. "Try."
The leader's face darkened. "Kill him!"
The disciples rushed forward, flames igniting around their weapons.
But before they could even strike—
BOOM!
Jin Xuan vanished.
A moment later, the leader crashed into the ground, blood spilling from his mouth.
The others froze, terror in their eyes.
Jin Xuan cracked his knuckles. "I don't have time for weaklings. Get lost."
The disciples fled without hesitation.
He stepped forward, firelight reflecting in his sharp eyes.
The real battle was waiting inside.
---
The Beast Awakens
As Jin Xuan moved deeper into the valley, the flames grew wilder, the heat nearly unbearable.
Then—
WHOOSH!
A massive shadow shot down from the sky.
Wings of fire spread wide, golden eyes burning with ancient fury.
The Flamefeather Sky Roc—a descendant of the Vermilion Bird.
Jin Xuan grinned.