Within the scorching sea of magma, Lin Yuan stood shoulder to shoulder with the Elders Qian and Bai. The three of them wore calm expressions as they indifferently gazed at the gigantic Fire Python before them.
The Fallen Heart Flame instinctively sensed that today's situation was unlike any before.
Without the slightest hesitation, it immediately abandoned any thought of attacking the Heavenly Flame's host standing so close by and instead fled toward the depths of the magma sea.
"This fellow is quite perceptive."
A faint smile appeared on Lin Yuan's lips before he said softly,
"Seniors, I'll have to trouble you. As we discussed before, simply capture its source."
The Elders Qian and Bai nodded slightly before vanishing from where they stood.
Moments later, accompanied by intermittent shrill cries, towering waves of magma surged across the sea as though it had been swallowed by the flames of doomsday, creating a terrifying spectacle.
What happened when two peak Ancestors decided to attack the Fallen Heart Flame?
The answer was absolute domination.
Whether it was because they held great expectations for Lin Yuan, or because they eagerly desired the Beginning Venerable Pill, the two elders acted with extraordinary determination.
Although this sea of magma was the birthplace of the Fallen Heart Flame, and although it possessed nearly inexhaustible fire-attributed energy here, the strength it could display did not exceed that of a Four-Star Ancestor.
There remained an enormous gap between it and high-star Ancestors.
Against someone like Yao Lao, who existed purely as a soul, it could rely on its soul-burning properties to suppress him.
But against two peak Ancestors, it possessed virtually no ability to resist.
Without expending much effort, the Elders Qian and Bai shattered the Fire Python body condensed by the Fallen Heart Flame and extracted its origin.
"Lin Yuan, here."
"This is the origin of the Fallen Heart Flame."
The two elders thoughtfully condensed an energy barrier around the origin to completely seal it before handing it to Lin Yuan.
Obtaining the origin of the Fallen Heart Flame so effortlessly left Lin Yuan somewhat astonished.
A moment later, he smiled faintly.
As long as an alchemist could refine sufficiently valuable pills, others would willingly handle everything else. Perhaps this was the true way of an alchemist and the joy of being one.
"Thank you, Seniors."
Lin Yuan suppressed his thoughts as he accepted the origin and carefully examined it.
It was a tiny flame serpent no larger than his palm, its body faintly milky white.
Its eyes burned with invisible flames, and as they darted about, they appeared remarkably lively.
Clearly, the Flame Spirit of the Fallen Heart Flame had already developed intelligence.
As Lin Yuan observed the little flame serpent, it also seemed to remember that the man before it was the "thief" who had stolen part of its origin years ago.
Instantly, a fierce glint flashed through its snake eyes, and invisible fluctuations spread outward.
A violently raging Heart Flame suddenly appeared within Lin Yuan's body, recklessly attempting to wreak havoc.
However, not only did the Heart Flame fail to affect him, it actually made him feel rather comfortable.
Lin Yuan smiled calmly.
After a full year of adaptive training with the Fallen Heart Flame's Seed Flame, this level of Heart Flame felt little more than a relaxing massage.
The Fallen Heart Flame ranked close to the Sea Heart Flame. The process of subduing it required only one additional step compared to subduing the Sea Heart Flame.
Staring at the milky-white source flame, a cold glimmer flashed through Lin Yuan's eyes.
"So, you possess intelligence. It seems I'll have to spend some time erasing it first."
His expression turned solemn as he formed an extraordinarily complicated series of hand seals.
Several slender chains of green flame shot forward, piercing into the milky-white flame serpent and tightly binding it.
Immediately afterward, a vast amount of Spiritual Strength erupted from between his brows.
Using the chains of green flame as conduits, it poured continuously into the flame serpent.
"Heavenly Wisdom Eradication, Spirit Dissolution Radiance!"
With a low shout, silver mist surged along the chains.
His soul power, tempered by the Seed Flame of the Fallen Heart Flame, began washing over the Flame Spirit's origin, attempting to completely erase the traces of intelligence within its snake eyes.
Thus time slowly passed.
Within Jia Nan Academy, Pan's Gate.
Yao Lao's figure emerged from the Bone Chilling Ring.
His profound gaze seemed capable of piercing through space itself as he looked toward the direction of the Blazing Sky Qi Refining Tower.
His Spiritual Strength spread outward like a tidal wave.
"Teacher, has something happened?"
Xiao Yan asked curiously.
After a while, Yao Lao withdrew his Spiritual Strength and spoke gravely.
"Little Yan."
"Prepare yourself in advance."
"Spend some quality time with your little girlfriend. I don't think we'll remain at Jia Nan Academy much longer. Once the Strong Ranking Tournament concludes, we'll set off for the Central Plains."
Hearing this, Xiao Yan bit his lip.
"Did something happen?"
Yao Lao nodded.
"The aura of the Fallen Heart Flame has been completely isolated. The two elders from the Academy's Library Pavilion have taken action."
After a brief pause, he continued, "It seems the Fallen Heart Flame's riot during Earth Demon Old gost's attack thoroughly enraged the Academy's higher-ups."
"From now on, its security will only become tighter."
"So there's little point in us remaining here."
Xiao Yan fell silent for a moment before taking a deep breath.
"I understand, Teacher."
Yao Lao nodded.
"Since our plans have changed, your cultivation schedule must change as well."
"You should strive to break through to the Dou King within one year."
"Within one year, Dou King?"
Xiao Yan murmured as blazing determination filled his eyes.
"That's necessary."
Yao Lao smiled faintly while reaching toward the Bone Chilling Ring.
"The Central Plains is filled with countless experts."
"Heavenly Flames are treasures coveted by innumerable powerhouses."
"If you wander around there carrying a Heavenly Flame without even possessing the strength of a Dou King, it'll be no different from a child carrying gold through a crowded marketplace."
As he spoke, his fingertip brushed across the Bone Chilling Ring.
He withdrew five medicinal formulas along with a large quantity of medicinal ingredients before handing them to Xiao Yan.
"Refine these medicinal pills. They'll greatly increase your cultivation speed."
Xiao Yan accepted both the formulas and the medicinal ingredients, his expression turning serious.
Only now was he gradually beginning to understand just how precious a Heavenly Flame truly was.
The fact that he had encountered and successfully subdued the ownerless Wind and Thunder Fury Flame had been unbelievably fortunate.
Yet after experiencing the miraculous effects of the Flame Mantra. He could no longer abandon it.
The evolution of the Flame Mantra was still a long journey ahead.
Seven days later.
Within the sea of magma.
Lin Yuan glanced at the obedient little flame serpent happily leaping about in his hand before smiling.
Turning toward the Elders Qian and Bai nearby, he cupped his fists gratefully.
"The subjugation of the Fallen Heart Flame has been completed successfully. Thank you, Seniors, for standing guard throughout the process."
The two elders, who had been meditating, slowly opened their eyes.
Bai Lie glanced at the remarkably docile Fallen Heart Flame, his face filled with amazement.
"As expected of a high-tier alchemist."
"Lin Yuan, your soul techniques truly are extraordinary."
"You flatter me, Senior Bai."
"With this, the Flame Replacement Plan has succeeded."
Qian Mu smiled faintly.
"It seems there's nothing more for two old fellows like us to help with."
"We'll return to the Library Pavilion now."
"If you need anything, feel free to come find us."
Lin Yuan respectfully cupped his fists.
"Thank you once again, Seniors."
"I'll deliver the Beginning Venerable Pill before long."
Qian Mu waved his hand casually.
"There's no need to rush."
"Take things one step at a time."
"We've been stuck at this bottleneck for so many years. We're not lacking this little bit of time."
"I understand."
Lin Yuan nodded.
"Oh, right." As though recalling something, Qian Mu's expression turned slightly more serious as he warned, "Judging by the looks of it, you'll be staying here for a while longer. Remember this, the Headmaster once warned us never to venture too deeply into this sea of magma."
Lin Yuan nodded slightly.
The next instant, the Elders Qian and Bai disappeared into the magma sea in a flash.
After the two elders departed, Lin Yuan looked toward the snake-shaped Flame Spirit of the Fallen Heart Flame.
The tiny flame serpent seemed to mature in an instant, its previously innocent gaze becoming deep and profound.
Lin Yuan smiled at the Flame Spirit, and the Flame Spirit smiled back.
Their eyes reflected almost identical expressions.
After completely erasing the intelligence of the Fallen Heart Flame, just as he had done when subduing the Sea Heart Flame, Lin Yuan once again occupied the nest like a cuckoo. Using a portion of his own soul power, he devoured and fused with the now mindless Flame Spirit, taking complete control of the newly born Flame Spirit of the Fallen Heart Flame.
After obtaining numerous secret soul techniques from the Hall of Souls, Lin Yuan's understanding of soul arts had advanced tremendously, allowing him to further refine his method of controlling Heavenly Flames.
Now, his control over the Fallen Heart Flame was no less precise than his control over his Blood Soul Avatar.
"Next, it's time to properly practice my flame control. The Flame Manipulation Art possesses some truly unique flame-controlling techniques. This is the perfect opportunity to train with the Fallen Heart Flame while also becoming fully accustomed to controlling its true body."
Having made up his mind, Lin Yuan recalled the details of the Flame Manipulation Art before forming several profound hand seals.
"Flame Manipulation Art, Starry Sky Fire Phoenix!"
With a soft shout, Lin Yuan focused his mind and connected with the Fallen Heart Flame Spirit, which was linked directly to his soul.
His vast Spiritual Strength poured into the Flame Spirit.
Transparent flames surged from the milky-white little flame serpent, flowing and reshaping themselves.
"Chirp!"
Moments later, the clear cry of a phoenix echoed throughout the crimson sea of magma, accompanied by waves of scorching hot wind.
Three Days Later
Above the sea of magma, a magnificent Fire Phoenix spread its wings and soared through the air.
Standing atop a Green Lotus Platform floating on the magma's surface, Lin Yuan rapidly changed the hand seals before him.
At one particular moment, his eyes sharpened as he shouted,
"Disperse!"
"Chirp!"
A resounding phoenix cry rang out.
The gigantic Fire Phoenix suddenly froze in midair before letting out one final proud cry.
Its body then collapsed into countless tiny sparks of flame that converged toward Lin Yuan's fingertips.
Moments later, a milky-white little flame serpent reappeared at the tip of his finger.
Looking at the true body of the Fallen Heart Flame resting upon his fingertip, Lin Yuan sat down cross-legged atop the Green Lotus Platform, satisfaction evident in his eyes.
"Three days that's a fairly acceptable pace."
Thanks to his already exceptional flame control and his extensive experience manipulating the Fallen Heart Flame's Seed Flame, Lin Yuan required only three days to completely master the flame-controlling techniques of the Flame Manipulation Art.
At the same time, he had fully perfected his control over the Fallen Heart Flame itself.
Slowly exhaling a long breath, he drew the Fallen Heart Flame back into his body.
Feeling the long-lost sensation of his Dou Qi being tempered once again, satisfaction spread across his face.
Ever since consuming the Heavenly Origin Qi Tempering Pill to refine his Dou Qi, the tempering effect of the Fallen Heart Flame's Seed Flame had become almost negligible.
Now, with the far more powerful Origin Flame of the Fallen Heart Flame entering his body, his Dou Qi once again began to undergo refinement.
His cultivation also drew ever closer to the limit before his next breakthrough.
Feeling that slight yet steady improvement, excitement surged within Lin Yuan.
"It's close i can feel it."
"The opportunity to break through won't be long now."
With the Fallen Heart Flame continuously tempering his Dou Qi, there was no longer any need for him to deliberately enter secluded cultivation to polish his cultivation.
He simply needed to let the Heavenly Flame continue its refinement.
"Next..."
Lin Yuan took out the bamboo scroll recording the Heavenly Demon Puppet refining method and slowly spread it open.
"It's time to refine the Heavenly Demon Puppet."
He carefully studied the puppet refining technique.
Two hours later, he had completely memorized every detail.
Closing his eyes, Lin Yuan digested and mentally simulated the knowledge before finally opening them once more.
"I'll use this one for practice."
"I'll make a punching bag for Zi Yan."
With a wave of his sleeve, a perfectly preserved, robust corpse floated into the air above the magma sea.
Judging from the fierce aura still lingering within it, its owner had been a Dou Ancestor.
This corpse belonged to Tang Ba, the father of Tang Shan, the Sect Master of the Myriad Weapon Sect within the Heaven Dou Empire.
Several months earlier, while "traveling" through the Heaven Dou Empire, Lin Yuan had come into conflict with Tang Shan.
Just as Tang Shan was about to be killed, the old man had jumped out to intervene.
Afterward, the father and son had even performed an emotional and "heartfelt" family reunion before Lin Yuan and his companions.
Unfortunately having grown bored of their performance, Lin Yuan didn't even wait for the family drama to finish before casually killing the old man who had stepped forward.
A mere Two-Star Dou Ancestor was hardly capable of stopping him.
After killing Tang Ba, Lin Yuan immediately sent the grief-stricken Tang Shan after him, allowing father and son to reunite on the road to the Yellow Springs.
He then casually annihilated the Myriad Weapon Sect, taking away their century-old accumulation of resources along with their forging inheritance.
In the end, Lin Yuan's impression of the sect could be summarized in just a few words.
"They were arrogant."
"They had foul mouths."
"But their hammer techniques were rather interesting."
Shaking his head, Lin Yuan flicked his finger.
A strand of green flame shot forward, transforming into blazing green fire that instantly enveloped Tang Ba's corpse.
In an instant, Tang Ba's robes were reduced to nothingness.
"Looks can certainly be deceiving."
"So small."
Lin Yuan raised an eyebrow after taking a glance.
He then meticulously controlled the temperature of the flames, tempering the corpse while ensuring it suffered no damage.
Before long, the intense heat caused the corpse to glow fiery red.
As the refinement continued, wisps of faint black gas emerged from within the corpse before being burned into nothingness by the green flames.
This black gas was known as Corpse Qi.
It contained remnants of the deceased's lingering will, which would interfere with the fusion of body and soul.
The first step in refining a Heavenly Demon Puppet was tempering.
The purpose of this process was to completely expel the Corpse Qi.
Otherwise, it would be impossible to achieve the perfect fusion of body, Magic Core, and soul required during the puppet's refinement.
Three hours later, after the final trace of Corpse Qi had been burned away, Lin Yuan finally let out a sigh of relief.
Tang Ba's once-muscular body had shrunk considerably.
His entire body had turned an icy grayish-white.
His skin clung tightly to his dried muscles, while his fingers had become exceptionally long and sharp, resembling razor-like daggers.
Lin Yuan flicked his finger.
Two blasts of wind shot out, piercing straight through the corpse and opening fist-sized holes in its chest and forehead.
Yet despite the wounds, not a single drop of blood flowed.
Every trace of blood within the corpse had already been completely evaporated during the tempering process.
"Mhm."
Lin Yuan nodded in satisfaction before muttering to himself,
"The body's preparation is complete."
"Next comes the soul."
"Let's see as for the soul..."
"I'll grant your wish, Tang Shan..."
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