At the mouth of the Burning Heaven Mountain Range, molten magma surged like waves. A figure suddenly broke through the lava's surface, rising straight into the air like a divine spear piercing the sky.
In that instant, an overwhelming aura spread in all directions—majestic and suffocating—like an ancient god or demon had returned to the mortal world.
Liu Xi's sharp gaze turned toward Xuan Pao, the one who had awakened him. Under that terrifying pressure, Xuan Pao had already bowed deeply, his back trembling slightly.
"Has a Demon Emperor appeared?" Liu Xi asked coldly.
"N-no… it's not that," Xuan Pao replied respectfully, not daring even to lift his head.
Liu Xi's brows furrowed, his voice carrying quiet authority. "I told you not to disturb me unless a Demon Emperor revealed himself."
Xuan Pao's heart trembled. Ever since Liu Xi's cultivation had advanced, even his casual words carried the resonance of Heaven and Earth—it was as if the world itself questioned him when Liu Xi spoke.
"Master," Xuan Pao said quickly, "the Fire Spirit Clan has sent an invitation. They claim they wish to unite all flame-wielding forces to resist the coming demonic calamity and have requested your presence on Fire Spirit Continent—calling it a meeting of flames in the name of righteousness."
"Fire Spirit Clan?"
Liu Xi's expression darkened slightly. He had no connection with them whatsoever—hadn't even met a single member of their clan before.
'Strange… what game are they playing?' he thought. Of course, he knew the Fire Spirit Clan possessed several Divine Flames. He had been planning to pay them a visit eventually—but it seemed they had come knocking first.
Perhaps a trap.
He stroked his chin thoughtfully, a faint smirk appearing at the corner of his lips. "No harm in taking a look. I can always exchange for some Divine Flames while I'm there."
As for danger? He wasn't worried. A single Fire Spirit Clan wasn't capable of restraining him. If anything truly happened, he could leave whenever he wished.
With each step he took through the air, Liu Xi's aura gradually retracted. By the time he reached Xuan Pao, the immense pressure around him had completely vanished—his presence so natural it had blended seamlessly into the world itself.
"Let's go," he said lightly. "Let's see what kind of scheme this Fire Spirit Clan is brewing."
"Yes!" Xuan Pao exhaled with relief. His respect for Liu Xi only deepened—ever since Liu Xi had broken through to the Heavenly Sovereign Realm, his pressure had grown more terrifying by the day. Even standing near him was enough to make one's soul tremble.
It was a suffocating kind of power—danger made manifest.
As they descended the mountainside, Liu Xi asked casually, "What's the situation on the Burning Heaven Continent right now?"
Xuan Pao, following closely behind, quickly replied, "The beast tide has already begun. There are at least a dozen corrupted energy sources in the northern region. Countless spiritual beasts have been infected, turning violent and attacking anything in sight."
"Their strength isn't high—most are at best equivalent to those of the Three Heavens Stage, and the strongest among them won't surpass the Sovereign level. The problem is that after they die, their bodies continue to contaminate the land with demonic energy."
"The corruption spreads fast—Spiritual Energy can't purify it quickly enough," he added grimly.
Liu Xi frowned. Simply slaughtering the beasts was meaningless—it only treated the symptoms, not the cause.
"Has anyone considered destroying the sources of this demonic energy?" he asked.
Xuan Pao shook his head, his expression dark. "Those sources are each guarded by Demon Emperors from the outer realm. To destroy them would mean fighting across the dimensional barrier itself. It could be done—but without constant protection, the demons would just create new ones. The Great Thousand World can't spare more than a dozen Heavenly Sovereigns to guard them indefinitely."
"I see," Liu Xi murmured. He understood. Even the mighty had selfish motives. No one wanted to commit to endless, thankless work.
This creeping corruption was clearly paving the way for the coming demonic calamity. When the time came, he would finally see what level these so-called Demon Emperors truly possessed.
At his level, only those of the Heavenly Sovereign Realm could serve as worthy opponents. And though Liu Xi wished to temper himself through battle, there was no sense in making enemies across the entire world.
Being the enemy of all—that was never wise.
As for the Evil Race… slaying them was fair play. In fact, the more he killed, the more the Great Thousand World would hail him as a hero.
A perfect excuse for battle.
When Liu Xi emerged from the Burning Heaven Mountain Range, he saw the Fire Spirit Clan envoys waiting for him.
The leader was an elder with the cultivation of a High Level Earth Sovereign. Upon seeing Liu Xi, he immediately bowed, showering him with praise and flattering words.
His speech was polished, respectful, but the faint stiffness in his tone did not escape Liu Xi's notice.
Liu Xi smiled faintly. He had already sensed the hidden intentions behind this "invitation," but he accepted it nonetheless.
After all, the Fire Spirit Clan's sacred flames were tempting. If he could acquire a few of them, it would be worth the trip.
And if the Fire Spirit Clan chose to be unkind… then he would simply respond in kind.
---
Fire Spirit Continent.
Upon arrival, Liu Xi was personally welcomed by the Fire Spirit Clan Leader, who accompanied him with apparent warmth and courtesy all the way to the grand banquet hall.
Throughout the journey, Liu Xi silently observed the continent. The fire Spiritual Energy here was dense—less violent than the Burning Heaven Continent, yet pure and abundant.
Within Fire Spirit City, at the continent's core, he sensed over a dozen distinct Divine Flame auras. Some were weak, others terrifyingly strong—four in particular caught his attention, one of which had reached Immortal Grade!
His decision was made: those flames would be his.
Even as he detected the turbulent energy hidden beneath the city, Liu Xi still stepped into it calmly. If the Fire Spirit Clan dared to act against him, he wouldn't hesitate to reduce their city to ashes.
The grand banquet hall was ablaze with spiraling firelights—bright and vivid, dancing like living sprites. Yet despite their brilliance, not a hint of heat could be felt.
'Such precise flame control… truly, the Fire Spirit Clan's reputation as the Great Thousand World's greatest flame manipulators was well-earned.'
At the head of the hall, the Fire Spirit Clan Leader raised his cup and laughed heartily. "Welcome, Master Qing Lian! It is our greatest honor to have you as our guest. Come—let us raise a glass together in your name!"
Liu Xi's seat was placed alongside the clan leader's—proof of the respect they outwardly displayed toward a Heavenly Sovereign.
With a faint smile, Liu Xi lifted his cup, letting his gaze sweep across the gathered Fire Spirit elites.
The clan's strength was indeed formidable. Aside from the Clan Leader, there were three Peak Earth Sovereigns, seven High Level Earth Sovereigns, and over twenty Lower Earth Sovereigns. And hidden deep within Fire Spirit City… a distinct Heavenly Sovereign aura loomed.
Amidst the countless flattering voices around him, Liu Xi's lips curved into a faint, knowing smile. His eyes dropped to the wine before him—a deep amber liquid exuding an almost sacred fragrance.
The scent alone could soothe both body and soul.
'Interesting,' he thought. 'This wine isn't ordinary.'
Liu Xi chuckled lightly. "The Fire Spirit Clan Leader's invitation is most sincere. I've long admired your clan's reputation—the greatest flame manipulators of the Great Thousand World, and guardians of countless divine flames. I have always wished to see it for myself."
"Hahaha!" The Clan Leader, Huo Yan, laughed proudly, lifting his own cup. "Master Qing Lian flatters us! Come, let us drink!"
It seemed refusal wasn't an option.
Liu Xi smiled faintly, lifted the cup, and drained it in one motion—revealing the empty vessel for all to see.
As the clear sound of the cup touching the table echoed through the hall, a flash of satisfaction flickered deep within Huo Yan's eyes.
(End of Chapter)
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