Deep within the crimson magma world, Lei Qi followed the Fallen Heart Flame's spiritual trace inside his body, moving toward a place that seemed to be calling him.
In the magma's depths, the scorching heat and crushing pressure surged from all directions, threatening to crush him. Yet as Lei Qi's Dou Qi radiated outward, the oppressive force dissipated immediately.
Amid the endless red magma, a dark-purple figure moving rapidly downward stood out against the fiery backdrop.
At this depth, any ordinary Dou Huang would have long succumbed—but fortunately, Lei Qi's power was overwhelmingly strong.
As he advanced, a faint white light ring appeared ahead.
Because it was transparent, it did not block his view. Within the ring lay nothing but a skeletal corpse, emitting a faint phosphorescence.
Above the skeleton floated a flame, completely transparent, as if invisible. To most, it would seem strange—but for Lei Qi, who had just swallowed the Fallen Heart Flame, recognition was instantaneous. This was indeed the Fallen Heart Flame.
Suddenly, a scorching gust of wind slammed toward him. Lei Qi reacted instantly, launching a punch.
"Boom!!!"
After deflecting the attack, he spotted a red figure about ten meters ahead, swimming in the magma. Its body was entirely crimson, blending almost seamlessly with the surrounding lava. Red scales covered its body; a half-zhang-long tail swayed slightly. The creature stood upright on massive, broad feet. Its rounded head was dotted with tiny scales, eyes sharp and fierce, and its wide mouth slightly open, revealing countless sharp teeth. It resembled a bipedal lava lizard.
Seeing this fire lizard, Lei Qi was unsurprised.
"Chirp!"
The lizard glared at him. After a brief stare-down, its eyes flared with ferocity. With a shrill cry, it swung its tail, and its sharp claws sliced through the magma, striking toward Lei Qi.
"Rumble!!!"
This time, Lei Qi did not hold back. He struck with full force, instantly killing the creature.
With the fire lizard defeated, he stepped into the light ring.
Collecting the nascent Fallen Heart Flame, Lei Qi said, "Come out."
"Unexpected… a mere Dou Huang can sense my presence?" A white glow emanated from the skeleton. Slowly, it coalesced into a ghostly, pale elder.
"Difficult?" Lei Qi asked lightly.
"Uh…"
"Your soul is shattered. Is there anything you wish to pass on?" Lei Qi inquired.
The Heavenly Fire Respect Elder paused. This young man was blunt. Yet, considering his own condition, he decided to pass on the Five Wheel Separation Fire Technique to Lei Qi.
Truthfully, Lei Qi wasn't particularly interested in this technique—but he acknowledged the effort.
"Old man, you've done well. Come with me. I can restore you to life in this world," Lei Qi continued.
The Heavenly Fire Respect Elder had suffered the tragic fate of failing after absorbing two similar heavenly flames. Lei Qi wanted to understand more.
"You can revive me?!" the elder asked in surprise.
"I come from the Lei Clan," Lei Qi replied.
The elder had traveled the continent and knew something of the clan. He was astonished—Lei Qi was from a Dou Di family. Why had such a powerful lineage come here?
Yet, seeing a chance for life, he said, "If Young Master Lei saves me, I will never forget this debt."
The elder was a decent old man. Lei Qi absorbed him and prepared to leave.
Regarding the ancient emperor's cave below, Lei Qi knew of it but would not recklessly venture in. Without the eight ancient jade keys, and considering the fire lizard, it was far too risky.
Emerging from the tower, Lei Qi found Yang Ji and Zhang Yi guarding the area.
Of course, Cao Ying was also present.
Seeing Lei Qi, she ran over excitedly.
"Young Master Lei, was the magma sea fun?" she asked, with a hint of displeasure.
Over time, this mischievous little girl no longer feared him.
"Not bad," Lei Qi replied.
"Then why did you come out? Why not stay inside?" she asked again.
Cao Ying worried about him—and about her own future if something happened.
Lei Qi pinched her delicate cheek. "I'm training. Look at you—nose not nose, face not face."
"Hmph~"
She gently pushed his hand away, pouting in mock displeasure.
After teasing her again, Lei Qi said, "I plan to travel across the northwest continent. You stay here for now."
"You're leaving me!?" Cao Ying's eyes brimmed with emotion, locking onto his.
Lei Qi, somewhat exasperated, said, "I won't leave you. I just need to hurry back to my clan. Afterwards, I'll take you with me."
Having absorbed the Fallen Heart Flame, his mutated Black Thunder stirred restlessly. He could not afford to wait a year to return home; the volatile power might explode.
"You wanted me as your personal attendant. Why not take me with you?" Cao Ying said in a playful, demanding tone.
"I'm sparing you the trouble. But if you insist, come along," Lei Qi shrugged.
She had insisted, so she would come.
"I'll inform Elder Mang Tianchi first," Lei Qi added.
"Okay~"
Hearing that he agreed to take her, Cao Ying relaxed.