Zi Yan Lying Like a Corpse

"Sigh, come with me..."

Elder Zhu Li sighed, turned, and walked towards a Stone Hall on the mountain peak. Xiao Ming Medusa hurriedly followed.

Following behind Zhu Li, the group wandered through the Stone Hall for a while before finally stopping deep inside. The hall was built of huge stones, and in the center of the hall was a towering altar. At this moment, a petite figure lay silently on the top of the altar.

Medusa's gaze swept across the crowd, finally settling on that petite, delicate figure, and her expression instantly changed.

All that could be seen was a strange crystalline layer, resembling ice crystals, covering every part of the figure's body. Upon closer inspection, it became apparent that not only the exterior but also the interior of the figure was completely occupied by this crystal.

In other words, Zi Yan has now transformed into a lifeless crystalline being!

Medusa's gaze was fixed on the altar, her expression quite grim. With her keen eyesight, she could naturally see that Zi Yan was devoid of any life Aura.

If she couldn't still sense some familiar Soul Fluctuations, she would probably have thought that Zi Yan was already dead.

"This is the Energy Solidification..."

Beside Xiao Ming, Elder Zhu Li sighed and said, "The energy of the Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit is too terrifying. It has solidified and permeates every part of Zi Yan's body. If she cannot absorb this energy, Zi Yan will remain like this forever, like Living Dead."

"You guys are too reckless!"

Even knowing that the old man in front of her was extremely powerful, Medusa couldn't help but feel a slight anger.

Elder Zhu Li shook his head with a wry smile at Medusa's angry outburst, but remained silent, clearly regretting his actions.

"Don't blame the Third Elder. Even the Archaic Void Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit a handful of times, so they don't know much about it, which is why this happened," Hei Qing advised from the side.

"Don't talk about blaming or not, let's think about how to solve the problem now," Xiao Ming said, shaking his head.

"This materialized energy, formed from the Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit, is extremely hard; even I, in my own efforts, could not shatter it."

Zhu Li said, "Besides, if it's shattered, all that energy will be wasted..."

"Do we still need to worry about this energy?" Medusa said discontentedly. In her opinion, rescuing Zi Yan was the most important thing now, so why bother with the energy?

"Alas, you have no idea of the current situation of my Ancient Void Dragon. We desperately need a Clan Leader with Royal Bloodline who can keep the situation in check," Zhu Li smile.

"However, let's talk about these things later."

"As you may have guessed, young friend Xiao Ming, the Energy Crystal Layer formed by the Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit is extremely hard. The only way to avoid breaking it is to melt it with Heavenly Flames."

"Although I know that some other powerful figures in Central Plains also possess Heavenly Flames, the only one who has both this ability and is trustworthy is young friend Xiao Ming. That's why I had Hei Qing urgently invite you here."

"This matter concerns the future of the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan Void, and is extremely important. Therefore, I implore my young friend Xiao Ming to do his utmost to assist us!"

Zhu Li solemnly cupped his hands in greeting to Xiao Ming and said in a deep voice. Hei Qing, who was behind him, also bowed with a solemn expression.

"Elder Zhu Li, please rest assured. Zi Yan and I have known each other since childhood and grew up together. How could I sit idly by and do nothing about her affairs? I will do my utmost this time," Xiao Ming said earnestly.

Hearing Xiao Ming say this, Elder Zhu Li's smile broadened, and he said, "Zi Yan is truly lucky to have a friend like you."

When can we begin?

Seeing that a solution had been found, Medusa, who had been so anxious at first, still asked with concern.

"Let's wait a couple of days. You all rest for now. I also need to prepare some things. Once they're ready, we'll get started!"

For the next two days, Xiao Ming and Medusa stayed on Ancient Dragon Island, while Elder Zhu Li was busy preparing things to refine the Energy Crystal Layer for Zi Yan. Fortunately, while he was busy, he also instructed Hei Qing to treat the two of them well.

During this time, Xiao Ming wanted to see Qing Lin, but Hei Qing said that Qing Lin was still refining the Ancient Nine-Headed Heavenly Serpent and could not leave seclusion, so Xiao Ming gave up.

On the morning of the third day, Elder Zhu Li finally appeared before Xiao Ming with a solemn expression. Seeing this, the latter understood that today was the day to begin.

"Young friend Xiao Ming, please follow me."

Zhu Li said something to Xiao Ming, then turned and led the way, with Xiao Ming quickly following behind.

Following Zhu Li directly to the depths of Dragon Island, Xiao Ming noticed that the atmosphere on Dragon Island seemed much heavier today. In the usually empty sky, one or two figures would occasionally streak across, their wary eyes scanning the void beyond.

"Although we've done a good job keeping it a secret, Zi Yan is too important to the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan, so we can't afford any mishaps. That's why Dragon Island's defenses are at their highest level today." Zhu Li explained on the way, and Xiao Ming immediately understood. This was to guard against people from the other three Dragon Islands.

As they flew deeper into Dragon Island, Xiao Ming keenly sensed that the energy in the surrounding world seemed to be gradually becoming increasingly intense.

The flight lasted for nearly ten minutes before Elder Zhu Li in front gradually slowed down. Xiao Ming followed his gaze and looked ahead, where he saw a huge mountain in the depths. The top of the mountain was concave, from which a column of blazing white smoke rose.

This is a volcano!

Hovering above the mountain peak emitting white smoke, Xiao Ming glanced down and discovered that a giant, emerald-green cauldron was floating above the Volcano Crater. Through the cauldron, he could see a petite figure floating quietly inside—it was none other than Zi Yan.

"Young friend Xiao Ming, the Fire Attribute Energy here is extremely concentrated. Using your Heavenly Flames Heavenly Flames will enhance its power."

Elder Zhu Li pointed at the giant cauldron, his expression somewhat solemn, and said, "However, the Heavenly Flames is too domineering, so it requires extremely excellent control to refine the Energy Crystal Layer without burning Zi Yan. With your current abilities, young friend Xiao Ming should be able to do this, but you should still be careful."

Zhu Li had specifically investigated Xiao Ming and knew quite a bit about him. He knew that Xiao Ming was Eighth-Rank Alchemy Grandmaster with powerful Soul Power and that his control over the Heavenly Flames must have reached a level of perfection. Otherwise, he wouldn't have invited Xiao Ming.

Xiao Ming nodded slightly.

Seeing this, Elder Zhu Li pointed to the surrounding mountains and continued, "During this time, the powerful members of the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan and I will personally oversee this place, ensuring that nothing disturbs you."

Xiao Ming followed Elder Zhu Li's gaze and looked in the direction he pointed. With his extraordinary senses, he indeed sensed many extremely powerful Auras hidden within the surrounding mountains.

"Furthermore, refining the Dragon Phoenix Crystal Layer is not easy, so it will be a time-consuming task, and the consumption of Dou Qi will be extremely terrifying."

At this point, Elder Zhu Li clenched his fist, and a pure white jade Jade Bottle appeared in his hand. After rubbing it slightly, he handed it to Xiao Ming, saying:

"Inside are five drops of Ancient Dragon Essence Blood, personally refined by this old man. It possesses extremely vast energy, capable of instantly restoring one's battle Dou Qi, and also has the miraculous effect of tempering muscles and bones. If your battle Dou Qi becomes insufficient during the refining process, consume one drop."