Heart of Molten

The morning light of Sky City filtered through the clouds, casting a golden edge on the white buildings. Ning Xiaochuan stood by the window of the infirmary, gazing at the rolling sea of clouds in the distance. Su Linger had passed the critical stage, but she was still very weak. She was currently leaning against her pillow, taking small sips of the cloud dew specially made by the Winged People.

"How are you feeling?" Ning Xiaochuan walked back to the bedside and asked softly.

Su Linger put down the crystal cup, a faint smile appearing on her pale face. "Much better. Yun Yi said I'll be able to move around again after another day of rest."

The Sacred Spirit Dragon curled up on her lap, affectionately rubbing her wrist. The little creature had been greatly depleted during last night's battle, shrinking back to palm size, its scales losing much of their luster.

"Elder Yun Xiao said the last Primal Fragment is in the Molten Mountain Range," Ning Xiaochuan took out the fused Primal Sky Core, its crystal interior swirling with galaxy-like halos. "The Fire Tribe's territory."

Su Linger frowned slightly. "The Fire Tribe has been isolated from the outside world for many years. Rumor has it they are violent and extremely xenophobic."

"At least they're easier to deal with than the Black Tide," Ning Xiaochuan gave a wry smile. "At least they're not pawns of the World Devourers."

As they spoke, Yun Yi pushed open the door, holding a delicate wooden box. "The Elder asked me to deliver this." She opened the box, revealing two feather-shaped brooches. "Cloud Feather Talismans, they'll allow you to land safely on the ground."

Ning Xiaochuan picked one up. The feather felt warm and smooth to the touch, as if it were alive. "Thank you. When can we depart?"

"At dawn tomorrow," Yun Yi glanced at Su Linger's complexion. "Grandfather Yun Xiao has already sent people to prepare supplies."

She hesitated for a moment, then took out a small cloth bag. "This is Stardust Powder, a specialty of Cloud Capital. It can mask the aura of the Primal Fragment and prevent the Black Tide from tracking you."

Ning Xiaochuan accepted it solemnly, carefully placing the Primal Sky Core into the bag. As expected, the energy fluctuations emanating from the crystal immediately became faint and difficult to detect.

"What about Dark Current?" Su Linger suddenly asked.

Yun Yi's expression became complicated. "After being purified, he's been delirious, constantly muttering 'It lied to me.' Grandfather Yun Xiao has locked him in solitary confinement to be interrogated once he recovers."

Ning Xiaochuan fell into thought. As the leader of the Black Tide, Dark Current must know many secrets about the Eye of the Deep Sea. If he could get information from him...

"Don't think about it," Yun Yi seemed to read his mind. "Dark Current has been parasitized by the Eye of the Deep Sea for too long; his mind has already collapsed. You won't be able to get any useful information from him in a short time."

As night fell, Ning Xiaochuan came alone to the Star Gazing Platform, the highest point in Cloud Capital. Elder Yun Xiao was waiting for him there, his silver hair fluttering in the night wind, his wings folded behind him.

"Leaving tomorrow?" the old man asked without turning his head.

Ning Xiaochuan walked to his side. "Yes. Time is pressing, and the Eye of the Deep Sea won't give up easily."

Yun Xiao nodded and pointed south. "The Molten Mountain Range is three thousand miles from here. You'll pass through the Black Mist Marsh and the Death Desert along the way, both dangerous places."

He took out an ancient parchment scroll from his robe. "This is a map treasured by the Yun Yi tribe, marking safe routes and supply points."

Ning Xiaochuan took the map and examined it carefully by the starlight. After descending from Cloud Capital, they would need to cross the Black Mist Marsh first, then travel along the edge of the Death Desert, and only then would they reach the Fire Tribe's territory. The entire journey would take at least twenty days.

"Fire King Yan Jin has a fiery temper, but he keeps his promises," Elder Yun Xiao cautioned. "If you can earn his trust, obtaining the Primal Fragment will be much easier."

"Is there any way to quickly gain his trust?"

Yun Xiao pondered for a moment. "Tell him the four words 'Skyfire Prophecy.' This was an agreement made between Lady Bai Li and the Fire King twenty years ago."

Ning Xiaochuan's heart trembled. "My mother came here?"

"More than just visited," Yun Xiao looked up at the starry sky. "Twenty years ago, it was she who entrusted the last Primal Fragment to the Fire King for safekeeping."

This information plunged Ning Xiaochuan into thought. His mother seemed to have foreseen the current situation and made arrangements long ago. But why didn't she leave the fragment directly to her own son?

As if sensing his confusion, Yun Xiao said softly, "Some paths must be walked alone, and some answers must be found personally. This is the destiny of the Sacred Origin Tribe."

At dawn, Ning Xiaochuan and Su Linger stood on the takeoff platform at the edge of Cloud Capital. Elder Yun Xiao and Yun Yi led dozens of Winged People to see them off.

"Take this," Elder Yun Xiao handed Ning Xiaochuan a fiery red crystal. "It's a Fire Tribe token, proof that you are not enemies."

Yun Yi, in turn, gave Su Linger a silver-white hairband. "Woven from cloud silk, it can save your life in critical moments."

After bidding farewell, the two put on their Cloud Feather Talismans and leaped off the platform. The feather brooches immediately expanded into huge light wings, carrying them to glide smoothly toward the ground.

The Sacred Spirit Dragon shuttled excitedly between the two, sometimes diving, sometimes climbing, enjoying the thrill of flight. Ning Xiaochuan looked at the little creature's carefree appearance, temporarily forgetting the heavy responsibility on his shoulders.

Three hours later, they landed safely on a patch of grass at the edge of the Black Mist Marsh. The light wings retracted into the brooches after completing their task, returning to their original size.

"According to the map, it will take four days to cross this marsh," Ning Xiaochuan unfolded the parchment. "There are poisonous insects and miasma inside, so we must be careful."

Su Linger took out two pills. "Antidote Pills given by Yun Yi. They'll last for twelve hours."

The two took the pills and stepped into the marsh. Thick black mist immediately enveloped them, reducing visibility to less than five steps. The ground was slippery and muddy, and every step could lead to falling into a hidden quicksand pit. The Sacred Spirit Dragon flew high above, guiding them and avoiding dangerous areas.

The first day passed peacefully. As night fell, they set up camp on a relatively dry knoll. Ning Xiaochuan used his Sacred Source Power to erect a small protective shield, isolating them from the dampness and poisonous insects.

"We'll be able to pass through the most dangerous central area tomorrow," Ning Xiaochuan said, looking at the map.

Su Linger was checking her weapons and looked up at his words. "I always feel like it's too smooth. Will the Black Tide really give up chasing us so easily?"

As if to confirm her worries, the Sacred Spirit Dragon suddenly bristled its scales and looked vigilantly into the depths of the black mist. Ning Xiaochuan immediately became alert, Sacred Source Power gathering in his palm.

"Who's there?" he shouted in a low voice.

A strange "creaking" sound came from the black mist, like the grinding of bones. Immediately afterward, a dozen swaying figures appeared—they were corpses controlled by the Black Tide! Their skin was rotten, their eye sockets pulsed with an eerie red light, and their movements were stiff but incredibly fast!

"It's a corpse tide!" Su Linger drew her sword. "Puppets controlled by the Black Tide using necromancy!"

The first wave of corpses lunged forward. Ning Xiaochuan punched out, his Sacred Source Power shattering the front three. But more corpses surged out of the mist, seemingly endless!

"We can't fight!" Ning Xiaochuan grabbed Su Linger. "Run forward!"

The two fled through the marsh, the Sacred Spirit Dragon spewing dragon breath ahead to clear the path. Although the corpses were numerous, their movements were hampered by the muddy terrain, and they were gradually left behind.

Just as they were about to escape, Su Linger's foot suddenly slipped, and she fell into a hidden quicksand pit! She struggled to climb out but sank deeper and deeper!

"Ning Xiaochuan! Don't mind me!" Seeing the corpses closing in, she shouted sternly.

Ning Xiaochuan couldn't possibly give up. He turned and rushed back, unleashing the full power of his Sacred Source Power, blasting the nearest few corpses into fragments. But more corpses swarmed forward, and it seemed he was about to be trapped in a desperate situation—

The Sacred Spirit Dragon suddenly let out a long roar, its body swelling! It flew above Ning Xiaochuan's head and spat out a large mouthful of golden dragon breath. To Ning Xiaochuan's surprise, the dragon breath didn't attack the corpses but landed on him, forming a layer of shimmering golden armor!

"This is... Dragon Soul Armor?" Ning Xiaochuan felt the surging power within him and asked in surprise.

The Sacred Spirit Dragon let out a "gurgle," which served as a response. Ning Xiaochuan didn't have time to think further. He punched the ground, and the shockwave shattered all the surrounding corpses! He seized the opportunity to grab Su Linger's hand and pull her out of the mire.

The two continued to flee and finally managed to shake off their pursuers. Once they confirmed they were safe, Ning Xiaochuan collapsed onto the ground, and the Dragon Soul Armor dissipated. The Sacred Spirit Dragon landed weakly on his shoulder, its scales losing their luster.

"The little guy overexerted himself," Su Linger said, gently stroking the little dragon with concern.

Ning Xiaochuan took out the Primal Sky Core and guided a thread of its energy to the Sacred Spirit Dragon. After absorbing the energy, the little creature's spirits improved slightly, but it immediately curled up and fell asleep.

"We need to find a safe place to spend the night," Ning Xiaochuan said, looking around. "Those corpses might still be chasing us."

Su Linger pointed into the distance. "There's a stone mountain over there. It should be drier on the summit."

The two struggled up the stone mountain and indeed found a small cave. Ning Xiaochuan set up a simple warning array at the entrance and then started a small fire. In the firelight, Su Linger's face looked exceptionally pale.

"Your injury..." Ning Xiaochuan looked worriedly at the blood seeping from her waist again.

"It's nothing, I just pulled it during the struggle," Su Linger forced a smile. "Compared to this, I'm more worried about the Sacred Spirit Dragon. It's never used that ability before."

Ning Xiaochuan checked the sleeping little dragon. "It seems to be a new ability after evolving, but the consumption was too great. It can't be used again in a short period."

The latter half of the night passed without incident. At dawn, the two continued their journey and finally emerged from the Black Mist Marsh on the evening of the third day.

"Ahead is the Death Desert," Ning Xiaochuan said, looking at the endless golden sea of sand. "If we follow the edge, we can reach the Molten Mountain Range in three days."

The Death Desert had extreme temperature differences between day and night. The scorching sun during the day could bake a person dry, while the nights were bone-chillingly cold. Fortunately, the supplies prepared by Yun Yi included specially made sun-protective cloaks and warm blankets, which allowed the two to barely cope.

At noon on the fourth day, the outline of the Molten Mountain Range finally appeared in the distance—several towering volcanoes, their peaks spewing thick smoke, their bodies a dark red, as if they could erupt at any moment.

"The Fire Tribe lives near the craters," Ning Xiaochuan recalled the markings on the map. "Their city is built on the banks of a lava river, named 'Flame Capital'."

As they drew closer, the temperature rose sharply. The sandy ground gradually gave way to black volcanic rock, and the air was filled with the smell of sulfur. The Sacred Spirit Dragon seemed unaccustomed to the environment, wriggling restlessly.

"There's a checkpoint ahead," Su Linger pointed to a stone fortress at a turn in the mountain path. "It seems the Fire Tribe is indeed heavily guarded."

Two Fire Tribe guards stood before the stone fortress. They were bare-chested, their skin a dark red, and their hair like flickering flames. They held burning spears, their gazes vigilant.

"Halt! Outsiders are not allowed to enter Fire Tribe territory!" one of the guards shouted sternly, pointing his spear at the two.

Ning Xiaochuan stepped forward and produced the fiery red crystal given by Elder Yun Xiao. "We are entrusted by Yun Yi and seek an audience with Fire King Yan Jin."

Seeing the crystal, the guards' attitude softened slightly. "What is the matter?"

"The Skyfire Prophecy," Ning Xiaochuan uttered the four words Elder Yun Xiao had taught him.

The two guards' expressions changed instantly. After exchanging a look, one of them ran back into the stone fortress. Shortly after, he returned with a tall man wearing crimson armor.

"I am Chi Yan, Commander of the Flame Guards," the man said in a deep voice. "Are you the inheritors of the Sacred Source Bloodline?"

Ning Xiaochuan nodded. "I am Bai Li's son."

Chi Yan scrutinized him, his gaze lingering particularly on the Sacred Spirit Dragon and the Dragon Soul Jade. Finally, he nodded. "Follow me. His Majesty the Fire King has been waiting for a long time."

Led by Chi Yan, the two proceeded along the winding mountain path. As the altitude increased, the temperature rose instead of falling, and the heat waves filling the air made breathing difficult. Steam occasionally erupted from the crevices in the rocks by the roadside, reminding them of the ever-present danger of eruption.

Two hours later, they finally arrived at Flame Capital—a magnificent city built on the edge of a volcano. The buildings were all constructed from black basalt, and rivers of red lava flowed beneath the streets, providing light and heat to the entire city.

"Wait here," Chi Yan said, leading the two to a circular hall. "I will inform His Majesty the Fire King."

While waiting, Ning Xiaochuan observed their surroundings. The Fire Tribe people's attire was similar to the guards', and both men and women were bare-chested, their skin showing varying degrees of redness. They curiously watched the two outsiders, especially pointing at the Sacred Spirit Dragon.

"The Fire King summons you!" Chi Yan emerged from the hall and announced loudly.

The interior of the hall was cooler than expected. In the center was a circular lava pool, by the edge of which stood a middle-aged man with red hair and a red beard. He was powerfully built and wore only simple leather armor, but he exuded an imposing aura.

"Bai Li's son?" Fire King Yan Jin's voice rumbled like lava. "Come closer and let me see."

Ning Xiaochuan stepped forward and met the Fire King's gaze. "Does Your Majesty know my mother?"

Yan Jin did not answer directly but suddenly reached out to grab Ning Xiaochuan's chest! The Sacred Spirit Dragon immediately bristled its scales, but Ning Xiaochuan signaled it to calm down.

The Fire King's hand stopped above the Dragon Soul Jade, sensing the energy within. "As expected, it's her bloodline." He withdrew his hand. "Twenty years ago, Bai Li entrusted the Primal Flame Core to my care, saying her son would come to retrieve it."

Ning Xiaochuan's heart pounded. "Then, the Flame Core is still with you?"

Yan Jin's expression suddenly turned grave. "It was. But three days ago, people from the Black Tide infiltrated Flame Capital and stole the Flame Core!"

"What?!" Ning Xiaochuan and Su Linger exclaimed simultaneously.

"We tracked them heading towards the Death Desert; they should be returning to their lair," Chi Yan added. "We've already dispatched elite warriors to pursue them, but..."

Yan Jin interrupted him. "The Black Tide deployed a large number of experts this time, even with a clone of the Eye of the Deep Sea accompanying them. My warriors are likely no match."

Ning Xiaochuan clenched his fists. The last Primal Fragment had been stolen! If the Black Tide managed to gather all five fragments, the Eye of the Deep Sea could break the seal and descend upon the world!

"Your Majesty, please allow us to join the pursuit," he said firmly. "The Primal Fragment concerns the safety of the entire world."

Yan Jin pondered for a moment, then scooped a burning longsword from the lava pool. "Take this. The Flame Soul Sword can guide you to the Flame Core's location."

Ning Xiaochuan took the longsword. Its blade immediately turned from red to gold, resonating with the Sacred Source Power within him.

"Chi Yan will lead a team of elites to assist you," Yan Jin turned towards the throne. "Remember, Son of Sacred Source, it is better to destroy the Flame Core than to let it fall into the hands of the Eye of the Deep Sea!"

Leaving Flame Capital, Chi Yan led ten Fire Tribe warriors to join Ning Xiaochuan and Su Linger. The Flame Soul Sword pointed northwest, directly into the depths of the Death Desert.

"The Black Tide has a secret base there," Chi Yan explained. "It's built on ancient ruins, said to be related to the Eye of the Deep Sea."

The group rode at full speed, and finally, at dusk the next day, they found traces of the Black Tide's team—over twenty black-robed figures escorting a crimson treasure chest, advancing along a dry riverbed.

"That's the chest containing the Flame Core!" Chi Yan whispered. "We'll strike when they set up camp."

As night fell, the Black Tide indeed set up camp near some ruins. Ning Xiaochuan and the others quietly approached, preparing to launch a surprise attack.

"Su Linger and I will be responsible for seizing the treasure chest," Ning Xiaochuan deployed. "Captain Chi Yan, you and your men will tie up the other black-robed figures."

The plan seemed simple, but when they actually launched their attack, they realized they had fallen into a trap! The treasure chest opened to reveal it was empty. Suddenly, hundreds of black-robed figures appeared from all around, surrounding them!

"Welcome, Son of Sacred Source," a familiar voice rang out. Dark Current emerged from the crowd, the blood-red eye glaring on his chest once more! "I knew you would come chasing."

Ning Xiaochuan's heart trembled. "Weren't you purified?"

Dark Current sneered, "The Eye of the Deep Sea is immortal! That old fool thought he could purify me? Ridiculous!"

He violently threw off his cloak, revealing a horrifying sight—the crimson Primal Flame Core was embedded in his abdomen, forming a sinister connection with the blood-red eye on his chest!

"Behold, all four fragments are gathered!" Dark Current roared, displaying the other three fragments—the Primal Ice Core, the Primal Star Core, and the Primal Sky Core. They were connected by a black substance, forming a broken ring.

"The one you have is fake!" Ning Xiaochuan stated sternly. "I have the real Primal Sky Core!"

Dark Current was unconcerned. "It doesn't matter. These four fragments are enough to partially break the seal and allow a clone of the Eye of the Deep Sea to descend!"

He raised his hands and began chanting an eerie incantation. The four fragments emitted a blinding light, the sky suddenly became overcast, and a massive vortex formed in the air!

"Stop him!" Ning Xiaochuan shouted, unleashing his Sacred Source Power to its fullest and charging at Dark Current.

But it was too late. From within the vortex, a giant blood-red eye slowly opened, gazing down at everyone on the ground with icy indifference. An invisible pressure enveloped the entire area, making even the air feel thick!

"The Eye of the Deep Sea... its main body..." Chi Yan's voice trembled, and the Fire Tribe warriors also showed fear.

Dark Current knelt on the ground, shouting fanatically, "Hail my lord's arrival!"

The blood-red eye swiveled, its gaze locking onto Ning Xiaochuan. "Sacred Source Bloodline... the final obstacle..."

A red beam shot down. Ning Xiaochuan hastily erected a Sacred Source Shield, but it shattered instantly! In that critical moment, the Sacred Spirit Dragon suddenly flew in front of him, its body expanding to its limit, taking the blow head-on with its own body!

"Little guy!" Ning Xiaochuan watched heartbroken as the Sacred Spirit Dragon plummeted to the ground, its scales losing their luster.

Su Linger also rushed to his side, unleashing her Mysterious Ice Phoenix Source Soul to its fullest. "Let's go together!"

Ning Xiaochuan gritted his teeth, took out the real Primal Sky Core, and placed it against the Dragon Soul Jade. The two crystals resonated, emitting a dazzling blue light!

"A futile struggle," the Eye of the Deep Sea's voice echoed directly in everyone's minds. "The Sacred Origin Tribe has fallen, and the seal will eventually break!"

Dark Current seized the opportunity to lunge at Ning Xiaochuan, attempting to snatch the Primal Sky Core. Su Linger swung her sword to block but was struck by a red beam and sent crashing to the ground!

"Su Linger!" Ning Xiaochuan's eyes blazed with fury, his Sacred Source Power boiling within him!

At this critical juncture, an unexpected reinforcement arrived—King Yan, Yan Jin, personally led a large army! Hundreds of Fire Tribe warriors unleashed their flame source skills simultaneously, painting the sky a fiery red!

"Fire Tribe, heed my command!" Yan Jin raised his burning battle-ax. "Protect the Son of Sacred Source!"

Amidst the chaos, Ning Xiaochuan scooped up the injured Su Linger and the Sacred Spirit Dragon, retreating behind a large rock. Su Linger's breathing was weak, and the Sacred Spirit Dragon was even more on the verge of death.

"Hold on..." Ning Xiaochuan choked out, placing the Primal Sky Core between them and channeling its energy for healing.

The Primal Sky Core suddenly vibrated violently, flying into the air on its own and resonating with the other four fragments! Five beams of different colored light shot into the sky, intertwining to form a complete ring!

The Eye of the Deep Sea let out a pained roar, "No! The complete Primal Ring!"

In the center of the ring, a blurry portal slowly took shape—the Primal Gate! An ancient and powerful aura emanated from within the gate, as if something was awakening.

"Primal Dragon..." Ning Xiaochuan murmured, feeling a call from the depths of his bloodline.

The Eye of the Deep Sea furiously attacked the Primal Gate, trying to prevent its full activation. Dark Current also lunged at Ning Xiaochuan, attempting to interrupt the process.

In the nick of time, Su Linger suddenly opened her eyes and used her last ounce of strength to push Ning Xiaochuan towards the Primal Gate. "Go fulfill your destiny!"

Ning Xiaochuan felt his body being lifted by a gentle force, flying towards the portal in the sky. As he entered, the last things he saw were Su Linger's relieved smile and Dark Current's ferocious claws