Morning light in Sky City filtered through the clouds, gilding the white buildings with a golden rim. Ning Xiaochuan stood before the window of the infirmary, gazing at the rolling sea of clouds in the distance. Su Linger was out of danger, but her body was still weak. She was leaning against the headboard, taking small sips of the Cloud Dew specially made by the winged people.
"How do you feel?" Ning Xiaochuan walked back to her bedside and asked softly.
Su Linger set down her crystal cup, a faint smile appearing on her pale face. "Much better. Yun Yi said I should be able to move around again after resting for another day."
The Sacred Spirit Dragon curled up on her lap, affectionately rubbing against her wrist. Little One had consumed too much energy in last night's battle. Its body had shrunk back to the size of a palm, and the luster of its scales had dimmed considerably.
"Elder Yun Xiao said the final Primal Fragment is in the Molten Mountain Range." Ning Xiaochuan took out the fused Primal Sky Core. Starlike radiance flowed within the crystal. "That is Fire Tribe territory."
Su Linger frowned slightly. "The Fire Tribe has been isolated from the outside world for many years. Rumor has it that they are hot-tempered and extremely hostile toward outsiders."
"They are still easier to deal with than the Black Tide." Ning Xiaochuan gave a bitter smile. "At least they are not lackeys of the World Devourers."
As they spoke, Yun Yi pushed open the door with an exquisite wooden box in her hands. "Elder sent this over." She opened the box, revealing two feather-shaped brooches. "Cloud Feather Talismans. They will let you land safely on the ground."
Ning Xiaochuan picked one up. The feather was warm and smooth to the touch, as though it possessed life. "Thank you. When can we leave?"
"At dawn tomorrow." Yun Yi glanced at Su Linger's complexion. "Grandpa Yun Xiao has already sent people to prepare supplies."
She hesitated, then took out a small cloth pouch. "This is Stardust Powder, a specialty of Cloud Capital. It can conceal the aura of Primal Fragments and prevent the Black Tide from tracking you."
Ning Xiaochuan accepted it solemnly and carefully placed the Primal Sky Core into the pouch. Sure enough, the energy fluctuation emitted by the crystal immediately became faint and difficult to detect.
"How is Dark Current?" Su Linger suddenly asked.
Yun Yi's expression turned complicated. "After being purified, he became delirious. He kept muttering, 'It deceived me.' Grandpa Yun Xiao locked him in the confinement chamber and will interrogate him after he recovers."
Ning Xiaochuan fell into thought. As the Black Tide's leader, Dark Current surely knew many secrets about the Eye of the Deep Sea. If they could obtain intelligence from him...
"Don't think about it." Yun Yi seemed to see through his thoughts. "Dark Current was parasitized by the Eye of the Deep Sea for too long. His mind has already collapsed. You will not get any useful information from him anytime soon."
When night fell, Ning Xiaochuan went alone to the Star Gazing Platform at the highest point of Cloud Capital. Elder Yun Xiao was waiting for him there, his silver hair drifting in the night wind, the wings behind him folded shut.
"Leaving tomorrow?" the old man asked without turning around.
Ning Xiaochuan walked to his side. "Yes. Time is pressing. The Eye of the Deep Sea will not give up easily."
Yun Xiao nodded and pointed south. "The Molten Mountain Range is three thousand li from here. You will pass through Black Mist Marsh and Death Desert along the way. Both are perilous places."
He took an ancient parchment scroll from his robes. "This is a map treasured by the Cloud Wing Tribe. It marks safe routes and supply points."
Ning Xiaochuan accepted the map and examined it carefully beneath the starlight. After descending from Cloud Capital, they would first need to cross Black Mist Marsh, then travel along the edge of Death Desert before reaching Fire Tribe territory. The journey would take at least twenty days.
"Fire King Yan Jin has a fierce temperament, but he values trust and keeps his word," Yun Xiao instructed. "If you gain his trust, obtaining the Primal Fragment will be much easier."
"Is there any way to gain his trust quickly?"
Yun Xiao pondered for a moment. "Tell him the words 'Skyfire Prophecy.' That was an agreement between Lady Bai Li and the Fire King."
Ning Xiaochuan's heart jolted. "My mother came here?"
"She did more than come here." Yun Xiao looked up at the starry sky. "Twenty years ago, she entrusted the final Primal Fragment to the Fire King for safekeeping."
The revelation plunged Ning Xiaochuan into thought. His mother seemed to have foreseen the situation today and made preparations long ago. But why had she not simply left the fragment for her own son?
As if seeing through his confusion, Yun Xiao said softly, "Some roads must be walked alone, and some answers must be sought in person. That is the destiny of the Sacred Origin Tribe."
At dawn, Ning Xiaochuan and Su Linger stood on the launch platform at the edge of Cloud Capital. Elder Yun Xiao and Yun Yi led dozens of winged people to see them off.
"Take this." Yun Xiao handed Ning Xiaochuan a fiery red crystal. "A Fire Tribe token. It can prove that you are not enemies."
Yun Yi gave Su Linger a silver-white hair ribbon. "It is woven from Cloud Silk. It may save your life at a critical moment."
After their farewells, the two fastened their Cloud Feather Talismans and leaped from the platform. The feather brooches immediately unfolded into enormous wings of light, carrying them in a steady glide toward the ground.
The Sacred Spirit Dragon excitedly darted between them, diving one moment and soaring the next as it enjoyed the thrill of flight. Watching Little One's carefree appearance, Ning Xiaochuan temporarily forgot the heavy burden on his shoulders.
Three hours later, they landed safely on a grassy field at the edge of Black Mist Marsh. After completing their task, the wings of light automatically retracted into the brooches and returned 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. We must be careful."
Su Linger took out two pills. "The Antidote Pills Yun Yi gave us. They can last for twelve hours."
The two swallowed the pills and stepped into the marsh. Thick black mist immediately enveloped them, reducing visibility to less than five paces. The ground was slick and muddy, and every step could send them into a hidden bog. The Sacred Spirit Dragon flew overhead to guide them around dangerous areas.
The first day passed peacefully. After night fell, they made camp atop a relatively dry mound of earth. Ning Xiaochuan used Sacred Source Power to raise a small protective shield, keeping out the dampness and poisonous insects.
"We will pass through the most dangerous central area tomorrow," Ning Xiaochuan said as he studied the map.
Su Linger was inspecting her weapon. She looked up at his words. "I have a feeling this is going too smoothly. Would the Black Tide really give up tracking us so easily?"
As if confirming her concerns, the Sacred Spirit Dragon suddenly raised its scales and stared warily into the depths of the black mist. Ning Xiaochuan immediately became alert, gathering Sacred Source Power in his palm.
"Who's there?" he called in a low voice.
An eerie clicking sound came from the black mist, like bones grinding against one another. Then more than a dozen swaying figures emerged—rotting corpses controlled by the Black Tide! Their skin was putrid, strange red light flickered in their eye sockets, and although their movements were stiff, they were incredibly fast!
"A corpse tide!" Su Linger drew her sword. "Puppets controlled by the Black Tide's necromancy!"
The first wave of corpses had already pounced. Ning Xiaochuan threw a punch, and Sacred Source Power shattered the first three corpses. But even more corpses poured from the mist, seemingly without end!
"We can't get bogged down!" Ning Xiaochuan grabbed Su Linger's hand. "Run forward!"
The two raced through the marsh, while the Sacred Spirit Dragon flew ahead and breathed Dragon Breath to clear a path. Though the corpses were numerous, the muddy terrain hindered them, and they were gradually left behind.
Just as they were about to escape, Su Linger suddenly lost her footing and fell into a concealed mud pit! She struggled to climb out, but only sank deeper!
"Ning Xiaochuan! Leave me!" Seeing the corpses closing in, she shouted sharply.
How could Ning Xiaochuan abandon her? He turned and charged back, unleashing Sacred Source Power at full force and blasting the nearest corpses into pieces. But more corpses surrounded them, and they were about to be driven into a desperate situation—
The Sacred Spirit Dragon suddenly let out a long cry, its body rapidly expanding! It flew above Ning Xiaochuan's head and spewed out a massive mouthful of Golden-Blue Dragon Breath. To everyone's surprise, the Dragon Breath did not attack the corpses. Instead, it descended upon Ning Xiaochuan and formed a gleaming suit of armor around him!
"This is... Dragon Soul Armor?" Ning Xiaochuan felt surging power flood his body and asked in astonishment.
The Sacred Spirit Dragon gave a "Goo Chu," which counted as an answer. Ning Xiaochuan had no time to think further. He punched the ground, and the shockwave shattered every corpse around them! Taking the chance, he grabbed Su Linger's hand and pulled her from the mud pit.
The two continued fleeing and finally shook off their pursuers. Once they confirmed they were safe, Ning Xiaochuan collapsed to the ground, and the Dragon Soul Armor dissipated with it. The Sacred Spirit Dragon weakly landed on his shoulder, its scales having lost their luster.
"Little One has overexerted itself." Su Linger gently stroked Little Dragon with concern.
Ning Xiaochuan took out the Primal Sky Core and guided a thread of its energy into the Sacred Spirit Dragon. After absorbing the energy, Little One perked up slightly, but immediately curled into a ball and fell asleep.
"We need to find somewhere safe to spend the night." Ning Xiaochuan looked around. "Those corpses might still come after us."
Su Linger pointed into the distance. "There is a rocky hill over there. The top should be drier."
The two climbed the rocky hill with difficulty and indeed found a small cave. Ning Xiaochuan set up a simple warning formation at the entrance, then lit a small fire. In the firelight, Su Linger's face looked especially pale.
"Your injury..." Ning Xiaochuan looked worriedly at the blood seeping from her waist again.
"I'm fine. I only pulled it earlier." Su Linger forced a smile. "More than that, I am worried about the Sacred Spirit Dragon. It has never used that kind of ability before."
Ning Xiaochuan examined the sleeping Little Dragon. "It seems to be a new ability after evolving, but it consumes too much energy. It cannot be used again anytime soon."
The latter half of the night passed without incident. At dawn, the two continued their journey and finally emerged from Black Mist Marsh on the evening of the third day.
"Death Desert lies ahead." Ning Xiaochuan looked at the endless golden sea of sand. "If we follow its edge, we can reach the Molten Mountain Range in three days."
Death Desert had extreme temperature differences between day and night. The scorching sun during the day could roast a person dry, while the nights were bitterly cold. Fortunately, Yun Yi had prepared special sunproof cloaks and warm blankets among the supplies, allowing them to endure the journey.
At noon on the fourth day, the outline of the Molten Mountain Range finally appeared in the distance—several towering volcanoes that reached the clouds, with thick smoke billowing from their peaks. Their slopes were dark red, as though they could erupt at any moment.
"The Fire Tribe lives near the volcanic craters." Ning Xiaochuan recalled the map's markings. "Their city is built beside a river of lava. It is called Flame Capital."
As they drew closer, the temperature rose sharply. The sand gradually gave way to black volcanic rock, and the air was thick with the smell of sulfur. The Sacred Spirit Dragon seemed extremely uncomfortable in this environment, constantly twisting about in agitation.
"There is a checkpoint ahead." Su Linger pointed to a stone fortress around a bend in the mountain path. "The Fire Tribe really is heavily guarded."
Two Fire Tribe Guards stood before the stone fortress. They were bare-chested, with dark red skin and hair that resembled dancing flames. Holding burning spears, they watched the newcomers vigilantly.
"Stop! Outsiders are forbidden from entering Fire Tribe territory!" one guard shouted sternly, leveling his spear at them.
Ning Xiaochuan stepped forward and took out the fiery red crystal Yun Xiao had given him. "We were sent by the Cloud Wing Tribe to seek an audience with Fire King Yan Jin."
Seeing the crystal, the guard's attitude softened slightly. "For what purpose?"
"Skyfire Prophecy." Ning Xiaochuan spoke the words Yun Xiao had taught him.
The two Guards immediately changed expression. After exchanging a look, one of them turned and ran into the stone fortress. Before long, he returned with a tall man clad in crimson armor.
"I am Flame Guard Commander Chi Yan." The man's voice was deep. "Are you the inheritors of the Sacred Source Bloodline?"
Ning Xiaochuan nodded. "I am Bai Li's son."
Chi Yan examined him closely, his gaze lingering for a long time on the Sacred Spirit Dragon and Dragon Soul Jade. At last, he nodded. "Come with me. His Majesty the Fire King has been waiting for a long time."
Led by Chi Yan, the two traveled along the winding mountain road. As their altitude rose, the temperature did not fall but increased instead. The heat waves in the air made breathing difficult. Steam periodically burst from cracks in the rocks along the road, reminding them of the ever-present danger of eruption.
Two hours later, they finally reached Flame Capital—a magnificent city built along the edge of a volcanic crater. Every building was constructed from black basalt, and crimson rivers of lava flowed beneath the streets, providing light and heat for the entire city.
"Wait here." Chi Yan brought them before a circular hall. "I will report to His Majesty the Fire King."
While waiting, Ning Xiaochuan observed his surroundings. The Fire Tribe people dressed similarly to the Guards. Both men and women bared their arms, their skin varying in shades of red. They surrounded the two outsiders curiously, especially as they pointed and whispered about 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. At its center lay a circular pool of lava, beside which stood a middle-aged man with red hair and a red beard. He had a burly build and wore only simple leather armor, yet he radiated an imposing authority without needing to display anger.
"Bai Li's son?" Fire King Yan Jin's voice was like churning magma. "Come closer and let me see you."
Ning Xiaochuan stepped forward and met the Fire King's eyes directly. "Your Majesty, did you know my mother?"
Yan Jin did not answer directly. Instead, he suddenly reached toward Ning Xiaochuan's chest! The Sacred Spirit Dragon immediately raised its scales, but Ning Xiaochuan signaled for it to calm down.
The Fire King's hand stopped above the Dragon Soul Jade, sensing the energy within. "It is indeed her bloodline." He withdrew his hand. "Twenty years ago, Bai Li entrusted the Primal Flame Core to me for safekeeping. She said her son would come to retrieve it."
Ning Xiaochuan's heart raced. "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 at the same time.
"We tracked them heading toward Death Desert. They should be trying to return to their lair," Chi Yan added. "We have already sent elite warriors after them, but..."
Yan Jin interrupted him. "The Black Tide deployed many experts this time. There is even an incarnation of the Eye of the Deep Sea accompanying them. My warriors are likely no match for them."
Ning Xiaochuan clenched his fists. The final Primal Fragment had actually been stolen! If the Black Tide gathered 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 Fragments concern the safety of the entire world."
Yan Jin considered this for a moment, then suddenly pulled a burning longsword from the lava pool. "Take it. The Flame Soul Sword can guide you toward the Flame Core."
Ning Xiaochuan accepted the sword. Its blade immediately changed from red to gold, resonating with the Sacred Source Power within his body.
"Chi Yan will lead a squad of elites to assist you." Yan Jin turned toward his throne. "Remember, Son of Sacred Source—even if you must destroy the Flame Core, never let it fall into the hands of the Eye of the Deep Sea!"
After leaving Flame Capital, Chi Yan led ten Fire Tribe warriors to join Ning Xiaochuan and Su Linger. The Flame Soul Sword pointed northwest, directly toward the depths of Death Desert.
"The Black Tide has a secret base there," Chi Yan explained. "It was built atop ancient ruins and is said to be connected to the Eye of the Deep Sea."
The group pressed onward at full speed. At dusk the next day, they finally discovered traces of the Black Tide's forces—more than twenty Black Robes escorting a crimson treasure chest as they traveled along a dried riverbed.
"That is the chest holding the Flame Core!" Chi Yan lowered his voice. "We will strike when they make camp."
Night fell, and as expected, the Black Tide made camp beside some ruins. Ning Xiaochuan and the others quietly drew near, preparing to launch a surprise attack.
"Su Linger and I will take the treasure chest," Ning Xiaochuan arranged. "Commander Chi Yan, lead your men and hold off the other Black Robes."
The plan seemed simple, but when they truly launched their attack, they discovered they had fallen into a trap! The treasure chest was empty when opened, while more than a hundred Black Robes suddenly emerged from all around and surrounded them completely!
"Welcome, Son of Sacred Source." A familiar voice rang out. Dark Current emerged from the crowd, a blood-red eye having grown back from his chest! "I knew you would come after me."
Ning Xiaochuan's heart shook. "Weren't you purified?"
Dark Current sneered. "The Eye of the Deep Sea is indestructible! Did that old fool think he could purify me? Ridiculous!"
He suddenly flung back his cloak, revealing a horrifying sight—his abdomen was embedded with the crimson Primal Flame Core, which was forming some kind of evil connection with the blood eye on his chest!
"Look! Four fragments have already been gathered!" Dark Current laughed wildly as he displayed the other three fragments—the Primal Ice Core, Primal Star Core, and Primal Sky Core. They were linked together by Black Substance, forming an incomplete ring.
"The one in your hand is fake!" Ning Xiaochuan shouted. "The real Primal Sky Core is with me!"
Dark Current did not care. "It does not matter. Four fragments are enough to open part of the seal and let the incarnation of the Eye of the Deep Sea descend!"
He raised both hands and began chanting an eerie spell. The four fragments emitted blinding light. Dark clouds suddenly filled the sky, and a massive vortex formed overhead!
"Stop him!" Ning Xiaochuan shouted. Sacred Source Power erupted from him at full force as he charged toward Dark Current.
But it was already too late. Within the vortex, a gigantic blood red eye slowly opened and gazed coldly down at everyone below. An invisible pressure blanketed the entire battlefield, making even the air thick and viscous!
"The Eye of the Deep Sea... its true body..." Chi Yan's voice trembled, and fear appeared on the faces of the Fire Tribe warriors.
Dark Current dropped to his knees and cried out fanatically, "Welcome, my lord, upon your descent!"
The blood eye turned, locking onto Ning Xiaochuan. "Sacred Source Bloodline... the final obstacle..."
A red light shot downward. Ning Xiaochuan hastily raised a Sacred Source Shield, but it shattered instantly! At the critical moment, the Sacred Spirit Dragon suddenly flew before him, expanding its body to the limit and taking the strike head-on!
"Little One!" Ning Xiaochuan looked painfully at the Sacred Spirit Dragon as it fell to the ground, its scales losing all luster.
Su Linger also rushed to his side, unleashing the Mysterious Ice Phoenix Source Soul with all her strength. "We will attack together!"
Ning Xiaochuan gritted his teeth and took out the real Primal Sky Core, pressing it against the Dragon Soul Jade. The two crystals resonated and released 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 declined. The seal will inevitably shatter!"
Dark Current took the chance to pounce at Ning Xiaochuan, trying to seize the Primal Sky Core. Su Linger swung her sword to stop him, but a red light struck her, sending her crashing heavily to the ground!
"Su Linger!" Ning Xiaochuan's eyes nearly split apart, and the Sacred Source Power within him boiled with fury!
At that desperate moment, an unexpected force of reinforcements arrived—Fire King Yan Jin personally led an army to the battlefield! Hundreds of Fire Tribe warriors unleashed flame source arts at once, dyeing the sky crimson!
"Fire Tribe, heed my command!" Yan Jin raised a burning battle axe. "Protect the Son of Sacred Source!"
Amid the melee, Ning Xiaochuan carried the injured Su Linger and Sacred Spirit Dragon behind a giant rock. Su Linger's breathing was weak, while the Sacred Spirit Dragon was barely clinging to life.
"Hold on..." Ning Xiaochuan's voice choked as he placed the Primal Sky Core between them and guided its energy to heal them.
The Primal Sky Core suddenly shook violently and flew into the air on its own, resonating with the other four fragments! Five pillars of light in different colors shot into the sky, weaving together into a complete ring!
The Eye of the Deep Sea let out a pained howl. "No! The complete Primal Ring!"
At the center of the ring, a blurry gateway slowly took shape—the Primal Gate! An ancient and powerful aura emerged from within, as if something was awakening.
"The Primal Dragon..." Ning Xiaochuan murmured, feeling a call from deep within his bloodline.
The Eye of the Deep Sea frantically attacked the Primal Gate, trying to prevent it from opening completely. Dark Current also seized the chance to lunge at Ning Xiaochuan, attempting to interrupt the process.
At the critical moment, Su Linger suddenly opened her eyes and used her last strength to push Ning Xiaochuan toward the Primal Gate. "Go fulfill your mission!"
Ning Xiaochuan felt his body lifted by a gentle force and carried toward the gateway in the sky. At the moment he entered, the last thing he saw was Su Linger's relieved smile and Dark Current's vicious claws...
Before you continue