Undying Phoenix

Purple Lightning flapped its wings and soared through the skies above the Black Miasma Mountain Range, carrying Ren Xiaoyao toward an unknown direction. After leaving the Demon Abyss, Ren Xiaoyao focused his mind on his dantian, using the resonance of the Emperor Formation Fragment to sense the location of the next fragment. At first, the resonance was weak and blurry, like a candle flame flickering in the wind, but as they continued flying, the sense of attraction became clearer and clearer, eventually pointing to the far south, thousands of miles away—the legendary Great Flame Mountains, which were said to be shrouded in the Flame Sect year-round.

The closer one gets to the Great Flame Mountains, the hotter the air becomes. The previously dense miasma has vanished, replaced by a sweltering heat that permeates the air. From afar, the Great Flame Mountains resemble a sleeping fire dragon, with crimson clouds swirling around their peaks. Beneath these clouds, flickering flames can be faintly seen, and even the sky is tinged with a pale orange-red. The vegetation at the Foot of the Mountain has long since withered, leaving only charred tree trunks. The ground is covered with cracks, and occasionally, lava gushes out from the fissures, leaving trails of intense heat.

"Is this the entrance to the Great Flame Secret Realm?" Ren Xiaoyao murmured to himself, his gaze fixed on a massive Volcanic Crater in the center of the mountain range. The Volcanic Crater was a hundred zhang in diameter, like the gaping maw of a giant beast, its interior churning with crimson magma. Bubbles constantly burst from the surface, spewing Mars, and a strong smell of sulfur mixed with scorching heat assaulted the senses. A distorted Space Rift floated above the magma, Rift edges shimmering with a faint red light, like burning silk. The Rift emanated a fire-attribute Spiritual Qi so dense it was almost tangible, mingling with the Emperor Formation Fragment within his dantian. The resonance of the Emperor Formation Fragment emanated from there, as if calling to him. He flipped off Purple Lightning's back, gently stroking its scales, and instructed, "Purple Lightning, wait outside the mountain. The Secret Realm is engulfed in the Flame Sect. Your Purple Lightning Thunder Force clashes with the fire-attribute Spiritual Qi; forcing your way in might result in injury." Purple Lightning let out a reluctant dragon roar, its massive head gently nuzzling his arm. Its golden eyes were filled with worry, yet it obediently nodded, circling high Volcanic Crater, its gaze fixed on the Rift entrance, constantly alert to any movement around it.

Ren Xiaoyao took a deep breath, circulating his Emperor Power to form a pale golden protective shield around his body. The shield's surface was adorned with intricate Emperor Mark, effectively blocking out the scorching air. He then leaped into the Volcanic Crater. The moment he entered the Rift, an unbearable wave of heat washed over him like a tidal wave, instantly causing ripples to spread across the protective shield, the Emperor Mark glowing faintly from the heat. Inside the Secret Realm was an extremely dazzling yet incredibly dangerous world of fire—burning meteorites of varying sizes floated in the sky, trailing long fiery tails, colliding frequently and erupting in dazzling flashes; on the ground, raging... The ceaseless flow of lava, crimson magma like boiling steel, churned and surged into the distance. The rocks on the riverbanks were scorched red by the lava, and stones occasionally fell into the river, sizzling and melting instantly. The distant mountains were composed of crimson volcanic rock, with thick pillars of fire erupting from their peaks, shooting straight into the sky and dyeing it a dazzling red. The air was filled with a dense, almost impenetrable fire-attribute spiritual Spiritual Qi. This Spiritual Qi was violent and scorching; inhaling it made his meridians burn as if countless tiny flames were burning within them.

Ren Xiaoyao dared not be careless. He circulated the <Flowing Cloud Art>, letting the pale blue spiritual energy flow through his meridians like a clear spring, dispelling the heat within his body. A fine layer of White Frost even appeared on his fingertips from the circulation of spiritual energy. He stepped on the scorching rocks beneath his feet, each step accompanied by a soft "sizzling" sound from the contact between the high temperature and his Emperor Power, leaving shallow footprints that were quickly smoothed over by the surrounding heat. The scenery along the way grew increasingly dangerous. Huge Fire Lizard occasionally leaped from the lava rivers. Their bodies were covered in dark brown lava armor, studded with sharp bone spikes that gleamed with a metallic sheen in the firelight. Their lantern-sized eyes gleamed with a ghostly red light. The light, like two burning will-o'-the-wisps, spewed fireballs the size of basketballs from its mouths. These fireballs, carrying a pungent sulfurous smell, left dark red trails in the air. Upon seeing Ren Xiaoyao, they let out hoarse roars, their limbs treading on the lava as they charged madly. Ren Xiaoyao swung his sword to meet them. The purple-gold Emperor Power Emperor Power on his Carefree Sword Fire Lizard with the fireballs, producing a series of muffled explosions. The Fire Lizard were shattered by the Emperor Power Heavenly Fire, the fire lizard's lava armor shattered instantly, Black Blood spurting out and sizzling in the lava. Its body quickly turned to ashes, scattering on the scorching ground without leaving a trace.

After walking for an unknown amount of time, the scenery ahead suddenly changed. The lava river disappeared, replaced by a vast Plains of flames. In the center of the Plains stood a huge Altar, covered with ancient Altar that emitted a faint golden light. The runes resonated more and more strongly with the Emperor Formation Fragment within his dantian—the fragment of the Four-Corner Emperor Formation was located on this Altar!

Just as Ren Xiaoyao was about to step forward, a clear and majestic phoenix cry suddenly resounded throughout the heavens and earth, like the clash of metal, causing the air to tremble slightly. A crimson-gold figure swooped down from the fiery clouds above the Altar, moving with lightning speed, bringing with it gusts of scorching wind, and came to a steady stop in front of the Altar. It was a Phoenix covered entirely in crimson-gold feathers, each feather like a meticulously forged crimson-gold armor, its surface burning with faint Golden Flame, the flickering flames radiating a warm and Sacred Light; its long, magnificent tail feathers, like a flowing waterfall of flames, swayed gently in the air, scattering Mars; a pair of golden eyes, like two dazzling suns, held an innate majesty and vigilance, their sharp gaze fixed on Ren Xiaoyao —it was none other than the legendary Undying Phoenix reborn from the ashes! Spreading its wings, its wingspan was over ten feet, and the fiery pressure emanating from its body was like an invisible giant wave, causing the surrounding air to distort slightly, and the volcanic rocks on the ground to become even hotter.

"Human, how dare you trespass into my territory and covet the treasures on the Altar?" The Undying Phoenix spoke in human language, its voice carrying an undeniable majesty. Ren Xiaoyao cupped his hands and said, "Senior Phoenix, this junior is Ren Xiaoyao. I am not here to covet the treasures, but for the Emperor Formation Fragment on the Altar. Now that the Demon Realm is about to invade, only by gathering the Emperor Formation Fragment and repairing the Boundary Sealing Gate can we stop this catastrophe."

A hint of disdain flashed in the Undying Phoenix's eyes. "What does the Demon Realm's invasion have to do with me? This Great Flame Secret Realm is my dwelling place, and no one can disturb it!" As soon as it finished speaking, it flapped its wings violently, and countless crimson-gold fiery feathers shot towards Ren Xiaoyao like arrows. Ren Xiaoyao's expression hardened, and he swung his sword to block. The crisp "clanging" sounds rang out incessantly as the fiery feathers landed on the Emperor Power protective shield, stirring up ripples.

Before Ren Xiaoyao could catch his breath, the Undying Phoenix swooped down, its sharp claws wreathed in flames, like two burning meteors, tearing through the air with Sky-Rending Strike shriek as it lunged for his head. Ren Xiaoyao's pupils constricted, and he slammed his toes into the ground, unleashing the ultimate Movement Method of the Cloud Treading Steps. His body moved as lightly as a willow catkin as he retreated, his wrist flicking rapidly. The Carefree Sword drew a cyan-gold Sword-Ray of sword light, Sword-Ray in purple-gold imperial Emperor Power, aimed directly at the Phoenix's vulnerable belly. The Undying Phoenix was prepared. With a sharp cry, its flames surged, forming a thick, crimson -Golden Flame shield, its surface shimmering with intricate flame patterns. A Sword-Ray rang out as the sword light struck the shield, instantly engulfed by the flames, sending Mars flying. The Phoenix's attack, however, did not falter. Its sharp beak, like a sword, followed closely behind, pecking towards Ren Xiaoyao's chest.

The two instantly clashed. Ren Xiaoyao, using the Cloud Treading Steps, moved with ghostly agility through the flames. The gusts of wind generated by his fluttering robes even managed to disperse the surrounding Mars. His Carefree Sword drew exquisite arcs, its purple-gold Emperor Power and cyan -Golden Sword Light weaving into an impenetrable Sword Net that enveloped the Undying Phoenix. In the midst of the fierce battle, Ren Xiaoyao seized an opening as the Phoenix turned. With a flick of his wrist, his Carefree Sword grazed the Phoenix's wingtip like a venomous snake emerging from its hole, severing a few crimson-gold feathers. But before he could rejoice, those fallen feathers ignited in mid-air, bursting into crimson -Golden Flame rapidly coalesced, instantly transforming into three palm-sized miniature Fire Phoenix. These Fire Phoenix flapped their wings, emitting clear cries, and swooped down towards him, their sharp beaks aimed at his vital points. Even more astonishingly, Golden Flame surged from the wounds on the Phoenix' wingtips. The flames writhed like living things, and the wounds healed at a visible speed, instantly restoring them to their original state without leaving a trace. The newly grown feathers were even shinier than before. The Undying Phoenix's attacks grew increasingly ferocious and intense. It flapped its wings, and countless crimson-golden flames... Like a torrential downpour, each feather carried the force to pierce metal and stone; sharp claws, imbued with the power of flames, slashed towards Ren Xiaoyao's vitals, their tips even distorting the surrounding air; sharp beaks, like blades, pecked at his chest. The three attacked in turn, giving Ren Xiaoyao no chance to breathe. On the fiery Plains, sword light clashed with flames, erupting in deafening roars. Lava was sent flying, forming crimson arcs in the air before crashing to the ground, igniting even more Mars; volcanic rock was shattered, fragments mixed with Mars scattering everywhere. Small craters were left in the ground. Ren Xiaoyao gradually discovered that the flames of the Undying Phoenix were not only extremely hot, but also possessed a strange, indestructible property. Once touched, they would burn continuously like a bone-deep infection. Even if he forcibly suppressed them with his Emperor Power, he could only extinguish them temporarily, and they would reignite as soon as he relaxed his guard. His robes were already burned to tatters, and his exposed skin was covered with many fine burns, which caused him a stinging pain. Sweat evaporated as soon as it seeped out, but he still gritted his teeth, his eyes growing more determined, and his mind raced as he thought of a way to break the deadlock.

"This can't go on. The Phoenix's flames are too domineering; a prolonged battle will surely lead to defeat." Ren Xiaoyao's mind raced. His eyes narrowed, and he deliberately slowed his Movement Method, slightly lowering his left shoulder to reveal a seemingly fatal opening. The Undying Phoenix, inherently arrogant, flashed a hint of disdain in its eyes upon seeing this. It suddenly flapped its wings and pounced forward, its sharp claws, wreathed in flames, aimed straight for his left shoulder. Just as its claws were about to touch his robes, Ren Xiaoyao abruptly activated the power of the Emperor Formation Fragment. Instantly, a faint golden light emanated from his body, containing an ancient and sacred aura, like... The ancient Emperor's Might, sealed for millennia, awakened. "Senior Phoenix, look!" he shouted, releasing all the power of the Emperor Formation Fragment within his dantian. Golden light condensed around him, forming a faint light screen upon which intricate Emperor Mark flowed. Upon seeing the golden light, the Undying Phoenix's pupils contracted sharply, its sharp claws halting abruptly in mid-air. A look of shock and confusion flashed in its eyes. "This is... the aura of Primordial Emperor Formation? This aura... it's so familiar..." Its body trembled slightly, as if this aura had stirred up distant memories.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Ren Xiaoyao stepped forward and said sincerely, "Senior must have sensed it as well. This Emperor Formation Fragment has a strange connection with the aura hidden in your bloodline. In the High Antiquity war, when the Demon Realm army ravaged the land, it was the Primordial Emperor Formation that stepped forward to protect countless Divine Beast and living beings. Your ancestors may have also survived under the protection of the Emperor Array. Now, the Demon Realm forces have returned with a vengeance. Demon General at the Late Heavenly Immortal realm is lying in wait in the Demon Abyss. The seal of the Boundary Sealing Gate is on the verge of collapse. If the seal is broken, the Demon Realm army will flood into both realms. Even though the Great Flame Secret Realm is located in a remote area, it will eventually be unable to escape the fate of being burned by demonic flames. I am not asking for your help, but I implore you to put the lives of the living beings in both realms first and join forces with me to fight against the Demon Realm!" His voice was firm and earnest, and his eyes showed no fear as he looked directly into the golden eyes of the Undying Phoenix.

The Undying Phoenix fell silent. It lowered its head in thought for a moment, a complex light flashing in its golden eyes—a mixture of reminiscence for the past, a deep desire to protect the Secret Realm, and a fear of the threat from the Demon Realm. It slowly raised its head, the wariness in its eyes gradually fading, replaced by a resolute determination and acceptance. "You're right. When the nest is overturned, no egg remains unbroken. If the Demon Realm truly invades, even hiding in the Secret Realm won't protect me. Very well, I'll trust you this once!" It extinguished the flames burning around it, its crimson-gold feathers regaining their soft luster, and slowly landed before Ren Xiaoyao, its massive body causing the ground to tremble slightly. "However, if you want me to truly acknowledge you as my master and help you repair the Boundary Sealing Gate, you must first pass my test—only those who can withstand the tempering of the Nirvana Flame are worthy of my following."

As the words fell, the Undying Phoenix flapped its wings violently, unleashing a torrent of scorching Nirvana Flame that instantly enveloped Ren Xiaoyao like a volcanic eruption. The flames were a brilliant crimson-gold, devoid of any smoke, yet radiating a chilling heat that distorted the surrounding space, causing the volcanic rock on the ground to slowly melt. At this moment, Ren Xiaoyao noticed a feather on the Phoenix's tail that had been affected by his Emperor Power during the battle; its edges were slightly charred and it had lost its former luster. However, under the illumination of the Nirvana Flame, that feather slowly detached, transforming into a ball of Golden Flame in the air. More Golden Flame then surged from its follicle, and within the flames, the outline of a new feather could be vaguely seen growing. A brand-new, more vibrant feather quickly took shape, merging flawlessly with the other feathers in the blink of an eye. "This is Nirvana Flame," Ren Xiaoyao thought, "It can temper the body and spiritual power, washing away impurities. It is also the core of my Phoenix Clan's immortality—even if the body turns to ashes..." "As long as a Nirvana Flame remains, one can be reborn from the ashes." The Undying Phoenix's voice carried a hint of solemnity. "If you can withstand the tempering of the flames, I will acknowledge you as my master!" Ren Xiaoyao gritted his teeth, enduring the excruciating pain brought by the flames. He felt his skin being burned, and his blood seemed to be boiling. He circulated his Emperor Power and the <Flowing Cloud Art>, intertwining the purple-gold Emperor Power and the pale blue spiritual power within his body to form a two-colored shield. At the same time, he allowed the Nirvana Flame to penetrate the shield and burn his body. Within the flames, his meridians were constantly tempered. The originally minor damage gradually healed under the nourishment of the flames, and the width and toughness of his meridians increased several times over. His physical body also became increasingly resilient. The burns on his skin faded at a visible speed, replaced by a faint golden luster, as if plated with a layer of red gold. The Emperor Power in his dantian also became more refined and condensed under the tempering of the flames, and its circulation speed increased considerably. A faint trace of flame power even merged into the Emperor Power.

After an unknown amount of time, just as Ren Xiaoyao felt his body about to be melted by the flames, the Nirvana Flame gradually dissipated. He slowly opened his eyes, a dazzling golden light flashing within them, disappearing like a shooting star before returning to calm. The flames around the Undying Phoenix also subsided considerably. It gently shook its wings, and a few feathers damaged in the battle drifted down, instantly igniting upon landing and transforming into specks of golden light that merged into the air. Its own feathers became even brighter and more dazzling, as if they had undergone a rebirth. "Very good. I didn't expect you to be able to withstand the extreme tempering of the Nirvana Flame. Your will and physique far surpass those of ordinary people!" The Undying Phoenix's eyes flashed with... With a hint of satisfaction and amazement, it slowly lowered its body, bringing its broad back close to Ren Xiaoyao's. Its golden eyes were full of approval. "The Nirvana Flame not only grants you some fire resistance, but also inspires a glimmer of life when you are on the verge of death. This is the gift of the immortality of my Phoenix Clan. From now on, I will travel with you to protect the peace of both realms." Ren Xiaoyao was overjoyed and mounted the Undying Phoenix Phoenix's back was warm and sturdy, and the flames on its feathers were not hot to the touch, but rather carried a comfortable warmth. He could clearly feel the continuous life force within the Phoenix, a powerful force that could be reborn from the ashes even after suffering severe injuries.

Ren Xiaoyao ascended Altar Altar, constructed from massive, crimson volcanic rocks. Each rock was incredibly thick, its surface eroded by time and fire, covered with intricate patterns. Ancient fire-attribute runes were carved into each rock, their lines simple yet mysterious, as if naturally formed. As he approached, the runes seemed awakened, growing brighter and emitting a soft golden light. This golden light intertwined into a network of runes, enveloping the Altar. A faint, warm, and pure fire-attribute Spiritual Qi flowed within this network. He walked to the center of the Altar, where a palm-sized Emperor Formation Fragment floated. The fragment was entirely crimson-gold, its surface carved with complex fire-attribute Emperor Mark. Flames seemed to flow slowly within these Emperor Mark, radiating a warm and pure power that resonated strongly with the surrounding fire-attribute Spiritual Qi. Ren Xiaoyao reached out and removed the fragment. It was warm to the touch, and a surge of pure fire-attribute power flowed from his fingertips into his body, instantly stirring the Emperor Power within his dantian. The moment they touched, the fragment resonated with the power within his dantian... The three fragments resonated intensely, causing the Emperor Power within his dantian to surge and boil like a tsunami. The golden, cyan, and purple lights echoed the newly added crimson-gold light. He integrated the fragments into his dantian, and the four fragments immediately began to slowly rotate around the center, forming a small four-colored Emperor Array. The golden, cyan, purple, and crimson lights intertwined and resonated, radiating dazzling brilliance. The entire dantian was illuminated by these four lights as if it were daytime, and the Emperor Power, nourished by the light, became even more abundant, its circulation speed increasing several times over. "Just one more fragment, and I can repair the Boundary Sealing Gate!" Ren Xiaoyao was overjoyed, feeling the surging power within his body and the close connection established with the four fragments. His eyes were filled with hope and determination. He rode the Undying Phoenix towards the exit of the Secret Realm. With each flap of the Phoenix's wings, crimson-gold flames left a magnificent trail behind him, dispelling the sweltering heat along the way. Even the burning meteorites in the air avoided him, as if in fear of the Phoenix's majesty.

Leaving the Great Flame Secret Realm, Purple Lightning, which had been circling Volcanic Crater, immediately flapped its wings and rushed forward. Upon seeing the Undying Phoenix, a hint of curiosity and wariness flashed in its golden eyes. It circled the Undying Phoenix twice, letting out a low dragon roar, seemingly confirming whether the other posed a threat. Ren Xiaoyao smiled and patted Purple Lightning's neck, introducing it, "Purple Lightning, this is Senior Undying Phoenix. From now on, we will be partners in battle. Don't be shy." Purple Lightning seemed to understand him; the wariness in its eyes gradually faded, and it let out another friendly dragon roar, gently nuzzling the Undying Phoenix's wing with its head. The Undying Phoenix also flapped its wings amicably, crimson-gold flames dancing at the wingtips, radiating a gentle aura without the slightest aggression. With a surge of emotion, Ren Xiaoyao sat atop the Undying Phoenix, patted Purple Lightning's head, and then looked at the Undying Phoenix beside him. Sensing the auras of his two powerful companions, a surge of heroic spirit welled up within him. He looked up into the distance, a resolute glint in his eyes. "Next, we will search for the last Emperor Formation Fragment! Once we gather all five fragments, we will repair the Boundary Sealing Gate and surely keep the Demon Realm army at bay, protecting the peace of this world!" As his words fell, the Undying Phoenix let out a clear and melodious cry, flapping its wings and flying into the distance. Purple Lightning followed closely behind. The figures of the man and the two Divine Beast gradually disappeared into the distance under the orange-red sky, embarking on a new journey to find the last fragment, leaving the flames of the Great Flame Mountains burning silently behind them.