Special Space

After hearing the Spirit of the Ancestral Stone's explanation, Xiao Ling finally sorted out what had happened earlier, and understanding dawned on him.

His loss of composure just now had been because he was too eager to track down the heavenly flame. He had let down his mental guard, allowing that strange flame energy to slip in and stir up the malevolent aura within him, throwing his mind into chaos.

At that thought, he could not help feeling somewhat annoyed.

With his current Spiritual Power, how could he have fallen for it so easily if he had remained vigilant? In the end, he had cared too much about the heavenly flame that was almost within his grasp, giving it an opening to exploit.

He drew a deep breath and suppressed the distractions in his heart. The remaining demonic flames around him grew dimmer beneath the power of purification, while the violent killing intent that had lingered in his mind vanished without a trace.

Xiao Ling raised a hand and rubbed his chin, his fingertips brushing over the slightly reddened skin where the flames had scorched him. Recalling the palpitating sensation of his mind being invaded, a trace of realization flashed through his eyes as he murmured softly, "To silently invade the mind and draw out past killing intent and malevolent aura... such traits must belong to the Crimson Lotus Karmic Fire, ranked eighth on the Heavenly Flame Ranking."

His fingers paused slightly, his tone carrying both contemplation and gravity. "I had only read of it in ancient records before. They said this flame used sin as fuel and killing intent as its guide. Having experienced it myself today, I now know its sinister tyranny far surpasses the rumors. It truly is terrifying."

Before his words had faded, the lingering fear