At the academy, on the eighth level of the Heavenly Fire Pagoda, red-clad robes danced in combat, a sword cleaving open wind and clouds. One Heavenly Sun after another circled its wielder's body as the Supreme Yang Heavenly Book revealed world-shaking might.
In the distance, Hua Zhongdie and Yi Qingqiu watched silently, witnessing the martial arts of the Scroll of Sun reappear in the world.
"Stepping onto the eighth level of the Heavenly Fire Pagoda while still below the Three Calamities—this boy's ability is truly astonishing," Yi Qingqiu said with a sigh as she watched the red-clad figure amid the endless heavenly fire.
Of the nine levels of heavenly fire, the highest was a place only those in the Great Perfection Realm could set foot upon. Yet this young man, with the cultivation of the Fifth Tribulation, had reached the eighth level. That was no longer something common sense could explain.
"He said that he once suffered the punishment of Heavenly Fire Incineration for breaking an oath. Perhaps that is why he can ascend to the eighth level," Hua Zhongdie said softly.
"Heavenly punishment?"
Yi Qingqiu's brows knit slightly. Someone had actually survived heavenly punishment—it was inconceivable.
The flames within the tower stretched boundlessly. Blue firelight surged upward, carrying a destructive force capable of Burning Heaven Boiling Sea.
A sword within fire, steel within the sword. Sword light swept past, red robes flashed like a startled swan. Every strike was swift, every strike slow; every strike moved against the chaos of wind and clouds.
Heavenly Suns rose, nine extremes merging into one. At the summit of the sword, the sight shook the heart.
"Butterfly," Yi Qingqiu called.
"Yes."
Hua Zhongdie nodded. With a clench of her hand, black light gathered, and Tears of Buried Flowers manifested. She stepped forward on