A Fated Encounter at the Abyss's Bottom, a Venerable's Heart Conquered!

Lin Chen followed the faint yet distinct resonance emitted by the Red Lotus Karma Fire, continuously diving toward the deepest reaches of the magma.

The fluctuations of the Karma Fire at his fingertips grew increasingly clear, and he knew in his heart: he was not far from his target.

He had long been aware of the existence of the "Skyfire Venerable Yao Tianhuo."

This deep descent into the magma abyss was for more than just finding the infant Fallen Heart Flame.

Subduing this former Venerable was a key link in his plan from the very beginning.

The surrounding pressure was already terrifying enough to crush refined steel into iron discs, and the temperature was ridiculously high.

Even an ordinary Dou Emperor would likely not be able to hold out here for long.

After diving for an unknown distance, the surrounding magma gradually shifted from a cyan-white to a strange, milky-white luster.

The heart-fire energy contained within it became thinner, yet far more pure and ancient.

Lin Chen's eyes brightened slightly; this energy fluctuation was the unique signature of an infant Fallen Heart Flame. It seemed Yao Tianhuo was nearby.

Finally, his feet landed on a relatively solid riverbed composed of some kind of heat-resistant black rock.

This place felt like a seabed valley within the magma ocean; the light was dim, and it was deathly silent.

Lin Chen slowed his breathing and swept his gaze across the valley, quickly locking onto the figure in the center—just as in his memories, that crystal-clear, jade-like skeleton and the illusory soul body floating beside it were none other than Yao Tianhuo!

In the center of the valley, a strange scene met Lin Chen's eyes.

A crystal-clear, jade-like human skeleton sat cross-legged, emitting a faint fluorescence.

It had actually managed to remain uncorrupted in this terrifying environment.

Lin Chen sighed inwardly; as expected of a Venerable-level powerhouse, even after falling, his remains could resist the erosion of the magma.

Suspended at the chest of the skeleton was a transparent flame, only the size of a fist, appearing milky-white and somewhat timid.

It pulsed slightly, emitting pure and faint heart-fire energy.

Lin Chen's gaze fell upon the flame; this was one of his goals for this trip—the infant Fallen Heart Flame. With it, he could both trade for the mature body and use it as a bargaining chip to make Yao Tianhuo willingly submit.

It was indeed that infant Fallen Heart Flame!

Beside the skeleton, a slightly illusory, elderly figure was floating.

His hair and beard were stark white, and his face bore the exhaustion of one who had weathered the ages, yet his eyes remained sharp.

Lin Chen understood; this was the remnant soul of Yao Tianhuo. Though his soul strength was only at the Mortal Realm Grand Perfection, he still retained the vision and pride of a Venerable.

At this moment, he was staring at the suddenly intruding Lin Chen with astonishment and vigilance.

"A soul body?"

Lin Chen swept his gaze over the illusory figure, sensing its soul strength, which seemed weakened by the passage of time.

He remained calm on the surface, but he had already calculated the upcoming conversation in his mind: he had to demonstrate his strength while leaving the other party a glimmer of hope, for only then would Yao Tianhuo follow him willingly.

Seeing the blood-colored flames burning around Lin Chen, and especially feeling the purifying aura of the Red Lotus Karma Fire that made his soul tremble, the soul body was struck with horror.

He subconsciously moved to retreat, taking the infant fire seed with him.

"Stay your hand, Excellency!"

Lin Chen spoke, his voice transmitted through soul power without a hint of hostility.

He knew that Yao Tianhuo had been trapped here for many years and would naturally be wary of outsiders; acting rashly would only be counterproductive.

"I bear no malice. If not for the aura of your infant heart flame leading the way, I would never have found this place."

The soul body's movements stalled slightly upon hearing this, and he looked at Lin Chen with suspicion: "You can perceive its aura?"

"And... you possess an even more terrifying flame? Who exactly are you?"

"Lin Chen."

Lin Chen stated his name, his gaze sweeping over the skeleton and the infant fire seed.

He knew that what he said next would be the key to swaying Yao Tianhuo; he had to strike the right balance, neither appearing too deliberate nor failing to hit the other party's weak point.

"It seems you have been dormant here for a long time. This infant Fallen Heart Flame has been with you since its birth?"

Seeing that Lin Chen truly did not seem to have any intention of snatching it immediately, the soul body relaxed slightly and sighed: "This old man is Yao Tianhuo, known as the Skyfire Venerable."

"Years ago, I explored this place, intending to subdue the mature Fallen Heart Flame, but I failed, suffered heavy injuries, and ultimately fell here."

"Fortunately, my soul was preserved and has remained with this infant body, which was born from the energy dissipated when I fell... Alas, the long years have passed; I know not what year it is in the outside world."

His tone was filled with nostalgia and loneliness.

Lin Chen rejoiced inwardly; indeed, Yao Tianhuo's desire for "departure" and "rebirth" was stronger than he had imagined. This was the perfect moment to persuade him.

"Yao Tianhuo?"

He feigned ignorance of the other's identity to lower his guard.

He looked at the infant Fallen Heart Flame and said:

"I wish to make a deal with you."

"I need this infant fire seed to trade for the mature one, but I can take you away from this place and promise to forge a body for you in the future, helping you to be reborn."

"The price is that you must pledge your loyalty to me and serve me for one hundred years. How about it?"

As he spoke these words, Lin Chen was entirely certain—he knew that Yao Tianhuo would never refuse this singular chance at rebirth.

Upon hearing this, the soul form of Skyfire Venerable fluctuated violently, his eyes erupting with a light of utter disbelief!

Leave this place! Rebirth!

For a soul trapped in the depths of the earth for who knows how many years, these two concepts held an irresistible temptation!

Lin Chen observed all of this, a cold smile forming in his heart. Indeed, no matter how arrogant a powerhouse might be, they could hardly remain composed when faced with "rebirth."

Yet, the elder quickly calmed himself, staring fixedly at Lin Chen: "Refine a body for me? Kid, do you even know what level of alchemist is required to forge a vessel capable of containing a soul at the Venerable realm?"

"At the very least, a peak seventh-grade! You..."

He did not finish his sentence, but his skepticism was palpable.

Lin Chen had long anticipated this question and had already prepared his response—to shatter the other's doubts with raw strength.

Without wasting words, Lin Chen moved his mind, and the honorary president badge issued by the Alchemist Guild of the Jia Ma Empire, shimmering with six stars and a unique medicinal cauldron emblem, appeared at his fingertips.

Simultaneously, a trace of power from a Spirit Realm soul was subtly released!

He knew that a Spirit Realm soul and the alchemist badge were the best proofs of his strength, sufficient to make Yao Tianhuo believe he had the capability to assist in his rebirth.

"A Spirit Realm soul?! Sixth-grade... no, this badge..."

As a former Venerable, Skyfire Venerable possessed extraordinary discernment. He instantly recognized that the badge represented something far beyond an ordinary sixth-grade status, and he felt that soul power which far surpassed the Mortal Realm!

Lin Chen watched the shock on the other's face and felt inwardly satisfied; this first step had been a success.

"Though I am currently only a sixth-grade alchemist, refining a body to house your weakened soul is more than enough."

"As for seventh-grade or higher, for me, it is merely a matter of time."

Lin Chen's tone was flat, yet carried an absolute confidence that was utterly convincing.

He understood that such confidence at this moment was more persuasive than any explanation.

"This is your only chance. Accept, or refuse."

He deliberately left the choice to the other party, though he was already certain of the answer.

Skyfire Venerable looked at Lin Chen's excessively youthful face, feeling the unfathomable fire and soul power, and a stormy sea surged within his heart.

What kind of monster was this child? Even the word "prodigy" was insufficient to describe his talent!

Lin Chen took in the other's shock, thinking to himself that this was exactly the effect he wanted; only by making him completely submit to his talent could he ensure loyal service in the future.

Trapped in this place for endless years, he had long since grown weary of this loneliness and despair.

Now, a chance for a new life lay before him. Although the price was the loss of a hundred years of freedom, compared to being trapped underground forever, this choice was not difficult to make.

"Fine! This old man agrees!"

Skyfire Venerable hesitated for only a moment before speaking with ironclad resolve.

"If you can truly help me be reborn, within these hundred years, I, Yao Tianhuo, shall be at your beck and call, without a shred of disloyalty!"

Hearing this, Lin Chen finally set his heart at ease; the plan to subdue Yao Tianhuo was half-complete.

"A wise choice."

Lin Chen nodded and waved his hand, sending out a gentle force of Red Lotus Karma Fire to temporarily nourish Skyfire Venerable's soul form, preventing it from dissipating further.

He knew he needed to show "sincerity" now to make Yao Tianhuo drop his guard completely.

Following this, he carefully used the Red Lotus Karma Fire to wrap around the timid, infant-stage Fallen Heart Flame, separating it from the mature fire seed and storing it properly in a specially crafted jade bottle.

The deal was struck, and the objective had been exceeded.

Lin Chen felt a sense of satisfaction; not only had he obtained the infant fire seed, but he had also subdued a potential Venerable-level assistant. This trip had been well worth it.

Lin Chen prepared to take Skyfire Venerable's soul and the infant fire seed and leave this magma abyss.

However, just as he turned to ascend—

"Hiss--!"

A sharp, piercing hiss suddenly erupted from the magma currents to his side!

Lin Chen frowned, thinking to himself that things had taken a turn for the worse. He had forgotten that there were Magma Lizardman at the five-star Dou Ancestor level in the depths of this magma. But then again, it was fine; he could use this opportunity to let Yao Tianhuo witness his strength and completely dispel any lingering delusions the elder might harbor.

Immediately following, a violent, ferocious, and terrifying aura at the five-star Dou Ancestor level erupted, locking firmly onto Lin Chen!

Splash!

The magma exploded, and a massive figure lunged out!

It was a humanoid creature, but its entire body was covered in dark red scales, its hands and feet were claw-like, and it dragged a long tail behind it.

A pair of vertical pupils flickered with cruel, bloodthirsty light, staring fixedly at Lin Chen—or more accurately, at the soul form and the Heavenly Flame containing pure energy in his hands!

"A Magma Lizardman?! And at the five-star Dou Ancestor level?!"

Skyfire Venerable's soul let out a terrified shriek.

"Kid! Run! This thing is a native of this magma world, extremely ferocious, and usually only active in the deeper regions. How could it appear here?!"

"You are no match for it!"

Lin Chen listened to the exclamation of Skyfire Venerable, yet his heart held no fear; instead, he felt a sense of anticipation—it was the perfect opportunity to let Skyfire Venerable see exactly how much strength his "master" truly possessed.

A five-star Dou Ancestor!

This was two full major realms higher than Lin Chen's apparent strength of a three-star Dou Emperor, with the critical barrier of the Dou Ancestor stage standing between them!

In the eyes of Skyfire Venerable, this was an existence that simply could not be contended with!

Lin Chen looked at the panicked soul body of the other and chuckled inwardly; soon enough, you will know what a real surprise is.

Lin Chen's brow furrowed slightly, a flicker of doubt crossing his mind.

Under normal circumstances, a Magma Lizardman of this level should not appear at this depth.

However, there was not a trace of panic on his face—the secret technique of Red Lotus Possession was already prepared, and it was more than enough to deal with a five-star Dou Ancestor.

The Magma Lizardman clearly viewed Lin Chen as an intruder and prey; with a roar, its sharp claws tore through the magma, carrying terrifying power and scorching heat as it lunged directly for Lin Chen's head!

The speed was astonishing!

"Watch out!"

Skyfire Venerable cried out in alarm.

Lin Chen remained standing in place, his eyes cold as he watched the incoming Magma Lizardman. The moment the creature's claws were about to touch him, he finally moved!

At this critical juncture, a flash of blood-red light ignited in Lin Chen's eyes!

"Red Lotus... Possession!"

"BOOM!!!"

A surging, violent blood-colored flame erupted from within his body, instantly merging with him!

Lin Chen could clearly feel his Dou Qi skyrocketing; this power was enough to crush a five-star Dou Ancestor!

His hair transformed once again into burning blood-flames, red lotuses spun within his pupils, lotus patterns emerged on his skin, and his aura soared like a rocket!

Three-star Dou Emperor... five-star Dou Emperor... seven-star Dou Emperor... peak nine-star Dou Emperor!!!

His cultivation temporarily locked at the pinnacle of the Dou Emperor realm! He even faintly touched the barrier of the Dou Ancestor!

Lin Chen felt the surging power within his body and a cold smirk curled his lips—Magma Lizardman, today is the day you die!

The pressure radiating from his body, mixed with the purifying, judgmental aura of the Red Lotus Karma Fire, was not the slightest bit inferior to that of the five-star Dou Ancestor-level Magma Lizardman!

"What?!!"

Skyfire Venerable felt the terrifying power Lin Chen had instantly unleashed; his soul was nearly scattered from the shock, and he let out an incredulous shriek.

"This... what kind of secret technique is this?! How could it boost his strength so significantly?!"

Lin Chen listened to the shock of Yao Tianhuo and felt satisfied—this was the effect he wanted. Only by displaying absolute strength could he make Yao Tianhuo submit completely.

The Magma Lizardman's attack had already reached him!

Lin Chen did not dodge or evade; he pressed his fingers together like a sword, dark red blood-evil Dou Qi mixed with a trace of Red Lotus Karma Fire condensing at his fingertips.

He knew the first strike had to be stunning enough to completely shock Yao Tianhuo.

"Void-Splitting Sword Art, First Form: River Breaker!"

"Shhh—!"

A dark red sword-aura, extremely thin and sharp as if it could slice through space itself, suddenly shot out!

The sword-aura was wreathed in Karma Fire!

This Void-Splitting Sword Art was a high-tier Earth-grade Dou Technique recorded in the Styx inheritance; when cultivated to perfection, it was said to be able to tear through space with infinite power!

Lin Chen was confident that this strike was enough to break the Magma Lizardman's defense!

The sword-aura arrived before the lizardman's claws could land, striking with pinpoint precision at the weakest point of its grasp!

"Puchi!"

The dark red scales were sliced open as easily as paper, and green blood sprayed out, only to be instantly vaporized by the surrounding magma!

The Magma Lizardman let out a painful hiss, abruptly retracting its claws, a flicker of fear flashing in its eyes.

It clearly had not expected this seemingly weak human to be able to unleash such terrifying power and such a sharp attack!

Lin Chen looked at the lizardman's fearful eyes and sneered inwardly; know fear now? It's too late!

"ROAR!"

The Magma Lizardman flew into a rage, opening its maw to unleash a pillar of magma fire condensed to the extreme, mixed with its own violent Dou Qi, blasting toward Lin Chen like a volcanic eruption!

This strike was enough to severely injure or even kill a low-star Dou Ancestor!

Lin Chen's eyes narrowed; the power of this attack was indeed not weak, but to him now, it was nothing!

"Void-Splitting Sword Art, Second Form: Sea Divider!"

Lin Chen's eyes were cold; he held his hands in a void-grasp, and vast Dou Qi surged out, transforming into a massive blade of Karma Fire that he slashed fiercely toward the pillar of magma fire!

He wanted to let Yao Tianhuo see what true strength looked like!

"BOOM!!!"

A terrifying explosion erupted deep within the magma, the shockwave instantly displacing the surrounding molten rock to create a massive vacuum zone!

The pillar of magma was forcibly cleaved down the middle, surging away toward both sides!

Lin Chen's sword radiance, its momentum undiminished, slammed viciously into the chest of the Magma Lizardman!

"BANG!"

Scales shattered, and flesh and blood flew everywhere!

The Magma Lizardman let out a shrill, miserable howl as its massive body was sent flying backward from the force of the strike!

Lin Chen did not let up, knowing he had to end the battle quickly to avoid any unforeseen complications!

"Soul Impact? Red Lotus Karma Fire, burn the heart!"

Lin Chen pressed his advantage, his Spirit Realm soul power manifesting as an invisible spike that stabbed ruthlessly into the Lizardman's soul!

He knew that while the Lizardman possessed a formidable physical body, its soul defenses were weak—this was its fatal flaw!

Simultaneously, he flicked a tiny spark of Red Lotus Karma Fire from his fingertip; like a maggot burrowing into bone, it instantly sank into the wound on the Lizardman's chest, directly incinerating its soul origin!

The Lizardman's body stiffened violently, its vertical pupils filled with boundless agony and terror!

Attacks on the soul level combined with the burning of the Karma Fire were the greatest bane to a creature that relied so heavily on physical strength!

Lin Chen watched the Lizardman's agonizing display without a shred of pity—mercy toward an enemy was cruelty to oneself!

"Void-Splitting Sword Art, Third Form: Falling Star!"

Lin Chen's Dou Qi erupted without reservation, his entire being transforming into a burning, blood-colored meteor.

The phantom images of the Yuantu Abi Twin Swords flashed briefly behind him, amplifying the killing power of this strike!

He knew this blow would be enough to end the fight!

Using his hand as a blade, he became like a falling star from beyond the heavens, carrying the momentum to destroy everything in its path as he instantly pierced through the Lizardman's skull!

"SPLAT!"

Time seemed to stand still in that moment.

The Magma Lizardman's massive body froze in place; a gaping hole had appeared in its skull, and the soul within had been completely incinerated by the Karma Fire.

The next moment, its body sank powerlessly, its life force completely extinguished.

A five-star Dou Ancestor-level Magma Lizardman, dead!

From the moment Lin Chen unleashed his power to the slaying of his formidable foe, the entire process had taken less than a dozen breaths!

Lin Chen slowly withdrew his stance. Although the consumption was immense, he felt incredibly invigorated—not only had he eliminated the enemy, but he had also thoroughly intimidated Yao Tianhuo!

The soul form of Skyfire Venerable stared blankly at the Lizardman's corpse as it slowly sank into the depths of the magma, then looked at Lin Chen, whose aura was gradually stabilizing and whose face was slightly pale.

His entire soul was in a state of extreme shock and numbness.

A three-star Dou Emperor, using secret techniques to slay a five-star Dou Ancestor in reverse?!

And to do it deep within the magma, an environment extremely disadvantageous to human combat?!

This was no longer just a genius; this was a monster! A myth!

Lin Chen watched Yao Tianhuo's dazed expression and thought to himself that it seemed the man had been completely conquered by his strength.

"A peerless monster not seen in ten thousand years... this old man... this old man has truly had his eyes opened today..."

Skyfire Venerable muttered to himself, the trace of a senior's reserve that had previously lingered in his gaze toward Lin Chen vanishing completely.

In its place was deep awe and a sense of fortune.

To be able to follow such a figure—perhaps the hundred-year pact was not a shackle, but a heaven-sent opportunity!

Lin Chen exhaled a breath of stale air; using consecutive ultimate moves, especially the Red Lotus possession, had indeed been a massive drain.

He took a pill from his storage ring to restore his Dou Qi, slightly alleviating the emptiness within his body.

He waved his hand to collect the Lizardman's magic core and its valuable parts, then, without lingering, he sped upward.

The journey was silent; Skyfire Venerable was still immersed in such profound shock that he could not regain his senses.

Lin Chen did not disturb him, letting him digest the battle that had just transpired!

When Lin Chen returned to the upper layers of the magma, nearing the base of the Heavenly Burning Qi Refining Tower:

"HISSS!!"

The seven-colored little snake that had been quietly coiled around his wrist all this time—

After absorbing a large amount of the Fallen Heart Flame's origin and the pure energy that had dissipated during Lin Chen's battle—

Suddenly erupted with a dazzling, brilliant seven-colored light!

Lin Chen halted his ascent and looked down at his wrist, a hint of anticipation in his eyes.

"Are you finally waking up?"