A Strange Encounter at the Abyssal Bottom, the Venerable Wins His Heart! (Combined Chapter)

Lin Chen followed the faint yet distinctive sensation coming from the Red Lotus Karma Fire, continually diving toward the deepest part of the magma below.

The fluctuations of the karma fire at his fingertip grew clearer and clearer. He knew the target was close.

He had long known of Skyfire Venerable Yao Tianhuo.

Besides searching for the young Fallen Heart Flame, delving into the magma abyss this time—

Winning over this former Venerable was a crucial part of his plan.

The surrounding pressure was already terrifying enough to flatten fine steel into iron cakes, and the temperature was absurdly high.

Even an ordinary Dou Emperor probably couldn't last long here.

After diving an unknown distance, the surrounding magma gradually shifted from blue-white to a strange, milky sheen.

The heartfire energy it contained had grown thinner, yet purer and more ancient.

Lin Chen's eyes brightened. This energy fluctuation was the unique sign of a young Fallen Heart Flame. It seemed Yao Tianhuo was nearby.

At last, his feet touched a relatively solid riverbed made of some kind of heat-resistant black rock.

This place seemed like an underwater valley in a magma sea, dimly lit and utterly silent.

Lin Chen slowed his breathing and swept his gaze across the valley. He soon fixed on the figure at its center—the crystalline, jade-like skeleton, just as he remembered, with a phantom soul floating beside it. It was Yao Tianhuo!

A strange sight at the center of the valley caught Lin Chen's eye.

A crystalline, jade-like human skeleton sat cross-legged, a faint glow radiating from its bones.

It had somehow remained uncorrupted in this terrifying environment.

Lin Chen sighed inwardly. As expected of a Venerable-level powerhouse. Even after death, his remains could withstand the magma's erosion.

A transparent, milky-white flame, only about the size of a fist and appearing somewhat timid, floated over the skeleton's chest.

It flickered gently, giving off pure but faint heartfire energy.

Lin Chen's gaze settled on the flame. This was one of the goals of his trip—the young Fallen Heart Flame. With it, he could exchange for the mature one and use the opportunity to make Yao Tianhuo submit willingly.

It was indeed the young Fallen Heart Flame!

Beside the skeleton floated the faintly translucent figure of an elderly man.

His hair and beard were entirely white. His face bore the weariness of someone who had weathered countless hardships, but his gaze remained sharp.

Lin Chen knew this was Yao Tianhuo's remnant soul. Though his soul strength had dwindled to Mortal Realm Great Perfection, he still retained a Venerable's perspective and pride.

At that moment, he was staring at Lin Chen, who had suddenly intruded, with surprise and wariness.

"A soul body?"

Lin Chen glanced over the phantom figure and sensed his soul strength. It seemed to have weakened somewhat with the passage of time.

He remained impassive on the surface, but had already worked out what to say next. He needed to demonstrate his strength while leaving the other man a glimmer of hope—that was the only way to make Yao Tianhuo follow him willingly.

When the soul body saw the blood-red flames burning around Lin Chen, and especially when he felt the purifying aura of the Red Lotus Karma Fire that made his soul tremble, his face blanched with terror.

Instinctively, he started to retreat with the young flame.

"Please wait!"

Lin Chen's voice, carried by his soul power, reached him without a trace of hostility.

He knew Yao Tianhuo had been trapped here for years and would naturally be wary of outsiders. If he attacked recklessly, it would only backfire.

"I mean you no harm. If not for the aura of your young heartfire leading me here, I would never have found this place."

The soul body paused, eyeing Lin Chen with uncertainty. "You can sense its aura?"

"You... you have another, even more terrifying flame on you? Who exactly are you?"

"Lin Chen."

Lin Chen gave his name, his gaze passing over the skeleton and the young flame.

He knew his next words would be crucial to winning over Yao Tianhuo. He had to strike the right balance: he couldn't seem too calculating, but he needed to hit the other man where it hurt.

"It seems you've been here in seclusion for a long time. This young Fallen Heart Flame has been with you all this while?"

Seeing that Lin Chen really didn't seem about to seize it, the soul body relaxed a little and sighed. "This old man is Yao Tianhuo, known as Skyfire Venerable."

"Back then, I explored this place, hoping to subdue the mature Fallen Heart Flame. But I failed at the last moment, suffered severe injuries, and ultimately died here."

"Fortunately, my soul survived, and I've been with this young flame ever since it was born from the energy that escaped when I died... Alas, the years have rolled on. Who knows what year it is in the outside world now?"

His voice was filled with wistfulness and desolation.

Lin Chen was secretly delighted. As expected, Yao Tianhuo's desire to "leave" and "be reborn" was stronger than he'd imagined. This was the perfect moment to persuade him.

"Yao Tianhuo?"

He deliberately pretended not to know the other man's identity, which would help lower his guard.

He looked at the young Fallen Heart Flame and said:

"I'd like to make a deal with you."

"I need this young flame to exchange for the mature one. In return, I can take you out of here and promise to refine a body for you in the future, helping you be reborn."

"The price is that you must acknowledge me as your master and serve me for a hundred years. What do you say?"

As he said this, Lin Chen was entirely confident. He was certain Yao Tianhuo wouldn't refuse his only chance at rebirth.

At his words, Skyfire Venerable's soul body began to fluctuate violently, and an incredulous light flared in his eyes!

Leave this place! Be reborn!

Those two words held far too much allure for a soul that had been trapped underground for who knew how many years!

Lin Chen took it all in and sneered inwardly. As expected, no matter how proud a powerhouse was, even he could hardly stay calm in the face of "rebirth."

But Yao Tianhuo quickly composed himself and stared hard at Lin Chen. "Refine a body for me? Boy, do you know what grade of alchemist it takes to refine a body that can contain a Venerable-level soul?"

"At least a peak seventh-grade alchemist! You..."

He didn't finish, but his skepticism was clear.

Lin Chen had expected this question and had already prepared his answer: he would use his strength to shatter the other man's doubts.

Lin Chen didn't waste words. With a thought, an honorary president's badge appeared at his fingertips. Issued by the Alchemist Guild of the Jia Ma Empire, it gleamed with six stars and a distinctive cauldron pattern.

At the same time, he released a faint trace of his Spirit Realm soul power!

He knew that a Spirit Realm soul and an Alchemist Badge were the best proof of his abilities. They would be enough to convince Yao Tianhuo that he could help him be reborn.

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

As a former Venerable, Skyfire Venerable naturally had extraordinary discernment. He instantly recognized that the badge represented something far beyond an ordinary sixth-grade alchemist, and he sensed the soul power that surpassed the Mortal Realm by far!

Lin Chen watched the other man's shocked expression and felt quietly satisfied. The first step had succeeded.

"Though I'm only a sixth-grade alchemist for now, refining a body to contain your weakened soul will be more than within my capabilities."

"As for seventh grade and beyond, it's only a matter of time for me."

Lin Chen's tone was calm, yet carried an absolute confidence that inspired belief.

He knew that at this moment, confidence would be more persuasive than any explanation.

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

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

Skyfire Venerable looked at Lin Chen's far-too-young face and sensed his unfathomable flames and soul power. A storm surged through his heart.

Just who was this young man? Even calling him a prodigy wouldn't do his talent justice!

Lin Chen took in the other man's shock and thought, This is exactly the effect I want. Only if he's thoroughly convinced by my talent will he serve me faithfully in the future.

After endless years trapped here, he had long had his fill of loneliness and despair.

Now he had a chance to be reborn. Though it would cost him a hundred years of freedom, compared to being trapped underground forever, the choice was not difficult.

"Fine! This old man agrees!"

Skyfire Venerable hesitated for only a moment before answering decisively.

"If you truly can help me be reborn, then for a hundred years, I, Yao Tianhuo, will serve at your command without the slightest disloyalty!"

Hearing this, Lin Chen finally let go of his worries. His plan to win over Yao Tianhuo had succeeded halfway.

"A wise choice."

Lin Chen nodded and sent out a gentle stream of karma-fire power, temporarily nourishing Skyfire Venerable's soul body to keep it from continuing to dissipate.

He knew he needed to show "sincerity" now, so Yao Tianhuo would lower his guard completely.

Then, he carefully wrapped the timid young Fallen Heart Flame in Red Lotus Karma Fire, separated it from the mature flame's seed, and safely stored it in a specially made jade bottle.

The deal was done, and he had gained more than he'd hoped.

Lin Chen was pleased. Not only had he obtained the young flame, but he had also won a potential Venerable-level ally. The trip had been well worth it.

Lin Chen was about to leave the magma abyss with Skyfire Venerable's soul and the young flame.

But just as he turned to rise—

"Hisss—!"

A shrill, piercing hiss suddenly rang out from a magma current to the side!

Lin Chen frowned, thinking, This is bad. I actually forgot that a Five-Star Dou Zong-level Magma Lizardman lives deep in this magma. Still, this is a good chance to let Yao Tianhuo see my strength and completely dispel any lingering wishful thinking.

A moment later, a violent, ferocious aura at the level of a Five-Star Dou Zong burst forth, locking onto Lin Chen!

Splash!

The magma exploded, and a massive figure shot out!

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

A pair of slit pupils gleamed with cruel, bloodthirsty light as it stared fixedly at Lin Chen—or, more precisely, at the soul body and Heavenly Flame in his hands, both brimming with pure energy!

"A Magma Lizardman?! A Five-Star Dou Zong, no less?!"

Skyfire Venerable's soul let out a terrified shriek.

"Boy! Run! This creature is native to this Magma World, and it's extremely vicious. It usually only moves in the deeper regions. Why would it appear here?!"

"You're no match for it!"

Hearing Yao Tianhuo's panicked cry, Lin Chen felt no fear. On the contrary, he was looking forward to it. This was the perfect chance to show Yao Tianhuo just how strong his "master" really was.

Five-Star Dou Zong!

That was two whole major realms above Lin Chen's apparent Three-Star Dou Huang, with the crucial barrier of the Dou Zong realm in between!

In Skyfire Venerable's eyes, it was an utterly unassailable foe!

Lin Chen watched the other man's panicked soul body and chuckled inwardly. Just wait. You'll see what a surprise looks like.

Lin Chen's brow furrowed slightly as a flicker of doubt crossed his mind.

By all rights, a Lizardman of this level shouldn't have appeared at this depth.

But he showed no hint of panic. The Red Lotus Possession secret technique was ready to go, more than enough to handle a Five-Star Dou Zong.

The Lizardman clearly saw Lin Chen as an intruder and prey. With a roar, it tore through the magma with its claws, bringing terrifying force and searing heat as it lunged straight for Lin Chen's head!

It was astonishingly fast!

"Watch out!"

Skyfire Venerable cried out.

Yet Lin Chen remained where he stood, watching the oncoming Lizardman with cold eyes. Only when its claws were about to touch him did he finally move!

At that critical moment, a flash of red flared in Lin Chen's eyes!

"Red Lotus... Possession!"

"BOOM!!!"

Blood-red flames, more surging and powerful than before, erupted from his body and instantly merged with him!

Lin Chen could clearly feel the Dou Qi in his body surging wildly. This power was enough to crush a Five-Star Dou Zong!

His hair became burning blood-red flames once more, a Red Lotus spun in his eyes, and lotus patterns emerged on his skin. His aura soared like a rocket!

Three-Star Dou Huang... Five-Star Dou Huang... Seven-Star Dou Huang... Peak Nine-Star Dou Emperor!!!

His cultivation temporarily reached the very limit of the Dou Emperor realm! He even seemed to brush against the barrier of the Dou Zong realm!

Feeling the surging power within him, Lin Chen curled his lips into a cold smile. Magma Lizardman, today will be your last day!

The pressure emanating from him, mingled with the purifying judgment of Red Lotus Karma Fire, was in no way inferior to that of the Five-Star Dou Zong-level Lizardman!

"What?!!"

Feeling the terrifying power Lin Chen had unleashed in an instant, Skyfire Venerable's soul nearly scattered in shock. He let out an incredulous shriek.

"Wh-what kind of secret technique is this?! How can it increase your strength so much?!"

Hearing Yao Tianhuo's shock, Lin Chen was satisfied. This was exactly the effect he wanted. Only by displaying overwhelming strength could he make Yao Tianhuo submit completely.

The Lizardman's attack had already reached him!

Lin Chen neither dodged nor retreated. Joining his fingers like a sword, he gathered dark-red Blood Fiend Dou Qi and a trace of Red Lotus Karma Fire at his fingertips.

He knew his first attack had to be dazzling enough to thoroughly awe Yao Tianhuo.

"Void-Splitting Sword Art, first form: River Breaker!"

"Shhk—!"

A dark-red sword ray, so fine and thin it seemed capable of slicing through space, shot out!

Karma fire coiled around the sword ray!

This Void-Splitting Sword Art was a High-grade Earth-tier Dou Technique recorded in the Styx inheritance. Once mastered, it was said to tear through space, wielding boundless power!

Lin Chen was confident this single sword strike would be enough to break through the Lizardman's defenses!

The sword ray overtook the Lizardman's attack and struck the weakest point of its claws with pinpoint precision!

"Pfft!"

Its dark-red scales split open as easily as paper, and green blood sprayed out, instantly vaporizing in the surrounding magma!

The Lizardman let out a pained hiss and jerked its claw back, a flicker of fear in its eyes.

It clearly hadn't expected this seemingly weak human to unleash such terrifying power and such a keen attack!

Lin Chen saw the fear in the Lizardman's eyes and sneered inwardly. Scared now? Too late!

"Roar!"

The Lizardman flew into a rage, opened its jaws, and unleashed a magma pillar condensed to the utmost, mixed with its own savage Dou Qi. It blasted toward Lin Chen like an erupting volcano!

This attack was powerful enough to severely wound or even kill a low-star Dou Zong!

Lin Chen's gaze sharpened. The attack was indeed formidable, but against him now, it was nothing!

"Void-Splitting Sword Art, second form: Parting the Sea!"

Lin Chen's eyes were icy as he cupped his hands, unleashing his surging Dou Qi in the form of a colossal karma-fire sword beam. He swung it down hard at the magma pillar!

He would show Yao Tianhuo what true strength looked like!

"Rumble!!!"

A terrifying explosion erupted deep beneath the magma. The shock wave instantly swept the surrounding magma away, creating a vast vacuum!

The pillar of magma was forcibly cleaved in two, spilling away to either side!

Lin Chen's sword beam continued unabated, slamming into the Lizardman's chest!

"Bang!"

Its scales shattered, flesh and blood spraying everywhere!

The Lizardman let out a shrill, agonized howl as its massive body was sent flying backward!

Lin Chen pressed his advantage, knowing he had to end the fight quickly before anything could go wrong!

"Soul Shock? Karma Fire Burns the Heart!"

Lin Chen pressed his advantage. The soul power of the Spirit Realm became an invisible spike and stabbed viciously into the Lizardman's soul!

He knew its body was powerful, but its soul defenses were weak. That was its fatal flaw!

At the same time, a tiny Red Lotus Karma Fire sprang from his fingertip. Like a thorn lodged in its flesh, it instantly sank into the wound in the Lizardman's chest and began burning its Soul Origin!

The Lizardman's body suddenly stiffened, its slit pupils filled with boundless pain and terror!

Attacks on the soul and the searing Karma Fire were the greatest bane of creatures like it, which relied on physical strength!

Lin Chen watched the Lizardman's agony without the slightest pity. Mercy toward an enemy was cruelty toward oneself!

"Void-Splitting Sword Art, third form—Falling Star!"

Dou Qi erupted from Lin Chen without restraint, and he became a burning blood-red meteor.

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

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

Using his hand as a sword, he shot forward like a meteor from beyond the heavens, carrying the force to destroy all things, and pierced straight through the Lizardman's head!

"Pffft!"

Time seemed to freeze in that instant.

The Lizardman's massive body stiffened in place. A huge hole had appeared in its head, and the soul within had been completely incinerated by the Karma Fire.

The next moment, its body sank limply, its life force extinguished for good.

A five-star Dou Zong-ranked Magma Lizardman—dead!

From Lin Chen's eruption of power to the slaying of his formidable foe, the entire battle had lasted no more than a dozen breaths!

Lin Chen slowly lowered his hand. Though he was greatly spent, his heart was light—he had not only dealt with the enemy, but thoroughly cowed Yao Tianhuo as well!

The soul body 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 breathing was gradually settling and whose face had grown somewhat pale.

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

A three-star Dou Emperor using a secret art to slay a five-star Dou Zong?!

And in the depths of the magma, where conditions were extremely unfavorable for humans?!

This was beyond monstrous talent. He was a monster—a living legend!

Looking at Yao Tianhuo's stunned expression, Lin Chen thought to himself that the man had clearly been completely won over by his strength.

"A peerless prodigy unseen for ten thousand years... I... I've truly had my eyes opened today..."

Skyfire Venerable murmured to himself. The last trace of a senior's composure vanished from his gaze toward Lin Chen.

In its place was deep awe—and gratitude.

To follow someone like him, the hundred-year agreement might not be a shackle at all, but an immense stroke of fortune!

Lin Chen slowly exhaled the stale air in his lungs. Using one ultimate move after another had taken a great deal out of him, especially the Red Lotus possession.

He took a pill from his storage ring to replenish his Dou Qi and swallowed it, easing the emptiness within him a little.

With a wave of his hand, he collected the Lizardman's Magic Core and its valuable parts. Then, without lingering, he sped upward.

They traveled in silence. Skyfire Venerable remained immersed in the immense shock, unable to come back to himself.

Lin Chen did not disturb him, letting him process the battle he had just witnessed!

When Lin Chen rose back to the upper layer of the magma, nearing the bottom of the Heavenly Burning Qi Refining Tower:

"Hiss!!"

The Seven-Colored Little Snake, which had been quietly coiled around his wrist all this time,

had absorbed a great deal of the Fallen Heart Flame's origin and the pure energy that had scattered during Lin Chen's battle.

Suddenly, its body burst into dazzling, seven-colored light!

Lin Chen stopped rising and looked down at his wrist, a trace of anticipation in his eyes.

"Are you finally waking up?"