Blazing Lotus Burns the Heavens and the Struggle for Authority

Magical Beast Mountain Range, atop the cliff.

Time seemed to be seized by an invisible giant hand, freezing in the pupils of Mu Li, which were already dilated to the extreme in sheer terror. The figure wreathed in bone-chilling flame looked like a demon god stepping out from the nine nether hells, radiating an aura that chilled the soul. Above that heavy xuan ruler, a bizarre energy sphere compressed to its limit was constantly emitting waves of destruction. It felt like a curse from the abyss, instantly occupying his entire field of vision and leaving him nowhere to run!

"No--!" Mu Li only had time to let out a desperate, agonizing roar, a sound filled with the fear of death and a craving for life. His survival instinct, like a crazed beast, rampaged within him, driving him to frantically circulate his Dou Qi. In an instant, layers of earthy-yellow Dou Qi shields manifested before him, stacking up like a sturdy fortress in a futile attempt to block the impending catastrophe.

However, in the face of the embryonic Buddha Fury Fire Lotus—fused with the origin power of the Bone Chilling Flame, driven by the full soul power of Yao Lao, and ignited by the will of Xiao Yan—all such defenses appeared pale and laughable. They were like city walls made of paper, utterly incapable of obstructing that surging, torrential power.

"Buddha! Fury! Fire! Lotus!"

The voice of Xiao Yan (Yao Lao) was like the pronouncement of the Grim Reaper, cold and majestic, as if a judgment from another world, making one's blood run cold. The Heavy Xuan Ruler, burning with bone-chilling flame, carried that highly unstable energy sphere and slashed down like a meteor streaking across the sky!

"BOOM--!!!"

A terrifying explosion, indescribable in words, bloomed violently atop the cliff, like an evil flower blossoming on the edge of death. The power of the blast seemed as if it would tear the entire world asunder.

The first to erupt was the ultimate light! A blinding sphere of light, over ten zhang in diameter and mixed with bone-chilling white and pale yellow, expanded instantly. It was like a giant sun, swallowing Mu Li and the several mercenaries nearby who failed to dodge in time. The radiance was so intense that the entire mountain forest turned as bright as day, as if noon had arrived prematurely; even the bright moon in the sky was eclipsed by this light, appearing like a pearl that had lost its luster.

Following closely was the destructive energy shockwave, arriving like an irresistible, surging tide! It felt like billions of invisible giant waves, centered on the explosion, spreading crazily in a ring toward the surroundings. Wherever it passed, the air was instantly evacuated and twisted, emitting shrill, ear-piercing sonic booms as if the heavens themselves were wailing in pain. The solid rocky ground was lifted layer by layer like fragile crackers before this terrifying power, then ruthlessly pulverized into flying stone dust. Those ancient trees, thick as a man's embrace, were even less capable of resisting this violent force; they were uprooted and instantly ground into powder within the raging energy storm, dissipating into nothingness.

Only then did the delayed, deafening sound finally explode! It was as if ten thousand thunders had detonated by one's ears simultaneously, a terrifying roar that seemed intent on tearing the heavens and earth apart. The sound ruptured the eardrums of the mercenaries watching from afar, causing blood to gush from their seven orifices. They screamed, rolling on the ground like fallen leaves swept by a gale, in unbearable agony.

The core area of the explosion had turned into a living hell! A giant pit several zhang deep appeared on the cliff, its walls smooth as mirrors as if meticulously carved by nature, covered in a thick layer of glass-like crystals. This was the strange product of rock being melted by extreme heat and then rapidly cooled. The pit was charred black and filled with a pungent, burnt stench. Aside from a few wisps of rising blue smoke and scattered, unrecognizable charred fragments, Mu Li and the mercenaries beside him—along with their weapons and armor—had been completely vaporized, leaving not a trace behind. They were truly reduced to nothing.

As for the wisp of gray-white poison gas that had mixed into the destructive storm, it was not annihilated by the high temperature and pressure of the explosion. Instead, like an activated viper, it instantly spread and permeated the area. Those mercenaries who were slightly further away and had luckily escaped being directly swallowed by the explosion were contaminated by this invisible poison. Before they could even scream, their bodies turned gray and stiff at a speed visible to the naked eye, as if they were stone statues rapidly weathered by the passage of time. Their vitality drained away like flowing water, and they eventually collapsed in a heap as rigid, gray corpses.

Silence! A deathly silence shrouded the entire mountain forest, as if time itself had frozen at this moment.

The surviving Wolf Head mercenaries stood there blankly, like ducks whose necks had been throttled, their eyes filled with fear and despair. They stared at the shocking, giant glass-like pit on the cliff, at the terrifying gray "stone statues" near the edge, and at the young figure standing amidst the ruins and smoke, holding a black ruler with the bone-chilling flames slowly extinguishing, looking like a god of war. A sense of indescribable awe and terror surged in their hearts.

Fear, like a bone-chilling current, seeped into their marrow, drowning them all completely. Any obsession with revenge or desire for greed vanished like a dream or bubble in the face of this absolute power and the fear of death that followed like a shadow.

"A devil... he is a devil!" Someone whispered, their voice trembling like a leaf in the wind, laden with endless terror and despair.

"Run! Run for your lives!" Following this, a shrill scream laced with sobbing tore through the deathly silence, like a final distress signal in the dark. The surviving mercenaries, like birds startled by the mere twang of a bow, instantly lost their composure. They abandoned their armor and weapons, fleeing for their lives in a pathetic, scrambling mess toward the foot of the mountain, as if demons from hell were chasing them. They only hated that their parents hadn't given them more legs to run faster.

Atop the cliff, only Xiao Yan, Xiao Yi Xian, and the chaotic, silent, yet chillingly terrifying scene remained.

"Thump!" The terrifying aura on Xiao Yan's body receded like a retreating tide, and his face instantly turned as pale as paper, devoid of all color. A mouthful of blood sprayed out uncontrollably, tracing a shocking arc in the air. His body swayed as if a light breeze could topple him, and he finally collapsed onto one knee. Only the Heavy Xuan Ruler, thrust deep into the ground, barely supported his tottering frame. Forcing himself to unleash power far beyond his own limits had severely damaged his meridians; it felt as if every inch of his vessels were burning and shattering.

"Xiao Yan!" Xiao Yi Xian cried out, her voice filled with anxiety and concern. She hurried forward to gently support him, her clear, water-like eyes brimming with worry and lingering fear. The terrifying momentum of that strike just now had made her heart palpitate even from a distance, as if her soul had been shaken by that power.

"I... am fine..." Xiao Yan shook his head weakly, his voice as faint as a mosquito's hum. He looked at the terrifying scene before him, which looked as if it had been struck by a meteorite, his eyes filled with shock and a trace of bewilderment. Was this... the power Teacher had lent him? So powerful, yet so dangerous. And that gray-white poison gas integrated within it seemed to hide endless secrets...

"This place is not suitable for lingering!" Yao Lao's weak but unprecedentedly grave voice echoed in Xiao Yan's mind. "The commotion caused by that strike was simply too great; the entire outer perimeter of the Magical Beast Mountain Range will likely be alerted. Leave quickly, find a hidden place to heal; not a moment can be delayed!"

Xiao Yan's heart jolted as if struck by a bolt of cold lightning, instantly sobering him. He forced his tottering body to stand, and with Xiao Yi Xian's gentle yet firm support, the two vanished like startled birds into the night, which was filled with the scent of smoke and death. They left behind only the giant glass-like pit, a hideous scar on the earth that silently yet powerfully spoke of the chilling, terrifying might of the Buddha Fury Fire Lotus upon its first appearance. It was foreseeable that the name of Xiao Yan would soon stir up a storm like a tempest in Green Mountain Town and even in the wider world, becoming the focus of everyone's attention.

Snake-People Tribe Sanctuary, outer perimeter guard tower.

Xiao Zhan stood tall and straight at the high tower window, his gaze like a torch piercing through the layers of night, looking directly toward the center of the sanctuary. There, a massive, violent, and destructive wave of fire energy was surging frantically under the constraints of a seal, like a suppressed volcano about to erupt, seemingly intent on breaking through all shackles to release its infinite power. Queen Medusa had already begun her bloodline evolution; this was the critical moment concerning the future fate of the Snake-People Tribe.

The atmosphere was thick with tension, nearly suffocating. Four powerful auras belonging to Dou King elders stood like four pillars supporting the heavens, firmly locking onto the altar area and exerting all their strength to maintain the stability of the sealing barrier. Yue Mei stood not far from Xiao Zhan, her emerald vertical pupils scanning every corner of the sanctuary's perimeter with the vigilance of a sharp blade. Her pretty face was taut, like a fully drawn bowstring, ready to deal with any potential danger at any moment.

"Will the people from the Soul Hall really come?" Yue Mei's voice carried a trace of imperceptible anxiety, like a candle flame flickering in a breeze. The Queen's evolution had reached its most critical juncture; it could not tolerate the slightest interference, as any accident could lead to irreversible consequences.

"They will never give up." Xiao Zhan's expression was grave as he spoke in a low voice. His soul power spread out like an invisible yet dense spiderweb, covering the widest possible range. He did not let a single ripple of energy inside or outside the barrier escape his notice, like a meticulous guard carefully screening for any possible danger. "Although Protector Wu has retreated, the methods of the Soul Hall have always been mysterious and unpredictable; they must have hidden back-ups. Beware of those..." Before he could finish his sentence, a sudden change occurred!

"Swish! Swish! Swish!"

Several streaks of pitch-black light, so subtle they were nearly imperceptible, shot out from the shadows of the sanctuary's perimeter without warning. They were like vipers blending into the night, silent yet carrying lethal danger! Their target was not the sacred altar, but the towers where the four Dou King elders maintaining the barrier were stationed, seemingly intent on breaking this critical line of defense in one fell swoop.

"Enemy attack!" Yue Mei reacted as fast as lightning, issuing a sharp warning! At the same time, her long, powerful snake tail lashed out, and a streak of emerald Dou Qi, like a fierce whip, whistled through the air and slammed into a streak of black light heading toward Xiao Zhan's tower!

"Clang!"

A crisp sound echoed in the night sky! The black streak was accurately struck by Yue Mei's Dou Qi, revealing its true form—a black shuttle dart engraved with bizarre runes, emitting a cold, soul-chilling aura! The dart was knocked away, but the cold energy attached to it acted like a chill, causing Yue Mei's Dou Qi to fluctuate, showing faint signs of being eroded.

The Dou King elders in the other towers also sensed the danger and moved to intercept! Most of the darts were knocked away or blocked by their attacks, but one dart, angled as deviously as a ghost, actually pierced through a defense hastily set up by an elder. Like a sharp blade, it slammed into the outer wall of his tower with a dull thud.

"Hum--!"

The outer wall of the tower struck by the bizarre dart instantly lit up with countless twisted, coiling black runes, like the hideous maw of a demon opening wide. Immediately after, a powerful force of spatial interference and soul erosion erupted! The Dou King elder felt a chill pierce straight into his soul and couldn't help but let out a muffled groan. His aura instantly became chaotic, and the power he was using to maintain the barrier showed obvious fluctuations, like a lake being stirred up.

The massive, pale-purple barrier guarding the sanctuary shook violently, like a fragile bubble caught in a gale! Its light flickered, as if it might extinguish at any moment, exposing the sanctuary to endless crisis.

"Hehehe... Medusa, if I don't take your life now, when will I?" A sinister, eerie laugh came as if from the deepest part of the nine nether hells, laden with endless cold and malice. Three figures shrouded in wide black robes, their auras as gloomy as reality itself, appeared like ghosts at the point where the barrier was fluctuating most violently. The leader's aura had reached the terrifying realm of a three-star Dou Zong, radiating a chilling pressure—it was none other than the returning Protector Wu! The two beside him were also Soul Hall powerhouses at the Dou Huang level, exuding cold, sinister auras as if they were messengers from hell.

The three did not hesitate, seizing the moment when the barrier was unstable to strike simultaneously. Three pitch-black energy beams, condensed with terrifying soul power, were like spears of judgment from hell. They tore through space with the momentum to destroy everything, emitting sharp whistles as they slammed toward the altar in the center of the sanctuary, where light flickered and violent energy raged!

Their target was Queen Medusa, who was at the critical node of her evolution; if the attack succeeded, the consequences would be unimaginable.

"Stop them!" Yue Mei's eyes were bloodshot, her emerald vertical pupils burning like fire. She rushed toward the nearest attack regardless of the cost, her snake tail lashing out with a fierce wind. The other three Dou King elders also roared, unleashing their strongest Dou Techniques. Their bodies shone brightly like burning stars as they attempted to intercept the three lethal energy beams to protect the sanctuary.

However, the gap in strength between the two sides was like a chasm! For Dou Kings to face Dou Zong and Dou Huang powerhouses was no different from a mantis trying to stop a chariot or an egg striking a rock; they simply could not block the powerful onslaught.

Seeing those three death beams, like the scythes of the Grim Reaper, carrying the momentum to destroy everything, about to strike the altar and reduce everything to dust!

At this critical, life-or-death moment!

"ROAR--!!!"

A majestic and domineering dragon roar, as if traveling from the ancient primordial era, carried an unyielding will and the determination to protect. It exploded like a thunderclap from the nine heavens over the sanctuary's perimeter, shaking the very heavens and earth!

Xiao Zhan moved! He no longer hid his true strength! His Dou Zong-level aura erupted like a volcanic explosion, and a golden Dragon Phoenix phantom flashed behind him, as if an ancient divine beast had awakened. He took a step, his figure teleporting like a ghost, and instantly appeared in front of the thickest, most dangerous black beam—the lethal strike launched by Protector Wu!

He quickly formed seals with his hands, his internal Dou Qi surging like a rushing river, burning and merging frantically with the mysterious power of the Dragon Phoenix Tyrant Body Art.

"Dragon Phoenix Tyrant Body! Defend!"

Following his low shout, a massive energy shield woven from crimson-gold dragon scale patterns instantly coalesced. Upon the shield, the phantom of a Dragon Phoenix circled and danced, radiating an ancient aura that felt indestructible and impervious to all techniques, as if it were the sturdiest barrier between heaven and earth.

"BOOM—!!!"

The pitch-black pillar of soul light, like a violent dragon, slammed fiercely into the crimson-gold shield, emitting a deafening roar. The terrifying explosion instantly swallowed Xiao Zhan, with scorching energy raging like a tidal wave. The surging energy shockwave shook the surrounding towers until they teetered, as if they might collapse at any moment. Yue Mei and the others were blown away by the violent blast, fluttering to the ground like kites with broken strings.

"Xiao Zhan!" Yue Mei gasped, her eyes filled with disbelief. He had actually... been hiding such astonishing strength all along?!

Smoke and dust, like hideous demons, permeated the air. The shield, shimmering with crimson-gold light, finally shattered inch by inch under the continuous impact of Protector Wu's powerful attack, dissolving into formless specks of light. Xiao Zhan's figure flew backward like a bird with broken wings, blood spraying from his mouth like blooming crimson flowers. He slammed heavily into the distant stone wall, leaving deep indentations, and his aura withered instantly. His entire being seemed drained of all strength, clearly having suffered grave injuries. Yet, with his own body, he had blocked this most lethal strike from Protector Wu for the altar, standing like a resolute fortress guarding the final hope.

Meanwhile, the other two Dou Emperor-level attacks whistled toward them like two ferocious dragons. One was forcibly diverted by a Dou King elder who, risking severe injury, used his own flesh and blood to nudge it off course; it grazed the edge of the altar and exploded into a massive crater on the ground in the distance, sending dust flying as if the earth itself had been torn asunder. The other slammed solidly into the sealing energy surrounding the altar, emitting a thunderous roar.

"BOOM—!!!"

The entire altar vibrated violently, like a giant drum struck by a massive hammer. Under this powerful impact, two of the eight energy chains binding the Green Lotus Core Flame snapped instantly. The violent cyan flames surged like wild horses, running rampant and igniting everything in their path. The purple figure at the center of the altar shuddered violently, as if gripped by an invisible giant hand, and let out a muffled groan of extreme pain. Her evolution process was severely disrupted, like a lone boat tossing in a storm.

"Bastards!!" Protector Wu was both shocked and furious. His already gloomy face became even more twisted, and murderous intent surged in his eyes. Like a provoked beast, he prepared to strike again to utterly destroy everything before him.

Just at this moment!

"SCREECH—!!!"

A sharp, piercing cry that penetrated the soul and was filled with boundless majesty and rage erupted from the center of the altar, sounding like the roar of an ancient deity. A terrifying pressure, far exceeding what had come before, descended with the force of a world-ending catastrophe, like a primordial beast awakening, causing the entire space to tremble.

The chains binding the Heavenly Flame shattered inch by inch under the violent energy impact, emitting crisp, decisive snapping sounds. The endless cyan flames, like beasts long imprisoned, were about to surge wildly when they were forcibly suppressed and swallowed by an invisible yet powerful force, gradually returning to calm. At the center of the altar, the purple figure rose slowly amidst the raging flames, like a phoenix reborn from the fire, carrying boundless mystery and majesty.

Her form had undergone a heaven-turning, earth-shattering transformation that was nothing short of breathtaking. The original purple snake tail had vanished, replaced by a pair of slender, flawless jade feet that looked like meticulously carved works of art. The purple brocade robe had turned to ash in the roaring flames, and a magnificent long dress, condensed from pure cyan flame energy, gently wrapped around her breathtaking physique, radiating a scorching and enchanting glow. Her face remained stunningly beautiful, like a celestial being descended to earth, but a profound cyan flame mark had appeared between her brows, resembling the most mysterious rune in the world. Deep within her purple eyes, two clusters of jumping cyan flames burned, as brilliant and dazzling as the stars.

A terrifying aura, surpassing the peak of the Dou Emperor and causing the soul to tremble, swept through the entire sanctuary like a hurricane, distorting space wherever it passed. Had Queen Medusa truly succeeded in her evolution? (At the very least, she had temporarily suppressed the Heavenly Flame and completed her initial metamorphosis, stepping into an entirely new realm!)

Her gaze, like burning cyan ice picks, carried endless chill and murderous intent as it locked onto Protector Wu and the other two Soul Hall Dou Emperors. The sharpness and decisiveness in that look were enough to freeze space, sending shivers down one's spine.

"Soul Hall scum... you all, deserve to die!" Her voice was cold and absolute, like a judgment from hell.

Wutan City, the top floor of the Miteer Auction House, in a quiet private room.

The light emitted by the Seven Purple Gold Token acted like invisible shackles, pinning Mu Tie firmly in place and leaving him unable to move. His burly frame trembled slightly, as if bearing immense pressure. Cold sweat beaded on his forehead, sliding down his rugged cheeks. That stern face was now filled with humiliation, shock, and disbelief. The prestige of Great Elder Teng Shan seemed so pale and powerless before this token, which represented one of the family's highest authorities, as if a mere breeze could blow it away.

Ya Fei held the Seven Purple Gold Token, her entire being radiating an inviolable, noble aura, like a queen wielding the power of life and death. She looked down at Mu Tie with a cold, piercing gaze, her voice carrying unquestionable majesty: "Commander Mu Tie, at this moment, do you still intend to 'take over' that batch of medicinal pills?"

Mu Tie's Adam's apple bobbed as if a thousand-pound weight pressed upon his throat. He swallowed with difficulty, his voice dry and hoarse, as if squeezed from the depths of his throat: "I... I dare not! Miss Ya Fei... since you hold the Seven Purple Gold Token, naturally... naturally everything shall be done according to your instructions!" Having said this, he slowly lowered his once-proud head, not daring to meet the gaze of the token again, as if looking at it for even a second longer would be a desecration of its authority.

"Very good." A cold arc curled the corners of Ya Fei's lips, like a touch of frost in winter. She then gently put away the token, and the majestic aura quietly receded, returning her to her usual languid and charming self. However, the sharpness in her eyes remained as bright as stars in the dark night, flickering with keen light. "Regarding the medicinal pills, I will strictly follow the contract and auction them at the Imperial Capital headquarters, and the profits will be turned over to the family according to the rules. As for Clan Leader Xiao, he is not only an important partner of the auction house but also a dear friend of mine. His information is classified as top secret and must not be leaked. If anyone else in the Imperial Capital asks about this..."

Her beautiful eyes shifted, her gaze shooting toward Mu Tie like lightning, her voice soft yet carrying an unquestionable warning, like a blade hidden in a spring breeze: "Tell them to bring the Clan Leader's personal order, or... the token of another Supreme Elder, to come and negotiate with me."

Mu Tie's heart shook violently, cold sweat soaking his back. He knew the weight of Ya Fei's words. This was an open challenge to Great Elder Teng Shan! Her supporter... could it be the Ice Emperor Hai Bo Dong, who had been in seclusion for years and held a status even higher than Great Elder Teng Shan?! Thinking of this, he couldn't help but shudder.

"Yes... yes! This subordinate understands!" Mu Tie dared not voice any further objections and hurriedly bowed, his posture extremely low, like a devout believer praying to a deity.

"Hmm." Ya Fei nodded with satisfaction, then lazily sat back on the soft couch, like a cat returning to its nest, elegant and relaxed. "Commander Mu, you must be exhausted from your journey. Rest at the auction house for a few days. Master Gu Ni, please take Commander Mu to the best guest room and treat him well; do not be negligent."

"Yes, Miss Ya Fei." Gu Ni hurriedly replied, his eyes full of awe as he looked at Ya Fei, as if gazing up at an unreachable mountain peak.

Hearing this, Mu Tie felt as if he had been granted amnesty, his tense nerves instantly relaxing. Led by Gu Ni, he slunk out of the private room, his back revealing a sense of wretchedness as he fled.

As the door creaked shut, the strong and confident smile on Ya Fei's face vanished instantly, replaced by a trace of undisguised exhaustion and deep-seated worry. She moved with lotus steps to the window, her gaze crossing the bustling streets toward the direction of the Magical Beast Mountain Range, which loomed in the night.

"Xiao Zhan... where are you? What kind of trouble have you encountered?" she whispered, her voice as soft as a sigh in the night breeze, while her jade hand unconsciously gripped the warm jade slip (Flowing Cloud Steps). That strong counterattack just now was not only to maintain her status in the auction house and fulfill her promise to Xiao Zhan, but also because she had an inexplicable premonition deep in her heart—Xiao Zhan was in urgent need of time, and she had to clear away all obstacles and trouble within Wutan City for him!

She turned slowly, her eyes instantly becoming sharp and decisive, like a drawn sword: "Master Gu Ni!"

"Please instruct me, Miss." Gu Ni bowed slightly, his attitude extremely respectful, as if he would go through fire and water without hesitation the moment Ya Fei gave the order.

"Immediately activate all our informants in the Magical Beast Mountain Range! Spare no cost to find the whereabouts of Clan Leader Xiao Zhan! If there is any lead, report it immediately!" Ya Fei ordered, her tone firm and decisive, allowing for no questioning.

"Yes!" Gu Ni accepted the order and left in a hurry, carrying a determination to complete the mission.

Ya Fei looked again at the vast night sky outside the window, dotted with stars, yet unable to dispel the gloom in her heart. Her charming eyes flashed with wisdom and determination, like the brightest stars in the night sky. The shifting winds and clouds of Wutan City had only just begun to unfold. And on her chessboard, the man named Xiao Zhan was a crucial piece, one that concerned the direction of the entire game. No matter where he was, she had to ensure that when he returned, Wutan City would be entirely under her control, becoming his most solid backing!