In the next instant, blazing crimson flames slowly rose around the figure. Its originally hazy, illusory outline gradually solidified, and Flame Ancestor's remnant soul fully manifested.
Flame Ancestor was not particularly burly, yet he possessed an imposing aura capable of crushing the ages. His long hair was crimson like molten lava, casually draped over his shoulders, with tiny arcs of lightning faintly flickering between the strands...
His face bore the weathered ravines left by time, yet his eyes showed none of the dullness of old age. They were deep and burning...
Flame Ancestor wore an ancient, dark-red loose robe, its fabric engraved with naturally formed Nine-Dragon flame patterns. Where the hem hung, space distorted slightly, and a faint pressure of thunder and flame silently spread. Without deliberately releasing any battle qi, he carried the overbearing sharpness unique to an ancient supreme expert.
Seeing this, Yao Xuan did not dare be negligent. He hurriedly bowed and cupped his hands, his expression solemn.
"Junior Yao Xuan greets Senior!"
Flame Ancestor raised his eyes faintly, his calm gaze falling upon Yao Xuan. That single glance seemed to pierce straight to his origin. After a moment, he spoke in a deep voice.
"Indeed, you are not from Flame Valley."
Yao Xuan lowered his head and answered frankly.
"This junior is indeed not a disciple of Flame Valley. I am merely an independent cultivator on the current Battle Qi Continent."
Hearing this, Flame Ancestor's lips curled into a faint smile, his tone calm.
"An independent cultivator? An ordinary independent cultivator would not have Yao Clan bloodline hidden within him. You should be from the Yao Clan, though your bloodline power is thin and weak. Even if you were born into a branch of the Yao Clan, your circumstances within the clan in your early years