The firelight came from a Rift Valley on the western side of Sunset Forest.
Black volcanic rock covered the valley floor, and heat streamed from cracks in the ground. Rainwater left from the night before turned to roiling white mist the moment it flowed in.
A Scarlet Flame Earth Dragon lay on a rock platform.
It had no true dragon bloodline, but its build was fierce all the same. Reddish-brown scales covered its body, its limbs were short and powerful, and blade-shaped spikes lined its spine. Sparks flew from its nostrils with every breath.
Bai Jin needed only one look to make his assessment.
"About seventy-two hundred years old. Fire element. Bad temper. Eats a lot."
Ma Hongjun rubbed his hands together. "What does that last part have to do with the Soul Ring?"
"Nothing. It just reminded me of you."
Everyone burst out laughing.
Ma Hongjun rolled his eyes and looked back at the Earth Dragon. Since absorbing the Right Arm Soul Bone, the Evil Fire within him had grown more active than ever. Every breath the creature took stirred his phoenix Soul Power.
"That's the one."
Flender's expression turned grave. "Its age is a little high."
"Rongrong dared to do it. I can't fall behind her."
Ning Rongrong shot back at once, "You were already behind me."
Ma Hongjun did not argue. He leaped straight into the Rift Valley.
Wings spread behind his Evil Fire Phoenix, his Second Soul Ring lit up, and scorching flames enveloped him. Using the force of his dive, he drove a fist toward the Scarlet Flame Earth Dragon's head.
The Earth Dragon opened its eyes far faster than he expected.
A thick foreclaw swept across. Its tips brushed through the Phoenix Flame before the claw slammed squarely into Ma Hongjun's chest. Like a