Deep Abyss, Mountain Flame City, the highest pavilion of Perching Feather Tower.
The setting was tranquil, its furnishings elegant and antique. In the seat of honor sat a majestic-looking middle-aged man in splendid crimson robes.
Vermilion spirit flames rose faintly around him. Within his body appeared the image of a furnace, with a divine crow carrying fire above it and ancient tribespeople bowing in worship. This was Dao Yan.
The Fire Crow's form flickered between illusion and substance, one moment close at hand, the next far beyond the horizon. Now, with a smile on his lips, he spoke to the demon beside him.
Seated level with Dao Yan was a handsome young demon dressed in sky-blue silk. Gentle breezes circled him, turning slowly.
"Brother Dao Yan, your cultivation really has advanced by leaps and bounds. After fighting Hua Yuan, you returned to seclusion and cultivated your second divine ability."
The young man sighed softly, his tone friendly, and glanced toward the treasure chamber nearby.
At the mention of Hua Yuan, displeasure surfaced on Dao Yan's face. He said gravely:
"Hua Yuan is a cunning one. He would rather abandon his sect's home and flee far away than fight me."
"Now that I've cultivated [Kunwu Furnace], he's used traveling as an excuse to run overseas, leaving only a flock of lesser cultivators behind."
His words brimmed with disdain, revealing his utter contempt for Hua Yuan.
"Fellow Daoist Fei Xiang, when we enter the grotto-heaven this time, will that elder of your clan truly be able to act?"
Dao Yan looked over, his expression unchanged, as though asking in passing.
"My elder has already made his preparations. There's a magical artifact he wants to retrieve as well, so he must enter [Surging Tribulation Heaven]."
"Excellent. Our ancestor will also act when the