Something stirred in Xu Xuan's heart, and he stepped into the Great Void.
Two surging currents of fire virtue qi approached from afar, one red-gold and glittering with heavenly light, the other cinnabar red, balanced and serene.
He moved to meet them, only to hear a call.
"Calamity-Splitting Daoist Friend!"
A white-haired young man emerged from the cinnabar-red flames, dressed in the Sandalwood-Red Robes. Smiling broadly, he rode the wind toward Xu Xuan.
Yuan Qingxiu, True Person Pingxiu of Blazing Heaven-Covering Mountain.
"I have been tied down by warfare and have not visited you in a long time, my friend. Your lineage has shown me such kindness over the years. I am truly ashamed."
Xu Xuan spoke sincerely. Naturally, he knew why Pingxiu had come: to settle that nature of ultimate fire properly!
"Master."
Liu Xiaowen stepped out from the side, his expression composed. He gave Xu Xuan a meaningful look. Though he had much to tell him about Pudu Holy Land, that would have to wait until True Person Pingxiu had dealt with the ultimate fire.
They entered the Main Hall amid conversation and laughter and took their seats. Rather than immediately discussing business, they asked after the circumstances of their respective lineages over the years, each finding much to lament. "My disciple has also emerged from seclusion and attained a divine ability. Fortunately, it was [Rekindling Again]. He had to repent three times before succeeding!"
When Pingxiu mentioned his own disciple, he sounded rather disappointed in his lack of promise.
Xu Xuan offered a timely reply:
"That, too, is part of true fire's nature. Being able to put it to use is itself a measure of one's cultivation."
"[Rekindling Again] comes at a price, too. Repent too often, and true fire will find it hard to look favorably