The flames deep within the Thunder Pool gradually died out, giving way to a dark red Magma Lake.
Bubbles churned on its surface, each releasing a scorching breath as it burst.
At the center of Magma Lake, a dark red bead the size of a fist hovered above a pitch-black rock.
Red patterns flowed across its surface, giving off an eerie red glow. A faint, elusive heartbeat could vaguely be heard.
A demon seed.
One of the Three Demon Seeds in which Gai Jiuyou had sealed her soul and cultivation all those years ago.
Now, it was like a sleeping heart, pulsing faintly at the center of Magma Lake.
Every pulse released a fluctuation that made hearts tremble, spreading outward like ripples across water.
"Thump-thump... thump-thump..."
The sound was not loud, yet it struck everyone present squarely in the chest like a heavy hammer.
Around Magma Lake, several groups had been locked in a standoff for some time.
To the east, Ye Xingchen of the Heavenly Sword Sect stood with his sword in hand, its massive Greatsword blade gleaming dark red in the reflected lava light.
Blood from slaying demon beasts still stained his face, but his eyes shone with startling brightness.
Five Heavenly Sword Sect disciples stood behind him, each with a steady aura and sword qi soaring toward the heavens.
To the west, Murong Xue of the Ice Soul Palace led four disciples in occupying another stretch of high ground.
Dressed in white, she was as cold as frost, holding an Ice Crystal Longsword that radiated chill.
Cold mist swirled around the Ice Soul Palace disciples, forcing even the scorching heat of the lava back somewhat.
To the south, Lei Potian of Thunderclap Temple sat cross-legged on a rock, palms pressed together as he chanted the Buddha's name.