After returning to the Realm Capital from the Law Secret Realm, Xiao Yan did not immediately go into seclusion. Instead, he went to the Myriad Treasures Tower first. When Ling Yue saw the complete Heaven Burning Sword in his hand, her eyes flashed with amazement. "Sir, you were actually able to find the other half of the Heaven Burning Sword. It seems that the legacy of Senior Flame God is indeed well-deserved."
"I must thank Miss Ling Yue for her earlier reminder," Xiao Yan said with a smile, then took the opportunity to inquire about the " All-Heavens Hub."
Upon hearing this, Ling Yue's expression turned solemn. " The All-Heavens Hub is the core of the World Beyond the World and the only passage to higher planes. It is said to be controlled by the ' Council of the Heavens,' whose members are all high-ranking Realm Lord, and there are even legendary ' Sovereign Beings.' However..."
She paused, then lowered her voice. "Recently, Myriad Treasures Tower received news that the Council of the Heavens is summoning top Realm Lord from various regions, seemingly preparing for a major event, but they can't find out the specifics. Some say it's related to ' Outer Realm Demons,' while others say it's about opening a passage to the ' Origin World.'"
Outer Realm Demons? The Origin World? Xiao Yan's heart stirred. In the memories of the Flame God's remnant will, it was mentioned that Outer Realm Demons were even more terrifying than the Realm-Devouring Demon. In ancient times, many top Realm Lord were pursuing the so-called " Origin World," believing that it was the source of the laws.
"Thank you for informing me, young lady." Xiao Yan cupped his hands in farewell, already having made up his mind. Whatever the Council of the Heavens was preparing, he had to improve his strength as soon as possible, at least to the Advanced Realm Lord, before he would be qualified to participate.
Back at his residence, just as he was about to go into seclusion, Thunder Realm Lord came to his door, his expression grave. "Young friend, something has happened. Black Fiend Realm Lord, along with several other Realm Lord, is spreading rumors that you have embezzled the core inheritance of the Flame God, and that the Heaven Burning Sword you obtained is a forgery. They want to force you to hand over the inheritance."
Xiao Yan frowned slightly. "What does he want to do?"
"What else could it be?" Thunder Realm Lord sneered. "They're simply jealous of your lineage. Black Fiend has been operating in the Realm Capital for many years and has extensive connections. Many Realm Lord have been swayed by him. Just now, several elders came to ask me if we should convene a council to 'examine' the origins of your lineage."
A cold glint flashed in Xiao Yan's eyes. "They'll have to see if they have the ability to take what's mine."
"That's true, but it's easy to dodge a spear in the open, but hard to guard against an arrow in the dark," Thunder Realm Lord said worriedly. " Black Fiend is ruthless and might make his move while you're in seclusion. Why don't you go to my Thunder Domain to take refuge for a while?"
"No need." Xiao Yan shook his head. "If he wants to cause trouble, I'll play along. It'll be a good opportunity for the people of the Realm Capital to see that the inheritor of the Flame God is not a pushover."
Three days later, the Realm Capital Council convened as expected. Inside the council hall, the Black Fiend Realm Lord was the first to attack, pointing at Xiao Yan and sneering, "The legacy of Senior Flame God rightfully belongs to the entire Realm Capital. What right do you, an outsider, have to monopolize it? I think your Heaven Burning Sword is nothing but a replica!"
Several Realm Lord immediately echoed behind him, "That's right! Hand over the inheritance, let the council keep it, and elect someone truly qualified to inherit it!"
Xiao Yan remained seated, waiting for them to finish speaking before slowly saying, "Whether the Heaven Burning Sword is a replica or not will be known with a test. Black Fiend Realm Lord, do you dare to fight me? If you win, what harm is there in giving you the inheritance? If you lose, then admit your mistake in public and retract the rumors."
A sinister glint flashed in the Black Fiend Realm Lord's eyes. He had been looking for an opportunity to teach Xiao Yan a lesson, and immediately replied, "Fine! Three days from now, at the Battle Star Platform, if I lose, I'll be at your mercy!"
The news caused an uproar in the Realm Capital. Everyone was speculating about the outcome of the duel. Some favored Xiao Yan, believing that the title of Flame God's successor was well-deserved, while others thought that Black Fiend, with his rich experience, had a greater chance of winning.
During these three days, Xiao Yan did not go into seclusion, but instead strolled Realm Capital, occasionally giving guidance to a few low-level Realm Lord on cultivating the Law of Flame. He quickly won the favor of many people. He knew that public opinion was sometimes more important than strength.
Three days later, the Battle Star Platform was once again packed with people. Xiao Yan and the Black Fiend Realm Lord stood facing each other, the atmosphere tense and ready to fight.
"Boy, today I'll show you what it means to be outmatched!" The Black Fiend Realm Lord sneered, brandishing his giant axe. Instantly, a field of fiendish energy enveloped the entire Battle Star Platform. Countless vengeful spirits, mixed with black fiendish energy, rushed towards Xiao Yan, corroding even the space itself in their wake.
Xiao Flame God remained calm as he slowly drew the Heaven Burning Sword. The six-colored flames merged with the gentle power of the Heart-Clearing Jade, forming a soft yet resilient flame barrier that blocked all the baleful energy from entering.
"Is that all you've got?" Xiao Yan chuckled, his figure blurring as he transformed into a streak of flame, instantly appearing before the Black Fiend Realm Lord. The Heaven Burning Sword traced a chaotic arc, aiming straight for his opponent's throat.
The Black Fiend Realm Lord was shocked and hurriedly raised his axe to block. With a loud clang, the giant axe was knocked out of his hand, and he himself was forced to stagger backward, his tiger's mouth split open and blood flowing freely.
"How is this possible?!" The Black Fiend Realm Lord was filled with disbelief. His defense was top-notch among Intermediate Realm Lord, yet it was broken through with a single sword strike.
Xiao Yan gave him no chance to react. The Heart of the Flame Realm activated, and the Heaven Burning Domain instantly unfolded. Six-colored flames spread out, and within the domain, his speed and power increased by 30%.
" Flame Realm - Heaven Burning Slash!"
With a single slash, flames coalesced into a colossal sword that pierced the heavens and earth, carrying the power to incinerate all things, and slashed towards the Black Fiend Realm Lord.
Despair flashed in the eyes of the Black Fiend Realm Lord. He tried to dodge, but found his body incredibly heavy within the fiery domain, and could only watch helplessly as the giant sword fell.
Just then, an aged voice rang out. "Stop!"
A golden light flashed, blocking the Black Fiend Realm Lord's path and forcefully taking Xiao Yan's sword strike. The golden light dissipated, revealing an old man in a gray robe, who was none other than the Grand Elder of the Realm Capital, whose aura had reached the Peak Advanced Realm Lord.
"Elder?" Xiao Yan frowned slightly.
The Grand Elder glanced at the disheveled Black Fiend Realm Lord, then at Xiao Yan, and said in a deep voice, "That's enough. Black Fiend was in the wrong first; punish him by confining him to his quarters for a hundred years to reflect on his mistakes. As for the matter of the inheritance, since young friend Xiao Yan has gained the approval of the Heaven Burning Sword, he is naturally qualified to inherit it. Anyone who dares to object in the future will be treated as a traitor!"
The Black Fiend Realm Lord's face turned pale, but he dared not refute and could only bow his head and accept the punishment.
The storm was thus quelled. After this battle, Xiao Yan's prestige in the Realm Capital soared, and no one dared to question his legacy anymore.
A few days later, Thunder Realm Lord brought a message: " The Council of the Heavens has sent an invitation, requesting you to go to the All-Heavens Hub, saying that there are important matters to discuss."
Xiao Yan accepted the invitation, which was printed with a complex rune that exuded a powerful aura of law.
He knew that the real challenge was about to begin.