Chapter 981: Fire Ritual

A resounding clang echoed as intense, colorful light rippled through the air. The golden-robed man's expression subtly darkened as he sped forward. Beside him, a broad-shouldered, thick-browed middle-aged man, clad in a fiery daoist robe, stated with a profound gaze, "The Three-Phase Heart Flask should be beneath the Blazing Fire Pagoda!"

"Indeed," True Lord Tianhuo replied, nodding thoughtfully. Yet, there was little greed in his eyes. As he watched the light barrier descend, a silent thought crossed his mind: 'The magic treasure is the Lingyang Eternal Palace... but where is the Grand Derivation Heavenly Plain Scripture...'

The two transformed into streaks of light and sped away. Although they spoke of the Three-Phase Heart Flask, they did not head towards the four Daoist pagodas. Instead, they gracefully descended towards a palace situated beside the pagodas.

The Golden Feather Sect's personnel had gained considerable spoils within the Grotto-heaven, and their true strength far exceeded that of the seemingly prominent True Lords Tianhuo and Tianque. Wanling Tian was held in high regard by the True Monarch. For the first time in many years, his father, Zhang Yige, who had long overseen the Grotto-heaven, had personally changed his position and arrived.

The Grand Prime True Monarch was unlike Grand Purity. Within the Grotto-heaven, there was a world unto itself. The Jin-Yi and Shangqing Daoist traditions had always maintained an orderly succession: the Golden Feather Sect sent talents to the Grotto-heaven, while the direct descendants from within the Grotto-heaven would enter the sect for experience. If there was a possibility of significant advancement, they would return to the Grotto-heaven for further study. Should they perish, it would be within the Grotto-heaven itself; they rarely ventured outside.

Now that he had personally made an appearance, Tianhuo naturally drifted casually to the side, listening as Tianque solemnly stated, "The Twin Bright Orbs of Heavy Fire are within the Grotto-heaven, very likely placed by Lu Fang in the mountains... Among all the items, only this one aligns well with our Daoist lineage. The rest are all Blazing Fire artifacts, many of which can harm the spirit; one would also need to cultivate an additional Profound Protection spell, which would be quite inconvenient."

Tianque swept his sleeve, opening the palace hall's door. After examining the interior, he whispered, "Although he gained some temporary renown, he ultimately left no Daoist lineage. This mountain is not small, and the suppressive power of the magic treasures is even greater. It's hard to pinpoint the exact location of the palace, but having observed the surroundings, it's very likely near the Daoist pagodas."

He raised his head, his gaze directed towards the hall's entrance, and stated solemnly, "The Jin-Yi Daoist tradition resides here. This hall now belongs to my path, fellow Daoist; please seek elsewhere!" A faint gust of wind swept past, and the movement ceased. Tianque turned back and said, "It was True Lord Lin."

These two True Lords, of noble birth and possessing masterful techniques, in just a moment, had seen through the hall's layout and cleared out all its contents. They then proceeded to retrieve the bowl-shaped spiritual artifact enshrined on the platform.

The spiritual artifact was covered by a white light barrier, clearly requiring a specific inheritance to unlock. Tianque immediately took out a talisman and quietly activated it. Tianhuo, guarding him, whispered, "Is that Lin Hengjiang down the mountain?"

His pupils slightly dilated, revealing a complex mix of awe and dread. Hearing those three words, Tianque also felt a pang of emotion and replied, "Wearing a velvety crane cloak and draped in scriptures, it must be him... the Huaijiang Sword Immortal of the Wanling Upper Sect... only he could commit such a brutal act!"

"No wonder!" Tianhuo's expression turned grim. Watching the formation shatter and their own people retrieving the items, he rushed out without a hint of joy, instead replying, "I wondered why no one had gone down to retrieve his sword... After all, given what happened with True Lord Donghua, Hongjiang is probably no less formidable than Bili."

"Lin Hengjiang's hatred is as profound as the Yellow Springs and as vast as the Eastern Sea. Since he took his own life, he likely concentrated all his divine abilities, magical power, and sword intent into his sword before his demise... It's terrifying to imagine its power!"

He withdrew his gaze and looked up at the sky, where he saw intense light rising from the west. Pale white light, mixed with faint, hazy specks of yellow, was interwoven haphazardly. A colossal Eye of Divine Ability appeared in the clouds, casting down hundreds of light pillars!

Tianque frowned. "It's Dao Lord Shengbai." Tianhuo nodded, his eyes reflecting the myriad lights in the sky. Throughout the entire mountain range, a chilling roar, echoing through heaven and earth, erupted: "Zhang Yige?! How dare you!"

'Zhang Yige? He must be from the Golden Feather Sect...' The thunderous roar in the sky reverberated like claps of thunder. Li Zhouwei, however, had no time for further thought. The Huayang Royal Axe in his hand had brightened to its utmost, and he once again struck heavily upon the blazing firelight before him!

The intense blazing fire colors shattered with a bang. The light covering the palace's surface instantly receded, and the entirely crimson Profound Palace finally emerged. The colorful lights streaking across the sky immediately brightened. Like flies drawn to the scent of blood, they eagerly shifted direction, intent on descending upon this location.

Li Zhouwei let out a cold laugh. A brilliant light had already gathered between his brows; the Supreme Brilliance Subduing Light sped forth, crashing onto the turning colorful lights with a loud boom and erupting into a flash of brilliance. Yet his figure showed no hesitation, rapidly descending!

Indeed, four arched gates stood before the palace, adorned with mysterious patterns and crimson lacquer, featuring curved eaves and elaborate structures, all interwoven with illusory colors. The surging blazing fire failed to impede him in the slightest; in an instant, he had landed before the hall.

Before this grand hall stood vermillion balustrades and colorful railings. At the entrance stood birds treading on fire, both sides blazing intensely with flames. Twelve blazing fire lampstands were arranged in a single line, led by the Everlasting Primeval Fire and ending with the Vermillion Apricot Blazing Fire. Various colors intertwined, flickering brightly, creating a truly majestic and imposing sight!

The moment the golden-eyed man stepped into the grand hall, a colossal Heavenly Gate, mixed with colorful clouds and divine light, had already risen from the sky and heavily descended. It crashed with a boom, pressing down upon the central arched gate. The divine light shone down, forcing back the restless colorful lights one by one, and suppressing the cultivator who had rushed to the forefront!

Cultivation often emphasizes seizing the initiative. Li Zhouwei's speed in taking the initiative meant he maintained his lead. Without hesitation, he stunned that person, leaving no opportunity for anyone to surround and attack with divine abilities. The Heavenly Gate of Supplication immediately dissipated!

Li Zhouwei transformed into light and stepped inside. He saw vivid, blazing crimson everywhere; dark crimson buildings were carved with golden profound patterns. He immediately crossed the arched bridge over the great pool of blazing fire, passed through the main hall, and indeed found a dark crimson immortal seat.

A scorching aura of blazing fire assailed him. The screen behind this immortal seat was colossal, depicting blazing fire rising and birds circling. And right in the center, there was surprisingly a complex formation diagram of a profound pillar tilting and breaking.

Sounds were already coming from the surrounding side halls. Li Zhouwei feigned a glance with his golden eyes. Without the slightest hesitation, he abruptly raised one hand, unfastened the Huayang Royal Axe from his waist. The spiritual artifact spun once in his hand, and his five fingers suddenly tightened around it before he brought it down!

At the same time, the mysterious bracelet on his wrist vanished. Flashes of golden light flickered out of thin air, and a white light was extracted from the surging blazing fire, positioned directly beneath the Huayang Royal Axe!

Intense divine light burst forth. The blazing fires within the grand hall swayed in unison, and the great pool of blazing fire in the center emitted a muffled sound. The white light slightly fluctuated, attempting to escape, but it was locked in place, unable to move, as if on the verge of turning invisible again at any moment.

His face instantly became covered with golden patterns, and his *Jun Dao Wei* technique was activated to its fullest. The Huayang Royal Axe leaped, emitting an excited cry, and heavily descended once more!

All the palace formations on this mountain originated from the surrounding grand formation. Now, with the True Monarch acting and simultaneously retrieving magic treasures, even the grand formation had shattered and dispersed. The Grotto-heaven's Profound Stratagem was clearly experiencing issues, and as time flowed, all protections and formations would inevitably disappear. Yet, relying on this residual power, the white light still flickered within the blazing fire, merely wavering between bright and dim.

Li Zhouwei held the axe for the third time, his eyes golden. His divine abilities burned fiercely; he had already exerted his full power. The moment he wielded the spiritual artifact, a sound like heaven and earth rending apart erupted. The grand hall wailed, brilliant golden light filled the surroundings, and the white light finally shattered!

'The decay of the formations here is more severe than I expected!' The mysterious bracelet on his wrist reappeared, as if everything that just happened was merely an illusion. The young man let out a slight breath, quickly adjusted his breathing, and stepped into the fire, where he saw an object:

This object was no bigger than a palm, perfectly round like a golden core. Yet it had golden threads encircling it like rings, totaling five bands of color. Around it, countless sesame-sized spirit fire birds hovered: phoenixes, Luan birds, Yuan'e, Kunpeng, eagles, and orioles intertwined and flew together. Upon closer inspection, however, there was only swirling flame, resembling nothing more than a jade ornament.

But the moment this object entered his sight, Li Zhouwei raised his hand, not in haste. His 'Ghostly Appraisal' had already sensed something—the spiritual treasure still contained divine power!

"Buzz!" Indeed, his raised hand suddenly grasped at empty air. A surge of divine power was already active, radiating scorching heat. The object had vanished from its spot, seemingly employing some mystical art, intent on escaping!

'Either the spiritual treasure's original owner stored divine power within it, or the spiritual treasure itself possesses the mystical ability to store and absorb magical power!'

Li Zhouwei was not anxious; instead, he showed delight. "As long as this grand formation can be broken, this item is practically in my grasp!"

He then swept his gaze around, his golden eyes scanning the object from amidst the raging blazing fire. As he stepped forward, not rushing to charge, golden light surged from between his brows, and he abruptly struck a black stream of light into an empty spot first!

This stream of light transformed into a person clad in mixed white and purple robes with hanging sleeves, a crimson skirt below, and jade boots. A horizontal jade tablet was inserted into his tied-up hair, swaying slightly as he watched with cold eyes. Li Zhouwei's gaze swept over him, and understanding dawned in his mind:

'Coming from the side of the side hall... a second divine ability user...'

Li Zhouwei knew what was in the side halls; the cultivation methods and spiritual items there were also protected by formations. Even if one came directly to this palace, it would be impossible to break through the formations and arrive here so quickly. Therefore, this person had most likely abandoned the items in the side halls to enter!

Meanwhile, on the other side, blazing fire surged, and the spiritual treasure, round like a golden core, had just emerged. A person had already pursued from behind, reaching out, only to see the spiritual treasure emit a loud pop and suddenly brighten!

This Purple Mansion cultivator did not understand the situation, merely believing a great fortune had descended upon him. Having entered the grand hall, and with the spiritual treasure conveniently flickering to this spot, his heart was filled with joy; how could he be on guard? Now, having activated the divine power within the spiritual treasure, a blazing fire pillar, crimson with golden hues and almost material, erupted from it; only then did he belatedly activate his own divine ability.

"Boom!" Blazing fire erupted all over this person, who was immediately thrown back, almost flying out of the grand hall. Yet, his divine abilities flickered, and despite being only in the early stage of the Purple Mansion realm, he surprisingly possessed some skill, managing to stand upright amidst the spiritual treasure's radiance, though he spat out a mouthful of blood.

Li Zhouwei turned his head, glancing sideways, his golden eyes flashing. He scrutinized the person closely, and understanding dawned: "A complete core... this person's divine ability is somewhat similar to Wan'er's; most likely, he's not adept at combat!"

His figure immediately dispersed.

"Watch out!" The white-robed, crimson-skirted man with hanging sleeves abruptly transmitted a message with his divine power, causing the Purple Mansion cultivator caught in the pillar of divine light to be utterly terrified. Only then did he vaguely perceive a long halberd shining brightly within the crimson light, almost upon his face!

"Thump!" A jade round shield materialized. The halberd's crescent blade struck, sparking, causing his divine ability to falter, making him fearful before even fighting. But unwilling to give up the spiritual treasure, he could only stall in a low voice, "I am Li Zhuyun... my clan brother meant no offense... it's just that this spiritual treasure is crucial, and we are willing to compensate with other items..."

His only reply was the jade shield retreating step by step. Intense bright golden light scattered in all directions, and he faintly heard a cold laugh: "So you're together then."

But before the words fully faded, a brilliant, illusory long halberd leaped from before the shield. Its crescent blade simultaneously flipped, clamping down on the round shield. This sent a shock through his heart; he closed his eyes and spat out a mouthful of cinnabar!

As the cinnabar fell, it immediately pushed back the golden light, allowing him to escape the danger. Anger flared in his eyes. Seeing the man charging directly at him, he activated his divine abilities, urgently urging them, and shouted in a low voice, "I'll hold him off! Quickly, retrieve the item!"

However, the spiritual treasure, round like a golden core, in the sky seemed to have been stimulated, once again radiating brilliant light. It cast down layers of mystical mist, resembling blazing fire fog, instantly enveloping the entire grand hall. A powerful, malevolent fire rushed towards him, and his heart was instantly filled with joy: "Heaven is on my side!"

His insight was not low; he could tell that the spiritual treasure still contained divine power and possessed the ability to traverse space. However, a spiritual treasure is not a cultivator after all. Once it begins to cast spells on a large scale, it cannot simultaneously release its spatial traversal ability, making it inevitably difficult to evade a cultivator's capture!

And the blazing fire mist it released could also block Li Zhouwei! 'Indeed, fortune is on my side!'

Yet, his thoughts were unsettled. Just as he relaxed his divine ability, the red mist before him abruptly parted, revealing a gleaming halberd tip! It was already before him, impossible to avoid!

"Ah?!" "Boom!" A violent crash echoed within the blazing fire mist. This place already blocked spiritual sense, and the white-robed, crimson-skirted man with hanging sleeves on the other side couldn't even see left or right clearly, yet he knew it was the perfect opportunity!

He paid no mind to the sound. He bit his finger, pressed the blood to his brow, which cleared his vision, allowing him to see the round spiritual treasure. He immediately struggled to leap up!

However, a large hand had already emerged from the blazing fire mist. Seizing the moment while the spiritual treasure was releasing its mystic arts and had no time to escape, it firmly grasped the spiritual treasure!

"Thump!" The suppressive power of the Heavenly Gate of Supplication and *Jun Dao Wei's* divine power worked in tandem, finally rendering the Blazing Fire spiritual treasure immobile. This item was not ownerless, after all; it still refused to submit and struggled wildly.

The undissipated divine power constantly pulsed on the spiritual treasure, drifting out from between his fingers. Emitting blazing firelight like flames, it trembled ceaselessly, but had no further chance to escape!

Scorching magical power impacted his palm, turning his fingers pale white from the burn. Yet Li Zhouwei showed no change in expression due to the pain; his heart was finally filled with great joy: 'Blazing Fire spiritual treasure! It's mine!'

"You!" As Li Zhouwei's hand tightened, the blazing fire mist in the grand hall instantly dissipated. The man's pupils widened in shock. He saw his clan brother clutching the hole in his chest, vomiting blood, with streams of golden light erupting from the wound. Gritting his teeth, blood seeping from his mouth, he said, "Go!"

Since the item was already in Li Zhouwei's hands, there was no way for the two of them to retrieve it. Whether they could win or not, there was no need to fight. They wisely abandoned the location and went elsewhere.

Li Zhouwei spared no further glance for these two Northern Di. His golden eyes turned, landing like light on the side hall.

Within this hall, blazing fire surged. Even the grandest immortal palace, without formation protection, having endured such high-intensity combat from two Purple Mansion cultivators, was now clearly unable to sustain itself. Surging blazing fire poured out from the golden patterns, flowing across the ground.

In the middle of the thick shelves stood a jade platform. On the platform lay a deep red, splendid jade slip. On either side, there was a jade box, each emitting surging blazing firelight.

Meanwhile, in the grand hall, two Purple Mansion cultivators were locked in intense combat, their converging water and heavenly light intertwined. One, in flowing blue robes, appeared younger, while the other, quite old, wore yellow robes with a jade pendant at his waist. They fought fiercely.

Upon seeing him, both clearly recognized him at first glance, their expressions simultaneously changing! Finally, a hint of surprise appeared in Li Zhouwei's eyes.

This yellow-robed Purple Mansion cultivator also practiced the Bright Yang technique! Moreover, the divine ability fluctuations emanating from him were quite familiar... bearing several similarities to the aura of *Jun Dao Wei*...

'It seems to be the Cui family's style... likely an inheritance from Chongzhou Island!'

There were only a few clans in the world that cultivated Bright Yang, so the identity of the man before him was clear. Li Zhouwei stared at the man, the patterns on his face growing increasingly brighter. Pointing his halberd, he stepped over the surging blazing fire, and smiled with an inexplicable meaning: 'So, it's True Lord Yangya!'