Varik’s face twisted, fury and disbelief warring in his eyes. His chest churned with tension, but he didn’t relent. Both palms slammed against the backs of Lystan and Rian, forcing their life forces outward in perfect synchrony. The energy surged like a storm barely restrained, pulsing, tangible, and almost alive.The two brothers snapped back into focus, their essences merging with precise, practiced timing. From the phantom of the ten-pace-long Earth Scorpion, a massive tail shot upward—black as midnight, radiating lethal intent. It coiled, fluid and exact, every movement a silent promise of death.“Earth Scorpion’s Poison Tail Needle!” Lystan shouted, his voice slicing through the tension like a blade.The stinger gleamed, wicked and sharp, sharper than any forged steel. It wasn’t just a weapon—it was a statement. A shriek split the air as the tail lashed toward Darian, who stood on the phantom’s back as if the world itself were nothing but a stage for him.Swish.The strike was a b

The narrow passage twisted ahead, bathed in the soft, shimmering glow of the rainbow-hued barrier. Each color pulsed like a heartbeat, flowing across the stone floor in ripples that seemed almost alive. Darian’s eyes followed every flicker, every subtle change, sensing not just the light, but the deep, resonant energy coiling beneath the surface. Even from this distance, the Small Seven-Colored Seal pressed upon him—not on his body, but in his spirit. It demanded respect, quiet and insistent, a warning of what lay ahead.“A Small Seven-Colored Seal?” he murmured, curiosity threading his voice. “Riven… you’ve seen this before?”From the shadows, the tiny winged creature lounged lazily on a floating stone. Its eyes glinted with mischief, head tilted, wings fluttering like silk caught in a gentle breeze. “I’ve seen… a little,” Riven said, stretching, every movement casual, as if he owned the air around him. “Just enough to know the path narrows here—barely a pace wide. You’re standing at

The blue flame floated at the center of the chamber, dancing with a calm, otherworldly light. Unlike ordinary fire, it didn’t radiate warmth. Instead, it seemed to draw in the surrounding air, absorbing it like it had its own will. Little Baiya stared wide-eyed, her small face glowing with curiosity and excitement.“Pure Cold Flame? Big Sister… what is this?” she asked, her voice trembling with awe and a hint of confusion. Her tiny hands clenched instinctively as she edged closer, unable to tear her eyes away from the ghostly blaze.Crimsonlotus smiled softly, her eyes twinkling with pride and excitement. “It’s a treasure like no other,” she said gently. “This flame… it can be refined directly into one’s body. For a cultivator, it’s priceless.”Seraphina Vale and Selene exchanged glances. Neither spoke, but the questions hung in the air. Even for skilled cultivators, the subtleties of a Pure Cold Flame were hard to grasp.Seeing their puzzled looks, Crimsonlotus explained patiently, he

“Ha… I never thought someone would just hand themselves over! Mid-Yinpo Stage? To have lasted this long… not bad. Your luck isn’t terrible.”“And five more at Mid-Umbral Surge Stage! Hmph. Perfect. Let’s devour them all!”“This time, whoever dares to challenge me—don’t blame me if I sever ties!”“Nonsense! Everyone relies on their own skill! So noisy!”The sounds came first, a chaotic herald of what was about to explode.Twelve figures surged forward, each radiating the crushing presence of a Mid-Umbral Surge Stage master. They moved with predator-like precision, fierce and coordinated, a wordless alliance. Their target? The six who had suddenly appeared under Darian’s lead.Twelve Mid-Umbral Surge Stage masters, moving together—any ordinary cultivator would have fled in terror. Crimsonlotus felt her chest tighten, tension coiling inside her like steel springs. A full-scale clash was inevitable. She hadn’t expected it to ignite this fast—or this violently.But retreat? Not an option. N

The proud woman’s words sliced through the air like a blade. The five women behind her erupted into laughter, their eyes sparkling with mockery as they fixed their gaze on Crimsonlotus.“Heh heh, Xelara, still sharp-tongued, I see. Found a handkerchief yet? Something to wipe your nose and tears when you cry for mercy?”Crimsonlotus’s voice remained calm, but every word landed like a dart. Slowly, the three Selira sisters emerged from behind the Dragon-Form Light Curtain. Their mere presence tightened the air on the hilltop.“You… Crimsonlotus! Fine! You’ve come to me yourself! Today, you’ll regret it!”Xelara’s mocking smile froze instantly, replaced by a mask of ice. Silver teeth clicked together, and her eyes locked onto Crimsonlotus like twin blades.Darian noticed Baiya’s cheeks puffed in indignation, eyes blazing. Even gentle Aelara frowned, unusual for her. The imposing man nearby shifted thoughtfully before letting a soft, almost lazy smile settle on his face.“I am Zindral,” he