BTTH: Demon Emperor Xiao Yan

"Qing Lin, stay here and don't move. I'm going down to take a look."

After sensing the Nine Nether Illusion Flame's reaction to the Heavenly Flame, Xiao Yan patted Qing Lin's shoulder and prepared to dive into the magma. But just as he was about to leave, Qing Lin grabbed his hand and said, "Young Master, be careful! There's something in the magma!"

"I know. Don't worry, I can handle it." Xiao Yan gave her a reassuring smile. If even Qing Lin could sense something with her limited strength, there was no doubt that he, with a soul force comparable to a seventh-tier alchemist, had already detected it.

Since entering the magma cavern, he had been aware of a fourth-rank magical beast lurking below. Judging from the faint energy fluctuations, it was likely a serpent-type creature. Otherwise, with Qing Lin's limited power, there's no way she would've noticed it at all.

'If it really is a serpent-type beast, then maybe it can be controlled by the Jade Snake Three Flower Pupils…' Xiao Yan licked his lips slightly. If it was indeed a serpent, then Qing Lin's unique eyes could potentially force a contract. After all, that ability was the nemesis of nearly every snake-type beast on the continent.

A fourth-rank beast didn't interest Xiao Yan personally, but as a protector for Qing Lin, it was more than enough. That way, in future battles, he wouldn't need to worry about her safety. More importantly, taming a creature native to this magma sea could help him find the Heavenly Flame far more efficiently.

After calming Qing Lin, Xiao Yan spread his Dou Qi wings and flew to hover above the sea of magma. Although the beast below was well hidden, it couldn't escape the detection of someone whose soul strength had reached the late Mortal Realm. Pretending to be searching for something, Xiao Yan remained suspended in midair, quietly waiting for the beast to strike.

He could have simply dived into the magma to drag it out—but that would've been exhausting and unnecessarily troublesome. So instead, he used himself as bait to lure it up.

Roughly ten minutes passed when a deafening boom erupted from the seemingly calm magma lake. Dozens of fiery magma jets shot skyward, and then, from beneath the molten surface, an enormous creature lunged toward Xiao Yan, baring its fangs in a vicious strike.

But Xiao Yan didn't even blink. He dodged the sudden ambush with ease. Then, to Qing Lin's horror, he folded his Dou Qi wings and plummeted straight down toward the magma. Just as she thought he would be swallowed by the molten lava, his body halted—hovering quietly just above the burning surface, as if he were standing on solid ground.

This astonishing feat was something even a Dou Huang couldn't achieve. Only Dou Zong-level experts, capable of walking on air, could manage it. Yet Xiao Yan wasn't relying on cultivation level—he was using his body movement Dou Technique: Flamecloud Soaring Step.

Although he hadn't yet mastered the technique enough to move freely within the magma, he could easily walk on its surface. The beast below, seeing Xiao Yan comfortably maneuvering above the magma, was visibly startled and now watched him with wary eyes.

As expected, the creature emerging from the lava was indeed a serpent-type magical beast. However, it differed from typical serpents—it had two heads. Based on its appearance and this striking feature, Xiao Yan quickly recognized its species.

"A Two-Headed Flame Spirit Serpent… no wonder it can survive in the magma."

Drawing his Heavy Xuan Ruler from his storage ring, Xiao Yan stared calmly at the wary serpent. This kind of beast usually lived in extremely hot regions. It could consume magma directly and had adapted completely to such an environment.

While a newborn Two-Headed Flame Spirit Serpent was only a first-rank beast, with the right conditions, it could evolve into a sixth-rank magical beast. The one before him had only just reached the fourth rank, judging by its aura. But if given a few decades, it could definitely ascend to sixth rank.

What's more, this environment gave it a significant advantage. Despite only being a fourth-rank beast, it could easily match the strength of a true Dou Wang here within the magma. However, the serpent didn't know that this environment boosted Xiao Yan as well—perhaps even more.

The automatic operation of Flame Mantra ensured Xiao Yan maintained peak condition, never having to worry about running out of Dou Qi.

"Hisss!"

Eventually, the serpent's hunting instincts overpowered its caution. With a shrill cry, it launched its attack. Its massive tail swept across the magma, trailing burning wind as it slammed toward Xiao Yan.

Xiao Yan didn't dodge. He casually swung the Heavy Xuan Ruler to block the flaming iron tail. With his other hand, he clenched his fist and punched forward. A purple-black energy surged out, condensing midair into a massive energy fist. Before the serpent could react, the blow crashed down on one of its heads, scales shattering and blood spraying.

With a flick of his hand, Xiao Yan summoned the blood droplets midair before they could hit the magma. The crimson liquid hovered for a moment before he drew them into a jade vial. Since the beast had a fire attribute, its blood would be useful and couldn't be wasted.

The searing pain made the serpent cry out. Its two heads glared at Xiao Yan, and deep crimson flames suddenly ignited along its body. Opening both of its mouths, it unleashed dozens of scorching magma beams.

Xiao Yan raised an eyebrow. 'So that's its internal beast flame...'

Though it was only a fourth-rank flame, within this lava terrain, it could rival the might of a fifth-rank beast flame. Unfortunately, no matter how strong a beast flame was, it was fundamentally inferior to a Heavenly Flame. Even ninth-rank beast flames were like children compared to true Heavenly Flames.

Sure enough, the moment Xiao Yan summoned the Nine Nether Illusion Flame, the serpent's crimson fire dimmed noticeably.

As for the magma beams? Xiao Yan didn't even take them seriously. Using Flamecloud Soaring Step, now trained to the minor mastery stage, he zipped through the flaming attacks like a shadow, evading them with ease. Then, with a sweep of his heavy ruler, he unleashed a burst of terrifying force that sent the Two-Headed Flame Spirit Serpent flying straight out of the magma—

—and crashing hard at Qing Lin's feet.

(End of Chapter)

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