Chapter 380: Chapter 381: Burning Qilin Bloodline
 

“What is going on, Elder Ji, my body is out of control!”

The Dry Flame Saint Child was somewhat panicked, as this was the first time it had encountered such a situation.

“Saint Heir, this old man is experiencing the same. Some kind of force is forcibly controlling our actions, what power could this be that even Great Crossing Realm Cultivators can be bound by it!”

Elder Ji was also somewhat frantic, with a hint of fear flashing in his eyes. He had a bad premonition that this bizarre situation might be related to the black flames.

As they spoke, a man and a beast charged towards the black flames, knelt on the ground, and raised their hands high, as if paying homage.

“Why do I feel an urge to kneel, and why is my body rushing towards the flame!”

“It’s definitely these flames that are causing mischief, damn it, what exactly is inside that can control our actions!”

Elder Ji was terrified, his body did not stop for a moment, and plunged directly into the pitch-black flames.

In an instant, the spiritual energy inside his body burned at a terrifying speed, the originally vast amount of spiritual energy visibly depleting.

The Dry Flame Saint Child was no different. With only the cultivation level of the Tribulation Crossing Stage, its spiritual energy was nowhere near comparable to that of the Great Crossing Realm, and in almost the span of a breath, the spiritual energy in its Dantian began to show signs of exhaustion.

“These flames can actually devour the spiritual energy inside a cultivator’s body, and the devouring speed is so terrifying!”

“Qilin Secret Technique!”

The Dry Flame Saint Child was in a complete panic, and activated its trump card, unleashing the Qilin Bloodline inside its body. Layers upon layers of mysterious blood-colored runes appeared, permeating the air with an ancient aura, replenishing the shortfall of spiritual energy.

However, the scorching by the flames continued unabated, and after the spiritual energy was depleted, the flames began to devour the Qilin Bloodline Power inside the Dry Flame Saint Child.

“These flames can even devour the Qilin Bloodline Power, what on earth are they!”

“Elder Ji, think of a solution quickly, if this goes on, the Qilin Blood inside me will be completely devoured!”

The Dry Flame Saint Child yelled, but to no avail—it was helplessly kneeling on the ground, unable to move.

Its heart was filled with extreme terror. The Qilin Bloodline was its biggest reliance, for it was with this Bloodline Power that it could cultivate at Godspeed, comprehend profound Cultivation Techniques, and fight above its level.

If the Bloodline Power continued disappearing at a terrifying rate, even if it were saved, losing the Bloodline Power would make it hard to establish a foothold in Fire Qilin Cave.

Elder Ji realized the severity of the problem too. More than half of the spiritual energy in his body had been scorched, not to mention the Saint Heir who was only at the Tribulation Crossing Stage. Bloodline Power is fundamental for cultivators of Fire Qilin Cave; if it were devoured completely, future cultivation would be virtually impossible.

It would be the same as being crippled!

With immense anxiety in his heart, surrounded by darkness where he could see nothing, he could only feel his hand inadvertently touch something cold and metallic, very sharp, perhaps a longsword?

A treasure within the flames, a longsword?

Could it be that these black flames are being released by a longsword?

At the center of the flames, Li Xiaobai’s lips curled into a smile.

[Current coverage range: 403 meters…]

[Current coverage range: 404 meters…]

[Current coverage range: 405 meters…]

[Hellfire (Divine Level skill) current coverage range: 410 meters.]

The cultivators from Fire Qilin Cave are extraordinary. A man and a beast, in just a few breaths’ time, have increased the burning range of the Hellfire by several meters.

“Giggle, kid, knock them down!”

Ji Wuqing continued to be excited, his two small eyes staring fixedly at the two kneeling figures ahead.

“Go away, the use of resources emphasizes sustainable utilization, you clueless fowl, what do you know?”

Li Xiaobai casually dragged Ji Wuqing to one side, silently calculating the time in his heart.

He sheathed the longsword into his ring, and his skill vanished.

“Run fast!”

Within the flames, the Dry Flame Saint Child and Elder Ji instantly regained freedom. Without a care for anything else, they exerted all their strength, sprinting out of the flames and explosively retreating several hundred meters.

Their eyes were filled with terror.

The Dry Flame Saint Child was panting heavily, the spiritual power within its body had completely depleted. Not only that, but the bloodline power had also been significantly diminished. This was a substantial loss.

Bloodline power was the foundation of its existence. Any damage to it would surely lead to a great loss of strength. It seemed that in this trial, it would have to exit the stage early.

“Saint Child, are you alright?”

Elder Ji took out bottle after bottle of elixirs, swiftly administering them to the Dry Flame Saint Child. He circulated his cultivation technique, rapidly helping it to recover its internal spiritual power.

“Elder Ji, this flame is too sinister. I was reckless. My bloodline is damaged, and in this trial, it will be difficult to compete with the other Saint Heirs.” The Dry Flame Saint Child spoke with a slightly bitter expression.

“Saint Child, you need not overthink it. The period of trials is full of uncertainties, no one knows the outcome until the very end.”

“Let’s go back for now. We will make long-term plans about the flame.” Elder Ji consoled, mindful that the Saint Child’s foundations had been damaged and they could not afford to let its resolve be damaged further.

“No, the other Saint Heirs are already aware of the flame. How can I be the only one injured?”

“There will likely be other Saint Heirs coming tonight; let’s wait here and lure them into investigating the flames!” The eyes of the Dry Flame Saint Child flickered with a cold light, speaking in a sinister tone. Since its strength had already been compromised, it might as well ensure that they all suffered losses together.

That way, the gap in their strengths would remain largely the same.

Elder Ji pondered for a moment before slowly nodding his head. While it was a malicious tactic, it would work if it was effective.

Otherwise, with the current strength of the Saint Child, it really would be difficult to be competitive.

The man and beast silently retreated, hiding behind a huge rock over a mile away. They could not discern the nature of these black flames and, to prevent another incident of losing control over their bodies, they chose to stay even further away.

Li Xiaobai, from deep within the flames, observed everything but did not further hinder their actions. One mile was nothing more than a trifle in the face of his abilities.

He thought to let this pair recover a bit before unleashing another wave of leveling up.

The fourth battlefield remained silent, minutes passing.

A stone shard fell from the sky, hitting the ground with a crisp sound.

The Dry Flame Saint Child made no movement, holding its breath and concentrating, waiting for what would happen next.

A few breaths later, another white figure entered Li Xiaobai’s line of sight. This figure moved stealthily, continuously looking back as they advanced, demonstrating a strong counter-surveillance awareness.

After lingering and observing from afar, the figure approached the site of the black flames in the battlefield with a quick run.

Li Xiaobai was amused. The newcomer was none other than Ergouzi. One had to say this fellow was quite cautious, first using the noise to probe if anyone else was in the vicinity, then deliberately acting as though they had spotted a pursuer to check if someone was indeed trailing them.

Unfortunately, the true mastermind was not behind him, but right in front of him, inside the flames.

Those who came today were all ripe for the picking.

Harvesting without mercy.