Chapter 205
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Chapter 205: The Fire Dragon Chamber
The Fire Dragon Cave was located on the back mountain of Shadowless Peak, one of the forbidden zones. Each peak of the Heavenly Sword Sect contained such restricted areas, housing perilous trial grounds like this cave.
Having accepted a Ninth-level task and being Su Hao’s Registered Disciple, Ye Yun proceeded unimpeded to the cave’s entrance. True fire permeated the cavern, and legend spoke of a fire dragon whose occasional appearances multiplied the flames’ ferocity tenfold—far beyond what any Qi refining stage disciple could endure.
Even before entering, Ye Yun felt scorching heat blast against his face.
“Halt! Identify yourself!”
Two stern-faced youths in blue robes barred the path, swords in hand.
Ye Yun clasped his hands respectfully. “Senior brothers, I’m Ye Yun, here to retrieve the Heavenly Convergence Herb.”
The guards exchanged puzzled glances. One blurted, “The Heavenly Convergence Herb? Are you attempting a Ninth-level task as a new disciple?”
“We’ve heard of you,” the other added. “A Registered Disciple of the Peak Master himself. Still, don’t be foolhardy. This cave isn’t for games. Ninth-level tasks are near-impossible for Qi refining stage disciples.”
Ye Yun maintained his smile. “Your concern is appreciated, but I won’t retreat after accepting the mission.”
“Then tread carefully. The trial itself is manageable, but the herb lies deep within the cave’s strongest true fire zone.”
Nodding his thanks, Ye Yun stepped past the guards onto a fiery red crystal path. Ahead gaped a crimson stone mouth twice a man’s height, its parched walls crackling with heatwaves that warped the air.
Channeling his mystical power, Ye Yun repelled the suffocating heat. Black characters above the entrance proclaimed: FIRE DRAGON CAVE.
True qi shimmering around him, he entered.
Whoosh!
Flames erupted from both walls, engulfing him. These proved mere ordinary fire, albeit intensely hot. His protective aura halted the flames three inches from his skin before they retreated.
The scorched tunnel glowed whitish-red underfoot, heat ripples distorting vision. Intermittent firebursts tested Ye Yun’s limits as he advanced. Though his physique surpassed ordinary Qi refining stage disciples—nearing early Foundation Establishment level when fueled by true qi—his cultivation remained anchored at the first level of Qi refining. Complete harmony between body and energy required further tempering.
The cave’s compact layout soon presented a fork after half an incense stick’s journey. Ye Yun paused, studying the twin passages vomiting periodic flames. While these ordinary fires posed no threat, he wondered about hidden true fire ahead.
Then he chuckled. This trial ground was meant for Qi refining disciples. If true fire lurked here, only exceptional few could survive—contradicting its purpose as training site.
Decision made, he strode into the right passage.
Just as he had seen and expected, flames occasionally burst from the passage. Though the heat made people sweat like soaked rice porridge, no true fire matching the late foundation establishment stage’s intensity appeared.
After about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Ye Yun emerged from the fiery passage into an empty stone chamber measuring ten zhang long, eight zhang wide, and two zhang high.
The chamber contained only three to five smooth Round Stones scattered about. Ye Yun immediately recognized these as meditation seats for Qi refining stage disciples.
He randomly picked a Round Stone to sit cross-legged on. Scalding heat surged upward, invading his body uncontrollably. But as his true qi flowed, the heat vanished instantly, leaving only a gentle warmth that merged with his true qi.
Ye Yun soon stood up. This level of heat barely affected him.
The chamber had no exits except the entrance. Clearly, deeper paths required another passage.
Ye Yun meticulously inspected every corner. He refused to believe this chamber existed solely for Qi refining stage cultivation – secrets must lie hidden.
Knocking methodically on stone walls for two hours, he finally detected a section opposite the entrance with longer echoes.
With a faint smile, Ye Yun channeled true qi into his right fist and punched the wall.
*Crack!*
Flames erupted, engulfing him. Though his true qi shield and formidable body resisted, the fire nearly burned through his defenses.
When flames receded, a circular archway appeared. Ye Yun stepped through – only to momentarily glimpse a seated figure that vanished when he blinked.
The archway sealed shut behind him with a thunderous crash, leaving no gaps.
Above him stretched crystal-white stalactites, while fiery-red crystals carpeted the floor. Fire light reflected dazzling rainbows across the chamber, creating an illusionary wonderland.
"What beauty," Ye Yun murmured, awestruck.
Suddenly, ten zhang ahead, flames rose beneath a stalactite. Their light reflected through crystal formations, converging into a human silhouette within the fiery glow.
Ye Yun retreated two steps, guard raised.
The flame-wreathed figure shimmered – not flesh, but light and shadow coalesced from crystal reflections.
"Eight centuries… finally, a visitor."
The ancient, weathered voice froze Ye Yun’s blood. His true qi surged to his palm, nearly lashing out.
"Eight hundred years? Who are you, elder?"
"Who…? I forget. Trapped here eight hundred years, counting every hour – eight hundred years, 243 days, seven hours…" The voice echoed with deep loneliness.
"Then name your jailer," Ye Yun pressed.
"My jailer? No man – a Demon Race beast called Huo Lie!" the figure roared.
"The legendary Demon Race exists?"
"Legend?!" The voice sharpened. "Demons dwelled here since time immemorial!"
Ye Yun recalled ancient texts mentioning demons as myths. If true, demons had lurked near Heavenly Sword Sect for centuries…
"Fear not," the figure continued. "I wounded Huo Lie. Even alive, centuries would heal him in human lands. No rumors in eight hundred years? He’s fled back to demon realms."
A realization struck Ye Yun. "Elder… could you be from Heavenly Sword Sect?"
"Heavenly Sword Sect?" The voice strengthened. "Yes! I am its Supreme Elder!"
