Chapter 628: Survival of the Fittest
With the last trace of blood red marks erased from Jing Lian Demon Fire, the appearance of the fire lotus changed as well. It transformed into a completely white lotus with petals laced with pink veins.
Xiao Ze reached out and plucked a dragon eye sized, blood colored glass bead from within the light screen of the Refining Sky Ancient Array. A faint mist of blood emanated from the bead, looking eerily extraordinary. Ordinary people would not only avoid holding it but even getting close could alter their temperament due to the negative emotions contained within it. This bead held the memories and negative emotions of Jing Lian Demon Fire.
Given that it was stripped from a Dou Saint level powerhouse, the aura it emitted was heart thumping. However, Xiao Ze, unconcerned, applied some seals with the Origin Emperor Flame and then stored it in his ring. He planned to refine it later to extract the inheritance of Jing Lian Holy Saint.
Seeing the matter finally resolved, the many strong ones present breathed a sigh of relief. Even the lingering high temperature around seemed less intense now. Eyes turned towards the fire lotus within the light screen. Compared to the eerie fire lotus previously filled with bloody and violent intentions, this new white and pink lotus exuded a peaceful and tranquil vibe, beautifully serene yet slightly eerie.
The white fire lotus drifted quietly within the light screen. As it moved, the residual energy around it spontaneously gathered into the lotus. Over time, the power of the white fire lotus would continue to increase.
Xiao Ze had completely erased Jing Lian Demon Fire's spiritual intelligence. He was not like Jing Lian Holy Saint, who still held sentimental ties to Jing Lian Demon Fire. Jing Lian Holy Saint had hesitated at the last moment, faced with Jing Lian Demon Fire's pleas, allowing it a final struggle. But Xiao Ze was different; he knew Jing Lian Demon Fire's utterly violent nature. Given a chance, it would rather self destruct than sit waiting for death. Thus, Xiao Ze maintained full suppression throughout, preventing any chance of self destruction.
"Ha ha, now that this is settled, Jing Lian Demon Fire, I'll unapologetically claim it for our Dan League," Xiao Ze said to everyone, bowing, with all the powerful ones within the thunder domain returning the gesture.
"Thank you, Lord Xiao Ze, for your intervention. This divine treasure naturally belongs to those destined for it. We came here only to compete for a chance," they said. "Indeed, inside this demon fire space, it was extremely dangerous. Without Lord Xiao Ze's help, we might have perished."
"We will deliver the promised treasures to the Dan League headquarters once we leave the demon fire space," the strong ones stated. However, they were cautious, not immediately producing the treasures, wary that Xiao Ze might kill for the loot. They implied that they didn't carry such treasures on them, needing to gather them after returning to their forces.
Xiao Ze understood their implication and nodded with a smile. He had no intention of helping others without compensation, and since they had agreed to offer treasures in exchange for protection, they must deliver.
"Does anyone wish to refine Jing Lian Demon Fire?" Xiao Ze asked, turning his attention from the foreign strong ones to his own Dan League members.
"Lord Xiao Ze, aren't you going to absorb and refine Jing Lian Demon Fire?" one of the gray haired elders asked in surprise.
"No need, I already possess a different flame," Xiao Ze declined, and everyone suddenly realized. Of course, why would he choose a weaker flame when he already had one that even Jing Lian Demon Fire couldn't counter?
Not everyone could be like his brother, Xiao Yan, who could refine multiple different flames. Ordinary people who dared to refine two different flames might end up self destructing from the internal conflict before even using them in battle. Even those supreme beings who controlled multiple flames only did so through sheer power, not by absorbing them.
"Lord Xiao Ze, do you mean all of us have a chance to refine the flame?" another Dou Saint asked hesitantly. After all, even if Xiao Ze didn't want to refine Jing Lian Demon Fire, he should prioritize his kin.
"I've already said it before, survival of the fittest. I've shielded you from external forces," Xiao Ze responded. "Within the Dan League, anyone who desires can compete."
The crowd was visibly moved, admiring Xiao Ze's generosity. Even those not part of the Dan League respected such openness. Being willing to offer up a divine treasure like Jing Lian Demon Fire for competition was extraordinary. Many peak powers would keep such treasures even if they couldn't refine them themselves, saving them for descendants or trading with other top powers.
At that moment, Xiao Yan stepped forward. "Ha ha, everyone, I won't beat around the bush; I am indeed determined to acquire Jing Lian Demon Fire," he declared, bowing to the Dan League members.
"Of course, you don't have to worry about me leveraging my younger brother's help to forcibly take it," Xiao Yan continued. "The different flames I possess were all obtained through life threatening struggles. Today, I won't use the prestige of my family to pressure you. Since my brother said to compete based on ability, let's set up a platform and show what we can do. Let's see who qualifies to refine Jing Lian Demon Fire!"
His words fired up the Dan League members. Xiao Yan's usual conduct within the Dan League had earned their trust, so no one doubted his intentions.
"Ha ha, Xiao Yan, although we usually get along, I too am greatly tempted by Jing Lian Demon Fire," said an elderly but robust white haired elder, stepping forward to face Xiao Yan. Following him, three other Dou Saints stepped forward. Seeing these five true Dou Saints, the half saints stepped back, knowing better than to embarrass themselves by competing.
(End of Chapter)
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