"Xiao Fan, didnt you say you were going to find Xiao Hui and that big yellow dog? Why did you bring me to the kitchen instead?" Zeng Shu Shu followed behind Zhang Xiao Fan, walking into the kitchen and grumbling nonstop.

  Zhang Xiaofan looked carefully into the kitchen, only to see that it was many times more spacious than the kitchen of Dazhu Peak, and the light was also much brighter. As he watched, he said, "Although I havent seen them since early morning, I guess theyre probably here!"

  Zeng: "Impossible, youre treating the three-eyed spirit monkey as if its nothing! Its a divine creature, far superior to humans. How can you look at it like that? Youre even treating it like a greedy thief!"

  In the midst of Zeng Shus stunned expression, Zhang Xiaofan pulled Xiao Hui up from behind a jar in the kitchen corner. Xiao Hui was suspended in mid-air, letting out high-pitched squeaks nonstop. Then, Da Huang rushed out from behind the jar and barked loudly at the two of them.

  Zhang Xiaofan glanced at Zeng Shu, who had a crying and laughing expression on her face.

  Holding Xiaohui in his arms, Zhang Xiaofan scolded Dahuang: "Damn dog, stop barking, do you want to get us caught?"

  Dahuang seemed to understand his words, looked at Xiaohui who was shrinking in his arms, and the dog made a few soft "woo" sounds before falling silent. Zhang Xiaofan took a look around and saw that everything was still intact, it seemed that these two thieves had not succeeded yet, he couldnt help but feel very relieved, and quickly carried Xiaohui out while walking, after taking two steps, he felt that Dahuang hadnt followed up, turned his head to take a look, only to see Dahuang tucking its tail and running to the back of the jar, making some movements with its paws, then picking up a piece of meat bone and running over.

  Zhang Xiaofan glared at the little grey in his arms, and the little grey split its monkey mouth, hehe silly smile. Zeng Shushu watched from the side, shaking her head.

  The two of them, accompanied by the monkey dog, sneaked out of the kitchen, afraid of being discovered, and if they were found out, their reputation would be ruined forever. They didnt breathe a sigh of relief until they had run to a distant place.

  Zhang Xiaofan took a deep breath and said: "Right, I forgot to congratulate you earlier. You won again."

  Zeng Shu didnt care at all, his eyes carefully examining the little grey in Zhang Xiaofans arms, saying: "Whats the big deal? Anyway, its bound to lose to someone else. Why is Little Grey so dirty? How many days havent you bathed him?"

  Zhang Xiaofan was taken aback and said, "Ive never washed it before."

  "Zeng: How could you, you, you treat it like this?!"

  Zhang Xiaofan was secretly skeptical, thinking that this monkey was always climbing up and down, how could it be clean. But seeing that this person couldnt be reasoned with on this matter, he dryly laughed and changed the subject, saying: "By the way, do you know? Tomorrows third round of trials, 6 Xueqis opponent is my master sister Tian Linger."

  Zeng: "Is it you, Shijie? The one who uses Amber Silk, Tian Linger?"

  "Yes." Zhang Xiaofan reached out to touch the little gray head that was climbing up his shoulder, saying: "These past two days, Snowys temper has been quite fierce, Im a bit worried about my Shifu."

  Zeng: "Thats also true. To say nothing of other things, just the Tian Jue in Xue Qis hand is unbearable."

  Zhang Xiaofan was somewhat worried and said, "Shu Shu, do you think my senior sister will be in danger? I heard that Xue Qi destroyed her opponents sword in the first round of the competition, and in the second round, the senior brother from Chang Men was also seriously injured."

  Zeng: "Youre overthinking, I think your senior sisters skills are far superior to yours. You should worry about yourself instead. The ones coming up next are even more formidable than the last. As you said yourself, you havent even cultivated the third layer of Taiji Xuanqing Dao Yuqing Realm. Later on, youll be killed by someone with just one sword strike! Give Little Gray to me for a hug."

  Zhang Xiaofan hesitated for a moment, then handed Xiao Hui over. Zeng Shu Shu happily hugged it in her arms, but Xiao Hui was very dissatisfied and let out a sharp "squeak".

  Zhang Xiaofan sighed and said, "Youre right, Shifus moral integrity is high, shes beautiful, and so many people like her. Whats the point of me caring about her?"

  Zeng Shu tightly hugged Xiao Hui, staring straight at him with wide eyes, as if afraid that missing a single glance would put him at a disadvantage. He said casually, "You know whats good for you, think about how to save your life tomorrow instead. Im telling you, tomorrows opponent, my senior Peng Chang from Wind Return Peak, his cultivation is absolutely not comparable to Chu Yu Hongs today. Especially the sword technique Wu Gou he cultivates, which was forged with thousand-year-old fire copper, its extremely powerful."

  Zhang Xiaofan looked gloomy and said: "All of you are covered in treasures, what can I do?"

  Zeng Shu didnt even raise his eyes, still looking at Xiao Hui, took a step forward and said: "Xiao Hui, follow me back, Ill give you two strings of bananas, okay? Uh, Xiao Fan, what did you just say?"

  Zhang Xiaofan walked alongside him and sighed, "I really envy you for being able to wield a treasure, whats that feeling like?"

  "Isnt that right? After cultivating the immortal sword for a long time, you will naturally have some connection with the treasure, and with this as the basis, using your spiritual power to drive the treasure, you can move heaven and earth, open mountains and split seas, all at your will."

  Zhang Xiaofan hesitated for a moment beside him and said, "The feeling of being sensed, is it a cool and refreshing sensation?"

  Zeng Shus eyes were fixed on Xiao Hui as he replied casually, "It depends on the material of the treasure."

  Zhang Xiaofan thought for a moment, and finally shook his head, giving up the wild idea in his mind. He said, "Shu Shu, you say that Tian Zhuang is such a divine object, I dont know how it was made back then, but the scene must have been magnificent, right?"

  Zeng Shu looked at Zhang Xiaofan with a strange expression and said, "How do I know? This is also my first time seeing this legendary divine object." As he spoke, he lowered his head to look at Xiao Hui again, ignoring Xiao Huis angry face, and smiled as he stroked Xiao Huis fur, saying, "However, if were talking about resonance, from the ancient books Ive read before, a true treasure that resonates with a cultivators heart and intentions isnt actually these so-called divine objects or rare treasures."

  "Whats that?" Zhang Xiaofan exclaimed in surprise.

  "Those are some magical artifacts created by the masters own blood and essence, using blood as a medium. The artifacts often carry an evil aura, but to the master, they have a flesh-and-blood connection. Although most of the artifacts created are malevolent and unorthodox, only those who possess the masters bloodline can wield them, unlike the magical artifacts we cultivate now, which can be subdued by seniors with high moral character."

  Zeng Shu stopped in his tracks, finding himself alone, and turned around to see Zhang Xiaofan standing behind him, staring at him with a strange expression.

  "Whats wrong, Xiao Fan?"

  Zhang Xiaofans body shook slightly, and he forced a smile, saying: "N-nothing."

  Zeng Shu looked at him and thought he was worried about the competition tomorrow, so he smiled and walked over to pat his shoulder, saying: "Dont worry, Ive already spoken with Master Peng, tomorrows competition, he wont go hard on you, and will even let you lose graciously, so you can still save face in front of our master and mistress."

  Zhang Xiaofans expression seemed distracted, but he still nodded and said, "Oh, thank you."

  The two of them walked a few more steps forward, Zeng Shu Shu was busy examining the little grey in his arms, while Zhang Xiao Fan seemed to be deep in thought, silent and not speaking. After a while, the little grey seemed to no longer be able to withstand Zeng Shu Shus piercing gaze, let out a few angry cries, stretched out its claws towards Zeng Shu Shu, Zeng Shu Shu saw that from earlier on the little grey had been quite well-behaved, for a moment relaxed his guard, and was suddenly ambushed again, this time really unable to dodge, his originally clean face instantly had several scars, hurting so much that he immediately loosened his grip.

  Xiao Hui regained his freedom, excited and jumping for joy, but instead of returning to Zhang Xiaofans side, he darted underground and ran forward quickly, taking three steps at a time until he reached the two people walking towards him, and then "whoosh" jumped onto one of them.

  Zhang Xiaofan was stunned for a moment, then looked up to see the woman smiling like a flower, standing in the midst of floating white clouds, her clothes lightly fluttering, with a red sash around her waist, pure and unmatched. It was Tian Linger. His heart suddenly surged with joy, just as he was about to speak, his whole bodys hot blood suddenly cooled down, chilling him to the bone. Standing beside Tian Linger was a handsome man with an elegant demeanor, who else could it be but Qi Huan?

  At this time, Tian Linger was also startled. Normally, Xiao Hui only entwined Zhang Xiaofan, and she didnt expect that today he would suddenly change his temper and become affectionate with her, which was completely unexpected. In fact, in her heart, she also liked this clever and agile monkey. She stroked Xiao Hui and smiled at him, saying: "Xiaofan, how did you end up here?"

  Zhang Xiaofans face was expressionless, and he said in a low voice: "I came here with friends for a walk."

  Standing beside Tian Linger, Qi Huan glanced at Zeng Shu and smiled, cupping his hands in greeting: "Zeng Shidi, we meet again."

  Zeng: "Brother Qi, hello."

  Tian Linger looked at them and asked in surprise: "Do you know each other?"

  Zi Huan smiled and said: "Zeng Shidi is the beloved son of Zeng Shishu of Fenghui Peak, with a profound family background and high moral integrity. This time, the Seven Veins Gathering is our greatest enemy!"

  Zeng: "Elder brother Qi, your name shakes the blue clouds. The young disciples under the Blue Clouds naturally respect you as a superior. How dare I be presumptuous!"

  Zi Hao burst out laughing and said: "Junior Master Zeng is overpraising me, I dont dare to accept such praise."

  Tian Linger saw Zhang Xiaofans expression was somewhat unusual, walked over and said: "Xiaofan, whats wrong?"

  Zhang Xiaofan shook his head and said, "Sister, youre going to compete with Xiao Zhufengs 6th Snow Qi tomorrow, be careful!"

  Tian Linger smiled slightly, turned her head to look at Qi Huan, Qi Huan smiled silently, Tian Linger responded with a smile, and then turned around to say to Zhang Xiaofan: "I understand in my heart, thats why Qi Shixiong is highly skilled and enthusiastic, because he has some affinity with me, especially invited me out to point out some key points for tomorrows competition."

  Zhang Xiaofan lowered his head and after a long while, said in a hoarse voice: "Sister, tomorrow when youre competing, Ill also be competing with Peng Shixiong from Fenghui Peak, so I wont be able to cheer for you. Youd better be careful yourself!"

  Tian Linger said nonchalantly, "It doesnt matter, Xiao Fan. Father and Mother have already said theyll go watch my trial. Besides," she gazed at Qi Huan with a hint of emotion, "Senior Brother Qi will also be there to watch me compete. With his profound cultivation and guidance, Im sure I wont lose."

  Zhi Hao laughed from afar: "Im afraid I cant guarantee that."

  Tian Linger turned her head back, glared at him for a moment, and then couldnt help but burst out laughing again. Her skin as white as jade was radiant, with a faint pink glow that seemed to shine from within, making it almost impossible for people to look away.

  Just then, Shu Shu stood by and clearly saw Zhang Xiaofans eyes and complexion suddenly dimming down, almost without any vitality, and couldnt help but frown.

  ※※※

  The night is deep, the cold moon hangs high in the sky.

  Above the sea of clouds, there is no sound. A lone figure wanders in the cold moonlight, amidst the faint and ethereal cloud mist, walking aimlessly, walking.

  Unconsciously, he walked onto the Rainbow Bridge and arrived at the edge of that bay of Bi Shui Tan. The surface was as calm as a mirror, with no ripples or waves, reflecting the starry sky above, as if they had fallen into the water.

  A beautiful day with a picturesque view, so beautiful its hard to take it all in.

  But the man seemed to have noticed nothing, standing stupidly by the waters edge, staring at the surface of the water as if recalling something. After a long time, his body suddenly shook violently, and his hands were tightly clenched, looking very painful.

  Then he slowly turned his head and looked towards a small dark forest on the side of Hongqiao, and walked over slowly.

  The moonlight shone on Zhang Xiaofans face, with a hint of desolation.

  Should I stand forever in this dark corner, quietly watching others happiness and savoring my own pain?

  In the distance, faint footsteps could be heard approaching.

  Darkness lurked quietly in this small grove.

  "Its so late, why did the Master call us here?" Along with the voice, six figures appeared. Zhang Xiaofan hid in the dark and was shocked to see that they were the six veins of Qingyun Mountain except for Tongtian Peak. Tian Naye was among them, and the one who spoke was Shangyang Peaks Shang Zhengliang.

  The person walking in the front, Cang Song Dao, said: "I heard that today, the Masters elder brother has used the Tong Ling technique to try and communicate with the Spirit, but it seems that something has gone wrong. We should go and discuss this."

  "The Spirit" Water Qilin is the mountain spirit beast of Qingyun Gate, with a great relationship. Everyone who heard it stopped talking, their faces solemn, and after a moment, they went far away.

  After those people left for a long time, Zhang Xiaofan dared to come out of the small forest, and subconsciously looked at the Bi Shui Tan, only to see that the water surface was calm as usual, and it seemed that the spirit had been sleeping in the water.

  He looked up at the cold moon in the sky, intending to return, but instead took out the black fire stick from his bosom. The words written by Shu Shu during the day had given him a great shock, leaving him stunned and suspicious, but at this moment, there was no other thought in his mind, only the image of Linger and Qi Huan standing together in perfect harmony.

  His heart had always been like being pricked by a needle, but now it has become numb, empty and hollow, as if his three souls and seven spirits had all dispersed.

  Slowly picked up the fire stick, under the dark green surface, a fine blood-red line was clearly visible, like a thread of blood, densely distributed all over the stick, even in the bead at the top.

  Is this my blood?

  Zhang Xiaofan was thinking this way in his heart, and at the moment he heard Zeng Shus words, he almost immediately had an impulse to throw away the fire stick. However, what followed was Qi Huan and Tian Linger, which gave him a much greater shock, making him completely disregard this so-called evil object.

  "Hmph!" He let out a low, bitter laugh. "Even if its an evil object, its still a powerful treasure, and I dont have the good fortune to be worthy of such things. Whats by my side isnt anything but this ugly fire poker?"

  A cool feeling slowly rose from the burning incense stick and wandered in his body, as if comforting him.

  "Magic treasure? Magic treasure?"

  Zhang Xiaofan gritted his teeth, "What am I, how can I use the law treasure?" As he spoke, his voice was choked with sobs, and even the cold air seemed to be stirred up by his sadness, jumping up and down as if it had come alive.

  Zhang Xiaofan felt it, but he didnt take it to heart at all, thinking that the mountain wind had blown and his body was cold. He slowly raised his head, looking at the fire poker in his hand, and a scene of him and Tian Linger going to that secluded valley together flashed through his mind, as if it were another lifetime.

  The dark green color of the firewood, with its thin threads of blood, slowly brightened up, as if sensing something. Zhang Xiaofan inadvertently saw it, his heart skipped a beat, and he was shocked at the same time, remembering what Bai Tianyu had said during the day. In his heart, a surge of irrepressible impulse suddenly arose.

  Closed his eyes.

  In an instant, the cool feeling spread throughout his body without any chill, the surroundings were silent but deep in his heart he clearly heard a loud roar, as if the wailing of countless vengeful spirits from the underworld, carrying endless resentment, rising up.

  Bleached bones, fresh blood, shrill cries, bloody smell!

  Zhang Xiaofan suddenly opened his eyes wide, panting heavily, but just a moment later, he held his breath.

  His hands were flat and open, his fingers stretched out or curled in, forming a seal shape. The black incense stick had flown out of his palm and was suspended in mid-air, emitting a thick black smoke and a bright blue light.

  In front of the fire pit, a tree that was originally lush and thriving in the small forest ahead of him had withered away completely in this instant, its branches and leaves scattered as if something had sucked out all its life in an instant.

  Zhang Xiaofan felt for the first time that he was so intimate with this fire poker, although it stopped in mid-air, but across this distance, he clearly felt that he was holding it, and the familiar coolness also became unusually strong, as if there was a faintly indescribable freshness in it, sucked from the black stick, spreading throughout his body.

  Just then, a low whistling sound suddenly came from far behind Zhang Xiaofan. He turned his head in shock and saw that the water in the Bi Shui Tan was suddenly turbulent, as if something had been disturbed. Without thinking much, he instinctively took off running, sprinting to the top of the Rainbow Bridge, not looking back, and ran forward until he crossed the bridge and arrived at the Cloud Sea, where he no longer felt anything unusual behind him, and finally stopped to catch his breath.

  After a long time, he gazed at the black lighter in his hand again. At this moment, the lighter was as calm and quiet as ever, lying quietly in his hand.

  ※※※

  Two days later, the Seven Veins of Qingyunmen entered the third round.

  Sixteen young disciples of Qingyun, distributed evenly on the eight arenas, competing at the same time. Among the three from Zhuzi Peak, Zhang Xiaofan was arranged to compete on the "Kan" arena, Song Daren on the "Li" arena, and Tian Linger and Xueqi were arranged to compete on the largest and most prominent "Qian" arena.

  According to Zeng Shu-shu, a friend who had gotten extremely familiar with Zhang Xiao-fan in just three days, there was a big problem with the arrangement of the arena. Its not hard to understand why. The match between Liu Xue-qi and Tian Linger was a highly anticipated event. With Liu Xue-qi possessing the "Tian Jue", it goes without saying that every time she stepped onto the stage, she would be surrounded by three layers of people inside and out, making it impossible to get through. As for Da Zhu Fengs Tian Linger, she already had a reputation for being a prodigy within Qing Yun Men, and in these two days, she had been showcasing her skills, defeating strong opponents one after another, with everyone watching in admiration. Her appearance was also exceptionally beautiful, rivaling Liu Xue-qis elegance. Many people were making comments about this in private.

  Today, the two young female disciples of Qingyun Gate, who are considered to be the most outstanding in nearly a hundred years, met prematurely. The elders may have felt some regret, but the younger disciples were all overjoyed and quickly surrounded Qian Tai like an iron barrel.

  Song Daren and Zhang Xiaofan stood in front of Tian Buyi, bidding him farewell. Tian Buyi looked at Song Daren and said: "Today your opponent is Changmens Changjian. This person has a strong and patient temperament, has been cultivating for many years, and his defensive skills are extremely strong. He is just the opposite of your Ten Tigers swordsmanship, so be careful."

  "Yes, Master."

  Zhang Xiaofans heart moved, and he felt that this name seemed somewhat familiar. After thinking for a while, he recalled that it was five years ago when he first went up the mountain, and Chang Jian led him and Lin Jingyu to the Yuqing Temple. Thinking of this, his heart couldnt help but feel some nostalgia for Lin Jingyu again. He heard that yesterday, his good friend had also won the second round, with outstanding strength, and was regarded as a prodigy by everyone. However, he himself didnt have time to go congratulate him.

  Tian Bu Yi glanced at Zhang Xiao Fan, who was standing beside Song Da Ren. This unexpected young apprentice stood there with his head down, not making a sound. Tian Bu Yi furrowed his brow and said, "Old Seventh, you be careful too. If its not going well, admitting defeat is fine, just dont get hurt."

  Zhang Xiaofans body shook slightly, but others couldnt see what he was feeling inside, and he said in a low voice: "Yes, Master."

  Song Daren looked into the distance and said to Tian Naiyi, "Master, its getting late, Ill take my leave with my younger brother."

  Tian nodded slightly and Su Rou, who was standing beside him, smiled and said, "Be careful with everything."

  Song Daren responded with a sound, and walked out of the circle with Zhang Xiaofan. Along the way, he faintly felt that today this little brother seemed not quite right, silently not speaking like usual, so he asked Zhang Xiaofan: "Little brother, why arent you saying anything today? Are you nervous?"

  Zhang Xiaofan glanced at his senior brother and forced a smile, but didnt respond.

  Song Daren smiled openly and said, "Dont think so much, dont take winning or losing too seriously. Although Master and Mistress value their reputation, they will not blame you, got it?"

  "Yes." Zhang Xiaofan responded with a single word, but in his heart, he secretly thought: They dont have any expectations of me, so they naturally wont blame me.

  Song Daren nodded, and the two of them walked out of the crowd. It was easy to get out, but not so easy to get in. Song Daren chuckled and said, "Little brother, we have to part ways now. Good luck to you, I hope you win again next time." After saying that, he didnt wait for Zhang Xiaofans reaction and burst into loud laughter himself.

  Zhang Xiaofan let out a small sigh and walked towards the arena where he was going to compete.

  "Kan" position under the stage, most of Feng Hui Peaks disciples were there, and Zhang Xiaofan also saw that group of people with the surname Gao. Feng Hui Peak was a major branch in Qing Yun Men, with over 200 disciples, second only to Chang Men Tong Tian Peak and Long Peak. It was clear that everyone from Feng Hui Peak had heard something from Zeng Shu Shu, as they all looked relaxed, and even smiled and nodded at Zhang Xiaofan in a friendly manner.

  For some reason, Zhang Xiaofan suddenly felt that the kind smiles of everyone in front of him were so annoying, all of which was a kind of contempt for himself. He walked onto the stage with an expressionless face, and behind him, everyone in the audience was standing on his opposing side. This time, even Zeng ShuShu was not there, because he also had to compete.

  But even if he comes, shouldnt we applaud for our fellow disciple?

  In Zhang Xiaofans heart, a wave of indescribable loneliness suddenly surged up. Standing on this high platform, he looked out at the countless eyes surrounding him below, but not one friend was among them.

  Whats the point of always facing everyone alone, without even a single friend in sight?

  A sixteen-year-old boy silently shouted in his heart, stubbornly biting his lip and lowering his head.

  The mountain breeze comes gently and brushes against my face.

  "Then!"

  The sound of bells and drums from near and far almost rang out at the same time, echoing on the top of Tongtian Peak and spreading far away. Zhang Xiaofans heart skipped a beat, but his first thought was: Linger Shizi should have started competing too, I hope she doesnt get hurt.

  He felt a pang in his heart and thought to himself, "Whether shes hurt or not, its none of your business. Not only are Master and Mistress there, but even Qi Huan said hed rush over as soon as he settles the opponent quickly. Ha! Settling the opponent quickly, how mighty, how confident, truly treating the opponent like nothing."

  He was thinking like this in his heart and forgot that he was also on the stage, until the opponent standing in front of him shouted loudly for the third time: "Zhang Shidi!"

  Zhang Xiaofan suddenly woke up with a start, looked up and saw that a senior fellow from Fenghui Peak was standing opposite him at some unknown time. He was tall and had a gentle expression, but when he saw Zhang Xiaofans dazed look, his face involuntarily took on a somewhat strange expression.

  Zhang Xiaofans face turned bright red, and there was a burst of laughter from the audience below.

  Peng Chang smiled and cupped his hands: "I am Peng Chang, a disciple of Feng Hui Peak. I beg for your instruction, Master Zhang."

  Zhang Xiaofan hastily returned the courtesy, saying: "Zhang Xiaofan, a disciple of Dazhu Peak, has seen Senior Brother Peng."

  The two exchanged greetings, and Peng Chang smiled slightly, sizing up Zhang Xiaofan from head to toe before lowering his voice and saying: "Zhang Shidi, your affairs have already been told to me by Zeng Shixiong, I"

  Zhang Xiaofans body shook, and suddenly he couldnt help but blurt out: "Brother Peng, please let go of your hand."

  Peng Changyi was taken aback, and he carefully looked at Zhang Xiaofan for a moment before collecting his smile and nodding. With a wave of his right hand in front of him, a "ting" sound rang out as a sword with a red glow, almost as if it were surrounded by flames, appeared.

  "This sword Wu Gou was forged from a thousand years of fire and copper, please instruct me, Master Zhang." For some reason, Peng Changs entire demeanor turned solemn, his presence imposing, as if he were speaking to an equally matched formidable foe.

  Zhang Xiaofan felt the scorching air rushing towards him from a distance, and this fiery breath was strong and fierce, completely different from the gentle and upright energy of Chu Yuhongs Shaoyang Xianjian at Chuyang Peak yesterday, with a few more domineering.

  Zhang Xiaofans heart beat uncontrollably faster, and even when he thought about the consequences he would face later, he became so tense that his body trembled slightly. But he gritted his teeth, exerting all his strength to control himself, and took out the black fire stick from his pocket.

  From under the stage came a burst of shrill laughter.

  Zhang Xiaofan felt as if he had been pricked by a needle and his body shook slightly.

  Peng Chang, standing opposite him, did not smile. He glanced at the black iron poker and said seriously: "Zhang Shidi, please!"

  Zhang Xiaofan looked at this opponent, behind the flames that were burning fiercely, Peng Chang was like an ancient fire god, and he was completely different from before. The intense flames caused waves of smoke to rise in the air, and even his face seemed a bit blurry.

  He tightly grasped the black rod, and Zhang Xiaofan once again felt that flesh-and-blood connection, as if he knew his masters emotions. That icy feeling surged up once more.

  A black and ugly flame, slowly rose into the air, leaving his palm, emitting a mysterious blue-green light. Although it was weak, it stood in mid-air, facing forward as if unstoppable and invincible. It, and its master, had not a hint of retreat.

  One man, one burning stick, facing the whole world!

  Under the stage, the laughter and applause slowly subsided, people unknowingly held their breath.

  That massive flame grew more and more vigorous, making it impossible to tell what was being burned to produce such a fierce blaze. Even the disciples of Fenghui Peak in the distance felt the scorching heat, and those with shallower cultivation even retreated backward. Some people who had been on good terms with Zeng Shuai, like Gao Shi Xiong, changed color, and everyone could see that Peng Chang was not showing any mercy at this moment, completely displaying a life-or-death struggle.

  The flames grew larger, and the sparks almost covered the sky above the stage. From a distance, Zhang Xiaofan, who was standing on the stage, had his clothes, pants, and even the ends of his eyebrows seemingly charred, as if he had been in a furnace, sending shivers down ones spine.

  However, the young man stood there, with pain on his face but not retreating, fear in his eyes yet so fervent, the flames deep in his heart seemed to be burning in his eyes as well.

  A loud roar, a gigantic fire dragon swooped down, devouring everything in the world.

  As if an instant, yet solidified for a lifetime.

  Zhang Xiaofan looked up at the sky and let out a long sigh, the green light of the fire poker shot into the flames.

  A deafening roar, amidst the raging flames, shook the eardrums.

  Under the stage, Gao Shixiong and others looked at each other in dismay. After a long while, he stomped his foot and sighed: "How did it become like this!"