65: Chapter 65 Golden Flame Refines the Soul, No Regrets Even in the Face of Nine Deaths

In that world of flames, Lin Ye's consciousness, though as minuscule as dust, straightened its spine. With a firm gaze meeting those sun-like eyes, he sent out a silent yet resolute shout through his thoughts:

"Disciple, willing to try!"

"Good." The grand, ancient voice seemed to carry a hint of approval. "The first turn, Purifying Fire burns the body."

Before the words had even faded, the entire world of flames erupted! Endless golden flames, as if possessing life, surged in from all directions, instantly swallowing Lin Ye's consciousness completely!

"Ah——!!!"

Indescribable pain instantly drowned Lin Ye's Soul!

This was not the burning of the Physical Body, but a scorching, Purification, and even... destruction, acting directly upon the Origin of his Soul!

Every inch of his consciousness, every single thought, was repeatedly scorched and refined by the golden flames. Memories, emotions, desires, fears from the past, and even the most minute Impurities of thought, had nowhere to hide in the golden flames; they were either incinerated or purified.

He felt as if he were placed inside a furnace, being forged and reshaped. The pain exceeded any description in words; it was a tearing sensation originating from his very existence.

"Hold fast to your original heart, do not forget the thought of self..." Amidst the extreme pain, Lin Ye's only remaining clarity desperately guarded that core recognition of "self," which was his fundamental obsession for survival, Cultivate, and the pursuit of the Dao.

He did not know how much time had passed; perhaps it was an instant, perhaps ten thousand years.

When the golden flames slowly receded, Lin Ye felt that his consciousness had shrunk by a circle, but it had become more solid and translucent, like a pearl washed clean of dust. Pain still lingered, but an unprecedented sense of ease and clarity welled up.

The first turn, passed.

"The second turn, Heart Fire refines desire."

The flames descended again, but this time, they transformed into countless illusions. Power, beauty, wealth, longevity, invincible strength... all kinds of desires from the deepest parts of his heart were stirred up and magnified by the golden flames, forming gentle traps that made one sink into depravity. As long as there was the slightest relaxation, his consciousness would be swallowed by desire, sinking into the illusion, resulting in Soul Flying Away and Spirit Scattering.

Lin Ye's Dao Heart was firm. Having experienced life and death, he had extremely strong resistance to these external temptations. He held fast to his spiritual platform, using the icy will of the Ice Soul Sword Art as an anchor, slashing through the illusions one by one, refining his Dao Heart.

The second turn, passed.

"The third turn, Karma Fire burns away sin."

The color of the flames turned dark red, carrying an aura of judgment and destruction. This time, what was being burned was "Karma." Lin Ye had killed quite a lot in his life; whether for self-defense or contention, he was always entangled with causal Karma. The dark red Karma Fire ignited these Karmas, backfiring on himself, bringing endless pain and the torment of regret, as if it wanted to drag him into the infinite Hell.

Lin Ye gritted his teeth and endured. He asked himself about the things he had done; although he was not a sage, there was always a reason, and he had a clear conscience. With a firm will, he endured the burning of the Karma Fire, refining the negative emotions such as violence and resentment within it, leaving only the purest comprehension of Karma.

The third turn, passed!

According to what the Flame Lord said, passing three turns would allow one to obtain the recognition of the fire seed!

However, that grand voice did not announce the end, and the flames did not cease.

"Foundation is acceptable, Heart-Nature is resilient, you may enter the middle three turns."

"The fourth turn, Soul Fire divides the Soul!"

The flames suddenly became violent, transforming into countless golden fire needles as fine as ox hair, crazily stabbing into Lin Ye's consciousness, wanting to tear his Divine Soul apart and divide it into countless fragments!

This was a cruel test and refinement of the essence of the Divine Soul. Once the Divine Soul could not withstand the pain of splitting, it would completely collapse.

Lin Ye let out a silent roar, pushing the insights about "Heart and Sword as One, using the spirit to control the sword" from the incomplete Starfall Ice Soul Sword manual to the limit. He condensed his own will like a sword, and regardless of the fire needles piercing and dividing him, he remained unmoved, even attempting to guide the fire needles to conversely refine and strengthen his own Divine Soul.

The pain reached a new Peak, but his Divine Soul, amidst breaking and reorganizing, became more resilient and powerful, even showing a faint tendency to divide.

The fourth turn, passed!

"The fifth turn, Dao Fire questions the heart!"

The flames transformed into countless Dao runes, containing countless profound truths about the Dao of "Fire," and also including all kinds of interrogations about the Dao, about Cultivate, and about life. While enduring the burning of the runes, Lin Ye needed to discern the true meaning within them and answer those interrogations that pointed directly to his original heart. If he answered incorrectly or hesitated, the runes would turn into flames of destruction, burning his Divine Soul to ashes.

This was a dual test of Comprehension Ability and Dao Heart. Relying on his shallow understanding of the Blazing Sun True Explanation, his comprehension of the Dao of Ice and Fire, and his own firm heart towards the Dao, Lin Ye dealt with it with difficulty. He could not answer many questions and could only resist the burning of the runes with his most fundamental insights.

The fifth turn, passed with great difficulty.

"The sixth turn, passing the torch!"

The flames became a bit gentler, transforming into a golden torrent of flames, which contained countless applications of "Fire," Divine Abilities, secret techniques, and even fragments of the Flame Lord's insights on Alchemy, Artifact Refining, and Formation. This was both a Legacy and a test. He needed to endure, understand, and digest this massive amount of information within an extremely short time and initially integrate it into himself; otherwise, his Divine Soul would be crushed by the torrent of information.

Lin Ye's Divine Soul had reached its limit, but he gritted his teeth and persisted, like the greediest sponge, crazily absorbing this precious knowledge. Ancient Alchemy insights, the Legacy of the Blazing Sun True Explanation, what he learned at Hundred Herbs Hall, what he heard at the Chuan Dao Hall... all his accumulations regarding "Fire" were activated, connected, and sublimated at this moment.

The sixth turn, passed!

At this point, he had already obtained the qualification for a partial Legacy!

However, the flames still showed no signs of stopping.

That grand, ancient voice seemed to carry a hint of surprise and anticipation:

"To actually be able to pass six turns in a row... Your Foundation and Heart-Nature exceed expectations. Are you willing... to try the upper three turns?"

"The upper three turns, it is either live or die. The seventh turn is named 'Extinction'. The eighth turn is named 'Nirvana'. The ninth turn is named 'Eternity'. Since ancient times, of those who have attempted, not one in ten has survived. Do you dare?"

Either life or death!

Lin Ye's consciousness swayed slightly in the flames. Having experienced the terrifying torture of the first six turns, his Divine Soul was already on the verge of collapse, but it had also become condensed and powerful to an unprecedented degree. He could feel that if he could pass the upper three turns, the benefits obtained would be unimaginable, and it might even be possible to touch the core Legacy of the Flame Lord.

But the risk had also reached its extreme. Not one in ten survived!

Retreat? He had already passed the first six turns and obtained a partial Legacy; it seemed he could quit while he was ahead.

But Lin Ye's nature was such that the more desperate the situation, the more it could stimulate his ruthless drive to fight for his life. Throughout his journey, which time was not about seeking survival in a dead end? If he retreated here, his Dao Heart would inevitably be covered in dust, and his future achievements would be limited.

"Disciple... is willing to try!" Lin Ye issued his most firm response with his remaining will.

"Good! The seventh turn, Extinction Fire!"

Boom!

All the flames suddenly collapsed inward, transforming into an extreme, pitch-black singularity that seemed capable of swallowing all light and heat, completely swallowing Lin Ye's consciousness!

Absolute darkness, absolute silence, absolute cold (different from ice, but the negation of existence).

In this turn, even the pain disappeared, because perception, thought, and existence itself were being slowly erased by this "Extinction Fire." It was as if he was about to return to eternal nothingness.

This was the ultimate interrogation of the meaning of "existence." If one's own Dao Heart was not firm enough, and the recognition of the existence of "I" was blurred, one would be completely lost and the self would dissipate in this absolute extinction.

Lin Ye's consciousness floated in the darkness, as if he had returned to the moment he first Transmigration, when his Soul had nothing to rely on. But this time, he had a deeper obsession—to survive, to become stronger, to grasp his own destiny, to pursue the Dao! These obsessions, like the most tenacious spark in the darkness, guarded the recognition of "self" to the death.

He did not know how long he had been sinking, but that pitch-black singularity suddenly expanded and exploded!

Light reappeared, and the flames burned again!

Lin Ye's consciousness re-condensed; although it was illusory and nearly transparent, it carried a calmness and resilience after having been baptized by extinction.

The seventh turn, Extinction, passed!

"The eighth turn, Nirvana Fire!"

The flames transformed into a giant Phoenix burning with seven-colored light, emitting a clear Phoenix cry, and took Lin Ye's consciousness into its mouth!

Nirvana fire, burning away the old self, reshaping a new life!

This was the most thorough and also the most dangerous reshaping. Once it failed, the old self was gone and the new self had not yet been born, which would mean true Soul Flying Away and Spirit Scattering.

Seven-colored flames wrapped around, decomposed, and reorganized Lin Ye's consciousness from the inside out. Past experiences, insights, and cultivation imprints were all refined and sublimated in the flames, and began to attempt Fusion with the fragments of the Flame Lord's Legacy just obtained, as well as his comprehension of the Dao of Ice and Fire.

It was an extremely painful yet wondrous process. Lin Ye felt as if he were being dismantled into his most basic units, only to be reassembled according to some higher-level principle.

A new consciousness body was slowly taking shape, becoming more solid and translucent, carrying a faint golden halo. His affinity for and control over flames reached an astonishing degree; even the fragile "ice-fire vortex" within his body became stable and harmonious amidst the Nirvana fire, showing faint signs of solidifying.

He did not know how much time had passed when the seven-colored Phoenix let out a joyful cry and opened its beak to "spit" Lin Ye out.

The newborn consciousness body stood in the world of flames. Although still illusory, it had condensed into something akin to substance. Within his eyes, golden flames and icy stars seemed to swirl simultaneously, his aura ethereal and profound.

The Eighth Turn, Nirvana, passed!

"The Ninth Turn, Eternal Fire!" A grand, ancient voice resounded, carrying unprecedented solemnity.

Throughout the entire flame world, all the flames suddenly stilled, then simultaneously bowed toward the center. A faint, pure golden flame—seemingly containing the Origin of ten thousand fires and an eternal, undying aura—was born from the void and drifted slowly toward Lin Ye.

The Eternal Fire symbolized the ultimate of the Dao of Fire, immortal and undying. This turn was no longer a test, but rather... a gift, or perhaps, the final recognition of the Legacy.

Lin Ye was struck by a flash of inspiration. Without any resistance, he opened his consciousness to welcome the integration of this wisp of "Eternal Fire."

The pure golden flame touched the center of Lin Ye's consciousness body's brow and silently merged into it.

Boom!

An indescribable torrent of realization instantly flooded Lin Ye's entire consciousness! It was the essence of Flame Lord's lifelong insights into the Dao of "Fire," the true core of the Legacy of the "Great Sun Golden Flame"! Countless profound runes, Dao patterns, and Divine Ability techniques were deeply branded into the depths of his Divine Soul.

At the same time, his consciousness body erupted with brilliant golden light, resonating with the entire world of flames. Inside the great hall, his Physical Body, sitting cross-legged by the magma pool, was also enveloped in golden flames. His injuries recovered at a speed visible to the naked eye, and his aura climbed steadily!

The Bottleneck of the Peak of the Sixth Stage of Qi Refining shattered at a touch!

Seventh Stage of Qi Refining!

His cultivation did not stop. Driven by the dual force of the "Eternal Fire" and his Nirvana Rebirth, it continued to skyrocket!

Middle Stage of the Seventh Stage of Qi Refining... Late Stage... Peak!

It broke through all the way to the Peak of the Seventh Stage of Qi Refining, only stopping when it was just a hair's breadth away from the Eighth Stage.

Under the tempering of the golden flames, his Physical Body naturally achieved the third level of the "Mystic Jade Body"! Jade-like luster flowed beneath his skin, with faint golden flame patterns appearing, and his strength, toughness, and power increased explosively!

Even more astonishing changes occurred within his Dantian and Meridians. The originally fragile "ice-fire vortex" was now completely stable, having transformed into a slowly rotating, half-ice-blue and half-red-gold Taiji diagram phantom. It hovered above his Dantian, automatically absorbing and harmonizing the ice-fire Qi within his body. The icy Qi became purer and more piercing, while the red-gold fire energy grew several times stronger, now carrying a trace of the supreme aura of the "Great Sun Golden Flame."

On his left hand, the nearly ruined "flame sun token" was also enveloped by the golden flames. The cracks on its surface healed at a speed visible to the naked eye, its color shifting from dark gold to pure gold. Its aura became more ancient and majestic, creating a sense of Bloodline connection with Lin Ye.

He did not know how much time had passed when the scene of the flame world slowly faded away.

Lin Ye's consciousness returned to his Physical Body.

He slowly opened his eyes.

Within them, icy stars seemed to swirl in his left eye, while golden flames seemed to leap in his right; in the blink of an eye, they returned to a deep, calm state.

He looked down at his hands, clenched his fists, and felt the surging power within his body and the completely different quality of his Qi, his heart filled with shock and joy.

Golden Flame Soul Refining, the Nine Turns are complete!

He had succeeded!

Standing up, Lin Ye felt a wondrous connection with this place, with the "Great Sun Golden Flame" fire seed, and even with the entire "Geocentric Furnace." With a thought, the shifting flame in the air trembled slightly, conveying a sense of intimacy.

He looked at the magma pool (Geocentric Furnace), and then at the pure gold "flame sun token" in his hand, which was mostly repaired and had its luster restrained (perhaps it should be called the yan jun token now).

According to the Legacy information, he had now initially refined the "Great Sun Golden Flame" fire seed and become the successor of the Flame Lord, able to initially control this "Geocentric Furnace." This furnace was not only a treasured land for Cultivate, but also an extraordinary treasure that could perform Artifact Refining, Alchemy, and even be used against enemies.

But this was no place to stay for long. Outside, there was still the threat of the Yinkui Sect, the mission of the Lingyun Sword Sect (though it might have already failed), and a vast world beyond.

It was time to leave.

He connected his mind with the yan jun token and attempted to control the Geocentric Furnace.

The furnace vibrated slightly, and a red-gold platform about a foot high slowly rose from the center of the magma pool, with a red-gold ring of ancient design resting upon it.

Lin Ye picked up the ring and probed it with his spiritual sense. Inside was a vast space of about ten zhang square, far larger than the ancient ring yuan sha and the bone ring "bone ring," and the space was stable, carrying a rich fire-attribute aura. In the ring, there were several items: a set of ancient red-gold robes (magical vestments?), a long sword that was entirely red-gold, ancient in style, with flame patterns hidden on the blade (flame sovereign sword?), and several Jade Slips recording more detailed Legacy and secret arts.

The harvest was unimaginably rich. He changed into the red-gold robes (which automatically conformed to his body and had astonishing defensive power), slung the flame sovereign sword on his back, and put away the other items.

Then, he looked toward the slowly closing hall door. Outside, the Third Stage skeleton giant and the other flame creatures were likely still there.

Now that he had initially gained control of this place, perhaps... he wouldn't need to force his way out.

He held the yan jun token and focused his mind.

Rumble—!

The heavy hall door slowly opened inward once again.

Outside the door, the Third Stage skeleton giant was indeed still there, violently attacking the hall door. Seeing the door open, it first froze, then ecstasy erupted in its golden flame eye sockets, and it prepared to charge in.

However, when it saw Lin Ye inside the hall, holding the yan jun token, dressed in red-gold magical robes, and possessing a completely different aura, its movements froze abruptly.

From Lin Ye, it sensed the aura of its "Master," as well as the pressure of the "Great Sun Golden Flame" that made its Soul tremble!

The skeleton giant hesitated, its golden flames flickering uncertainly.

Lin Ye's expression was calm. Holding the yan jun token, he stepped out of the hall door, standing in mid-air (the Restriction here had been partially opened to him). He looked at the massive skeleton giant and transmitted a majestic intent through the yan jun token: "Retreat."

The skeleton giant's bones rattled, as if it were struggling, but in the end, under the pressure of the supreme flames, it lowered its massive head, retreated slowly, and cleared the path.

In the magma sea, the other flame creatures lay prostrate, not daring to look up.

Lin Ye felt a surge of heroic pride in his heart. Not long ago, he was like an ant in the face of such existences; now, he could command one to retreat with a single word!

He ignored these flame creatures and, based on the Legacy memories and the guidance of the yan jun token, found another exit from the Geocentric Furnace—a secret fire path leading deeper underground but relatively safe, said to lead directly to the outer periphery on the other side of the Ten Thousand Demon Mountain Range.

He was just about to set off.

Suddenly, the yan jun token trembled slightly, transmitting a deeper warning message left behind by the Flame Lord: "Future successor, having obtained my Legacy, you also bear my Karma."

"I was severely injured in the battle beyond the realms because I was ambushed by the 'Demon Lord Yinming.' This wretch Cultivates the Nether Ghost Dao and is incompatible with me like fire and water. Under his command, the 'Yinkui Sect' acts as his lackeys, lurking in various realms with grand schemes."

"Since you have obtained my Dao, you must be vigilant against the Demon Lord Yinming and his lackeys. Their Cultivation Technique is treacherous, best at eroding the Divine Soul and controlling corpse puppets, and they especially fear the most Yang and rigid fire..."

Demon Lord Yinming? Yinkui Sect?

Lin Ye's pupils contracted sharply!

So the Yinkui Sect had such a terrifying background! The fall of the Flame Lord was actually related to the Demonic Lord behind the Yinkui Sect!

And since he had obtained the Flame Lord's Legacy, didn't that mean he was naturally standing on the opposite side of the Yinkui Sect?

No wonder the Yinkui Sect was so interested in the "Yan Yang Hall" and the "Earth Fire Secret Realm." They were likely not just looking for treasure, but trying to stifle the Flame Lord's Legacy, or perhaps... searching for a way to deal with the "Great Sun Golden Flame"?

He and the Yinkui Sect were perhaps destined to be mortal enemies from the very beginning!

He took a deep breath, suppressing the turbulent waves in his heart.

Soldiers come to block, water comes to cover. Since he had obtained the Legacy and accepted the Karma, he would bear it all!

Yinkui Sect, Demon Lord Yinming... in the future, there will surely be a battle!

But for now, he needed time and strength.

He took one last look at the magnificent Geocentric Furnace and the prostrate flame creatures, then turned and stepped into the secret fire path, his figure disappearing into the scorching flames.

A new journey, accompanied by greater responsibilities and crises, had already begun.