203: Three days later, undercurrents were stirring.

After Huo Ying departed, Fire Crow Ridge temporarily returned to its surface calm. Only the noisy Red Flame Fire Crows, after experiencing a fright, once again occupied the sky, bringing a touch of Life Qi to this scorching valley.

Li Ao and Medusa did not relax their vigilance. Li Ao maintained the basic operation of the “Silent Spirit Sealing Barrier,” which, though not consuming much, could effectively provide early warning. Medusa, relying on her powerful perception, monitored energy anomalies within dozens of miles.

The first day was calm. Apart from a few exploration teams, the strongest of which were only Dou Huang level, attracted by the previous energy fluctuations, who circled the periphery of the valley and were scared away by the restless Fire Crows and the residual dangerous Aura, there was nothing unusual.

Li Ao used this free time, sitting cross-legged at the bottom of the lake, recuperating from the consumption of setting up the barrier earlier, while continuing to comprehend the profound meaning he sensed from the earth core fire lotus and the Bone Chilling Flame. Occasionally, a faint gray-gold electric arc would flicker at his fingertips, subtly blending a cold scorching sensation. This was his initial experimental attempt to combine Nirvana Power with the cold flame's characteristics. Though far from successful, it represented an entirely new direction.

Medusa quietly stood guard nearby, like the most exquisite sculpture. Her purple eyes occasionally opened and closed, scanning the surroundings to ensure everything was foolproof. Between her and Li Ao, there was no need for excessive words; their tacit understanding was self-formed.

On the afternoon of the second day, the situation began to become delicate.

Firstly, a hidden Soul fluctuation, like an undercurrent, repeatedly tried to subtly penetrate the “Silent Spirit Sealing Barrier.” Its methods were sophisticated; had Li Ao not made daily progress in his control over Nirvana Power, it would have been almost undetectable. This Soul fluctuation carried a cold greed, distinctly different from the fiery and pure Aura of the Yan Clan, more akin to... the Hall of Souls' methods.

“As expected, they still sniffed it out,” Li Ao sneered inwardly, but did not alert the enemy. He merely quietly reinforced the barrier's Soul defense and informed Medusa of the discovery.

A murderous intent flashed in Medusa's eyes: “Mere clowns. If they dare show themselves, I'll extinguish them.”

Besides this hidden prying, in the afternoon, another powerful Aura swept across the sky. That Aura was scorching and wild, carrying an undisguised arrogance, having clearly reached the Five-Star Dou Zong level. However, its energy attribute was different from the pure and refined energy of the Yan Clan, being more violent and chaotic. The Aura circled Fire Crow Ridge several times, seemingly sensing carefully, but ultimately seemed to be wary of something, and did not descend, leaving resentfully.

“It's someone from Burning Flame Valley,” Medusa judged based on its Aura characteristics. Burning Flame Valley was also a formidable force in the Central Plains, established on fire-attribute Cultivation Techniques, and naturally coveted a heaven-and-earth marvel like the earth core fire lotus.

“It seems our 'bait' has attracted quite a few small fry,” Li Ao said lightly. “But that's good; the muddier the water, the more advantageous it is for us. If the Yan Clan wants to monopolize the fire lotus, they will have to show enough sincerity and speed.”

He understood that the reason those secretly prying forces dared not act easily was, firstly, they couldn't ascertain their background, and secondly, they were wary of the Yan Clan that might arrive. This was the effect he wanted — to create momentum with power.

Third day, early morning.

When the first ray of scorching sunlight fell upon Fire Crow Ridge, Li Ao's closed eyes slowly opened, his gaze clear.

“Time's up.”

No sooner had he spoken than an anomaly appeared at the end of the sky!

Not one, but three crimson streams of light, like fiery meteors tearing through the firmament, came hurtling through the air with an Aura far more magnificent and majestic than when Huo Ying arrived!

Wherever they passed, clouds evaporated, space distorted, and the fire-type Demonic Beasts in the mountains below all trembled in prostration. Even the noisy Fire Crows instantly fell silent, shrinking back into their nests, shivering.

A powerful pressure, like a tangible tsunami, solidified the air of the entire Fire Crow Ridge and sent the temperature soaring again, even before it fully descended!

Li Ao and Medusa simultaneously stood up, their expressions solemn as they looked towards the sky.

The three streams of light abruptly stopped above Fire Crow Ridge, their radiance receding to reveal three figures.

The one in the center was an old man dressed in an ancient, dark red robe. His hair and beard were white, and his face was thin, but his eyes were like two miniature scorching suns. Golden light flowed between their opening and closing, as if they could incinerate all things in the world. He did not deliberately release his Aura, but the naturally emanating, vast pressure, as if he had merged with the Law of heaven and earth fire, had clearly reached the Dou Zun level! And he was definitely not a newly advanced Dou Zun; his strength was unfathomable!

To his left was Huo Ying, who had returned. She now bowed slightly, her posture respectful.

To his right was a burly, resolute-faced middle-aged man. He wore crimson heavy armor, his Aura was powerful and domineering, and he was also a Peak Five-Star Dou Zong expert. His gaze was like lightning, carrying scrutiny and undisguised pressure, as he scanned Li Ao and Medusa below.

Three powerhouses: one Dou Zun, two high-level Dou Zong! Such a lineup was enough to show the Yan Clan's seriousness regarding this incident!

The red-robed Elder in the center, his gaze like two searchlights, fell upon Li Ao. It lingered for a moment on his calm, unruffled face and deep eyes, then swept over the cold and stunning Medusa, whose Aura was also extraordinary. Finally, he slowly spoke, his voice like a grand bell, carrying an undeniable authority, echoing through the valley:

“This Elder Yan Jin, Fourth Elder of the Yan Clan. Are you two the ones who wish to exchange the earth core fire lotus for our clan's solar essence gold?”

The true negotiation had just begun. Facing an experienced Dou Zun expert, could Li Ao still control the situation and achieve his desires?