264: Returning to the Ruins Demon-Refining Fire

On the edge of the Tagor Desert, inside a secluded cave that had been temporarily opened up.

Li Ao sat cross-legged, his eyes tightly shut. Inside his Dantian Qi Sea, a silent transformation was intensely underway.

Although the subjugated Purification Lotus Demon Flame had already been branded with the Guixu Imprint, the vast energy and unique dual Laws of "Purification" and "Nightmare" it contained still needed to be completely refined before it could be wielded effortlessly and truly integrated for his use.

Wrapped in the Guixu Sacred Power, the milky-white demonic flame was continuously tempered and extracted, like divine iron thrown into a furnace. Threads of extremely pure fire-attribute energy were stripped away and merged into Li Ao's limbs and bones, nourishing his Dou Qi, Physical Body, and Soul. Meanwhile, the fragments of Law contained within were greedily absorbed, analyzed, and fused by his Guixu Great Dao.

The Guixu Great Dao encompasses all rivers. The true Concept of "Purification" from the Purification Lotus Demon Flame was integrated into the "Return to Nothingness," making its characteristic of erasing all things purer and more efficient. Furthermore, the demonic power of "Nightmare" was encompassed by the "Illusory Destruction" Concept within the Guixu Great Dao, ensuring that when Li Ao uses Soul attacks or creates illusions in the future, they will be more deceptive and lethal.

During this process, Li Ao's aura rose at a visible speed. He had only recently achieved a Half-Saint Breakthrough, and his Realm was not yet fully stable. Now, driven by the immense power of the Purification Lotus Demon Flame, not only was his Foundation rapidly solidified, but his cultivation was steadily advancing toward the threshold of the One-Star Dou Sheng Middle Stage!

The dark gold luster on the surface of his Physical Body deepened. The Nirvana Hegemon Body, refined by the power of the demonic flame, emitted a subtle hum. Within his flesh and bones, countless gray Rule Runes seemed to be born and extinguished, constantly moving closer to the true Realm of "Physical Body Achieving Sainthood."

Outside the cave, Yao Chen stood with his hands behind his back, his Soul Power spreading out to guard against any disturbance. Feeling the surging aura continuously rising within the cave, his illusory face was filled with gratification and emotion.

"To reach this level in such a short time, and even subdue the Purification Lotus Demon Flame... Aoer's achievements now far surpass my own back then," Yao Chen murmured to himself. "The Guixu Great Dao... it seems the path he walks is much broader than I imagined."

Medusa and Xiao Yi Xian also stood guard nearby. Although the two women remained silent, the concern and anticipation in their eyes were obvious. They were genuinely happy that Li Ao had become stronger.

Time quietly flowed by in the silence inside and outside the cave.

Three days later.

"Buzz—!"

A pressure far vaster and deeper than before suddenly erupted from within the cave! This pressure contained not only the immense Sacred Power of a Half-Saint, but also a Nirvana Concept that signaled the end of all things, along with a newly integrated thread of fire Law that was both pure and demonic!

The Void Realm surrounding the cave slightly twisted under this pressure, and the light seemed to dim for an instant.

Li Ao, who was sitting cross-legged, suddenly opened his eyes. In his left eye, chaotic gray flowed, seemingly containing the scene of the Universe returning to the Void, while in his right eye, a pure white fire lotus flashed and disappeared, carrying a Soul-stirring charm.

He slowly raised his hand. On his palm, a docile milky-white flame danced—it was the Purification Lotus Demon Flame. But compared to before, the Guixu Imprint at the core of the demonic flame had completely fused with its Origin, making them inseparable. With a single thought, the demonic flame could follow his will, erupting with the holy white light that purifies all things, or triggering the demonic allure that incites the Heart Demon.

One-Star Dou Sheng Middle Stage!

Furthermore, he was a One-Star Dou Sheng Middle Stage who had completely controlled the Purification Lotus Demon Flame and initially integrated its Laws into his own Guixu Great Dao!

His strength was several times greater than it had been before entering Fentian Valley!

"Congratulations, Aoer," Yao Chen's voice came from outside the cave, carrying a smile.

Li Ao stood up tall, his aura instantly receding, returning to its original simplicity. He looked no different from an ordinary person, yet his increasingly profound eyes displayed his extraordinary nature. He walked out of the cave and smiled at Yao Chen, Medusa, and Xiao Yi Xian, who were guarding outside.

"I apologize for making Teacher and everyone wait so long."

"It's good that you succeeded." Medusa looked at him, a hint of warmth spreading in her cold eyes.

Xiao Yi Xian also smiled and nodded.

Yao Chen scrutinized Li Ao, stroking his illusory beard contentedly: "Excellent. Your Foundation is stable, your aura is harmonious, and your control over your power is perfect. Now that you have truly stepped into the Saint Rank and have the aid of the Purification Lotus Demon Flame, you can be considered a major figure in the Central Plains."

Li Ao cupped his hands and said, "This is all thanks to Teacher's guidance in the past and your assistance this time."

Yao Chen waved his hand, his expression turning serious: "There's no need for formalities between us. Now that your strength has vastly increased, some matters need to be put on the agenda. The Hall of Souls suffered considerable losses at your hands this time, and given their nature, they will definitely not let the matter rest. Furthermore, according to the latest intelligence from Starfall Pavilion, the Hall of Souls' recent activities have become increasingly frequent and secretive, suggesting they are planning a major move."

Li Ao's eyes turned slightly cold: "If they don't come, fine. But if they dare to return, I'll use them to test the new power I've grasped." The confidence brought by his strength made him fearless of any challenge.

"Don't be careless," Yao Chen warned. "The Hall of Souls has deep reserves, and they are backed by the Hun Clan. Although your progress has been rapid, you still need to be cautious when facing the entire Hall of Souls and the Hun Clan. The immediate priority is to quickly integrate the forces you control and truly establish the 'Ruins Hall,' forming a power capable of contending with them."

Li Ao nodded, having long held this intention. Previously, due to insufficient strength, the Ruins Hall was only in its nascent form. Now that he was a Dou Sheng, and with the help of powerhouses like Elder Yao, Medusa, and Xiao Yi Xian, it was time for the name "Ruins Hall" to resound throughout the Central Plains.

"Teacher is right. We will return to the Central Plains now." Li Ao's gaze was firm. "It is time to let the Hall of Souls and those secretly observing know of the 'Ruins Hall's' existence."

A new storm was about to be stirred up on the Central Plains Continent due to his return.