282: The fiery realm welcomes guests, but hidden currents are brewing.

When the ten-zhang wide crimson light gate, constructed purely from fire-attribute energy, stabilized above the volcano, the scorching heatwaves almost twisted the sky. Inside the light gate, there wasn't rolling magma, but a more intense, yet orderly, phantom of a flame world.

The first to step out of the light gate was a figure like an Incarnation of flame. His red hair blazed like fire, wild and unrestrained, his face was as resolute as a rock, and when his eyes opened and closed, lava seemed to flow within them. It was none other than the Yan Clan Clan Chief, Yan Jin! He wore a crimson battle robe embroidered with ancient fire-pattern totems. Just standing there, the invisible heat radiating from him caused the air within a hundred li below to crackle, and space itself subtly fluctuated. The majestic pressure of a Five-Star Dou Sheng Late Stage spread out unreservedly, carrying a domineering will that seemed capable of incinerating all eight directions.

Following closely behind were ten elite guards clad in crimson heavy armor, their faces even obscured by flaming visors. Their Auras were stern, their movements perfectly synchronized, and each held a long halberd burning with dark red flames. They were all Peak Half-Saints! This was the Yan Clan's trump card military force that awed all sides—the Flame Dragon Guard. After them came the resolute-faced Huo Xuan with burning eyes, and several other Yan Clan Elders. Huo Zhi also followed at the end of the Elder's procession, her expression docile, her gaze downcast.

Such a welcoming lineup represented the Yan Clan's highest Specification. On one hand, it was to display their strength to Li Ao and the others and to show their act of eradicating hidden dangers outside their gate. On the other hand, it was also an unspoken display and deterrence.

Yan Jin's gaze, like a physical torch, instantly locked onto Li Ao, who was suspended above the canyon. His sight lingered longest on Li Ao, as if trying to penetrate the black robe and discern the essence of the Power of Gui Xu. Then it swept over Gu Xun'er, Medusa, and Xiao Yi Xian. When he sensed the faint, almost imperceptible Chaos Poison Body Aura within Xiao Yi Xian, a deeper curiosity and solemnity flashed in his eyes.

"Ruins Hall Master, Li Ao?" Yan Jin's voice was as resonant as a bell, carrying a fiery, scorching texture, echoing above Molten Fire Canyon. "Ancient Clan Young Miss, Miss Xuner. And these two... friends of extraordinary strength." His gaze paused slightly on Medusa's Seven-Colored Dou Qi and Xiao Yi Xian.

Facing Yan Jin's unreservedly powerful Aura, Li Ao's expression remained as calm as water. He took a step forward, as if invisible steps supported him in the Void Realm. His movements were casual yet possessed a rhythm that harmonized with heaven and earth, completely unaffected by the opponent's pressure. The Power of Gui Xu was restrained, yet it was like a bottomless abyss, silently dissolving all approaching heat and pressure.

"Clan Chief Yan Jin, I've long admired your reputation." Li Ao cupped his hands, neither humble nor arrogant. "Presumptuously visiting, I am fortunate that the Clan Chief does not disdain us and opens the Realm to welcome us. A small, insignificant contribution is not worth mentioning. The Hall of Souls' arrangements in the canyon have been cleared, and the remaining poisonous miasma has also been dealt with." He lightly brushed over the fierce battle that had just occurred.

Gu Xun'er also stepped forward, performing an elegant bow: "Gu Clan's Xun'er, on behalf of my father Gu Yuan, sends greetings to Clan Chief Yan Jin. My father said that the Yan Clan is a pillar among the ancient races, and its Way of Fire shakes the universe."

Yan Jin's gaze swept between Li Ao and Gu Xun'er, thoughts churning in his mind. This young man faced his pressure with such composure, his Aura deep as an abyss, appearing even more unfathomable than what he saw in the Scrying Mirror. Gu Xun'er was also poised and dignified. Although the Golden Emperor Sky Burning Flame's Aura was restrained, it caused his Red Lotus Karma Fire to resonate more clearly and... a barely perceptible trace of apprehension? The top three on the strange fire ranking list truly each possessed their own profound mysteries.

"Hahaha!" Yan Jin suddenly let out a hearty (yet still accompanied by scorching heatwaves) laugh. "Good! As expected, heroes emerge from the young! Hall Master Li Ao eliminated the petty villains and resolved the trouble outside my Yan Realm's gate; this is a great kindness. Miss Xuner's personal arrival is an even greater honor. How could we refuse such distinguished guests? Please! Follow me into the Yan Realm for a discussion!"

He waved his large hand, and the crimson light gate became even more brilliant. "Flame Dragon Guard, clear the way!"

"Yes!" The ten Flame Dragon Guards responded in unison, their voices shaking the surroundings, and first split into two columns, stepping into the light gate. Yan Jin turned sideways, making an inviting gesture.

Li Ao did not decline, nodding slightly to the people behind him, and walked towards the light gate first. Gu Xun'er, Medusa, Xiao Yi Xian, and Elder Gu Hai followed closely. As Li Ao's figure was about to disappear into the light gate, Yan Jin and Huo Xuan and the others followed. Huo Zhi was at the end of the line. Before stepping into the light gate, she looked back at Molten Fire Canyon below, where the energy fluctuations had not yet completely dissipated. In the depths of her eyes, a trace of gloom and urgency flashed quickly, then returned to calm.

Passing through the light gate, the scene before them suddenly opened up.

It was not a world of lava and fire as imagined, but a vast, boundless, and beautifully colored flame world. The sky was an eternal blend of crimson and orange-yellow, with flame clouds flowing like rosy glow. On the ground, there were majestic crimson mountains, winding "flame rivers" that were not magma but condensed pure fire-attribute energy, and forests and plains composed entirely of various colored crystals (fire crystals, flame jade, etc.). The air was filled with extremely dense fire-attribute energy. For fire-attribute Cultivators, this was an unparalleled blessed land, but for beings of other attributes, the environment was harsh. Even Dou Zun experts, without special protection or sufficient strength, would feel their Dou Qi sluggish and the heat unbearable.

However, this posed no problem for Li Ao and his group. Li Ao's Power of Gui Xu circulated, making him impervious to all Laws; Gu Xun'er had the Golden Emperor Sky Burning Flame protecting her body; Medusa possessed a formidable Seven-Colored Sky Swallowing Python Bloodline; Xiao Yi Xian's Chaos Poison Body made her immune to all poisons and highly resistant to such environments; and Elder Gu Hai relied on his robust Ancient Clan Dou Qi to withstand it.

Yan Jin did not lead the group directly to the core Clan Chief's main hall but slightly slowed down, seemingly intending to let the guests appreciate the scenery of the Yan Realm. Along the way, many Yan Clan buildings could be seen, mostly built into mountains or carved from huge blocks of fire rock, with a rough and bold style, distinctly different from the Ancient Clan's elegance and the Medicine Clan's rustic simplicity. They also encountered many Yan Clan members, who, regardless of age, mostly had fiery Auras and curiously observed Li Ao's group of obvious outsiders. Especially upon seeing the Clan Chief personally accompanying them and the Flame Dragon Guard clearing the way, they all showed surprise.

"How is my Yan Realm? Can it compare to the Ancient World or Medicine World?" Yan Jin asked with a hint of pride, his gaze primarily on Li Ao.

"A kingdom of fire, unique in its own way, containing destructive power within vibrant life. It is indeed a supreme Holy Land for cultivating the Way of Fire," Li Ao truthfully evaluated, his tone calm. "Each has its own characteristics, making it difficult to determine superiority."

Yan Jin looked at him deeply. This young man's evaluation was fair, neither fawning nor dismissive, indicating a truly stable Heart-Nature.

After flying for about a quarter of an hour, an extremely majestic giant volcano appeared ahead. This mountain was not an active volcano, but its body was fiery red, constantly emitting astonishing heat. The summit was leveled, with a continuous cluster of crimson palaces built upon it—this was the core of the Yan Clan, where the Yan Shen Hall was located.

Everyone landed on the huge plaza in front of the palace cluster. The plaza ground was paved with dark red, fire-resistant crystals, smooth as a mirror, reflecting the flowing fire in the sky. At this moment, many Yan Clan Elders and core clansmen were already standing solemnly on both sides of the plaza, having obviously received the news and waiting there. Gaze after gaze, some curious, some scrutinizing, some subtly defiant, all simultaneously fell upon Li Ao and his group.

"Clan Chief!" A red-haired, muscular, and wild-Aura Elder stepped out, his voice like thunder. "I heard distinguished guests have arrived and conveniently cleaned up the rats outside our gate. May I ask you to introduce them to us?" His gaze, burning, directly fixed on Li Ao, Battle Intent subtly rising. This Elder was named Yan Sha, the Law Enforcement Elder of the Yan Clan, a Three-Star Dou Sheng Middle Stage Cultivator, with a fiery and warlike temperament, and very high prestige within the clan.

Yan Jin frowned slightly but did not reprimand him. Such was the Yan Clan's custom; they revered strength, and a verbal introduction was far less direct than an actual experience. He also wanted to see how this rising Ruins Hall Master would react under the scrutiny and even deliberate probing of the many Yan Clan powerhouses.

"This is our clan's Law Enforcement Elder, Yan Sha," Yan Jin introduced to Li Ao in a calm tone. "Elder Yan Sha, this is the Ruins Hall Master, Li Ao. Next to him are Ancient Clan's Miss Xuner, Queen Medusa, Miss Xiao Yi Xian, and Ancient Clan's Elder Gu Hai."

Yan Sha's gaze, like electricity, swept over Li Ao. He grinned, revealing stark white teeth: "Hall Master Li Ao? I heard that in front of the mountain gate in Central Plains, you buried five Saints in ten breaths, making the Hall of Souls flee in disarray? I've long wanted to meet someone who could make those shadowy figures from the Hun Clan suffer! I wonder if Hall Master would be willing to exchange a few moves and let us broaden our horizons to see if the rumors are true?" Although his words were rough, his intention to challenge was undisguised, and the Aura of a Three-Star Dou Sheng subtly pressed down.

The plaza immediately fell silent, all Yan Clan members looking at Li Ao. Huo Xuan frowned slightly, thinking Elder Yan Sha's action was a bit rash, but anticipation also flickered in his eyes. Huo Zhi stood quietly at the back of the crowd, her gaze on Li Ao, as if observing his reaction.

Gu Xun'er's beautiful eyes slightly chilled, and she stepped forward half a pace, about to speak, but was gently stopped by Li Ao's raised hand.

Li Ao looked at Yan Sha, his expression still calm, as if he wasn't facing a Three-Star Dou Sheng's provocation, but a casual greeting: "Elder Yan Sha, a sparring match is not impossible." He changed his tone, "However, I am here to discuss a grand plan to resist the Hun Clan with the Yan Clan, not to show off personal bravery. If a sparring match were to harm our harmony or cause any losses, it would likely not be our original intention, and it would also make the Hun Clan secretly rejoice."

Yan Sha raised his thick eyebrows: "Oh? Does Hall Master Li think this old man is not worthy of fighting you, or... are you afraid?" The taunt was obvious.

Li Ao gently shook his head and suddenly asked: "Elder Yan Sha, are you Cultivating the Yan Clan's ancestral Cultivation Technique, the 'Burning Heaven Art'? Observing Elder's Aura, it is fiery and fierce, like the descent of a fire prison. I presume you have reached the 'Molten Hellfire' Realm?"

Yan Sha was startled, not expecting the opponent to discern the foundation of his Cultivation Technique and even pinpoint his Realm with a single glance. He said proudly: "Indeed! This old man's 'Burning Heaven Art' has reached the Peak of the seventh stage, 'Molten Hellfire,' just one step away from entering the threshold of 'Red Lotus Karma Fire'! Why, does Hall Master Li also have research into the Way of Fire?" There was a hint of suspicion in his tone; the Power of Gui Xu was clearly not fire-attribute.

"I know a little," Li Ao said calmly. Then he extended his right index finger, and on its tip, a wisp of pure white flame quietly emerged, burning silently. There was no high temperature radiating, no dazzling light, but the center of that flame seemed to contain the supreme Law that could purify everything and evolve dreams.

Purification Lotus Demon Flame!

A suppressed gasp immediately resounded across the plaza. Many young Yan Clan disciples' eyes widened, and their breathing quickened. The peerless flame ranked third on the strange fire ranking list held an unparalleled attraction for Yan Clan members.

Yan Sha's pupils also contracted. As a Cultivator of the Way of Fire, he could even more acutely feel the terrifying level and purifying true meaning contained within that pure white flame, far beyond his Molten Hellfire.

"Elder Yan Sha's Molten Hellfire is fierce and violent, capable of burning mountains and boiling seas, its power unmatched," Li Ao said, the Purification Lotus Demon Flame on his fingertip gently swaying. "But rigidity cannot last, and violence is easily broken. Elder, you have been stuck at the Peak of the seventh stage for many years. Is it because your fire Qi is excessive, harming your lung and metal Meridians, causing a burning, stagnant pain in your heart pulse every noon and midnight? And your Soul's internal fire is difficult to quell, affecting your comprehension of higher flame Laws?"

Yan Sha's face changed drastically, as if he had seen a ghost, and he blurted out: "You... how do you know?!" This hidden ailment of his was difficult for even the clan's several Elders proficient in medicine to accurately diagnose, only knowing it was a Cultivation Technique backlash, and years of conditioning had little effect. This Li Ao merely glanced at him, pointed out the Purification Lotus Demon Flame, and then pinpointed his problem with a single sentence?!

The Purification Lotus Demon Flame on Li Ao's fingertip flickered slightly, separating a wisp of white fire, thin as a strand of silk yet incomparably pure, which drifted towards Yan Sha: "This flame contains the power of purification and vitality, which can temporarily help Elder soothe the internal fire and regulate the lung and metal. Elder, why not give it a try and experience what it means to be the 'softest and purest side of fire'? Perhaps it will inspire you to Breakthrough your Bottleneck."

Yan Sha looked at the wisp of pure white fire drifting before him, hesitated for a moment, and felt no malice from it. Instead, it had an attraction that made the restless fire Qi within him calm down. He gritted his teeth, reached out to guide the wisp of fire, and inhaled it into his body.

In an instant, Yan Sha's body trembled slightly, the crimson color on his face rapidly receding a few shades, and his eyes burst with unbelievable ecstasy! After that wisp of Purification Lotus Demon Flame power entered his Meridians, it did not conflict with his own Molten Hellfire. Instead, it was like the gentlest nectar, flowing through his constricted and burning lung Meridians. Wherever it passed, the scorching pain immediately decreased, and a cool, comfortable sensation spread. More importantly, that trace of pure fire's true meaning seemed to open a window he had never seen before, causing a subtle yet crucial shift and expansion in his understanding of "fire"!

In just a few breaths, Yan Sha took a deep breath, cupped his fists and bowed profoundly to Li Ao, his voice no longer arrogant in the slightest, only heartfelt admiration and gratitude: "Hall Master Li... no, Great Master Li! Yan Sha had eyes but failed to recognize Mount Tai! I apologize for my previous offense, please forgive me, Great Master! This kindness... Yan Sha will remember!" His Bottleneck, which had been stuck for decades, showed signs of loosening because of this wisp of external fire! This convinced him more than ten beatings would have.

The plaza erupted in an uproar. No one expected an seemingly unavoidable conflict to be resolved in such a manner, and moreover, to make the always arrogant and hot-tempered Elder Yan Sha immediately submit! When gaze after gaze fell upon Li Ao again, they were filled with shock, curiosity, and deep apprehension. This young man was not only immensely powerful, but his methods were also unfathomable!

Yan Jin witnessed all of this, his heart greatly shaken. First, he subdued people with strength (clearing the Hall of Souls outside the gate), then with the "Dao" (pinpointing Yan Sha's hidden ailment and gifting fire for enlightenment). This young man's tactics were simply seasoned! His gaze towards Li Ao held even more genuine importance.

"Yan Sha, retreat now! Don't delay our distinguished guests from entering the Hall!" Yan Jin spoke at the opportune moment, though his tone held little blame.

"Yes, Clan Chief!" Yan Sha respectfully retreated, his eyes still burning with fervor towards Li Ao, but now it was a fervor of seeking guidance.

Huo Xuan's eyes gleamed with unusual brilliance, his interest in Li Ao greatly increased. Under Huo Zhi's lowered eyelids, her gaze became even deeper and colder.

"Hall Master Li, please!" Yan Jin extended his hand again in invitation, his attitude even more eager than before.

"Clan Chief Yan Jin, please." Li Ao stepped forward calmly, walking towards the Yan Shen Hall, which symbolized the Yan Clan's supreme power, under the complex gazes of the Yan Clan powerhouses.

The hall doors slowly opened, revealing brilliant firelight and surging heat, as if an ancient fire beast had opened its massive maw. The true game and negotiations were about to unfold in this hall of flames. And the shadows in the dark, spurred by Li Ao's stunning "debut," quickened their peristalsis.