Chapter 356: The Three Princes
Yuan Gate, Fire Division.
Swish, swish!
With the Inferno Demon Space opening, an increasing number of disciples arrived, filling the air with the sound of whistling winds as they rushed to the scene. Soon, a dark cloud of figures moved in from the distance, asserting their presence at the forefront near the Inferno Demon Space.
The crowd's gaze immediately focused on the front of this group of Yuan Gate disciples, where three figures stood like immovable mountains. Though their auras were not as vast as the gathered crowd behind them, they exuded a commanding presence that no one dared to overlook.
On the far left stood a tall, imposing figure marked by faint streaks of lightning across his body, radiating a powerful, chaotic energy. Up close, his rugged face and fierce demeanor were evident—it was none other than Little Thunder King, Lei Qian, one of the Three Princes of Yuan Gate.
To the far right stood a refined man in white, holding a folding fan that he waved gently, appearing scholarly and calm. Yet, despite his mild appearance, waves of energy emanated from him, making it clear that anyone mistaking him for a powerless scholar would pay dearly. This man was the Little Spirit King, Ling Zhen, another of the Three Princes.
However, most eyes were drawn to the young man between them. A seemingly ordinary man dressed in blue, he stood with a slight smile that masked an undeniable, towering presence. The mere sight of him commanded as much attention as the heads of the Eight Divisions. This blue-robed figure was the leader of the Three Princes and Yuan Gate's most renowned talent among the younger generation: the Little Yuan King, Yuan Cang.
"Brother Lei Qian, Brother Ling Zhen… and Yuan Cang himself. These are truly the most exceptional talents among Yuan Gate's younger disciples," murmured some onlookers in awe.
"Yes, I heard that Brother Yuan Cang just recently came out of seclusion. Rumor has it that he reached the Life Spirit Realm and can harness the power of the 'Yuan Emperor Technique.' No one in the younger generation throughout the Eastern Xuan Region could hope to challenge him now," added another disciple.
"Don't forget about Brother Lin Langtian from the Fire Division. Not long ago, he nearly killed Wang Yan from Dao Sect in battle, and he's only been with Yuan Gate for about half a year! That kind of progress is extraordinary."
"Oh, I know that. But to me, though Brother Lin Langtian is impressive, he might only rival Brothers Lei Qian and Ling Zhen. He's still far from being on par with Brother Yuan Cang—unless he actually manages to tame the Chaotic Demon Flame," replied someone else.
"That's hard to say. Although Brother Lin Langtian's progress in Yuan Gate has been awe-inspiring, the Chaotic Demon Flame has eluded even the most powerful Princes of Yuan Gate for generations…"
This group was indeed Yuan Gate's Three Princes and their followers. Among them were the Spirit Generals and other prominent disciples of the Seven Divisions. Their appearance was so grand that it captivated every disciple in the area, as all eyes fixed upon these leading figures.
With attention converging on the Three Princes, Yuan Cang, the blue-robed figure at the center, scanned the crowd with a slight frown and asked, "Where is Lin Langtian, the Fire Division's Spirit General?"
Hearing this, an irritable voice interrupted. Ling Chi, standing behind the Three Princes, took this moment to step forward and shout, "How disrespectful of Lin Langtian, making everyone wait on him like this! It's a blatant disregard for rank and hierarchy."
His words were echoed by Xia Yan, the Spirit General from the Metal Division and Ling Chi's close friend. With a mocking smile, Xia Yan added, "Could it be that Lin Langtian didn't expect so many people to be here? Maybe he's scared of failing and decided not to come."
The disdain from Xia Yan did not surprise anyone present, as Ling Chi and Xia Yan were well known to share a close bond. Other Spirit Generals also wore indifferent expressions, as Lin Langtian's rapid rise to become one of the Eight Spirit Generals earned him the hostility of many seasoned members.
Little Spirit King Ling Zhen gave a light chuckle and said, "They say he joined the Fire Division with the sole aim of claiming the Chaotic Demon Flame. He probably wouldn't let this opportunity slip, especially now that he qualifies for entry into the Inferno Demon Space as the Fire Division's Spirit General."
Little Thunder King Lei Qian snorted, a hint of disdain on his rugged face. "The Chaotic Demon Flame has proven too formidable even for Brother Yuan Cang, yet Lin Langtian, a mere newcomer, thinks he can tame it just because he got lucky against that weakling, Wang Yan? He's utterly delusional."
Since news of Lin Langtian's victory over Wang Yan spread, many disciples within Yuan Gate believed he was now on par with the Three Princes, which Lei Qian found intolerable. As a member of Yuan Gate's elite, Lei Qian was unwilling to accept a newcomer challenging his status.
Yuan Cang watched this exchange with narrowed eyes but did not comment. Like many others, he was curious about Lin Langtian, the rising star who had defeated Wang Yan—a feat that even Dao Sect's Senior Sister Ying Xiaoxiao had struggled to achieve. Lin Langtian's talent was undeniably impressive, but Yuan Cang didn't see him as a true rival. His confidence as the Little Yuan King remained unshaken.
With a small, confident smile, Yuan Cang turned his gaze toward the mountain ahead, where cracks widened, revealing a swirling black vortex several hundred meters wide emerging from the mountainside. From within the vortex, a strange energy—a mix of searing heat and eerie cold—began seeping out, filling the area.
As he observed the vortex, Yuan Cang's eyes grew distant, recalling his own failed attempt to tame the Chaotic Demon Flame. As the most outstanding genius of his generation, he had once been certain of his ability, but despite all his efforts, he had been forced to admit defeat.
"Inferno Demon Space…"
At that moment, every gaze in the area shifted toward the massive black vortex, hundreds of meters wide, emerging from the mountain. The vortex appeared like a terrifying, monstrous mouth atop the peak, poised to devour everything in sight, sending chills down the spines of those present.
Boom!
The mountain trembled violently before gradually settling down. All eyes turned upward, watching as the enormous black vortex floated just below the fire river, looming overhead and casting everyone in its shadow. Before this, they felt as insignificant as ants.
This was the Inferno Demon Space, known to be the home of the ancient, immensely powerful Chaotic Demon Flame. Whether anyone would ever tame it remained unanswered even after hundreds of years.
The mountaintop radiated a sinister energy that blended an icy chill with intense heat, seeping out from the Inferno Demon Space and filling the entire area with a powerful aura of malevolence. This evil aura spread like a dark cloud, casting a shadow over the sky, making it seem as though even daylight had been consumed. Many present felt a chill creep over them at this sight.
As this oppressive atmosphere filled the air, the crowd grew quiet, gazing at the swirling vortex with awe and reverence.
"It's opened again…" muttered Fen Cang, one of the Eight Division Heads, watching the enormous Inferno Demon Space with a hint of nostalgia.
"Since the Chaotic Demon Flame fell into Yuan Gate's possession, it has never been fully tamed. I'd certainly like to see its true power," remarked an elderly man with white hair and beard standing beside Fen Cang. This was Liu You, the Water Division Head.
"Heh, it won't be easy to tame it," said Shi Dong, Head of the Earth Division. "Even the Three Supreme Elders couldn't do it. This kind of spiritual entity isn't subdued by brute strength alone but awaits someone with a fated connection. But I hear that the Fire Division recently welcomed an impressive talent who even defeated Dao Sect's Wang Yan. Perhaps he has a chance."
While Shi Dong's words were phrased as praise, they seemed subtly aimed at pressuring Fen Cang. Fen Cang, however, remained unperturbed. "With the Inferno Demon Space now open, let each division's Spirit General attempt to tame the Chaotic Demon Flame," he said evenly.
Following custom, only Spirit Generals were permitted entry into the Inferno Demon Space. Even the Three Princes of Yuan Gate had once attempted to tame the flame, yet they, too, had failed.
As Fen Cang finished speaking, the other division heads nodded in agreement and signaled to their Spirit Generals. With barely contained excitement, Xia Yan and six others acknowledged their commands, then exchanged determined looks and leapt toward the black vortex.
As they approached the vortex, murmurs rippled through the crowd. Soon, people began scanning the area, searching for one specific figure.
"Where is Senior Brother Lin Langtian?" murmured Song Yun, one of the Fire Division's senior disciples, well aware of whom everyone was looking for. Lin Langtian hadn't been in Yuan Gate for long, yet his reputation had skyrocketed, and he was seen as the most promising candidate to tame the Chaotic Demon Flame.
Just then, a burst of excited whispers spread through the crowd. Song Yun turned his gaze skyward with relief. "Senior Brother is here!"
Whoosh!
The sound of breaking wind filled the air as everyone looked up. A figure swiftly approached, sparking a renewed buzz of excitement among the gathered disciples.
"Senior Brother Lin Langtian has finally arrived… I thought he might not show up."
"If anyone can tame the Chaotic Demon Flame, it's him. This challenge will be the true test of his strength."
"Right. If he succeeds, it'll be historic, and even Senior Brother Yuan Cang may have to respect his power."
Countless whispers washed over the crowd like a wave as Lin Langtian descended from the sky, finally revealing himself to the assembly.
"Apologies for the delay, honored mentors," Lin Langtian greeted respectfully as he surveyed the countless disciples before raising his gaze to the division heads, bowing toward Fen Cang.
"You're right on time. Proceed," Fen Cang replied, observing Lin Langtian closely and noting the recent increase in his strength.
Lin Langtian nodded, shifting his attention to the vortex that radiated a strange mix of scorching heat and chilling darkness. This unique fusion reminded him of a legendary fire from the Dou Qi Continent—the Bone Spirit Cold Flame, ranked eleventh among rare flames. Though it emitted intense flames, it carried an unparalleled icy chill.
Lin Langtian felt that the Chaotic Demon Flame shared similar qualities, combining the intense heat of fire with the malevolent chill of a demon's presence, making it both alluring and dangerous. Taking a deep breath to contain his excitement, he readied himself. After joining Yuan Gate, the Chaotic Demon Flame had been one of his greatest aspirations, and now he finally had his chance.
With a determined gaze fixed on the black vortex, Lin Langtian moved forward, gliding until he stood before its enormous maw. As he approached, he felt the cold, sinister energy wash over him, almost as if he had returned to a long-lost battleground of ancient demonic powers.
Suddenly, as he stood there, a faint ripple of energy emerged from the magic seed within him, causing his eyes to widen in astonishment.
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