Battle Through the Heavens: Harmony of Flame and Shadow

At a certain moment, an inexplicable sound seemed to resonate within his body. With the help of the Holy Heavenly Demon Flame, Jiang Yun broke through to a three-star Dou Zhe.

Xiao Yan's cultivation would surge drastically after devouring a different flame, a phenomenon that wouldn't occur with others due to the lack of an essential element between them.

Burning Skill!

Xiao Yan devoured the different flame's essence through the Burning Skill, driving the evolution of his technique, which resulted in a massive energy feedback and advancement in cultivation.

Jiang Yun's cultivation improvement this time bore a resemblance to Xiao Yan's. Possessing the Holy Heavenly Demon Flame endowed him with special Dou Qi, making him akin to a budding Holy Heavenly Demon Flame. He enhanced himself by devouring the powerful Holy Heavenly Demon Flame.

Thus, Jiang Yun had ascended from a one-star Dou Zhe to a three-star Dou Zhe! It was indeed a pleasant surprise!

Looking at the Holy Heavenly Demon Flame at the center of the Dou Qi cyclone in his Dantian, Jiang Yun couldn't help but feel a trace of joy. This was his first step toward the pinnacle.

He believed that as his cultivation increased and he refined more of the Holy Heavenly Demon Flame, this prime flame of the Great Thousand Worlds would eventually showcase its brilliance in the Dou Qi continent.

Who is the number one flame in the Dou Qi continent?

Jiang Yun extended his right hand with some excitement. With a thought, the cyclone in his Dantian trembled, and a surge of black and white flames shot out, following his meridians and arriving at his palm.

"Boom!" Instantly, black and white flames appeared in Jiang Yun's hand. The black flame was evil and deep, while the white flame was holy and bright.

The two diametrically opposed flames were perfectly integrated, forming the Holy Heavenly Demon Flame. If there were a ranking of different flames in the Great Thousand Worlds, the Holy Heavenly Demon Flame would undoubtedly compete for the top spot.

Although the flame in Jiang Yun's hand was less than a fraction of the Holy Heavenly Demon Emperor's, their fundamental nature was the same. Jiang Yun believed that one day he would ascend to the pinnacle with his Holy Heavenly Demon Flame and stand before the Holy Heavenly Demon Emperor.

"Looks like you're in good spirits." At this moment, Qing Ming's voice came. He was smiling, looking at Jiang Yun with satisfaction.

"Thank you for your help, Senior Qing Ming!" Jiang Yun retracted the flame and solemnly thanked Qing Ming. If it hadn't been for Qing Ming sealing the Holy Heavenly Demon Flame, he wouldn't have had this opportunity.

"No need for modesty. The opportunity was there, but it would have been useless if you weren't capable. Your success proves that this was meant for you," Qing Ming gently said, always soft-spoken while looking at Jiang Yun.

"Alright, it's time for you to leave. Otherwise, that little dragon will be anxious if she wakes up and doesn't see you!"

Jiang Yun's heart stirred. It seemed Zi Yan was about to leave seclusion as well. When she did, she would be a fifth-tier magical beast. With the strength of the Void Ancient Dragon, defeating three or four-star Dou Wang would be no problem.

After thanking Qing Ming, Jiang Yun exited Qing Ming Tower. The outside was already night, the sky dotted with stars, and a bright moon hung high.

"Seems it took quite some time to refine the Holy Heavenly Demon Flame!"

But from now on, he wouldn't need to go into the tower for refining. During his cultivation, Qing Ming Tower would transfer a bit of the Holy Heavenly Demon Flame's power to Jiang Yun, strengthening the flame within him.

Suddenly, Jiang Yun felt the whole house shake. He immediately reacted.

"It seems Zi Yan has succeeded!"

Jiang Yun walked slowly to Zi Yan's room. The bright purple cocoon there had turned more profound. Strange runes appeared on the surface, emitting a subtle glow, looking magical.

As the light on the cocoon reached its peak, a subtle cracking sound was heard.

Then, small cracks began to appear on the cocoon. Over time, they grew larger until the entire cocoon suddenly shattered. Numerous beams of dazzling purple light shot into the sky, though they were fortunately blocked by Su Qian's pre-arranged spatial lock, or else the entire outer courtyard wouldn't sleep tonight.

With more cracks appearing, large chunks of the cocoon shell suddenly fell off. Following the first piece, the cocoon quickly broke apart.

A resounding dragon roar erupted from the purple light.

"Roar—"

Jiang Yun quickly covered his ears with his newly acquired Holy Heavenly Demon Flame. Just then, the spatial lock fiercely trembled. The dragon roar nearly penetrated the Dou Zong's spatial lock, showcasing its immense power.

"This little one's race is extraordinary. They would rank highly even among the dragons of the Great Thousand Worlds," Qing Ming's slightly surprised voice reached Jiang Yun's ears. Even he was amazed by the Void Ancient Dragon's bloodline.

Jiang Yun, however, wasn't surprised. Knowing about the Hundred Emperor Battles in the Dou Qi continent, it was only natural that the Void Ancient Dragon, a favorite of the void, had a terrifying lineage.

"Roar—"

At this moment, another dragon's roar emanated from the purple light. A next second, a purple dragon-shaped light shadow soared into the sky. Jiang Yun recognized it as the true form of the Void Ancient Dragon.

The dragon shadow slowly dissipated as it reached the spatial barrier. At this moment, the purple pillar of light gradually faded, and a figure appeared before Jiang Yun.

A jade-like body lay horizontally, with a faint purple glow enveloping it, adding a touch of allure. Long, silky purple hair cascaded down, falling directly to a perky bottom.

An enticing figure with protruding front and plump rear was adorned with a face somewhere between innocence and maturity, adding three parts of seduction.

Is she on the brink of maturity? But her figure seems quite precocious!

Zi Yan stretched lazily within the light pillar, her seductive curves perfectly highlighted. She lazily opened her eyes, gazing at the distant Jiang Yun, and a gleam of joy flashed in her eyes.

"Little Yun!"

A clear, slightly seductive voice rang out, as if from a high and mighty monarch, making one feel compelled to submit.

Before Jiang Yun could react, he found himself enveloped in a warm, soft embrace that left him breathless.

"Little Yun, how did you know I would come out today? Did you prepare my elixir pill?"

Jiang Yun had no time to answer Zi Yan's barrage of questions. He had only one thought at that moment.

'I wish I could grow up!'

This damned sense of shame, he never wanted to endure it again!

As if hearing Jiang Yun's silent cry, Zi Yan's body trembled. A green glow surged from within her, and as it enveloped her, she quickly shrank.

In just a few breaths, the curvaceous beauty turned back into a little girl as tall as Jiang Yun.

Stunned at her own palms, Zi Yan cried out in anguish, "Damn Transformation Herb!"

Immersed in the joy of her newly grown form, she didn't expect to revert back in the blink of an eye. Zi Yan's small brows furrowed angrily.

Though this form of Zi Yan wasn't as seductive as before, her skin, as white and smooth as mutton fat jade, still caught Jiang Yun's eye.

"You remember, right?"

Zi Yan gave Jiang Yun a pointed look, her stare unwavering until she saw him nodding vigorously.

Realizing suddenly that she felt a bit chilly, she looked down at her toes, pursed her lips, and with a flash of purple light, reverted to her cute and lovable form.

"Where's my candy?"

With everything settled, Zi Yan thought about food, blinking her large purple eyes as she scanned Jiang Yun up and down, wondering where he might have hidden the candy.

"Uh—" Jiang Yun felt a bit awkward. Seeing Zi Yan's small frown forming as he hesitated, he quickly said, "I didn't know what flavors you liked, so I waited for you to come out so I could mix it on the spot. That way, you can immediately have your favorite flavor."

"Mm," Zi Yan pondered, blinking as she looked at Jiang Yun. Her instinct told her he was lying, but his sincere gaze confused her, making her hesitate. Eventually, she dismissed the thought.

"In that case, let's head to the herb storehouse. Last time, I saw several herbs I wanted to eat. Let's take them all this time." Suddenly excited, she flashed her purple wings and grabbed Jiang Yun, ready to dash out.

"Wait—" Seeing this, Jiang Yun hastily shouted.

Zi Yan turned her head, puzzled, with wide, innocent eyes.

"Last time we went, the Grand Elder knew. If you go again so blatantly, it might be inappropriate."

"But I'm hungry. That old man promised I could eat till I'm full!" Zi Yan pouted, as if it was only natural.

Jiang Yun sweated a bit, silently mourning for the Grand Elder. Getting in trouble for one's words was never truer.

"Are you coming?" Zi Yan's patience waned with Jiang Yun's hesitation, her small brows arching. If she were still in her mature form, she'd look like an imposing queen, but now she just looked adorable.

"Let's go!"

Facing Zi Yan's query, Jiang Yun resolutely nodded. He knew it was wrong, but in that cave, Zi Yan had stood against the mysterious Su Qian for him. Jiang Yun would accompany her in her whims.

At worst, he'd return them later! He could even ask the Grand Elder to lend their value to his cultivation.

Zi Yan beamed, feeling warmth in her heart once more. She felt she was no longer alone.

In their familiar corner, Jiang Yun and Zi Yan appeared. Now a Dou Wang, Zi Yan's control over spatial power was far greater than at the Dou Ling stage.

Moreover, having Jiang Yun, who had taken an 'accelerated course,' to help her patch up any flaws.

At that moment, a small head peeked out, cautiously scanning the surroundings for safety. After confirming, she waved her hand.

Next moment, a purple figure flashed to the counter. Zi Yan drooled slightly as she eyed the Qingxia Fruit inside, quickly reaching her small hand in without caring for the seals.

She swiftly fetched everything, container and all, and excitedly exchanged a glance with Jiang Yun.

They cooperated like seasoned partners, swiftly taking several herbs needed to make third and fourth-grade pills. Without lingering, they left quietly.

As they vanished, the elder on watch in the pavilion sighed helplessly. Slowly walking to the counter where the herbs were taken, he replaced the items from his ring, shaking his head.

"The Grand Elder is really indulgent toward them, letting them fool around like this. That little girl has Dou Wang strength now, doesn't she? She's on par with us old ones already."

Thinking of the intimidating aura from Zi Yan moments ago, he shivered, realizing why Su Qian tolerated her so much.

"At least they're on par with us little old men. I hope they head to the inner courtyard soon. The outer courtyard can't withstand their mischief much longer."

Realizing the theft only after herbs kept disappearing, he intended to act, but noticing it was the new students under the Grand Elder's instructions, he refrained just in time.

Had he struck, Jiang Yun and Zi Yan's fate was uncertain, but he'd surely have suffered a backlash.

In that moment, he wished they'd hurry to the inner courtyard, eager to see Huo Lao's reaction there, expecting it to be interesting.

"Hurry, hurry, Little Yun. Make these into pills."

Back at the dormitory, Zi Yan couldn't wait, eagerly placing all the herbs in Jiang Yun's hands and urging him on.

Jiang Yun chuckled at her eagerness for food.

Nodding at her, he mobilized the Holy Heavenly Demon Flame within his Dantian. "Boom!" A white flame appeared in his palm.

It was the white part of the Holy Heavenly Demon Flame. Just a thought made Jiang Yun wonder if the opposing flames could be used separately.

And surprisingly, it worked, as if that was their intended use all along.

The moment the flame appeared, nearby Zi Yan shuddered, her gaze darting around nervously, silently taking a few steps back.

Beasts and non-fire attribute cultivators in the Dou Qi continent were innately wary of different flames, let alone Jiang Yun's Holy Heavenly Demon Flame.

"It's okay, don't be afraid!" Jiang Yun comforted her softly, seeing her tense stance.

"Hmph—"

"I'm not afraid!"

Zi Yan didn't appreciate his comfort, proudly raising her head in defiance.