Chapter 17

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A flicker of light appeared in the distance, outside the vortex's central area.

Seeing Yan Zhaoge busy stabilizing the inner crystal furnace, a Guangcheng Mountain disciple beside him hurriedly said, "Senior Brother Yan, is that the Lianyan True Fire seed you're looking for?"

"We'll help you stabilize the inner crystal furnace and collect it."

Yan Zhaoge shook his head: "The environment here is still quite dangerous for you. Don't act rashly; others will take care of it."

Young disciples like Ye Jing curiously observed their surroundings, unsure what Yan Zhaoge meant by "others."

In the next moment, a sound of wind suddenly rose behind the group. Several figures appeared, leaped over the crowd, and rushed toward the blue light in the black mist.

All the young people were startled, only then realizing that there were others following behind them.

Judging from their movements, they were not ordinary martial artists but all masters.

These master-level experts were willing to follow Yan Zhaoge silently, like shadows.

Unlike Ah Hu, who was openly present, these people were hidden in the shadows, guarding Yan Zhaoge and only appearing when he gave explicit instructions.

This scene woke the young disciples from their stupor.

Now they understood that, without the potential threat of the Red Spirit Banner Leader, their group, following Yan Zhaoge into the Dragon Suppressing Abyss, was far safer than if led by other inner qi masters.

Several black figures rushed toward the blue light. The black mist slightly dissipated, revealing a bright blue light floating in the air, surrounded by rolling flames.

It was the Lianyan True Fire seed that Yan Zhaoge was looking for.

But at that moment, a surge of red light emerged from the depths of the black mist, like a vast river, pushing the fire seed away.

The red light stirred the black mist, making it more violent and turbulent.

The black-clothed figures trying to collect the fire seed were forced to pass by it.

Yan Zhaoge frowned, paused the operation of the inner crystal furnace, and then flew out of the vortex's central area, leaping toward the blue fire seed in the red light.

With a wave of his sleeve, a green light flashed from his right sleeve, cutting off the river-like red light.

The Lianyan True Fire seed rose, and Yan Zhaoge, wearing a specially prepared glove on his left hand, reached out to grab it.

Suddenly, a fierce phantom emerged from the severed red light, sweeping through the black mist and forming a massive ghost-like figure, as if with intelligence, reaching out to grab Yan Zhaoge.

Yan Zhaoge smiled and swung his right sleeve, the green light reappeared, splitting the ghost-like figure in half!

As the massive ghost-like figure was destroyed, the black mist around them became even more turbulent, as if the space itself was shaking, creating a sensation of the earth moving and the sky spinning.

The fierce phantom reappeared, appearing much weaker, and rapidly fled.

The blue light fluctuated again, drifting in the darkness.

The malevolent aura in the Dragon Suppressing Abyss began to fluctuate chaotically, and the previously stable central area of the vortex seemed to be gradually dissipating.

Yan Zhaoge frowned and decisively ordered, "This demon is related to the anomaly in the Dragon Suppressing Abyss. I will capture it. You few, watch the inner crystal furnace and collect the Lianyan True Fire seed."

"Other junior brothers and sisters, the situation here is becoming more dangerous. Do not stay at the edge of the vortex's central area; retreat further inside."

With that, he chased after the phantom.

Ye Jing, Sikong Qing, and others retreated as instructed, while the black-clothed figures rushed toward the blue light again.

The red light that Yan Zhaoge had severed scattered, continuing to fluctuate with the surging black mist, carrying the blue light in all directions.

As Ye Jing retreated with the others, he kept his eyes on the blue light, fidgeting with the dark red ring on his finger: "It really is the Lianyan True Fire. Staying in the Dragon Suppressing Abyss was indeed the right decision."

"The Lianyan True Fire is the best of all fires, and this seed can continuously cultivate true fire. If I get it, I might be able to unlock the next seal in the ring."

"Although I was also interested in the Lianyan True Fire seed, I never expected to encounter it so easily."

"If it falls into Yan Zhaoge's hands and I ask for it, it might raise suspicions from him and others in the sect, revealing the existence of the ring."

"If I get it first, I can unlock the ring's seal and then give the seed to Yan Zhaoge, making him owe me a favor."

"I can also directly submit it to the sect. The seed is related to the inner crystal furnace, which is now a public matter in the sect. Whoever provides the Lianyan True Fire seed will be a great contributor."

"Who says the seed must belong to Yan Zhaoge?"

"The treasure belongs to the capable. The seed is currently unowned. If it falls into my hands, it will be my fortune!"

"But how can I get the seed?"

As these thoughts raced through his mind, Ye Jing's eyes suddenly brightened. The blue light, drifting in the air, came near him!

Ye Jing was momentarily stunned, then reacted, gritted his teeth, and leaped forward, grabbing the fire seed!

Everyone in the scene fell silent for a moment.

The black-clothed figures, after their initial shock, resumed their expressionless faces, landing on the rocks and silently approaching Ye Jing in unison.

The pressure from several masters focusing on a mid-stage Qi Conduction realm martial artist was almost overwhelming, let alone the pressure of them all approaching.

Ye Jing clenched his teeth, not retreating, and met their gaze.

Sikong Qing was puzzled, slightly frowning.

The other young disciples were at a loss, the atmosphere heavy and suffocating.

At this moment, a green light flashed in the distance, and the black mist was once again split. It was Yan Zhaoge returning.

"What's going on?" Yan Zhaoge landed, his gaze sweeping the area, and he saw the blue light in Ye Jing's hand, momentarily speechless.

At this moment, Yan Zhaoge really didn't know how to describe his feelings.

In novels, the protagonist exploring and seeking treasures is always full of imperial aura, taking everything, grabbing everything, and sometimes even wiping out everyone...

Is this really a blessing from heaven?

Your protagonist aura is blinding. Wherever you go to explore, all the good things are yours?

Does this mean it's my fault for looking for treasures in front of you?

Not sure if he should have been prepared, Yan Zhaoge had a moment to muse: "Grabbing the fire seed bare-handed, not afraid of being burned to ashes. Is it because of that ring?"

Ye Jing clutched the Lianyan True Fire seed tightly, his face showing stubborn determination as he stared at Yan Zhaoge.

Yan Zhaoge, unnoticed by others, rolled his eyes: "Here we go again, the same situation."