Though Fire Phoenix had agreed, Han, Yinji, and the others did not dare to let down their guard, tightly shielding Ji Changkong, fearful that Fire Phoenix might suddenly strike and instantly kill him. "Kid, stay put and don't move around. Remember, absolutely do not get close to Fire Phoenix!" Yinji warned him kindly from across the way. Ji Changkong smiled faintly, nodding slightly, but said nothing more.

This sudden turn of events caught him slightly off guard. He wasn't surprised that Fire Phoenix wanted to kill him for the "Blazing Thunder Holy Fire"; shortly after awakening, fragments of memory told him that Fire Phoenix had apparently been here before.

Given the searing heat of the flame power within Fire Phoenix, she certainly wouldn't have been aimlessly wandering the area where he had stayed without reason. A moment's careful thought led him to surmise that Fire Phoenix was after the "Blazing Thunder Holy Fire." While he was muddled in his semi-conscious state, he hadn't overheard the conversation between Fire Phoenix and Han, but he had still managed to ascertain Fire Phoenix's objective.

However, when Han suddenly allied with Yinji and the others to exert pressure on Fire Phoenix, he was momentarily stunned. It wasn't until Han offered an explanation that he understood the reasoning. As a string of thoughts rushed through his mind, Ji Changkong immediately grasped the psychology of everyone present.

It seemed both Han and those fellows like Yinji were quite apprehensive of Fire Phoenix; from this, he deduced that Fire Phoenix’s strength must be somewhat superior to theirs. They didn't want to truly fall out with Fire Phoenix, yet they needed him to unlock the path to the next level, forcing them to join forces to suppress Fire Phoenix, compelling her to temporarily abandon the idea of killing him. But once this exploration was concluded, it was certain that these people would no longer care whether he lived or died.

This meant that before this expedition ended, he absolutely had to find a way to survive ahead of time!

"Han, you understand the situation clearly. Now, you should use that 'Blazing Thunder Holy Fire' to open these stone doors," Han said, finally letting out a breath of relief when she saw Fire Phoenix retreat a short distance, before turning to him with a cold gaze. Yinji, Tianlie, and the others also watched him with slight excitement, awaiting his action. "What should I do?" At this point, he saw no need for further pleasantries, knowing well that these people would not tolerate pointless talk from him, nor would he shirk the task, as his value for survival lay precisely here. "It's very simple. You just need to cover these stone doors with the flames you absorbed from the level below, and you will see what's inside the doors," Han stated coldly. "Hmph, you've certainly done your homework!" Fire Phoenix snorted indifferently from the other side, seemingly mocking Han.

Han showed no embarrassment and even smiled at Fire Phoenix. "If I hadn't investigated clearly, I would have gained nothing from this trip. You get the 'Blazing Thunder Holy Fire' and then just walk away, leaving us with nothing—wouldn't that have been a wasted journey?"

"Han, I advise you not to rashly enter the next level after you've secured what's on this floor. I myself have never even set foot on the level above!" Fire Phoenix took a deep breath, causing the gruesome scars on her face to bunch together, making her appear even uglier. "The dangers on the next level are enough to cause all of you to perish there!" "That's very thoughtful of you," Han frowned slightly. Fire Phoenix didn't say anything more, nodding towards her with an expression that suggested, you will regret this sooner or later. "Get on with it," Han gestured to Ji Changkong.

At this moment, Leo of the Three-Eyed Clan and Shirley of the Feather Clan, standing in the corner, suddenly became slightly tense and stood up. The two glanced towards Ji Changkong and Han from a distance, appearing hesitant, as if contemplating whether to approach.

Yinji swept a cold glance toward the pair and suddenly frowned, "These two from the other races seem to have served their purpose."

As soon as these words were spoken, the faces of Leo of the Three-Eyed Clan and Shirley of the Feather Clan changed drastically, both showing extreme fear. (.)

Yinji’s cultivation realm and power clearly far surpassed Leo and Shirley’s, and the two of them were self-aware enough to know that Yinji had developed killing intent upon hearing him say that. "Yinji, stick to the rules!" Han warned coldly.

Yinji snorted, cast another cold glance at Leo of the Three-Eyed Clan and Shirley of the Feather Clan, and said flatly, "You two little ones had better behave. You're only allowed to act after we’ve picked through the leftovers, otherwise, hehe!" Leo and Shirley exchanged a look, both feeling somewhat helpless, but they nodded in agreement.

Only then did Yinji stop fully focusing on them and urged Ji Changkong with slight excitement: "Kid, hurry up and start!" "Alright!" Ji Changkong no longer hesitated, feeling a surge of excitement himself, wondering what treasures lay hidden behind those stone doors.

Extending his left hand, he placed it on a stone door and began attempting to channel the "Blazing Thunder Holy Fire" within him. A thread of lightning power first coiled around his palm, and under the wrapping of that snake-like electricity, the strange flame finally emerged from his hand.

As the "Blazing Thunder Holy Fire" flowed out of him, it began to crawl slowly over the stone door, gradually coating its surface.

Fire Phoenix, not far away, had her face flushed crimson, her eyes blazing with an unbearable, agitated light, staring fixedly at Ji Changkong, even her breathing seemed to quicken suddenly.

Han and the others tensed, immediately surrounding Ji Changkong in the center with vigilance, all watching Fire Phoenix, afraid she might lose control and suddenly attack.

Leo of the Three-Eyed Clan and Shirley of the Feather Clan, unable to suppress the greed in their hearts, also quietly moved a short distance closer, watching the stone door that had begun to emit a marvelous halo with some excitement.

When the "Blazing Thunder Holy Fire" finally covered the entire stone door, this seemingly ordinary entrance suddenly shimmered with a hazy luminescence. At a glance, the door looked as if it led to another hazy realm, and it gave the impression that one could reach out and touch it. "Kid, put your hand in! Take out what’s inside!" Yinji’s voice trembled slightly. "Won't there be any problems?" Ji Changkong stared blankly at the stone door, gazing at the mist that seemed to lead to another world, yet he dared not act immediately. "There won't be any problems, quickly, hurry up!" Yinji continued to urge. "Don't worry, no one dares to harm you now!" Han also sounded somewhat nervous, her voice clearly laced with excitement and anticipation.

Ji Changkong looked closely; as the stone door began to shine with a strange, dim light and turn into a mist-like state, all the "Blazing Thunder Holy Fire" actively moved to the edges of the door.

However, Han and the others seemed hesitant about the "Blazing Thunder Holy Fire," afraid of touching it by reaching in, which is why, despite their intense excitement, none dared to make the first move.

"Alright, I'll try," Ji Changkong took a deep breath, figuring Han and the others truly had no reason to harm him at this moment, and extended his left hand—the one releasing the "Blazing Thunder Holy Fire"—pressing it towards the stone door.

His left hand pierced through the door, as if entering another realm, and an intense, bone-chilling cold emanated from it, causing Ji Changkong to shudder violently; his body felt as though it might freeze solid. "How is it?" Yinji asked urgently. "What do you feel inside?" "Cold!" Ji Changkong’s teeth chattered, and his tongue felt sluggish.

Extreme surprise suddenly flashed in Han’s eyes, and she hastily urged, "Quick! See what’s in there! Feel around everywhere, and whatever you grab, bring it out!"

Ji Changkong grit his teeth, enduring the piercing cold, and reached inside to feel around. He finally managed to grasp three stones that radiated an intense, bone-chilling cold.

The moment the three stones fell into his grasp, his entire body seemed frozen stiff, his body rapidly icing over, his bones rigid, and even his consciousness grew hazy. So powerful! I’ve already broken through to the Ten Directions Heaven Realm, so why do these three stones feel so terrifying to me?

Thinking this, a wisp of "Blazing Thunder Holy Fire" suddenly flew out from a corner of the stone door and instantly drilled into his body, vanishing. (.)

His body, on the verge of freezing, immediately returned to normal under the influence of this wisp of "Blazing Thunder Holy Fire." At that same moment, Ji Changkong sharply retracted his hand, pulling out three fist-sized rhombic jade stones.

As the three rhombic jade stones were taken out, the temperature on this floor began to drop drastically.

Yinji and his group were relatively fine, merely frowning slightly, but Leo of the Three-Eyed Clan and Shirley of the Feather Clan, who had edged closer, were already beginning to chatter their teeth.

"Icy Marrow Crystals!" Han suddenly cried out in unrestrained ecstasy, instantly moving to Ji Changkong's side and snatching the three rhombic jades into her palm; anyone could sense the sheer ecstasy on her face.

Han held the three Icy Marrow Crystals up for Yinji and the others to see, saying, "I only want these three Icy Marrow Crystals. From now on, no matter what other precious things are found, I won't touch them again. Do you all object?"

Tianlie, Yinji, and the others exchanged glances, then one by one nodded slightly, signifying their agreement. They then began congratulating Han, saying that with these three Icy Marrow Crystals, her strength was sure to advance greatly.

Seeing Tianlie’s group nod, Han excitedly stowed the Icy Marrow Crystals away, looking completely satisfied.

"Kid, check again, see what else is in this door!" Tu Tie urged impatiently.

Ji Changkong sighed internally but reached in to feel around again. This time, perhaps because a wisp of "Blazing Thunder Holy Fire" already existed within him, the coldness felt somewhat reduced. Of course, it might also be because the Icy Marrow Crystals had been removed.

He reached in and felt around haphazardly, stretching his arm out as far as it could go. Strangely, the stone door seemed only to allow an arm entry; his entire left side appeared to be blocked by an invisible force, and no matter how hard he tried, only one arm could fit inside.

"Kid, stop trying. Each doorway only allows one arm in. If it were possible, we would have let you crawl in already," Jiunan frowned from the side, impatiently saying, "Just stick to feeling around diligently on all sides—up, down, left, and right!" Ji Changkong nodded and then followed Jiunan’s instruction, fumbling around above, below, left, and right.

After a while, Ji Changkong withdrew his left hand and shook his head at the group, "Nothing else. I can’t feel anything else."

Yinji’s group seemed somewhat disappointed, but they also understood this was likely. They all nodded, and then Yinji said, "Alright, next stone door. I hope there’s something I need in this one."

After withdrawing the "Blazing Thunder Holy Fire" from the stone door, it reverted to its original state, but the power within Ji Changkong had unknowingly depleted by half!

He had already broken through to the Ten Directions Heaven Realm. Although he hadn't had a chance to stabilize this realm and fully comprehend all its profound mysteries, he knew the power within him was far stronger than when he was in the Nine Palaces Heaven Realm. Yet, just controlling the "Blazing Thunder Holy Fire" for a short while had caused his internal power to be halved without him realizing it—this "Blazing Thunder Holy Fire" was truly too bizarre!

Excluding the stone door he had come through and the one from which he had just withdrawn the "Blazing Thunder Holy Fire," there were still three stone doors untouched. At this rate, he wouldn't be able to finish everything in one go. "Quick, this door!" Yinji urged anxiously.

Ji Changkong sighed internally, went up, and released the "Blazing Thunder Holy Fire" again, repeating the original process. Then he reached in to explore.

There was no chill, and his hand felt no discomfort inside. He probed carefully for a while, grabbing two small, emerald-green bottles. Inside the bottles was an amber-colored viscous substance. He shook them gently and found that this substance seemed to suddenly "move," giving him a wonderful sensation of inherent life force. The two small green bottles weren't large, but the substance was quite peculiar. However, he had no idea what it was. "Condensed Source of Life!" Leo of the Three-Eyed Clan suddenly exclaimed.

Hearing Leo say that, Ji Changkong's heart suddenly stirred. Was this the Source of Life that Hong Mandun had been longing for? Was it the cultivation material necessary for Heavenly Masters in the Ten Directions Heaven Realm? Ji Changkong's hands tightened, and a sudden thought flashed through his mind.

He turned his head to look at Yinji and his group. Surprisingly, he found that Yinji and the others wore expressions of disappointment; clearly, this Condensed Source of Life was not what they had been hoping for.

"Alas, the Source of Life is not bad, but it’s only useful for Heavenly Masters who have just entered the Ten Directions Heaven Realm; it has little use for us," Tianlie sighed helplessly. He hesitated for a moment, then said, "However, selling it in the Dead Star Domain later could fetch a good price."

Yinji’s group also nodded slightly, already seeming to consider how to allocate these two small bottles. At this critical juncture, Ji Changkong suddenly declared, "These two bottles of Source of Life are mine!"

(.) The declaration stunned Yinji and the others momentarily. After just an instant, Yinji coldly sneered, "Kid, have you forgotten your current predicament?"

"It is precisely because I know my predicament that I say this," Ji Changkong smiled frankly at Yinji, then continued, "Either these two bottles of Source of Life go to me, or you kill me right now—you choose!" With that, he sat down right where he was, unceremoniously tucking the two bottles into his Interspatial Pouch, closing his eyes and ignoring everyone, as if he wouldn't resist even if someone tried to kill him. Yinji froze, and Tianlie and the others also looked grim.

This was a joke! At this time, when everyone still needed the "Blazing Thunder Holy Fire" in his hands to open the remaining two doors and for the continuation of the exploration, who would dare to kill him?

After a stunned moment, Yinji’s face turned extremely ugly, and after a long pause, he said coldly, "Kid, do you know there's a method called Soul Control? If I wish, I can take control of your soul, and you will do whatever I command. Once I use that method, you’ll be no different from a walking corpse, which is worse than death!"

"Oh? Is that so?" Ji Changkong let out a cold laugh, then stated calmly, "You can try. See if the 'Blazing Thunder Holy Fire' can still function after you’ve done that."

"Yinji, don't take the risk!" Tianlie's face changed, then he burst into loud laughter, "Kid, you have guts! Those two bottles of Condensed Source of Life, while precious, truly don't have much use for us veterans. Since you like them, keep them."

Saying this, Tianlie repeatedly gave Yinji meaningful glances, signaling a few of them to wait until this kid had completed the task—since he was going to die sooner or later anyway, they might as well let him enjoy himself a bit longer. Yinji, with a somber face, finally nodded, "Kid, hurry up. There are still two doors left."

"Sorry, I need to recover my strength first, otherwise, I won't be able to release the 'Blazing Thunder Holy Fire' again." He took out Yuan Stones from his Interspatial Pouch, paid no mind to Yinji and the others, and began using the Yuan Stones to restore his power. Yinji and the others could only wait anxiously on the side, while also being wary of Fire Phoenix losing patience and attacking.

One Yuan Stone after another was consumed, and the power within Ji Changkong rapidly recovered. He didn't keep track of time here, only focusing on recovering his strength as quickly as possible.

After an unknown amount of time, Ji Changkong stood up again, nodded to Han, and said, "I'm ready."

"Good, then be quick," Han said, pointing to the stone door that hadn't been touched yet.

Without any unnecessary words, following the old routine, he first covered the stone door with the "Blazing Thunder Holy Fire." After the door changed, he inserted one hand and felt around everywhere, but discovered nothing tangible to grasp.

Unwilling to give up, he probed for a while longer, still finding nothing. He couldn't help but shake his head and withdrew his hand, saying, "There's nothing inside this stone door." "Try again," Tu Tie insisted, unwilling to give up. Yinji and the others watched him.

Ji Changkong smiled lightly, reached in to feel around once more, but eventually pulled his hand back, shaking his head: "There really is nothing." "Then there's nothing," Han nodded, explaining, "It’s normal that not every stone door contains treasure."

Although Yinji's group was disappointed, seeing that there was truly nothing there, they didn't say much, instead turning their gazes to the last stone door, their eyes filled with anticipation. "The last door. This final door must contain something," Tianlie muttered quietly. "Let's begin," Han nodded to him. "En," Ji Changkong responded, and started over with the original method.

Once the "Blazing Thunder Holy Fire" covered the entire stone door, and the feature allowing interior inspection appeared, he once again extended his left hand. As soon as his hand entered, he immediately felt a piece of strange wood. Pinching it with two fingers, he continued to explore inside. "How is it? How is it, is there anything?" Tu Tie couldn't help but ask. Ji Changkong frowned slightly and nodded gently, signaling Tu Tie not to disturb him.

Upon seeing him nod, Tu Tie showed a look of pleasant surprise and laughed heartily, "It's good that there’s something!" Yinji and Tianlie also became happy.

His fingers continued to maneuver inside. After a moment, he touched another object—incredibly soft, like several feathers bundled together. He unceremoniously gathered that cluster of feathers, thinking that this stone door held quite a few items.

With this thought, he continued to probe inside the door, then his hand encountered a round bead which fell into his grasp. After searching for a while longer, he found a plant in a secluded corner and unceremoniously grasped that plant as well. After continuing to search to ensure every nook and cranny had been swept clean, he finally withdrew his left hand slowly.

Yinji's group held their breath, their eyes shining as they watched him. Even Leo of the Three-Eyed Clan and Shirley of the Feather Clan looked somewhat excited. Finally, his left hand was withdrawn, and the two items in his hand were revealed one by one.

A few surprised squeals suddenly rang out near his ears. Before he could react, his left hand went numb, and the two items he was holding vanished. (.)

The next instant, he saw the two items were in Tianlie’s hands. Tianlie held the two things, marveling and repeatedly exclaiming, "What fine treasures!" "Tianlie! Give me that Celestial Profound Divine Wood!" Tu Tie suddenly shouted, "You know I need the Celestial Profound Divine Wood!" "Tianlie! Give me the Ghost Face Ganoderma!" Yinji also called out.

Tianlie held in one hand a piece of wood with marvelous patterns, which emitted a faint glow, but the patterns on it were alive, constantly moving, incredibly strange. In his other hand was a plant that had produced a lingzhi mushroom shaped like a grotesque face, emitting faint wisps of black energy, giving off a chilling and terrifying feeling.

Tu Tie and Yinji both stared intently at the Celestial Profound Divine Wood and the Ghost Face Ganoderma in Tianlie’s hands, afraid that Tianlie might use some trick.

Jiunan snorted, "Since Tianlie has the Celestial Profound Divine Wood and the Ghost Face Ganoderma, does that mean we come away empty-handed?"

Tian Lie nodded, chuckling darkly, "I knew you two wouldn't give up those two items once you had them. Of course, I admit those two things are useful to you, but you can't expect Jiu Nan and me to leave empty-handed, can you? How about this: let's have a proper discussion and see what you can offer to compensate for our losses."

"Aren't there still two other items?" Yin Ji snorted, pointing at the other two objects in Ji Changkong's hand.

Ji Changkong looked down. Indeed, among the spoils, there was a cluster of seven-colored feathers and a dark-red eyeball. He didn't know what these two things were and looked rather puzzled. However, Leo of the Three-Eyed Tribe and Shirley of the Feather Tribe had labored breathing, their eyes glued to the two objects in his hand—they clearly desired them intensely.

But neither Leo nor Shirley dared to approach. Clearly, at this moment, they understood that Yin Ji might resort to murder, because he hadn't obtained what he wanted yet. "What use are those two items from the foreign races to us? If we can't return to the Dead Star Domain, they're worthless!" Tian Lie grumbled.

"Tian Lie, how about a deal? Give me the Heavenly Profound Divine Wood first, and whatever we obtain in the upper levels, you get to choose first? How about that?" For the first time, Yin Ji showed a hint of fawning, forcing a dry laugh. Tian Lie shook his head. "No, we settle it now!" "Indeed, who knows what will happen in the upper levels!" Jiu Nan insisted as well.

Under the insistence of these two, Yin Ji and Tu Tie exchanged a glance, then nodded with wry smiles. The four of them gathered together, lowering their heads, their voices gradually growing quieter as they discussed something amongst themselves.

Xiao Han, who had kept her eyes closed, immediately snapped them open, staring coldly at the distant Fire Phoenix, wary of any sudden moves from it.

"Um... Ji Changkong," Shirley of the Feather Tribe suddenly called out in a somewhat bashful manner, a lovely blush coloring her delicate face, "That... that feather, could—could you give it to me?" "This feather?" Ji Changkong was momentarily stunned. "Ahem, that eyeball, could you?" Leo of the Three-Eyed Tribe also looked at him, brimming with expectation.

Tian Lie had already said that the feather and the eyeball were objects belonging to foreign races. Keeping them wouldn't benefit him much; they would only fetch a good price if sold to foreign races in the Dead Star Domain. The fact that Leo and Shirley had risked their lives to enter might have been specifically for these two items. What if he refused to give them?

Ji Changkong hesitated, glancing furtively at Tian Lie, Yin Ji, and their group who were still deep in hushed discussion. After a moment's deliberation, he lowered his voice, "If I dare to give them to you, do you dare to take them?" He was worried that Yin Ji and the others might get agitated later and take it out on these two.

At his words, Shirley and Leo were truly taken aback, but after a moment's hesitation, they both nodded, signaling that they were willing to risk death to obtain them.

Nodding, Ji Changkong handed the cluster of feathers and the eyeball to Shirley and Leo, respectively. Without another word, he resumed his seated position to rest, utilizing the Yuan Stones to recover his strength.

After an unknown length of time, Yin Ji and the others seemed to have reached an agreement, turning back from their intense discussion. All four faces held expressions of satisfaction, as if they had each secured what they needed. "He needs a little while to rest," Xiao Han said coolly when she noticed Yin Ji and the others looking toward Ji Changkong.

Tian Lie, Yin Ji, and their group appeared to be in good spirits; they all nodded in understanding and didn't press impatiently. Instead, they sat down on the spot. Yin Ji was excitedly examining the Ghost Face Ganoderma, while Tu Tie tightly gripped the Heavenly Profound Divine Wood, scrutinizing it with delight.

"Oh, right, where are those two items from the foreign races?" After a while, Yin Ji seemed to recall something and suddenly called out.

"Yin Ji, you have no use for those two items, so don't get any ideas," Xiao Han shot Yin Ji a cold look, then added abruptly, "Although these two foreign race members aren't very strong, they belong to the Three-Eyed Tribe and the Feather Tribe. Especially the Three-Eyed Tribe, they possess the Divine Eye technique. Even if we were operating in the Central Region, if Leo were killed, the elders of the Three-Eyed Tribe might use the Divine Eye technique to learn what happened. If you aren't afraid of offending the entire Three-Eyed Tribe, you can certainly try?"

Hearing Xiao Han, Yin Ji frowned and hesitated. He stared at Leo for a moment before coldly snorting, "I'm rootless and homeless; I might never leave this star in my lifetime. Though the Three-Eyed Tribe has many masters, I'm not necessarily afraid. However, those things are indeed useless to me. Let's forget it."

Yin Ji still had reservations because if he took the eyeball, he would eventually need to sell it to the Three-Eyed Tribe. If the Three-Eyed Tribe members learned anything through the Divine Eye technique, he would genuinely be in trouble. "It's good that you understand what trouble is," Xiao Han nodded, saying no more.

Leo of the Three-Eyed Tribe and Shirley of the Feather Tribe both looked at Xiao Han gratefully. They thought that although this little girl was small in stature and very aloof, she seemed to adhere strictly to rules and wouldn't act recklessly.

"The Eye of the Heavenly God and the Feather of the Nine Heavens Divine Phoenix are indeed rare treasures to people of the Three-Eyed and Feather Tribes. Now that you two have obtained them, you will certainly achieve great things in your respective tribes in the future," suddenly interjected the Fire Phoenix, which had been silent until now, dropping this unexpected comment. Leo and Shirley's hearts tightened, and they looked at the Fire Phoenix in surprise, wondering why she would say this.

The Fire Phoenix seemed uninterested in explaining. She cast a cold glance at the pair, then slowly closed her eyes again, appearing to have fallen back asleep. After an unknown period, Ji Changkong let out a long breath and suddenly stood up once more.

It seemed a long time had passed. He focused his gaze and noticed everyone else was resting with their eyes shut, seemingly sunk into the deepest repose. It wasn't until he stood up and released his aura that they woke up one by one. "Kid, are you recovered?" Yin Ji asked. Ji Changkong nodded. "Yes, I should be fine."

"Good, then let's move on!" Yin Ji became excited, pointing at the stone door through which Ji Changkong had entered. "The exit to the next level is right here. As long as you cover that stone door with the 'Blazing Thunder Sacred Fire,' we can proceed to the next level." "Isn't this the same stone door I entered through before?" "Yes, it is the stone door you entered through. You can go in, or you can go out." "If we go out, will we end up on the fifth level?" "Don't worry, there's no turning back here. You can only move forward or stay put; retreat is not an option," Xiao Han replied. "Oh." Ji Changkong nodded, then looked toward Leo of the Three-Eyed Tribe and Shirley of the Feather Tribe sitting in the corner, asking, "Why aren't you two moving?"

Leo offered a friendly smile and said, "We have already obtained what we need, so we won't continue taking risks. Of course, we also know that there is no way for us to survive on the next level."

Shirley also nodded. After a moment of hesitation, she said, "Ji Changkong, thank you. If... if I ever manage to return, our Feather Tribe would be delighted to have you as a guest." Leo was momentarily stunned, then gave a wry smile. "If I can return to the Dead Star Domain, and you are safe, you will have the friendship of my Three-Eyed Tribe!" "Kid, it seems your status in the Three-Eyed Tribe is quite high if you dare to say such a thing!" Yin Ji sneered.

"The current patriarch of the Three-Eyed Tribe is none other than my grandfather. Xiao Han was right; if you kill me, my grandfather will definitely be able to use the Divine Eye technique to learn what happened. Once you arrive in the Dead Star Domain someday, you will undoubtedly become an eternal enemy of our Three-Eyed Tribe," Leo chuckled.

Yin Ji's face changed, and he snorted, "Though the Three-Eyed Tribe is powerful, it's not guaranteed they can find me. Even if I, Yin Ji, cannot defeat the Three-Eyed Tribe, I'm still fairly confident in preserving my life."

"Cut the act; who can't see you're afraid," Xiao Han sneered, then urged Ji Changkong, "Hurry up and do it."

Ji Changkong nodded, saying no more. He repeated his previous trick, summoning the "Blazing Thunder Sacred Fire" again. "Kid, you go down first, lest you stay here and refuse to leave later," Yin Ji snapped, clearly provoked by Xiao Han's words, glaring intensely at Ji Changkong.

Ji Changkong didn't waste words on him, knowing there was no room for bargaining now. He nodded toward Leo and Shirley, saying, "Until we meet again. Perhaps we will meet in the Dead Star Domain someday." With that, he plunged into the lake-like passage that had appeared.

Yin Ji and Tu Tie and the others smirked coldly, thinking that the boy was surely doomed to never escape this Nine-Story Pagoda, no matter what dreams he had.

With that thought, Yin Ji and Tu Tie conferred, and Xiao Han was the second to enter. The four of them watched the Fire Phoenix vigilantly. After a long while, they too plunged into the shimmering, lake-like passage and disappeared. "Do you think he can survive?" After the Fire Phoenix entered last, Shirley of the Feather Tribe couldn't help but sigh softly. "We all owe him a huge debt of gratitude."

Leo nodded, saying in a deep voice, "He might be facing great danger, but if I can return to the Three-Eyed Tribe one day, I will use my tribe's power to avenge him. As for Yin Ji and the others, if they ever venture into the Dead Star Domain, I will not let them live." "That is the only way we can repay him. Alas," Shirley sighed, filled with helplessness.

Meanwhile, in another world.

The air was fresh and natural. Giant ancient trees, towering like mountains, seemed to pierce the heavens, their peaks lost to sight. Between these colossal trees flowed a murky, long river. There was not a trace of life in the water; it was unnervingly still, almost dead.

He stood on the branch of a sky-soaring ancient tree, looking down. He estimated the height to be several hundred meters. The dense foliage completely concealed his figure. Looking up, he saw only a gray, overcast sky, devoid of the sun, moon, or stars.

He scanned the distance, extending his divine sense far outward, but could not detect any sign of life.

However, after a careful scan, he didn't sense any immediate danger in this world. Everything appeared so tranquil, yet this tranquility held a subtle strangeness, making him vaguely uneasy, though he couldn't pinpoint why.

A mysterious fluctuation of life suddenly emanated from another towering ancient tree ahead. Ji Changkong’s heart stirred, and he quickly looked over. It was Xiao Han.

After her small figure materialized, she closed her eyes to scan the surroundings, instantly sensing Ji Changkong's location. She suddenly looked up toward his hiding spot.

Xiao Han’s eyes brightened. She darted along the massive branch like a bolt of lightning. Before Ji Changkong could react, Xiao Han was beside him and immediately demanded in a cold voice, "Do you want to live?"

Ji Changkong was momentarily stunned and asked, "What do you mean?"

"The Fire Phoenix will certainly kill you for the 'Blazing Thunder Sacred Fire.' Once the exploration ceases, you will be eliminated by the Fire Phoenix immediately. Of course, even if the Fire Phoenix doesn't kill you, Yin Ji and the others won't spare you for those valuable sources of life essence. In short, without some accident, your death is certain!" Xiao Han said coldly. Ji Changkong nodded and replied with a bitter smile, "I understand."

"Good, you're sensible enough," Xiao Han nodded coldly. "I arrived first. Yin Ji and the others stayed behind to watch the Fire Phoenix, preventing her from finding and killing you first, giving me time to locate you."

"I understand," Ji Changkong nodded again, then asked, "Of course, I want to live. Do you have any good suggestions?"

"Naturally, otherwise why would I be wasting my breath talking to you?" Xiao Han's demeanor was far from friendly. "Just do as I say, and I can guarantee that you will not only survive but also obtain the 'Blazing Thunder Sacred Fire.' How about that?" "Why help me, and what benefits will you gain from this?" Ji Changkong asked.

"After we get out, I need your 'Blazing Thunder Sacred Fire' to help me with one favor. But if the Fire Phoenix gets it, the power of the 'Blazing Thunder Sacred Fire' will be halved. That's why I need you alive!" Xiao Han was blunt. "As long as you agree to do one thing for me afterward, I will find a way to keep you alive. How about it?" "Do I have any reason to refuse?" Ji Changkong smiled.

Xiao Han nodded. "Very good. It seems our deal is struck. Now, I will tell you the origin and control method of the 'Blazing Thunder Sacred Fire.' Only by truly mastering it can you have a slight chance of self-preservation when dealing with them, preventing instant annihilation."

Saying this, Xiao Han exhaled a swirling plume of white mist. This mist, carrying a faint fragrance, flew toward him with a life of its own.

The vortex, expelled from Xiao Han's small mouth, resembled the cold breath people exhale in winter, yet it carried a subtle scent—it was the very essence of Xiao Han's breath.

Xiao Han appeared to be about fifteen or sixteen years old, petite and exquisite, with a pretty face. However, her eyes held a maturity far beyond her years, giving off a strange impression. Ji Changkong stared at her blankly, utterly perplexed by what she was doing.

"Swallow it! That vortex contains the knowledge about the 'Blazing Thunder Sacred Fire.' You can digest it directly; I don't need to waste breath explaining," seeing Ji Changkong staring blankly, Xiao Han seemed to lose her patience and urged him impatiently, "Hurry up! We don't have much time; we don't know when they might arrive. Otherwise, I wouldn't waste my energy transmitting the knowledge of the 'Blazing Thunder Sacred Fire' to you this way!" "Oh." Ji Changkong opened his mouth and swiftly swallowed the vortex imbued with Xiao Han's fragrance.

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