The Primordial Flame and Thunder was forged at the dawn of creation! A singular, concentrated essence where electricity and flame merged, this "Saintly Flame of Raging Thunder" was exceptionally unique. Because lightning’s raw power was fused within the fire, it possessed not only a terrifying capacity for incineration but also the untamed ferocity of electrical energy.

Fire and lightning were the two most effective forces in the world against specters and malevolent spirits. For instance, a fierce ghost, once engulfed by the searing flame, would rapidly have its Yin energy depleted. The power of lightning was even more dreadful; a single strike could utterly annihilate a spirit.

Fire and lightning—these were the most formidable assaults against vile entities and wandering souls. When these two powers fused into the "Saintly Flame of Raging Thunder," it became the absolute bane of every wicked spirit and shade in existence.

Even the corpse-demons of the Purgatorial Ghost Clan, or the Demon Lords that arose long ago, would be instantly consumed and rapidly incinerated by the power of the "Saintly Flame of Raging Thunder" upon contact, a burn impossible to shake off.

Of course, the utility of the "Saintly Flame of Raging Thunder" extended beyond combating malevolent entities. Since the flame inherently contained both fiery essence and electrical might, it possessed all the attributes of both, amplified significantly. When engaging in combat, this "Saintly Flame of Raging Thunder" could both attack and defend, displaying marvelous versatility.

The knowledge concerning the "Saintly Flame of Raging Thunder," imprinted within his mind, slowly integrated into the deepest recesses of his memory after the vortex had been inhaled into his Sea of Soul, becoming an intrinsic part of his consciousness. Moreover, the methods for controlling the "Saintly Flame of Raging Thunder" were deeply etched into the core of his soul, which he recalled again and again in his mind.

The technique for mastering the "Saintly Flame of Raging Thunder" was somewhat peculiar. Often, the controller did not need to actively direct it, nor even use their mental focus to guide the "Saintly Flame of Raging Thunder" along any specific trajectory to strike an enemy.

According to the memories imparted by Xiao Han, flame entities as spiritually endowed as the "Saintly Flame of Raging Thunder" possessed a degree of autonomous consciousness. As long as the controller frequently communed their soul with the "Saintly Flame of Raging Thunder," sharing their joys, anger, sorrow, and pleasure, the flame would gradually evolve into the controller’s most trusted confidant.

Until the day the controller’s mental will became fully imbued within the "Saintly Flame of Raging Thunder," it would become an extension of the controller's very being, their minds intertwined, turning it into the master's most potent auxiliary.

By that time, when the controller encountered an adversary, they would not need to consciously command the "Saintly Flame of Raging Thunder" to engage; a mere thought would suffice for it to seamlessly eliminate the master's foes.

Furthermore, when facing danger, the controller might not even need to send forth a mental signal; as long as the "Saintly Flame of Raging Thunder" sensed an incoming attack that threatened the controller's life, it would proactively defend.

Beyond this, the "Saintly Flame of Raging Thunder" could continuously evolve. Provided it was fed sufficient quantities of fire and lightning energy, the "Saintly Flame of Raging Thunder" would grow ever stronger, undergoing a living sublimation from its initial form to unleash even more terrifying power.

All these details regarding the "Saintly Flame of Raging Thunder" were deeply branded into his heart via that single breath vortex from Xiao Han. He had only just begun to grasp the fundamentals of the flame, tentatively trying to connect his emotions with the "Saintly Flame of Raging Thunder," when he sensed the presence of Yin Ji and his entourage.

Xiao Han suddenly opened her eyes, glancing towards the dense foliage of an immense ancient tree ahead, and murmured softly, "Communication with the 'Saintly Flame of Raging Thunder' can be conducted secretly. We must proceed forward now to avoid arousing the suspicion of Fire Phoenix, Yin Ji, and the others. Remember my words: if you listen to me, I will ensure you survive!"

Ji Changkong nodded, looking up at the dense growth ahead. "I understand."

Xiao Han said no more and walked directly toward Yin Ji and his group who had appeared ahead. Ji Changkong dared not stray too far from her, fearing Fire Phoenix might strike suddenly, and followed closely.

"Where are the others?" Xiao Han asked Yin Ji upon arriving beside him.

"They are ahead. Let's go, we’ll go together," Yin Ji replied casually. He glanced at Ji Changkong, his voice icy. "Brat, behave yourself here. Don't even think about playing tricks, or I'll make your existence a living hell!"

Ji Changkong’s expression remained placid, his head slightly lowered, offering no reply.

But in his heart, he had quietly noted Yin Ji down. Should the chance to kill Yin Ji arise, he would absolutely not let it pass!

"That's enough, let's hurry up. Every floor in the Pagoda has a time limit, so be cautious. This floor will be even more perilous. It's possible one of us might perish inside," Xiao Han remarked.

Yin Ji’s face darkened upon hearing this. He released his spiritual sense to sweep the surroundings, then spoke no further, taking the lead.

Not long after, Tian Lie, Jiu Nan, Tu Can, and Fire Phoenix materialized among the leaves ahead. Tian Lie, Jiu Nan, and Tu Can had been watching Fire Phoenix intently, fearful that she might slip away from their sight to stealthily assassinate Ji Changkong.

When Xiao Han brought Ji Changkong over, the three relaxed slightly.

The group moved on without further discussion, traversing the branches of the towering ancient trees, seemingly searching for a definite path forward.

Yin Ji, Tian Lie, and the others were unfamiliar with the situation here. Even after releasing their divine senses, they found nothing specific, forced only to watch Fire Phoenix and Xiao Han.

"You seem to know so much about the conditions within the Pagoda. Can you find the entrance to the next level?" Fire Phoenix let out a cold 'huff' and mocked Xiao Han disdainfully.

Xiao Han frowned, closing her eyes without speaking. After a moment, she suddenly pointed in one direction. "Over there."

Fire Phoenix’s pupils contracted, and she scoffed again. "It seems you’ve made thorough preparations. You really do know the way."

Xiao Han gave a cold smile. "Naturally. If I couldn't even predict the correct direction, why would I risk venturing deeper?"

"Hmph!" Fire Phoenix's gaze swept across Tian Lie, Yin Ji, and the others. Then she declared abruptly, "Someone among you is definitely going to die on this floor. I, Fire Phoenix, say it!"

Tian Lie and the others knew Fire Phoenix never joked. Hearing her words, their complexions turned grim, and they secretly speculated about each other's hidden intentions.

"If we can't find anything, being imprisoned here for life is no different from death," Xiao Han sighed quietly.

The hesitation in Tian Lie’s eyes was suddenly solidified by Xiao Han’s statement; the desire to escape this place outweighed the fear of being killed.

"Let's go. Don't listen to Fire Phoenix’s fear-mongering," Yin Ji urged.

Xiao Han immediately ceased speaking, leading the way with Ji Changkong, keeping Tian Lie’s group behind with Fire Phoenix to guard against any unexpected moves from her.

Gigantic, ancient trees whisked past them, their trunks as tall as mountains, piercing deep into the heavens.

Ji Changkong and Xiao Han’s group traveled along the branches of these colossal trees. Soon, in the near distance ahead, a stretch of emerald-green lake water appeared. At the center of the lake was a patch of azure-green ground, flat like a mirror, with the water forming patterns that rippled with marvelous waves.

Xiao Han’s eyes brightened, and she whispered urgently, "We're close! Everyone be careful!"

Yin Ji and Tian Lie immediately tensed, their expressions strained, secretly guarding against something, fearing an irresistible danger might erupt at any moment.

Ji Changkong also grew instantly alert, drawing his Dragon-Rending Saber and extending his spiritual sense, watching vigilantly.

Having survived the perils of the previous floors, he knew this level certainly wouldn't be simple. The calmer a place appeared, the greater the concealed danger would be. Moreover, the current tranquility was far too peculiar; it was undeniably out of the ordinary.

Soon, Xiao Han brought Ji Changkong to a branch of one of the colossal trees, where he looked down upon the green lake not far ahead, seemingly deep in thought.

"No life fluctuations, no sign of any formations. Where exactly does the danger lie?" Tian Lie arrived, closed his eyes to sense, then shook his head in confusion.

"I don't sense anything either," Xiao Han admitted with a helpless expression. After a moment of hesitation, she said, "Perhaps we should test it. Once we approach the passage entrance on the lake surface, the danger here will surely trigger automatically."

"Who goes to test it?" Yin Ji snorted, volunteering immediately. "I'm certainly not going."

Xiao Han frowned, her gaze sweeping over Tian Lie, Jiu Nan, and Tu Can, seemingly considering who would be best suited for the task.

Under her scrutiny, Tian Lie, Jiu Nan, and Tu Can all shook their heads, indicating they would not take such a risk.

"Send this brat to go," Yin Ji suddenly pointed at Ji Changkong, grinning menacingly. "If this level truly holds a danger we cannot pass, we'll just accept our fate. Let him scout the way; at least it will give us some knowledge. Of course, we will remain vigilant and will actively help him if danger materializes."

Ji Changkong cursed inwardly.

Tian Lie, Jiu Nan, and Tu Can all began nodding, agreeing that Yin Ji's proposal was sound and consented to Ji Changkong attempting the trial.

Xiao Han’s eyes flickered. After a moment of contemplation, she told Ji Changkong, "Go, be careful. We will watch you. If you sense anything unusual, you can stop or return, and we will devise another plan."

Ji Changkong was helpless. Under the watchful eyes of Tian Lie, Yin Ji, and the others, any protest would be futile. He could only brace himself and proceed.

"Splash!"

He leaped down from the branch of the ancient tree, landing in the emerald lake. The Five Elements Light Shield had already been activated, enveloping his entire body. The lake water seemed fine. After entering the water and examining the Five Elements Light Shield, he noted it hadn't reacted at all to the liquid, leading him to an immediate conclusion.

He secretly breathed a sigh of relief but kept his spiritual focus intensely concentrated, bringing his soul into the state of 'Self in the Void' from the Tai Xu Secret Records. He merged with the surrounding scenery, yet maintained a thread of individual consciousness, and gradually moved toward the center of the lake.

From afar, Yin Ji and the others on the giant trees frowned, showing traces of surprise. They all sensed that the moment Ji Changkong activated the Tai Xu Secret Records to enter the 'Self in the Void' state, they instantly lost track of his aura. If their eyes hadn't confirmed Ji Changkong was swimming in the lake ahead, they would have lost all awareness of his existence.

They were secretly astonished, knowing that the profound mysteries Ji Changkong cultivated must possess extraordinary characteristics, adding another layer of calculation to their thoughts.

Submerged in the water, Ji Changkong blended seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, silently absorbing the ancient, aged aura emanating from the nearby massive trees. These trees seemed to have stood there for eons, conveying unintelligible messages to him. He absorbed these auras, trying to comprehend them with his soul.

Terror!

It was a trace of inexpressible fear. The colossal trees surrounding him seemed to dread something within the lake. Though faint, this dread was undeniably present.

There was something in the lake!

Ji Changkong immediately reached this conclusion. He did not rush toward the passage opening in the center of the lake; instead, his body began to sink slowly, descending deeper into the water.

"What is that brat doing? Why is he sinking instead of heading to the center of the lake?" Jiu Nan couldn't help but complain.

"Perhaps he discovered something underwater," Xiao Han observed calmly below. "Don't rush. This floor is limited in size, and the lake is within our sight. If he tries anything tricky, we can stop him at any moment."

"Mm," Yin Ji and the others nodded.

The lake water, which looked clear from above, was actually extremely murky at the bottom. As he moved around at the lakebed, he realized the scene here was entirely different from what he had seen from above. Before descending, he clearly saw some weeds and plants, and even peculiar stones on the bottom, giving a feeling of peace and serenity. However, once at the true bottom, he found the water dense and turbid; he couldn't see the strange stones or even a single blade of grass!

Something was wrong!

Upon discovering the true state of the lakebed, Ji Changkong pushed one hand through the Five Elements Light Shield, touched the water, and pulled it back to smell it—detecting a faint, fishy odor.

Rumble! Boom!

Just then, a strange ripple emanated from the center of the lake below. An immensely ferocious and violent life-force suddenly erupted, an intense magnetic field that instantaneously permeated the entire world, giving him an overwhelming sense of mortal danger.

Escape!

That was the first thought that flashed through his mind. However, the overwhelmingly vicious life-force seemed to have already locked onto him, giving him no chance to react.

I can't escape.

Ji Changkong startled grimly and immediately understood the current predicament. Soul Lock? He quickly ran through the possibilities in his mind, and abruptly, at this critical juncture, he shifted his state of mind from the 'Self in the Void' to the 'State of Nothingness.' His last wisp of consciousness vanished, and he truly merged entirely with everything in the environment, becoming a part of the lake water and the surrounding ancient trees. At that moment, devoid of consciousness, his body slowly sank deeper into the water.

"Bad! Xiao Han's expression shifted to horror. "There’s something at the bottom of the lake!"

As soon as these words left her mouth, a colossal creature violently burst forth from the emerald lake, its body size surpassing human imagination. Its bulk completely filled the lake surface, and a long tail stretched thousands of meters, thrashing between several marshy areas.

Roar!

The massive creature threw its head back and let out a fierce cry. The gray clouds above immediately pressed down, and clumps of dark clouds swirled madly into its cavernous maw.

"Ancient Giant Crocodile!" Fire Phoenix suddenly shrieked, staring in disbelief at the massive creature several kilometers long, covered in thick scales.

"Heavens! How could it be this vicious creature? Wasn't it said to have perished during the Great Destruction?" Yin Ji’s face also darkened, clearly contemplating retreat. "Let’s go?"

"Go?" Fire Phoenix sneered. "It's too late now. That brat is certainly finished. Now, not only can we not go back, but we can't even reach the next floor; we can only endure in this world until the Pagoda’s trial ends."

"Ah, no, how can this be?" Tu Can cried out in panic. "The life-force magnetic field of this Ancient Giant Crocodile is so terrifying; we might not be able to handle it."

"It's coming! Be careful!" Yin Ji screamed, turning and fleeing into the distance.

Tian Lie, Jiu Nan, and Tu Can did not dare hesitate, immediately turning around, ignoring Fire Phoenix's and Xiao Han's shouts, and flying rapidly backward.

The Ancient Giant Crocodile’s immense body moved slowly below them, yet every step it took spanned dozens of green marshes. In this world where spatial confinement barriers existed, it was far faster than Yin Ji and the others.

Fire Phoenix and Xiao Han exchanged a glance, bitterness flashing in their eyes. Watching Tian Lie and Jiu Nan begin to flee, the two women were also secretly devising a plan.

"Look!" Xiao Han suddenly cried out in surprise, pointing beneath the Ancient Giant Crocodile. "There are chains passing through its abdomen! It is imprisoned here, and its power must be partially restrained! Don't be afraid!"

Fire Phoenix concentrated her gaze and showed a flash of joy. She immediately roared, "Yin Ji, Tian Lie, come back here! The Ancient Giant Crocodile's power is restricted, and it cannot stray too far from the lake passage entrance. Stop hiding!"

"Eh, that brat isn't dead!" Fire Phoenix shrieked again, seeing Ji Changkong slowly emerging from the lake surface behind the Ancient Giant Crocodile, her face filled with elation.

Xiao Han's eyes lit up too. "We have a chance!"

"Bad! That brat, he seems to be preparing to summon it!" Fire Phoenix was just about to nod in agreement when her expression suddenly changed drastically, and she couldn't help but scream, "Hurry up and get over here!"

Just then, in the water behind the Ancient Giant Crocodile, Ji Changkong's body, which had been suspended on the lake surface, leaped up swiftly toward the lake passage in the center and had already released the "Saintly Flame of Raging Thunder," sweeping it across the passage.

The lake passage immediately shimmered with a hazy, indistinct light—a sign that the passage was viable.

"Sorry, I'll take my leave first!" Ji Changkong looked at the rapidly returning Ancient Giant Crocodile and the rushing Fire Phoenix and Xiao Han and the others, smiled slightly, then retracted the "Saintly Flame of Raging Thunder" and dove into the lake passage.