Though Lei Dong couldn't truly "see" the Fire Lotus in the molten pool, only vaguely sensing it through the strange vision of the Ghost Guard, he deduced the object must be extraordinary, perhaps the very root cause of the fight between the two ferocious beasts. And the strength of those two beasts was also considerable, both roughly at the sixth layer of the Foundation Establishment stage.

Together with Qi Feifei, he quietly lay in ambush in the passage several dozen feet away from the huge molten depression, patiently waiting for the two beasts to wound each other grievously so he could pick up the spoils.

The delicate Fire Lotus within the molten pool was slowly wilting, while its seed pod grew increasingly mature, emitting waves of strange fragrance. It seemed this very scent was what finally drove the two beasts to fight desperately. For a time, deep within the depression, roars erupted continuously, causing the molten walls to shake violently from the impacts.

After a considerable while, it was the Purgatory Fire Python that gained a slight advantage. Though covered in wounds, it managed to coil around the Lion-Tiger, crushing its bones while simultaneously severing its neck with a bite. Just as it was getting somewhat excited, preparing to snatch the now perfectly mature and alluringly, seductively fragrant Fire Lotus seed pod to claim its hard-won spoils, it instinctively knew that by consuming all the seeds within this mature pod, it could become stronger and take a major step closer to its goal of becoming a Flood Dragon (Hua Jiao). However, at that very moment, the Purgatory Fire Python felt a chilling sensation strike its back. It instinctively whipped its tail, and amidst surging firelight, it distinctly saw an afterimage flash past. Ghostly Qi permeated the air, and a cold wind swept by.

The Purgatory Fire Python was enraged—the wolf had just been driven away, and now the tiger appeared. Was this fellow also here to contend for the Fire Lotus seed pod? In a fit of fury and shame, it opened its maw and spewed out a fan-shaped burst of flame, forcing the spectral Ghost Guard into a messy evasion. It was compelled to reveal its form; its translucent body had become somewhat dim and lusterless, clearly indicating it had sustained injuries.

But before the Fire Python could savor any sense of victory, it heard a series of sorrowful, heart-wrenching wails, and a pale-blue light shot forth like a fleeting shadow. Caught off guard, the Fire Python only managed to twist its body slightly; the blue light sliced past, drawing a string of scalding blood. Further wounded, the Fire Python grew even more furious. Its body twisted—its movement as swift as a flood dragon—and it opened its cavernous mouth, revealing rows of sharp teeth, lunging to tear apart the enemy that dared to sneak attack it.

"I will entangle it; you go seize the rare treasure first."

Lei Dong commanded in a deep voice, instructing Qi Feifei to make the snake-mouth grab first. As for himself, dark Qi surged around him. From his Myriad Ghost Banner, countless vengeful spirits shrieked forth, attacking the Fire Python. Having already scented blood, they appeared exceptionally violent and excited under the influence of the Ghost Qi. Especially the three main souls, which brandished their claws and fangs, exhibiting extreme ferocity.

The Critical Strike Ice Ghost Guard also lunged out from Lei Dong’s side: one, entirely crimson, had already activated Bloodthirst's Zenith; the other was encased in Ice, its entire body covered in ice crystals. To the left and right, they blocked the Fire Python’s path, each unleashing their most potent combat skills to strike the beast.

Simultaneously, the Soul Devouring Shadow Tiger lurking behind Lei Dong, its nearly two-zhang-long body, also charged forward. Amidst continuous roars, it spewed a white orb of light that struck the Fire Python, but most of its power was drawn away by the sudden flare of flames erupting around the serpent. Undeterred, it pounced forward, seeming intent on displaying its tiger might.

Qi Feifei remained silent, her figure transforming into a mass of peach-colored mist. Like a wisp of light smoke, she silently drifted to the edge of the white molten pool. Her tattered red sash coiled around the Fire Lotus seed pod, and with a forceful tug, she plucked it free and drew it back.

With the seed pod taken, the Purgatory Fire Python seemed to sense it. Its flame-like, burning eyes intensified with ferocity. It spat a ball of fire, repelling the Critical Strike Ghost Guard, then lunged violently towards Qi Feifei.

Lei Dong would never allow it to succeed. A densely condensed plume of dark, shadowy Ghost Qi shot out, enveloping the beast like a massive net. Countless black filaments, like vines and seaweed, desperately entangled the Fire Python. The serpent’s previously agile, dragon-like movements were now sluggish and slow, as if caught in a mire.

At the same time, Lei Dong condensed a green light in his right hand and thrust forward, unleashing a ghastly, shadowy green claw several feet wide. With a grab and a squeeze, he seized the serpent's "vital seven inches," yanked backward forcefully, and the entire Fire Python, which had been momentarily airborne, was forcibly pinned in place. The three Ghost Guards arrived in unison, surrounding it. Hundreds and thousands of vengeful Yin souls swarmed like a chaotic dance, manifesting sharp teeth and claws, latching onto the Fire Python and ceaselessly tearing at it.

The peach-colored mist drifted to Lei Dong’s side, coalescing into a human form. Qi Feifei reappeared, a look of joy on her pretty face: "Senior Brother Lei, we got it."

"Enough nonsense..."

Lei Dong sharply chided. Qi Feifei’s expression grew solemn, and she hastily waved her red sash toward the Purgatory Fire Python, coiling it around the beast. Peach mist billowed out, inducing drowsiness and bewilderment, while a beautiful red flying sword, moving like an agile fish, began to viciously shred the Fire Python.

Even the fearsome Fire Serpent could not withstand the combined assault of two powerful disciples from top-tier sects. After holding out for a moment, it perished amidst the storm-like assault, falling to the ground, twitching a few times before falling silent. The three Ghost Guards immediately became excited, transforming into balls of ghostly mist, emitting chirping sounds as they began to devour the flesh and blood of both the Purgatory Giant Python and the Purgatory Lion-Tiger. In an instant, they devoured everything, skin and bone included, completely clean.

Its beast soul, a translucent, vivid, and lifelike miniature python, was sealed by Lei Dong into the Soul Sealing Bead to be stored as a great tonic for the Soul Devouring Shadow Tiger. The only pity was that the beast soul of the Purgatory Lion-Tiger had already vanished somewhere. Otherwise, these two formidable beast souls alone would have been enough to support the Shadow Tiger’s advancement by one level.

Having Qi Feifei collect the seed pod first was because he feared he might not be able to hold the Fire Python long enough, and if it managed to swallow it whole, it would have been a tragedy beyond measure. As for the remaining parts of the Fire Lotus, their use was not significant, and they likely couldn't be transplanted anyway.

There are myriad wonders in the world. In the miscellaneous records Lei Dong had read, there was no mention of such a Fire Lotus. It was Qi Feifei, however, whose face lit up with joy: "Senior Brother Lei, I’ve seen this item in the miscellaneous notes. It is called the Purgatory Red Lotus. Legend says it only grows in Purgatory and is a treasure for those who cultivate Fire-elemental Great Arts. It can be used as medicine to enhance the power of Fire-elemental magical techniques, or it can be refined into spiritual artifacts or magical treasures—in short, it is invaluable. Even within Purgatory, this item is considered rare; it is a matter of chance to encounter it. It’s a pity neither of us practices Fire-elemental Great Arts. If Li Huntian got his hands on it, he would probably go mad with joy." While speaking, Qi Feifei very sensibly and demurely took out the Purgatory Red Lotus and handed it to Lei Dong.

Lei Dong scraped open the seed pod while speaking, "Even if it isn't of much use to us personally, it’s no big deal. We can simply sell it for money or trade it for things we can use." He counted them: eleven seeds. Each seed was plump and crystal clear, colored a flame-like red, with a faint luster subtly flowing over its surface. As soon as he held them in his palm, a burning sensation immediately pierced his skin. He had to wrap his hand with Profound Yin True Qi just to lift the seeds.

"Six for me, five for you. Take them." Lei Dong flicked five seeds over.

Qi Feifei lightly patted her slender palm and caught each seed, her expression hesitant and complex: "Senior Brother Lei, you exerted much more effort this time. Even without me, you could have obtained the Purgatory Red Lotus alone. It is enough for Fei Fei to take three seeds as a token gesture."

"When I, Lei, do something, it is one thing, then the second thing. I already said it would be a six-four split long ago—it is a six-four split." Lei Dong took an empty jade bottle, placed six seeds inside, and put it away. "Also, I haven't properly thanked you for your Small Profound Yin Spirit Replenishing Pills earlier; moreover, if you hadn't reminded me, we might have missed out on this Purgatory Red Lotus."

"Then I thank you, Senior Brother Lei." The eyelashes of Qi Feifei couldn't help but tremble slightly. She silently placed the Red Lotus into a bottle and stored it away. However, she then took out two more jade bottles and flicked them toward Lei Dong: "Senior Brother Lei, here are four Small Profound Yin Spirit Replenishing Pills. These were rewards from my sect for entering the Central Hall. Consider this compensation for taking one extra Red Lotus seed."

Lei Dong raised his hand, caught them, and without much hesitation, accepted them. Still slightly greedy, he searched the molten cave thoroughly but failed to discover any other valuable treasures. As for the white molten pool, Lei Dong sent his divine sense downward. After descending several dozen feet without finding the bottom, he found it extremely strenuous to probe any further, so he reluctantly gave up on his plan to fish out anything good from inside.

With the division complete, there was nothing else to do, so they left the cave—a place Lei Dong found quite satisfactory. Upon exiting, Qi Feifei sensed again and said, "Senior Brother Lei, those two are still in the southeast direction. It seems they haven't moved positions much in the last two days. Of course, Fei Fei means no major change in location; locating them precisely is impossible."

"Come, get closer. I need to know exactly who those two are." Lei Dong’s expression became somewhat grim. This was already the eighth region, and the other gains were substantial. However, the most crucial Wash Heart Fruit was nowhere to be seen, not even half a piece.

They each summoned their light carriages and flew steadily toward the southeast. Having suffered a great loss from the Fire Giant Beast previously, and especially after seeing some strange and massive molten pools, they preferred to take a detour rather than risk danger. Thus, after half a day of travel, they were only about a hundred miles away from those two individuals. Lei Dong finally stopped his escape light and instructed Qi Feifei to sense again.

At this distance, after concentrating her senses, Qi Feifei reported, "It’s Luo Peng from the Asura Path and Jie Chen from the Vajra Temple. Strange, why would they remain in that location and not come over? Could it be they encountered something, fought a battle, and both suffered serious injuries?" Qi Feifei pondered, but could not figure out a reason.

Jie Chen? Lei Dong chuckled wickedly. This little monk—this is what is called 'Heaven has a road you refuse to take, yet you deliberately storm the gate to Hell,' j-j-j-j-jeee!

....