Not only the three ancestors, but all the other members of the Source Fire Sect also understood that the seal in the Fire Clan's Ancestral Land had been broken.
“How can this be?
We of the Source Fire Sect have guarded this seal for generations, strengthening it time and time again, expending countless years and manpower. And now, it's actually been broken!”
Many members of the Source Fire Sect mumbled to themselves, unable to accept this reality. Among them were many who were stationed in this Fire Realm year after year, whose primary duty was to guard this seal. Now that the seal was broken, these Source Fire Sect members seemed to lose their very backbone all at once, feeling lost and confused.
*Boom!...* *Rumble!...*
At that moment, a spatial vortex suddenly appeared halfway up the side of the lofty mountain that housed the Fire Clan Ancestral Land. It spun wildly, emitting a powerful force of attraction that forcibly sucked in the surrounding Fire Energy and Fire Laws.
The area of that spatial vortex grew larger and larger, eventually forming a huge spatial fissure. Vast and mighty Fire Energy and Fire Laws poured into it continuously, like floodwaters surging into a breach.
“Wonderful!
The seal on our Fire Clan has finally been broken!
Our Fire Clan is about to welcome rebirth and rise anew!”
From within that spatial vortex came bursts of excited cheers.
“The ancient legacy left by our ancestors was right—there really are many remnants of the Fire Clan sealed inside!”
Hearing the cheers from within that space, the faces of the Source Fire Sect's three ancestors grew even uglier.
“Let's work together to destroy this spatial entry point!”
One of the ancestors said in a hoarse voice.
“These Fire Clan remnants have been sealed for so long, their overall strength must be extremely weak. So what if the seal is broken? So what if they escape? We'll just stand guard here and kill them one by one as they come out. Or, we could lead our forces straight inside and slaughter every last one of the Fire Clan remnants in there!”
Another ancestor said with a ferocious expression, his words gritted out between clenched teeth.
“Take action!
First, shatter this spatial entrance!”
The third ancestor roared, leaping into the air. He opened his mouth and spat out a three-story fire pagoda.
This was a consummate Demigod-level magic treasure. It rapidly expanded, spewing forth billowing flames as it hurtled towards the spatial vortex on the mountainside ahead.
That spatial vortex was, in essence, a spatial gateway.
“Take action!”
The other two Source Fire Sect ancestors roared simultaneously, joining the attack. One ancestor held a curved blade in both hands, swinging it forward. Sword energy as vast as a raging ocean surged towards that spatial vortex.
Another ancestor saw eighteen colossal Fire Dragons erupt from his body. Each of these Fire Dragons possessed the combat strength of a Demigod—equivalent to eighteen Demigod experts charging forward together—with an awe-inspiring aura.
At the same moment, the gaze of the Fire Clan ancestor's energy form was fixed tightly on the spatial vortex on the mountain ahead. Its two eyes grew increasingly bright, and its entire body began to emit blazing divine radiance.
“This is our Fire Clan's ancestral land...”
This Deity slowly spoke, its deep voice saturating the heavens and earth, causing everyone's ears to roar as if multiple thunderclaps were exploding inside their heads.
Now, the three Source Fire Sect ancestors launched their fierce offensive, attacking the spatial vortex.
“Insignificant vermin! Daring to destroy our Fire Clan's ancestral land? You deserve to die ten thousand deaths!”
This Fire Clan ancestor fixed its sharp gaze upon the three Source Fire Sect ancestors and directly struck out with a single punch. Rolling divine radiance blossomed on the surface of its fist; the entire world seemed to tremble along with the force of its punch.
An indescribable, overwhelming power instantly manifested, suppressing everyone until their mouths went dry, finding it difficult to move.
“Be careful! This being seems to be the residual energy body of an ancient Deity!”
The three Source Fire Sect ancestors were greatly alarmed. They all attacked together to block the Fire Clan ancestor's strike.
*Boom!...* *Rumble!...*
The attacks of both sides collided violently, the resultant shockwaves nearly overturning the entire world.
Infinite Fire Energy and Fire Laws raged wildly between heaven and earth, as if heralding the end of the world.
The three Source Fire Sect ancestors were simultaneously forced back.
“It’s too powerful!”
All three ancestors wore expressions of shock.
“The seal is broken! Let's charge out!”
A loud shout, clear enough for all to hear, rang out from within the spatial vortex on the mountain ahead.
That spatial vortex was still madly absorbing the Fire Energy and Fire Laws of the outside world. One could see torrents of flames, like immense raging tides, continuously pouring in. The spatial vortex seemed like an unfillable bottomless abyss.
“The Fire Clan remnants want to escape!
Everyone, take action together! Kill them as soon as they come out! We absolutely cannot allow the Fire Clan remnants to reappear in this world!”
One of the Source Fire Sect ancestors shouted urgently.
Hearing the ancestor's order, all Source Fire Sect forces rushed towards that mountain from all directions.
At this moment, humanoid figures began to appear within the mountain's spatial vortex; it seemed someone from the other side of the vortex was attempting to step out.
“No one can stop our Fire Clan from seeing the light of day again.”
The Fire Clan ancestor's deep voice echoed across heaven and earth. The energy aura released by its magnificent, towering body grew increasingly powerful. Its every movement stirred up terrifying energy cyclones in the surrounding space.
“Is this the power of a Deity?
Truly terrifying!”
Ye Yunfei stared at the Fire Clan ancestor, feeling somewhat shaken inwardly.
*Boom!...* *Rumble!...*
As the Fire Clan ancestor's voice sounded, one of its palms stretched out, expanding continuously until, in an instant, it blotted out the sky like a vast dark cloud. Endless Fire Energy poured out from its palm, suppressing the Source Fire Sect members.
*Ahhh!...
Ahh!...*
Like swarms of flies, the Source Fire Sect forces were constantly detonated under the horrific pressure of the Fire Clan ancestor's palm, reduced to puffs of blood mist. Their cries and shrieks filled the air.
This Fire Clan ancestor now appeared to have fully regained its intellect. Its gaze was sharp and alert, its expression awe-inspiring, its aura world-shaking. The dazzling divine radiance blazing from its massive form was so intense that no one dared to look directly at it.
Trembling with a mixture of fear and rage, the three Source Fire Sect ancestors gritted their teeth and charged towards the Fire Clan ancestor once more.
*Boom!...* *Rumble!...*
Before they could even get close, the Fire Clan ancestor attacked.
A massive, blazing fist that nearly filled the entire world crushed down upon the three of them.
*Bang! Bang! Bang!...*
The terrifying fist force sent the three Source Fire Sect ancestors flying backwards.
“Its strength is increasing!”
One of the ancestors coughed up a mouthful of blood, speaking with a voice full of shock.
*Boom!...* *Rumble!...*
The Fire Clan ancestor stepped forward, instantly crushing dozens of Source Fire Sect members beneath its foot.
It then opened its mouth and spat out a Fire Dragon that shot towards the massed Source Fire Sect troops.
*Ahhh!...
Ahh!...*
Screams erupted one after another. Source Fire Sect members struck by the Fire Dragon's form immediately began to combust, burned to ashes moments later.
The Source Fire Sect forces primarily cultivated fire-attribute techniques and martial arts, so they should not normally fear being burned. Yet faced with this Fire Clan ancestor, each one was turned to ash.
As a result, far from charging to the spatial vortex to stop the Fire Clan members inside from exiting, the Source Fire Sect forces suffered heavy losses. Before the power of this Deity-level Fire Clan ancestor, these Source Fire Sect members seemed far too weak, little more than a swarm of ants with no ability to fight back.
“All who dare encroach upon our Fire Clan shall die!”
After slapping its palm and killing another dozen Source Fire Sect members, the Fire Clan ancestor spun around and sent another fist strike towards the three Source Fire Sect ancestors, forcing them to retreat a great distance once more.
At this moment, this Fire Clan ancestor seemed like an invincible existence!
“Let's charge out!”
At that moment, an excited cry rang out from within the spatial vortex on the mountain ahead. Then, one figure emerged from within, leading the way.
This was an elder with a haggard face and an emaciated, thin build. His strength was not high—likely only that of a junior Heavenly Immortal—and he seemed to be in poor condition.
Following this elder's lead, more and more people poured out continuously from the spatial vortex.
Every face shone with intense excitement. After rushing out, they looked upon the world before them, sensing the rich Fire Energy and Fire Laws therein. Every one of them trembled violently, overcome with emotion.
“Heaven have mercy!
After being imprisoned for such an unbearably long time, our Fire Clan has finally escaped today!”
The elder who had been the first to emerge inhaled the air of this world, felt its energy and laws, and couldn't help but throw his head back and roar into the sky.
“Hahaha...
The energy and laws of this world are so rich! We can finally restore ourselves!”
A dried-up, emaciated elder who resembled a living skeleton laughed maniacally.
Now, more and more people streamed forth from that spatial vortex.
Every one of them exuded the distinct aura of Fire Energy, clearly all having cultivated fire-attribute techniques.
“Everyone, quiet! We must first assess the situation!
We must see who truly broke the seal!”
One elder who was relatively tall, though also appearing quite gaunt, walked out and immediately began warily surveying their surroundings before speaking.
These Fire Clan members had been imprisoned for far too long. Now that they had finally escaped, their ecstatic mood was indescribable. Thus, upon first emerging, they were all in a state of emotional turmoil, failing to properly take in the surroundings. Soon, however, the Fire Clan members began to observe their situation. And then they saw the massive form of their Fire Clan ancestor and sensed a familiar aura.
“Look, this looks like...
"
Someone cried out excitedly.
“It resembles one of our Fire Clan’s ancestors!
And it can only be Patriarch Cui Hong!
It's true! The clansmen we sent out earlier must have successfully located Patriarch Cui Hong's energy body! It must have been Patriarch Cui Hong’s energy body that struck, breaking the seal and allowing us to escape!
All clansmen, hurry and follow me in paying respects to Patriarch Cui Hong!”
The elder who had emerged first from the spatial vortex carefully observed the Fire Clan ancestor, who was currently slaughtering Source Fire Sect members. After confirming its identity, he roared out with an emotion-laden voice.
“Patriarch Cui Hong!”
Upon hearing this, the other Fire Clan members were profoundly shocked.
Patriarch Cui Hong occupied an immensely exalted position in the hearts of the Fire Clan's people. From childhood, every member of the clan would frequently hear of Patriarch Cui Hong's glorious exploits.
According to Fire Clan legends, Patriarch Cui Hong was once a powerful Deity who, during his era, had subdued the entire Chaotic Void Sea. During that period, he led the Fire Clan to become one of the strongest powers within the Chaotic Void Sea.
Later, no one knew what transpired, but Patriarch Cui Hong suddenly vanished, leaving only an energy body lying dormant in the Fire Realm to protect their clan.
Some said that Patriarch Cui Hong had encountered a formidable enemy and perished; others said he had left the Chaotic Void Sea to explore the obscure and mysterious Absolute Chaotic Void.
In any case, Patriarch Cui Hong was an idol in the hearts of countless Fire Clan members. And now, this very Patriarch Cui Hong stood before them—how could they not be awestruck?
“Cui Hong?
Could he be the ancient Cui Hong of Fire Clan legend, the one who once subdued the entire Chaotic Void Sea and battered the Deities of the world into submission?”
At this point, the three Source Fire Sect ancestors were once more sent flying by a single punch from the Fire Clan ancestor. Hearing what the Fire Clan members were saying, terrified expressions appeared on their faces as they recalled the legends of an ancient Fire Clan overlord who had once shook the world.
“If he truly is Cui Hong, even if only his energy body remains, the three of us are no match for him!
And besides, this Fire Realm was originally the Fire Clan's territory. Their control over Fire Energy and Fire Laws here must be far superior to our Source Fire Sect’s techniques!”
The three Source Fire Sect ancestors, having been knocked back repeatedly, felt a deep sense of powerlessness. One of them couldn’t help but send a despairing telepathic message.
“Do our utmost!”
Another ancestor clenched his teeth and took out a fist-sized crimson pill, swallowing it.
*Boom!...* *Rumble!...*
A formidable aura erupted into the sky. This ancestor’s body began to blaze violently.
That crimson pill just taken was a fire-attribute forbidden pill capable of stimulating potential. Consuming it allowed the user to explosively release far greater combat power for a short period.
After swallowing the pill, this ancestor immediately charged towards the Fire Clan ancestor. Holding a blazing curved blade in both hands, he hacked forward. Sword energy as vast as ocean waves surged forth, instantly shattering the space before him.
Yet the Fire Clan ancestor merely pulverized all the sword energy with a single fist, then sent the curved blade flying. Finally, the fist landed squarely on the Source Fire Sect ancestor's right shoulder, instantly blasting half of his body apart.
With only a mangled half-body remaining, this Source Fire Sect ancestor shrieked in agony, terrified out of his wits, and turned to flee.
“So strong!”
Witnessing this scene, Ye Yunfei felt deeply shaken inside, and couldn't help but yearn for the power of that Deity level.
“This girl is fine now. Luckily, you gave her all those healing pills in time,” Hun Lao said to Ye Yunfei.
Ye Yunfei had been continuously feeding healing pills to the red-clad woman (Cui Xia). After taking a batch of relatively high-grade immortal healing elixirs, her aura had begun to slowly rise, and her injuries had clearly improved.
“We pay our respects to Patriarch Cui Hong!”
At that moment, all the recently emerged Fire Clan members knelt down, chanting in unison towards the massive Fire Clan ancestor.