Chapter 16: Liu Mingxia

Gradually, the flame's resistance began to wane. Dao Wei's Qi enveloped the flame, tempering its wild energy and bringing it under his control. The flame's violent flickering slowed, its heat becoming more manageable. Dao Wei felt a surge of triumph as he realized he was making progress.

His body began to heal at an unprecedented speed. Dao Wei took out some Qi replenishing pills and ate them like they were sweets. In one go, almost 10 Grade 1 pills were eaten by Dao Wei. If the other Saints and Gods could see him do that they'd curse him to death.

Those pills he just consumed could cost a fortune, and some Saint and even Supreme Saints couldn't afford a Grade 1 pill, talk more of ten. And eating them like snacks.

Hours passed, and the cave filled with the sound of Dao Wei's steady breathing and the soft crackling of the flame. He continued to refine the flame, his Qi merging with its essence.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Dao Wei succeeded in refining a small portion of the Purple Earth Flame. He opened his eyes, his gaze fixed on the flickering flame in his palm.

He had only managed to refine ten percent of the flame, but it was enough. He had tamed the flame, and now he could wield its power as he wished.

Dao Wei's body felt drained, his muscles aching from the intense effort. The power of the flame was immense, and mastering it would greatly enhance his cultivation and abilities.

As Dao Wei rested, his mind wandered to the history of the Primordial Chaos Scripture in his Sea of Qi. The scripture contained the secrets of the universe, teaching those who could comprehend its teachings how to manipulate the fundamental forces of nature. Dao Wei had spent years studying the scripture, and now he was beginning to unlock its true potential.

The Purple Earth Flame was just one of the many trials he would face on his journey. The path of cultivation was fraught with challenges, each one more daunting than the last. But Dao Wei was not deterred. He had the strength, the knowledge, and the determination to overcome any obstacle in his path.

As he sat in the cave, Dao Wei contemplated the road ahead. He would need to continue refining the Purple Earth Flame, gradually increasing his mastery over it. He would also need to strengthen his body and mind, honing his skills and expanding his knowledge. The journey would be long and difficult, but Dao Wei welcomed the challenge.

The sound of the underground stream soothed Dao Wei as he closed his eyes and entered a meditative state. The Purple Earth Flame flickered in his palm, a symbol of his triumph and a reminder of the power he now wielded.

Dao Wei's heart swelled with determination as he envisioned the future. He would become the greatest Dragon Prince Qingling had ever known, and he would lead his people to a new era of peace and prosperity.

For now, Dao Wei allowed himself a moment of rest. The cave was silent, the air cool and refreshing.

Hours passed, and the storm finally began to subside. The wind died down, and the rain lessened to a gentle drizzle. Dao Wei opened his eyes, feeling refreshed and invigorated. He knew that the journey was far from over, but he was ready to face whatever lay ahead.

As the sky was clear and the air crisp, Dao Wei emerged from the cave ready to continue his journey. The mountains were a formidable challenge, but he was undeterred. His goal was within reach, and he would not be swayed.

He navigated the rocky terrain with care, each step bringing him closer to his destination. The mountains began to give way to rolling hills, the path becoming more manageable. The air grew warmer, and the landscape more inviting.

As he descended into the valley below, Dao Wei felt a sense of accomplishment.

The sun dipped low in the sky, casting long shadows through the dense forest as Dao Wei made his way along a narrow, winding path. The air was cool and crisp, filled with the scent of pine and earth. His senses were sharp, honed by years of rigorous training and countless battles. Every rustle of leaves, every snap of a twig registered in his mind as he moved with the grace and precision of a predator.

As he rounded a bend, a sudden chill washed over him, causing the hairs on the back of his neck to stand on end. It was a sensation he had felt before—dark and malevolent, the unmistakable presence of demonic energy. Dao Wei paused, his hand instinctively moving to the hilt of his sword. He closed his eyes, extending his senses to pinpoint the source of the aura.

It was close, perhaps no more than a few hundred yards away. He moved swiftly and silently, his footsteps making no sound on the forest floor. As he drew nearer, the aura grew stronger, suffusing the air with a palpable sense of danger. Finally, he reached a small clearing, and the sight that met his eyes made his blood run cold.

A young woman, barely conscious, lay on the ground, surrounded by a pack of Savage Beasts. Their eyes glowed with a sinister light, and their fangs glistened with malice as they circled their prey. The girl was badly injured, her clothes torn and stained with blood. She looked up weakly as the beasts closed in, her eyes filled with a mixture of fear and defiance.

Dao Wei didn't hesitate. With a flick of his wrist, he drew his sword, the blade humming with a soft, deadly resonance. He stepped into the clearing, his presence immediately drawing the attention of the beasts. They snarled and turned to face him, their muscles tensing in preparation for an attack.

"Stay back," Dao Wei called out to the girl, his voice calm and steady. "I'll handle this."

One of the beasts lunged at him, its jaws snapping shut with bone-crushing force. Dao Wei sidestepped effortlessly, bringing his sword down in a swift arc. The blade cleaved through the beast's neck, sending its head tumbling to the ground. The other beasts hesitated for a moment, wary of their new adversary.

Taking advantage of their hesitation, Dao Wei moved with blinding speed. He leaped forward, his sword flashing in the fading light. Each strike was precise and deadly, cutting through fur and flesh with ease. The beasts howled in pain and fury, but they were no match for his skill and power.

Within moments, the clearing was silent once more, the bodies of the Savage Beasts strewn across the ground. Dao Wei sheathed his sword and turned to the girl. She was trying to push herself up, her face pale and strained with effort.

"You're safe now," he said gently, kneeling beside her. "Let me take a look at your wounds."

She shook her head weakly. "Who... who are you?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.

"My name is Dao Wei," he replied, his hands already moving to assess her injuries. "And you?"

"Liu... Liu Mingxia," she managed to say before her eyes fluttered shut and she lost consciousness.

Dao Wei worked quickly, using his Qi to stabilize her condition and stop the bleeding. He tore strips of cloth from his own robe to bandage her wounds, his movements efficient and precise. Once he was satisfied that she was no longer in immediate danger, he carefully lifted her into his arms and began to carry her away from the clearing.

He walked for several hours, the weight of the girl barely registering as he focused on finding a safe place to rest. Finally, he came upon a small cave nestled in the side of a hill. It was well-hidden and dry, providing the shelter they needed. He laid Liu Mingxia down on a bed of soft leaves and started a small fire to keep them warm.

As the flames crackled and danced, Dao Wei sat back and watched over the girl. Her breathing was steady, and some color had returned to her cheeks. He couldn't help but wonder who she was and why she had been in the forest alone, surrounded by Savage Beasts. There was something about her, a strength and resilience that intrigued him.