Chapter 7: The Race to Azure Stone

The night wind howled across the barren wilderness, sharp as a blade, carrying dust and sand in its wake. Lin Jin dashed along a rugged mountain path, his wooden staff strapped to his back, his pace relentless. Beneath the starlit sky, his figure was lean but determined, his eyes ablaze with unwavering resolve. Ever since Su Yao collapsed from the venom's effects, a single thought consumed his mind—find the Clear Spirit Grass and save her.

"Boy, don't push yourself too hard." The ancient voice of Flame Soul Ancestor echoed in his mind, tinged with a hint of warning. "With your mere third-stage Initial Flame cultivation, running a hundred miles is already your limit. If you collapse midway, who will save that girl?"

Lin Jin gritted his teeth. "I don't have time to rest. She only has three days—I have to reach Azure Stone City as soon as possible."

Su Yao's bright, lively eyes flashed in his memory, now dulled by the creeping poison. A sharp pain twisted in his chest, and he forced his legs to move even faster.

The old ancestor sighed. "You're as stubborn as I was in my youth. Fine, since you insist, I'll teach you the Flame Step. By channeling your Netherflame into your legs, you can increase your speed by thirty percent—but be warned, it consumes a great deal of energy. Use it wisely."

Lin Jin's eyes gleamed. "Please guide me, Senior!"

"Focus your intent on the flame seed, guide the fire to your legs, transform flame into power, and step forward!"

Following the instructions, Lin Jin willed his Netherflame to surge through his meridians and into his legs. With a forceful stomp, his feet ignited with a faint violet glow, and in an instant, his speed soared. His figure blurred like a fleeting shadow, slicing through the darkness at an astonishing pace.

Excitement flared in his heart—this technique was incredible! Though it burned through his flame energy at an alarming rate, it drastically cut down his travel time.

The night deepened, and the wilderness teemed with lurking dangers. After running for nearly thirty miles, a series of guttural growls echoed ahead. Lin Jin narrowed his eyes—three Ironclaw Jackals stood in his path. Their fur gleamed like steel, their claws razor-sharp, and their yellow eyes glowed with predatory malice.

"Damn beasts." Lin Jin exhaled sharply, gripping his wooden staff. He had no time to waste—he had to finish this quickly.

The jackals pounced in unison, their claws slicing through the air, imbued with faint traces of earthy flame energy. Lin Jin sidestepped with Flame Step, narrowly dodging, then swung his staff. Netherflame surged forth in a crescent arc, slashing into the leftmost jackal's flank. The beast howled, its flesh seared and torn.

"Netherflame Pierce!" With a low shout, Lin Jin flicked his fingers, sending a needle-thin flame spear directly into the throat of the second jackal. A sickening sizzle followed, and the beast collapsed, lifeless.

The last jackal, sensing danger, turned to flee. Lin Jin's eyes sharpened—no chance. With another Flame Step, he vanished and reappeared beside it, bringing his staff down in a crushing blow. Boom! The beast's skull shattered, violet flames devouring its corpse.

The battle ended in mere moments.

Lin Jin exhaled, scanning the bodies briefly before turning and continuing his journey. His flame energy had depleted by nearly thirty percent, and his legs ached from overexertion—but he gritted his teeth and pressed forward. Su Yao, hold on!

By the time dawn broke, Lin Jin had covered sixty miles. Azure Stone City was still forty miles away. His robes were soaked in sweat, and exhaustion weighed on his every step.

"Rest for a moment, boy." The ancestor's voice was firm. "If you keep running like this, you'll cripple your own legs."

Lin Jin reluctantly halted beside a massive boulder, panting heavily. He fished out a beast core he had collected from a Redtail Wolf the day before and crushed it in his palm. As Netherflame devoured the lingering flame essence, a portion of his strength returned.

He rose to his feet. "I can't stop now. I have to reach her."

Just then, a rhythmic clip-clop of hooves echoed in the distance. Lin Jin turned to see a merchant caravan approaching along the road.

At its head rode a middle-aged man with sharp eyes and the aura of a first-stage Flame Master. He reined in his horse and studied Lin Jin with a curious gaze.

"Boy, you're headed to Azure Stone City, aren't you?"

Lin Jin nodded. "Yes, I have urgent business there."

The merchant chuckled. "Lucky for you, we're going that way. Hop on the cart—you'll move faster and save your strength."

Lin Jin hesitated for only a second before nodding. "Many thanks."

He climbed into the back of a wagon and immediately sat cross-legged, focusing on restoring his depleted energy.

As the caravan moved, the merchant rode alongside and casually asked, "Judging by your state, I'd wager you're rushing to save someone. If you need medicine, Azure Stone has a few skilled alchemists—you might find what you need."

Lin Jin's eyes flickered with hope. "My friend was poisoned by Serpentscale Venom. I need Clear Spirit Grass to make the antidote. Do you know where I can find it?"

The merchant's expression darkened slightly. "That's nasty stuff. Clear Spirit Grass is rare, but you might find some at the Hundred Herb Hall. If they have stock, though, it won't come cheap."

Lin Jin clenched his fists. "I'll find a way."

The caravan made good time, and half an hour later, Azure Stone City loomed into view.

Towering stone walls stretched across the horizon, their somber presence exuding an air of ancient resilience. Lin Jin jumped down from the wagon, offered a quick bow of thanks, and sprinted straight for the city gates.

Inside, he navigated the bustling streets with haste, eventually arriving at Hundred Herb Hall. The scent of rare herbs filled the air as he stepped inside, where an elderly man with silver hair and a formidable third-stage Flame Master aura stood behind the counter.

"Senior!" Lin Jin strode forward. "I need Clear Spirit Grass! Do you have any in stock?"

The old man glanced at him lazily. "Clear Spirit Grass? We have some—but it's rare. Fifty spirit stones per stalk. Do you have the money?"

Lin Jin froze, reaching into his robes. All he had was a single spirit stone and a few beast cores.

Gritting his teeth, he said, "This is all I have. My friend's life is at stake—please, can you make an exception?"

The old man sneered. "This isn't a charity. No money, no deal. Get out."

Lin Jin's fists tightened. He wanted to argue but knew it was pointless. Taking a deep breath, he turned and walked out.

"Boy, there's a way." The ancestor's voice murmured. "Azure Stone City has a battle arena. Winning matches earns spirit stones. If you're willing to risk it, you might get what you need."

Lin Jin's eyes flashed coldly. "Fine. I'll fight."

He found his way to the arena—a circular stone battleground surrounded by roaring spectators. Registering for combat, he was soon pitted against a seventh-stage Initial Flame cultivator wielding a heavy iron hammer.

"Kid, stepping into this ring means no mercy!" the brute roared, swinging his weapon down.

Lin Jin activated Flame Step, narrowly dodging. His staff ignited with Netherflame as he struck back. Ten moves later, the brute lay motionless on the ground.

The crowd erupted in cheers.

The arena master tossed ten spirit stones at Lin Jin's feet.

"Not enough," Lin Jin growled, eyes burning. "I'll fight again!"

He fought three more matches, barely standing by the end, but he had what he needed.

Returning to Hundred Herb Hall, he slammed the spirit stones on the counter. "The Clear Spirit Grass. Now."

The old man smirked, tossing him the herb. Lin Jin grabbed it and bolted out the door.

"Su Yao, hold on. I'm coming."