Chapter 6: Xiao Li and Xiao Zhen (Part 1)

Guo Shier Shi pointed at Li Ran’s forehead, implanting the ritual inheritance into his soul. This time it was even faster—completed in the blink of an eye. Li Ran immediately stepped aside and began silently examining his soul.

Qi Wu Zhen said, “Sealing off seven secret realms isn’t a big problem. The real headache is finding the souls of 200,000 mutated spirit beasts. Moreover… the spirit beasts needed must be mid-to-high-level ones. Unless…”

Guo Shier Shi asked, “Unless what?”

Qi Wu Zhen replied, “Unless we steal them… As long as it’s ancient clans and major sects, maybe stealing a hundred or so will suffice.”

Guo Shier Shi, Halechi, and Wang Keer nearly broke into cold sweats. It was indeed a solution, but it sounded terrifying. What were ancient clans worth in her eyes?

Li Ran said, “Amazing. This method of ritualization is truly remarkable.”

The old man on the altar said, “Kid, hurry and pass on the inheritance. I’m curious—what kind of ritual treasure could earn such praise from Li Ran?” As long as Qi Wu Zhen was around, the old man tried his best not to show up, as he felt an extraordinary fear of her.

Guo Shier Shi transferred the inheritance memories into his soul. It was a straightforward process, and he also hoped to hear the old man’s opinion.

Qi Wu Zhen was very proud. She said, “Of course. With this method of ritualization… without strength, you can’t even think about it.”

Guo Shier Shi said, “Even a professional who surpasses the ninth-tier altar can’t perform this ritual. Sister Zhen, are you planning to conduct the ritual together with Brother Li Ran?” He had already realized that this method of ritualization was extremely abnormal. Even with Qi Wu Zhen’s skills, she might not be able to complete it, which was why she brought it up—implicitly inviting Li Ran to join.

By now, Li Ran had roughly understood the level of this ritual treasure. He was shocked inwardly. If Qi Wu Zhen possessed such a treasure, he truly wouldn’t stand a chance against her. It was too powerful—shouldn’t even exist in this world.

Li Ran said, “Let’s gather first and see what materials are still missing.”

Halechi said, “You guys go ahead. I’ll be over there for a bit.” With that, he turned and ran away. Wang Keer was stunned for a moment before realizing what was happening. She said, “I have something to do too. You guys go ahead, hehe…” She also ran away, soaring into the air after a few steps and disappearing in the blink of an eye.

Guo Shier Shi laughed loudly, “Haha! They actually ran away without even giving us any materials.”

Neither Qi Wuzhen nor Li Ran intended to have Halechi and Wang Keer provide the materials; even if they did, they wouldn’t be able to get much. The materials required for this sacrificial treasure were all top-tier, and the quantity needed was astonishing. With Halechi and Wang Keer’s wealth, they simply couldn’t help.

Guo Shier smiled and said, “I’ll be in charge of 200,000 Spirit Beasts.”

Qi Wuzhen was stunned and asked, “What? You’re in charge of 200,000 Spirit Beasts? How is that possible?”

Li Ran knew that Guo Shier had harvested a large number of Spirit Beasts inside the Bone Mountain, so he said, “Alright, Guo Shier will take care of 200,000 Spirit Beasts, while I’ll handle seven sealed secret realms. Hmm… who will perform the main ritual?”

Qi Wuzhen looked at Guo Shier doubtfully and said, “Shier, 200,000 Spirit Beasts isn’t something to joke about. Do you really have the ability to get that many?”

Guo Shier smiled slightly. He knew Qi Wuzhen didn’t believe him. If it weren’t for the Soul Calming Cauldron, he wouldn’t have believed he could obtain 200,000 Spirit Beasts either.

The Soul Calming Cauldron flew out, and Guo Shier immediately released 200,000 Spirit Beasts, saying, “They’re already here. No need to look any further.”

Even Qi Wuzhen, who possessed strength beyond a ninth-tier altar, was shocked. Seeing so many Spirit Beasts appear everywhere, she exclaimed in amazement, “Good heavens! Where did you get so many Spirit Beasts?” She didn’t believe they were all hunted by Guo Shier. In her entire life, she had never hunted that many mutated or aberrant spirit beasts.

Qi Wuzhen nodded and said, “Alright. I’ll provide the other materials. As for the main ritual… I’ll do it, with you assisting.” She took the position of the main ritualist without hesitation.

Li Ran nodded indifferently. He didn’t regard Qi Wuzhen as a woman at all. Performing the main ritual wasn’t an easy task. This sacrificial treasure required not only a large amount of materials but also immense spiritual power. He didn’t know that Qi Wuzhen had many soul beads. As long as Guo Shier chanted incantations beside her, she could replenish her spiritual power in large quantities without being harmed by chaotic spirits.

Guo Shier suddenly slapped the Soul Calming Cauldron, recalling the Spirit Beasts. He said, “Sister Zhen, Brother Li Ran, this place isn’t suitable for the ritual. We need to find a fire-type continent.”

Qi Wuzhen said, “I know a continent where we can go and conduct the ritual.” As a master of fire, she knew many fire-type continents and secret realms, many of which were inaccessible to ordinary practitioners.

Li Ran said, “Alright, let’s go there then.”

He called back Halechi and Wang Keer and asked for their opinions; both said they were willing to follow. Li Ran and Qi Wu Zhen also needed experts to guard them during the refinement process. Qi Wu Zhen simply tore open space and led everyone away from this continent. …… The scorching heat was suffocating. Guo Shier had been to many fire-type continents and secret realms, but this Fire Continent still shocked him. Flames rose layer by layer, covering the entire world in fire. Sitting on the altar, he exclaimed in awe, “Sister Zhen, how did you know about such a Fire Continent? It’s terrifying.” Wang Keer had already taken her seat on Qi Wu Zhen’s altar—her altar couldn’t withstand such intense flames. Since all the flames here had the nature of sigil fire, a six-layer altar might hold out for a while, but it would eventually fail. Here, at least a seven-layer altar was needed to function barely. Flames filled the sky and the ground; Guo Shier felt as if he had fallen into a giant furnace—a truly terrifying sensation. The flames roared as they burned, and from time to time, sigil flames could be seen drifting around. Their brightness forced him to squint. Halechi said, “This place is actually a good spot for refining treasures.” The handsome old man couldn’t help but stick half of his head out. He scanned the surroundings and whispered, “Shier, this is a great place… I think there are natural fire runes here.” Guo Shier shook his head slightly and said, “Those aren’t easy to obtain.” Qi Wu Zhen turned to look, scaring the handsome old man into pulling his head back into the altar. She said, “There is indeed a natural fire rune here. I acquired it a very long time ago. It might have reappeared now. If you have time, you can try to obtain it.” Li Ran asked, “There shouldn’t be any passages here to get in, right?” Qi Wu Zhen replied, “Of course not. Without the strength of a nine-layer altar, it’s impossible to enter. Moreover, one must know the coordinates of this continent—one has to tear open space directly to get in.” Guo Shier was shocked inwardly. He knew that even professionals with a nine-layer altar would need to find a nearby secret realm or continent to force their way in. In other words, this was a dead end. Without a nine-layer altar or higher, it was impossible to leave, as there were no passages out. The handsome old man stuck half of his head out again and whispered, “Shier, the flames here can refine your altar. The Soul-Stabilizing Cauldron can also be refined here—there are many benefits.” Guo Shier nodded and said, “I know. Let’s wait until we’re settled down first.”

Qi Wu Zhen was at the front, creating a path forward, with Li Ran at the back. The four altars rushed forward at lightning speed, and the flames retreated in all directions under their pressure. Guo Shier asked, “Sister Zhen, are there any fire-type Abnormal Symbol Beasts here?”
Qi Wu Zhen replied, “No. In this Fire World, there are no fire-type Abnormal Symbol Beasts. At least I didn’t see any when I was last here.”
Guo Shier sighed in relief. “That’s good. If there were advanced fire-type Abnormal Symbol Beasts here, it would be troublesome.” Advanced fire-type Abnormal Symbol Beasts were not only difficult to deal with but also extremely powerful. Once the ritual began, neither Qi Wu Zhen nor Li Ran would have the strength to fight them. Relying only on him and Halechi to hold them off would be a headache.
Qi Wu Zhen said, “We’re almost there. Everyone, stay close.” She led them downward.
Soon, a black mountain appeared before them. The mountain resembled a burning torch, with a large platform at its summit, surrounded by a symbol array. Qi Wu Zhen exclaimed happily, “It’s still here… Let’s go down.” She entered the symbol array first, followed by the others.
The platform on top of the mountain was completely enclosed by the symbol array. As soon as Guo Shier landed, he felt a cool breeze. The area covered by the array wasn’t very large—only a few hundred square meters—and the ground was completely black, clearly smoothed out, like a polished marble platform.
Four symbol pillars surrounded the platform, blocking the raging flames and heat waves. Halechi was amazed, “Who set up this symbol array? It’s amazing…”
Guo Shier reduced the altar in size and held it above his head, carefully studying the array. His knowledge had improved greatly, and he quickly understood its mechanism. This symbol array created a tiny universe by absorbing the power of flames. It would endure as long as there was fire around it, never breaking down unless the material of the symbol pillars failed and collapsed.
Qi Wu Zhen said proudly, “I set this up! Back then, I was a professional at the ninth-level altar…” A hint of confusion appeared on her face, and she added, “But I don’t know… how much time has passed. I didn’t expect it to remain intact until now. It seems… no professionals have entered since I left.”
Li Ran said, “This place is great. Let’s not rush to start the ritual. Hehe, to be honest… this is the first time I’ve seen such a Fire Continent. It’s a perfect opportunity to refine my own altar. You can do the same… This chance doesn’t come around often.”

Qi Wu Zhen was extremely pleased. Having gained Li Ran’s recognition, she felt she had the upper hand and found Li Ran much more tolerable. She said, “There are dozens of types of flames here. You can choose the one that suits your altar and use it for cultivation—it’s very beneficial.” She had used this Fire Continent to cultivate her altar for ten whole years, doubling her strength at least.

Guo Shier said, “I happen to need to cultivate too. Hehe, let’s set a time first. I’ll come back when it’s time.”

Li Ran and Qi Wu Zhen exchanged a glance. Li Ran politely gestured with his hand, and Qi Wu Zhen said, “Let’s give it a month. I’ll discuss with Xiao Li how to cultivate the sacred treasure.”

Xiao Li?

Everyone was stunned. Li Ran also felt as if crows were flying in front of his eyes—this title was truly outrageous.

Guo Shier held back his laughter. Not daring to stay, fearing he might laugh out loud and anger the two of them, he hurriedly said, “Ahem, I’ll go first… Tch…” and disappeared from the spot.

Li Ran cursed, “That little bastard!” He certainly knew what Guo Shier was laughing about.

Qi Wu Zhen glared and said, “Xiao Li, don’t curse my brother!”

Halechi let out a chuckle and flew away immediately; he didn’t dare stay either. Only Wang Keer struggled greatly. She wanted to run too, but her strength wasn’t enough, so she didn’t dare run around recklessly. As a result, her expression was quite strange—her face was twisted like a bun, and it was unclear whether she was crying or laughing.

Qi Wu Zhen snapped, “If you want to laugh, laugh then! Be careful you don’t choke to death!”