Chapter 119: Samadhi True Fire

As the Nether Ghost Fire continuously poured into Zhao Xunzhen's body, the surface of the giant blue python gradually withered, revealing a network of spiderweb-like cracks. Before long, like the Vermillion Bird before it, it crumbled into a pile of ashes, scattered instantly by the ghostly winds of this dark void.

Liang Yan had long since retracted his Crimson Pine Needles and was now sitting cross-legged, doing his best to recover the spiritual energy he had expended. Zhao Xunzhen sat in the same manner, evidently focused on refining the Nether Ghost Fire within her. The two sat facing each other, and for a time, the space fell into absolute silence.

It is unclear how much time had passed when Liang Yan finally opened his eyes, only to find that Zhao Xunzhen had already finished her cultivation and was standing quietly to the side.

"My apologies for keeping you waiting," Liang Yan said, rising and cupping his hands in a salute.

Zhao Xunzhen shook her head. To his surprise, she offered a faint smile for the first time. "It is of no consequence. This journey is fraught with danger, and we do not know what trials await us ahead. The more strength you recover, Brother Liang, the greater our advantage."

Since entering this eerie space, she had remained perpetually grim. Seeing her smile for the first time caused Liang Yan to linger on her face for a moment longer than necessary. With his exceptionally keen senses, he realized that after fusing with the Nether Ghost Fire, her strength had undergone a subtle yet profound transformation. Her aura was now entirely internalized, her power coiled like a taut bowstring, ready to strike at a moment's notice. Even with his own confidence in his abilities, Liang Yan felt a flicker of danger emanating from her.

"Congratulations to Miss Zhao on successfully fusing with the Nether Ghost Fire; your strength has greatly increased," Liang Yan said with a smile.

"Heh, I owe it all to your assistance, Brother Liang. I could never have accomplished this alone."

"I do have one question, however," Liang Yan continued. "You seemed to know in advance that the Nether Ghost Fire would be here. Do you possess the gift of prophecy?"

"The Southern Bright Departure Fire is a divine flame that guides one toward immortality, while the Nether Ghost Fire originates from the underworld. It is said that where there is a force, its opposite is never more than seven steps away; the probability of both flames coexisting is quite high."

Liang Yan smiled faintly. "Your explanation is incomplete, Miss. If it were merely a guess, would you have shared the secret incantations to help me capture the Southern Bright Departure Fire?"

Zhao Xunzhen remained silent for a long time before speaking softly. "This touches upon a hidden affliction related to my cultivation technique. I hope you will forgive me for not disclosing it."

"I understand. It was presumptuous of me to ask. However, while you practice secret arts of the ghostly path, your deep familiarity with the divine flames of this world is truly impressive. I am quite in awe!"

At these words, Zhao Xunzhen froze, as if he had stirred a memory from her past. A flash of hatred and anger flickered in her eyes, though she suppressed it almost immediately. Moments later, she regained her usual cold demeanor. "If there is nothing else, Brother Liang, we should be on our way."

Liang Yan took note of her reaction. Though he was puzzled, they were mere acquaintances, and he felt it improper to pry further. He nodded and said, "You are right. Let us proceed."

The two walked toward the back of the stone platform. The stone bridge ahead of them was devoid of flames, appearing quiet and entirely safe. Both felt a sense of relief and stepped onto the bridge, heading toward the dark, deep path ahead.

Time passed until, suddenly, a glimmer of light appeared in the distance. They exchanged glances, knowing they had reached the next platform. Having endured the trials of the previous two, neither could be sure what dangers awaited them here. They slowed their pace, summoning their respective weapons—the Steady Light Sword and the Jade Heart Ring—and advanced with caution, scanning their surroundings.

As they drew closer, the scene on the third platform revealed itself. It was a simple, cyan stone platform of modest size, littered with scattered blue rocks. In the center stood an ancient, verdant tree, beneath which flickered a flame of three colors: yellow on the outer edge, red in the middle, and a white core.

Most bizarrely, perched on a blue rock beside the fire sat a white fire-ox, roughly the size of an average human. It had yellow horns, a white belly, and deep red hooves. It sat cross-legged just like a person, holding a smoking pipe. It dipped the pipe into the three-colored flame to light it, then took a deep puff, its expression one of anthropomorphic satisfaction.

"The Samadhi True Fire!" Zhao Xunzhen exclaimed.

"What? The Samadhi True Fire?" Liang Yan was taken aback. Even with his limited experience, he knew the Samadhi True Fire was a divine flame cultivated by great masters of the Dao, far beyond the reach of any cultivator below the Golden Core stage.

Zhao Xunzhen shook her head. "It is not the true Samadhi True Fire. It is a 'pseudo-Samadhi' born from the accidental convergence of stone fire, wood fire, and air fire over countless years. If it were the true flame refined from the essence, energy, and spirit of a Daoist master, we would be in mortal danger just by glancing at it!"

Relieved by this explanation, Liang Yan looked back at the platform. The fire-ox removed the pipe from its mouth, tapped it against the rock, and spoke in human tongue: "Heh heh, the little girl knows quite a bit! Come, come, sit with this old ox."

*Could this beast be the fire spirit of the Samadhi flame?* Liang Yan wondered. He did not respond, instead channeling his "Mixed Origin Technique" to its limit, hoping to discern the creature's cultivation level. To his shock, no matter how he pushed his technique, the ox's strength remained an impenetrable mystery.

*Could it have reached the Golden Core stage?*

Liang Yan was struck with dread, though he kept his composure. He reached out to stop Zhao Xunzhen, and they both came to a halt.

Seeing them stop, the white fire-ox snorted through its nose. "Ignorant juniors, if I wanted to finish you, I would have done so already. You are clearly spooked by those two little puppets from before. Those two were short-lived, driven only by instinct—I, however, am quite different!"

Liang Yan offered a wry smile. "Your power is formidable, Senior. We cannot help but be cautious."

"Hmph! And does standing there guarantee your survival?" The fire-ox snorted again. "Enough, enough! There is only one exit, and it lies behind me. Come and face the trial—get it over with, so you stop disturbing my peace!"

"Face the trial?" Liang Yan muttered, looking at the fire-ox with confusion.