Celestial Refining Divine Scripture

Half a day later.

Xu Yang arrived outside the volcano where the Red Fire Flood Dragon resided.

The volcano was utterly quiet within, yet still shrouded by the same terrifying, violent presence as when he'd last come.

Xu Yang carried Tuoba Hongyu and darted into the volcano's depths.

The Red Fire Flood Dragon still coiled amid the searing, fearsome river of magma. As it sensed Xu Yang's approach, it slowly opened its eyes.

Roar!

A hint of joy flashed in its eyes, and it let out a low, benevolent rumble towards Xu Yang.

Xu Yang smiled, swiftly dropping down and nodded at the Red Fire Flood Dragon, saying, "I'll have to trouble you once again, Senior."

Though the Red Fire Flood Dragon was a mystical beast, it had awakened its spirit; its intelligence was not low!

Xu Yang never regarded it as a mere wild beast!

He gently laid Tuoba Hongyu down, carefully checked her condition, and his expression grew somber.

Though Tuoba Hongyu's vitality was weak, it hadn't reached the point of being utterly extinguished!

Yet he could barely feel even a ripple of Tuoba Hongyu's consciousness!

It was as if it had faded to the faintest whisper—gone with the slightest breeze—or had sunk into some strange, deep slumber!

Waking her would be no easy feat.

Frankly speaking, Xu Yang had little experience with this sort of thing.

After deliberating a moment, Xu Yang said to the Red Fire Flood Dragon, "Please, Senior, look after her for me!"

The great eyes of the Red Fire Flood Dragon glimmered slightly as it glanced at Tuoba Hongyu, then slowly nodded.

"Many thanks, Senior!"

Xu Yang clasped his fists in a salute, then quickly darted out of the volcanic cavern, speeding off toward the Fire Prison.

Liou Yunfeng, the Zhang Family, and the others—he'd only informed them that the area near the Fire Prison was suitable as a base camp!

As for this Red Fire Flood Dragon, other than himself and Mr. Tong, anyone else who came would be attacked!

As he neared the Fire Prison, Xu Yang suddenly raised his brows, looking to the side in surprise.

In the distance, great stretches of mountains rolled with thick, astonishing spirit fire between heaven and earth, but Xu Yang vaguely sensed that something else lay concealed further within.

He hadn't had this feeling last time he came.

"Could it be…"

Xu Yang swiftly altered his course and sped that way.

Upon drawing near, before he could even land, an alarming might surged forth violently.

"Stop!"

The harsh shout thundered like a peal, echoing between heaven and earth.

A figure shot out from the blazing fires atop the mountain ridge!

"Mr. Bai."

Seeing who it was, Xu Yang's face instantly broke into a smile.

Found them!

The one approaching was none other than Bai Song!

"Mr. Xu."

Bai Song's eyes bulged wide, overjoyed: "Mr. Xu, it's wonderful you're safe!"

"Mr. Bai—what about the Zhang Family? Mr. Liou and the others…"

"Hahaha, they're all inside."

"Mr. Xu, come with me!"

Bai Song laughed, "Our Bai Family had been planning to relocate, so we chose the edge of the Purple Fire Celestial Prison Forbidden Land. But after the Zhang Family and Mr. Liou's group arrived, following your advice, we discovered that Fire Prison!"

"However, that Fire Prison was too astonishing—none of us dare to investigate it lightly. Later, we realized this spot was quite good; we took this mountain ridge as our defense line with the incredible spirit fire as protection."

"So we simply cleared out an area inside to settle for the time being."

Xu Yang glanced back at where the Fire Prison lay—indeed, the Fire Prison was terrifying!

To thoroughly investigate it, even those at Myriad Manifestations Perfection would struggle!

But there'd be time for that later.

Following Bai Song inside, the space suddenly opened up, vast and wide.

The sky was as ever, but on three sides were wild mountains, spirit fire pervading all around; the last side led deeper into the forbidden land.

This region was sizable, and Xu Yang could sense traces of arrays all about.

Crude buildings had already been raised here and there.

It already possessed the air of a reclusive sect!

Figures emerged rapidly, each one overjoyed at the sight of Xu Yang!

"Mr. Xu, you're finally here."

"Glad to see you safe, young master!"

"What happened back in Qingzhou?"

...

All his familiar faces were present.

With the graceful appearance of two women, Xu Yang couldn't help but twitch at the corners of his mouth.

Bai Jingxue was actually holding onto Su Yun's arm as intimately as sisters!

The two women smiled faintly at Xu Yang from across the way.

Bai Jingxue looked a bit shy, but Su Yun was far bolder; her smile was full of meaning!

Xu Yang sighed inwardly, averting his gaze to the crowd.

"Since everyone's alright, I'm relieved."

"Mr. Xu, this place is actually excellent. I think with some careful arrangements, it could serve as our headquarters!"

Zhang Lingqiao said with a laugh.

Qingzhou had fallen; though everything must start anew, the clansfolk and most resources remained.

Liou Yunfeng and Xu Yang were both alive and well, and that made him all the more excited.

Starting over here, it might be even better than in Qingzhou!

Xu Yang pondered, "Mr. Liou, what do you think?"

Liou Yunfeng replied, "I agree with Clan Leader Zhang. The situation in Daqian is unsettled; though this is a forbidden land and dangerous, it has many advantages!"

"However, the Bai Family doesn't all need to come. Some should remain in Celestial Guard City, so we can support one another!"

"As for Wuhou Hall—though they're powerful, we have plenty of strength as well!"

At this, the assembled cultivators all burst out in hearty laughter.

Clearly, he'd already discussed and considered these matters before!

Among those present, there were at least ten who had reached Myriad Manifestations Realm Perfection!

A truly terrifying force!

Bai Song's face glowed with excitement.

Now, with Xu Yang present, it was as if they finally had a leader to rely on!

After all, this gathering of three groups was possible only because of Xu Yang!

Not even Liou Yunfeng could have done so!

In fact, their plan was for the Bai Family, Zhang Family, Meng Ziqiu, and the other loose cultivators to become akin to the branch lineages of a great sect!

Xu Yang noted everyone's gazes and grew thoughtful!

He also had the same idea.

Indeed, this was a good way forward.

Though it was still somewhat different from a true sect!

But there was nothing wrong with that!

"I think this could work. Why don't you all come up with some initial plans," Xu Yang said in a deep voice.

"Hahaha, we've just been waiting for you to say so!" Zhang Lingqiao laughed heartily.

Bai Song added, "The Bai Family has no objections. With Mr. Xu as leader, what more could we ask for!"

He was inwardly deeply shaken.

Xu Yang's strength now made him instinctively apprehensive!

That spoke volumes on its own!

Xu Yang gave a slight nod, then turned to Liou Yunfeng: "Mr. Liou, come out with me for a moment. Tuoba Hongyu's condition is poor, and I don't have much experience with such things!"

"Tuoba Hongyu? You actually managed to abduct the Barbarian Princess?" Su Yun exclaimed in shock.

The gathered cultivators stared with wide eyes, utterly dumbfounded!

Everyone looked at Xu Yang with disbelief!

Even Zhang Lingqiao, Liou Yunfeng, and Bai Song wore odd expressions.

Especially after Su Yun's words, they exchanged glances, looking away in awkward unison.

This was not something they cared to interfere with, was it?

"Ahem, I just remembered I need to go settle some of the younger ones—I'll take my leave!"

Zhang Lingqiao muttered, turning and hurrying off to the back.

The others all caught on and quickly left, grinning knowingly.

Behind them, Bai Jingxue's face shifted through surprise, shyness, and embarrassment—who knows what crossed her mind.

Su Yun, meanwhile, watched Xu Yang with amused, mischievous eyes.

The two women approached slowly.

Xu Yang instantly felt a headache coming on!

"She's on the verge of death. I need Mr. Liou to come look her over." Xu Yang couldn't help but say.