From Cold Palace Princess to Celestial Empress Ch. 149
“Innate Crimson Flame Fire!”
Xiao Minghuang’s expression turned serious, and a sense of tension arose in her heart.
This was a very mystical existence, embodying the essence of heaven and earth, and the creation of the universe. The birth of each innate fire required various coincidences and the tempering of time.
The innate fire before them had gone through an unknown span of time before it was born.
Xiao Minghuang knew that besides being used for alchemy, innate fire could also be refined and absorbed for one’s own use.
Previously, the First Prince had summoned the Black Dragon Flame. If it weren’t for her harnessing the fortune of the Great Xia, it would have been nearly impossible to defeat him.
Moreover, at that time, the First Prince had not yet fully refined the Primordial Fire. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have perished from forcibly activating it.
This shows just how terrifying and extraordinary the Primordial Fire truly is.
Additionally, once the Primordial Fire is fully refined, there is a slight possibility of reverting one’s physique to its primordial state, transforming the acquired into the innate.
Currently, her physique is merely acquired. If she could refine this wisp of Primordial Fire, she might become an innate fire-attribute spiritual body.
However, Xiao Minghuang had no intention of doing so.
She patted Ye Ruoshui on the shoulder and said gently:
“Ruoshui, I’ll give you the opportunity to refine the Crimson Flame. Make sure to seize it!”
“Thank you, Your Highness.”
Ye Ruoshui nodded, a flicker of excitement in her eyes.
Her alchemy skills had reached a bottleneck, limited by her alchemical fire, making further progress difficult. If she could obtain the Primordial Fire, she might be able to refine Earth-grade pills.
Now that Her Highness was giving her this precious opportunity, she certainly wouldn’t miss it.
Xiao Minghuang knew that this young girl had a natural affinity for fire and wouldn’t be harmed by the Primordial Fire, which was why she felt confident letting her attempt it.
While waiting, she also needed to regulate her own spiritual energy. The journey had indeed taken a toll on her.
“Go ahead.”
Xiao Minghuang chuckled softly and stepped behind Ye Ruoshui, cheering her on.
“Your Highness, don’t worry.”
Ye Ruoshui took a deep breath and slowly walked toward the Crimson Flame.
As soon as her foot entered the range of the Crimson Flame’s influence, an intense wave of heat rushed toward her, causing her to frown slightly.
In an instant.
A dazzling flame erupted, enveloping her entire body.
Ye Ruoshui felt as though her body was melting, her skin scorched by the flames.
In that moment.
Pain spread throughout her entire body.
Ye Ruoshui’s body trembled uncontrollably.
The sensation was excruciating, but it was also strangely exhilarating.
She felt as though the impurities in her body were being burned away, and her body seemed to be filled with boundless power. With just one punch, she felt she could shatter a mountain.
Ye Ruoshui knew that the Primordial Fire was burning away the impurities within her. She didn’t dare delay and quickly sat down cross-legged, circulating her cultivation technique.
Her cheeks flushed with excitement, and beads of sweat continuously formed on her forehead, only to evaporate instantly, repeating the cycle.
After a quarter of an hour, Ye Ruoshui’s body felt increasingly comfortable, and the pain had almost completely disappeared.
“It’s time.”
Ye Ruoshui stood up and walked toward the faint wisp of flame.
Next, she would officially begin refining the Primordial Fire.
In the next moment.
Ye Ruoshui extended her slender, fair right hand and pressed it against the Crimson Flame.
She felt an intense heat, as though a fire dragon was coiling around her arm, trying to devour her hand. Yet, she felt no pain. Instead, a warm current flowed through her body.
“So comfortable…”
She couldn’t help but murmur, feeling as though she was soaking in a hot spring, her entire body floating on a cloud, reaching the pinnacle of comfort.
Gradually, she felt as though her hand had become one with the flame, gentle currents of warmth flowing through her hand and spreading throughout her body.
The Crimson Flame circulated within her, inch by inch transforming her physique into an innate spiritual body.
If it weren’t for Ye Ruoshui’s innate affinity with fire, it would have been impossible for her to proceed so smoothly.
An ordinary cultivator, upon coming into contact with the Primordial Fire, would likely be incinerated to ashes by its violent and scorching flames in an instant.
Seeing Ye Ruoshui begin to merge with the Crimson Flame, Xiao Minghuang finally felt at ease.
She stood in place, quietly observing the changes in Ye Ruoshui.
Ye Ruoshui’s hair slowly fell out, and her once lustrous black locks scattered, only to be replaced by newly grown strands of pale red.
Her skin gradually transformed, her body taking on a faint red hue, resembling a piece of exquisite jade. Her delicate features became even more refined and mature, exuding a captivating charm, like a celestial maiden from a painting, breathtakingly beautiful and peerless in her allure.
“The little girl has finally grown up.”
A faint smile tugged at the corners of Xiao Minghuang’s lips, and a glimmer of amusement appeared in her eyes.
Refining the Primordial Fire was not something that could be accomplished in one go; it would be a rather lengthy process.
Xiao Minghuang calmed her mind and waited patiently.
However.
Not long after.
Xiao Minghuang sensed a powerful aura approaching rapidly from a distance, heading straight for her location.
This aura was woven from surging and turbulent blood energy, causing the sea of flames to tremble violently.
“Who is it? It doesn’t seem like the Crimson Flame Sparrow…”
The Crimson Flame Sparrow was a powerful fire-attribute demon beast, and its external manifestation was a fierce flame aura. But the uninvited guest now exuded a robust blood energy.
Moreover, this aura had not reached the peak of the Divine Sea Realm, so it was definitely not the Crimson Flame Sparrow.
Xiao Minghuang’s heart stirred. This was a critical moment for Ye Ruoshui’s fusion with the Primordial Fire, and no mishaps could be allowed.
To ensure that Ye Ruoshui’s fusion process remained undisturbed, Xiao Minghuang moved swiftly, leaping into the air and flying toward the source of the powerful aura.
Before long.
A golden figure appeared within her line of sight.
When she clearly saw the person’s face, Xiao Minghuang’s expression darkened, and her mood plummeted to the depths.
“Truly, enemies are destined to meet. Wouldn’t you agree, Princess of Xia?”
This uninvited guest was none other than Xue Wushang, the True Disciple and top disciple of the Dragon Tiger Sect.
By now, the enmity between Xiao Minghuang and him was no secret.
Xue Wushang had been relentlessly tracking Xiao Minghuang’s movements, from the Moon Spirit Fruit Tree to the Sword Dao Stone Tablet.
Every time he caught wind of her whereabouts, he would chase after her, only to arrive too late.
This time, upon hearing that Xiao Minghuang had headed to the Crimson Flame Pool, he immediately pursued her.
After dispatching a few minor ambushers lurking nearby, he ventured deep into the lair.
He cared not for any opportunities; his sole aim was to eliminate Xiao Minghuang.
She had become his inner demon, and unless he killed her, his mind would never be at peace.
“True Disciple Xue, it seems you shouldn’t be here.”
Seeing Xue Wushang appear here, Xiao Minghuang’s internal alarms rang loudly, but her expression remained as calm as still water as she spoke indifferently.
The reason was simple: the aura emanating from the man before her had already reached the Divine Sea Realm, and it was on par with her own.
Amidst the sea of flames, Xue Wushang appeared completely unruffled, clearly possessing some divine artifact capable of protecting him.
“Princess of Xia, do you really not know why I’m here?”
Xue Wushang’s voice turned cold, his eyes fixed on Xiao Minghuang with a sinister glare.
Ever since this woman had emerged, it seemed she had been opposing him at every turn.
What was once smooth sailing had now become an arduous struggle.
If she is not eliminated, it will likely be difficult to make any progress on the path of cultivation.
As he spoke, his gaze drifted into the distance, faintly catching sight of Ye Ruoshui, who was in the process of merging with the Primordial Fire. A hint of greed flickered in his eyes.
Although he was a body cultivator, the Primordial Fire could not directly enhance his strength.
However, if he used the diluted Primordial Fire to temper his body, it would be greatly beneficial.
Moreover, the woman merging with the Primordial Fire possessed both exceptional talent and beauty. He wouldn’t mind taking her as a concubine.
As for the Princess of Xia herself…
Such a woman was too difficult to control. It would be better to simply kill her.
Thinking this, Xue Wushang’s entire body erupted with golden vital energy, fully revealing his strength. The aura of the second level of the Divine Sea was unmistakable.
Xiao Minghuang’s expression turned grave. She hadn’t expected Xue Wushang’s cultivation to have already reached the second level of the Divine Sea.
It wasn’t that she feared Xue Wushang, but in this terrifying sea of fire, if she were to unleash her full strength, she feared two things: first, that the Primordial Fire might become uncontrollable, and second, that it might attract the return of the Crimson Flame Sparrow, which would have unimaginable consequences.
Thus, she restrained her impulse to act.
But Xue Wushang’s next words completely ignited her killing intent.
“Princess of Xia, with my strength, killing you would be as easy as turning my hand. But as a True Disciple, I can offer you a chance to live.”
Xue Wushang’s gaze shifted past Xiao Minghuang, landing on Ye Ruoshui not far away. His eyes were filled with intense desire.
No words were spoken, but his intentions were clear.
A flash of disgust crossed Xiao Minghuang’s eyes as she coldly said, “If you dare to set your sights on Ruoshui, don’t blame me for being merciless.”
She had recently achieved mastery in sword intent and was just in need of someone to test it on—Xue Wushang would do.
“Haha, do you think you alone can stop this True Disciple?” Xue Wushang laughed arrogantly and continued, “Princess of Xia, let’s make a deal! Hand over that girl named Ye Ruoshui to me, and I’ll let you live.”
“You’re asking for death!” Xiao Minghuang spat out three icy words, her eyes gleaming with cold light.
Before the words had fully left her lips, an overwhelming, razor-sharp aura erupted from her entire being. Her eyes turned golden, and a crown of destiny materialized above her head. The Mountain and River Suppressing Seal floated out, suspended in mid-air, exuding a sky-piercing pressure.
“Minor Heavenly Star Chart!”
Xiao Minghuang let out a low shout, and a scroll unfurled above her head.
In the boundless crimson sea of fire, it seemed as though a reflection of the starry sky had appeared out of thin air. Countless stars shone brightly, converging to form a dazzling pillar of light that pierced through the heavens and earth, enveloping Xiao Minghuang.
In an instant, her aura surged to an unimaginable height, far surpassing that of Xue Wushang at the second level of the Divine Sea.
At this moment, she seemed like an empress standing atop the pinnacle of the stars, observing the passage of time and looking down upon all living beings.
“How is this possible?”
Xue Wushang’s eyes widened in shock, nearly popping out of their sockets. He stared at Xiao Minghuang, completely unable to believe what he was seeing.
The aura Xiao Minghuang was emitting now far surpassed his own.
But at this moment, Xue Wushang couldn’t kneel and beg for mercy. He had no choice but to fight to the death.
“Princess of Xia, I admit that you have the qualifications to be called a peerless genius, but that’s as far as it goes. You are no match for me.”
As he spoke, Xue Wushang stomped his foot, transforming into a streak of light as he lunged toward Xiao Minghuang.
His movements were incredibly swift. With a single punch, it felt as if a thousand horses were galloping forth, accompanied by the roars of dragons and tigers. A domineering and overwhelming force surged, seemingly capable of destroying everything.
“Hmph.”
Xiao Minghuang let out a disdainful snort. In her hand, a golden longsword materialized, surrounded by starlight and radiating golden brilliance.
Her entire being exuded an unparalleled sword intent. With a single slash, the sword’s energy surged like a celestial river, its light as dazzling as a myriad of stars. In an instant, it pierced through the sea of flames, its momentum akin to splitting mountains and parting seas—indestructible and unstoppable.
Boom!!!
With a thunderous boom, the golden longsword clashed with the golden fist force.
The two attacks collided, forming two intense beams of light that exploded within the sea of fire, causing the entire fire domain to tremble violently.
Boom… boom…
Explosions rang out one after another, flames splattered, and ripples spread out in all directions.
Xiao Minghuang and Xue Wushang each retreated hundreds of meters, stopping outside the sea of fire.
“This damn woman has some skills!”
A trace of blood seeped from the corner of Xue Wushang’s mouth, his expression extremely grim.
Although he had anticipated that Xiao Minghuang’s strength might have surpassed his, he never expected it to be to this extent.
The power of that sword strike was something he simply couldn’t withstand. If he hadn’t used an Earth-grade treasure to block it, he would have likely been split in two.
“Such a powerful attack, she can’t possibly unleash it a second time. As long as I hold on, I can win!”
Xue Wushang thought to himself.
But at that moment, a brilliant sword light, like a meteor, cut through the sea of fire, heading straight for his face.
“Damn it!”
Xue Wushang’s expression changed. He gathered all his energy and threw a punch to meet it.
Boom!!!
The two forces collided, sparks flew everywhere, and the sword light and fist force clashed within the flames, emitting a piercing friction sound.
Crack!
Xue Wushang’s fist shattered instantly, blood sprayed, and his entire arm was severed.
Pfft!
Xue Wushang spat out a mouthful of blood, his body flying backward hundreds of meters.
“Impossible! Absolutely impossible!”
Xue Wushang looked at Xiao Minghuang in utter shock.
He couldn’t believe that the Princess of Xia could unleash such powerful sword strikes twice in a row.
Xiao Minghuang stood within the sea of fire, a small starry sky appearing around her out of thin air. Above her head floated the phantom of a golden crown, and the Mountain and River Suppressing Seal hovered beside her. She looked noble and unattainable.
Her light red dress fluttered in the wind, her black hair swayed, and her stunning face was cold and solemn. Her clear eyes were like an abyss, dark and bottomless, as if they contained endless killing intent, making it impossible for anyone to meet her gaze. It was an overwhelming sense of intimidation.
Her face showed no expression, cold and detached, like an immortal from the heavens, observing the ebb and flow of time, accustomed to the unpredictability of the world.
Seeing this scene, Xue Wushang felt a chill run down his spine, his hair standing on end. He couldn’t help but take a few steps back, his face filled with terror.
He never expected the Princess of Xia to be this powerful.
His strength was at the Divine Sea Second Layer!
Yet, he was defeated by the Princess of Xia in just two sword strikes.
Humiliation!
In that instant.
Xue Wushang seemed to make a difficult decision.
“Since that’s the case, then today I will make sure you stay in this sea of fire forever, never to leave.”
A cruel smile appeared on Xue Wushang’s lips.
The next second.
An extremely evil aura erupted from his body, and waves of purple-black gas enveloped him completely. A powerful aura surged from within him.
Translator: Glariosa
Editor: Ruu
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