Celestial Refining Divine Scripture

Clang!

The blade’s cry rolled forth like a tidal wave, as fierce as a raging river torrent—unmatched in power and might.

The resonance seemed an act of heaven itself, making the richly dressed youth feel as though he’d been cast onto a battlefield of clashing spears and armored cavalry, beset on all sides by merciless, exploding killing intent.

Boom!

The youth let out a miserable scream as he fell, drawing the startled gazes of all around—shocked without exception.

"That guy’s at the Early Stage of True Immortal, wasn’t he? I think he lasted all the way to the end in the first trial. Impressive strength—yet he got one-shotted."

"Hiss! That blade art is terrifying!"

"A top-grade immortal weapon’s really that strong? You kidding me?"

...

This scene was so unbelievable, people doubted their own eyes.

Xu Yang didn’t spare the other a glance, flickered forward, and inhaled beside the fire seed.

Swoosh!

The fire seed entered his body in a straight line.

The luxurious youth scrambled up, wretched and in agony, growling low, "You bastard, you know who I am?"

"My name is Yang Xiao! My grandfather is a Golden Immortal. My big brother is a seed disciple of an Immortal Sect, and you dared to injure me?"

"Pretty gutsy, but let me see you join the Immortal Sect. If you dare, I’ll make your life a living hell!"

"Yang Xiao? That’s the Yang Family’s second son?"

"Hss, so it’s that infamous second-gen. But the Yang Family is no joke in Black Fire Immortal Mountain—Golden Immortals preside there."

"His older brother’s the real monster. Seed disciple, huh."

"Always heard rumors about this second-gen. First time seeing him in person—it’s all true. Annoying Yang Xiao will be big trouble, even for someone with decent potential."

...

Xu Yang’s brows lifted slightly. Golden Immortal support? Seed disciple brother?

Families like these must have tight relations with Black Fire Immortal Mountain.

He hadn’t expected this guy to have such heavy backing. No wonder he dares act so wildly in Black Fire City.

That kind of confidence!

Xu Yang’s face remained calm. He spared the richly-robed youth only a fleeting glance before closing his eyes and sitting cross-legged.

Seeing himself so brazenly ignored only fueled Yang Xiao’s wrath.

But he still hadn’t lost all reason—the fire seed came first.

He saw the Black Fire Seeds were all claimed.

Yang Xiao fixed on one person, and before the seed was fully absorbed, spat coldly, "That fire seed is mine."

"Yang Xiao, you..." That youth’s face turned ugly, eyes blazing with anger.

Yang Xiao sneered. "You know the consequences of crossing me. Hand over the fire seed, and after you enter the Immortal Sect, I’ll protect you."

Hearing this, the youth’s expression changed over and over; after a brief struggle, he made the smartest choice.

He handed the Black Fire Seed over, hands raised in concession!

Though unwilling, he had to admit—securing Yang Xiao’s protection was a good deal.

The others looked down on Yang Xiao’s behavior, but none dared say a word, feeling lucky not to be his target.

"Just you wait,"

Yang Xiao, having acquired the seed, shot Xu Yang a sinister look.

Outside, Chi Ning frowned deeply as a group of Inner Sect Disciples murmured behind him.

"That’s Yang Xiao?"

"That attitude—just like the rumors said."

"They call the Yang Family a dragon and a pig... cough, seems the rumors weren’t wrong."

"That kid’s in for it. No matter how much potential he’s got, picking a fight with the Yang Family isn’t smart."

"Let’s see if he can refine a Tier Four Black Fire Seed first."

...

Chi Ning watched on as well.

Xu Yang’s performance was definitely the most striking.

If he could refine the Tier Four Black Fire Seed, his talent would be obvious to all.

Definitely a top-class Inner Sect Disciple—maybe even seed disciple material.

In that case, offending the Yang Family might still be salvageable.

If not, Yang Xiao’s threat to make him ’worse than dead’ was no exaggeration!

Buzz!

Ripples surged around Xu Yang.

The Black Fire Seed entered his body, instantly enveloped by the Heaven-Burning Divine Fire.

A Tier Four Fire Seed—its might was truly terrifying.

The power almost overwhelmed him.

If not for the Heaven Locking Intent’s help, he might not have suppressed it.

As time passed, Heaven-Burning Divine Fire gradually enveloped and restrained the seed.

Heaven-Burning Divine Fire grew stronger as his cultivation did, its nature far superior to this Black Fire Seed—able to refine any and all Spirit or Immortal Fires of the world, as long as it was strong enough.

The Black Fire Seed was steadily refined, fusing with the Heaven-Burning Divine Fire until they were inseparable.

At least on the surface, no one could tell the difference now.

"This flame really isn’t simple—it’s unusually violent and ferocious, but grand and imposing too!"

"Earth Flame Black Fire—it must come from some special subterranean ley line. No wonder Black Fire Immortal Mountain became one of North State’s top three Immortal Sects thanks to this fire!"

A single seed held such might; a complete Earth Flame Black Fire must be awe-inspiring.

In less than half an hour—

Xu Yang’s body trembled; divine fire roared through him, warping the nearby void.

"He’s so fast."

"Refinement was almost effortless—nothing but ease!"

"He’s got the potential of a seed disciple!"

Chi Ning’s eyes widened in shock.

He eyed Xu Yang deeply, and a hint of a smile crept onto his face.

"Kid, having me here is your good fortune."

...

In the Tier Four zone of the examination grounds, Xu Yang wasn’t the first to finish.

There were two others at the Middle Stage of True Immortal Realm, even faster than him.

Not only were they strong, but apparently talented with fire as well.

Xu Yang glanced around, his gaze traveling to Yang Xiao in the distance.

The latter still hadn’t completed his refinement. Despite the turbulent aura around him, with such background and choosing a Tier Four Black Fire Seed, he must have made preparations.

Failure was highly unlikely!

"A Golden Immortal in charge, a big brother who’s a seed disciple... Now this is a real headache."

Xu Yang frowned slightly.

He wasn’t afraid of trouble, but less was always better.

The guy had both family backing and deep connections in Black Fire Immortal Mountain—likely plenty of allies too.

Even if he demonstrated rare potential, if the higher-ups had to choose, they’d probably still side with that lot.

A big brother who’s a seed disciple wasn’t just for show!

Xu Yang rubbed his brow, thoughts gradually settling.

He needed a patron!

As he pondered, wave after wave of blazing, violent energy expanded outward.

Successive cultivators managed to refine their fire seeds, and their aura all grew markedly stronger.

Naturally, plenty more still struggled on.

Half an hour passed quickly.

Boom!

The entire area felt crushed by an invisible might, twisting violently.

The ones yet to refine their fire seeds all felt struck by thunder; they coughed blood, eyes hazy with despair and unwillingness.

"The test is over."

"There are now 2,787 Outer Sect Disciples, and 991 Inner Sect Disciples!"

Fewer than four thousand in total.

Half-an-hour time limit really weeded out a lot.

The failures were transported away immediately.

Only the successful remained.

The crowd erupted, excitement spreading rapidly.

"Congratulations! You’ve successfully passed the Black Fire Immortal Mountain entrance test!"

"Next, they’ll take you into the mountain to finish the induction procedures."

Chi Ning floated in the air, and after speaking, leapt ahead toward the mountain gate.

Dozens of disciples moved forward in response.

Each gaze swept through the thousands assembled, but all lingered on Xu Yang for a moment, carrying a hint of sympathy.

"Outer Sect Disciples, this way."

"Inner Sect Disciples, over here."

A few disciples separated the crowd, organizing everyone accordingly.

Xu Yang followed the Inner Sect group to gather before several disciples.

"Congratulations, Mr. Yang, on refining a Tier Four Black Fire Seed—worthy younger brother of Senior Yang Yuan."

The leading youth was extremely cordial and enthusiastic with Yang Xiao, so much so that it gave the crowd quite a scare.

Those unfamiliar with the Yang Family’s status now truly grasped its weight, and their gazes toward Yang Xiao were full of dread—this was someone best not crossed.