Lord Sima Mozi departed…

The Cloudfall Grand Guardian accompanied him, vanishing from Emperor Star under Wang Lin’s gaze, their figures fading into the distant void.

The battle concluded without a victor, a result that defied the expectations of all the cultivators present. Even the Ancient Vermilion Bird was taken aback, though his formidable cultivation allowed him to discern hints of hidden truths.

Regardless, Wang Lin’s reputation soared within the Fallen Lands! The mere spectacle of his combat prowess was enough to convince tens of thousands of onlookers that he was a force capable of contending with Third Step Great Experts!

The Fallen Assembly’s Elder selection, interrupted until now, resumed its course, though Wang Lin no longer held any connection to it.

Within the Twisted Lands, on the desolate star where Liu Jinbiao and Xu Liguo resided, a thorough search was conducted by the Fire Sparrow Clan during this period.

For the Fire Sparrow Clan, the Trial held upon Emperor Star presented an exquisite opportunity.

Their meticulous investigation led them to the depths of the desolate star, where they discovered Liu Jinbiao in secluded meditation, guarded by his spirit companion, Xu Liguo.

A fierce battle ensued, resulting in Liu Jinbiao’s capture. He was secretly transported out of the Twisted Lands, to rendezvous with the Fire Sparrow Clan Patriarch on the outskirts.

Liu Jinbiao’s countenance was grim and silent, yet he emanated the aura of a Grandmaster, a presence forged by long years of wielding supreme authority, where a single word could unleash annihilation upon countless souls.

As Liu Jinbiao was brought before the Fire Sparrow Clan Patriarch, who had remained cautiously outside the Twisted Lands, the patriarch’s eyes gleamed with unbridled delight.

He stepped forward, ignoring the Fire Sparrow Clan’s obeisance, and raised his right hand, transforming it into a blazing inferno, poised to strike Liu Jinbiao!

Liu Jinbiao remained unfazed, his gaze filled with ancient wisdom as he coldly stared at the approaching Fire Sparrow Clan Patriarch!

His tranquil demeanor sent a shiver down the patriarch’s spine!

“It cannot be mistaken. Such an aura, such oppressive presence, can only belong to one accustomed to the highest echelon of power. If this person is truly the Vermilion Bird, he would indeed possess such bearing!”

With a scornful snort, the patriarch’s hand descended upon Liu Jinbiao, the fiery force surging into his body, unleashing a devastating sweep. Yet, the patriarch’s brow furrowed.

“Insolent Fire Sparrow Clan, ambushing me while I was weakened and in secluded recovery! Like your ancestors, you are but jumping, wretched clowns!” Liu Jinbiao sneered.

The Fire Sparrow Clan Patriarch’s eyes flickered, his initial doubts slightly quelled. He had observed the limited fire energy within the captive’s body, but these words offered a semblance of reassurance. Still, his suspicions lingered. He raised his right hand, and a wound erupted on Liu Jinbiao’s right arm, spilling forth a torrent of blood.

The patriarch swiftly captured the crimson flow, forming it into a crimson orb within his grasp. He inhaled its essence, and his eyes widened with increased delight. After a moment’s hesitation, he swallowed it whole.

As the blood entered his body, it ignited into a potent surge of fiery power, causing a spectral vision to manifest behind him.

In the ethereal realm, a firebird, wreathed in flames, spread its wings and released a piercing cry. Before it stood a smaller Vermilion Bird, its form indistinct, seemingly wounded and weakened. Its spirit was faded, its eyes dimmed. The firebird entwined with the Vermilion Bird, swiftly devouring it whole.

Upon consuming the lesser bird, the firebird’s flames intensified, its form subtly shifting, growing more and more akin to that of a true Vermilion Bird.

“Excellent! It is indeed the Vermilion Bird!” The Fire Sparrow Clan Patriarch’s eyes blazed with triumph. With a triumphant roar, he raised his right hand, placing it directly upon Liu Jinbiao’s head.

The Fire Sparrow Clan Patriarch possessed cultivation that pierced the heavens. He had reached such heights by being both extremely intelligent, yet suspicious and cautious. He tested Liu Jinbiao several times, before coming to the conclusion. He was certain, yet he still wanted to use the Search Soul.

In his view, everything in the world could be faked. Only the Search Soul was true. His right hand was placed on Liu Jinbiao’s head, and flames burst out, beginning the Search Soul.

A series of memories were shown. Moments later, the Fire Sparrow Clan Patriarch was satisfied. Even though there were still some questions, it was clear the captive was the Sixth Vermilion Bird.

With a sweep of his sleeve, the Fire Sparrow Clan Patriarch swept away Liu Jinbiao, past the firebird clan. He then disappeared into the air, using great supernatural power to hurriedly return to the firebird clan.

As the Fire Sparrow Clan Patriarch departed, Wang Lin sat cross-legged beside the Ancient Vermilion Bird’s fishing lake on Emperor Star, his eyes snapping open, revealing a glimmer of profound insight.

“Liu Jinbiao’s deception is truly masterful, deceiving even the Fire Sparrow Clan Patriarch without revealing any flaws… Now, I must prepare meticulously, awaiting the moment Liu Jinbiao is brought to the Fire Sparrow Clan’s sacred grounds!” Wang Lin’s eyes gleamed with calculation. He swiftly formed a series of hand seals, conjuring a web of arcane markings that enveloped his body.

The restrictions multiplied, and after a long time, a formation emerged around Wang Lin, imbued with the power of teleportation. Once activated, it would allow Wang Lin to traverse space through a unique method.

“Honored Ancestor, this junior has a servant within the Fallen Lands, known as Zhong Dahong. I implore you to extend your care to him.” As dusk settled, Wang Lin opened his eyes, speaking with quiet resolve.

Before him, the Ancient Vermilion Bird sat by the lake, holding a fishing rod. A gourd of wine rested beside him. He glanced back at Wang Lin, his eyes radiating kindness.

“Are you prepared?”

Wang Lin nodded.

“There are still a few treasures that require refinement, then it will be time to begin.”

The Ancient Vermilion Bird set down his fishing rod, took a swig from his wine gourd, and said, “I have imparted the secrets of the Flame Dragon’s control to you. Now you must depart. The journey ahead is fraught with peril, and I know not when we shall meet again… Speak your requests, if you have any.”

Wang Lin paused, gazing at the Ancient Vermilion Bird. Their brief encounter had been marked by the elder’s selfless assistance and fierce protectiveness, offering Wang Lin a rare warmth. As their parting drew near, a trace of melancholy touched his heart.
The Ancient Vermilion Bird, seeing Wang Lin’s silence, his aged eyes shone with an even deeper kindness. “If fate allows, young friend, our paths may cross again. Do not fret like a child; when next I see you, I hope you will once more astound this old bird.”

Wang Lin inhaled deeply, nodding with resolve. “Venerable Ancestor, I desire the ancient soul restriction cultivation method from the arena!”

“You seek the Ancient Soul Restriction?” The Ancient Vermilion Bird pondered, then spoke slowly, “That art was seized by an ancestor of ages past. Even I lack the complete cultivation method… Very well, I shall bestow the restriction itself upon you for protection. Study it in your own time; with your talent, perhaps you can glean its secrets.”

As the Ancient Vermilion Bird spoke, he raised his right hand towards the heavens. A distant rumble shook the earth as the sky above shifted in hue, and the winds themselves became tangled in a chaotic dance. A ghostly light shimmered across the vault of the heavens.

Gradually, an immense tortoise beast materialized in the sky, its gaze cold and ancient as it looked down upon the Ancient Vermilion Bird.

The Ancient Vermilion Bird formed a hand seal and pointed towards the celestial beast. The tortoise glowed with an intense light, shrinking in size until it became a palm-sized piece of tortoiseshell, the ghostly light like a miniature moon, bathing the world below.

With a wave of his hand, the Ancient Vermilion Bird sent the tortoiseshell towards Wang Lin.

Wang Lin caught the artifact, examined it briefly, and then stored it away. He clasped his hands in a respectful bow, ready to speak, but was interrupted by the Ancient Vermilion Bird.

“No need for thanks, young one. Would I expect gratitude for gifting a trinket to a descendant? If you truly wish to repay my favor, you could do an old bird a service…” The Ancient Vermilion Bird’s expression became serious, and he cleared his throat.

“Venerable Ancestor, speak your mind. If it is within my power, I shall surely fulfill your request!” Wang Lin’s voice was low but firm.

A blush crept across the Ancient Vermilion Bird’s face. He set down his fishing rod and wrung his hands. “You have awakened the Vermilion Bird four times and now you can give the Vermilion Bird Mark to your decendants. I hope when you choose the Seventh Generation Vermilion Bird… that…”

Wang Lin watched the Ancient Vermilion Bird, waiting for him to continue.

“That… you choose a worthy soul. Hmmm, one who is not… shall we say, too fond of worldly pleasures, you understand?” The Ancient Vermilion Bird winked.

Wang Lin furrowed his brow, not entirely understanding. He hesitated, then nodded. “Venerable Ancestor, rest assured, I shall be most cautious in my selection of the Seventh Generation Vermilion Bird. The events of the Third Generation will not be repeated!”

“That’s not what I mean…” The Ancient Vermilion Bird wrung his hands again, biting back his words. “I mean, you must not choose one who is… too inclined towards romance. Alas, do you not understand? Where is your understanding? The one I want must possess exceptional will… Hmm, it would be best if you choose a child. That’s to avoid his primordial yang to be destroyed when growing up, so that he cannot cultivate my skills! When we meet next time, bring it to me then!”

“Remember, the primordial yang must be protected! It’s not that I have a special hobbies, but it’s these youngsters. You look at yourself, you are not even as self-disciplined as an old bone like me! I still preserve all my primordial yang even after thousands and thousands of years, how is that? I just don’t understand what’s so good about double cultivation! I, for one, haven’t done that and my energy is always abundant!”

Wang Lin stared, speechless, at the Ancient Vermilion Bird for a long moment, before nodding with a wry smile.

The Ancient Vermilion Bird sighed inwardly, placing all his hopes upon Wang Lin’s shoulders. Seeing Wang Lin’s nod, he cleared his throat. “My powers can only be fully unleashed by one who has preserved their pure essence. It is not as though I harbor some unusual preference! Very well, I shall not ask this of you for naught. I shall impart to you a technique!”

“This art is one of the Vermilion Bird Clan’s most potent, passed down from the ancient Immortal Sovereign himself! Though your primordial yang may have been breached, you should still be able to cultivate it to some extent. This technique is of immense power and consumes lifespan; use it only as a last resort, as a means of self-preservation!”