Swallowed Star: Lord of the Wolf

With Mo Chen and Shi Kui leading the way, they traveled smoothly without any obstacles. Even the two tall puppet guards at the entrance of Yanxin Palace only glanced at the three of them before making way.

"The elders are already waiting for us," Mo Chen said with a smile, gesturing with his hand.

Xu Yang also politely said, "Brother Mo Chen, please."

The three of them walked side by side through the gates of the Flame Heart Palace.

In an instant, it felt as if an invisible boundary had been crossed.

An unimaginable torrent of chaotic energy, pure to the extreme, mixed with violent and primal law fluctuations, rushed towards us like a tangible tsunami!

Om-! !

Xu Yang felt his eternal divine body, soul will, and even the dormant [Dull Mountain] within his body suddenly tremble.

A tremor and longing, stemming from a life-or-death instinct, surged forth uncontrollably!

The clarity of the laws of chaos here is hundreds or even thousands of times greater than that outside!
The chaotic laws that required considerable mental effort to understand in the cosmic sea, yet remained as elusive as viewing flowers through a fog, seemed to be forcibly broken and shattered here by an invisible force, like countless glittering stars vying to flood into his perception.

With each breath, it felt as if he were swallowing a mouthful of scalding primordial chaos. Divine power rejoiced, and his will greedily absorbed the true essence of order contained within the chaos.

The feeling was like a traveler who had trekked through the desert for countless years suddenly falling into a boundless ocean composed of the fundamental laws!
Even with Xu Yang's Chaos Overlord level will and the foundation of a peak Eternal True God, his mind was violently shaken by the impact in that instant.

He almost couldn't resist sitting cross-legged immediately, focusing on cultivation, and greedily absorbing the readily available essence of the laws in this world.

"What a terrifying place... Is this the sacred cultivation ground near the core entrance of the Chaos Ruins? No wonder the Burning Flame Clan can become a regional overlord!" Xu Yang's heart was filled with shock, and he forcibly suppressed the urge to immediately enter into deep cultivation.

The end of the paper is so shallow that I know that this matter must be carried out.

Only after personally experiencing the enhancement that the Chaotic Ruins could provide to cultivation could one understand how attractive it was... For a moment, Xu Yang decided that as long as the Burning Flame Clan wasn't a 'black shop', he would stay as long as possible!
Calm yourself down and quickly scan the scene inside the hall.

The interior of the Flameheart Palace is extremely vast, with a dome so high that it seems to connect directly to the surging chaotic vortex above! The palace walls are not ordinary rock, but rather exhibit a strange, translucent, dark red crystalline state. Inside, there seems to be flowing lava and condensed chaotic air currents. Countless huge, differently shaped fossilized skeletons are embedded in the palace walls and supporting pillars, exuding an ancient and desolate aura.

The hall was not decorated in an elaborate way; in the central area stood thirteen tall chairs made of dark red crystal or some kind of warm, jade-like animal bone!
At this moment, figures can be seen on all thirteen thrones.

Thirteen powerful auras of eternal true gods intertwined, forming a pressure field that was almost tangible. This field resonated with the vast chaotic energy within the hall, making the entire space feel incredibly heavy!
Xu Yang's gaze instantly fell on the throne at the head of the table.

That was an old man.

His hair and beard were all white, with long white eyebrows and a beard that almost dragged on the crystal floor. The wrinkles on his face were so deep that they looked as if they had been carved by a knife and axe, recording the vicissitudes of countless years. His body was wrapped in a wide robe that looked extremely ancient and seemed to be simply sewn from some kind of faded animal hide, making him appear thin and hunched.

He held a curved wooden staff at the top, its tip inlaid with a snake's head that shimmered with a ghostly green light, as if it were alive. At this moment, he was squinting, a kind smile on his face that seemed to soften all sharpness, quietly watching the three people who entered.

On the twelve thrones flanking the old man sat eternal true gods, each with a different appearance and equally powerful aura:

There was a burly man wearing heavy lava armor and with a face as resolute as iron.

There was a woman shrouded in a robe with flame patterns, exuding a scorching and intense aura.

There was a middle-aged man with a withered body, like the gnarled roots of an old tree, but with eyes as sharp as knives.

There were also a few 'young people' whose aura was relatively reserved, but whose equipment clearly showed more traces of 'technical' rune inlay...

These thirteen people are the core elders of the Burning Flame Tribe who are currently stationed in the main city!

Each of them possessed an aura that surpassed that of Mo Chen and Shi Kui!
"Elder! Elders!" Mo Chen and Shi Kui bowed simultaneously, their voices echoing in the spacious hall.

Shi Kui secretly transmitted his voice to Xu Yang: "Brother Bai Yu, this is the core elder group of our Burning Flame Tribe! That one is the Grand Elder 'Candle Yin'! This is only a part of the elders who are stationed in the Flame Heart Hall. Some are on duty at the edge of the Chaos Ruins, and some are stationed in important mining areas and border areas!"

Xu Yang felt a chill run down his spine.

There are thirteen Eternal True Gods among the elders who are stationed in the Flame Heart Palace!

This doesn't even include elites like Mo Chen and Shi Kui who are on missions outside, as well as the strongmen guarding key locations and on duty... The strength of the Burning Flame Tribe is indeed much greater than he had previously estimated.

Even if it's just speculation, one can imagine that this tribe has at least dozens of eternal true gods, and it's not impossible that there are even hundreds!

The powerful foundation of the Burning Flame Tribe truly deserves to occupy a unique entrance to the Chaos Ruins!
Immediately, he dared not be negligent and followed Mo Chen and Shi Kui, bowing respectfully towards the throne and saying loudly, "I am Bai Yu, greetings to the Grand Elder of the Burning Flame Clan, and greetings to all the elders!"

His voice was steady and powerful, clearly transmitted through the oppressive field of the thirteen eternal true gods and the violent flow of chaotic energy, without wavering in the slightest.

"Hehehe..." The white-haired, wrinkled old man at the head of the group—Elder Zhuyin—let out a laugh that sounded like the friction of withered wood, yet carried a strange and friendly quality. He slightly raised his wrinkled eyelids, and his seemingly cloudy old eyes seemed to contain a profound light that could pierce through time and space, which gently fell on Xu Yang.

"Guests from afar, there's no need for such formalities."

Elder Zhuyin's voice was aged and peaceful, yet contained a strange power that easily drowned out the energy roar within the hall. "I have read Mo Chen and Shi Kui's reports. Bai Yu, your strength is formidable, capable of slaying that monstrous Poisonous Toad. Even more commendable is your broad-mindedness and extraordinary insight..."

His gaze seemed to casually sweep over Xu Yang, pausing for a moment, especially on Xu Yang's seemingly ordinary aura that subtly resonated with the surrounding chaotic energy. His smile became even more amiable: "It is an honor for our Burning Flame Clan to grace us with your presence. You must be tired from your journey, please take a seat."

As Elder Zhuyin finished speaking, a throne made of dark red crystal silently rose from the area below the elder's throne in the center of the hall, clearly a temporary seat prepared for Xu Yang.

Xu Yang felt a slight chill run down his spine.

This elder appeared old and gentle, but he gave me the feeling of a calm, unfathomable deep sea.

His cultivation level has probably reached the limit of an eternal true god, and may even have touched the edge of a chaotic ruler! Even in a one-on-one fight, Xu Yang is not confident that he can defeat him for the time being.

Moreover, those eyes seemed to be able to see through many things.

If one is not careful, his previous claims of "traveling alone" and "having extensive knowledge" may not be able to completely conceal his true identity in front of this old man.

He suppressed his emotions and bowed again, saying, "Elder, you flatter me. I am unworthy of such praise." With that, he calmly walked to the crystal throne and sat down.

The other twelve elders on the throne lingered on Xu Yang for a long time. Even though they meant no harm, it still made Xu Yang feel slightly uncomfortable... These elders were far inferior to the First Elder, Zhu Yin, in their manners and conduct.

When Elder Zhuyin saw Xu Yang sit down, his smile remained kind, and his gaze then turned to Mo Chen and Shi Kui, who were standing respectfully below.

"Mo Chen, Shi Kui," the elder's voice was calm, "You have had a hard time on this trip. The materials you brought back are of great importance to the clan leader. Without further ado, you should immediately send them to Cave No. 1 and present them to the clan leader."

"Yes, Elder." Mo Chen and Shi Kui bowed and accepted the order at the same time.

Before leaving, Shi Kui and Mo Chen nodded to Xu Yang to reassure him, then turned and quickly left Yanxin Palace.

The palace doors closed silently, isolating the inside from the outside.

The elders' gazes refocused on Xu Yang, their scrutiny tinged with a barely perceptible probing. Xu Yang remained calm, accepting their gazes with equanimity, but inwardly he was becoming increasingly concerned about the whereabouts of Mo Chen and Shi Kui.

……

As Mo Chen and Shi Kui left the magnificent Flame Heart Palace, they immediately sensed the relatively thin chaotic energy outside. However, this feeling lasted only a moment before they took to the air and sped upwards along the huge spiral passage carved out of the mountain.

The higher you go, the fewer luminous minerals and torches are embedded in the passage walls, and the more deep and oppressive the space becomes.
The violent energy fluctuations emanating from the core of the Chaos Ruins grew increasingly intense, like invisible giant waves crashing against their divine power shields, emitting a hissing sound.

The passage walls were no longer made of crystal, but had become pure, obsidian-like primitive rock layers forged by high temperature and pressure, covered with rough, ancient totem runes that exuded a suppressive aura.

The air was filled with the scents of sulfur, scorching rocks, and an indescribable, primordial chaos.

The temperature rose sharply, enough to melt ordinary metals, but it was still bearable for the eternal God.

Soon, they reached the end of the passage.

This place is a huge, cliff-like platform. In front of the platform is a churning, boiling ocean of chaotic energy, filled with an aura of destruction. Bluish-purple chaotic arcs of electricity lash the void like raging dragons, emitting deafening explosions.

The violent energy turbulence distorted space to an extreme degree, making it impossible to see far.

Behind the platform, a huge stone door is embedded in the rock wall.

The stone gate was entirely black, neither gold nor stone, as if it had been forged from solidified chaotic energy. Its surface was covered with countless dense, writhing, deep purple secret patterns, radiating an extremely powerful sealing force!
The stone gate was tightly closed, and a figure sat cross-legged in front of it.

It was an exceptionally burly, bald old man with dark, shiny skin, as if cast from black iron. His face was expressionless, except for a pair of cold, seemingly emotionless eyes, like two eerie green will-o'-the-wisps burning in the darkness.

He wore a simple black robe and held a giant horse-slaying sword wrapped with dark chains in his arms. The blade exuded a chilling, bloody aura.

A powerful, eternal, true god-level pressure, heavy as a mountain and cold as an abyss, emanated from him, forming an invisible barrier that completely isolated the stone gate from the outside world.

Elder Black Fiend!
Mo Chen and Shi Kui were startled and immediately landed at the edge of the platform, concealing their auras and bowing respectfully: "Greetings, Elder Black Fiend!"

This Elder Heisha was brought back by the clan leader a million years ago. His strength is unfathomable, and he is aloof and cold. Apart from the clan leader, he hardly communicates with anyone.

Elder Heisha's icy gaze swept over Mo Chen and Shi Kui, finally landing on their faces. His gaze was like solid ice, making both of them feel a stinging sensation on their skin.

"What is it?" His voice was extremely hoarse, like two rusty pieces of iron rubbing against each other, without any emotional fluctuation.

"By order of Elder Zhuyin, I have come to present the materials for the Crimson Scale Earth Dragon," Mo Chen replied respectfully, while taking out the materials.

Elder Black Fiend's cold eyes lingered on the materials for a moment before slowly shifting back to the tightly closed stone door, as if the stone door was the only thing that needed his attention.

"Put it down." He uttered two words, still cold and ruthless.

Mo Chen and Shi Kui were both taken aback.

lay down?

Are they not allowing them to go in and meet the clan chief?

Shi Kui couldn't help but speak up, "Elder Black Fiend, we..."

"The clan leader is in seclusion at a critical juncture and will not see any outsiders. Put this down and leave." Elder Heisha interrupted Shi Kui, his tone leaving no room for negotiation and even carrying a hint of cold warning.

The arm holding the horse-slaying sword seemed to tense slightly for a moment, and the chain wrapped around the blade emitted an extremely faint metallic scraping sound.

Mo Chen's eyes narrowed slightly, and a very subtle doubt flashed through his mind.

In the past, when they delivered materials to the clan leader, even if the clan leader was in seclusion, the clan leader would usually briefly open the cave's restrictions to collect them, and occasionally a few words would be passed out to give instructions.

This is the first time I've ever been completely shut out of the door like this, not even allowed to get close.

But the Black Fiend Elder before them was the most loyal and senior elder of the tribe to the chief, and the chief's most trusted confidant.

His orders were equivalent to those of the clan chief.

Mo Chen suppressed the strange feeling in his heart and respectfully replied, "Yes!"

He and Shi Kui exchanged a glance, both seeing a hint of helplessness and confusion in each other's eyes, but neither dared to say anything more. The two carefully placed the materials in their hands on the cold rocky ground a hundred feet away from the stone gate, and bowed again to the stone gate and Elder Hei Sha: "Thank you for your trouble, Elder."

Elder Black Fiend did not respond, remaining as still as an ancient statue, only his eerie green eyes coldly watching them.

Mo Chen tugged at Shi Kui, who was about to say something, and the two turned around, harnessing their divine power to quickly pass through the raging chaotic energy turbulence and fly towards the passage below. Their figures soon disappeared into the churning and twisting chaotic mist.

On the platform, only the eternal roar of chaos and that figure, like a black iron statue, remained. (End of Chapter)