Chapter Forty: The Severely Wounded Fire Qilin

The Lord of the Fire Domain sped through the realm with the Deity of Liyang, the Divine Healer of Hundred Herbs, and the twelve clan chiefs in tow. As they traveled, the wonders of the Fire Domain gradually unfolded before the eyes of Liyang and the Divine Healer—its animals, plants, architecture, civilization, landscape, and searing heat—each came into view.

Guided by the Fire Lord, the group soared over volcanoes ablaze with roaring flames, crossed rivers of surging magma, and flew above plains shrouded in firelight. In the sky, majestic birds dominated the heavens, each exuding a sovereign presence, as though they alone ruled the skies. Flocks of various birds chased one another in playful competition, reveling in the endless dance. In the fire-lit forests, pairs of birds would raise their heads, chirping in harmony, resembling blissful couples cheering for their kindred racing overhead. On land, mighty beasts watched over their young as elders would, occasionally lowering their massive heads to nuzzle the little ones with gentle affection. Within the magma, all manner of strange creatures engaged in lively pursuits, alone, in pairs, or in groups.

But amidst the splendor, the struggle for survival persisted. In the skies, the forests, on land, and within the magma, savage battles erupted as creatures vied for resources—bloody contests where only the strongest prevailed. Such competition is eternal, inherent to every era and place, especially so in this harsh domain where the law of the jungle reigns. Some creatures remained aloof, preoccupied with their own amusements or quietly cultivating their strength. This was the myriad tapestry of life in the Dark Fire Domain.

After a short while, the Fire Lord had carried Liyang and the Divine Healer tens of thousands of miles, crossing countless plains, peaks, flows of lava, and architectural marvels. Before them, a vast and imposing city, covering tens of thousands of square meters, came into clear view. This was the very heart of the Dark Fire Domain, the place where the Law of Fire was most concentrated—the lair of the Fire Lord, known as Sacred Flame City. Among all the buildings, one stood out with unrivaled majesty and dominance, radiating an aura of supremacy: the Sacred Flame Palace, the Fire Lord’s residence. Surrounding it were twelve grand palaces, each slightly less magnificent—these were the abodes of the twelve lords of the Dark Fire Domain. Beyond these stood thousands of lesser, yet still splendid, mansions belonging to other powerful figures. From above, Sacred Flame City resembled a fiery red paradise, a vision of flame-wrought wonder.

Everything in the Dark Fire Domain was bathed in flames.

The Fire Lord led his companions straight into Sacred Flame City, heading directly for the Sacred Flame Palace. Along the way, men and women, young and old—all in human form—bowed with utmost respect to the party. Upon reaching the palace, they ascended 1,888 crimson steps and entered the grand hall, supported by massive, indestructible pillars of Sacred Flame Crystal—each one, even the size of a fist, was a treasure worth a fortune elsewhere.

These Sacred Flame Crystals were prized materials for forging weapons.

The opulence of the Sacred Flame Palace was unmatched. The Fire Lord led the group eight hundred meters into the hall, passing vivid murals of flames—depicting mountains, rivers of magma, and all manner of sacred fire beasts, as if they were the beloved children of fire. Hundreds of ornate chairs blazed with fire, while at the far end, a Qilin Throne stood, engulfed in roaring flames. The hall was empty, save for them.

Standing before the Qilin Throne, the Fire Lord turned to Liyang and the Divine Healer, and said politely, "Honored guests, please be seated."

The two returned the courtesy, "Thank you," and erected a barrier several hundred meters wide before taking their seats. The heat was not oppressive; instead, a gentle warmth suffused their bodies, bringing comfort.

The Fire Lord then addressed the twelve clan chiefs: "Twelve Fire Kings, you may withdraw and attend to your duties. I have matters to discuss privately with our esteemed guests."

Liyang and the Divine Healer were puzzled, uncertain what matter could warrant such secrecy. When the clan chiefs had respectfully withdrawn, they whispered among themselves, curious what secret their Fire Lord kept even from them.

Though curious, none dared question Fire Lord Huo Ao openly. They knew his temperament well—polite on the surface, but merciless if provoked.

Once the twelve had departed, the Fire Lord took his seat and gave an order, "Attend us—bring tea for our esteemed guests."

Soon, two beautiful maidens appeared, bearing cups of sacred essence nurtured within the sacred flames. Liyang and the Divine Healer thanked them, sipping the tea, which was smooth and warming, filling them with comfort.

After they set down their cups, the Fire Lord spoke calmly, "You have come seeking a rare herb. May I ask which spirit medicine you require? I am willing to help to the best of my ability."

The Divine Healer replied, "We seek a Fire Phoenix Immortal Herb aged over a hundred thousand years."

The Fire Lord nodded, "Such a herb does exist in the Dark Fire Domain, though it is scarce. I can have it delivered to you within six hours. However, I must ask for your help with another matter."

At this, Liyang and the Divine Healer grew more curious. What could render such a formidable lord helpless? Liyang asked, "What assistance does the Fire Lord require? If it is within our power, we shall do our utmost."

The Fire Lord was deeply moved by their willingness. Rising, he bowed deeply and said:

"I am greatly heartened by your arrival, Divine Healer. Many centuries ago, my father returned from an unknown place, gravely agitated, and said, 'Ao’er, my mind has been wounded. Soon, I will lose all reason. Imprison me, lest disaster follow.' I sensed the gravity of his request and obeyed, confining him in a secret place. I wished to learn the cause of his suffering, but before I could, he fell into a deep sleep. When he awoke after a hundred days, his eyes were blood-red, his body transformed, lost in a killing frenzy, recognizing no one. For a thousand years, he has endured unending torment, consumed by pain and madness. I have ruled the Dark Fire Domain while secretly seeking a cure, but to no avail. Today, with the arrival of the Divine Healer, I have hope at last. I beseech you to heal my father; I will be eternally grateful."

Now Liyang and the Divine Healer understood everything. They admired the Fire Lord even more—despite such immense pressure, he governed the realm with order and composure. Such a person was extraordinary, a figure to befriend, never to oppose lightly.

They nodded and said, "Would you take us to see your father?"

The Fire Lord responded, "I am most grateful."

With that, he formed a mysterious seal with his hands, and a portal wreathed in flames appeared within the Sacred Flame Palace. "Please, honored guests, follow me," he said, gesturing for them to enter first. Liyang and the Divine Healer followed, and as the three stepped through, the portal vanished behind them.

They found themselves traversing a broad road formed by the laws of flame, eventually entering a vast underground palace, tens of thousands of square meters in size. There, a colossal beast, its body a thousand meters long and wreathed in fire, awaited—its head like a lion, antlers like a stag, eyes like a tiger, body like a deer, scales like a dragon, tail like an ox, and legs like a tiger—a Fire Qilin. Its eyes were devoid of light, blood-red and terrifying. Seven massive chains bound its head, body, and legs, and powerful arrays sealed the space.

When the Fire Qilin saw the Fire Lord and the two guests, it reacted like a starving wolf before lambs, straining madly at its bonds, the chains clanging as it sought to devour them.

"Father," the Fire Lord called, again and again. But the behemoth showed no sign of recognition.

The Fire Lord turned to Liyang and the Divine Healer, pleading, "I beg you to examine my father’s condition."

The Divine Healer extended his spiritual sense to probe the Fire Qilin. After a few moments, he withdrew and the Fire Lord asked anxiously, "What is your diagnosis?"

The Divine Healer paused, then replied, "Your father’s condition is grave and long-standing. For now, I can only suppress the injury. True healing will require sustained effort and the use of special elixirs over time."

Upon hearing this, the Fire Lord, who had searched so long for hope, was overwhelmed with emotion. He fell to his knees before the Divine Healer, tears of fire streaming down his face. "If you can heal my father, I am willing to pay any price!"

All the years of worry, loneliness, guilt, and helplessness surged within him. The pain of seeing his father tormented daily was suddenly lifted, as though happiness had struck him out of nowhere.

The Divine Healer was startled by the Fire Lord’s sudden kneeling, but quickly recovered and helped him up, saying, "There is no need for this. I will require the full support of both you and Brother Liyang to suppress your father’s affliction."

The Fire Lord replied at once, "Name whatever is needed, and I, Huo Ao, will spare no effort." His shift from referring to himself as ‘this king’ to his own name showed the depth of his respect and gratitude.

Liyang added, "Tell us what must be done, Brother Yishan."

The Divine Healer explained, "Your father’s soul has suffered a tremendously powerful attack of a most unusual kind. Within his sea of consciousness, a mighty force battles his spirit. If he can suppress this force for a hundred years, his cultivation will ascend even further. If not, he will perish. Whenever he fails to suppress it, he loses his mind and falls into a killing frenzy—these are his most agonizing moments. I must borrow the combined power of both you and Brother Liyang to restrain his actions so treatment can proceed."