Chapter 845: The Cure
The Primordial Imperial Flame, having grown alongside Xiao Ze, had reached a level of immense power after his ascension to late stage Celestial Heaven Sovereign.
Unrestrained, even a tiny spark of this fire could burn an entire lower realm to nothingness. Such a terrifying heavenly flame was among the most powerful in the Great Thousand World. Xiao Ze surmised that only the future version of Xiao Yan's Emperor Flame, after absorbing countless divine flames, might rival its might. And by that time, the Imperial Flame would have grown to an even greater height alongside him.
As the Imperial Flame entered Tai Ming Grand Elder's body, the elder, recognizing Xiao Ze's goodwill, did not resist. Instead, he focused his efforts on suppressing the Corrosive Demon Heart Poison.
The Nature of the Demon Poison
The Corrosive Demon Heart Poison, a trump card of the Heavenly Demon Emperor, was among the deadliest poisons in the Great Thousand World. Its potency was evident from its ability to afflict Tai Ming, a Saint level Heaven Sovereign, whose immense spiritual energy couldn't contain it entirely.
Relying on the Myriad Spirit Ice Immortal Pool merely slowed the poison's spread. However, with the Imperial Flame, Xiao Ze could systematically shield Tai Ming's vital areas, ensuring the poison didn't spread further, before purging it.
But this task wasn't simple. Unlike ordinary toxins, the Corrosive Demon Heart Poison carried the demonic essence of the Heavenly Demon Emperor himself. This demonic energy was not just lethal but capable of corrupting the spiritual bodies of even the most powerful cultivators in the Great Thousand World.
Xiao Ze had no choice but to rely on the Imperial Flame to incinerate this demonic essence completely. Unfortunately, this meant that some of Tai Ming's spiritual energy would also be burned away in the process, necessitating a long recovery period to regain strength.
A Fiery Battle
As the Imperial Flame flared, the poison seemed to sense the danger and began spreading more rapidly, attempting to claim more of Tai Ming's body.
Yet Tai Ming, now supported by Xiao Ze, could spare some energy to defend himself. His voice, calm yet resolute, resonated in Xiao Ze's mind.
"Please proceed without hesitation. Do not worry about my spiritual energy."
Hearing this, Xiao Ze immediately shared his plan with Tai Ming, coordinating their efforts for maximum efficiency. With the Grand Elder actively assisting, the process of purging the poison became significantly smoother.
As golden flames enveloped both Xiao Ze and Tai Ming, their forms were obscured from view. Nearby, the gathered Tai Ling Ancient Clan Heaven Sovereigns stood in anxious silence.
For the Tai Ling Clan, Tai Ming's survival was of paramount importance. Even among the Five Great Ancient Clans, a Saint level Heaven Sovereign was an invaluable asset. Losing him would be a catastrophic blow to their strength and prestige.
With time passing and the fire's golden glow unwavering, hope began to take root in the hearts of the watching Sovereigns. If Xiao Ze had encountered failure, they reasoned, he wouldn't have persisted for so long.
The Turning Point
Suddenly, the flames surged as the poison mounted one last desperate attack, attempting to overwhelm the Imperial Flame. However, it was no match for the golden fire's might and was incinerated entirely, leaving only faint traces of lingering energy.
Xiao Ze finally withdrew the Imperial Flame, letting it condense into a golden orb in his palm. All eyes turned to Tai Ming, whose complexion had returned to a healthy glow.
Though his gaze was dim with lingering exhaustion, the joy on his face was unmistakable. "Thank you, Lord Xiao Ze," Tai Ming said, his voice laden with gratitude. "You have pulled me back from the brink of death."
Xiao Ze rose, returning the Grand Elder's respectful bow. "No need for thanks. You were injured in the fight against the extraterritorial demons. It is my duty to assist."
However, Xiao Ze added with a solemn expression, "While the Corrosive Demon Heart Poison has been purged, residual effects remain. A medicinal pill is necessary to fully restore your vitality."
Preparing the Pill
Xiao Ze turned to the Second Elder. "Have the materials been prepared?"
The elder stepped forward, handing over a storage bracelet. "We have gathered the required spiritual treasures, five sets in total. I apologize for not collecting more on such short notice."
Xiao Ze smiled. "This is more than sufficient. Please prepare a quiet chamber for me to begin refining the pill."
"Lord Xiao, you've already exerted yourself greatly. Why not rest before beginning the refinement?" Tai Ming interjected.
"No need," Xiao Ze replied, shaking his head. "The Corrosive Demon Heart Poison is no trivial matter. It's best to resolve this completely without delay."
Xiao Ze's Alchemy
A Heaven Sovereign guided Xiao Ze to a secluded chamber, leaving the gathered Tai Ling Clan members to reflect.
Tai Ming, watching Xiao Ze's retreating figure, sighed deeply. "No wonder he's earned such fame across the Great Thousand World. His methods are as profound as they are decisive."
He turned to the Second Elder, his tone thoughtful. "Xiao Ze saved my life. We must ensure he is properly rewarded. Did he mention any requests?"
The Second Elder hesitated, then smiled wryly. "No, Grand Elder. In fact, the majority of the required materials were supplied by Lord Xiao himself."
Tai Ming was momentarily stunned. "He even provided the materials for the pill?"
The gathered Sovereigns exchanged looks, their respect for Xiao Ze deepening.
(End of Chapter)
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