Xiao Yan stared blankly at the clan emblem on the thin, slender figure's forehead, his heart surging with waves of astonishment. Under normal circumstances, this kind of clan emblem should have been unique to him within the current Xiao clan—yet why had it suddenly appeared on this mysterious figure? "Xiao clan emblem?" The others also noticed this anomaly, turning their expressions of surprise toward Xiao Yan, as they had all witnessed him summon the clan emblem and thus remembered it well. "Perhaps one of the elder members of the Xiao clan?" Xun'er speculated. Hearing this, Xiao Yan was also struck with astonishment. This Jinglian Demon Fire had likely existed for as long as, if not longer than, the Xiao clan itself. If it had captured a powerful Xiao clan member back then, such a scenario would indeed not be impossible. As this thought arose, a sense of joy stirred within Xiao Yan's heart—yet that joy soon began to fade. The currently thin, gaunt man seemed to have already become a servant of the Jinglian Demon Fire. "Facing such attacks—each one powerful enough to cleave heaven and earth—the energy shield shattered like tofu, bursting instantly. Within it, Ziyan and Guo Naihai were struck hard, their faces pale, their feet staggering back several dozen paces, each step leaving a deep impression half a foot in depth. 'Roar!' Though the slender man had cleaved through Ziyan and Guo Naihai's legs with a single blow, he did not release his grip. With a sudden movement, he appeared above them. His immense crimson axe sliced through the void with a sharp hiss, generating a force of destruction that surged directly downward, aimed squarely at Ziyan and Guo Naihai. As the great axe descended, Xiao Yan at a distance swiftly blinked his eyes, then clenched his teeth fiercely, shifting his stance and materializing directly before Ziyan and Guo Naihai. At the same time, a clan emblem emerged rapidly at the center of his brow. 'Hum!' The massive crimson axe rapidly enlarged in Xiao Yin's field of vision, yet just when it was only half a foot away from his head, the axe suddenly froze, and a wave of subtle movement rippled across the pale, stoic face of the thin man who had stood behind it. The lean man's mouth hung slightly open, and his hoarse voice finally emerged. Xiao Yan nodded promptly, judging by the situation, this mysterious figure seemed to have a deep connection with the Xiao clan. "Who am I?" "I don't know him personally, but I have seen references to this crimson axe in ancient texts. Long ago, the Xiao clan produced a remarkable figure whose signature weapon was a massive crimson axe—this very figure was named Xiao Chen!," Ancient Naihai said, fixing his gaze on the thin man. "Xiao Chen possessed extraordinary talent. He was Xiao Xuan's cousin, yet he was free-spirited and often unpredictable. Before he achieved fame, countless powerful beings fell beneath his axe. However, after that, he simply vanished without a trace—no matter how hard the Xiao clan searched, they could never find him again. It's surprising that he has turned up here at all." "By the way, shortly after his disappearance, news of the Pure Lotus Demon Fire began to surface," Ancient Naihai suddenly exclaimed, as though remembering something. "Xiao Chen was Xiao Xuan's cousin...?" Xiao Yan paused, his brows furrowed. "Then, this man must be considered one of my ancestors as well." "Yet here, he has also weathered a great calamity of the Xiao clan—whether it's a blessing or a curse, it's hard to say." Guan Naihai walked over to Xiao Yan and sighed. Xiao Yan remained silent, gazing at Xiao Chen, whom he believed to be an elder of the Xiao clan. Now, Chen's face bore evident signs of struggle, as though resisting something powerful. "He is resisting the control of the Jinglian Demon Flame..." Guan Naihai was startled by this sight and whispered softly. On the ground, Chen held his massive axe, his body continuously trembling, and faint milky-white flames were gradually seeping out from his pores. Seeing this, Xiao Yan's expression grew concerned—clearly, the Jinglian Demon Flame was exerting its influence to regain control over Chen. Yet at this moment, Xiao Yan had no idea how he could assist, for the flame was emanating directly from Chen's very body. Just when Xiao Yan was at a loss, his hand suddenly rested on his forehead, and within his mind, the glowing orb emitted a subtle ripple. The sudden activity of the orb startled Xiao Yan, who then quietly sensed the delicate fluctuations, and after a while, his eyes suddenly brightened. "Brother Xiao Yan!" Beside him, Xun'er, upon seeing Xiao Yan pause, suddenly stepped forward toward Xiao Chen and gasped in surprise. At her startled cry, Xiao Yan merely waved his hand and quickly approached Xiao Chen, placing a firm palm on Xiao Chen's shoulder. As soon as his hand made contact, Xiao Chen's trembling body unexpectedly stilled, and the milky-white flames that had been about to surge out of him gradually faded away. "Ah..." Xiao Chen exhaled several deep breaths before finally lifting his head, his gaze complex as he studied the clan mark on Xiao Yan's forehead. His voice was hoarse as he asked, "What has happened to the Xiao clan now?" Xiao Yan remained silent, speaking softly, "The Xiao clan no longer exists..." He then briefly outlined the current state of the Xiao family. Throughout the entire time, Xiao Chen had not opened his mouth, yet the fist he had tightly clenched slowly slipped, releasing one drop of crimson blood after another. Only after a long while did he speak, his voice trembling, "Even my elder brother, Xiao Xuan, has fallen..." Watching Xiao Chen, whose fist remained clenched and face lowered, Xiao Yan sighed gently. He knew how deeply regretful Xiao Chen felt. Yet even if he had stayed within the Xiao clan all along, the clan's fate would likely have remained unchanged, for the Hún clan was simply too strong. "This is the Spirit of the Fiery Beast realm. Master Xiao Chen, could you please guide us to the location of the Fiery Beast flame?" Xiao Yan said softly. "You are no match for the Pure Lotus Fiery Beast flame," Xiao Chen shook his head, his voice still hoarse. "Even if we stay here, there is no chance of survival," Xiao Yan smiled slightly, his eyes gleaming with determination. "Come with me." Xiao Chen lifted his head, exchanged a brief glance with Xiao Yan, then slowly rose and turned toward the final hall door. "Follow." Xiao Yan said nothing further, merely waved gently and stepped forward. Behind him, Guo Naihai opened his mouth several times, but said nothing, merely following along. "Creak!" The group walked silently behind Xiao Chen as he slowly pushed open the massive door. Beyond it lay a staircase stretching all the way to the end. At the very end of the staircase, a large stone altar platform was faintly visible. Gazing at the distant altar platform, Xiao Yan smiled faintly and stepped onto the stone steps first, then began walking steadily toward the end. Behind him, Xiao Chen and Xun'er hesitated slightly before quickly joining him. The crowd climbed the stone stairs in silence, and after about ten minutes, they finally reached the altar. Xiang Yan looked up and saw a grand throne standing still at the center of the altar. Upon it, a figure dressed in a white robe sat in quiet stillness, with streams of pale flames swirling around him, constantly shifting and forming various shapes. Gǔ Nánhǎi and the others faced a serious expression, though within their hearts, a sense of frustration stirred—this man had an undeniable, unassailable presence!