Chapter 697: Unexpected Rank 7 - Part One

Lin Jin looked up to see a pillar of flames rising into the sky with cloud energy wrapped around it. As the two attributes merged, a forceful energy was exuded. In the next instant, the flames exploded and started spreading around the area.

Lin Jin didn't avoid it. He still had full control over their blood pact, so Xiao Huo hadn't lost control over itself. In other words, there was nothing for Lin Jin to worry about.

Just as he expected.

A faint layer of flames enveloped his body like a suit of armor, shielding him from the explosive force.

A wave of burning clouds swept over but Lin Jin stood there, unscratched.

Lin Jin watched in astonishment as the fire clouds spread out like crashing waves.

"A sign of evolution?"

He could tell even without the museum. After all, he was a capable beast appraiser. Lin Jin was shocked. Technically, some time was required until Xiao Huo showed signs of evolution again. It can't possibly happen so soon.

Still, there was the unmistakeable sign that Xiao Huo was going to evolve.

Lin Jin knew something must have happened.

"It's the Storm Beast Cave!" 

Only this possibility came to Lin Jin's mind. He invoked a tiny ember on his finger, a flame brought on by the power of his blood pact.

Lin Jin was trying to assess Xiao Huo's status through their blood pact.

"It's true!"

The museum's appraisal confirmed Lin Jin's suspicion.

Sure enough, the Storm Beast Cave's unique ability to stir elements and enhance them with wind and cloud properties had taken effect. Xiao Huo's constitution was changed, and this sea of fire clouds was Xiao Huo's new form.

Just like the Storm Beast Cave, the fire clouds could expand endlessly, engulfing the entire area.

These fire clouds were not to be underestimated.

While the surrounding fire clouds looked harmless to Lin Jin, even the slightest contact with it could set someone ablaze. Worse, this fire could never be extinguished.

Back in the Mystery Dao Sect, Lin Jin had read books on fire immortals. One of the books mentioned a 'true fire' variant cultivated and crafted by immortals. One unique point about the fire was that it burned with no temperature. One wouldn't feel a thing while standing next to the flames, but upon making contact with it, the fire would reduce the person to ashes.

One could also describe this fire as 'cold flames'.

Xiao Huo's fire cloud form consisted of cold flames.

After all, Xiao Huo was already at Rank 6, making it equivalent to an immortal. Thanks to the Storm Beast Cave, Xiao Huo had no issue turning himself into fire clouds that were made up by true fire.

Ever since entering the extraterritorial land, what Lin Jin encountered were things that could not be compared with what he found in the mainland. For instance, the 'fire cloud true body' would be considered invincible back at home. It was so powerful that not even a coalition of premium countries could put up a fight against it.

Lin Jin had gained it so effortlessly, since it was Xiao Huo who attained this realm on his own.

Besides gaining the fire cloud true body, Xiao Huo was starting to display signs of evolution.

If Lin Jin chooses the right move, there was a chance that Xiao Huo might advance to Rank 7.

Before coming here, Lin Jin did not dare to imagine what having a Rank 7 Xiao Huo was like. Now, it was so close and within his reach.

He couldn't help himself.

After reading the evolution method displayed in the museum, Lin Jin quickly retrieved all the blazing pills and nine sun quartz in his possession. Then, he tossed them all into the fire cloud.

There were only eight blazing pills, which Lin Jin knew wasn't enough. However, he did provide enough nine sun quartz as required by the process. He threw in an entire chain of Buddha beads, which consisted of a hundred and eight nine sun quartz. For ease of mind, he made sure to toss in the bracelet with the larger nine sun quartz beads.

No matter how valuable these items were, Lin Jin knew they couldn't compare to having a Rank 7 Xiao Huo.

After all, the stronger Xiao Huo grew, the stronger Lin Jin would be.

Of course, this wasn't enough.

Lin Jin had to sacrifice more or Xiao Huo's evolution might fail. How could Lin Jin possibly let go of such a valuable opportunity?

Even if it meant sacrificing everything in his possession, Lin Jin was willing to pay the price.

He rummaged through his Universe Pouch and tossed in everything that was of the fire attribute.

Although the items were barely significant, every bit helped.

It still wasn't enough.

Lin Jin wasted no time and flew out.

Beyond the thick clouds, Xuan Yue Zhenren and the other immortals were gaping in shock. Moments ago, the endless sea of clouds was set ablaze.

This had never happened before.

"Piao Yun, h-have you ever seen such a thing?" asked Xuan Yue Zhenren, since she wasn't the one in charge of guarding the cave.

Piao Yun had been stationed here for millenniums. Since she rarely left her post, she should know best.

Yet, Piao Yun looked just as shocked. She shook her head and replied, "No. Not even once. Something must have happened."

"I have to admit, it is a beautiful view," said the charming Xuan Hang. Unlike his female counterparts, he wasn't the least bit worried. His attention was solely fixated on the magnificent view.

Xuan Yue Zhenren looked helpless. She didn't know what to do with this junior of hers.

Just as they were at a loss of what to do, a person darted out of the clouds. It was Lin Jin.

"Mr. Lin!" 

The group of immortals hurried forward to receive him.

Their first suspicion was that Lin Jin had something to do with these burning clouds. Now, it seems that they were correct.

Before they could speak, Lin Jin interrupted their thoughts.

"Does anyone have inferno crystals, pure Yang grass, or any fire attribute magic treasures? Magic tools work too. Give them to me at once, it's urgent."

Lin Jin was in a hurry.

Xiao Huo's evolution was happening soon, and any delay would result in the loss of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. No matter what it took, Lin Jin had to seize the chance.

At this point, he didn't care for his dignity anymore. He would owe the Immortal Cloud Sect a favor and think of ways to repay them, even if it meant becoming their slave.

Seeing how anxious Lin Jin looked, Xuan Hang said no more and removed the crimson jade pendant around his waist.

"Mr. Lin, this is a Vulcan Jade. It's a magic treasure I crafted a thousand and five hundred years ago. I believe it is of great value. However, if it's an emergency, please take this."

The Vulcan Jade was a magic treasure with a long history.

Despite that, Lin Jin grabbed it without hesitation.

"Thanks, brother," said Lin Jin.

Xuan Hang blushed upon receiving Lin Jin's word of gratitude.

"You're welcome, Mr. Lin."