c2179: 2180: Advancement (2)

The fire torrent continued for a full half day, during which Magma Midir’s gaze never faltered.

After another two hours, Angel finally felt a sense of fullness from the Flame Mark.

The Flame Mark had been replenished after the washing of the Elemental Tide, refilling all previously consumed energy. Although it did not absorb Odeclass’s strength, it was sufficient to release Flame Power matching Odeclass’s energy level.

This further enhanced Angel’s self-protection strength.

Initially, Angel considered continuing to absorb the power of the Elemental Tide to enhance the Primeval Flame within the Flame Mark. However, the Primeval Flame showed no reaction to the Elemental Tide’s washing, and even the Elemental Tide’s power dared not approach the Primeval Flame within the Flame Mark.

This demonstrates that the energy level of the Primeval Flame is far higher than the strength of the Elemental Tide.

It is worth noting that the power of the Elemental Tide is almost akin to the special rules of the Tidal World; yet even so, it still cannot compare to Baiyuan’s flame...

Angel could only helplessly shut down the power of the Flame Mark.

Once closed, the Flame Mark ceased to flicker, reverting to an ordinary pattern, appearing unremarkable. However, all who witnessed the previous flame torrent knew the vast power this Flame Mark held.

Previously, Midir might have harbored some intentions for force, but now, such thoughts were completely dispelled by the awe the Flame Mark instilled in it.

Angel calculated the time and realized there should be about two hours left before the Elemental Tide ended.

Since he had nothing else to do, he decided to begin collecting the fire elemental crystals falling from the sky.

Although these fire elemental crystals were not particularly valuable demonic materials, they were plentiful, and the quality of flame within them wasn’t bad, akin to a miniature manifestation of the Elemental Tide.

He planned to collect as many as possible, and then use the Extraordinary Extractor to store the Flame Power, which could be used for alchemy in the future.

This was far superior to the so-called Treasure Liquid of the Shannon Royal Family.

Perhaps this power could be integrated into more powerful tools, refining works above the Intermediate Rank.

However, this was merely a conjecture, and whether it could be successful still required actual research.

After collecting ten thousand fire elemental crystals, Angel used the Extraordinary Extractor to concentrate them, having done so nearly a hundred times already, yielding a bottle of extremely dense transcendent red light within the extractor.

At this point, the "fire rain" from the sky ceased, and the Elemental Tide entered its countdown stage.

Angel cautiously packed the special collection bottle and then turned to look at the approaching Midir.

Midir did not ask Angel what he was doing, merely nodding respectfully at Angel and handing over Dangross: "I gained a lot during the Elemental Tide and might need to retreat for a few days. I hope to communicate with you again upon emergence."

Angel: "You’re welcome anytime."

Midir finished speaking, flapped its massive demon wings, and flew into a crevice within the volcano, disappearing from sight.

Watching Midir’s figure gradually vanish, Angel knew clearly that Midir hadn’t engaged in much cultivation during the Elemental Tide, nor could it have gained anything from it. However, its claim of having gained substantially might not be unfounded, likely having researched something from the Flame Mark, prompting its hasty retreat.

Angel didn’t intend to inquire further, knowing the owner of the Flame Mark was Odeclass, rendering any discoveries inconsequential to him.

Instead of this, Angel was more concerned about the harvest of Toby and Earl Mi.

Angel looked down at the volcano’s interior, Toby had finished its cultivation already, treading flames as it chased a fiery silhouette flying up from below.

The fiery silhouette was Earl Mi, who came to Angel’s side, seamlessly merging into his shadow.

Toby caught up and circled Angel’s shadow a few times, loudly trying to pull Earl Mi out from it.

Angel initially thought Toby and Earl Mi might have fought below, but upon closer listening, he realized Toby’s surge in strength had inflated its pride, chanting provocatively about the "Wildcat in Bloom" to engage in another grand battle with Earl Mi.

Yet, Earl Mi completely ignored Toby’s presence, not bothering to acknowledge it.

Unable to get Earl Mi’s response, Toby ultimately reverted to a small seaside bird, sulking on Angel’s shoulder.

Upon seeing Toby, Dangross’s eyes lit up with admiration, seemingly forgetting the previous cruelty of being swatted away, and clung to Angel’s clothing trying to climb to Toby’s side.

However, before it could reach the shoulder, Toby kicked Dangross away again.

Toby cursed at Dangross, who didn’t seem to grasp it fully, but certainly dared not approach Angel further.

Angel then summoned the Hand of Magic to pinch Dangross.

Toby leapt to Angel’s head, settling atop his hair.

Angel intended to pull Toby down but considered Toby’s current psychological state, merely attempting to express territorial rights; removing Toby might provoke its rebellious spirit.

"Just this once," Angel transmitted to Toby, granting it face.

Toby chirped in acknowledgment.

Angel then ignored Toby and looked at Dangross: "Next, I’ll trouble you, lead us to meet Teacher Magu."

...

After flying for about ten minutes, Angel finally reached the vast expanse of the Lava Lake.

During the journey, Angel encountered many fire element creatures, including the previously sighted Phoenix.

Perhaps due to past battles, Phoenix held a bit of hostility towards him, but due to the New King’s orders, Phoenix did nothing too disrespectful, merely uttering a harsh parting threat as Angel departed.

This threat was not directed at Angel; it expressed its desire to fight Earl Mi once more.

Angel responded as he did with Midir, saying "you’re welcome anytime," before swiftly distancing himself from Phoenix.

Aside from Phoenix, other fire element creatures showed no hostility towards Angel; he had barely acted before them, and even when he did, they failed to notice.

These fire element creatures were curious about Angel but refrained from approaching, opting only to observe from afar.

Angel found this somewhat regrettable, as his purpose of visiting the Tidal World included sourcing information on Feng and another objective: acquiring an elemental companion.

Among these numerous fire element creatures, there were certainly ones suitable for him, and establishing cordial dialogue might allow him to entice them away...