NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 11: Chapter 11 The Flame Soul Awakens
Recap:
As Shen forces and the Vault Hunters laid siege to Blackwood Hollow, a sinister new player entered the fray—Lord Marrow, a demonic hybrid with the power to command bone dragons. Long Tianyu stood at the forefront, rallying his Crimson Rebirth Court against seemingly insurmountable odds. Their only hope? To hold out long enough to awaken the Flame Soul Armor.
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The ground shook beneath the roar of the Bone Dragon.
Its skeletal wings unfurled, blotting out the stars above.
Cursed light flickered in its eye sockets, and black mist poured from its ribs as it swooped down on Blackwood Hollow.
Tianyu stood resolute.
> [Time Remaining: 29:47]
> Survive the Dominion of Lord Marrow
"Qin Yao, take the left flank!" he commanded. "I'll confront the dragon!"
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Flames erupted from his core as he launched himself into the air, meeting the dragon head-on.
The beast opened its massive jaws, releasing a soul-piercing screech that echoed through the hollow.
> [Skill Activated: Dragon Flame Spiral]
Tianyu spun in midair, unleashing a fiery cyclone that struck the dragon's head. It staggered but remained standing.
On the ground, the Crimson Rebirth fighters clashed with Lord Marrow's summoned warriors—soulless husks wielding twisted martial arts.
Qin Yao's spear moved with lethal grace, slicing through the mist-shrouded assassins. Yet, the deeper they fought, the more fatigue set in.
---
Back in the sky, Tianyu clenched his jaw.
His attacks were inflicting damage, but it wasn't enough.
> [Warning: Qi reserves below 40%]
> Triggering Emergency Protocol: Dormant Artifact Detected Flame Soul Core
> Would you like to awaken the armor?
"Yes!"
> [Awakening Flame Soul Armor...]
> Infusing Dragon Bloodline...
> Syncing with Ancient Flame Pattern...
> Success.
A surge of gold-red flames erupted from Tianyu's body.
Armor crafted from burning scales and spiritual essence enveloped him, creating a second skin of unyielding fire.
> [Flame Soul Armor Equipped]
> Effects: Doubles flame Qi output; negates 50% spirit attacks; passive burn aura
The dragon reared back, hesitating for the first time.
Tianyu launched himself forward, soaring through the air like a comet.
He landed a punch squarely on the beast's jaw, and its skull cracked under the force. Then, he unleashed **Dragonfire Nova** right inside its ribcage.
> [Critical Hit: Bone Dragon Core Exposed]
With one last strike, Tianyu concentrated his flames into a spear and hurled it straight into the dragon's heart.
It detonated midair, showering the area with bone fragments and cursed Qi.
A heavy silence followed.
> [Boss Defeated: Bone Dragon]
> Reward: Essence of Bone Flame absorbed
> Bonus: Flame Soul Armor Stage 2 unlocked
But there was no time to catch his breath.
Lord Marrow himself descended.
---
He moved like a shadow, his black robes untouched by the flames.
His voice was a chilling whisper, laced with decay.
"You wear a child's flame... and yet it defies death."
Tianyu steeled himself.
"And you wear a corpse's mask, but you still reek of fear."
The two clashed.
Marrow's strikes were like withering winds, each one sapping Tianyu's spiritual strength. But the Flame Soul Armor pulsed with life, pushing back with fiery resilience.
> [Clash Result: Stalemate]
Yet, even as they fought, a deeper betrayal was unfolding.
---
In the inner sanctum of Blackwood Hollow, a cloaked figure crept toward the controls of the formation array.
It was one of Tianyu's own—**Wei Jian**, a former disciple of Long.
He pressed a talisman against the core formation crystal.
> [Sabotage Initiated: Flame Barrier Will Collapse in 5 Minutes]
But he didn't get far.
Qin Yao emerged from the shadows, spear in hand.
"You always avoided the front lines."
Wei Jian offered a bitter smile.
"I fought for years and was cast aside. What makes you think Tianyu won't do the same to us?"
"He doesn't throw people away."
"I'm just collecting payment from those who appreciate talent."
He drew twin daggers.
Qin Yao's spear shimmered.
"You're not leaving."
---
Their battle was swift and savage, flashes of silver and red lighting up the scene.
Qin Yao emerged, bloodied but still on his feet.
Wei Jian lay lifeless, and the crystal flicker of sabotage came to a halt.
---
Meanwhile, up above, Tianyu was pushing Lord Marrow back.
"I see now why the Vault fears you," the demon remarked.
"You should."
Tianyu unleashed a new fusion technique, combining **Flame Pulse** and **Bone Essence Spear**.
He struck right through Marrow's shadow core.
The figure hissed and then vanished into smoke.
> [Lord Marrow Phase 1 Defeated]
> Warning: True Body Retreated. Future Threat Imminent
> [Quest Complete: Survive Lord Marrow's Dominion]
> Reward: Flame Soul Armor Permanent Unlock
> Title Earned: The Hollow Phoenix
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The battlefield was a wreck, but the Crimson Rebirth still stood—exhausted, scorched, yet alive.
Tianyu landed beside Qin Yao.
"He was one of us."
She nodded, "Not anymore."
Tianyu turned to his people.
"Today, we survived death. But war is on the horizon, and we will meet it in flames."
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Teaser for Chapter 12:
The Dragon Council finally takes notice of Tianyu's rebellion. Invitations and threats arrive. A secret envoy brings a message that will change everything about Tianyu's bloodline.