NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 8: Chapter 8 Foreign Flame
Recap:
Long Tianyu managed to sneak into the Temple of Crimson Eclipse, where he uncovered the Shen Matriarch's blood ritual and took down her elite guardians. Now, he holds a piece of the Ancient Dragon Soul Flame, but the spirit of his uncle, Long Shen, stirs restlessly within a dark cocoon. A new threat looms in the shadows...
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High above the smoldering ruins of the temple, a sleek black aircraft hovered quietly, expertly hidden by Qi-dampening technology.
Inside, a tall man with silver hair and golden eyes exuded a calm, calculating presence. He was dressed in a Western military robe woven with cultivation threads.
> Name: **Lucien Cross**
> Affiliation: *Order of the Red Vault Western Mystic Division*
> Cultivation: Peak Grandmaster (Hybrid Path)
> Mission: Retrieve the Rebirth Flame Signature from the East. Target: Long Tianyu.
Lucien took a sip of black tea, his gaze fixed on Tianyu as he departed the burning site.
So, this is the dragon they've been talking about.
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Meanwhile, under the cover of night, Tianyu made his way back to the Long Clan.
His Qi was in turmoil, the fragment of the Ancient Dragon Soul Flame within him pushing to evolve his techniques to new heights.
> [Daily Sign-In Available: Mountain Summit Training Grounds]
> Reward: Flame Path Expansion Scroll Dual Flame Meridian Unlock
Sign in.
> [Sign-In Successful]
> You have obtained: Flame Path Expansion Scroll Unlocks 2nd Flame Meridian
> Effect: Doubles internal fire Qi flow; amplifies flame techniques by 150%
Tianyu settled cross-legged on the mountaintop and activated the scroll.
His meridians ignited, his entire body radiating a crimson aura.
> [Flame Qi Flow Increased]
> [Passive Gained: Burning Flow Flame Techniques now pierce spiritual armor]
He clenched his fists, feeling one step closer to his goal.
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Two days later, the elders of the Long Clan were surprised by an unexpected visitor.
Lucien Cross strode into the guest hall without a hint of deference.
His aura was peculiar—Western, structured, and tinged with a unique cultivation signature.
I'm not here to negotiate.
I'm here to throw down a challenge.
The atmosphere in the clan was thick with tension.
Very few outsiders had the guts to speak so boldly.
I'm looking for Long Tianyu.
My order believes he possesses something that rightfully belongs to us.
Elder Mo stepped forward, his voice steady. We're not in the habit of handing over our disciples.
Lucien grinned.
Then how about a friendly duel to clear the air?
The hall fell into a hush.
---
News reached Tianyu within the hour. Instead of shying away, he strode into the central courtyard that afternoon, dressed in his battle robe and wearing a calm demeanor.
Lucien stood in the arena, his long coat fluttering gently in the breeze.
You look younger than I expected.
Tianyu replied flatly, You look just like I imagined—a proud dog from the West.
The audience collectively gasped.
Lucien's smirk vanished.
> [Duel Initiated: Lucien Cross vs Long Tianyu Observation Match, First Blood Rules]
The gong sounded.
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Lucien made the first move, his Western hybrid style blending blade techniques with runic enhancements.
Silver runes danced around his sword as it sliced through the air.
Tianyu dodged, employing **Dragonstep Phantom**, and countered with **Flame-Infused Fist Techniques**.
Lucien blocked, deflected, and countered with icy precision.
Their clash was like fire meeting steel—pure destruction against absolute control.
> [System Alert: Foreign Aura Analyzed Temporary Technique Copy Available]
> New Skill: *Vault Blade: Arc Pressure Slash* 1-Time Use
In the heat of battle, Tianyu mirrored Lucien's technique and sent it back with his own fiery twist.
Lucien's coat ripped.
First blood.
The duel came to a halt.
Gasps echoed through the courtyard.
---
Lucien touched the burn on his cheek and chuckled.
Impressive.
I see why they're keeping an eye on you.
Who?
You'll find out soon enough.
He turned to leave but paused.
We'll meet again—outside the clan's walls. When the rules no longer hold us back.
Tianyu watched him vanish into his ship.
Behind him, Elder Mo stepped forward. "You've made some enemies today," he said. Tianyu shot back, "I was born into a world of enemies.
The only thing that's changed is that I'm stronger now."
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Teaser for Chapter 9:
With the West keeping a close eye and the Shen forces reeling, Tianyu sets out to build his own power base, starting with an underground network of rogue disciples and forgotten bloodlines.