Against Heaven's Will



"Don't worry, the Earth Flame is always like this whenever new people enter the Dragon Pit. That's why I warned you earlier to be careful," Dragon Queen explained as she approached Xuefeng and linked her arms with him. "Let me help you a bit. You can thank me later." 

Dragon Queen ignored the girls' presence as she winked at Xuefeng and introduced him to the Earth Flame, "These people were invited by me and they are Dragon Race's friends. They wish to connect with the almighty Earth Flame and request you to bless them." 

The Earth Flame showed no reaction to Dragon Queen's speech until the ground suddenly began to tremble. The flames in their surroundings began flaring up and joined together to form a black tornado in the middle of the Dragon Pit. Xuefeng raised his eyebrows at the increasing heat in the area and gazed at Lisa whose expression changed. 

"The Earth Flame is talking to me," Lisa announced happily. "It wants me to proceed forward to be evaluated." 

"You sure it's alright? You said many people were burned," Xuefeng asked Queen Luna one more time just to be sure. He wanted to go in himself first but he knew it meant a lot to Lisa to show her prowess. 

"The Earth Flame will burn her to a crisp if she is deemed not worthy. The Earth Flame only connects with people that can represent it well," Dragon Queen explained. "Only proceed if you know you can handle it." 

It was clear that Dragon Queen couldn't care less about Lisa so Xuefeng couldn't depend on her in case anything happened. He could always jump in if she needed rescue but that still didn't assure him. 

Xuefeng was about to suggest he can go first but Lisa held his hand and squeezed it assuringly. "Don't worry, I got it. I have been waiting for this day all my life." 

Lisa smiled knowing Xuefeng showed his care and flew up towards the raging tornado. Her clothes burned as she neared the flames before the tornado parted its ways as if opening the door for her. She was already fully naked when she flew right in and the door closed fully. 

"You are quite confident of her to let her go in first," Dragon Queen commented with pursed lips and took this opportunity to cling closer to Xuefeng.

"All my wives are the best," Xuefeng replied with a casual glance and reached to hold Thunder Goddess' waist. "Each of them is unique and could dominate every space on their own without my help. If Lisa says she can do it, I believe in her." 

Thunder Goddess only shrugged as if his description was obvious and kissed him deeply. She was rarely this affectionate but she wouldn't lose any opportunity to play on Dragon Queen's nerves. 

"It's good that you have so much faith in your wives," Dragon Queen replied unbothered as she placed Xuefeng's hand on her butt. "This type of connection, I have always dreamed to experience it." 

Xuefeng couldn't help but sink his fingers into Dragon Queen's butt and he lamented internally. He already knew what she wanted and she would tease him endlessly until he wants to take her himself. His desires were already pushing him to ravish her body into oblivion but his self-control was strong enough to resist. 

"I hope you do one day," Xuefeng wished politely and released them both to fly up in the sky. Lisa's safety was his priority and he couldn't get distracted by beauties. 

Xuefeng's eyes lit up with a golden glow and he finally saw Lisa's silhouette inside the flames. He couldn't communicate with her without Tianshi but she seemed to be completely safe. Black Flames coiled around her body as if bathing her with the blessing and the Earth Flame soon released her without any harm. 

"Xuefeng!" Lisa called out as soon as she broke out of the tornado and rushed into his arms. "I did it!" 

Lisa's body was still burning but Xuefeng didn't care about it. He ignored his clothes burning as he hugged her tightly. He didn't forget to hold her bottom with a full grip and praised, "Well done angel. I knew you can succeed." 

"Hehe, thank you for the gift," Lisa acknowledged with numerous kisses. Maybe she could get the Earth Flame herself but she wouldn't be able to reach this place without him. 

"I don't break my promises," Xuefeng replied confidently and patted her butt to hurry her. "Get dressed and wait for me. It's my turn now." 

Xuefeng released her as he flew up to face the Earth Flame but instead of welcoming him with open doors, the tornado raged. It fired a stream of flames to push him away but Xuefeng dodged it effortlessly. 

It was clear that Xuefeng wasn't welcome like Lisa but he wasn't worried one bit. He already expected such a situation since he wasn't an easy person to trust. The Earth Flame must have sensed the Elemental Bracelet so it must be scared of being controlled. Once it shared its flame with Xuefeng, he would be on the same level and he could take it over easily.

"I'm Liu Xuefeng, the man that will bring you back to your previous glory," Xuefeng introduced himself and withdrew multiple Fate Stones the size of his palm. "I know a place with enough Qi for you to recover all your strength. Leave part of you with me and follow me to receive a thousand times more."

Xuefeng didn't hesitate to throw the Fate Stones into the tornado and the Earth Flame calmed down for a second. It consumed the stones and its flames multiplied into a dense clouds of fire. He thought the bribe worked but it wasn't that easy to buy trust. 

'You dangerous…' The Earth Flame finally spoke in Xuefeng's mind. 'I don't trust you… I trust the lady…'

Xuefeng had no bad intentions anyway so it didn't matter who carried the Earth Flame. "That's fine. If you don't trust me then why don't you let the lady carry you? If we lie, you can always consume her. I have no benefits in losing my wife so that should be enough to convince you." 

Lisa approached again and the Earth Flame took a moment to decide. It shifted and twisted mid-air before condencing into a small black ball of flame. It floated towards Lisa and she grasped it without fear. The flames sank through her skin which made her shudder but it only lasted a moment before she stabilized. 

"That's a wise decision!" Xuefeng commented just before the whole tornado was sucked inside the Dragon Pit. All the flames that coiled around the Dragon Eggs disappeared as well and the Earth Flame was gone. 

Xuefeng only scratched his head with an awkward smile as he realized they took more than they were supposed to. The Earth Flame must have gone down to feast on the Fire Essence in order to recover its strength but who knew how long its slumber would last. 

"Xuefeng! That wasn't what we agreed on!" Dragon Queen called out angrily from bellow and Xuefeng sighed. He knew she would use it against him to get what she wanted but it was still worth it.