The stunning woman before him was none other than one of the Sacred Council's most influential High Councilors!
Every member of the Twelve High Councilors was a legendary figure within the Human Alliance, and Kael naturally recognized the only woman among them—Mia of the Temple of Oversight.
Technically, as a Five-Star Executor, Kael was currently her subordinate.
He promptly performed the mage's salute. "Greetings, Councilor Mia."
Mia studied him with a hint of surprise before nodding graciously. "No need for formalities. If the Grand Speaker granted you access to the Earthfire Cavern, he must see exceptional potential in you." Her voice was crisp and melodious.
Kael smiled faintly. "I'm indeed grateful for the Grand Speaker's favor. Councilor Mia, what exactly makes this cavern special? The fire elements here are so chaotic—like a raging torrent. Even basic cultivation feels impossible here, let alone elemental fusion."
He voiced his confusion. Since Zorath the Silent knew little about the cavern's secrets, Mia's presence was a fortunate opportunity. According to Zorath, she was also an ally.
Mia's lips curved into an elegant smile. "It's natural to be puzzled on your first visit. While the cavern's wild fire elements make spellcasting and combat cultivation arduous, its deepest recesses nurture Crimsonflame Bloodblooms—condensed manifestations of primal fire essence that aid magical and martial refinement."
Crimsonflame Bloodblooms?!
Kael's eyes flashed with understanding. So that's the key. His initial assumption—that cultivators directly absorbed the cavern's chaotic elements—was clearly mistaken.
The fire energy here was far too volatile. Even Kael, with his affinity, struggled to adapt, let alone non-fire mages.
He glanced ahead. The cavern's interior sprawled like a barren valley, its fiery currents growing fiercer toward the depths. Yet no trace of the rumored blooms was visible amidst the desolation.
Seeming to notice Kael's confusion, Mia added, "The Crimsonflame Bloodbloom grows in the deepest part of the Earthfire Cavern. The fire elemental energy there is so intense that even a legendary mage could be instantly consumed by the flames. The Crimsonflame Bloodbloom is nurtured by this fire energy, blooming once every ten years—exceptionally rare."
Even a legendary mage couldn't withstand the fire element at the deepest part of the Earthfire Cavern?
Kael was astonished, realizing just how precious the Crimsonflame Bloodbloom truly was.
"But if even a legendary mage can't endure the flames at the depths of the Earthfire Cavern, how can anyone obtain the Crimsonflame Bloodbloom?" Kael asked.
Mia smiled. "From time to time, fierce winds surge from the depths of the Earthfire Cavern, carrying 'mature' Crimsonflame Bloodblooms outward. The powerful figures within the cavern seize this opportunity to compete for them. At that point, it all comes down to strength and luck."
So that's how it works!
Now Kael understood.
"Thank you for your guidance, Councilor Mia," Kael said sincerely. They were practically strangers, yet she had been kind enough to share this information. Kael wasn't one to take such goodwill for granted, so he treated her with the utmost courtesy.
Mia's smile brightened, enhancing her beauty. "No need for thanks. You might try venturing a little deeper into the Earthfire Cavern. The closer you get to its heart, the easier it is to obtain a Crimsonflame Bloodbloom—though, of course, the danger increases as well. Don't push yourself too hard."
"Understood. I appreciate the advice!"
Kael bowed politely to Mia before leaping into the air and darting forward once more.
Just as Mia had said, Kael immediately felt the pressure intensify. Fire energy surged around him like chaotic currents, forcing him to frown and channel his full magical power to resist.
"This power is absurd. If it were to spill outward, it could obliterate the entire Thousand Moon Lake in an instant!" The thought flashed through Kael's mind, making him even more cautious.
"People!"
Kael's gaze sharpened, focusing ahead. About a few hundred meters away stood six or seven figures—all formidable individuals, representatives of the major factions across the continent.
"These must be the elite forces sent by the major factions into the Earthfire Cavern. But their numbers seem surprisingly few—likely, the rest have ventured even deeper." Kael frowned. Mia had mentioned that the closer one got to the cavern's depths, the higher the chances of obtaining a Crimsonflame Bloodbloom.
"The true powerhouses are all deeper inside. If I compete with this group here, my odds of securing a bloom would still be slim." Kael mused silently.
His arrival drew immediate attention. Every eye turned to him, their minds buzzing with the same thought: Who is this brash youngster, daring to enter the Earthfire Cavern at such a young age?
Every person here was a top-tier expert, a renowned figure from one of the continent's great factions. In comparison, Kael—though skilled—paled in prominence.
Yet he paid no mind. Gritting his teeth, he resolved to press forward.
The onlookers stiffened. This kid has nerves of steel. The fire energy in the Earthfire Cavern is no joke—if he pushes too far, elemental chaos could erupt within him, triggering a mana backlash.
Fortunately, Kael had fused with fire affinity. Had he wielded any other element, the cavern's flames would have devoured him without mercy.
From a distance, Mia observed his movements. Seeing him advance despite the strain, a flicker of admiration crossed her gaze. With such strength and determination… perhaps he truly is fit to face Einar.
After another stretch of grueling progress, Kael finally halted, drenched in sweat. He'd reached his limit.
"Hm?"
To his left and right stood two other figures who had been holding their ground. One was a white-haired, white-bearded elder, his limbs spry despite his aged appearance. The other, a middle-aged man, had been fixated on the cavern's abyss. Both were clearly waiting for the winds to carry forth the blooms.
"Where did this little whelp come from?" The old man chuckled, finally taking notice of Kael.
The middle-aged man merely shrugged, indifferent, and ignored Kael entirely—his focus locked on the depths of the Earthfire Cavern as he awaited the gale.
The three of them waited, but after what felt like an eternity, there was still no sign of the wind. Impatience began to gnaw at them.
Whoosh!
Just then, a tempest surged from the cavern's abyss—a howling maelstrom rivaling a tenth-tier wind spell. The roaring gusts, like a dragon's cry, sent the onlookers into a frenzy of excitement.
"The wind's finally here!"
"About damn time!"
They had waited too long, their relief akin to parched earth welcoming rain. Every face burned with anticipation.
As the wind's shriek tore through the air, Kael looked up. Amid the chaotic void, gales clashed and howled, their collisions hissing like rustling leaves. And within those winds—streaks of crimson, crystalline flowers tumbled forth.
These blooms burned like bloodied flames, radiating intense fire energy, their brilliance pulsing with raw power.
Crimsonflame Bloodblooms!
At last, Kael saw them. The flowers streaked past at blinding speed, impossible to track. The other experts could only cast their auras and spells wide, netting the air like fishermen hauling in a catch.
"That one's mine! I've waited half a day for this!" The old man bellowed with laughter, lunging for a bloom.
The middle-aged man sneered. "We take what we can seize. These aren't yours to claim!"
The two blurred into motion, clashing over a single flower.
Yet Kael didn't join the fray.
"Little Cat, where are the others?"
He spoke softly—but sharply.
Indeed, Kael hadn't come alone. The small feline companion, tucked safely within the pocket dimension of Moonlight Dusk, could still perceive their surroundings. With its keen senses, the cat's eyes gleamed.
"Left front!"
Kael moved instantly. A red flicker flashed midair—his arm snapped out, and in one fluid motion, he snatched a Crimsonflame Bloodbloom from the storm!