"What do you think the Great Emperor Hengyu's imperial weapon will look like?" Xing Lie asked curiously.

"It must be an earth-shattering divine artifact!" Wu Tianxiong exclaimed.

"Stop dreaming. If we can even catch a glimpse of its shadow this time, we'll be lucky." Kou Hai threw cold water on their excitement.

"Woof woof! No matter what, this adventure is bound to be thrilling!" Black Sovereign barked excitedly.

Amidst the lively chatter, the group finally arrived at the entrance of the Taichu Ancient Mine. It was a massive black hole, as if it was a gateway to another world.

"Everyone, tread carefully. There may be unknown dangers inside." Gu Sheng warned.

The group nodded, each summoning their weapons and magical treasures, cautiously stepping into the black hole.

As soon as they entered the Taichu Ancient Mine, an aura of ancient mystery enveloped them. The mine was dimly lit, with only the light of their torches illuminating the path ahead.

"It seems like someone has been here before," Xing Lie said, pointing at some footprints on the ground.

"Indeed, it looks like we're not the first to know about this place," Gu Sheng said, frowning.

They continued deeper into the mine. Gradually, the air grew thinner, and the temperature rose higher and higher. Everyone felt a bit strained but persevered nonetheless.

"So this is the trial of extreme heat that Wu Dewang faced!" Gu Sheng thought silently to himself.

The source of the Law Aura was located in the mine's deepest part, a place they couldn't yet reach.

"Huff—huff—"

Inside the mine, it seemed as if the air had evaporated from the intense heat, leaving only blazing gusts and waves of scorching air behind. As Gu Sheng and the group moved deeper, the temperature soared, as though they had entered a massive furnace.

"With this kind of heat, even space itself might melt!" Wu Tianxiong wiped sweat from his forehead, exclaiming in awe.

"It truly is extraordinary," Gu Sheng said with furrowed brows. "The Law Aura here is unusually strong. If it weren't for some special laws containing it, this entire place would already be a sea of fire."

Looking around, Xing Lie remarked, "The Great Emperor Hengyu was truly remarkable—to refine his imperial weapon in such a harsh environment."

"Enough talking. Let's hurry up and locate the source of the Law Aura," Kou Hai urged.

The group nodded and pressed on. Gradually, they noticed the space ahead starting to distort, as if an immense power was influencing the area.

"It seems we're close to our destination," Gu Sheng said as a glint of determination flashed in his eyes.

At that moment, a torrent of scorching fire surged toward them, seemingly intent on consuming everything. The group hurriedly channeled their energy to defend themselves, but they still felt an indescribable intensity of heat.

"Is this the power of the Nine Yang True Fire?" Ying Tianxing exclaimed. "Even a Great Emperor might struggle to endure this for long."

"Everyone, stay alert. These flames are not ordinary," Gu Sheng cautioned. "We'll need to find a way to cross through them."

Suddenly, Black Sovereign chimed in, "Woof woof! Gu Sheng, don't you know a secret technique for spatial jumps? Try jumping across!"

Gu Sheng nodded after hearing this. "I'll give it a shot."

Taking a deep breath, he activated his Ancient Sacred Body to its fullest extent, simultaneously summoning the Grass Vine Demon Soul in preparation for any contingencies.

"Whoosh—"

In a flash, Gu Sheng disappeared from his spot, reappearing on the other side of the blazing wave a moment later.

"I did it!" Gu Sheng shouted excitedly.

Encouraged by his success, the group mimicked Gu Sheng, using their respective secret techniques to cross through the fire wave. Finally, they reached the mine's deepest part.

In the center stood a massive altar, upon which rested a piece of phoenix-blood-red gold, only the size of a thumb. It radiated a fiery crimson glow, seemingly embodying a supreme mystery.

"Is this the fragment of the imperial weapon forged by the Great Emperor Hengyu?" Xing Lie exclaimed in awe.

"Indeed," Gu Sheng said as he stepped closer, carefully observing the phoenix-blood-red gold. "This is the legendary Phoenix Blood Red Gold, containing the supreme mysteries of the Great Emperor Hengyu."

The group gathered around, marveling at the extraordinary metal. It almost seemed alive, shimmering with an enchanting light before their eyes.

"We need to leave quickly," Gu Sheng said as he put away the Phoenix Blood Red Gold. "This place isn't safe for prolonged stays."

The group nodded in agreement and began preparing to leave. Just as they were about to depart, a violent tremor suddenly shook the entire mine.

"Not good! The mine is collapsing!" Kou Hai cried out.

The expressions on everyone's faces changed drastically as they scrambled to channel their energy to withstand the impending collapse. At that moment, a spatial crack suddenly appeared before them.

"Quick, everyone, get in!" Gu Sheng shouted.

One by one, they leaped into the spatial crack, disappearing from the mine. A moment later, the entire mine collapsed with a thunderous roar.

"Boom—"

As the mine crumbled, Gu Sheng and the group escaped through the spatial crack, emerging in a safe location. Before they could fully recover from the peril, their attention was drawn to the Phoenix Blood Red Gold, which shimmered in a fiery red glow in Gu Sheng's hands.

"Woof woof! That thing is mine!"

Suddenly, Black Sovereign lunged at Gu Sheng, attempting to snatch the Phoenix Blood Red Gold. However, Gu Sheng had anticipated this and swiftly activated the Dream Butterfly Atlas, skillfully deflecting Black Sovereign's attack.

"Thud—"

Black Sovereign stumbled and fell flat on his face, earning hearty laughter from Wu Tianxiong, Kou Hai, Ying Tianxing, and Xing Lie.

"Black Sovereign, you're seriously overestimating yourself!" Wu Tianxiong teased.

"Exactly. We only reached the center of the Fire Domain thanks to Gu Sheng; the Phoenix Blood Red Gold rightfully belongs to him," Kou Hai added.

Ying Tianxing also nodded. "Besides, such a precious material for Artifact Refining will realize its greatest potential in Gu Sheng's hands."

Black Sovereign begrudgingly got up, grumbling in dissatisfaction, but refrained from making another move.

At this moment, Wu Dewang suddenly stepped forward, a glint of greed flashing in his eyes. "Brother Gu, while the Phoenix Blood Red Gold is valuable, it might serve a greater purpose in my hands. As a master of Artifact Refining, my skills far surpass yours. How about you give it to me? I could use it to repair my Great Black Bowl."

Gu Sheng frowned. "Brother Wu, it's not that I doubt you, but this Phoenix Blood Red Gold is also of critical importance to me. You claim to be a master—do you have anything to prove it?"

Wu Dewang was momentarily stunned, not expecting such a direct counter. After a brief pause, he said, "If you doubt me, feel free to investigate!"

"Alright, enough," Xing Lie interjected, trying to mediate. "We're all comrades here. Let's not let a single material harm our relationships. Don't you agree, Gu Sheng?"

After a moment's thought, Gu Sheng shook his head. "I can't give up the Phoenix Blood Red Gold."

"You—!" Wu Dewang's expression darkened as dissatisfaction spread across his face.

Just then, the space around them trembled, and a mysterious light descended from the heavens, enveloping the Phoenix Blood Red Gold. The group watched in astonishment as the gold gently floated upward, radiating an even more dazzling brilliance.

"What's happening?" Kou Hai asked in surprise.

"Could it be that the Phoenix Blood Red Gold's mysterious power is being activated?" Ying Tianxing speculated.

Everyone stared intently at the Phoenix Blood Red Gold, which gradually floated into Gu Sheng's hand, as if it shared an unseen bond with him.

"It seems this Phoenix Blood Red Gold is destined for Gu Sheng," Wu Tianxiong remarked. "Brother Wu, perhaps you should let it go."

Wu Dewang glanced at the Phoenix Blood Red Gold in Gu Sheng's hands, his eyes filled with reluctance. But at last, he let out a sigh. "Fine. Since it has chosen you, I won't take what isn't meant to be mine."

Gu Sheng smiled faintly, gripping the Phoenix Blood Red Gold tightly. "Thank you all for your understanding. This Phoenix Blood Red Gold is indeed significant to me, and I'll make the best use of it."

"Woof woof! Gu Sheng, you'd better treat us to a feast! We helped you find such a precious material!" Black Sovereign suddenly shouted.

"Fine! Dinner's on me!" Gu Sheng declared, his voice brimming with boldness and resolve, echoing across the vast desert.

Cheers erupted from the group, with Black Sovereign practically leaping for joy, barking "woof woof" in excitement.

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