"Next, I need you to go with Austin and explore the outside worlds.
While you've been living in the Eight Fires Valley, you haven't experienced many trials, which is your
biggest weakness.
On the outside, you will find more opportunities and they will greatly improve your strength,"
the old man said to the young fire source beast.
"Okay, sir. I will do as you say,"
the fire source beast replied.
Immediately, he turned and continued cultivating the fire-controlling skills once more.
"Austin, since you are free now, you can practice the fire-controlling skills with him.
A single martial arts skill will add a lot to your arsenal,"
the old man explained, looking to Austin next.
"Okay,"
Austin agreed with a nod.
Then, he also began cultivating the fire-controlling skills again.
Outside the forbidden area,
the man from the ghost race was still guarding the entrance, waiting for Austin to come out.
He had decided to not allow Austin to leave this space.
To him, Austin was nothing but trouble, and if he were to leave, he would only improve his strength.
In his mind, Austin only had two endings. The first was becoming his avatar and the second was death.
"I can see that your fear of Austin is growing.
And I think that Austin will be able to leave this space sooner rather than later.
Once that happens, he will escape and come back to deal with you in the future. That will be your
doomsday,"
Henrik, who was standing beside the man from the ghost race, remarked.
"It seems that you want me dead.
Don't you know that if I die, you will too?
After all, you are my avatar,"
the man from the ghost race said snidely.
"Me?
I died a long time ago.
The moment that Beth died, I was already dead.
I have no reason to fear death,"
Henrik stated.
"So many years have passed, but it seems that the hatred in your heart hasn't faded.
You despise me
and you want to witness my death."
The man from the ghost race turned to look at Henrik and shook his head with a sigh.
"You are right.
I crave nothing more than you dying.
But I know it won't come easily.
There are only a few living masters who can kill you.
And Austin is one of them. One day, I hope he kills you and avenges Beth and me,"
Henrik said.
"Hatred is a bad thing,"
the man from the ghost race said slowly after staring at Henrik for a while.
"I know.
But you're the one who filled me with negative emotions in the first place. It's how you control me,"
Henrik said with a mocking smile written on his face.
"Right.
For a moment, I almost forgot,"
the man from the ghost race stated, glancing far into the distance.
"It doesn't matter.
It's what makes us one,"
he continued.
"That's what you think.
Deep down, I still feel like myself. I will never want to be you,"
Henrik retorted.
Slightly offended, the man from the ghost race stared at Henrik for a couple beats without saying
anything.
Then he focused his attention back on the forbidden area.
After all, Austin was the one he truly cared about.
Time passed slowly.
Finally,
the fire source beast approached the old man once more.
"Sir, I have made great progress in the fire-controlling skills.
But I've reached a bottleneck and I don't think I can go any further,"
he announced.
"Good.
You have mastered the core fire-controlling skills of our fire source beast race.
However,
you don't have the ability to use them to their full potential yet. You need more practice to increase your
comprehension.
So that means
your period of cultivation is over,"
the old man replied.
"Austin, you have also made great progress in the fire-controlling skills.
But since you are not a member of our fire source beast race, you will never be as proficient as the rest
of us at these skills.
With that said, you are a talented man. If you practice hard enough, you may go further in the future,"
the old man added.
"Thank you for your advice, sir. I will try my best,"
Austin replied respectfully.
He felt a great deal of gratitude towards the old man.
He was the one who had taught him the core fire-controlling skills of the fire source beast race and led
him to practice in the Millstone of Heavenly Fire, which had greatly increased his mind power.
"All right. You are both cleared to leave this space.
Austin, this junior of mine rarely experiences trials and adventures. Please take good care of him,"
the old man instructed.
"Don't worry, sir. We are friends and we will watch out for each other,"
Austin promised.
"I'm glad to hear it.
Well, let's exit now.
We need to be careful because the man from the ghost race is guarding the entrance. Austin, he is
waiting for you.
I will fight him head on.
You can use your mind power to leave this space as soon as possible.
Also, pay attention to Henrik. He is the most powerful one out of all the man's avatars.
Even if he is not as powerful as the man, he is not much weaker,"
the old man warned.
"Yes.
I will use caution when dealing with them,"
Austin replied, nodding.
Then, the old man guided their way to the entrance of the forbidden area. The whole walk, they were
preparing for a battle.
"They are out!"
The face of the man from the ghost race lit up with anticipation as he looked at the entrance to the
forbidden area.
One at a time, the old man exited, followed by Austin and the young fire source beast.
"Austin, you're here.
You have no idea how long I've been waiting,"
the man from the ghost race announced, staring directly at Austin.
He was prepared to act fast, either taking Austin as his avatar or killing him. He would have to decide in
a split second.
Therefore, the moment Austin had walked out of the forbidden area, his spiritual sense had locked on
him.
Concentrating, he moved a large number of different laws through the air and wrapped them around
the space where Austin was standing.
Austin looked up. He felt as if his body were sinking into the ground. It was like a hammer was
pounding on the top of his head and sending him into the soft earth.
"Stop that right now. I'm your true opponent!"
the old man shouted and stepped forward. Instantly, rolling flames crawled up his body and burned all
around him, making him appear valiant.
A powerful law of fire was released from his body and charged at Austin.
Immediately, Austin's body was released and all the laws on him were dissolved.
"Go now.
Let me deal with him,"
the old man instructed.
"Let's go,"
Austin said to the fire source beast and they ran towards the edge of the space.
"You can't leave!"
the man roared. Then, he looked over his shoulder at the army of avatars from the ghost race that had
appeared and were charging at Austin and the fire source beast.
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