âGo here!â
Li Xiaobai pointed at a spot on the map and said, this place was a lava zone, also on the outskirts, and it was the first dangerous place one would encounter when entering from the outside world.
According to the records on the map, there were no demonic beasts here, only an ancient tree in the lava. The tree bore a fruit known as Flame Tree Silvery Blossom, its fruit entirely fiery red like the blazing sun, but its two leaves were as white as snow, hence its name.
The efficacy of the Flame Tree Silvery Blossom fruit wasnât known to him, but it certainly was a Heaven and Earth Treasure that could consolidate oneâs foundation when consumed.
To Li Xiaobai, this item wasnât of much use, but for the others, it was like timely help during a snowstorm. The firmer the foundation, the smoother the path ahead would be.
Moreover, this was a gathering place for countless novice cultivators, making it an excellent spot to cause some trouble. Since they were going out anyway, and it was on the way, why not stir up some incidents as well?
âThis area is good; weâll make a run for it after finishing our business here.â
The old beggar agreed.
âWeâll leave after the last heist.â
The Kraken also commented.
âWoof, Lord Ergouzi wants to take in a pet!â
âGiggle, I want to kill!â
â¦
Half an hour later.
The group slowly arrived at the lava zone indicated on the map.
This was a cliff with a very neat cut face, with continuously flowing, scorching lava beneath it,
Even before approaching, the baking heat was rolling in.
At this moment, the mountain was crowded with many cultivators, most of whom were at the Half-step Human Immortal realm, with a few leaders at the Human Immortal Realm, standing on the cliff.
Several Earth Immortal realm cultivators were senior brothers from within the sect. They had accepted sect missions that day, leading a group of disciples into the Demonic Beast Mountains for training. It was called training, but it was more like an excursion.
The main purpose was for the disciples to familiarize themselves with the routes of the Demonic Beast Mountains so they could come on their own in the future. Secondly, it was to lead the disciples around the peripheral areas to get used to the environment, just like what they were doing at the momentâshowing the disciples the lava.
Whenever they encountered two or three demonic beasts, the senior brothers would take care of them, without needing these junior brothers and sisters to do anything.
On the whole, it was a rather easy and pleasant task.
âBrother Ye, there are so many new faces today, the sect is thriving!â
A few leaders who were at the Human Immortal realm gathered and chuckled.
âWhen has there not been people sharpening their heads to get into the sect? In a yearâs time, those who survive will have proven themselves. These novices are still far behind!â
âIn the Great Flame Dynasty, what we never lack is newcomers!â
The cultivator with the surname Ye waved his hand and said indifferently.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om
âThatâs true. Every year, the Flame Tree Silvery Blossom has become a must-see attraction. It might as well be turned into a tourist spot, yet there are still so many cultivators who rush into it like moths to a flame, dreaming of soaring to the heavens. I donât know whether to call them persistent or foolish.â
âIndeed, my own junior brother passed away here last month. People nowadays always want to take shortcuts, but shortcuts arenât that easy to take. One wrong step can cost you your life!â
The team leaders conversed continuously, occasionally sighing. Cultivators who trained outdoors all year round would often meet up to complain, as they were usually too busy with their training and earning Spirit Stones for rapid advancement, hardly ever having the time to sit down and talk about these things.
âSpeaking of which, itâs almost time for the Sword Sect selection again, isnât it? I wonder how many from the Great Flame Dynasty will be able to advance this year. Brother Ye, could you share some insider information?â
A female cultivator from a certain sect asked.
âHehe, Iâm not afraid to tell you, this time, in the Earth Spirit Realm, in the Barbaric Lands, our Great Flame Dynasty has found several talents whose natural gifts are comparable to those of the disciples from the Super Sects. This time, our Great Flame Dynastyâs ambition will not be limited to the Sword Sect alone!â
The cultivator surnamed Ye said with a light chuckle, pride and satisfaction evident in his eyes.
âReally? Can there be such talents in the Earth Spirit Realm?â The rest of the group seemed somewhat skeptical.
âBrought back by King Weiwu himself, how could there be any falsehood? It is said that even the Grand Emperor personally intervened that day. Now, those few are all under the Grand Emperorâs supervision and are sure to be sent into various prestigious sects later on. These people have risen to the sky in one step, even King Weiwu is indebted to them, having been promoted directly in his nobility, now ranking on par with the True Disciples of the Heavenly Immortal Realm!â
âIn this day and age, natural talent is everything!â
The cultivator surnamed Ye with a long beard sighed. None of this was a secret; King Weiwuâs return had caused a great sensation, and it was only a matter of time before the story would spread to other sects and dynasties.
âYour Great Flame Dynasty has found a treasure this time. Youâre going to prosper!â
A few people said with a hint of envy in their expressions.
As they were chatting, they suddenly noticed that something about their surroundings was amiss.
Not a single disciple was missing, but their voices gradually grew quieter until they finally fell completely silent.
âWhatâs wrong with you all?â
âWerenât you just happily chatting a moment ago?â
âAre you tired of it already?â
The few team leaders stood up, puzzled, only to find that all of their junior brothers and sisters were staring blankly in one direction.
âWhat are you looking at?â
The team leaders followed the gaze of the disciples with a confused look, but their pupils suddenly constricted.
They saw a young man casually walking through the lava below, waving at them with a playful smile on his face, as if the surrounding lava didnât exist at all.
âWhat⦠what is going on!â
Compared to the disciples, the team leaders were even more shocked. With their higher cultivation levels, they understood all too well the terror of the lava below.
This was a naturally born dangerous area of heaven and earth. Many a disciple had perished within it. Not to mention them, even a disciple at the peak of the Human Immortal Realm would only meet with death if they ventured there.
In past years, only those in the Earth Immortal Realm could barely collect a thing or two, and they certainly would not stay in it for long. But now, this young man was actually walking barefoot through the lava, unharmed. What was happening?
âIs this guy⦠really human?â
Everyone was flabbergasted, and many disciples began to question the warnings given by the team leaders earlier: âSenior brothers and sisters, is the lava really as terrifying as you claim?â
âOf course, never doubt the warnings from your seniors. We are professionals!â
âAs someone with experience, I can tell you very responsibly that this is dangerous behavior. Do not imitate it at all costs!â
âThis person looks ordinary and lacks any notable features, but he must indeed be a hidden expert from a previous generation. Thatâs the only explanation, otherwise, it is absolutely impossible to walk freely in the lava!â
The previously speaking cultivator surnamed Ye said loudly, fearing that the impulsiveness of their younger brothers and sisters might lead them to imitate such feats.
If this yearâs students died in large numbers, their only end would be a dead end!