Free Web NovelChapter 1838: Chapter 1838: Temporary Camp
This boiling river originates from Half Border Mountain and flows towards Molten Lava Land, only to be boiled by the scorching temperatures upon entering the region. ƒreewebɳovel.com
The fusion of water vapor and fire waves easily forms mirages, transforming distant scenery via projection in this place.
Fortunately, this is only the edge of Molten Lava Land, and Li Feng and his group have just stepped in, so they won’t be deceived by the mirages.
With the Sikong family’s map, Li Feng undoubtedly has more choices; otherwise, entering Molten Lava Land blindly might leave him unscathed, but his trusted aides would likely suffer great losses.
Sikong Yu leads the way ahead, stepping along the riverbank into Half Border Mountain; this area is still somewhat open, and the road is not rugged.
But the further they enter the valley, they realize the mountain walls on both sides are cleaved like an axe, hundreds of meters high, all in crimson red, and the walls emit metallic gleams. It seems these mountains contain a large amount of metal ore.
However, under long-term exposure to scorching air currents, a glaze-like metal surface gradually forms, and on these walls, there’s only a slope that’s barely a path for leaning on the air.
"Stop."
Li Feng scans this path, and no wonder Sikong Yu previously mentioned the treacherousness of the Zi Wu trail. Initially thinking there was at least a path here, it turns out there is no pathway, not even enough for one person.
There’s only a slope, on which a few footholds have been carved for leaning on the air.
Even Golden Core Early Stage cultivators, like those martial artists from Nine Layers Mountain, could easily lose their footing; their movements must be agile, without any distraction.
According to Sikong Yu, the wind in the valley is strong because the south is extremely hot Molten Lava Land; this trumpet-like opening allows the cold air brought by the valley’s flow to rapidly preheat.
Rising hot air accelerates airflow circulation in the valley; the origin of wind lies in the temperature difference between hot and cold, and the greater the temperature difference, the stronger the wind.
Below the valley, air flows from north to south, while above Half Border Mountain, the hot air from Molten Lava Land naturally flows towards the direction of the cold air sinking, which is the other end of Half Border Mountain.
Thus, hundreds of meters high, the valley forms Gang Wind flowing in convection.
They are still at the trumpet-like opening, already hearing the alarming wind inside, imagining how strong the Gang Qi inside must be.
"I’ll go explore the path first." frёewebnoѵēl.com
Li Feng said this, and with a quick leap, he steps on the footholds and moves along the slope cliff towards the upstream end of the river.
The Gang Wind doesn’t affect Li Feng much, but it would be disastrous for cultivators at the Foundation Establishment level.
Li Feng quickly advances about a li, suddenly finding the mountain wall receding inward; originally a dragon-like valley now has a fork, which seems caused by mountain fracture, and water flows gently from the crack.
Originally, the outside’s hot wind feels refreshing upon entering the crack; Li Feng follows the crack upward and finds the interior narrow and gradually widening, until at the end, a cold spring erupts.
Although the area is only a few hundred square meters, it can accommodate quite a few people, and since water is present, Li Feng’s group doesn’t lack food; as cultivators, fasting is common, ensuring they don’t worry about food for at least two to three months.
Beside the cold spring, there seem to be traces left by previous cultivators, likely from Sikong family’s past generations.
Li Feng surveys the area once and then turns back the way he came, returning to the original place.
"Did you find it?"
Sikong Yu sees Li Feng returning and steps forward to ask, even though the map is marked, Sikong Yu, never having traveled before, is inevitably worried.
"Found it, but need to continue forward more than five hundred meters, and the valley’s convection Gang Wind is strong, risking a fall if carelessly handled."
"This way, I will lead people; though a bit troublesome, it’s at least safe."
After saying this, Li Feng immediately activates his bloodline, spreads his Vermilion Bird Wings, and flies directly, pulling one person with one hand, able to carry two people per trip, making the distance of several hundred meters manageable.
Though Sikong Yu can’t do as Li Feng does, carrying one person herself is possible, taking some time to bring everyone into the crevice space.
"Young Master, after counting lightly, there are less than three hundred people left."
Lei Ba steps forward, speaking softly to Li Feng.
Previously, at the ruins facing the ambush of the Ten Demon Hall, losses were most severe; over a hundred died, and dozens couldn’t follow, only allowing return to the First Line Pass.
Afterward, the journey went smoothly until Life and Death Valley; despite Li Feng clearing the ant swarm like a cheat, seventeen more trusted aides died.
Originally, Li Feng bought five hundred people from the Duel Arena, now only a bit over half remain.
Li Feng nodded, then stood up, while the trusted aides raised their heads in attention.
"This search for the Vermilion Bird was intended as a chance, though I didn’t expect such hardships along the way, and this Molten Lava Land is equally harsh."
"It’s my oversight, putting you at risk with me."
"Camp Master, it’s our lack of competence, burdening you."
"Indeed, if not for us, Camp Master would have long found that Vermilion Bird."
Listening to the trusted aides blaming themselves, Li Feng presses his hands after a while: "Though I truly want to take you all to find the Vermilion Bird, reality should be clear to you, we’ve just taken the first step."
"Next, we must traverse Molten Lava Land, reach the central Molten Lava Volcano, then descend into Molten Lava Cave."
"This journey is fraught with danger, and I cannot protect everyone; continuing with me leads only to certain death."
"Thus, I decide on searching for the Vermilion Bird, only those at Golden Core level, except for those from Foundation Establishment Late Stage to Perfection who practice Burning Technique can follow, and participation is your own decision, I won’t force."
"Though opportunities are vital, surviving is paramount, and even if you don’t go down with me this time, I won’t abandon you; many opportunities lie ahead for self-strengthening."
"You have one night to consider."
After Li Feng said this, he spoke no further as bringing everyone down clearly wasn’t possible, sacrifices must be made.
"Ran Yue."
"You want to persuade me to stay."
Ran Yue raises her eyes to Li Feng; Li Feng nods: "I didn’t expect finding the Vermilion Bird to be riddled with dangers, and this place is unfriendly to non-fire element cultivators."
Ran Yue’s expertise is in beast taming, combined with her Foundation Establishment strength, continuing with him offers no benefit.
