Chapter 86: Unfortunate Circumstances
Chapter 86: Unfortunate Circumstances
Mu Feng's chest rose and fell heavily as he found himself at the edge of an eerie, steaming region. The oppressive heat around him was almost unbearable, but the sound of the fire-scaled tiger halting its pursuit brought a flicker of hope to his eyes.
The Cost of Survival
The fire-scaled tiger growled lowly, pacing near the border of the steaming zone. Its fiery red eyes narrowed, filled with reluctance and frustration. The thick white vapor hissed from fissures in the ground, forming an impenetrable veil of steam. The beast's hesitation was clear—it feared this place.
Mu Feng seized the moment to collapse against a nearby boulder. Sweat dripped down his face, his body trembling with exhaustion. He chuckled bitterly to himself. "It took an entire steaming field to stop you, huh?"
His thoughts turned to Mu Kuang and Bai Ziyue, who had escaped in a different direction. "I hope they make it back safely."
The Danger Isn't Over
The volcanic terrain around him hissed ominously, the ground beneath his feet pulsating with latent heat. Every step was a gamble, and the narrow paths between geysers of scalding steam provided little room for error. Still, it was safer here than outside with the fire-scaled tiger waiting to pounce.
He scanned the area, searching for an escape route. Instead, his eyes landed on a faint glow not far off. His curiosity piqued, and he edged closer.
A Risk Worth Taking
The glow emanated from a crack in the ground. As Mu Feng approached, he realized it wasn't just light—it was energy. Peering into the fissure, his heart raced.
A cluster of scarlet gemstones pulsated with energy akin to fire itself. These were Fire Spirit Crystals, rare treasures formed in the heart of volcanic zones. Their value was immense, not only for cultivation but also for forging high-level fire-element artifacts.
Mu Feng's mind raced. "If I can retrieve even a few of these crystals, it would make this hellish chase worth it."
A Perilous Extraction
The crystals weren't going to be easy to extract. They were embedded deep within the fissure, surrounded by scorching heat that threatened to incinerate anyone foolish enough to reach for them.
Mu Feng produced his Shura Divine Jade and placed it against the fissure's edge. The jade began to hum softly, drawing in the oppressive heat around it. This alleviated some of the danger, allowing Mu Feng to extend his reach.
Carefully, he used his dagger to pry loose the first crystal. It came free with a satisfying crack. The crystal pulsed warmly in his hand, its energy coursing through his body like liquid fire.
One by one, Mu Feng extracted five crystals. Sweat drenched his body, and his fingers ached from the intense heat. Yet, a triumphant grin spread across his face. "These alone are worth a small fortune."
Unwelcome Visitors
As Mu Feng pocketed the last crystal, the ground beneath him rumbled ominously. At first, he thought it was just another tremor—a common occurrence in volcanic regions—but then he heard it.
A low, guttural growl.
Turning sharply, his eyes widened in disbelief. From a distant crevasse, a massive silhouette emerged. It was a lava-scaled serpent, its body aglow with molten patterns and its eyes burning like embers. Unlike the fire-scaled tiger, this beast was clearly at home in the steaming hellscape.
Mu Feng cursed under his breath. "What kind of luck is this?"
The Chase Resumes
The serpent wasted no time lunging at him, its massive jaws snapping shut where he'd stood just moments before. Mu Feng rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding the attack. He bolted down a narrow path, the serpent hot on his heels.
The terrain became increasingly treacherous, with geysers of scalding steam erupting unpredictably. Mu Feng weaved between them, hoping the natural hazards would slow the serpent down.
But the serpent was relentless. Its scales deflected the jets of steam, and its speed belied its massive size.
A Desperate Plan
Mu Feng's mind raced as he searched for a way to escape. His eyes fell on a particularly large geyser ahead. The steam erupted in intervals, and the timing was tight. If he miscalculated, he'd be scalded alive.
Taking a deep breath, he sprinted toward the geyser. At the last second, he dove forward, rolling beneath the searing jet just as it erupted. The serpent wasn't as fortunate. It barreled through the geyser's path, its body writhing as the superheated steam seared its scales.
The beast roared in pain, its pursuit faltering.
Temporary Respite
Mu Feng didn't stop to look back. He continued running until the rumbling of the serpent's pursuit faded into the distance. When he finally stopped, he collapsed to the ground, gasping for air.
His body ached, his energy reserves were nearly depleted, but he was alive. Clutching the Fire Spirit Crystals tightly, he muttered to himself, "This better be worth it."
Looking ahead, Mu Feng saw the edge of the steaming region. Beyond it lay more rocky terrain, and perhaps, a chance to finally regroup with his companions.
As the volcanic landscape stretched out before him, Mu Feng steeled himself for the challenges ahead. His mind wandered briefly to Mu Kuang and Bai Ziyue. "Wait for me. I'll return—no matter what it takes."