Chapter 87: The Power of a Core Formation Expert

Chapter 87: The Power of a Core Formation Expert

Mu Feng's pulse quickened as he stared down into the fiery abyss of the volcano, where molten rock churned and glowed. His heart sank at the mention of the Fire Lotus Seeds, a legendary treasure capable of amplifying fire-element cultivation to extraordinary levels. However, its allure came with an obvious cost—danger beyond imagination.

The Task at Hand

"Predecessor," Mu Feng began cautiously, his voice steady despite the dread creeping into his chest. "I understand the value of the Fire Lotus Seeds, but such treasures are usually guarded by formidable creatures. My cultivation... lacks the ability to accomplish this task without certain death."

The woman—Liu Yixue, as Mu Feng recalled from her earlier self-introduction—regarded him with cold amusement. "You seem clever enough to understand the risks. That's precisely why I've chosen you for this."

Her gaze flickered with disdain as she gestured to the glowing fissures below. "You're resourceful. You survived the Fire-Scaled Tiger and navigated the steaming fields unscathed. Use that wit of yours to survive what lies below."

The Reality of Resistance

Mu Feng's jaw clenched. Arguing further was futile. He had already felt Liu Yixue's strength firsthand when she subdued him with just a flick of her fingers. As a Core Formation expert—far beyond his mere Purple Mansion Realm—her power was overwhelming. Her will was law, and defiance meant death.

"Fine," he muttered under his breath. "I'll do it."

Liu Yixue's lips curled into a faint, satisfied smile. She extended her hand, a faint blue light forming a protective talisman. "This will shield you from the lava's heat for a short time. Don't squander it."

Mu Feng took the talisman reluctantly and secured it around his wrist. Its cool, soothing energy immediately coursed through his body, pushing back the oppressive heat from the volcano.

Descending Into Danger

The fiery chasm loomed before him as he prepared to descend. Using a rope conjured from Liu Yixue's energy, he slowly lowered himself into the volcanic cavity. Below, the molten lava glowed ominously, and the air shimmered with intense heat.

At the center of the fiery pit, perched on a blackened rock surrounded by lava, was the Fire Lotus. Its petals blazed like tongues of flame, and three brilliant Fire Lotus Seeds sat at its core, glowing with an otherworldly light.

Mu Feng's heart raced at the sight. "Incredible," he whispered to himself. "A treasure like this... even a small faction would wage war to claim it."

A Beast Awakens

As he drew closer, the ground beneath the lotus trembled. From the molten depths, a colossal serpent-like figure emerged, its molten scales dripping with lava and its eyes burning with malevolent light. It was a Lava-Scaled Serpent, and judging by the oppressive aura it radiated, it had reached the peak of the Core Formation realm.

Mu Feng froze mid-step. "Of course," he muttered. "There's always a guardian."

Above, Liu Yixue's voice rang out, calm and commanding. "Distract it. I will intervene when the opportunity arises."

Distract it? Mu Feng clenched his fists, biting back a retort. How was he, a mere Purple Mansion cultivator, supposed to distract a creature that could incinerate him with a single breath?

A Desperate Gamble

Drawing in a deep breath, Mu Feng activated the Shura Divine Jade. Its dark glow wrapped around him like a cloak, enhancing his speed and strength slightly. He dashed to the edge of the platform, waving his arms and yelling at the serpent. "Hey, you overgrown worm! Over here!"

The serpent's glowing eyes locked onto him, and it let out an earth-shaking roar. Lava splashed up in torrents as the beast surged toward him with terrifying speed.

Mu Feng leaped to another rock just as the serpent's massive head crashed into the spot he'd occupied moments before. The force of the impact sent shockwaves through the pit, nearly knocking him off balance.

"Liu Yixue!" he shouted upward. "Now would be a great time!"

The Core Formation Expert Strikes

A brilliant flash of light erupted from above as Liu Yixue descended gracefully, a radiant sword of energy in her hand. She moved like a phantom, her strikes precise and devastating. With each swing, arcs of blue energy carved into the serpent's molten scales, forcing it back.

The serpent roared in fury, spewing molten lava toward her. Liu Yixue's form blurred as she evaded the attack effortlessly, countering with a devastating blast of energy that sent the beast reeling.

"Now!" she barked at Mu Feng. "Retrieve the seeds while I hold it off!"

Claiming the Prize

Mu Feng didn't need to be told twice. He dashed toward the Fire Lotus, his heart pounding as the intense heat grew nearly unbearable, even with the talisman's protection. Reaching the lotus, he carefully plucked the three glowing seeds and secured them in a jade box.

The serpent's enraged roar filled the cavern as it realized what was happening. It thrashed violently, breaking free from Liu Yixue's suppression for a moment and lunging toward Mu Feng.

"Move!" Liu Yixue shouted, sending a wave of energy to block the serpent's path.

Mu Feng didn't hesitate. He sprinted back toward the rope, leaping onto it and climbing as fast as he could. The serpent's tail whipped toward him, narrowly missing as Liu Yixue unleashed a final, blindingly powerful strike that forced the beast to retreat into the lava.

Escape and Reflection

Back on solid ground, Mu Feng collapsed, clutching the jade box tightly. His chest heaved as he struggled to catch his breath, the events of the last few minutes replaying in his mind.

Liu Yixue landed gracefully beside him, her expression unreadable. She extended a hand. "The seeds."

Reluctantly, Mu Feng handed over the jade box. She opened it briefly, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction before closing it again.

"You did well," she said, her tone neutral. "Consider your debt repaid."

Before Mu Feng could respond, she added, "Leave this place. You've survived by luck today, but luck doesn't last forever."

With that, she turned and ascended into the sky, leaving Mu Feng alone on the volcano's edge, bruised, exhausted, but alive—and forever changed.