Chapter 25: The Collapse Crisis of the Molten Flame Abyss

Deep within the Molten Flame Volcano, the crack was like a narrow passage of death. The cave walls were pitch-black and rugged, covered with scorching lava patterns. Dark red light gushed out from the gaps, resembling countless blood snakes wriggling. The ground trembled like thunder, and a low rumbling sound came from the depths of the crack. Lava surged like a tide, and heatwaves rolled in, making the air distort. Mixed with the pungent smell of sulfur and burnt flesh, every breath was like swallowing a searing blade, stinging the lungs and piercing the heart. The cave ceiling kept collapsing, and huge rocks rained down. Debris mixed with lava dripped, hissing when it hit the ground and splashing out bursts of deadly sparks. The entire volcano was like an enraged giant beast, on the verge of roaring and devouring everything.

Lin Jin staggered and ran deep into the crack. The wounds on his left shoulder and left rib were a mass of torn flesh and blood. Blood trickled down his arm and evaporated into a pungent white mist when it came into contact with the lava, burning his skin charred red. He tightly gripped his wooden staff. The purple flames of his First - Tier Flame Master were almost depleted within his body, barely supporting his tottering body. His left arm almost lost all sensation, and the intense pain was like a cone piercing his bones. His legs were as heavy as if filled with lead. Every step he took seemed to be on the edge of death. He gritted his teeth and said hoarsely, "Run deeper. The volcano is about to collapse!" His voice was low and urgent, full of a strong sense of crisis. Purple flames seeped out from his palm, trying to protect the three of them, but they were as weak as a dying candle in the wind.

Su Yao supported him tightly. Her big, agile eyes were wide open, and tears welled up in her eyes. The dried bloodstains at the corners of her mouth made her pale face look even more tragic. The azure flames of her Fourth - Tier Initial Flame Realm coiled around Lin Jin's wounds like a thin mist, trying to slow down the bleeding, but they were almost extinguished due to the depletion of spiritual flames. She held her short sword tightly, her aura disordered, her steps staggering. She said in a low voice, "Lin Jin, what shall we do if the volcano collapses? You can't hold on anymore!" Her voice trembled with a sob. Her agile figure clung closely to him. Protecting him with her azure flames had almost drained her last bit of strength. Tears rolled down her cheeks, mixed with sweat, and dropped onto the scalding ground, evaporating instantly.

Duan Hao carried his broad - bladed sword and guarded the rear. His rugged body almost filled the narrow crack. The whip wound on his shoulder was torn, and blood trickled down his arm, staining the handle of the knife and hissing when it came into contact with the lava. The crimson flames of his First - Tier Flame Master Realm were leaping on the blade. His heroic momentum was still like a raging fire, but he couldn't hide his heavy gasps and the exhaustion in his eyes. He growled, "I can still fight. Even if the volcano collapses, I'll split it open!" He pressed his thick palm against the handle of the knife. The crimson - flame blade glow soared. He turned his head to scan the back, and the killing intent in his eyes was intense. However, he was forced to retreat continuously by the huge rocks falling from the ceiling. A piece of lava debris hit his right leg, burning a charred mark. He gritted his teeth and groaned, and blood gushed out.

Outside the crack, the Molten Flame Volcano trembled even more violently. The black smoke erupting from the volcano crater was as thick as ink, mixed with scorching lava debris pouring down like a torrential rain. The rumbling sound shook the earth. The cracks on the ground spread rapidly, and the lava torrent rushed towards the foot of the mountain like a burst dam. The pursuers from the Skyflame Pavilion followed closely. Two Flame Soul Dogs roared like thunder, their eyes like crimson flames. Their huge claws tore apart the lava vines, spitting out crimson flames as they approached the crack. The middle - aged man held a flame spear, with the crimson flames wriggling. The bloodstains on his shoulder hadn't dried yet. He coldly shouted, "They'll die even if the volcano collapses. Chase in and dig out their bodies to get the Source Flame Crystal!" Behind him, the whip - wielding man lashed out his crimson - flame whip shadow, the huge ax - man carried his massive battle - ax. His flame armor was scorched black. Four black - robed Initiates at the Initial Flame Realm followed with their blades drawn. The killing intent filled the air, and the barking of the Flame Soul Dogs was like the tolling of a death knell.

"Flame Soul Ancestor, what should we do?" Lin Jin asked urgently in a low voice, his voice hoarse and on the verge of despair. Sweat mixed with blood dripped down, blurring his vision.

The Flame Soul Ancestor said solemnly, "The earth veins of the volcano are out of control. The lava torrent will flood the crack within three breaths! Run deeper and find the exit of the earth veins. Otherwise, the lava will swallow you up, and the Skyflame Pavilion won't even need to take action! Kid, you have only three breaths. Fight with all you have!" The ancestor's tone was as urgent as thunder, with a biting sense of oppression, like the countdown to death.

Lin Jin's heart shook violently. He said in a low voice, "Three breaths..." His eyes swept towards the depths of the crack. The lava torrent surged forward like a blood tide, and the heatwaves burned his skin until it cracked. He growled, "Run!" He activated his Flame Step, and the purple flames exploded under his feet. He pulled Su Yao and ran wildly. Blood gushed out from his left arm, staining the ground red. The intense pain almost made him faint.

Su Yao's agile figure followed closely. She activated the Azure Luan Light Flame Art. The azure flames protected them like the wind, barely resisting the heatwaves. She shouted, "Lin Jin, the lava is coming!" Her voice was sharp. Her tears were dried up by the hot wind. She swung her short sword, and the azure - flame sword qi cut off the falling gravel above her head. However, her arm was burned by a piece of lava, and the smell of burned flesh was pungent. She gritted her teeth and groaned, staggering to keep up.

Duan Hao roared. He swung his broad - bladed sword, and the Blazing Flame Earth - Splitting Slash split a huge rock apart. The crimson - flame blade glow protected his back. As the lava torrent approached, he growled, "I'll hold it off for a while. You two run!" He waved his sword with his thick hand, and the crimson flames burst out. He resisted the lava torrent hard, but was shaken back by the heatwaves. His right leg was charred black and his flesh was blurred. He gritted his teeth and ran wildly, leaving a trail of blood.

Deep within the crack, the lava torrent roared like a giant beast. It was about to arrive within three breaths. The ground shook violently, and large areas of the cave walls collapsed. Huge rocks fell down, blocking the way back. Lin Jin gritted his teeth. The purple flames rushed towards the ground, devouring the spiritual flames of the lava, trying to slow down the torrent. However, the lava surged forward like a tide, burning his left leg until the skin turned charred red. He growled, "Where is the exit!"

"To the left!" The Flame Soul Ancestor shouted urgently. Lin Jin suddenly turned to the left. A narrower crack came into view, only wide enough for half a person. Heat gushed out, and the lava was faintly approaching. He growled, "Get in!" He squeezed in sideways. His left shoulder hit the cave wall, and the flesh was torn. The intense pain was excruciating. He gritted his teeth and pulled Su Yao in.

Su Yao's agile figure squeezed in. She protected herself from the heatwaves with her azure flames. Tears dropped, and she said in a low voice, "Brother Duan, hurry up!" Her big eyes were full of anxiety, and she reached out to pull Duan Hao.

Duan Hao's rugged body got stuck at the entrance of the crack. The lava torrent was approaching, and the heatwaves burned his back charred black. He roared, "I'm coming in!" He swung his sword and split the cave wall. The crimson flames burst out, and he forced his way in. The lava torrent passed by him, burning his right leg until the flesh was blurred. He growled and fell to the ground, bleeding profusely.

Inside the crack, the lava torrent rushed in, and the heatwaves were overwhelming. The three of them were squeezed in the narrow space. The air was as hot as a furnace, and it was difficult to breathe. Lin Jin gritted his teeth and said in a low voice, "Hold on. We'll survive if the torrent passes!" He protected himself with purple flames, resisting the heatwaves. Blood dripped from his left arm, hissing.

Su Yao protected the three of them with her azure flames. Her big eyes were filled with tears. She said in a low voice, "Stay alive..." Her aura was weak. Her tears evaporated, and her agile figure almost went limp.

Duan Hao leaned against the cave wall, protected by the crimson - flame blade glow. He growled, "I won't die!" He pressed his thick hand against the wound. Blood mixed with lava, but his heroic spirit remained undiminished.

Outside the cave, the middle - aged man coldly shouted, "They're doomed now that the lava has flooded in!" The Flame Soul Dogs roared. The whip - wielding man lashed his whip shadow into the crack. The huge ax - man swung his ax at the volcano, and the lava spurted out even more intensively. The volcano trembled as if the end of the world had arrived.

Inside the crack, the lava torrent was approaching. The heatwaves burned the skin of the three of them until it cracked. Lin Jin gritted his teeth. The purple flames devoured the spiritual flames of the lava, barely blocking the torrent. He said in a low voice, "Hold on!" Blood was flowing continuously from his left arm. Su Yao was unconscious in his arms. Duan Hao gasped heavily like an ox. They were on the very brink of life and death.