Chapter 5880
The Crimson Flame Canyon, like a hideous scar, stretches across the boundless crimson wasteland.
Standing at the canyon’s edge and looking down, one sees sheer cliffs on both sides, a deep, dark red, like congealed blood.
Not a blade of grass grows on the cliffs, only strange, crimson crystals reflecting the blinding sunlight.
Deep within the canyon, billowing heat waves distort the air into undulating ripples.
Visible crimson currents rise from the valley floor, carrying a strong sulfurous odor and scorching heat.
Further in, dark red lava rivers flow slowly, occasionally bursting into bubbling, boiling sounds, spewing waves of lava several meters high.
Occasionally, strange crimson creatures can be seen swimming in these lava rivers, moving with lightning speed.
“Roar—!”
A deep, majestic roar echoes from the deepest part of the canyon, causing rocks to tumble down the cliff walls.
That was the oppressive aura of the Fiery Dragon; even the aftershocks caused many cultivators at the fifth or sixth rank of the Celestial Immortal Realm to feel a chill.
“This is the Crimson Flame Canyon…”
Kai narrowed his eyes, sensing the almost tangible fire-attribute spiritual energy in the air.
Here, the speed of his Chaos Immortal Power circulation noticeably increased, and his perception of the surrounding environment became much sharper.
Crimson Cloud Demon Lord stood beside him, his expression grave: “Such dense baleful energy and fire poison. Many powerful figures must have perished deep within this canyon.”
The Earth Fire Pavilion’s team camped on a relatively flat area at the edge of the canyon.
Elder Yanxin gathered everyone and said in a deep voice, “The Crimson Flame Canyon is divided into three layers: the outer layer, the middle layer, and the core. The Flame Spirit Grass grows in the ‘Flame Spirit Basin,’ which is located at the junction of the middle layer and the core. This is also an area where the Flame Dragon frequently operates.” ”
Our objective is clear: quickly enter the Flame Spirit Basin, collect at least thirty mature Flame Spirit Grasses, and then immediately evacuate. The entire process must not exceed three hours, otherwise the Flame Dragon will inevitably detect it and launch an attack.”
He looked around at everyone, especially at the ten guards he had recruited: “Gentlemen, since you have accepted this mission, you should know the risks involved. But as long as you follow orders and cooperate properly, the chances of survival are still very high. The Earth Fire Pavilion will not mistreat those who have made contributions.”
Despite these words, Kai could sense that there was a subtle line between the Earth Fire Pavilion disciples and the hired guards.
The Earth Fire Pavilion disciples gathered around Elder Yanxin and Huo Ling’er, while the guards were arranged to guard the outer perimeter.
Yan Lie stood beside Elder Yanxin, his gaze intentionally or unintentionally sweeping over Kai, a barely perceptible cold smile curling at the corner of his mouth.
“Now, let’s assign tasks,”
Elder Yan Xin continued. “After entering the canyon, someone needs to lead the way, clearing away the ferocious beasts and obstacles along the way. This task…”
He looked at the guard team.
Yan Lie suddenly spoke up: “Elder, the path-clearing task is dangerous and important, requiring someone with formidable strength and quick reflexes. I recommend Fellow Daoist Kai.”
He turned to Kai, a seemingly sincere smile on his face: “Fellow Daoist Chen performed amazingly during the test, his strength far surpassing others of the same level. You are the most suitable person to lead the way.”
Upon hearing this, the guards’ expressions changed slightly.
Leading the way, to put it nicely, is being a vanguard; to put it bluntly, it’s being cannon fodder for scouting.
The Crimson Flame Canyon is fraught with danger; whoever walks in the front will be the first to encounter various ferocious beasts, poisonous insects, and traps.
Although the reward will be higher, the risk is also the greatest.
Most of the other guards who passed the test were at the fifth or sixth rank of the Heavenly Immortal Realm, and naturally, they were unwilling to take on this arduous task.
Everyone looked at Kai.
Kai remained calm, exchanged a few breaths with Yan Lie, and slowly nodded: “It’s fine.”
“Kai…” the Crimson Cloud Demon Lord tried to dissuade him. “It’s alright,”
Kai replied. “I also want to observe the canyon environment up close.”
A hint of triumph flashed in Yan Lie’s eyes as he added, “Since we’re clearing a path, we shouldn’t have too many people, lest we disturb the Flame Dragon. Fellow Daoist Chen, you can choose two or three more to accompany us.”
This was to isolate him.
Kai glanced at the guard team; most of them lowered their heads, not daring to meet his gaze.
Only a tall, thin middle-aged cultivator carrying a longbow and a short, stocky man wielding two hammers stepped forward.
“I am Lin Feng, a sixth-grade Celestial Immortal, skilled in ranged attacks and reconnaissance. I am willing to accompany Fellow Daoist Chen to clear the path,”
the bow-carrying cultivator
said, clasping his hands in greeting. “My name is Shi Meng, a fifth-grade Celestial Immortal. I’m tough and can be of help,”
the stocky man said in a deep voice.
Kai nodded to the two: “Thank you for your trouble.”
“I’ll go too!”
a clear voice rang out.
Huo Ling’er stepped out from among the disciples of the Earth Fire Pavilion and ran to Kai’s side. “I haven’t really had any real training yet. This is a good opportunity to see what it’s like.”
“Nonsense!”
Yan Lie’s expression changed. “Junior Sister Ling’er, clearing the path is dangerous. How can you take the risk? Come back!”
Elder Yan Xin also frowned and said, “Ling’er, don’t be willful. Stay with me. Safety comes first.”
“But…” Huo Ling’er wanted to argue.
Kai said, “Your Highness is of noble status and it is indeed not advisable for you to take risks. Leave the clearing the path to us.”
Huo Ling’er looked at Kai’s calm and firm eyes, bit her lip, and finally retreated, but did not forget to remind him, “Then be careful… Wangcai, you have to protect Kai!”
Wangcai growled and rubbed against Kai, indicating that he understood.
Yan Lie watched this scene, his eyes becoming even more sinister.
“Kai, I’ll go with you too!” said the Crimson Cloud Demon Lord.
“Senior, we can’t both risk our lives at the same time. If we both die, there won’t even be anyone to deliver the message.”
“Just follow behind,”
Kai said. “If there’s any danger, you can come to my rescue in time!”
He hadn’t chosen Crimson Cloud Demon Lord because he was afraid Crimson Cloud Demon Lord might be in danger.
Crimson Cloud Demon Lord looked at Kai, his eyes filled with gratitude.
Once upon a time, when he was just a wisp of soul, he was willing to help Kai, completely disregarding him.
But now, his physical body had recovered, and Kai was someone he couldn’t reach.
Now, he needed Kai’s protection.