Witnessing the turbulent magma and the stone boat docked at a small pier nearby, Muketuo turned to Chu Tian and asked if they were going to cross. Chu Tian confirmed, and after a quick mental scan to ensure safety, he enveloped the group with his mental power and transported them onto the stone boat.
The stone boat, adorned with a carved phoenix, began to move along the magma river as the phoenix's wings fluttered. Chu Tian sat leisurely at the stern, half-closed eyes resting, while continuously scanning the surroundings with his mental power. Muketuo took up a defensive position at the bow, while Sado, Amina, and the remaining mercenary tensely watched for any danger.
Suddenly, the boat shook violently, causing instability among its passengers. A mercenary, previously sitting at the edge, screamed as a red tentacle emerged from the magma and dragged him into the fiery depths. Sado tried to rescue him, only to pull up half of his body, the lower half having been melted away by the magma.
Chu Tian quickly enveloped the injured mercenary with his mental power and laid him on the boat. Muketuo administered a healing potion, which alleviated the pain and put the mercenary into a deep sleep. Amina confirmed that the mercenary would survive but would need mechanical reconstruction to continue practicing.
The magma ahead suddenly churned, and a giant tentacle emerged, striking towards their boat. Chu Tian activated his Ice Talent, freezing the attacking tentacle into an icicle. However, the ice quickly melted due to the magma's intense heat. Using the Ruyi Jingu Bang, Chu Tian shattered the ice but inadvertently freed the tentacle.
The giant magma octopus, angered by Chu Tian's actions, unleashed more tentacles towards the boat. Chu Tian's mental power shielded the boat from harm, and he levitated to assess the situation. He discovered the magma octopus, an S-level creature with Fire and Rock Armor talents, which he promptly copied for 120 Talent Points.
As more tentacles attacked, Chu Tian deflected them with his Ice Talent and summoned the Thunder Swords. The swords, enhanced by lightning from the Thunder Explosion Zone, formed a giant sword circle and launched numerous white orbs towards the octopus. The orbs ignited with blue flames upon contact, but the octopus shook them off, seemingly unharmed.
The boat's passengers grew anxious as Chu Tian's initial attack seemed ineffective. They realized that fighting an S-level beast in its magma domain was a daunting task.
However, Chu Tian's Six Paths Sword Jue dispersed into individual Thunder Swords, radiating a more formidable aura. Despite no change in his spiritual energy density, his presence grew more intimidating.
The Thunder Swords flew in all directions, surrounding the octopus. Muketuo and the others felt Chu Tian's growing strength, a testament to his formidable abilities.
The encounter with the magma octopus showcased Chu Tian's tactical versatility and the daunting challenge of battling a powerful creature in its natural environment. As the battle unfolded, Chu Tian's leadership and strength became increasingly evident, instilling a mix of awe and reliance among his companions.