The girl quietly listened to Ji Dong's narration, seemingly immersed in it, murmuring to herself: "So that's what liquor is like. I believe I truly understood everything you just said. It's really delicious. But I felt your narration is even more beautiful than this cup of liquor."
Upon recovering from his thoughts, Ji Dong was surprised at what he had just said. While mixing liquor for Yang Bingtian, he would only pass the liquor to him after he finished his preparations, never speaking so much. However, facing the perfect girl before him, his heart was full of eagerness to perform. For a moment, he seemed to return to his times as the Liquor God.
Clearing his mind, Ji Dong said: "I have answered your question, now, can you tell me, what exactly is this place? And who are you?"
The girl smiled charmingly, "I haven't seen humans in a long time. I'm curious, you're so weak, how did you end up here? This place is Earth's center and my name is 'Flame.'
"Flame?" Ji Dong frowned and shook his head, "This name doesn't suit you. Flame indicates volatility and aggression, but you didn't give me such an impression."
Flame smiled and said, "Don't humans have a saying, don't judge a book by its cover? Besides, I'm not human. You haven't seen my violent side, so naturally, you wouldn't understand the significance of my name. All underground creatures call me Flaming Queen. But in respect of your lecture on the liquor just now, I'll let you call me by my name."
Ji Dong was stunned to find that at this moment, Flame's aura had undergone a radical change. The previously delicate and watery girl now possessed a queen dominating charm. Her invisible pressure quieted the boundless Lava Lake, stifling even the bubbles.
However, Ji Dong wasn't intimidated by Flame's transformation. In his eyes, this was just Flame's perfect evolution. Perhaps, this was the feeling of loving someone. No matter how she changed, she was always perfect in his heart.
"You mentioned this is Earth's center? And something about underground creatures, I don't understand," Ji Dong said puzzledly.
Flame smiled and said, "A human child like you talks in such an interesting way. You're only about ten years old, yet you have such an adult-like tone. And you can blend such a delicious liquor. You being here means our fates are intertwined. So, I'll make an exception and have more of a chat with you today."
While speaking, Flame stood above the Lava Pillars, quietly rotating like a dancer. A fiery-red long skirt wrapped around her tempting body. Even though the long skirt lacked any decorations, it looked stunning on her.
Ji Dong felt a light weight on his body. Before he could react, his body was lifted off the ground, floating over the Lava Lake. Around him, the light-red protective shield had formed into a sphere, and it was this that held him aloft and brought him to Flame's side.
"Don't be afraid, young human. Nothing can harm you here without my permission," Flame's voice became as gentle as before, the queenly aura disappearing.
"You must have never heard of this place before. I'm afraid very few humans know of its existence. There are a group of creatures living underground, distinct from those on the surface. There are eighteen layers and the further inside, the stronger the creatures become. It is already an achievement that humans know of the few outer layers. But whether it's humans or us, the underground creatures, we all live on this planet, the Earth, do you understand?"
Ji Dong nodded, "I understand. The planet we live on is a tiny part of the universe. It spins on its own axis and orbits around the Sun. Could it be that here is the core of the planet?"
Flame paused, "Universe? What is that? I don't know. But you seem to know a lot of things! Calling this the Earth's core isn't wrong as this is the eighteenth layer of the underground and the center of the entire planet."
Ji Dong asked, "So does that mean you are the most powerful being among underground creatures?"
Flame giggled, "I'm not sure about that, all I know is that I am alone in this Core Lake. I used to visit your Human World occasionally but have stopped as there can be dangers for me there."
Looking at the peculiar protective shield around his body, Ji Dong couldn't help but ask, "You're so powerful, why would you fear danger?"
Flame mysteriously said, "Little friend, that is a secret that I cannot share."
Ji Dong helplessly said, "Could you not call me 'little friend'? I have a name; it's Ji Dong."
Flame thought for a moment, "Then I'll call you Little Ji Dong."
Ji Dong laughed bitterly, "Can't you drop the 'little'?"
Flame burst into laughter, her radiant smile causing Ji Dong's nose to heat up, "But you are small, why shouldn't I call you that? Don't you like your name? Then should I call you Little Ji Ji? Or Little Dong Dong?"
"Well... you can just call me Little Ji Dong."
Flame laughed triumphantly, "Little Ji Dong, how did you get here? You must know that not just anyone can come here."
Ji Dong shook his head, "I also don't know why I'm here. I just opened a scroll, and then got caught up in a burst of five-colored light. I seemed to keep falling downwards until the light disappeared, and then I found myself here."
"A scroll? It should be a Magic Technique Scroll, right? Hmm, it must be the Yin and Yang Magic Technique Scroll created by you humans, it's quite difficult to make one with five elements. Judging from the energy fluctuations when you arrived, it was not a Positioning Transmission Scroll. It must be a type of Random Transmission. It managed to transport you thousands of miles underground, the magic power accompanying the scroll is indeed strong."
Ji Dong was surprised, "Yin and Yang Magic Technique Scroll? What is that? Can I go back?"
Flame gently combed through her red hair in front of her chest, thought for a moment, then said: "Little Ji Dong, how about we make a deal? The liquor you made was really delicious. If you could regularly bring liquor for me to taste, I would help you return to the Human World. What do you think?"
"Okay, no problem." Ji Dong agreed without hesitation. What surprised him was it wasn't the prospect of returning to the Human World that prompted his quick decision; it was the hope of meeting Flame again.
"However, the liquor you bring definitely has to be delicious and you'll have to tell me tales of the Human World. I'm so lonely here and unfortunately, I can't leave easily. If your liquor tastes bad, I will be angry. If I get angry, I may throw you into the Core Lake."