After escaping deep into the Sha Wang River, the fiery catastrophe on the horizon and the line of the earth finally began to show signs of fading. However, it was certain that the terrifying flames must have blanketed that already scorched land. The only place not severely affected seemed to be this Sha Wang River.
"Huff huff huff~~~"
Having escaped the brunt of the fiery waves, a surge of hot air hit them from not far away, leaving everyone feeling parched from the intense heat. Although they had avoided the most direct and frightening flames, even the lingering hot air was difficult to endure.
In the direction of the northern corner of the Scorching Plains, the landscape was glowing bright red, like an entire world consumed by flames. The scene resembled an ocean of fire—brilliant, red, and scorching!
"I've heard that the Sha Wang River is a dead river. The countless white sand monsters slumbering here symbolize how many lives once perished in this very place. Initially, I was puzzled by the large number of these monsters in such a massive river, but now I realize a significant portion of them were driven into this river during fire calamities like the one we just witnessed, forced into what is essentially a death sentence. Over time, the Sha Wang River has become more terrifying." Lingling explained, still shaken as she gazed toward the northern corner of the Scorching Plains.
"Maybe we should leave. That fire calamity was too terrifying. If we had ventured deeper into the northern corner, we wouldn't have been able to escape." Zhao Manyan quickly suggested.
When danger threatened his life, Zhao Manyan's instinct was always to retreat. He enjoyed excitement but wasn't one to court death.
However, Chen Ying mentioned that the fire calamity only occurred once every few years and wasn't always present. Furthermore, she shared information about the land becoming rich with treasures after such events, though her nervousness was evident when Lingling looked at her curiously. Being a friend of Zhao Manyan, the others didn't press her.
"You mentioned that after the fire calamity, the land becomes rich with treasures. Is that true?" Lingling asked seriously.
Chen Ying nodded and explained, "The fire calamity makes the land fertile again. Once word gets out, countless mages familiar with this process will rush here to seek treasure. This is why people are reluctant to reveal the existence of the fire calamity."
The fire calamity, as fearsome as divine wrath, brought death in its wake, but it also carried an immense amount of energy to the scorched land. For certain plants, magic stones, and spirit seeds, which rely on absorbing energy and are nurtured by the forces of nature, the fire calamity acted as a necessary catalyst for their growth. What was a deadly disaster for non-fire beings was a precious and life-giving event for these objects.
Resources were always highly valuable. After the fire calamity, the northern corner of the Scorching Plains would truly be a land of gold.
Chen Ying, unwilling to retreat, was supported by Xin Xia, who said, "Even if we wanted to return now, it's too late. We should hurry deeper into the Scorching Plains."
The Sha Wang River was turbulent, and even Xin Xia had difficulty calming it. With no choice, the group headed toward the Scorching Plains. Upon reaching the riverbank, they were greeted by the sight of a massive pile of bones, forming a small mountain. It was clear that these creatures had been consumed by the fire calamity before they could reach the river. They had been reduced to nothing but bleached skeletons, with no chance to resist.
"I'm done! If I'd known this place was so deadly, I wouldn't have come even if you paid me." Zhao Manyan muttered in fear, shivering at the sight.
These battle-hardened Armored Beasts, comparable to an entire army in strength, had been reduced to a pile of bones in an instant. This gave a clear picture of how terrifying the fire calamity really was.
Mo Fan paid no attention to Zhao Manyan's complaints—he was used to it.
Zhao Manyan's mood shifted quickly, though, when they soon found a Spirit Seed fragment and an intact Spirit Seed, both without any monsters around to claim them.
As rich as Zhao Manyan's family was, treasure found in the wild had its own charm. Now, the entire group began to realize how true Chen Ying's words were—the Burning Plains were full of treasures after the fire calamity. Spirit Seed fragments and even whole Spirit Seeds could be found with ease, and there wasn't a single monster guarding them.
"I think we shouldn't limit our focus to Spirit Seeds. Though the Burning Plains are famous for their fire properties, there are some very rare and special treasures that require fire of a certain intensity to mature. The fire calamity was a perfect source of that nourishment," said Chen Ying, showing less interest in the Spirit Seeds.
Seeing her unease, Mo Fan stepped forward and said, "Chen Ying, since we're all in this together, facing danger side by side, why not share with us what you know?"
Zhao Manyan, realizing something was off, pulled Chen Ying aside, and after a private conversation, she admitted everything. She explained that finding the Fire Calamity Fruit would also lead them to the Flame Belle, a powerful fire creature they sought.
With Chen Ying now guiding them, the group set off toward where the Fire Calamity Fruit was rumored to be.
Chen Ying's mother had lived in the northern corner of the Scorching Plains for several years. Despite her mobility being limited, she had learned many secrets of the land that even veteran hunters were unaware of.
Relying on Chen Ying's memory of her mother's descriptions, the group arrived at the base of a towering flat-topped mountain. According to Chen Ying, her mother had lived near this mountain.
"This mountain stands out so much! We've been walking across flat land this whole time without a single rise or fall in the terrain, and then suddenly this mountain appears out of nowhere." said Zhang Xiaohou, staring up at the vertical cliffs of the flat-topped mountain.
It looked more like a volcano, but unlike most volcanoes, which were wider at the base, this one was a narrow column that stretched straight into the blue sky. Without the ability to fly, there was no way to climb it.
"The inside of this Flame Pillar Mountain is hollow. My mother told me that there's a fissure at the base through which we can enter." Chen Ying explained.
After circling the enormous mountain, they did indeed find a small fissure leading inside. It looked like a tiny crack compared to the towering mountain, but for humans, it was a sizeable entrance.
"Chen Ying, was your mother a psychic mage?" Mo Fan asked as they ventured inside.
"Huh?"
Chen Ying was taken aback, then shook her head. "No, she wasn't."
She seemed puzzled as to why Mo Fan would ask.
"You grew up hearing about this place, but didn't it ever strike you as strange? You've never been here before, yet you seem to know your way around perfectly." Mo Fan said.
(End of Chapter)