Unfortunately, after slaying the Bat King, its minions ceased their attacks. This sudden silence was both a blessing and a curse. Without the bats, my constant source of energy had vanished, leaving me to face the oppressive heat with only my dwindling reserves.
Each step became more grueling as time dragged on. One hour later, the suffocating warmth became a real struggle. Sweat poured from my body, and I could already see the molten blood magma creeping closer licking at the edges of the narrow road.
That was when I heard it, a low, menacing hiss that sent a shiver down my spine despite the overwhelming heat. A grin spread across my face as I recognized the sound. The Ten-Headed Fierce Yang Serpent. This wasn't a moment for fear but an opportunity. I needed its energy, and now was my chance.
Without hesitation, I activated my martial soul. The Poison Devouring Spider Emperor armor enveloped me once more, and the Eight Spider Lances emerged from my back too. This time, I wouldn't wait for my opponent to attack. I surged forward, intent on ending the fight as quickly as possible.
The serpent emerged from the shadows ahead, its massive ten-meter-long body coiled like a deadly spring. Its scales shimmered with an eerie red glow, and its ten heads moved independently, each one hissing and snapping with venomous intent. As I closed the distance, it unleashed a cloud of red poisonous mist, the air around it becoming thick and suffocating.
I didn't falter. The innate abilities of my martial spirit allowed me to absorb the poison, turning it into energy that revitalized my body. The searing heat that had been draining me moments ago was now a distant memory. Empowered, I pressed the attack.
The serpent lunged at me with blinding speed its head snapping dangerously close to my torso. I dodged to the side, my Eight Spider Lances striking out in retaliation. The sharp metallic appendages pierced its thick scales, drawing a spray of crimson blood. The serpent roared in pain.
My arm blades flashed as I deflected the incoming strikes, each clash sending sparks flying in the dim, hellish light. Despite my best efforts, I realized that my arm blades, though sharp, weren't effective enough to end this battle swiftly. The serpent's regenerative capabilities were formidable, and each wound I inflicted seemed to heal almost as quickly as it was dealt.
"I don't have time for this," I muttered, summoning the Dragon Slaying Saber. The massive blade materialized beside me, its presence radiating a cold, lethal aura that contrasted sharply with the fiery surroundings. With a mental command, the saber shot forward, aiming for the serpent's head.
The serpent recoiled hissing in agony. I didn't give it a chance to recover. With a combination of precise strikes from my arm blades and devastating slashes from the Dragon Slaying Saber, I systematically dismantled the beast. Each part fell with a sickening thud, the serpent's massive body convulsing as its life force drained away. By the end, it lay in nine pieces, its once-mighty form reduced to something resembling grotesque sushi rolls.
Panting, I approached the largest section of its body and retrieved the serpent's Neidan, a pulsating, fiery core of pure energy, and stored it.
Without wasting any more time, I continued my ascent. The fiery magma below was rising at an alarming rate, its surface bubbling and hissing as if alive. Every second counted, and I pushed myself to the limit, running at maximum speed along the precarious path.
Ten minutes later, a glimmer of hope appeared in the distance, a faint white light emanating from what looked like a wall. My heart leaped. The exit was finally within sight.
But Hell Road wasn't done with me yet. As I drew closer, the magma's movements became more erratic, its pace accelerating as though it had a mind of its own. The molten blood surged upward like a tidal wave, intent on consuming me before I could escape. This was the final test.
I didn't panic. Instead, I reached into the Ruyi Treasure Bag and retrieved the Snow Swan Kiss, a treasured herb I had saved for this very moment. Holding it up, I grinned and threw it into the rising magma.
This wasn't just about survival. Destroying Slaughter City had been my intention from the beginning. Not because its inhabitants were criminals, but because this place represented the first trial of the Asura God's position. Its eradication was a necessary step on my path.
Then, I summoned the Dragon Slaying Saber once more. I jumped on top of it and activated its flight abilities. The exit was now only a few meters away, and I soared toward it with all the speed I could muster.
As I approached the glowing white light, the oppressive heat and darkness of Hell Road began to fade. The magma roared below, but it was too late. I plunged into the light, my vision consumed by its brilliance.
Everything went white. There was complete silence, a calm, serene stillness that felt almost foreign after the chaos of Hell Road.