Perhaps because of the vibrations underground or because the air in the cavern was moving too quickly, the dense web of roots on the walls and roof of the cave trembled continuously. Each tremble would cause a rock to drop down from the roof, breaking the seemingly solid surface of the swamp. A flame would shoot up and fall on the walls of the cave, where it would be quickly consumed by the roots.
This was an extremely simple and complete process, but it was also somewhat frightening. From a certain perspective, the Celestial Tree was snaring its prey.
The young man in the bamboo hat stood on a spot not far and not close to the swamp. He remained very cautious, not moving in the slightest.
