Chapter 820: Enraged
Xue Zhao’s expression was solemn as she gazed intently at the massive volcano churning with red magma ahead.
She exhaled softly and said to Ye Qingchen, "To pass through this volcano, we must go deep inside, where lies the lair of the volcanic behemoth. The volcanic behemoth is terrifying; it is said to have incredible combat strength. In the past, the people of the Xue Family suffered many losses at its hands."
Ye Qingchen frowned slightly upon hearing this.
Xue Zhao seemed to understand his thoughts, smiled faintly, and said calmly, "However, we don’t have to worry. Although the volcanic behemoth is strong, it is not a bloodthirsty creature. As long as we don’t covet the treasures inside its lair, it won’t attack us."
She pulled out a jade pendant from her bosom, its brilliant green surface gleaming like gentle spring water.
"This is a token I prepared long ago," Xue Zhao continued, "The jade pendant contains the energy of the Xue Family ancestor, capable of soothing the volcanic behemoth’s anger. If we encounter it later, we can just raise this jade pendant, and the volcanic behemoth will naturally understand our intentions."
Ye Qingchen took the jade pendant, feeling the warm power emanating from it, and smiled slightly.
"It seems we will soon be able to pass through the volcano."
Xue Zhao patted his shoulder earnestly, "As long as we don’t covet those treasures inside the lair, we will be safe. The volcanic behemoth guards those treasures—it is bound by its contract with the First Mystic Realm and must not be easily provoked. Once we get past this behemoth, the road ahead is very straightforward."
The two continued forward as the heat waves from the volcano hit them, and the air around was filled with searing energy.
Finally, they arrived at the lair of the volcanic behemoth. The cave entrance resembled a massive black hole, deep and mysterious, inspiring fear.
The inside of the cave resembled a scorching hell, with lava glowing red flowing along the rock walls, searing heat permeating the air, as if each breath was filled with fire.
Deep inside the cave, a wide lava river flowed slowly, emitting a low roar, like the pulse of the earth. The surrounding rocks, baked by the high temperature, glowed a dark red, as if ready to melt at any moment.
Countless crystalline droplets of lava hung from the cave ceiling, like droplets of fire, invoking awe.
The light inside the cave was dim, but under the glow of the lava, some strange treasures could be vaguely seen.
Those treasures emitted a soft glow: some were ancient scrolls shining with golden light, some were ice crystal gemstones radiating coldness, and others were ancient divine artifacts containing immense spiritual power.
But remembering Xue Zhao’s advice, Ye Qingchen did not take a second glance, fearing to provoke the volcanic behemoth’s wrath.
Their main goal was to obtain Buddha’s Relic, and as for the things here, they could wait until they returned.
As they cautiously advanced, the ground shook again, and the volcanic behemoth finally appeared. It was a massive creature, standing several stories tall, its body as imposing as a mountain.
Its skin was dark red, covered with patterns flowing like magma, each breath seemingly moving the hot winds of the cave.
It had a pair of gigantic wings that, when spread, seemed to blot out the sky; the flames on its wings were searing and bright, illuminating the entire cave.
The volcanic behemoth’s head was enormous, resembling a dragon’s, with sharp, chilling fangs in its mouth.
Its eyes were like two burning gems, exuding deep majesty and wisdom. Its limbs were thick and powerful, each step causing the earth to tremble, as if the rocks themselves were submitting under its feet.
Its long and powerful tail flickered with intense fire at the end, ready to sweep away any obstacle.
As the volcanic behemoth slowly approached Ye Qingchen and Xue Zhao, the temperature in the cave suddenly soared, and even the air seemed to ignite.
Ye Qingchen tightly clasped the brilliant green jade pendant and held it high. The soft glow from the pendant seemed especially gentle before the volcanic behemoth, like cool spring water flowing into raging flames.
Just when the two thought everything would be fine and prepared to leave from the side.
An unexpected event occurred.
Upon seeing the jade pendant, the volcanic behemoth’s eyes suddenly erupted in fury. Its eyes, like flaming gemstones, turned blood-red, and the temperature within the cave skyrocketed, searing heat waves crashing upon them.
With a thunderous roar, its voice was deafening, shaking the heavens and the earth.
Ye Qingchen and Xue Zhao were immediately alert, their faces full of shock.
Ye Qingchen was confused, retreating cautiously while holding the jade pendant. Xue Zhao also quickly distanced herself from the gigantic creature, full of bewilderment in her eyes.
She couldn’t fathom why the jade pendant would provoke such a fierce reaction from the volcanic behemoth.
It shouldn’t be!
Before leaving, she had checked it several times.
The jade pendant should be flawless!
But now, what on earth was causing this reaction from the volcanic behemoth?
The volcanic behemoth, in its fury, spread its enormous wings, the flames upon them so scorching that they were blinding.
It suddenly swung its tail, and the rocks within the cave shattered under the intense impact, scattering countless sparks.
The entire cave seemed like it might collapse amidst its anger.
Ye Qingchen and Xue Zhao quickly retreated, watching the behemoth’s madness, both frowning simultaneously.
Xue Zhao whispered, "Quick, put away the jade pendant! It seems to be extremely hostile toward it!"
Ye Qingchen hastily put away the jade pendant, but the volcanic behemoth’s rage did not subside.
It roared and advanced toward the two, scorching heat waves lifting dust and rubble in the cave, like a fiery storm.
Seeing the behemoth approaching step by step, Ye Qingchen and Xue Zhao were cornered, unable to advance or retreat.
Sweating profusely, Ye Qingchen asked, "What’s going on? Where did we make a mistake?"
Xue Zhao shouldn’t have erred here?
Could it be that...
Xue Zhao’s gaze was also full of confusion. She shook her head, her voice steady, "I don’t know either, things shouldn’t be like this! The jade pendant contains the essence of the Xue Family ancestor, it should have soothed its anger, so why is it so furious now? Could someone be meddling with the volcanic behemoth?"
The volcanic behemoth’s roar was deafening, seemingly responding to their queries.
Its giant wings flapped suddenly, raising a scorching wave of air that almost overturned them. Its eyes, like flaming gemstones, were filled with anger and hostility, as if wanting to devour them alive.
The volcanic behemoth moved closer step by step, and the cave grew ever hotter and oppressive. Ye Qingchen and Xue Zhao knew that evading was no longer an option; they had to confront it.
Ye Qingchen gripped his sword tightly, looking steadfastly at Xue Zhao, "Since we can’t avoid it, then we’ll have to fight. Do you have a method to deal with this thing?"
Xue Zhao nodded, quickly forming a spell with her hands, chanting, "Nature’s spiritual energy, converge into a shield, protect me!" A light blue glow gathered in front of her, forming a semi-transparent shield that emitted a faint chill.