The volcanic mountain range stretched across the horizon, a colossal display of raw, untamed power rising from the continent's crust. As far as the eye could see, jagged peaks pierced the sky, their slopes adorned with layers of ancient lava flows, ash, and scoria.
The air around was quite prickly, and the heaven and earth energy was chaotic. Wisps of steam and sulfuric scent occasionally rose from hidden vents, adding a pungent scent to the atmosphere.
The burning mountains themselves were a blend of dark, scorching rocks and ores and patches of vibrant red and orange hues from various kinds of volcanic minerals. Some peaks were perfectly conical, standing proudly like guardians of the land, while others had rugged and asymmetrical profiles, a testament to the relentless forces of the minor realm's moving crust that had shaped them over millennia.
It was night already.
Actually, it took two days for Davis and the others to get here, so it was their third day here. Accurately, the third night.
They gathered together on a dormant mountain peak, withstanding the high temperatures that threatened to melt any Low-Level Immortal Kings or Monarchs alive. Despite the threat, they didn't show any fear. Instead, they were awed by the night view of the raging volcanoes.
The lava within the dormant volcanoes glowed faintly, the range turning into an otherworldly landscape of soft, crimson light. Streaks of molten lava flowed down the slopes like rivers of fire, casting an ethereal glow on the surrounding terrain.
There was awe in their souls, but more than that, there was trepidation in their hearts as they sensed a peculiar aura from the blaring heat that brushed against their faces.
"…"
Davis was not a geography expert, but he was sure that volcanoes didn't emit this kind of destructive aura even on the verge of a volcanic eruption.
"Should we go back?"
Bylai rubbed her face with her finger, not knowing what to say to the destructive forces emanating from the core of the volcanic mountains. Even an uninformed person like her could sense the purple-black flames burning near the core region weren't volcanic flames but apocalyptic flames stemming from the collapse of the realm.
"So it's true… the Astral Forgeheart Minor Realm really is on the verge of destruction…" Myria sighed.
"Indeed." Davis hissed, "If we're lucky, we may have more than five years, but if not, perhaps less…"
With his luck, he wondered if it would last long, but considering his recent profile, he held some hope.
"But Bylai, how can we turn back when those apocalyptic flames are one of the things I yearn for…?"
"You-"
Bylai's expression sank, and so did Davis's other women. Even Myria stared daggers at him as they still did not forget how he tried to fuse chaos and destruction energies only to accidentally be blown into pieces. They couldn't believe that he still hadn't learned his lesson.
But while they were full of worry, the others had their mouths agape.
He wanted to deal with the apocalyptic flames that were completely berserk? They weren't Nyx Godwin to be experts on Destruction Laws, but they knew if even the slightest strand of purplish-black apocalyptic flames were to catch onto him, even he wouldn't survive as these flames were easily capable of burning Late Stage Immortal Emperors to death.
After all, these kinds of flames were said to be capable of consuming entire worlds in ancient texts and records. They were considered calamities.
These terrifying flames would consume the entire realm sooner or later if they were not wrong, so before that could happen, they must complete the realm concoction.
"I understand. I understand. I'm just looking to gain insights into the flame's destructive nature and not digest these flames as mine is already one of heavenly nature."
Davis reassured Bylai and the others before they could open their mouths and rip him apart. Only after he said, this did their expressions somewhat improve while Myria looked away indifferently.
After personally experiencing the sudden implosion caused by chaos and destruction coming together, Davis knew to stay clear of it. Besides, his flames were of a heavenly nature and not apocalyptic. It didn't change the fact that it was destructive and full of annihilation, but apocalyptic flames were different from heavenly flames.
They were not the same flames. They may be in the same river but came from different lakes, unable to mix like oil and water. It was like two seas meeting together, never to mix.
At the very least, he knew if he were to try absorbing these apocalyptic flames into him, things wouldn't end well for him even without trying to fuse it with chaotic energy for just the balance between the three heavenly energies, fire, lightning, and wind will crumble, causing his new Essence Physique to rupture, collapse or even explode.
*Roar!~*
Fire-attributed Feral Beasts roamed this area.
There was the Flaming Sword Wyvern, its wings as sharp as swords.
An Inferno Boulder Serpent remained like a volcanic rock, waiting to ambush its prey.
A Blaze Spitting Salamander roamed the mountains, moving up and down as it fed on many other Feral beasts.
Even in this hellhole that was collapsing, life adapted to the harsh landscape, with flora and fauna clinging to the rocks.
Ashen mosses and lichens clung to the rocks, adding a splash of green to the dark volcanic canvas. Hardened trees managed to grow even in the most inhospitable spots, their roots finding a way to grasp onto the volcanic soil.
Perhaps some mutations had already occurred within the flora, causing Davis to flush the area with his seamless soul sense.
There seemed to be no Mid-Stage Immortal Emperor Feral Beasts, making him understand that they all ran away from the apocalyptic flames, leaving behind the small fries that wanted to somehow take advantage of the resources left behind to grow, whether it may be young Feral Beasts or other treasures.
The wood, rocks, and ores here seem to be of high quality, nearing High-Level Immortal Emperor Grade. Although items of this grade were sparse, Mid-Level Immortal Emperor Grade materials seemed to be everywhere, causing him to not know what to do.
Become a woodcutter? Become a miner? Become a butcher?
Rubbing his cheeks as an overbearing idea came to his mind, he turned around and commanded the three factions following him.
"Anyone who wants Immortal Emperor Grade Resources that would improve your prowess should strive for it. Henceforth, I present you the opportunity to clear out the outer region of any treasures you could find and bring back, ranging from a tiny crystal to a mountain-sized ore. Of course, anyone who finds the Molten Goldcrust Core, which is essential to my Bylai, will be rewarded handsomely. I, the Emperor of Death, don't go back on my words!"
"…"
*Whoosh!~*
While the men and women from the Starlight Jade Wolf Clan, Golden Crow Clan, and Obsidian Turtle Crystal Clan were momentarily stunned, a person amongst them suddenly shot towards the volcanic region, immediately starting to search.
It was none other than Larius Goldsun, the son of Patriarch Soaren Goldsun.
"Yes!"
"We'll do our best!"
Quickly following his example, they roared and shot into the volcanic region, spreading out as they searched for treasures.
Even Arizue, the Ice Phoenix Clan's woman who was almost violated by the Ghostly Crow Lower Realm's men, shot into the volcanic region as though wanting to prove herself as a cultivator.
"This applies to everyone except my family~"
Davis shrugged, his gaze panning at Niel Bladeheart, Garoe Rynn, Cyclonis Blizzara, Xerna Zenflame, Zora Luan and a few others.
"Alright."
Xerna Zenflame moved out with a newfound determination, and so did Niel Bladeheart with a gentle shrug. The others also left.
Seeing everyone leave to search for treasures for him, Davis felt satisfaction. He knew they could pocket any treasures they found for themselves, but he didn't care, for his senses still covered the mountain range. He couldn't waste time finding resources as he wanted to cultivate or train his scythe arts, but he could monitor the others easily.
However, when he saw his women staring at him, he wryly smiled.
"You bad man." Tina giggled.
"Slavedriver." Sophie uttered in a teasing tone.
"Emperor." Bylai looked at Davis with an enamored gaze.
"Hehem~" Davis coughed, "Call me resourceful."
But in the end, even his women journeyed forth to the volcanic region, causing him to warn them to be careful as he didn't want them encountering any dangers. Myria also left with Bing Luli.
Momentarily, only he, Dalila, and Tina were left behind, causing him to turn around and ask.
"Are you two ready?"
The both of them nodded, appearing ready to concoct a pill that was going to flip heaven and earth with their alchemy arts.
However, there was also someone who had yet to leave as they stayed near, causing Davis to turn to look at them.
"Seems like you're interested in viewing what we're going to do instead of hunting for treasures, Fairy Thunderblaze."
"…"
Updat𝒆d fr𝒐m freew𝒆bnov𝒆l.c(o)m