"What is this?" Seeing Bu walking leisurely through the flames as if strolling in his own backyard, Reynold's eyes nearly popped out in shock.
Although he prided himself on knowing Bu very well, witnessing such an illogical scene still left him stunned. It wasn't just him; Mu Yan and Arno were equally moved, finding it hard to believe.
This was the Sea of Fire formed by the flame energy field of Lava King Vanava approaching its peak. Its power was not comparable to ordinary flames. Even with their energy shields activated, the three of them felt unbearably hot, sweating profusely. Being directly in the flames would likely char even a strong warrior with a body of steel.
"My body has reached the stage of iron skin and internal organs. Coupled with a certain secret technique, this level of flame poses no threat to me," Bu said with a calm smile, briefly explaining without revealing the full truth. He quickly advanced deeper into the area, his immense Mental Power spreading out to sense his surroundings.
With the Red Lotus Avatar stationed in his sea of consciousness, this Sea of Fire, though powerful, could not threaten him. After all, the Fire's Right at level 11 was no simple matter; aside from flames above the level of Nine Profound Fire, all other worldly flames were under his control. Not only could they not harm him, but they also became a source of strength.
"What a freak!" Even the usually cold Arno couldn't help but mutter as he watched Bu swiftly disappear into the distance, moving through the Sea of Fire as if it were solid ground, his facial muscles twitching.
"There’s a battle happening ahead; follow me," Bu said as they continued forward. The environment within the Sea of Fire was being carefully examined. However, due to thick smoke and rising flames, Reynold and his companions' Mental Power had a pitiful range. It was Bu who first noticed something amiss. While communicating telepathically with the others behind him, he swiftly darted toward a location to the left front.
Reynold and the others perked up and quickened their pace to follow him. In this dangerous area filled with flames, finding materials and treasures to increase their points was paramount. No one wanted to waste time; after all, being in the Sea of Fire required constant activation of their energy shields, which consumed considerable energy. Since there was a battle occurring, it indicated potential profit—an obvious conclusion that Bu's reminder made clear.
The roar of Lava King Vanava had weakened; it seemed that those who had offended its majesty had been completely defeated. Although its fury had subsided, this area spanning thousands of miles was still engulfed in flames, causing devastation to all living beings. Perhaps after some time, this vast Sea of Fire would extinguish, and the Wilderness Ruins would return to their former state while Lava King would fall into another deep slumber.
Typically, an energy field approaching its peak wouldn't have such exaggerated power or coverage; reaching a hundred miles would be considered exceptional. However, Lava King was no ordinary beast; it possessed a trace of ancient flame demon bloodline within it, granting it extraordinary abilities with fire that no common person could rival. Thus, when its energy field expanded, it could stir underground magma and alter geological phenomena to create a fiery realm spanning nearly a thousand miles.
This was one of the most terrifying and pinnacle energy fields below transcendent levels. Although Lava King only possessed High-Level 8 strength, due to the terror of this energy field, even High-Level 9 titans would be greatly wary. After all, an amplification of flame energy over such a vast area was extraordinary; should it reach ten thousand miles further, it would no longer be called an energy field but rather an existence of domain—commanding a region where its words became law and its power was unparalleled.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
The continuous explosions echoed with energy roars as fierce winds swept through rows of flames, tearing apart thick smoke and shaking the ground. Uninterrupted roars and cries for battle filled the air.
Bu halted mid-stride; after stopping, his gaze flickered uncertainly as images reflected back through his extended Mental Power. He saw over a dozen people engaged in combat—various skills unleashed with energy beams shooting forth and sounds of metal clashing ringing out incessantly.
In front of these individuals amidst the Sea of Fire stood a massive tree radiating golden light rooted in the ground. This tree had thick branches and bark covered in intricate patterns. Its nine fan-like leaves appeared gilded and dazzlingly bright, seemingly infused with energy that gave each leaf an extraordinary presence.
At this moment, as time passed, the nine leaves on the great tree showed signs of withering and melting. Not only that, but the thick trunk seemed unable to withstand the flames, oozing drops of golden liquid that rolled down and evaporated upon hitting the ground.
"Nine Xian Spirit Wood!" Recognizing the golden tree, Bu Shuang's eyes lit up. At the same time, Reynold and his companions approached but stopped at a distance.
"What do you think?" Seeing Bu standing still, Reynold asked in a low voice, while Mu Yan and Arno also turned their attention to Bu, waiting for his response.
The three were not foolish; they were nearing the battlefield ahead. Although curious, they refrained from releasing their Mental Power to probe, as hidden dangers could be deadly. With their Mental Power strength, they had no confidence in probing without being detected. However, with Bu's formidable Mental Power, he had already sensed the traces of battle from afar. Naturally, they looked to him for guidance.
"Thirteen people divided into two groups fighting over a Nine Xian Spirit Wood?" Bu Qing exclaimed lightly with a glint in his eyes. "It seems there's an old acquaintance among them."
"Nine Xian Spirit Wood?" Reynold gasped, his eyes brightening as Mu Yan and Arno expressed surprise as well.
"It looks like it's just reached a hundred years of age," Bu added. "Still, it's quite a rare treasure."
According to the records in the Memory Crystal, Bu was familiar with the Nine Xian Spirit Wood. This spirit wood had remarkable effects specifically for body tempering; its nine leaves contained its essence. If one could refine the essence within these leaves into their body, it would greatly enhance physical strength.
The Nine Xian Spirit Wood radiating golden light indicated it was at the hundred-year mark, meaning its body tempering effects were at their weakest. As time passed, the color of the Nine Xian Spirit Wood would deepen; at a thousand years old, it would turn dark gold. If an ordinary person could refine it, their physical strength could instantly reach the level of bronze skin and iron bones. The ten-thousand-year-old Nine Xian Spirit Wood would be enveloped in purple-gold light; if one were fortunate enough to refine it, they might even achieve the legendary state of indestructible flesh.
"Number thirteen," Arno said while touching an ancient ring on his finger, his eyes narrowing as if eager to try.
"Their battle will soon conclude; it's time for us to step in and reap the rewards." Bu observed the situation in the battlefield ahead and spoke while swiftly charging forward into the fray.
Reuben was furious—beyond ordinary anger. He considered himself one of the top newcomers at Holy Light Academy. Even if he was still a bit behind that damned Brent, he could at least rank second among this year's newcomers. Whether in reputation or strength, other newcomers would avoid him out of respect. Yet now this situation unfolded before him, igniting his rage.
A Nine Xian Spirit Wood had been discovered by them first, yet later arrivals dared to snatch it away. This was simply disrespectful to Reuben! What could be more infuriating than being looked down upon?
Despite their makeshift team consisting of only five members against eight from the opposing side, Reuben believed that since he was present, they should show some respect. But these ignorant fools dared to attack him—this was simply asking for trouble.
"Die for me!" Reuben thought of all the misfortunes he had faced since entering this trial ground, and the Contract Beast that was taken from him only fueled his anger. With a roar, energy surged throughout his body. He pushed back the enemy charging at him with a single strike, then twisted like a giant python, executing a Flying Cloud slash that swept violently toward the two opponents closing in from behind.
Swish! Swish! Swish!
The golden Greatsword shimmered with intense energy, and the sharp Blade Light howled through the air like a pack of golden dragons, tearing apart the offensive formation created by the two behind him. In their shocked expressions, the blade cut through them mercilessly, severing their bodies as easily as slicing tofu.
"Ahhh!"
The chilling screams echoed in the arena. The two Trialists who had been cut in half were not dead immediately, but their half-living state clearly caused them immense suffering. Streams of crimson blood flowed from their mangled bodies, and before the pungent smell could spread, flames erupted and consumed them, turning them into torches of fire as their screams intensified.
Reuben's face was filled with fury as he wielded the Golden Blade. Like a whirlwind, he re-entered the fray, unleashing his full power at Intermediate Level 4. With the cooperation of his four teammates, they forced the remaining Six People to retreat under his overwhelming assault.
"Boss Reuben is fierce!"
"Kill them all and seize their resources!"
The four Trialists following Reuben were also blinded by rage, barking like mad dogs as they unleashed various powerful Combat Skills, clearly determined not to give the remaining Six People a chance to crush the Guide Stone and escape.
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