Chapter 1444: Volcano Island Story

Destiny ever pushes each soul forward,whether virtuous or foolish,willing or unwilling.

This life, penned by the Huo Dou,has now stretched for several days.Embarrassment, of course, is present,and helplessness is unavoidable.But time is the most resolute;whether you are prepared or not,it flows away nonetheless.

Every day in the Huo Dou's lair,Jiang Wang does naught but cultivate,then repeat the cycle of eating fire lotusesand spewing fire…spewing until he nigh spits blood.

His Samadhi True Fire grows ever purer,and "Threeforks" grows ever more spirited,its coat sleek and glossy,promising a fragrant stew indeed –if such a thing were possible.

"Threeforks" is the nickname Jiang Wang bestowedupon the King Beast of the Huo Dou,named for its trident-like tail.The King Beast, understanding no human tongue anyway,accepted it with relative indifference.Of course, the King Beast’s specially modulated roar,used to refer to a certain Jiang,Jiang Wang also remembers clearly…Perhaps in the Huo Dou's linguistic system,that roar simply means "cook."

In short, they have grown so familiaras to exchange nicknames.Yet, they cannot be called friends.For Threeforks has never relaxed its guardupon Jiang Wang,and the Huo Dou guards surrounding the lava lakehave never dwindled in number.

In Jiang Wang's view, this is yet more ironclad proofthat Threeforks is averse to making friends…This wicked hound must have suffered a tragic childhood,thus rendering it so solitary,bristling with vigilance against the world,unable to accept the goodwill of others.

Though providing Threeforks with Samadhi True Firehas become a habit,Jiang Wang still insists on engaging in a death matchbefore docilely spewing flames each time.As King of the Huo Dou, Threeforks naturallyhas moments of impatience,such as directly injuring Jiang Wang to within an inch of his life.Jiang Wang, in turn, after suffering substantial injury,would not hesitate to intentionally suppressthe divine ability seed in his First Inner Mansion,weakening the Samadhi True Fire commensurately.This served to make Threeforks understandthat harming him would not yield high-quality true fire.Only by allowing him a fierce, uninjured battlewould the highest-grade Samadhi True Fire feast be offered.Over time, combat also became a habit.

In the process of being tamed by Threeforks,he too was attempting to "tame" Threeforks…even though he was the one penned in.These Huo Dou are not easily deceived.This understanding is deeply etched in Jiang Wang's heart.He spent several days attempting to feedsome fire-attributed Daoist arts of appropriate powerto the patrolling Huo Dou minor leaders.At last, he managed to establish some familiarity.

To think that he, Jiang Qingyang,is a man well-versed in historical records,recalling the heroes chronicled in those annals,he couldn't help but harbor some far-reaching ideas.For instance, initiating a grand and glorious Huo Dou revolution,overthrowing the tyrannical and shamelessHuo Dou King Beast, who exclusively enjoyedthe Samadhi True Fire feast.But let alone starting a revolution,the moment he stepped out of the lava lake,he would immediately be met with angry roars of warningand bared-teeth threats.

Wagging their tails and fawning when receiving gifts,cold-faced and merciless when preventing escape.This inherited trait of shameless cunningonly goes to show they are indeed subordinatesbrought up by Threeforks…

The path of a coup d'état was aborted;the lava lake could not be left a single step,and there was no way to contact others.Thus, only cultivation, day after day, remained.

Jiang Wang sometimes thought of Zuo Guangshu,wondering how far that lad and Qu Shunhuahad explored,whether they had reached Mount Beiji Tiankuiand obtained the Chapter of Nine Phoenixes.Sometimes he would also wonderif the journeys of others in the Mountain and Sea Realmhad already concluded.Could it be that only he remained,bitterly awaiting opportunity in the Huo Dou's lair?

Such thoughts were undoubtedly torturous.He had no doubt he could cultivateto the Divine Entrance realm in the Huo Dou's lair;with a strong expert like Threeforks as a sparring partner,he was increasingly able to control his powerat the Outer Building level,and all aspects were approaching the peak of this realm.But achieving Divine Entrance in the Mountain and Sea Realmand then counter-killing the Huo Dou King Beastwas absolutely the worst choice.Jiang Wang would rather commit suicideto withdraw from the Mountain and Sea Realm,losing three-tenths of his divine soul origin,than choose this path.

If this were a realm of illusion,then achieving Divine Entrance here would be meaningless,pointlessly consuming accumulated power.If this were a real world, the consequences would be more terrifying.Achieving Divine Entrance here would severthe path to the Cave True realm in the present world.How could he, Jiang Wang, take Divine Entrance as his endpoint?

Of course, self-immolation was not a path he would choose either.If his skills were inferior in combat,dying would be acceptable.Since he had fortunately survived,he should not harbor thoughts of削損 (xuē sǔn -削損, to pare down and diminish) his divine soul origin.His journey of cultivation thus far,every bit of strength has been the accumulationof sweat and blood, hard-won.If he were to easily discard it,that would be to deny the days and nights of his path,to deny himself, the one who fought fiercelyin those various stories.

Even if everyone else had truly completedtheir Mountain and Sea Realm journey and departed,he would remain alone,until the opportunity to break free from the predicament appeared.Even if such an opportunity did not arrive,he would try to create it.

Although he could not achieve Divine Entrance here,what if he were to reach the limit of the Outer Building realm here?With the most extreme combat powerat the Outer Building realm,would it be possible to escape from Threeforks?Jiang Wang knew very clearly the gapbetween him and the Huo Dou King Beast,but he still possessed unparalleled confidence in himself.He knew he could.

Thus, in the predicament surrounded by Huo Dou,he still cultivated in silence every day.Because he could do nothing else,and was undisturbed by anyone or anything here,he felt his cultivation efficiency was even higher.Of course, Threeforks' sparringand those fire lotuses, one by one,absolutely contributed significantly.

To think of him, Lord Jiang,barely considered high-ranking and well-compensatedin the State of Qi,yet he had never consumed fire-attributed medicinal herbsof such quality.Not only did they enhance his control over fire-attributed vital energy,but they even provided considerable benefitto his Samadhi True Fire.Alas, the Huo Dou only delivered one each day.

That thieving rogue Threeforks also came to feed each day,leaving him with not much divine ability fire left to research,otherwise, his Samadhi True Fire should have achieveda qualitative breakthrough by now.

Speaking of which, this lava lake used by Threeforksto pen him in is also no ordinary item.Soaking in this lava lake every day,his control over fire essence grew with each passing day.Various fire-attributed Daoist artsbecame increasingly effortless.Now he would often amuse himself by creatingflame blossoms and burning cities on the lake surface,playing with increasing splendor and intricacy,and of course, growing ever stronger.Even the blazing fire bone lotus on his backshowed signs of sublimation;after all, its former self was a fire totem,perfectly suited for such a place filled with fire essence.

Some moments of lingering thought,particularly difficult to endure,thus passed in diligent cultivation.

"Aoo!"Hearing this strange sound,Jiang Wang knew it was Threeforks coming for him again.This cry was calling his name."Threeforks!" He also called the other's name in response.Before long, Threeforks came striding with elegant steps.Without a word, Jiang Wang drew his swordand charged forward.

Facing the King of the Huo Dou,yet daring to be so proactive and vigorous.This stance is absolutely that of the foremost brave manin the Mountain and Sea Realm!Of course, the outcome would not changebecause of Jiang Wang's familiarity.Daoist arts, sword arts, and divine abilities were all demonstrated,only to end up being defeatedand thrown back into the lava lake.

Jiang Wang lay face down, submerged in the lava lake.He briefly reflected on the battle,confirming that he had reached the limit of his current abilities,before turning over to look at the imposing Threeforks.This fellow was still posing with its chin raised,wearing an arrogant expression as if to say,"You're merely scratching an itch for me."

It had also grown accustomed to Jiang Wang's habits.Seeing Jiang Wang turn over, it took a few steps forward,meaning –"Where's my meal?""You truly are a bad dog."Jiang Wang, with a brilliant smile, cursed in the official dialectof Qi State's Linzi, flicking out a ball of Samadhi True Firewith a friendly attitude to feed it:"Eat, may you choke to death sooner or later."

The noble Huo Dou King Beast let out two low growls,contentedly consuming the ball of Samadhi True Fire.If Jiang Wang could understand the language of the Huo Dou,he would know that Threeforks was saying –"Stupid two-legged beast, playing with this grandpa,feeding this grandpa, and still so happy every day."Alas, he did not understand, which is why he could be so happy.Similarly, if the Huo Dou could understand Jiang Wang's language,today's chef would likely become the main course.It is evident that sometimes,the barrier to communication is the premise for peaceful coexistence.

Watching the last wisp of residual flamedisappear into Threeforks' mouth,Jiang Wang suddenly realized something –His originally crimson Samadhi True Firehad taken on a somewhat deep and somber hue.Though not very obvious to the eye,the temperature within was indeed much hotter.He wondered if it was due to too frequent use recently,or the effect of having swallowed too many fire lotuses…perhaps a combination of both?

Threeforks still had its dog mouth open.Jiang Wang spread his hands, indicatinghe had not a speck of true fire left.Threeforks then closed its mouth, turned and left,not even bothering to spare Jiang Wang another glance.Perfectly demonstrating the coldness of royalty.Truly a master of abandoning the bridge after crossing the river.

Before long, another strong Huo Doudelivered the fire lotus Jiang Wang needed to consume daily.After delivering the fire lotus,it stayed by the edge of the lava lake,looking on expectantly.It was the third of the four minor leadersresponsible for meal delivery – A, B, C, and D.Jiang Wang, when bored, had also given them nicknames.

Jiang Wang accepted the fire lotus,chewing and eating, while casually rewardingthe minor leader 'C' with a Flame Sparrow Carrying a Flower.He naturally controlled its power,allowing the creature to consume it just so,without suffering injury.Being able to do this was in itselfa manifestation of his progress in fire-attributed Daoist arts.If previously his Daoist arts could matchthe top level of the same realm because ofthe two transcendent-grade Daoist arts in command,then now, in the details of Daoist arts,he had also caught up.

Minor leader 'C' grinned at Jiang Wang,and left contentedly.Now delivering meals to this two-legged beastwas a good job; no one would wear a cold face anymore.

At this time, Lord Jiang,bare-chested, was lazily soaking in the lava lake –After discovering the benefits of the lava lake,he had taken off his Wishful Immortal Robeand focused on soaking.Anyway, there were Huo Dou all over the mountains,so he wasn't afraid of being watched.The Wishful Immortal Robe blocked heat, which was undesirable.

The back of his head rested on a smoothly ground volcanic stone pillow,and he could see the clouds and mist of the sky upon opening his eyes.The Huo Dou's lair was a volcanic island in the sea,not a floating mountain.Thus, the sound of the tide would sometimes naturally wash in.On such a day with gentle sunlight,enjoying the tenderness of the entire volcanic island.Rich fire essence embraced him.While tearing at the petals of the fire lotus,slowly feeding them into his mouth,slowly digesting the medicinal power,he also meticulously reviewed the battle with Threeforks in his mind.

Clear muscle lines and various scars,together, painted a story-rich patternon the young man's body.At this moment, he did not know…there were visitors.

Seeing the volcanic island from afar,Xiang Bei and Tai Yinboth felt a surge of emotion, tears welling up.Heaven knows how much hardship they had enduredjourneying across mountains and rivers!Not long after setting out in the Mountain Piercing Shuttle,they were targeted by a strange bird with a tumor on its head.After finally shaking off the pursuit,the Mountain Piercing Shuttle was nearly damaged.To ensure the shuttle could function at their destination,they had no choice but to stow it awayand rely on their own speed first.

Guided by the Seven Star Compass,hiding and dodging along the way,they traveled for nine days and nine nightsbefore finally finding this volcanic island."Are you sure it's here?" Xiang Bei asked."Certain!" Tai Yin nodded fiercely.

Thus, the two submerged into the water,summoned the Mountain Piercing Shuttle,and approached the volcanic island from the seabed.The shuttle silently parted the water,drilling into the base of the volcanic island –naturally, they dared not appear openly before the Huo Dou,intending to operate solely beneath the island's surface throughout.Unless they discovered the Nine Chapters Jade Tablet,or some treasure within the volcanic island,would they suddenly appear, seize the treasure, and escape.

This island, with its volcanic cluster,was incredibly vast, beyond description.Attempting to stealthily investigate the island's basewas undoubtedly a massive undertaking.But this did not dampen Xiang Bei and Tai Yin's fighting spirit.Having lost the Nine Chapters Jade Tablet,they had already delayed for nine days and nine nights.If they reached their destination and still gained nothing,they could directly declare themselves out of the game!Thus, this volcanic island was their must-obtain prize,they were determined to succeed.

In the softly lit cabin,Tai Yin held a formation disk in each hand,pressing them against the cabin walls on either side,dividing his attention,carefully sensing the treasure aura on this volcanic island.Xiang Bei was at the front of the cabin,carefully maneuvering the Mountain Piercing Shuttle,while observing the situation on the islandthrough a single circular lens in front of him.The observation formation array built into the Mountain Piercing Shuttlecould project scenes within a certain rangeonto this single lens.This was a necessary design, otherwisethe shuttle's shielding formation arraywould render the users inside deaf and blind.

Time passed by, drop by drop.At the base of the volcanic island,the Mountain Piercing Shuttle moved slowly and patiently.After Tai Yin had consumed four detection formation disks,Xiang Bei's eyes moved away from the single lens,and his expression became strange."What is it? Did you find something?" Tai Yin asked.Xiang Bei thought for a moment, then asked,"Do you mind seeing a man's bare body?"Tai Yin was clearly taken aback: "Now?""Now."

Tai Yin was silent for a while,then said as tactfully as possible:"As a friend, I can respect any hobbies you have,even if I don't understand them.But it's limited to respect… do you understand what I'm saying?"He spoke earnestly: "Moreover, it's very dangerous here."

Xiang Bei wore a look of bewilderment:"What are you talking about?"He then moved aside: "Forget it, forget it, see for yourself."Tai Yin walked towards the front of the cabin,half-believing and half-doubting,his eyes fixed on Xiang Bei as they crossed paths,not even daring to turn his back on him.Thus, they exchanged positions,and he sat before that single circular lens.