438: Undying Volcano

After leaving the Hengyu Imperial Court, the ripples in Ye Xuan's heart were difficult to calm for a long time.

What was Yue Xuan hiding? This thought was like a thorn in his heart.

He trusted Yue Xuan, knowing that she would never harm him, but Ning Qingxue's warning made him uneasy.

Moreover, regarding the ancient era, he did indeed have some of Tai Hao's memories, but those memories were too ancient.

It was difficult to distinguish truth from falsehood; his memories were slowly awakening, not returning all at once.

Therefore, if Yue Xuan was truly hiding something from him, then that would not be good.

However, the current priority was still to go to the Undying Volcano; as for Yue Xuan's matter, it could be discussed later.

A few days later, the four arrived at the Southern Heavenly Realm.

The Undying Volcano was visible in the distance, a colossal volcano reaching the heavens and earth, erupting eternal Divine Fire that dyed half the sky crimson.

The crater occasionally spewed out ten-thousand-foot lava, like a heavenly punishment descending, its destructive aura making even Immortal Emperor Realm powerhouses tremble with fear.

"What terrifying power..."

Fire Linger exclaimed.

As the controller of Nirvana Fire, she could most keenly feel the terrifying energy contained within the flames; even a trace of that power would be enough to severely injure a Quasi-Emperor powerhouse.

No wonder the people of the Hengyu Imperial Court had risked their lives to get some information.

"This is countless times more powerful than my Nine-Colored Nirvana Fire!"

Tang Linglong nodded solemnly, "No wonder Tai Hao was unwilling to easily provoke the Phoenix Clan; such Divine Might of heaven and earth is indeed beyond human capability to resist. However, there seems to be something else within this Undying Volcano that makes me feel an inexplicable unease."

Yue Xuan silently gazed at the volcano, a complex expression flashing in her silver eyes.

The Vermilion Bird Clan, tainted by original sin, was trapped in the Undying Volcano. After so many years, although their power had dissipated, they were still confined within it, unable to leave.

As they tried to approach, an invisible Restriction blocked their path.

That Restriction contained ancient Phoenix Divine Power, mixed with some more primordial Law power, so much so that even Ye Xuan's Heavenly Dao power could not easily Breakthrough it.

"The Restriction is stronger than imagined."

Stars swirled in Ye Xuan's left eye, and the next moment, an extremely powerful light erupted.

"This power requires a specific time or method to enter, and this power doesn't seem to be set by the Phoenix Clan, but rather it's trapping them."

"Trapping them, that's really strange. The Phoenix Clan is powerful; besides Tai Hao, the only ones in this world who could trap them would be those 'people' from before the ancient era."

Yue Xuan frowned.

"Since we are here, let's make ourselves at home. We'll find a place to rest first, and then figure out how to enter the Undying Volcano."

Fire Linger suggested.

Everyone nodded.

The nearest small town here was called Nanli, meaning 'Southern Bright Departing Fire,' which immediately suggested a connection to the Phoenix Clan.

The town's buildings were mostly crimson, and most residents Cultivated fire-element Cultivation Techniques. Shops selling fire-element spiritual materials were everywhere.

The air was filled with the scent of sulfur, and the temperature was much higher than in other places.

The group found an inn called Lihuo Residence to stay.

After settling down, Ye Xuan decided to gather information in town, while the three women rested.

In the following days, the four lived a seemingly peaceful reclusive life.

During the day, Ye Xuan inquired about news in town, while the three women either Cultivated in the inn or went shopping together.

In the evening, the four gathered to share their experiences, as if they had returned to their initial Cultivation days.

They had not experienced such peaceful days in a long time.

Moreover, it seemed that what Ning Qingxue had given him was working, as the Red Dust Tribulation remained dormant.

Ye Xuan was also happy to accompany them shopping, experiencing the kind of affection that only ordinary couples shared.

This feeling, it must be said, was very comfortable.

...

Early this morning, Fire Linger excitedly pulled Tang Linglong to the market: "I heard that Fire Spirit Fruits are on sale today, which are very beneficial for fire-element Cultivation!"

"You, ah, this kind of fruit is no longer useful for your strength, even if..."

"Oh, sister, I know that, but it's rare to have such a lively event, let's just join in."

Fire Linger said with a smile.

Tang Linglong smiled helplessly, dragged out by Fire Linger.

Yue Xuan sat quietly Cultivating in the courtyard, moonlight flowing around her, forming a wonderful balance with the surrounding fire-element environment.

Ye Xuan walked out of the room and couldn't help but praise when he saw this scene: "To be able to maintain the purity of your Taiyin power in such an environment, your Cultivation has advanced again."

Yue Xuan opened her eyes and regained her calm: "Just a slight realization. My strength is slowly recovering, but..."

Yue Xuan seemed to want to say something, but in the end, she didn't continue.

Ye Xuan didn't press; if Yue Xuan wanted to speak, she would at any time. If she didn't want to, even if he asked, the result might not be what he wanted.

In the afternoon, the four dined in the hall.

Fire Linger excitedly showed off the Fire Spirit Fruits she bought: "Look! All this only cost ten immortal crystals!"

Tang Linglong smiled: "Yes, yes, you're the best at bargaining."

Ye Xuan watched the two women bicker, a smile unconsciously curving his lips, and a long-lost warmth flowed in his heart.

In the evening, the three women stayed at the inn to rest, while Ye Xuan wandered alone through the town.

As he passed a stall selling ancient books, the old stall owner suddenly called out to him: "Esteemed guest, are you interested in the Undying Volcano?"

Ye Xuan raised an eyebrow: "Old sir, how can you tell?"

The old man squinted and smiled: "This old man has been setting up a stall here for three hundred years; I've seen all kinds of people. Your aura is restrained yet unfathomable, esteemed guest, you must be here for the Opportunity in the volcano."

Ye Xuan laughed when he heard this: "Old sir has good insight."

To avoid drawing attention, Ye Xuan had already lowered his power to the Saint Realm, but he hadn't expected to still be seen through.

The old man lowered his voice: "If the esteemed guest trusts this old man, you can go to Fengming Valley on the east side of the volcano. There, you will surely get what you wish for."

Ye Xuan listened to these words, deep in thought.

"Why tell me this?"

The old man smiled meaningfully: "Just consider it... making a good connection."

After saying this, the old man disappeared.

Ye Xuan looked in the direction the old man left, then turned and entered the inn, telling Tang Linglong, Fire Linger, and Yue Xuan about what had just happened.

Tang Linglong, however, frowned: "Is that old man trustworthy? Could it be a trap?"

"Even if it's a trap, we have to go see. There is indeed something going on at the Undying Volcano."

Yue Xuan spoke at this moment.

Hearing Yue Xuan's words, Ye Xuan merely gave her a thoughtful look, then waved his hand, stopping Tang Linglong and Fire Linger from saying anything further.

"Hmm, I have no clue about that Restriction for now. Since there's a lead, we naturally have to go. Don't worry, there are very few people who can harm me now; nothing will happen."

"Alright then, if that's the case, we'll have to follow along to prevent you from encountering any danger."

Tang Linglong said with a frown.