86: Crisis of Inflammation, Mysterious Helper

The group continued their arduous journey through the Yanhuo Mountain Range. As they drew closer to the location of the flame marrow crystal, the surrounding environment became increasingly peculiar. The rocks on the ground displayed a strange red hue, as if scorched by high temperatures and infused with the power of fire. The air was thick with potent flame spiritual energy, making every breath feel scorching hot.

Suddenly, a massive lava lake appeared before them. The magma in the lake churned and surged, emitting suffocating heat. In the center of the lava lake was a small island, emanating a faint glow—the very location of the flame marrow crystal.

"That's it, the flame marrow crystal should be on that small island," the old man said, pointing to the island in the center of the lava lake.

However, reaching the island was no easy feat. The magma in the lava lake constantly erupted, forming searing geysers that could devour anyone who ventured too close. Moreover, a thick layer of fiery mist hung over the lake, obstructing their vision.

"What should we do? The magma is so turbulent, and with the fiery mist interfering, it's too dangerous to rush over," Blood Demon said, frowning.

Qiao Feng pondered for a moment before saying, "Don't rush, everyone. Let's observe the pattern of the magma eruptions and look for an opportunity."

The group then carefully observed by the lava lake. After some time, they noticed that the magma eruptions seemed to occur at certain intervals. Although the intervals were not long, if they seized the timing correctly, they might have a chance to rush across.

"I'll try first," Qiao Feng said, seizing a gap in the magma eruptions. He unleashed his Qinggong and swiftly darted towards the island. However, just as he was about to approach the island, a geyser of magma suddenly erupted prematurely. Qiao Feng couldn't dodge in time, and the high-temperature magma brushed past the corner of his clothes, causing a stinging pain in his arm.

Qiao Feng quickly retreated to the shore, his brows furrowed as he looked at his scorched clothes. "It seems the magma eruption pattern is unstable. We need to find another way."

At this moment, the Man in Black Robe searched carefully around the lava lake and discovered some ancient markings. He traced the markings, seemingly finding clues to some mechanism. "Everyone, come here, there might be a way to open a passage," the Man in Black Robe called out.

The group gathered around. Following the instructions of the ancient markings, the Man in Black Robe pressed several specific spots on a rock. Suddenly, the rock slowly moved, revealing a hidden opening. A wave of heat blew out from the opening, and faintly visible was a passage paved with strange stones, extending to the small island in the center of the lava lake.

"This passage should lead to the island, but I wonder if it's safe," Ye Gucheng said.

"At this point, we can only try," Qiao Feng said.

The group cautiously proceeded along the passage. Flames occasionally shot out from both sides of the passage, but fortunately, the passage was wide enough for them to dodge. However, when they reached the halfway point of the passage, it suddenly began to shake violently.

"Oh no, the passage is collapsing!" the Sect Master of the Nether Ghost Sect cried out.

The stones of the passage began to loosen, falling one by one into the lava lake. The group quickly sped up, and just as the passage was about to completely collapse, they successfully reached the small island.

On the small island, the flame marrow crystal emitted a soft glow, embedded in a large rock. However, before the group could even catch their breath, a group of Flame Spirits suddenly appeared before them. These Flame Spirits were small in stature but exuded powerful auras. They surrounded the flame marrow crystal, vigilantly watching the group.

"You cannot take the flame marrow crystal. It is an important object that protects the Yanhuo Mountain Range," one Flame Spirit said.

Qiao Feng cupped his fists and said, "We are taking the flame marrow crystal to Seal the southern bright fire pearl, to prevent it from falling into the hands of evil forces and bringing disaster to the Jianghu. We hope you can understand."

The Flame Spirits looked at each other, seemingly deliberating. Just then, the Cult Master of the Dark Holy Cult and the Mysterious Figure reappeared. It turned out they had not truly left, but had been secretly tracking Qiao Feng and the others.

"Haha, you really found the flame marrow crystal. Now, both the flame marrow crystal and the southern bright fire pearl belong to us!" the Cult Master of the Dark Holy Cult cackled, leading his subordinates to charge towards the group.

Seeing the Dark Holy Cult members, the Flame Spirits immediately became enraged. "You evil villains, don't even think about touching the flame marrow crystal!" The Flame Spirits launched their attacks one after another, sending beams of flame towards the Dark Holy Cult members.

Qiao Feng and the others also immediately formed their battle array, engaging in combat with the Dark Holy Cult members. However, after their previous ordeal, everyone's stamina had not fully recovered, while the Dark Holy Cult members were well-prepared.

"Everyone be careful, they are probably well-prepared this time," Qiao Feng shouted.

The Cult Master of the Dark Holy Cult swung his magic staff, and a black pillar of spiritual energy blasted towards Qiao Feng. The Mysterious Figure, meanwhile, formed hand Seals, and black mist condensed into a giant black fist, attacking the old man, attempting to snatch the ancient texts from him.

Although the Flame Spirits resisted fiercely, the Dark Holy Cult members were powerful and gradually gained the upper hand. Just as everyone was in crisis, a Mysterious Figure suddenly appeared on the battlefield. This figure was incredibly fast; everyone only saw a blur before the Mysterious Person appeared in front of the Cult Master of the Dark Holy Cult.

The Mysterious Person held a sword emitting a strange glow. With a gentle swing of the sword, a powerful Sword Qi slashed towards the Cult Master of the Dark Holy Cult. The Cult Master of the Dark Holy Cult quickly defended, but the power of the Sword Qi was too strong, and he was forced back several steps.

"Who are you? How dare you ruin my plans!" the Cult Master of the Dark Holy Cult angrily glared at the Mysterious Person.

The Mysterious Person did not reply, but continued to wield the sword, engaging in battle with the Dark Holy Cult members. The Mysterious Person's swordsmanship was superb; each strike precisely targeted the enemy's vital points. Under his attacks, the Dark Holy Cult members gradually fell into disarray.

Who exactly is this Mysterious Person? Why did he come to their aid at this critical moment? Can Qiao Feng and the others, with the Mysterious Person's help, successfully repel the Dark Holy Cult members and obtain the flame marrow crystal? The situation in the Jianghu becomes increasingly perplexing, and everything awaits them to uncover...