BTTH: I have a key to travel to Wu Dong Qian Kun.

Chapter 179: Departure for the Mission

On the morning of the sixth day, the group finally arrived at their destination on the back of the green eagle.

Xiao Tian gazed into the distance, noticing that the once lush forest abruptly ended, giving way to a slightly crimson terrain spreading out as far as the eye could see. This bloodstained-looking land gave off a menacing aura.

As they approached the area, Xiao Tian felt numerous fierce gazes directed at them, clearly marking it as a dangerous place. Xiao Tian was familiar with such places; it reminded him of the chaotic and lawless Black-Corner Region on the Dou Qi Continent, inhabited by ruthless criminals.

"We've arrived!" Ying Huanhuan stretched lazily and said with a smile, "Let's head to the mining area first; our Dao Sect disciples are stationed there."

Soon, the green eagle descended on a crimson mountain range, landing at a stony site. As they landed, several disciples dressed in Dao Sect uniforms approached, their wary expressions turning respectful upon recognizing the newcomers.

"Huanhuan!" A petite woman who led the group greeted Ying Huanhuan warmly. Though her looks weren't as striking as Ying Huanhuan's, she exuded a gentle aura, clearly showing their familiarity.

"Fang Jie!" Ying Huanhuan greeted back cheerfully and introduced, "These are the disciples accompanying me: Jiang Kun, who you already know, and these two are new to the Desolate Hall, Xiao Tian and Lin Dong."

Fang Jie assessed Xiao Tian and Lin Dong's cultivation levels. Unable to discern Xiao Tian's level, she felt a twinge of caution. Lin Dong, however, was at the seventh stage of Nirvana, which was impressive among the young disciples of the Dao Sect.

"Such good talents, why did they join the Desolate Hall?" Fang Jie wondered aloud, a hint of disdain in her tone.

Upon hearing this, Ying Huanhuan rolled her eyes at Xiao Tian and explained, "They came to the Dao Sect specifically for the Great Desolate Scripture. They're not interested in other halls!"

"Another one who doesn't know his limits, huh?" Fang Jie remarked dismissively.

If the Great Desolate Scripture were so easily comprehended, the Desolate Hall would already be the top hall in the Dao Sect.

Ying Huanhuan turned to Xiao Tian and Lin Dong, "This is Sister Yuan Fang, a direct disciple of the Heavenly Hall. She manages this mining area."

"Yuan Fang?" Xiao Tian couldn't resist the well-known internet meme, blurting out, "Yuan Fang, what do you think?"

"What do I think about what?" Yuan Fang was puzzled.

"Never mind." Xiao Tian shook his head.

Yuan Fang pouted, "Weird."

"Fang Jie, let's quickly check out the issue. If it's those pesky beasts again, I won't hold back," Ying Huanhuan said, making a fierce gesture with her delicate hand, which drew chuckles from everyone.

"The problem this time is peculiar. But I'll show you first," Yuan Fang said as she led the group forward.

As they flew toward the mining area, Yuan Fang explained, "We're stationed at the largest mine in the Blood Rock Grounds, with over a hundred disciples here. Although their strength isn't top-notch, the Dao Sect's name generally deters troublemakers."

They landed on a protruding rocky peak, overlooking a crimson forest. The towering trees with fiery red leaves swayed in the wind. Within this forest, Xiao Tian sensed dozens of violent and fierce presences.

"These are the Fire Crystal Apes, beasts native to the Blood Rock Grounds. Each one is as strong as a fifth-stage Nirvana practitioner, and they're quite troublesome. Even if we could drive them away, we'd suffer heavy casualties," Yuan Fang explained, her face grave.

"So many Fire Crystal Apes?" The group's faces changed at the news.

"I remember there weren't Fire Crystal Apes here before. Why are there so many now?" Ying Huanhuan asked, puzzled.

"I don't know," Yuan Fang shook her head. "Their numbers have increased, disrupting our mining operations, which is why we sent for help."

"There must be something in the forest attracting them," Lin Dong suggested.

"We've scouted the forest and found nothing unusual," Yuan Fang replied.

"We'll know for sure once we go in," Xiao Tian said.

"But with our numbers, we might not make it through," Yuan Fang hesitated.

"Leave it to me," Xiao Tian said, breathing out a flame. The flame expanded, turning into a sea of fire that spread through the forest.

Strangely, though the flame's terrifying heat was felt by everyone, it did not harm the plants. Instead, the forest echoed with the agonized cries of the Fire Crystal Apes, and soon, dozens of them were reduced to ashes.

Yuan Fang was stunned, staring at the scene in disbelief. Xiao Tian had effortlessly annihilated over forty fifth-stage Nirvana-level Fire Crystal Apes.

"Hmph!" Ying Huanhuan snorted, clearly displeased, "You're just using brute force."

"Let's go in," Xiao Tian said, retracting the flames.

The group ventured into the forest's center, where they found a scene that left them astonished.

Before them lay a crimson land, with a black tree sprouting from the cracked earth. The tree's branches were as hard as steel, adorned with ancient natural runes. Most striking were the five flame-like crimson fruits hanging from it.

"It's an Immortal Yuan Tree!" Ying Huanhuan gasped, covering her mouth in shock.

"How is there an Immortal Yuan Tree here?" Yuan Fang was equally dumbfounded.

Ying Huanhuan stepped forward to approach the black tree.

"Boom!" Suddenly, a giant flaming hand burst from the ground, attacking Ying Huanhuan.

"Huanhuan!" The group's faces turned pale.

"Swish!" Xiao Tian darted forward, grabbing Ying Huanhuan's smooth wrist and pulling her back.

A massive dark red ape, the Fire Crystal Ape King, emerged, its presence radiating overwhelming menace.

"A Fire Crystal Ape King?" Yuan Fang and the others looked tense. Though it was at the seventh stage of Nirvana, its combat strength rivaled the eighth stage.

"Xiao Tian, we must get the Immortal Yuan Tree!" Ying Huanhuan insisted.

Xiao Tian smiled, "What's in it for me?"

Ying Huanhuan glared at him, fuming. She knew she couldn't beat him.

Thinking quickly, she offered, "If you get the Immortal Yuan Tree, I'll help you pursue my sister!"

"That's not much of a reward!" Xiao Tian scoffed. "How about this: if I get the Immortal Yuan Tree, you have to kiss me."

"What? Kiss you?" Ying Huanhuan's eyes blazed with anger, ready to burst into flames at his audacity.

(End of Chapter)

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