On the Road · An Unexpected Encounter

Over the next few days, the group maintained a steady pace. They traveled by day, sparring and exchanging insights whenever they stopped to rest; at night, they made camp and discussed tactics, working through ways to coordinate.

The battle between Dongyue Huaiyu and Li Xuanqing seemed to have flipped a switch, completely breaking down the barriers between the two families' younger members. Now, when they flew, they naturally formed mixed ranks: power attack types at the front, control types in the center, agility attack types roaming the flanks, and support and defense types bringing up the rear. Their soul power fluctuations faintly resonated with one another, already showing the beginnings of a battle formation.

At noon on the seventh day, they entered a region called the Ashen Hills. The terrain rose and fell, covered in dark red sand and soil. Vegetation was sparse, with only scattered, low-growing shrubs stubbornly clinging to life. A faint smell of sulfur hung in the air, and the temperature was considerably higher than in the surrounding areas.

"This was once an ancient volcano. Though it has lain dormant for a thousand years, the underground heat has yet to dissipate," Dongyue Qingxuan warned. "Fire-attribute soul beasts may live here. Stay alert."

Before he had finished speaking, a piercing hiss suddenly rang out from the hills below!

"Hiss—!"

Dozens of crimson shapes burst from the sandy soil. They were soul beasts covered in dark red scales, resembling lizards but sporting wings! Between three and five meters long, they spewed sulfurous flames from their mouths, their scarlet eyes fixed on the group overhead.

"Emberwing lizards! They live in packs and range from thousand-year to ten-thousand-year beasts. They specialize in fire poison and pouncing attacks!" Dongyue Qingmu assessed swiftly. "Three ten-thousand-year beasts are leading them. The rest are all