Hongfang's Explanation

On the ground, the forest had already become a sea of flames.

Liu Sishan, Zhang Shouzhong, and the others ran swiftly through the burning woods, heading for the Changsha River.

The Changsha River flowed from the east side of Mingzhu City into the sea, while its other end lay within the Endless Mountains. Now that the Endless Mountains were engulfed in flames, anyone who wanted to survive had to head for the Changsha River.

As long as they crossed the Changsha River, even the fiercest blaze would not be able to reach them.

"Watch out!"

Lu Han suddenly shouted and shoved the distracted Liu Sishan aside.

A burning tree toppled over, knocking Lu Han to the ground. The others quickly rushed over and moved the tree aside.

"Are you all right?" Zhang Shouzhong asked.

Lu Han climbed to his feet and shook his head. "I'm fine."

The instant he was struck, he had reinforced his clothes, so he was not seriously hurt.

"Sisi, I know you're worried about Zhang Ping, but this isn't the time to lose focus." He looked at Liu Sishan and spoke sternly.

He was worried too, but worrying was useless under the circumstances. What mattered most was surviving first. Only then would they have a chance to return and rescue Zhang Ping, who might still be alive.

"Yes... I'm sorry." Liu Sishan said guiltily.

Zhang Shouzhong said, "I'll clear the way ahead. Stay close, everyone. Trust me, Zhang Ping is definitely still alive. That kid's tough—he isn't someone who'll die young."

The moment he finished speaking, the enormous Firebird trapped in the distance let out a terrifying roar.

The roar no longer sounded like something a bird could make. It was more like the furious bellow of a man, mixed with countless other indistinguishable noises.

After