Pitch-black clouds drifted across the gloomy sky, lightning flashing through them from time to time amid rumbling thunder. Volcano after volcano, formed entirely of black-and-red limestone, belched clouds of gray-black smoke. Intense fire spirit energy permeated the air. For hundreds of miles around, the entire landscape lay beneath a gray haze, its barren earth devoid of grass or any sign of life.
Indeed, this was the Ten Thousand Volcanoes, home to the Fire Dragon Palace, the foremost sect of the Demonic Path.
Suddenly, two streaks of flight light appeared on the horizon and swept into the area.
"Ah, so these are the legendary Ten Thousand Volcanoes, where the Fire Dragon Palace stands? What an imposing sight!" one of them, a gaunt old man, exclaimed in admiration.
"Haha! Once you see our Fire Dragon Palace, you'll know what truly imposing means!" the other, a red-haired young man, replied with a hearty laugh.
These two were none other than Sun Xing and Jin Zhan, who had left the Southwestern Ancient City. After parting ways with Li Yuer, they had spent several days recuperating in Nantou City. Only after recovering from their injuries had they flown toward the Fire Dragon Palace.
"Haha! Then I must take a good look!" Jin Zhan said, laughing.
"You won't be disappointed, Brother Jin!" With that, Sun Xing took a small red tube from inside his robes, raised it to his lips, and blew hard. A clear, piercing whistle rang out. It was a little flute, and its bright, ringing note carried far into the distance.
Jin Zhan remained silent beside him, watching everything Sun Xing did with perfect composure.
"Kraa!" Suddenly, a strange cry came from the distant horizon. Moments later, a black speck broke through the haze and shot toward them like lightning.
"Hm?" Jin Zhan