The entrance to the Sixth Layer lay on a relatively level stretch of black rock. The volcanoes of the fifth floor rumbled in the distance, rivers of lava winding past their bases, and the sulfur in the air was thick enough to choke on.
By the time Bebe and Wangcai arrived, quite a few people had gathered near the entrance. Some were sitting, some leaned against the rock walls, and some were wrapping bandages around their arms. Bebe glanced around-Desri, Tulilei, Fain, and several veteran Saints whose names were known on the Yulan Continent were all there.
"Wangcai, Bebe, you're here. That's almost everyone," Desri greeted them with a smile.
Bebe jumped down from Wangcai's head and landed on a slightly cooler rock. His little eyes swept over everyone present as he asked in confusion, "Desri, what's going on? Why is everyone gathered here instead of going farther up?"
Desri's smile faded a little. His expression was already solemn, and as his smile receded, the atmosphere around them grew a little heavier.
"The Sixth Layer is a world filled with lava and solid rock," Desri began slowly. "There is one creature there more powerful than all the rest—the Flame Monarch."
"And that's not all." Desri's tone grew increasingly grave. "Aside from the Flame Monarch, there are hundreds upon thousands of Red Rock Demons in the Sixth Layer. The Flame Monarch stands hundreds of meters tall, his body formed from countless pieces of hard rock. His strength is boundless, and his defenses have reached a terrifying level."
He paused, sweeping his gaze over the group before finally resting it on Bebe and Wangcai.
"Most importantly, he possesses a divine artifact, the Bloodthirsty Great Axe. If any one of us took a blow from that axe, we would probably lose our lives."