[14 days remaining until the Blood Moon Calamity descended]
Chen Nian had agreed to accompany Ye Hongling to the Fire Flame Abyss so he could obtain a high-tier skill scroll.
That was a reliable way to greatly increase his strength!
The Fire Flame Abyss was a place every fire-element transcendent had to visit.
As long as they passed the trial, they could not only level up but also permanently improve their attribute growth, and even awaken certain rare, powerful fire skills.
Ye Hongling had chosen to force her way into the Fire Flame Abyss now to become stronger before the real "Calamity" arrived.
"The Fire Flame Abyss was discovered inside an offshore volcano. We'll take a helicopter there."
"We'll meet at Linhai City Airport tomorrow afternoon. Any problems?"
Chen Nian replied: All right, I'll try to make it.
Ye Hongling: Stop pretending, big brother. Aren't you right here in Linhai City? I'm even accommodating you here~
Chen Nian: ...
The next day.
Chen Nian changed into a black jacket he never normally wore, then put on a black mask and hat, covering himself thoroughly.
When he left home, he even used "Hidden Shadow, Formless" outright. Only in the airport restroom did he deactivate Hidden Shadow before heading out to meet Ye Hongling.
At the airport.
Ye Hongling was unmistakably the most dazzling sight there.
She wore sunglasses, her long burgundy hair paired with a long red dress, like a peony in full, vibrant bloom. Her blood-red lips shone alluringly, and her snow-white skin was as flawless as a work of art.
Her appearance alone was enough to cause a huge stir!
"Holy shit... look at that woman. She's gorgeous..."
"That's Ye Hongling. Don't tell me you don't know her? She's General Ye's precious daughter!"
"I never thought I'd get to see her in person one day. Can we get into the airport? I want to rush in and see her!"
"Forget it, man. Armed law enforcement officers are guarding every airport entrance. No unauthorized personnel allowed."
"What a shame!"
Countless people pressed against the glass of the airport waiting hall, watching from afar.
Besides Ye Hongling, six other transcendents stood beside the helicopter, all fire-type transcendents who had come from various places.
She had spent a great deal of money and called on her connections to recruit them all.
"Miss Ye, it's already two in the afternoon. We're still not all here?"
"No rush. There's one more."
"Who the hell thinks he's so important that he can leave us and Miss Ye waiting here? Does he have a death wish?" one hot-tempered man snapped.
"Hehe."
Ye Hongling pursed her lips in a smile without saying anything.
If she told these people the truth, they would probably wet themselves on the spot.
Just then, Chen Nian finally entered the airport.
"Look, here he comes."
"Fuck, he's even strolling along. Can't he run over?"
"He looks like some kid who hasn't even grown his hair yet. We'll have to teach him a lesson when he gets here!"
"Let it go. Miss Ye invited him too. Let's show her some respect."
Chen Nian finally joined the group.
From the moment he appeared, Ye Hongling's gaze had been fixed squarely on him, never shifting away once.
She even took off her sunglasses and perched them on her head, a playful smile curling her lips like some female pervert.
"Hey, buddy, how about introducing yourself? You've certainly kept us waiting."
Chen Nian glanced over the group. "There's no need for introductions, is there?"
"Of course there is! All of us have some reputation in the scene. If you don't tell us, how are we supposed to assess your strength?"
"All right, all right!"
Ye Hongling clapped her hands. "Get on the helicopter. We're short on time."
"Whatever you say, Miss Ye."
"After you, Miss Ye!"
Their reason for letting Ye Hongling board first was quite obvious: they wanted to sit beside her.
Who wouldn't want to simp for a rich woman with looks, a great figure, and powerful abilities?
Just getting to brush their arms and thighs against hers would give them something to brag about for a lifetime!
Once Ye Hongling took a seat by the side, everyone scrambled to board.
"Get the fuck out of the way! Miss Ye, may I sit beside you?"
The speaker was Chu Xiang, a rich second-generation young master whose talent was Flame Knight. He could be considered the strongest of the group.
Ye Hongling smiled.
"Do you think you're worthy?"
"Uh..."
Chu Xiang's expression stiffened, and he sat off to the side in utter embarrassment.
After everyone had taken their seats, the one beside Ye Hongling was still empty, and Chen Nian was the last to board.
Chen Nian's first instinct was to head toward the back and sit in the last row.
"Where are you going? Get over here!"
Everyone: ???
"I'm the boss right now. You won't even listen to your boss?"
Everyone: ???
And so, beneath everyone's shocked, bewildered gazes, Chen Nian was forcibly dragged over and seated beside Ye Hongling.
"But, Miss Ye, he..."
"Holy shit..."
Chu Xiang in particular looked as though he had eaten shit.
It would have been fine if he alone wasn't worthy, since nobody present should have been worthy either, but he hadn't expected this brat to end up getting the perk!
The helicopter started up.
Chen Nian could feel a head resting against his shoulder, along with a hand discreetly slipping around his waist.
"Could you stop touching me?"
"Huh? It's too loud! I can't hear what you're saying!"
An enchanting smile lingered on Ye Hongling's lips as her burgundy hair whipped in the wind, slapping against Chen Nian's face.
He was helpless. He hadn't expected that he could end up being groped...
Two hours later, they arrived at their destination.
On a volcanic island.
An endless expanse of ocean surrounded them.
"This volcano appeared after the game merged with reality. Some people came to explore it a while ago."
"The Fire Flame Abyss is inside the volcano."
After those brief explanations, Ye Hongling led everyone onward into the volcanic crater.
Waves of heat rushed into their faces, and the air temperature abruptly soared!
Fortunately, none of them were pushovers. This little heat meant nothing to them. After heading deep into the volcano, they finally discovered the entrance within its churning magma-filled interior.
A crimson chaos portal stood right before them.
"Enter."
Ye Hongling stepped into the Fire Flame Abyss first, and the others followed close behind, excitement showing on every face.
Chen Nian stepped in after them too.
A scarlet landscape came into view. Scorching heat ten times more intense blasted him in the face. Thick, roiling black clouds shrouded the sky, and lightning occasionally struck the distant mountains. Collapsed buildings and broken walls lay scattered around them.
At the very center of the area stood a crimson pillar of light. That was Ye Hongling's destination.
A majestic voice rang out.
[Challenger, enter the trial pillar of light and receive the Fire and Flame Inheritance]
Ye Hongling said gravely, "I'll be entering the pillar of light next. Monsters will attack from all around in an endless stream. Your job is to protect me until the trial is complete. Understood?"
"Understood!"
"Don't worry, Miss Ye. We'll keep you completely safe, hehe!"
Everyone was brimming with confidence, unaware that a bitter, life-or-death battle was about to begin...