Sizzle, sizzle—
Wang Tiechui heard the defensive shields all around being corroded by lava and gritted his teeth, despair surging through him like waves crashing against his chest.
If he had known this would happen, he wouldn't have been distracted while refining artifacts. To leave behind a perfect creation before death would be to live a life without regret.
Wang Tiechui clenched his fists tightly, awaiting death.
But in the next moment, a strange yet irresistible spiritual energy enveloped him.
Wang Tiechui cautiously opened his eyes and met the equally bewildered gazes of countless others.
Startled, Wang Tiechui blinked. He instinctively scanned his surroundings, his gaze finally landing on the unforgettable figure before him.
It was the senior female cultivator he had met before!
Wang Tiechui instantly understood that he and these fellow disciples had been saved by this senior.
Overwhelmed with gratitude, Wang Tiechui's heart was filled with an immeasurable appreciation for the senior.
He watched the senior for a while and noticed that she was busy rescuing people everywhere and had no time to spare.
He could only suppress his excitement and distract himself.
When he saw the devastated landscape of Mount Burning Fire, he gasped.
In the past, Mount Burning Fire was dangerous, but the alternating distribution of black rocks and fiery lava possessed a unique aesthetic.
Now, the black rocks were almost entirely covered by lava, and thick black smoke billowed upwards.
What was once a training ground had become a perilous wasteland.
Wang Tiechui felt a profound sense of unease. Had it not been for the senior's rescue, he would have already perished in the lava, his bones bleached white.
Thinking of this, Wang Tiechui's gratitude deepened.
Half an hour later, Wang Tiechui and the rescued cultivators landed at the foot of Mount Burning Fire.
Their group was significantly larger than before.
Wang Tiechui later discovered that it wasn't just the senior who had been rescuing people; in addition to the senior's companions, there was also a strange cultivator he had never seen before.
He assumed that person was also a noble and righteous senior.
Wang Tiechui thought to himself.
Meanwhile, Xu Yi and Ji Buwang, after confirming that no more cultivators remained alive on the mountainside of Mount Burning Fire, looked at the sea of cultivators.
These cultivators had all been rescued by them from Mount Burning Fire, including those saved by the bearded cultivator.
These cultivators seemed to consider them as a group. Upon reaching the mountain's base, they naturally stood together, bowed in salutation, and expressed their thanks repeatedly.
Some even boldly asked for Xu Yi and her companions' names, intending to publicize their heroic deeds and earn them universal admiration.
"The situation on Mount Burning Fire is unstable. You should leave quickly and return after the mountain fires have subsided."
Xu Yi refused their request and urged them to depart.
Xu Yi was unsure if further conflicts would arise with the bearded cultivator. To avoid implicating innocent cultivators, she had no choice but to adopt this approach.
Fortunately, the many cultivators rescued by Xu Yi and her companions were not ungrateful.
They glanced at the lava flows still erupting intermittently on Mount Burning Fire, nodded ruefully, and likely would not return to this place for a long time.
Before leaving, they expressed their gratitude to Xu Yi and her companions once more before dispersing in small groups.
After everyone had dispersed, Xu Yi turned her gaze to the bearded cultivator who had been standing aside without speaking.
"Dao..."
Before she could speak, the bearded cultivator vanished in a streak of light, as if he had never been there.
Xu Yi blinked. What a peculiar person.
However, since the other party had voluntarily left, Xu Yi had no intention of pursuing the matter further. Just as she was about to go and fetch Long Haotian and the other two, a timid figure shuffled towards her.
"Greetings, two seniors. I... I am Wang Sen, a disciple of the Daqi Sect. Thank you, thank you, two seniors, for saving my life."
As Wang Tiechui spoke, he subconsciously swallowed several times.
He tried his best to remain calm, but simply standing still in front of the two seniors required immense courage.
A disciple of the Daqi Sect?
Xu Yi remembered Yu Xiaoyu, who loved to wield a meteor hammer, and a smile touched her lips.
Then, she noticed that this disciple named Wang Sen was also tightly gripping an iron hammer in his hand, which sparked a playful thought.
"Do all disciples of your Daqi Sect favor iron hammers?"
"Wh-what?"
Wang Tiechui didn't react immediately, staring blankly at Xu Yi.
It wasn't until he noticed Xu Yi's gaze resting on the iron hammer in his hand that he understood, nodding nervously, "Senior is correct. Because the disciples of the Daqi Sect are fond of artifact refining, the iron hammer is also one of the most favored magical treasures by our Daqi Sect disciples."
Unaware of Xu Yi's intentions, Wang Tiechui answered truthfully.
Xu Yi smiled. "I have a friend who also loves to use iron hammers. Seeing you reminds me of her."
"I see. Then it is truly my honor!"
Xu Yi's words were gentle, not as haughty or condescending as he might have expected. Wang Tiechui was delighted, his tone becoming much livelier.
However, Xu Yi had no further interest in discussing the matter and her next words were a subtle dismissal.
"This place is dangerous and not suitable for lingering. You should return soon."
After saying this, Xu Yi walked to Ji Buwang's side, preparing to leave with him.
"Senior!"
With a sudden surge of courage, Wang Tiechui called out to Xu Yi.
He knew this was a rare opportunity, so even if she found him bothersome, he wanted to take a chance.
"Senior, I have visited Mount Burning Fire dozens of times and am quite familiar with its conditions. If you require assistance, I am willing to serve you to repay your life-saving grace."
As Wang Tiechui said this, he dared not look up at Xu Yi, knowing his words were merely boasting about himself.
The disparity in their strength created an insurmountable gap between them.
If he hadn't known that the senior was benevolent, he wouldn't have dared to speak so presumptuously.
Xu Yi raised her eyebrows in surprise.
She wasn't displeased by Wang Tiechui's self-recommendation; rather, she was intrigued by his boldness.
"I do have a mission here. If you can help me resolve this issue, I will answer one of your questions."
As Xu Yi's words fell, Wang Tiechui nearly collapsed to his knees in excitement.
He occupied an awkward, middle-ground position within his sect. Although his master was powerful, he was also engrossed in artifact refining, dedicating little time to instructing him.
If he were fortunate enough to receive guidance from a powerful cultivator, he might avoid many detours.
He had to seize such an opportunity.
He clenched his fists tightly, trying his best to maintain a steady voice. "I am willing to share your burden, Senior."
"Do you know of the Fire Magma Fruit?" Xu Yi asked.
"Yes," Wang Tiechui replied first. Then, as if realizing something, he looked up at Xu Yi. "Is your objective this time the Fire Magma Fruit?"
"Indeed," Xu Yi smiled faintly. "Do you know the whereabouts of the Fire Magma Fruit?"
In truth, Xu Yi hadn't placed much hope in this.
The growing environment for the Fire Magma Fruit was extremely harsh, and it would be difficult for Wang Tiechui, with his cultivation level, to encounter it.
However, the answer exceeded Xu Yi's expectations.
For Wang Tiechui suddenly exclaimed, "I know!"