"My junior's cultivation is still shallow. As his master, it's only natural I should look after him more. This White Rhino Pendant, while precious, is of little use to me now that I intend to walk the Mystic Crystal Path. As I recall, Brother Barbarian, you also possess a piece of Cold Ice Bead. Why not lend it to my junior as well? Surely, fellow Daoist, you wouldn't want any unexpected mishaps to befall my junior before he enters the inner sanctum!" Ancestor Ji Yin did not show anger. Instead, his eyes flickered, and he spoke with a smile.
"Hmph! Before we retrieve the Void Heaven Cauldron, I certainly won't let him die easily. This Cold Ice Bead is what I obtained years ago after killing a cold carp. Boy, I'll let you have this benefit for now." Having said this, Barbarian Beard took out a round, hazy-white, warm bead, about the size of a thumb, and tossed it to
Han Li was secretly delighted. After receiving the object, he offered several words of thanks. Although he knew these two were only giving him such treasures because of the Blood Jade Spider, they would allow him to pass through the Lava Path unharmed. Naturally, he was more than happy to accept.
The Cold Ice Bead and Barbarian Beard's White Rhino Pendant both emitted a white glow, but the moment Han Li held this bead, a bone-piercing chill assaulted him, making him shiver violently. He hurriedly stored it away in his storage pouch. This feeling was completely different from the cool touch of the White Rhino Pendant, and it seemed to be far superior.
The Confucian-robed elder saw this and chuckled. His figure flickered as he entered the Mystic Crystal Path first. The other cultivators, seeing this, also followed the channels they had previously chosen and entered the canyon.
In just a moment, more than half of the cultivators before the passage had disappeared.
"Han Li, you enter the valley first. We will meet at the teleportation array at the canyon's end in a few days." Ancestor Ji Yin glanced at Han Li and said in a pleasant tone.
Han Li naturally had no objections. After giving a verbal assent, he walked towards the passage marked with the stone tablet reading "Lava Path."
However, before stepping inside, Han Li still swept his gaze around with his usual composure.
The result left him somewhat uneasy! That old devil Xuan Gu still hadn't shown his face. Could he have suddenly changed his mind and slipped away on his own?
Han Li couldn't help but entertain some grim thoughts. After all, the human heart is unpredictable. Who could guarantee that Xuan Gu, upon seeing Ji Yin's formidable presence, wouldn't change his mind?
But if that did happen, Han Li absolutely wouldn't hesitate to reveal the old devil's secrets at an opportune moment as a bargaining chip to save his own life. A cold glint flashed in Han Li's eyes at the thought.
Perhaps this action stimulated someone. Just as Han Li was feeling resentful, Xuan Gu's calm voice suddenly sounded in his ear.
"Stop looking around. I'm currently concealed nearby, just not showing myself. You'd best look after yourself. After passing through the Ice and Fire Paths, I will contact you." After these words, Xuan Gu's voice vanished once more.
Apart from the surprise, Han Li finally felt relieved and strode confidently into the passage.
Waves of hot wind blew towards him along the tunnel, giving Han Li, who had just stepped in, the immediate sensation of being roasted next to a furnace.
Han Li frowned slightly and focused his gaze ahead.
The passage was only about two zhang high, not particularly grand, but the blinding red light faintly spilling from ahead was somewhat alarming.
Han Li licked his somewhat dry lips. A cold light flashed in his eyes, and he began to walk forward, step by step.
With each step, he felt the ambient temperature rise a degree.
After taking twenty or thirty steps, Han Li could advance no further. The intense heat around him, combined with occasional gusts of hot air, made the skin on his face sting faintly.
Han Li hesitated for a moment, then released a layer of "Water Attribute" protective barrier around himself.
A shimmering blue light enveloped him, immediately reducing the scorching sensation.
Next, he patted his storage pouch, and a streak of azure light flew out, landing in his hand. It was none other than the "Fire-Repelling Treasure Garment."
Without a second thought, Han Li put it on underneath his outer clothes.
Instantly, a cool sensation emanated from the garment. Han Li's spirits lifted, and he continued to step forward.
After a dozen or so steps, his vision suddenly brightened as a red, hazy wall of light blocked his path.
This time, Han Li only glanced at the light wall a few times before plunging straight into it.
He heard footsteps approaching from behind, meaning other cultivators were also entering. He had no desire to run into anyone else.
After a moment of dizziness and vertigo amidst the dazzling red light, the previously vanished heat returned with the ferocity of a pouncing beast, crashing towards him. The blue light of his Water Attribute barrier flickered several times and began to wobble dangerously.
Before Han Li could fully recover from his dizziness, he was startled. He hurriedly surged his spiritual energy outward to stabilize the barrier's condition, then focused his gaze around him.
Crimson mountain rock, yellowish-red earth, vegetation radiating red light, a deep red and hazy sky—everything was the color of fire.
Standing inside the barrier, wearing the Fire-Repelling Garment, Han Li could still clearly sense the feeling that the very air was burning.
Han Li took a deep breath, and his expression turned grim.
If, under such high temperatures, he only had to endure for three to five hours, he was confident he could pass through easily without using any treasures at all.