Chapter 1054: Parting Ways

The insect cloud rapidly approached, but when it passed above Su Qianxi and the others, it suddenly stopped and began to hover restlessly.

Seeing this, everyone in the yellow mist was greatly alarmed, their hearts in their throats. Even Han Li frowned slightly.

Fortunately, after hovering for a moment, the insect cloud suddenly split apart, forming several smaller swarms that flew off in different directions.

Some volcanic lava sprayed into the swarms, but the insects seemed to revel in it, chirping joyfully as they quickly disappeared into the distant sky.

Only then did everyone breathe a sigh of relief.

"It seems the source of those Fire-Year Fireflies is deep within this volcanic region. That makes sense—though the flames of time on these insects contain the laws of time, they are still a type of fire-attributed spirit insect and prefer such a hot environment," Jin Liu remarked.

"Let's go take a look inside," Su Qianxi said, and she flew ahead.

The others followed suit. The Ink Fragrance Pavilion Master frowned slightly but also followed.

After flying for about half an hour, two enormous peaks that pierced the clouds appeared ahead, with a valley between them.

Inside the valley, countless swarms of Fire-Year Fireflies were flying about, blotting out the sky and sun.

The swarms they had encountered earlier were nothing compared to this.

The cliffs of the two peaks were covered in dense, tiny holes like a beehive, with countless Fire-Year Fireflies entering and exiting, making the peaks resemble two giant beehives.

Deep within the valley was a black cave, its depths dark and unfathomable.

The cave was filled with a special energy, similar to a restriction, preventing divine sense from penetrating too deeply. However, one could still feel strong fluctuations of the laws of time emanating from within, along with traces of spatial fluctuations.

The group hid behind a distant low hill, using techniques to conceal their traces.

"It seems there are treasures containing the power of time laws inside that cave, and quite a few at that. At least this trip wasn't in vain. And that spatial fluctuation is very similar to the previous spatial gate, so the entrance to the third level is likely inside too," Su Qianxi said excitedly, looking toward the distant peaks.

Han Li gazed at the distant valley, also feeling eager to try.

Although his cultivation was high, he had too few time law threads. Otherwise, his battle with Qimozi would not have been so passive. If he could obtain some treasures containing time power and refine them, it would greatly benefit him.

However, the Ink Fragrance Pavilion Master and the others clearly showed signs of retreat upon seeing so many Fire-Year Fireflies.

"Pavilion Master Yan, don't worry. I have a way to deal with these Fire-Year Fireflies," Su Qianxi said, noticing the hesitation in their eyes.

"Fairy Su, you and your companions are skilled and bold, and may have a way to break through so many Fire-Year Fireflies. But my Ink Fragrance Pavilion is a small sect with limited abilities; this venture is far too dangerous for us. Fairy Su, Fellow Daoist Jin, please forgive me—the Ink Fragrance Pavilion cannot continue with you," the Ink Fragrance Pavilion Master said firmly, shaking his head.

This volcanic region was rich in treasures, and the group had only searched a small part along the way. There were still vast areas unexplored. Rather than risking an assault on the Fire-Year Firefly nest, it was better to search for treasures in the volcanic region.

Although those fire-attributed materials were not as valuable as the time law materials in the cave, they were at least much safer.

Su Qianxi and Jin Liu frowned and were about to speak.

"Fellow Daoists, I, Ba, don't think I have the confidence to break through here either. I'll take my leave as well. I wish you both good luck," the hunchbacked old man suddenly said, cupping his hands to Su Qianxi and the others before walking over to stand beside the Ink Fragrance Pavilion Master.

With them taking the lead, the others stirred and one by one stepped forward. Over twenty people gathered beside the Ink Fragrance Pavilion Master and the hunchbacked old man.

Those who remained were only the three from Heavenly Water Sect, Han Li, the Green Bamboo Valley Master, the burly bearded man, and seven or eight other loose cultivator Golden Immortals—just over a dozen people in total.

"Heh, I never thought that you, who are considered notable figures in the outside world, would retreat at the first sign of difficulty," Jin Liu said with a cold laugh, his expression unpleasant.

The Ink Fragrance Pavilion Master and the others did not argue, enduring Jin Liu's sarcasm. After nodding slightly, they turned to leave.

Han Li stood aside, watching coldly.

Although the Ink Fragrance Pavilion Master and the others seemed cowardly to retreat now, it was actually a wise way to protect themselves.

With so many Fire-Year Fireflies ahead, breaking through would be quite risky. If he hadn't cultivated time laws and had backup plans, he wouldn't have chosen to take such a great risk either.

"Fellow Daoists, please wait," a blue light blocked the group, revealing Su Qianxi's figure.

"What does Fellow Daoist Su mean by this? Are you trying to force us to stay?" the Ink Fragrance Pavilion Master said with a frown.

The others also looked displeased.

"You misunderstand, fellow Daoists. Everyone has their own aspirations. If you wish to leave, I naturally won't force you. However, before that, I have a favor to ask of you," Su Qianxi said calmly.

"What is it? Fairy Su, please tell us first," the Ink Fragrance Pavilion Master said, his expression easing.

"As Pavilion Master Yan said, there are too many Fire-Year Fireflies here, making it difficult to sneak into the cave. So I'd like to ask you all to help lure some of the Fire-Year Fireflies away when you leave," Su Qianxi said with a slight smile.

"Have us appear and lure away the Fire-Year Fireflies? That's like playing with fire. Fairy Su, you must be joking!" the hunchbacked old man said with a cold laugh.

"Don't worry, everyone. I have here several Flying Sky Illusionary Talismans that can increase your flight speed by at least thirty percent for a short time and help conceal your aura. They will definitely allow you to escape the pursuit of the Fire-Year Fireflies," Su Qianxi said, producing five green talismans inscribed with complex cloud-and-wind patterns, emanating strong wind law fluctuations.

The hunchbacked old man raised an eyebrow but said nothing, remaining where he was.

"Of course, I won't ask you to do this for nothing. These immortal artifacts are my treasured possessions. Anyone willing to help may choose one," Su Qianxi said, waving her hand to produce five or six immortal artifacts, including a bowl and a jade ruler, all water-attributed and radiating strong law fluctuations, clearly of high quality.

"Since Fairy Su is so sincere, we are naturally willing to help. May I ask what exactly you want us to do?" the hunchbacked old man said, a hint of joy flashing in his eyes as he waved his hand to take a water-blue bowl immortal artifact and a Flying Sky Illusionary Talisman.

The Ink Fragrance Pavilion Master and the others also showed signs of interest.

"I have here five Blood Cloud Pearls. When detonated, they release a large area of blood clouds. Fire-Year Fireflies are sensitive to blood qi. If detonated in sequence, they should lure away most of the Fire-Year Fireflies in the valley. I need five fellow Daoists to help," Su Qianxi said, her hand glowing with blood light as she produced five egg-sized blood-red pearls, shimmering with crystalline blood light.

Han Li's eyes flickered as he looked at the blood-red pearls.

The pearls contained extremely abundant blood qi and a trace of blood law, something like blood thunder.

"Fairy Su is thorough. These Blood Cloud Pearls are indeed the best items to lure away the Fire-Year Fireflies. Leave it to me—I'll handle it properly," the hunchbacked old man said, taking a Blood Cloud Pearl and patting his chest in assurance, his attitude completely opposite to his earlier coldness.

Seeing the hunchbacked old man's sudden change from arrogance to servility, the others felt some contempt.

After a moment's hesitation, the Ink Fragrance Pavilion Master stepped forward and took a Blood Cloud Pearl, an immortal artifact, and a Flying Sky Illusionary Talisman.

Then three other loose cultivator Golden Immortals who believed their flight speed was sufficient stepped forward, each taking a Blood Cloud Pearl, an immortal artifact, and a Flying Sky Illusionary Talisman.

Apart from the hunchbacked old man and the other four, the rest who planned to leave immediately flew away, soon disappearing into the distant sky.

"Then I'll leave it to you five," Su Qianxi said to the hunchbacked old man and the others once the others were far away.

"Rest assured, Fellow Daoist Su. I'll go first," the hunchbacked old man said, taking the lead and flying toward the distant valley.

A few breaths later, with a loud "boom" from the valley, a large area of thick blood clouds emerged, spreading like waves.

The Fire-Year Fireflies in the valley immediately fell into chaos, spewing flames of time. The blood clouds vanished in a few breaths.

The hunchbacked old man's figure appeared near the valley, then transformed into a bright streak of light covered in a special green glow, shooting into the distance like lightning, much faster than before.

The swarms near the valley chirped shrilly, and a large group of Fire-Year Fireflies immediately gave chase, about ten percent of the total in the valley.

Behind the distant low hill, Su Qianxi showed a hint of joy on her face, then immediately looked at the other four.

Without saying much, the Ink Fragrance Pavilion Master rose into the air and flew into the distance, a layer of spiritual light wrapping around him to conceal his aura as he approached the valley from another direction.

Then, like the hunchbacked old man, he released a Blood Cloud Pearl, attracting the attention of many Fire-Year Fireflies, before immediately revealing himself and fleeing.

Another large group of Fire-Year Fireflies gave chase, about the same number as those lured by the hunchbacked old man.

"Quick! Next!" Su Qianxi urged.

The plan for the five to lure away the Fire-Year Fireflies in sequence required speed; if the swarms that had chased the previous ones returned, it would be troublesome.

"Take care, everyone!"

A loose cultivator Golden Immortal transformed into a white light and flew out, soon reaching the valley. He threw and detonated a Blood Cloud Pearl, then lured away part of the swarm.

The remaining two followed suit, using Blood Cloud Pearls to lure away portions of the swarm.

By now, the swarms in the valley had thinned considerably, with less than half remaining.

"Now! Let's go!"

Su Qianxi gave a low shout and once again sacrificed the yellow banner. With a wave, it turned into a patch of yellow clouds that enveloped Han Li and the other dozen or so people. With a flash, they merged into the ground and quickly approached the valley from underground.