Flame Gorge reached across the endless scarlet wasteland like a giant scar. Peering over the gorge revealed cliff walls that plunged sheer as a cleaver stroke, the rock stained dark red, as though blood had congealed. Not a single plant grew on the cliffs; only jagged crimson crystals jutted out, scattering the sunlight in blinding shards.
Deep within the gorge, waves of heat rolled unchecked. Visible torrents of crimson vapor surged upward, carrying the pungent odor of sulfur. A stream of magma flowed across the gorge, making gurgling noises and spurting over fifteen meters into the air. Crimson exotic creatures swam at rapid speed in the magma river. Then, a single roar, low and commanding, rolled out of the gorge. The roar struck the cliff walls like a hammer, shaking loose rocks. This roar came from the Flame Dragon.
Jared narrowed his eyes and felt the intense fire-type spiritual energy. His chaotic celestial energy circulated twice as quickly, sharpening every sense. Standing beside him, Vermilion Demon Lord’s brows creased with unease. “The malice and fire-poison here is intense.”
The Earthfire Pavilion party raised its camp on a rare stretch of level ground near the gorge. Ferdinand soon gathered everyone and said, “Flame Gorge has three parts: the outskirts, the middle, and the heart. The Flame Spirit Herb grows in the Flame-Spirit Basin, which also happens to be where the Flame Dragon resides. Our objective is to reach the basin, harvest at least thirty mature herbs, and leave. We only have three hours. Any longer and the dragon will notice us.”
Sweeping the crowd, Ferdinand paused on the ten hired escorts. “You should know the risk. You must obey orders to survive.”
Yet Jared sensed an invisible boundary between the Earthfire Pavilion disciples and the escorts. The disciples clustered around Ferdinand and Lindsay, leaving the escorts to watch the perimeter. Elliot stood beside Ferdinand, a contemptuous smile on his face.
“I’ll allocate the tasks,” Ferdinand said. “When we enter the gorge, I need people to explore the path and remove threats. Who can accept this task?”
Before anyone could volunteer, Elliot stepped forward. “This task is perilous. We need someone agile and strong. I nominate Jared Chance. During the trials, his performance was extraordinary. He is the perfect choice.” Elliot turned to look at Jared with a smile.
The hired escorts’ expressions changed. Pathfinders faced the most danger from venomous bugs, vicious beasts, and traps. Most escorts were not willing to accept. All eyes turned to Jared.
Jared met Elliot’s gaze for several silent breaths, then dipped his chin. “I’ll do it…”
Vermilion Demon Lord opened his mouth to protest, but Jared cut him off. “No worries at all. In fact, I’ve been looking for a chance to study this gorge.”
A thin gleam of triumph skimmed across Elliot’s eyes as he nodded. “Since we’re clearing the path, a smaller group makes less noise. Jared, pick two to three companions.” Elliot clearly intended to isolate Jared.
Jared’s gaze swept across the escorts. Many lowered their heads, afraid to look at him. Only a tall, slim cultivator with a bow and a short, stout cultivator wielding two hammers stepped forward.
“I am Lyndon Forest, Heavenly Immortal Realm Level Six. I’m good at long-range attacks and scouting,” the tall man introduced himself.
“Name’s Ethan Stone, Heavenly Immortal Realm Level Five. I can take the hits,” the short man said.
Jared nodded. “Thank you. I’ll count on you.”
“I’m going too!” Lindsay walked through the disciples and stood beside Jared.
“Nonsense!” Color drained from Elliot’s face as he snapped, “Lindsay, exploring the path is dangerous. Return at once!”
“Lindsay, don’t be ridiculous,” Ferdinand warned. “Stay by my side.”
Lindsay bit her lower lip, then retreated a step. “Please be careful. Lucky, protect Jared, understood?” Lucky answered with a deep huff and nudged Jared in solemn promise.
Elliot watched the exchange, the darkness in his eyes growing a shade deeper.
“Jared, I’ll come with you,” Vermilion Demon Lord suggested.
“We can’t both step into danger,” Jared replied. “Stay behind me. If real trouble strikes, you’ll still be close enough to save me.” Jared feared losing Vermilion to whatever waited ahead.
Vermilion Demon Lord’s eyes softened with gratitude. Not long ago, when he was no more than a ragged wisp of soul, he had helped Jared. However, now that his body was restored, Jared had stood upon heights he could barely fathom. He knew he needed Jared to protect him.
