Bab 80: Chapter 80: Emergence of the Three-Floral Pupil
Qinglin hurriedly said, "I... I can sense the presence of that energy. I can guide you through the tunnels, which might make things easier."
Xiao Li hadn't considered this possibility. Feeling a twinge of guilt, he glanced at Qinglin, who smiled gently in response to his look.
Finally, Xiao Ding decided, "Alright, we'll do it this way. Xiao Li, take a few men along with Qinglin and scout ahead. If there's no immediate danger, send someone back to inform us."
Xiao Li nodded and selected a few volunteers to accompany him. With Qinglin in tow, they ventured into the pitch-dark tunnel.
The group slid cautiously down the passage, their way illuminated by the faint light of moonstones, which allowed them to avoid obstacles.
Meanwhile, deep within the underground chamber, Xiao Yu had no idea that his elder brothers were closing in. He was engrossed in his "game" with the Flame Spirit Serpent. Whether the serpent enjoyed this play was questionable, but Xiao Yu seemed to be having the time of his life.
Having already sheathed his Blackscale Sword, Xiao Yu pummeled the serpent with his fists, causing it to hiss and howl in frustration. Unable to bear the relentless assault, the serpent swam toward the edge of the magma lake, seeking an escape.
At the same time, Xiao Li's group reached the bottom of the tunnel. Bending slightly, they landed gracefully on solid ground.
Upon reaching the cavern floor, Xiao Li noted the ten or so pitch-black tunnels branching out from their location, which made him frown. He observed the area for a while, finding nothing unusual, then dispatched someone to notify Xiao Ding.
Looking at the maze of tunnels, Xiao Li muttered, "If we have to search each one, it'll be a nightmare." Turning to Qinglin, he asked, "Can you still sense that energy?"
"I'll try," Qinglin replied timidly.
In the dim light, no one noticed the subtle changes in her eyes. Around her emerald pupils, three tiny green dots silently appeared.
Closing her eyes, Qinglin began to concentrate on the energy within the cavern. Silence enveloped the group.
Moments later, faint sounds echoed from behind—Xiao Ding and Little Fairy Doctor had arrived. Noticing Qinglin's concentration, they remained quiet and began vigilantly surveying the area.
After a few minutes, Qinglin opened her verdant eyes and pointed to a tunnel on the left. "Captain Xiao Ding, all the tunnels have lingering energy, but this one feels the strongest. It's likely the right path."
Xiao Ding trusted her judgment and called over Hanmu, a skilled scout. "Hanmu, check this tunnel and see if there's anything unusual inside."
Hanmu nodded and moved toward the entrance. Lying flat on the ground, he pressed his hands into the sand, sensing the energy beneath.
After a while, Hanmu stood and reported, "I probed about 500 meters in. Beyond that point, the earth energy disappears entirely, leaving only intense fire energy."
"Vanished? There might actually be something unusual further in," Xiao Ding mused. "Even if we don't find Xiao Yu, it wouldn't hurt to investigate. Who knows? We might find something unexpected."
Little Fairy Doctor interjected, "If this area is brimming with fire energy, could the heavenly flame Xiao Yu is searching for be down there?"
Xiao Ding froze at her words. "Of course! How did I not think of that? Still, if things seem off, we'll retreat immediately."
Everyone nodded in agreement.
As they entered deeper, a strange chill greeted them. It was peculiar, given the fire energy ahead. However, the further they ventured, the more the heat became palpable.
Sweat began to drip from their brows as the temperature soared. Xiao Ding wiped his forehead and reminded the group, "Stay alert! If it gets unbearable, fall back immediately."
The intense fire energy forced several weaker members of the group to retreat. Eventually, only Xiao Ding, Xiao Li, Little Fairy Doctor, and Qinglin pressed onward. Xuelan stayed back at the entrance to stand guard.
The Little Fairy Doctor handed out cooling pills she had prepared, helping Qinglin endure the searing heat. Meanwhile, Xiao Ding and Xiao Li relied on their strength to persevere. Despite the support, even the women were drenched in sweat.
After enduring the suffocating heat, they finally emerged at the tunnel's end, only to be stunned by the fiery world before them. None of them could have imagined such a terrifying place hidden so close to Stone Desert City.
As Xiao Ding and Xiao Li cautiously explored the rocky edges, the Little Fairy Doctor and Qinglin approached the magma lake. Suddenly, Qinglin pointed at the magma and screamed, "Something's coming out!"
The Little Fairy Doctor swiftly pulled Qinglin back. Xiao Ding and Xiao Li, startled, turned to see the magma violently erupt as a massive, mysterious creature surged out.
Xiao Li gripped his tungsten spear tightly as the beast revealed itself—a two-headed serpent! It was none other than the Flame Spirit Serpent that Xiao Yu had been fighting.
The serpent, furious after being battered by Xiao Yu, immediately locked onto Qinglin. With a sinister hiss, it lunged toward her.
"Watch out!" cried the Little Fairy Doctor, lunging to shield Qinglin. Xiao Ding and Xiao Li also rushed forward to intercept the serpent.
But the Flame Spirit Serpent was incredibly fast. Qinglin, frozen in terror, was the closest to the charging beast.
"Ahhh!"
Driven by sheer fear, Qinglin let out a sharp scream. In that moment, her emerald eyes underwent a startling transformation—the three green dots near her pupils grew vivid, blooming into delicate green flowers.
As the eerie green blossoms emerged, a burst of intense light engulfed the Flame Spirit Serpent. The serpent's massive body froze mid-strike, and its twin heads, filled with terror, stared incredulously at the young girl.
While everyone was still in shock, another explosion resounded from the magma. Xiao Ding and Xiao Li spun toward the noise, just in time to see a figure leap out of the molten depths.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone