Chapter 1054: Chapter 1053: Fire Infant Fruit

The colossal creature rising from the fire waves turned out to be a massive fire serpent, entirely covered by a crimson lava armor, with thick black smoke billowing from the cracks between its armor plates, exuding a ferocious aura.

However, in those copper bell-sized eyes of the fire serpent, there was a strange black glimmer, revealing it was no benevolent being.

This eerie aura felt somewhat akin to those corpse evils.

"This Exotic Beast seems problematic."

Ling Chen frowned.

"Yes, your sense is correct. This lava fire serpent is in the same state as those corpse evils before, completely controlled."

The Human Emperor’s voice echoed in his mind.

"So it is."

Upon hearing this, Ling Chen became increasingly wary of the evil sect invading the Fire God Sect. The opponent managed to achieve such extremity, leaving such a bizarre evil aura that posed a threat to those later entering the cave mansion for treasure after thousands of years.

This evil sect was astonishingly strong.

"Just a mere lava fire serpent, thinking it can stop us from obtaining the Fire Infant Fruit!"

Around the lava lake were numerous powerful figures, among them naturally some of exceptional talents. Although this lava fire serpent was formidable, comparable to a Half-Saint, there was only this one, whereas the gathered strong ones numbered at least a hundred. How could they be barred by a single lava fire serpent?

"Everyone, take action!"

Countless strong individuals boldly joined the fight, charging towards the lava fire serpent amid a loud shout, launching shockingly fierce offensive like a storm towards the beast.

Bang bang bang bang bang!

The relentless attacks landed on the lava fire serpent, sparking astounding fireworks on its lava armor.

Under such fierce onslaught, scars quickly appeared on the serpent, but simultaneously it thrashed violently, its gigantic body smacking the lava lake water, threatening to topple the Fire Infant Fruit Tree.

"Protect the Fire Infant Fruit Tree and don’t let this creature destroy it!"

Seeing the Fire Infant Fruit Tree disturbed, those attacking had a change of face, for their goal was the fruit. Destroying the tree would leave them deeply regretting.

But the lava fire serpent paid them no heed, struggling desperately, its huge tail savagely striking the tree, shattering it into pieces amidst shocked looks. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

Plop! Plop!

One by one, Fire Infant Fruits fell into the lava lake, sinking down.

"Not good, quickly retrieve the Fire Infant Fruit!"

Though the Fire Infant Fruit is a treasure born of the lava, out of its tree, it survives only briefly. If not stored in time, it will soon vanish completely.

"Take action!"

Murong Qingcheng did not expect this sudden change. She intended to act after the serpent was dealt with, but the tree was smashed unexpectedly.

In her sight, figures dived into the lake, and Ling Chen swiftly moved, targeting the nearest fruit.

Hiss!

In the lava lake, Ling Chen’s silhouette darted like a fish through the red energy-filled waters, where flaming glows and violent fluctuations flickered.

True Qi enveloped Ling Chen’s body, emitting crackling sounds as it encountered the scorching energy. In such a place, rash entry would lead to instant charring without sufficient strength; even Ling Chen remained vigilant at heart.

By now, shadows filled the waters, everyone chasing the dozen or so fruits, and fights erupted over them. To secure them, one had to rely on their prowess.

Within Ling Chen’s proximity, a Fire Infant Fruit was sinking below.

But facing him, four figures darted over, aiming at the same fruit Ling Chen targeted.

"Brat, leave or face death!"

Among the four, the leading bald male saw Ling Chen as a mere youth and shouted fiercely.

Ling Chen wasted no words, aimed his fingers at the bald man’s junior Half-Saint power, sword qi forming sharp waves at his fingertips.

His speed was extremely fast, in a flash he appeared in front of the bald male, then directly pointed forward, the cold sword qi shooting straight at the latter’s face.

"Hmph, foolishly courting death."

Upon seeing this, the bald male was instantly furious. Ling Chen, with merely a Sky Apex Realm Sixth Layer cultivation, dared to initiate an attack on him, a Half-Saint. It was simply audacious.

True Qi surged wildly from within him, and a faint black light flickered over the bald male’s body. His body seemed to transform into refined iron in an instant. Judging by his appearance, he was clearly a difficult opponent skilled in the cultivation of external martial arts and tempering the flesh body.

Bang!

The bald male’s punch harshly collided with Ling Chen’s finger radiance, an astonishing ripple of power spread out instantly. However, in this clash, the bald male’s fist strength was the first to get pierced through, while Ling Chen’s finger strength penetrated into the bald male’s body, sending the latter flying.

"Good lad, you indeed have some skills!"

Seeing himself at a disadvantage in such a direct confrontation, the bald male’s expression turned solemn. That previous exchange made him realize that Ling Chen was by no means as simple as he appeared!

Yet Ling Chen gave him no time to catch his breath. With a sweep of the Thunder Sound Sword in his hand, it split into four swords qi, sending the bald male and his companions flying.

Their strengths were simply not on the same level.

"How is this possible? How can this guy be so monstrous?"

The bald male found it hard to believe that, with his distinguished Half-Saint level cultivation, he was rendered so helpless by a mere youth at the Sky Apex Realm Sixth Layer. Not only that, but he realized he was no match for Ling Chen!

After sending the bald male and his companions flying, Ling Chen also snatched the Fire Infant Fruit into his hand.

"Damn it! Put down the Fire Infant Fruit!"

The bald male lunged up once more, swinging another punch. The moment the punch was thrown, it roared like a tiger or wolf, the fist strength passing through the scorching waters, aiming to engulf Ling Chen.

"Ignorant of your own limitations."

Ling Chen swung his sword in reverse, cleaving the waters in front of him in two.

"Brat, count yourself lucky, we’re leaving!"

With his fist strength split in two by a sword, the bald male retreated awkwardly, a sweet taste welling up in his throat. He glared sinisterly at Ling Chen, who was smiling while wiping his sword, and then at his three companions covered in wounds. He gnashed his teeth, decisively retreating.

Seeing the bald male retreat, the other three could only pull long faces and quickly fall back.

Ling Chen watched this scene with eyes narrowed but didn’t set forth to pursue. At this time, he didn’t have such luxury.

"Hmm?"

However, just as Ling Chen watched the four about to flee, his pupils suddenly contracted, lowering his head sharply. From the rolling lava below, several eerie black shadows emerged abruptly, rushing toward the bald male and his companions.

Poof!

Among the five, the three strong at the Sky Apex Realm Ninth Level turned pale almost instantly, then slowly lowered their heads. A withered hand had pierced through their chests, penetrated their hearts... and the owner of that withered hand was none other than a Corpse Evil with black light surging in its eyes!

Poof!

The bald male was somewhat stronger, though he too was sent flying, spitting blood, yet he preserved his life. Then, with a horrified face, he looked up at the sudden attackers, a tint of fear in his eyes.

"Corpse Evil again?"

Ling Chen’s pupils contracted sharply. These Corpse Evils actually survived under the lava lake. How powerful were they really?

As the three Sky Apex Realm Ninth Level experts were slain, their blood swiftly spread in the lava lake, their vital energy quickly absorbed by the dozen or so Corpse Evils, enhancing their power.

Yet, to Ling Chen’s surprise, down below, the energy’s chaotic fluctuations formed a massive vortex. From the molten vortex below, a twisted and astonishing black light shot forth.

Following that black light were densely packed black shadows, like locusts, emerging from behind it— there were at least hundreds of Corpse Evils, perhaps even more.

These Corpse Evils’ strength was incomparable to those previously outside; they were tempered for eternal years in the lava environment, their bodies indestructible and much harder to deal with.

"This place is unsuitable for prolonged stay."

Even Ling Chen, as bold and talented as he was, felt a shuddering chill at the sight of so many Corpse Evils emerging from below. This massive scale of Corpse Evils, even if a Saint were present, might be impossible to withstand.