Chapter 214: Arriving At Volcanic Island
On top of the black boat was a beautiful pavilion where Little Fatty and gang were resting in. They enjoyed the beautiful scenery while enjoying the tea and snacks which Little Fatty prepared. Of course, the stone was an exception. He was still in meditation as though he was in bitter cultivation. This made Little Fatty could not help but applaud at how hardworking he was.
After flying a while, SiYun and SiYu suddenly said together, "Daoist brother~"
As SongZhong heard that, he interrupted them with a bitter expression, "I am younger and weaker than both of you, just call me junior brother. Don't call me Daoist brother, Daoist brother, making me sound so old!"
"Ah ah!" SiYun and SiYu found SongZhong's words amusing and could not help but giggle. They complied and said, "If that's the case, then we shall not stand on ceremony! Junior brother Song!"
"En en!" SongZhong then said with a smile, "I wonder what senior sisters need from me?"
"It's like that!" SiYun and SiYu hurriedly said, "When you are flying in the deeper parts of the Eastern Ocean, it's best that you fly at lower altitudes; just a few hundred feet above the sea. You must not fly at heights approaching the sky!"
"En?" As SongZhong heard that, he asked in doubt, "Isn't it better to fly up in the sky? The scenery is better and we can look further. If we fly so low, we may end up ramming into a mountain!"
SongZhong's is definitely not turning a deaf ear to what the sisters said. You have to know, the flying boat is able to travel 500 kilometres in 10 minutes. If they are to fly just above the sea, its speed would generate shockwaves which would definitely stir the sea beneath it. If a large island is to suddenly appear in front of it, it would be difficult to dodge it for sure.
As SiYun and SiYu heard that, they hurriedly explained themselves, "You can let the boat fly slower, but don't fly too high because the sky is extremely dangerous. The strongest cultivators and demonic beasts all like to fly up in the sky. Of course, it is extremely rare to see them normally. But if we really see them, we would most likely be in trouble!"
"In trouble?" SongZhong asked in doubt, "Don't tell me they all like to rob juniors?"
"No no, they do not like to rob juniors. In truth, the generation separation does not mean anything to them. They are only concerned with treasures. This flying boat of yours is something which everyone would fight for. A flying boat like yours is a rare sight, even to JinDan cultivators. If something like this is seen in the hands of a group of foundational cultivators, will they not come and snatch it?" SiYun and SiYu explained.
"Ah, that's true!" SongZhong answered in realisation.
At this moment, Mu ZiRong who was by the side, scorned, "Then ask them to come and snatch it! Don't tell me we are going to be afraid of a mere JinDan cultivator.
As everyone heard that, they were all startled. Although they already held Mu ZiRong's strength in high regard, they never expected her to be perverse to the point she can fight a JinDan cultivator. Moreover, she was just a mere early foundational cultivator. Just where did her arrogance stems from?
Seeing how suspicion has filled everyone's eyes, SongZhong knew that things were going wrong. If Mu ZiRong's real strength were to be exposed, the secret of the Nine Beauties Painting would definitely be out.
Helpless, he could only glare at Mu ZiRong and demanded her to shut up. Then, he explained with a smile, "Please pay no heed to her nonsense. How could she defeat a JinDan cultivator? The only reason why she dares to say that is because of the Mystical Sky Yard backing. In the Eastern Ocean, there probably aren't many people who will not show face to the Mystical Sky Yard right?
After hearing SongZhong's explanation, everyone revealed an expression of understanding. SongZhong then heaved a sigh of relief.
But, SiYun and SiYu hurriedly said, "Junior brother Song, you guys are thinking too simply. The strong cultivators in the Eastern Ocean are not just the cultivators of the Eastern Ocean Alliance. There are also many high-grade demonic beasts! They are intelligent and enjoy roaming around the Eastern Ocean. They may even approach the Eastern Ocean Alliance to kill people for fun. If we were to meet perverts like these, they would kill you regardless of your status. It's best for us to be careful!"
"You're right!" SongZhong agreed and said, "Low profile, low profile!" As he said that, he controlled the boat to fly less than a thousand feet above the sea. At the time time, he slowed the boat down in order to avoid hitting into mountains.
Despite the boat reducing their traveling speed, they did not have to rest and can travel through the night. Thus, they managed to reach in just two days.
Finally, the black boat landed on an island near the outskirts of the volcanic island which was emitting smoke.
Looking at the island in front of them, everyone could not help but reveal an excited expression. This time, not only did they save a large amount of time, the journey was a lot safer because they did not have to stop to recover. They were all in their prime conditions and could engage in battle at any time. Usually, they would have to take a day worth of rest after reaching their destination before engaging in battle. This stark difference is unquestionable.
Thus, despite how no one displayed it, they were all extremely thankful towards SongZhong for taking out the giant boat. Even the Stone also nodded to SongZhong slightly to express gratitude. This gratitude had made SongZhong feel overwhelmed.
Following which, the Naked Skinning Witch asked, "Can we take action yet?"
"You can make the decision!" SongZhong replied indifferently, "You're the leader, we will listen to you!"
With just a single sentence, SongZhong handed over the command rights. It was not because he could trust the Naked Skinning Witch. But, it was his first time participating in such a mission and he just does not know anything. If he were to command them blindly, he would only ruin things. At that time, the goodwill which he painstakingly built up will be completely destroyed. Thus, he decided to give up the rights to command and participate as a third party. If the Naked Skinning Witch does a good job, he can also bask in glory together with her. If she did not do things well, then he can appear to take care of the mess. This would also help him gain his teammates' goodwill. Ultimately, this seems to be the most prudent decision.
The Naked Skinning Witch knew nothing about SongZhong's little plan. She thought that SongZhong was just being lazy and could not help but disdain him inwardly. Then, she unceremoniously took over the role of the leader and commanded, "Stone, go and monitor the situation within the island!"
Stone did not say anything but nodded. Then, he took out a wholly ebony sword and disappeared. Obviously, he was the scout within the team and was used to doing things like that already.
Then, the Naked Skinning Witch said to SiYun and SiYu, "Both of you go to high grounds to search for a spot suitable to plant a formation!"
"Roger!" SiYun and SiYu nodded and took action. They immediately flew to the skies and began observing the island.
Seeing that, SongZhong could not help but ask, "Didn't you say that you are going to handle them with your Burning Desire Formula and Old Poison's poison? Why do you need SiYun and SiYu to prepare a formation?"
"That is a precautionary measure!" The Naked Skinning Witch explained, "The Eastern Ocean is just too chaotic. Someone may attempt to backstab us when we are in the middle of the fight. Thus, we have to make sure we have a contingency plan for unexpected situations!"
"Smart! Your plan is indeed well rounded!" SongZhong could not help but praise with admiration.
"Haiz, I learned all these from mistakes!" The Naked Skinning Witch let out a long sigh and said, "After being in the Eastern Ocean for so many years, I have met with far too many accidents. I can't help but be more careful!"
Seeing such a valiant lady like the Naked Skinning Witch let out a helpless sigh, SongZhong could not help but ask, "Don't tell me an accident is that likely to happen in the Eastern Ocean?"
"How should I put it?" The Naked Skinning Witch shrugged her shoulders and said, "If you say it's easy to meet with one, it may not even appear in 10 years. If you say it isn't easy to meet with one, you may meet with 2 or 3 of them in a single year! In these two years, this team of ours is especially unlucky. We have met with many accidents which resulted in us losing 4 members! Especially the last time, after expending a large amount of effort to kill all the demonic beasts within an island, we encountered a migratory bunch of demonic beasts. At that time, we just finished a ferocious battle and had exhausted all our resources. Then, how could we still defend ourselves? Thus, we had no choice but to sacrifice two people in order to ensure our survival! All these were coupled with the fact that SiYun and SiYu had set up a formation before that. If not, we would have all died there!
Although the Naked Skinning Witch made things sound simple, SongZhong can still imagine how bitter the battle was. He can imagine, a group of tired people without assistance on an island, assaulted by a group of demonic beasts. Just how miserable a situation it was. It definitely wasn't easy for them to survive that battle!
Of course, SongZhong would not believe that the two who stayed behind were not willing parties. They were probably forced to do so by some unknown means by the Naked Skinning Witch.
It is just that all of these were not SongZhong's concern and he could not be bothered with it.
Just at this moment, stone returned with a cold expression. He then said to the Naked Skinning Witch coldly, "98. Big, 72. 26, Middle. Volcano!" After he said that, he kept quiet and did not utter another word.
Everyone else understood what he said except for Mu ZiRong and SongZhong who was completely lost. Seeing that, the Naked Skinning Witch explained, "Stone said that there is a total of 98 volcanic beasts on the island. Amongst them, there are 72 who are mature adults and 26 cubs! They are all resting on the volcano at the centre of the island."
As SongZhong heard that, he could not help but say with a bitter laughter, "This guy is really too succinct!"
"Can't be helped, he is just like that. Even I can't change it!" The Naked Skinning Witch said with an apologetic smile.
At this moment, SiYun and SiYu landed and said in unison, "On the east of the island is a flat plain with a spiritual vein going through it. We can set up a formation there!"
"Then let's head east to set up the formation! Be careful in your movements, do not alert the volcanic beasts on patrol!" The Naked Skinning Witch then said to Little Fatty, "Please keep this flying boat for now!"
"Okay!" SongZhong replied and kept his boat. Then, they all began to infiltrate the island surreptitiously.
Chapter 215: Slaughtering Demonic Beasts
The eastern part of the volcanic island was indeed a flat plain. Lush green vegetation grew on it and it was as though no one had passed this place. Apart from SongZhong and Mu ZiRong, the rest of them were already veterans. When they arrived, they immediately went to their respective positions and started working in tandem.
SiYun and SiYu both took out a large number of formation plates, formation flags and various middle grade spiritual stones. They hurriedly began to estimate the correct position and set up their formation flags.
The rest of the team were stationed in different positions, ensuring that there was nothing wrong with the grounds they were on. At the same time, they had their guards up for an ambush.
Only SongZhong and Mu ZiRong did not know what to do. They were extremely strong and had a bad temper, thus no one dared to give them any commands. Seeing that, SongZhong was not angry. Instead, he smiled and pulled Mu ZiRong to a place where he would not disturb the sisters. He then sat down and drank wine while eating snacks, enjoying life as it was.
As SiYun and SiYu saw that, they frowned and hesitated for a moment. Then, they said to SongZhong carefully, "Senior brother Song, can you not eat now?"
"Why?" Little Fatty asked.
"Because the demonic beasts have an incredible sense of smell; especially pertaining the scent of wine and roasted meat. They are capable of smelling it from a few kilometres away. As the formation is not ready yet, we would be dragged into a bitter battle if you are to draw them here!" SiYun and SiYu quickly explained.
"It's alright!" Seeing how SongZhong was so polite, SiYu and SiYun replied with a smile, "It is inevitable for someone to make mistakes on their first hunt. Senior brother do as you please, us sisters will be setting up the formation!" After they said that, they smiled at SongZhong and started getting busy again.
"I shall not disturb you!" SongZhong replied with an apologetic smile, "Instead, I'll protect you two!" He then sat near them silently.
It was obvious that SiYun and SiYu did this often and were accustomed to it. In just a short 2 hours, they set up a formation of over 10,000 feet in area, involving thousands of formation flag and formation plates. Then, they managed to activate it all in a single attempt, displaying the enormous prowess of a late foundational cultivator.
After the formation is activated, a white mist immediately rose, covering the surroundings. Seeing that, the Naked Skinning Witch instructed everyone to take shelter in the formation. Then, she and Old Poison both stealthily approached the island, obviously planning to do something bad.
At this moment, SiYun and SiYu became relaxed and rested in the formation while Stone also sat in meditation.
Despite not following, SongZhong also did not just sit there doing nothing. He secretly deployed two demonic witches to trail Naked Skinning Witch and Old Poison in their formless form.
The both of them activated a concealment spell and calmly infiltrated the centre of the island. Them, the both of them suddenly split ways. The Naked Skinning Witch flew up into the sky while Old Poison flew in the direction where the wind was blowing.
After Old Poison reached the upstream of the wind, he picked a place with a good wind direction and followed the direction of the wind. Finally, he arrived at the peak of the volcano island where there was a lake of lava that was a few hectares large. In the lake was tens of red beasts who were 40 to 50 feet long. They looked like alligators in appearance but their body was much stronger and had a shorter mouth.
These type of volcanic beasts liked to live in lava. When it is hungry, it will fly to the ocean to hunt for fish. Although their bodies are of the fire constitution, they have the ability to hunt for fish in the ocean. Furthermore, these beasts are extremely violent and specialise in fire type spells. The moment they get into a fight, tens of mature volcanic beast would shoot out flames together. The flames are capable of melting metal. Even JinDan cultivators would not be able to survive if they face the combined attacks of these volcanic beasts.
However, their enemies now were are humans, sly humans. They were full of devious tricks and would not fight the volcanic beasts head on. After Old Poison found a good place, he carefully took out a sack of powdered medicine and gently released it into the wind.
As it was a coastal island with tall volcanos, the winds were extremely strong. As the powdered medicine was taken out, it was immediately dispersed, pervading throughout the place.
At the same time, the Naked Skinning Witch also took action. She hovered above the lava lake, stimulating herself while moaning softly. Following the sounds of her moans, a light pink mist appeared around her. Under sunlight, it was impossible to see the mist if one did not look carefully. This mist was not something ordinary, it was a special substance condensed by the Naked Skinning Witch's Burning Desire Formula. It was not affected by the wind at all and it slowly drifted onto the lava lake under the witch's intention.
Under the influence of Old Poison's poison and the Naked Skinning Witch's secret technique, the blissful volcanic beasts in the lake soon had some reactions. Their eyes turned completely red and their breathing became ragged. The poison aroused their desires, which clouded their minds. They became fervently agitated and started attacking each other in an attempt to vent out all their pent up desires.
At this moment, they did not know that the ones surrounding them were their comrades. Instead, they took them to be their mortal enemies. Following a few loud roars, they mercilessly injured their comrades with their sharp claws and teeth. Consequently, the whole lava lake was filled with the sight of their blood evaporating.
Although their skin was thick and strong enough to withstand the high temperature of the lava, the interior of their body was not. As their skin was slowly torn apart, the lava flowed into the body through the wounds, causing them to all cry out in pain.
However, not only did the pain not wake them up, it made them even crazier. They were no longer satisfied with physical attacks, but began to use their natal flame.
As 4th grade demonic beasts, the volcanic beast has an inner core. Being Fire type demonic beasts, they naturally are able to activate the fire essence spiritual Qi in their inner core to shoot out a frightening natal flame. Although this would harm their vitality, the natal flame is essential in deciding the victor in a life and death battle. The natal flame was so frighteningly strong such that even the volcanic beasts themselves were not able to handle it.
The battle in the lava lake soon reached its climax as the volcanic beasts were spouting natal flames on their brethren. One by one, the volcanic beasts fell under the natal flame of their comrades. Even the cubs were not spared in the crossfire, dying a painful death. After this wave of natal flame attack ended, more than half of the volcanic beasts were dead with the remaining suffering from heavy injuries. But even so, the fight between the volcanic beasts did not stop there. Instead, it became even more intense as the fight continued from within the lake to without the lake. Many volcanic beasts were shoved out of the lake by their comrades, and so they rolled down the mountain. The whole place was soiled with their blood, lava and flames, making it an extremely tragic scene.
Despite it being his first hunt, SongZhong knew that the volcanic beasts were going to lose for sure. The only thing that remained would be for them to wait a while before tying up the loose ends. He originally thought that the Naked Skinning Witch and Old Poison would come back and report the news to the team. But, he never expected that the both of them did not have any intentions of returning.
Old Poison then pounced onto a volcanic beast who was sent out of the lake, killing it with a merciless slash. Then, he began to slice its abdomen apart to extract its inner core.
As for the Naked Skinning Witch, she was even more gutsy. She ignored the demonic beasts on the outside and went to the lake bank. Relying on her concealment spell, she ignored the rampaging volcanic beasts and started scouring for treasures.
The place where demonic beasts reside are commonly abundant with spiritual Qi. The denser the spiritual Qi, the more common it is for treasures to be present. For example, this lava lake was abundant with Fire type herbs, and the oldest one was a few thousand years old.
The volcanic beasts all possess some iota of intelligence and knew that these herbs were extremely beneficial to them. If their comrades were injured, they can use it to heal them. Thus, they would not destroy these herbs usually. In fact, they would protect them from other types of demonic beasts' harassment. Hence, the herbs by the lake bank were all extremely healthy and large in quantity, with some even a thousand years old.
All of these were extremely precious treasures. If they were all brought back, they could be easily exchanged for a low grade magical artifact. By right, all of these belonged to the whole team and should be shared evenly. However, it was obvious that the Naked Skinning Witch did not have such intention. She secretly dug it out without her teammates knowing. Furthermore, she only dug out all of the good ones, removing almost all of them before reluctantly letting go of the rest. Then, she began to collect the inner cores of the volcanic beasts.
If SongZhong did not send the formless devils out to follow her, he would definitely suffer a loss this time. The inner cores can be counted and they may take some of them out to share with the team. But as for the herbs, the Naked Skinning Witch would definitely not admit to it. She had already remove the soil together with the herb, not leaving any traces behind at all.
SongZhong would eat tolerate anything in his life, except for losses. Witnessing this scene, how could he sit still any further? But, he also can't possibly say that he was spying on them. Thus, he pretended to be anxious, "Why are they still not back yet? Is it possible that they met with trouble? I have to go out and take a look!" As he said that, he stood up.
Seeing that, SiYu and SiYun hurriedly pulled him back and said, "Don't, junior brother Song! Team leader Naked Skinning Witch does not like us straying from the plan. If you go out now, she would scold you even if you help her!"
"Do you think that slut dares to scold me?"
"Eh~" Only then did SiYun and SiYu began to remember that the person in front of them was someone who dared to humiliate the Naked Skinning Witch in public. However, they still persuaded, "Us sisters know that you are not afraid of her. But, you probably shouldn't do things that both require strength but have no reward. Instead, why not just wait here where it is safe and and there's no responsibility to assume?"
As SongZhong heard that, he almost fainted and curse in his heart, 'Wait?! It'll be too late if I continue waiting!'
But, the pair of sisters said that out of goodwill and he can't possibly scold them. Thus, he could only force out a smile and justify his actions, "Senior sisters are wrong, now that we are a team, we should function as a whole. Now that we are on the same boat, we cannot let our personal matters become a barrier between us. That would only end up harming all of us. No matter what, I will have to go out and take a look to ensure they do not encounter any trouble!"
As he said that, SongZhong did not even bother giving them a chance to reply and left with Mu ZiRong.
SiYu and SiYun were both stunned by what SongZhong said. In fact, they even felt ashamed of themselves as they said, "Junior brother is right, us sisters will follow you as well!"
As they said that, they did not forget about Stone who was meditating, "Brother Stone, are you coming?"
Stone was still as cold and taciturn as ever. He stood up and followed behind the both of them, expressing his answer through actions. The ladies then smiled and followed SongZhong and Mu ZiRong.
Just like that, they quickly arrived at the lava lake. At this moment, the Naked Skinning Witch had only just kept all the herbs and retrieved two inner cores. There were still plenty of corpses to take care of and many materials and herbs by the lakeside.
Seeing SongZhong, Mu ZiRong, SiYun, SiYu and stone suddenly appearing, Old Poison and the Naked Skinning Witch were in shock. Then, the Naked Skinning Witch said acrimoniously, "Why are you guys here? Didn't I ask you to wait for me?"
The grandeur of the Naked Skinning Witch was still there, and the pair of sisters did not dare to reply her. But, SongZhong was not afraid of her and said coldly, "Wait for you to keep everything good so that the rest of us are left with the remnants? Slut!"
As he said that, SongZhong's eyes already burned with rage. Only then did the Naked Skinning Witch remember that the team dynamics were no longer the same. She was no longer the sole leader of the team anymore.
Despite her anger, the Naked Skinning Witch could only reply with an apologetic laughter when facing SongZhong and Mu ZiRong, "I wouldn't dare, wouldn't dare. I am only worried for you!"