Aerial Rain
Translating Web Novel

DDDV Ch 188 Part 2 – Yanhuo Mountain (II)

After exchanging pleasantries, Bu Biekuang quickly turned to the matter at hand. “I’ve sought assistance from Guiyuan Sect due to unusual occurrences at the core of Yanhuo Mountain…”

Yanhuo Mountain was actually not a single mountain, but rather a range composed of a series of mostly dormant volcanoes. Due to the lack of volcanic activities, the area presented little danger aside from the extreme temperatures, and only creatures who had adapted to the environment could survive. Since Yanhuo Mountain was also a dwelling place for numerous mutant and spiritual beasts, the Tianyan Sect—as the largest sect within a hundred miles—periodically had to hunt these potentially dangerous beasts as a form of control and routine training for the disciples.

Two months ago, as usual, a team of sect disciples went hunting on the mountain. As they were busy chasing prey, they unknowingly approached Yanhuo’s core. After capturing their prey and preparing to leave, they suddenly felt tremors from deep underground, and beasts around the core fled in panic. The disciples were unable to escape in time and, in the effort to prevent the spiritual beasts from descending the mountain, sustained some injuries. A few of them even lost their lives trying to investigate the core.

This incident was promptly reported back to the sect, and two elders were dispatched to investigate, but they could not approach the core, leaving the mystery of what happened deep inside unsolved.

The core of Yanhuo Mountain was located at the highest and most central volcano in the mountain range, an area so dangerous that even the elders dared not tread lightly. After the elders returned empty-handed, Bu Biekuang himself went to investigate but failed to discern the cause of the anomaly.

The disturbances didn’t seem to be a precursor to a volcanic eruption but rather indicated something dangerous had appeared beneath the core. Without uncovering the truth, the entire town of Yanhuo lived in constant fear, like having a sword hanging over their heads, unsure when it might fall. Left with no other choice, Bu Biekuang sent a plea for help to the Guiyuan Sect, leading to this mission.

“Following Master’s orders, we have disciples stationed day and night around the core’s perimeter to detect any changes. The disturbances lasted only three days and then subsided, with no further occurrences.” Bu Yang added.

But they couldn’t feel relieved yet—it was very likely that whatever was inside hadn’t left but had merely gone dormant. Yet, even the sect leader could not enter the core, leaving them without a clue to the truth.

The master and disciple of the Tianyan Sect detailed their knowledge of the situation without reservation. But as Bu Biekuang observed the energetic, young faces of Guiyuan members, he couldn’t help but feel uneasy. His own Nascent Soul stage cultivation was insufficient to probe the depths of the core, and the highest cultivation among the Guiyuan Sect’s disciples assigned to this task was only at the Golden Core stage. In the case the group had a mishap and met danger, the Tianyan Sect might end up offending Guiyuan, a situation they certainly couldn’t afford to have.

With this concern in mind, Bu Biekuang suggested, “Perhaps you should request additional support from your sect? The level of dangers awaiting at the volcano’s core cannot be low, as even I was unable to enter.”

Yan Zihui reassured him, “Sect Leader Bu, rest assured, since we have taken on this mission, it is our duty to handle it with utmost care. We will proceed cautiously, and if we find the situation unmanageable, we will not overreach.”

Yan Zihui understood Bu Biekuang’s concerns. They were prominent disciples of the Guiyuan Sect, and the Tianyan Sect were certainly afraid of facing Guiyuan’s anger if they were severely injured or killed during this mission. However, even if such a worst-case scenario were to happen, it would be due to their own inadequate cultivation, not the fault of others, so there was no need for such concerns.

But these reassurances were superficial, so Yan Zihui earnestly put on his promise not to act recklessly, and to retreat if necessary.

Fortunately, Bu Biekuang was convinced by Yan Zihui’s response, “In that case, I won’t hold you back.” He said, feeling relieved. He then added: “However, I would like Bu Yang to accompany you. Rest assured, he will not slow you down.”

“That would be excellent if Fellow Daoist Bu Yang joined us,” Yan Zihui quickly agreed. In fact, even if Sect Leader Bu hadn’t made the suggestion, he would have requested it. The place they were now heading was inaccessible, even by a Nascent Soul cultivator. Lacking intelligence of the dangers, proceeding with caution was a must—having a Tianyan Sect disciple familiar with Yanhuo Mountain would ease their journey significantly.

With an agreement reached, Yan Zihui and his group set out for Yanhuo Mountain.

Wen Zixing, who usually had much to say, now held back his tongue due to the presence of an outsider, trying his best to maintain a cool demeanor befitting the illustrious name of Guiyuan.

Lu Yaoyao had been feeling that something was off on the road, and soon noticed the cause: the normally chatty Xingxing is now completely silent! No wonder it’s too quiet!

So she asked: “Xingxing, why aren’t you talking?”

Wen Zixing tried his best to keep his face aloof and serious, but finally couldn’t resist it, “What do you want to talk about?” Well, it’s Yaoyao who initiated the conversation, not him!

“About this matter with Yanhuo Mountain, of course! Don’t you have any thoughts?” Lu Yaoyao knew Wen Zixing too well. With his personality, he surely had plenty of opinions, and they typically shared their thoughts before undertaking a task.

She nudged him, “Stop pretending. Senior Brother Bu will be with us for several days at least. Can you keep up this act for so long? It’s only a matter of time before he realizes you’re a goof.”

Unable to keep up the facade any longer, Wen Zixing retorted, “Who’s a goof? I’m very clever, alright! Don’t ruin my aloof genius image!”

Lu Yaoyao half-heartedly apologized, “Okay, okay, my bad.”

“Hmph!”

Seeing Lu Yaoyao and Wen Zixing’s banter for the first time, Bu Yang showed a look of surprise. He obviously didn’t expect that Guiyuan Sect disciples, who he thought were aloof and distant, would have such a personality. If he had to put it… he suddenly found them much more approachable.

Noticing Bu Yang’s astonished gaze, Wen Zixing mourned the loss of his lofty and aloof image, so he simply dropped all pretense and returned to his usual, chatty self. “What do you think it could be? It’s not going to be a volcanic eruption, is it?” This area was known for its volcanoes, and even though most were dormant, the core they were heading now was active.

The word “volcano” always brought to mind natural disasters. Could it be tectonic activity?

“Didn’t you listen to the explanation earlier? Senior Brother Bu has said it’s not a sign of eruption,” Lu Yaoyao pointed out. “I think it might be some legendary treasure!” Throughout history, the emergence of natural treasures was often preceded by significant disturbances.

Wen Zixing scoffed, “As if a great treasure would wait for you. If it’s true, someone else would have taken it by now.”

Bu Yang, regaining his composure, interjected, “I was near the core when the disturbances first occurred, and there were no visions that usually accompany the emergence of natural treasures.”

“Maybe they’re keeping themselves low-key,” Lu Yaoyao speculated.

Du Qianshan seriously nodded, “That makes sense.”

Chao Muxue added, “If it’s a natural treasure, that would be great, definitely better than a dangerous creature.”

Wen Zixing expanded on the thought, “Maybe it’s a secret realm that has appeared?”

“Whatever it is, we’ll know once we explore it.”

As they chatted and made their way, they soon arrived at the outskirts of Yanhuo Mountain’s core. Amid the scorched ground, three rugged stone houses stood among the uneven hills. Constructed from large boulders with visible gaps, they served as temporary shelters for Tianyan Sect disciples, who took shifts guarding the core around the clock.

When Lu Yaoyao’s group arrived, two disciples were seated cross-legged in an open stone house, meditating. Sensing their arrival, the disciples opened their eyes and turned towards them, their faces breaking into delighted smiles—

“Eldest Senior brother, you’ve arrived!”

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