Sage of Humanity
Chapter 872 - 870 Volcanic Crater

Cangyan Mountain Pass, centered around Cangyan Mountain City, radiates outward for a thousand li on either side, all under the jurisdiction of this mountain pass.

Looking at the ten-part map, this pass borders White Jade City Pass on the left, and Clear Moon Cave Pass on the right. Although the three main passes are separated by some distance, they can mutually support each other from afar, forming a tightly connected defense line.

The Bingzhou guards' defense line is exactly a series of connected mountain passes.

White Jade City Pass to the left, like Cangyan Mountain Pass, belongs to Big Moon Checkpoint.

Clear Moon Cave Pass to the right belongs to Small Moon Checkpoint.

Thus, Cangyan Mountain Pass is the rightmost defensive node of Big Moon Checkpoint's entire defense line.

Under normal circumstances, this defense line, spanning two thousand li, needs many cultivators to patrol to prevent Ten Thousand Demons Ridge cultivators from infiltrating.

But currently, besides Nian Yuexian, only Lu Ye is here at Cangyan Mountain Pass, naturally, there's no one else to rely on.

Now Lu Ye is charged with patrolling duties, inspecting and filling in gaps around the pass is part of his responsibilities.

After resting for a night, the next day before dawn, Lu Ye set out with Amber and Yiyi.

He and Amber were visible, while Yiyi remained hidden. Though few in number, with his keen perception and Yiyi's concealment ability, any Ten Thousand Demons Ridge cultivator hiding nearby would not escape detection.

During the patrol, a nearly forgotten melody inexplicably resounded in his mind.

"The King commands me to patrol the mountains, I survey the mortal realm..."

Quickly shaking his head, he cleared away these untimely thoughts.

The defense line radiating two thousand li from Cangyan Mountain Pass, not even counting the depth, cannot be fully inspected by Lu Ye in one day.

His plan was to patrol only within a hundred li range nearby, even so, it would take half a day.

The lack of personnel at this pass is the biggest problem, he can only ensure there are no hidden enemies within a hundred li radius.

Besides, before he came, Nian Yuexian was stationed alone; presumably, she didn't carry out patrolling, yet the defense line remained firm for many years.

Thus, though responsible for patrolling, he might just be going through the motions.

But as Lu Ye continued his inspection, he soon discovered something interesting.

The deeper he went into the defense line, the stronger the heat in the air became.

Since arriving at this pass, Lu Ye had felt that the environment here seemed hotter than elsewhere.

Previously, he was too busy dealing with Nian Yuexian's various torments to think much about it. Now, he discovered something different.

Thinking about the location of this pass, Cangyan Mountain, the name bearing "Yan" (fire), revealed a lot.

He wanted to use the guard token to contact Nian Yuexian and inquire, to see if his thoughts were correct.

But after considering, he decided against it.

Although Second Senior Sister vouched for him, Nian Yuexian wouldn't harbor ill will, but after recent torment, Lu Ye preferred to avoid contact.

Confirming his direction, he continued deeper into the defense line.

As he moved along, there was no disturbance, nor a trace of any Ten Thousand Demons Ridge cultivators, likely he hadn't encountered them, or none dared to trespass.

Lu Ye believed it was the former.

One man guarding a pass may sound impressive, but inevitably leaves many gaps in the defense line.

Even if Nian Yuexian was a Divine Sea Realm strong cultivator, she couldn't always deploy her Mental Consciousness to monitor all directions, Lu Ye reckoned many Ten Thousand Demons Ridge cultivators might infiltrate Haotian Alliance's territory through the pass's defense line.

Of course, it's risky; if detected by Nian Yuexian, even gods couldn't save them.

But regardless of where one infiltrates the enemy's territory, one must face various risks. Some daring experts take bold actions.

The heat sensation grew more intense, with a peculiar pungent smell floating in the air, making Lu Ye's heart surge with excitement, realizing he was right.

Ahead, surely there was a volcano mouth.

His Talent Tree had a half-activated spirit rune, due to insufficient uncanny fire and pill fire devoured by the Talent Tree, this had been lingering for a long time...

He recently sought suitable uncanny fire and pill fire in Heaven's Augury treasure vault but gained little.

Unexpectedly, he found something here; truly, when you search earnestly, success comes effortlessly.

But nearing this spot, it approached Ten Thousand Demons Ridge's territory; based on the situation, even if there was a volcano mouth ahead, it would be in Ten Thousand Demons Ridge's territory.

Actions must be more cautious; if exposed in the enemy's land, the consequences wouldn't be favorable.

Continuing forward for two hundred li, no green vegetation was seen, the pungent smell in the air grew stronger. Looking ahead, indeed there stood a barren peak.

From the mountain mouth, scorching heat waves surged, distorting the void.

Lu Ye didn't advance recklessly but first checked his position on the ten-part map, frowning shortly after.

This location was awkward for him because it was clearly Ten Thousand Demons Ridge's territory; Ten Thousand Demons Ridge cultivators might patrol nearby at any time, exposing his whereabouts would be difficult.

After contemplating, Lu Ye decided to proceed and investigate.

Now in True Lake Realm cultivation, though just recently promoted to Level 1, his strength had transformed drastically compared to before.

Unless encountering formidable enemies, there wouldn't be much danger.

Regarding Divine Sea Realm strong cultivators of the opponent, no need to worry much; generally, those stationed at passes won't move easily to avoid giving the enemy an opportunity.

Divine Sea Realm strong cultivators are stabilizing forces for each pass.

Even at the frontline of the two camps' confrontation, seldom seen are battles between Divine Sea Realm strong cultivators; at their level of cultivation, they perceive things unseen by lower cultivators. Unless there's deep-seated hatred, they rarely duel.

Such an opportunity is rare, the fire attribute energy within this volcano mouth is immense; if Lu Ye could benefit, activating more spirit runes on his Talent Tree would be possible, not just one.

Having made his decision, Lu Ye advanced immediately.

But before proceeding, he had already recalled Yiyi and placed Amber into the spirit beast sack.

The harsh environment here could be endured by one spirit and one tiger, yet it would consume considerable energy.

Moreover, Amber was too distinctive; if familiar cultivators saw it, they'd immediately associate it with Lu Ye.

Keeping Amber hidden, if encountering Ten Thousand Demons Ridge cultivators, Lu Ye could find a way to maneuver.

Swiftly moving forward, he reached the volcano mouth, peering down; below, heat waves rolled, magma surged and boiled incessantly, with bubbles occasionally bursting, creating a dramatic scene.

Here, even Lu Ye had to activate spirit force to resist the pervasive scorching heat.

This reminded him of when, in Spirit Stream battlefield, he ventured deep into the Land of Fiery Flames. Back then, his cultivation was low, the environment similar to this moment.

But comparing them, although Land of Fiery Flames was in Spirit Stream battlefield, the hidden Phoenix Fire's quality was much higher than here.

Having encountered many uncanny fire and pill fire, the quality difference was clear to Lu Ye at a glance.

The local fire attribute energy wasn't high-quality, but quantity was abundant; if able to stay here long, the Talent Tree could feast, potentially igniting more leaves and activating more spirit runes.

Such a treasure place, Lu Ye naturally desired strongly.

Without much hesitation, Lu Ye leaped directly into the volcano mouth.

A shadow hidden in the void quietly observed him from a dozen zhang away, and Lu Ye had no clue throughout.

Nian Yuexian was the only one with such mastery in the Path of Concealment, stealthily following Lu Ye.

Seeing him jump inside, Nian Yuexian was somewhat surprised, unsure of his intentions.

But remembering Lu Ye cultivates a fire attribute Cultivation Technique, perhaps borrowing this environment for cultivation.

"Bold, indeed." Nian Yuexian softly snorted but didn't follow.

Her constant presence behind Lu Ye was because it was his first patrolling mission, and he was her only subordinate, being a disciple of the Righteous Blood Sect deserved more attention.

Finding him patrolling until he reached Ten Thousand Demons Ridge's territory and jumped into the volcano mouth, amused her.

She wouldn't follow; however harsh the environment, Lu Ye must have some assurance, being at True Lake Realm, he shouldn't need constant babysitting.

She might focus more on Lu Ye, not acting like a nanny. If so, he wouldn't progress far in cultivation.

Gazing towards Gushan City's direction afar, Nian Yuexian murmured, "Since I'm here, might as well visit."

Long since visiting Wan Zhanggang, wonder if that old ghost is still alive!

Divine Sea Realm strong cultivators rarely move at the frontlines of two camps' clashes.

Except for Nian Yuexian of Cangyan Mountain Pass!

Other Divine Sea Realm strong cultivators guard their passes, like age-old trees, rocks observing tides, immovable.

But Nian Yuexian doesn't care about Cangyan Mountain Pass, whimsically visiting Gushan City, causing miseries for Ten Thousand Demons Ridge's side at Gushan City, Wan Zhanggang begrudged yet helpless.

With expertise in concealment and Array Path, she could infiltrate anywhere despite detection, ready for bloodshed if exposed.

Where others dare not emulate, Divine Sea Realm strong cultivators seldom if ever, yet due to Cangyan Mountain Pass's uniqueness, Ten Thousand Demons Ridge cannot counter.

Nian Yuexian solitary guards Cangyan Mountain Pass; even if the pass were seized, Haotian Alliance loses no troops, unleashing an unrestrained Nian Yuexian, inducing greater fear.

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