203: Lizard King's Injury

The narrow passage was filled with the smell of sulfur and scorching rock, but compared to the suffocating pressure brought by the Molten Rock Lion King behind them, it was enough to allow them to breathe.

The four of them hurried forward for another distance until the passage took an upward turn. Only after confirming they were completely out of the Lion King's perception range did they finally stop. Xia Ya leaned her great shield against the rock wall and let out a long, scorching sigh, the breath almost instantly evaporating in the high temperature.

"My heavens..." She wiped her forehead with her hand; it was unclear whether it was sweat from the heat or cold sweat. "That just now... my heart nearly jumped out." She looked at Qin Feng, her eyes filled with sincere admiration. "It's all thanks to your composure and quick reactions, Young Master Qin."

Ji Ruxue also nodded slightly, her cool gaze resting on Qin Feng. "If not for your decisive action, showing sincerity and offering benefits to be discarded, today's situation might not have ended well." She rarely spoke so much, a testament to how dangerous the situation had been.

Xiao Chun carefully cradled Xiao Bai in her arms. The once clever and bold Treasure-seeking Mouse now had its eyes tightly shut, its little belly rising and falling slightly; it had been so frightened it had gone limp and fallen unconscious. Xiao Chun stroked its soft fur lovingly, a faint green light glowing at her fingertips as the gentle vitality of the Myriad Medicine Body slowly flowed into it.

"We also owe thanks to Xiao Chun's token and Xiao Bai's... courage," Qin Feng said, looking at the unconscious Xiao Bai with a bitter smile. "Otherwise, even if we could fight, it would have been a pyrrhic victory, and any follow-up tasks would be out of the question."

"Xiao Bai did a great service this time," Xia Ya said, leaning over to look at the little furball. "We'll definitely get it lots of tasty treats to make up for it later."

Xiao Chun nodded, carefully examined Xiao Bai, and breathed a sigh of relief. "It's just over-shocked and mentally exhausted. A good sleep and some Spirit Fruit will restore it."

Although this place was temporarily safe, the high temperature persisted, and they didn't know what dangers lay ahead. Qin Feng observed the surroundings. This corner was relatively open, the rock walls were dry, and there were no loose stones overhead.

"The map shows that passing through the fork ahead, the left cave entrance should lead directly deep into the 'Fire Vein Corridor', where we are most likely to find earth core flame marrow." Qin Feng unfolded the map given by the City Lord of Yunmeng City, pointing to a marked path. "However, we need to recover first. The standoff just now took a significant mental toll."

No one objected. Xia Ya and Ji Ruxue stood guard at either end, while Qin Feng and Xiao Chun sat in the middle. Xiao Chun once again activated her Myriad Medicine Body. A gentle, emerald-green vitality rippled out from her, not intense, but like a spring rain, silently nourishing everyone's tense nerves and depleted Origin Qi. Qin Feng also took out Medicinal Pills for them to take, and they each closed their eyes to meditate and recuperate.

Two hours passed quickly. Although the environment was harsh, the four were skilled in cultivation, and with Xiao Chun's assistance, their condition had recovered.

Just as Qin Feng was about to call everyone to continue, his expression shifted slightly—the zi hour had arrived, and new System intelligence refreshed in his mind as scheduled:

[Yellow Intelligence]: From the fork here, proceed left for three hundred zhang to find a concealed downward lava slide. The end of the slide connects to the deep region of the "Fire Vein Corridor," not far from the main production area of earth core flame marrow.

[Yellow Intelligence]: The strongest living being currently in the Molten Core Secret Realm, the "Lava Giant Lizard King" (Strength: Half-step Martial Emperor), has long lurked near the Geothermal Lava Lake in the deepest part of the Secret Realm, guarding the purest earth core flame marrow. Its temperament is inherently extremely violent and ferocious.

[Green Intelligence]: The Lava Giant Lizard King and the Molten Rock Lion King are old rivals, constantly fighting over territory and resources. Three months ago, they clashed fiercely again, resulting in mutual injury. Although the Lava Giant Lizard King gained a slight upper hand, forcing the Rock Lion King to retreat to the upper regions (the Rock Lion King subsequently focused on guarding the upper Ore veins, losing interest in the lower layers), the injuries it sustained were also extremely severe and have not yet healed. (Note: This injury severely affects its combat power and mobility, keeping it in a state of prolonged pain and irritability.)

Three pieces of intelligence, especially the last green one, made Qin Feng's spirits suddenly soar!

"Injured? And a severe injury that hasn't healed yet?" A thoughtful light flashed in his eyes. A Half-step Martial Emperor-level Yao Beast at its Peak would be a tough fight even if they formed the Four Symbols Battle Array. But if the opponent was severely injured, its strength greatly reduced, and it was suffering long-term pain... the value of this intelligence was immeasurable!

"What is it, Brother Feng?" Xiao Chun noticed the change in Qin Feng's expression and asked softly.

Qin Feng didn't answer immediately, instead informing everyone that through his special perception, he had learned about the Lava Giant Lizard King's severe, unhealed injury.

"An injured Half-step Martial Emperor?" Xia Ya's eyes lit up. "Does that mean our chances are much greater?"

Ji Ruxue, however, slightly frowned. "A severely wounded beast is often more dangerous and alert. Pain intensifies its violent nature. Anyone approaching may be seen as a threat and attacked madly."

"Ruxue is right," Qin Feng nodded. "But this also gives us another possibility..." He turned his gaze to Xiao Chun. "Xiao Chun, your Myriad Medicine Body's vital, gentle healing power—can it make a beast in pain perceive 'goodwill' rather than 'threat'?"

Xiao Chun was taken aback for a moment, then thought seriously. "The Myriad Medicine Body has some effect on the injuries of all living beings, Yao Beasts are no exception. Back in Medicine King Valley, I helped treat injured Spirit Beasts. If the other party's intelligence is sufficient, it can indeed perceive the vitality and harmless intent within the healing power... But," she worried, "that Lava Giant Lizard King is a Half-step Martial Emperor and is in pain from its injury. Its vigilance and aggression must be extremely high. If we rashly approach showing healing intent, we might be attacked before we can even communicate."

"So we need a strategy, and we need to take a gamble." Qin Feng lightly tapped the path on the map leading deep into the Fire Vein Corridor. "My perception says its injury is extremely severe, affecting its combat power and mobility. This means its perception range and reaction speed are likely much reduced. We might have a chance to make it 'perceive' Xiao Chun's healing aura without entering its immediate attack range first."

He looked at Xiao Chun. "What if we attach your healing power to some kind of medium? Like... a high-quality Ore it likes? Or mix it with some medicine powder that can soothe Yao Beast emotions and throw it near it from a distance. Upon contact, it would first sense the pure energy or soothing aura, then the healing vitality hidden within. Would that reduce its initial hostile reaction and make it realize this 'thing' might alleviate its pain?"

Xiao Chun's eyes gradually brightened. "That's possible! The vitality of the Myriad Medicine Body can linger on objects for a long time, especially on Spirit Qi-containing minerals. If mixed with my specially made medicine... it might really work!"

"Even if we fail and are exposed, we'd be facing an opponent with diminished strength, which is still better than facing a Half-step Martial Emperor at its Peak." Qin Feng concluded. "If we can successfully establish initial communication, or even gain its permission... we might truly have a chance to obtain earth core flame marrow without shedding a drop of blood!"

This bold plan made both Xia Ya and Ji Ruxue fall into thought. Risks still existed, but compared to forcing their way past the Lion King or directly challenging the Lizard King at full strength, this was undoubtedly a wiser and potentially less costly choice.

"We can try," Ji Ruxue finally stated, concise as ever.

"I'll listen to Brother Feng and Xiao Chun!" Xia Ya clenched her fist.

"Alright then," Qin Feng put away the map, his gaze sharp. "First, we follow the map's guidance to the depths of the Fire Vein Corridor, approaching the Lava Giant Lizard King's nest area. On the way, Xiao Chun, prepare the 'medium.' We need to observe first, then act."

Having rested and with a preliminary plan in place, the four rose again and cautiously headed towards the left cave entrance that led to deeper scorching heat and the unknown.

Xiao Bai stirred in Xiao Chun's arms, as if dreaming of something delicious, smacked its lips, and continued sleeping soundly.