Mystic Eyes: My Eyes Steal the Laws of Cultivation Chapter 352: Great Volcano (4)

The elder remained silent. His stare at Kyrian still held contempt, or perhaps it was just the inflexibility of an elder unwilling to concede he had misjudged someone.

Yet, Kyrian observed that the elder's calculations took slightly longer before issuing the subsequent command.

"Proceed," the elder instructed, turning his gaze forward.

They pressed onward.

...

Over the ensuing hours, they encountered multiple challenges.

A multitude of Aerial Fire Fish, peculiar airborne creatures with translucent forms filled with molten flames, descended from above, unleashing focused streams of fire. The contingent had to disperse swiftly to evade the fiery onslaught.

A pair of Igneous Stone Gorillas stood sentinel at the threshold of a small cavern. These behemoths possessed arms as thick as ancient trees and fists capable of pulverizing solid rock. The elder engaged one, while Pan Zheng and two other disciples occupied the second.

Furthermore, a predatory plant known as the Hellflower almost incinerated two disciples. Its petals, when agitated, erupted in a cascade of searing embers that could breach unprepared Qi barriers. Kyrian instantly froze the flames of one such eruption with a mere look, conjuring a veil of steam that shielded the group's flank.

It marked his first direct intervention for the group's protection, not out of concern for them, but because the explosion itself would have impacted him.

Kyrian intervened twice more during that span.

The first instance involved freezing the flames from a dual assault by two Fire Fish targeting the right flank. His ice nullified the fire mid-air, generating a plume of vapor that temporarily disoriented the creatures.

The second action created a transient ice barrier, a thin yet sturdy facade that enabled the group to traverse a volatile area prone to spontaneous geysers of superheated steam.

The barrier withstood two successive blasts before succumbing, affording everyone the necessary time to pass.

Each deployment of his Qi, the stark opposition between the intense cold and the volcanic heat spawned voluminous clouds of white vapor that ascended dramatically, resembling nascent clouds materializing from the ether.

The less formidable members of the group regarded Kyrian with a blend of gratitude and awe. Those possessing greater strength exhibited a guarded respect.

Even individuals who had initially harbored doubts began to reassess their opinions.

...

After nearly six hours of continuous advancement, punctuated by intermittent skirmishes and brief respites to recuperate Qi, the expedition finally arrived at the demarcation of the Intermediate Area.

No formal declaration was necessary; the palpable shift was evident to all.

The heat intensified manifold. It was no longer a superficial warmth upon the skin but an internal inferno, causing the lungs to ache with every respiration and the eyes to stream from the sheer hostility of the environment.

The atmosphere itself seemed to scorch the lungs. Each inhalation delivered not only oxygen but also scorching ash particles and irritant gases, aggravating the respiratory passages.

Wide chasms in the earth exuded toxic, corrosive fumes, a dense white gas that caused the skin to prickle even through protective Qi barriers. Kyrian could feel his ice barrier straining to counteract the corrosive effects.

All present, save for Kyrian and the elder, activated their full defensive measures. Fiery Qi shields enveloped their forms, visibly draining more of their energy. Frailty began to manifest in some, with slumped shoulders, labored breathing, and vacant gazes.

Dense ash descended from the heavens like a somber snowfall. This was not the fine residue of the Outer Area that dissipated readily. These were larger, heavier fragments that impacted the Qi barriers with audible crackles.

Visibility plummeted to less than thirty meters ahead.

The heated winds carried the distant cacophony of rocks fracturing under immense heat, sharp, erratic snaps, and the deep rumble of considerably larger beasts than those previously encountered.

The elder halted at the intangible boundary that appeared to divide the two zones.

He turned to address the group. His countenance was serious, stripped of the relaxed demeanor he had previously displayed.

"From this point onward, the exploration escalates in peril," he stated, his voice imbued with a gravity that left no room for levity.

"Maintain your formation. Do not deviate under any circumstances. Immediately report any indication of a tomb or ancient edifice, however inconspicuous it may seem."

The disciples offered solemn nods, their faces etched with tension.

Pan Zheng, positioned beside Kyrian, appeared to deliberate for a moment. He glanced at his fellow disciples, then at the elder, and finally at Kyrian.

"Kyrian..." he began, his tone subdued.

"Would you perhaps be willing to share some of your ice Qi with us moving forward? The situation is about to become more challenging, and..."

He left the sentence unfinished. His eyes conveyed a plea for assistance, yet his lips faltered in fully articulating the request.

Perhaps a sense of shame at soliciting aid from someone they had engaged. Or perhaps a fear of rejection from Kyrian.

Kyrian surveyed the assembled group.

The disciples were strained to their limits, their Qi barriers barely holding. Sweat profusely drenched their faces, and some quivered, not from apprehension, but sheer fatigue.

He then observed Pan Zheng once more.

The young man clad in scarlet seemed genuinely distressed. This was more than simple apprehension of the looming peril; it was a deep-seated worry for his comrades. He felt compelled to shield them, despite acknowledging his own insufficient strength.

Considering their conversations during their hurried journey, the tales Pan Zheng shared, the deference he displayed even when not required, and a character Kyrian found himself somewhat appreciating, a decision was made to offer assistance.

Without preamble, a luminescence emanated from his eyes.

The azure hue of his irises, coupled with the snow-shaped white of his pupils, grew intensely bright. A chilling energy radiated outwards from Kyrian, not as an aggressive surge, but like a fluid, controlled ebb.

This frigid mist enveloped the entire company.

Wherever it touched, the oppressive heat receded. The air, once stifling, turned breathable. The falling volcanic ash appeared to diminish in intensity, striking the protective Qi barriers with lessened impact.

A white vapor ascended from all surfaces – discipled skin, their robes, and the very ground underfoot. It was the confrontation between Kyrian’s chill and the volcano’s inferno, manifesting as clouds drifting towards the obscured heavens.

A collective sigh of relief swept through the disciples. Some momentarily closed their eyes, savoring the refreshing coolness. Others regarded Kyrian with palpable appreciation, a few even offering discreet bows.

"Thank you." Pan Zheng voiced, his tone brimming with earnestness.

"Truly, thank you."

Kyrian offered no verbal reply.

He merely continued his advance, his ice energy emanating softly, establishing a perimeter of respite to safeguard the group as they navigated the Intermediate Area.