The Strongest Dandy in the City Chapter 2311 - 2300: Something Is Very Wrong

Within a mysterious expanse.

The formidable Flame Demon Fish patrols the realms between the Heavenly God and Divine King levels. Simply venturing into their domain is fraught with peril. Though Cheng Gaorong assured that all Flame Demon Fish within the lair were in a deep slumber, they wouldn't have needed to dispatch us as scouts if complete certainty existed. Thus, we are the vanguards, the bait.

With ashen faces, Cao Yunwei and Cao Xiaodong cast apprehensive glances towards Ye Chenfeng. In their estimation, Ye Chenfeng possesses the strength of an Earth God Realm cultivator. Such a level is undoubtedly impressive to them. However, confronting the Flame Demon Fish, even the Heavenly God Realm proves insufficient, let alone the Earth God Realm! Compounding their worries, Ye Chenfeng's meridians remain impaired, hindering his ability to circulate the Spiritual Qi within. Consequently, the Cao siblings understand that should a Flame Demon Fish awaken, their demise is virtually assured. Ye Chenfeng's awareness of his accompanying them towards certain doom imbues the siblings with a mixture of guilt and profound gratitude.

Not long after the Spirit Boat was re-energized.

Bao Xiangtian barked at Ye Chenfeng and the other two, sternly ordering them to remain confined to a corner of the deck. Ye Chenfeng could only comply for the moment, lacking the power to offer any resistance.

The boundless, enigmatic space stretched infinitely before them as the colossal Spirit Boat proceeded northward. It’s probable the vessel’s intended course had been charted previously, as the journey remained remarkably free of immediate threats.

Periodically, immense floating stones materialized in their path.

These colossal masses rivaled the size of small islands.

Three days later.

The gargantuan Spirit Boat finally halted. Before them loomed a stone formation comparable in scale to a massive mountain. This floating monolith soared hundreds, perhaps even a thousand meters, into the sky.

At its base, a gaping, pitch-black cavern marked the entrance.

This was identified as the Flame Demon Fish lair. Days prior, five cultivators from Floating Cloud City stumbled upon this location. Upon breaching the cave, the chilling realization of its inhabitants dawned, sending them into a cold sweat. They soon observed that all the Flame Demon Fish within were dormant. Yet, their meager numbers prevented any rash actions; an awakening fish would mean certain death. They swiftly retreated to Floating Cloud City, reporting their findings to the City Lord.

Following deliberations among the three City Lords of Floating Cloud City, the Third City Lord, Cheng Gaorong, personally led an expedition. Despite Cheng Gaorong’s contingent numbering around fifty, he possessed a strategy to dispatch the slumbering Flame Demon Fish one by one, assuming they remained asleep. However, if the fish were awake, their numbers would be irrelevant. Therefore, scouts, or bait, were dispatched first. Should the Flame Demon Fish react, Cheng Gaorong would order an immediate withdrawal of his team.

Confined to the Spirit Boat, Ye Chenfeng was unable to mend or refine his damaged meridians over the preceding three days.

Upon arrival at the threshold of the Flame Demon Fish lair.

Bao Xiangtian presented Ye Chenfeng, Cao Yunwei, and Cao Xiaodong with transparent crystals to affix to their garments, instructing them to pin the devices over their chests. Subsequently, Bao Xiangtian propelled the trio forward with a forceful push from his palms. The impetus, while not injurious, served to urge them towards the cavern's entrance.

As Ye Chenfeng and his companions neared the opening, Bao Xiangtian’s voice boomed, "Why do you three linger? Enter the cave at once."

Cheng Gaorong remained impassive, observing from a chair on the deck, his gaze occasionally drifting towards Ye Chenfeng and the others, seemingly delegating all commands to Bao Xiangtian.

Possessing the keen perception of an Initial Stage Divine King Realm cultivator, Ye Chenfeng discerned Cheng Gaorong’s facade. Beneath the guise of a benevolent elder lay a ruthless killer. Ye Chenfeng detected a potent Evil Qi radiating from Cheng Gaorong, realizing that refusal to enter the lair might lead to their immediate demise, preempting even Bao Xiangtian’s actions.

In this grim predicament.

Entering the Flame Demon Fish lair was the only viable option. After exchanging a look with Cao Yunwei and Cao Xiaodong, Ye Chenfeng quietly instructed, "Stay close to me, you two."

Understanding their unavoidable path, Cao Yunwei and Cao Xiaodong nodded, following Ye Chenfeng into the oppressive darkness of the cave.

Once inside the cave.

A stifling, pungent odor assailed their senses, and the atmosphere was thick with humidity. The ground beneath their feet felt clammy.

Ye Chenfeng and his companions found themselves in a cavernous passage, wide enough for ten men to walk abreast, its length indeterminate as it snaked and twisted into the unknown.

Upon entering the tunnel, Cao Yunwei and Cao Xiaodong held their breath, staying close to Ye Chenfeng’s footsteps.

They proceeded through the passage for a full thirty minutes.

Large openings began to appear along the tunnel’s stone walls, each housing a strange and unique creature.

These beings resembled fish, adorned with scales of a fiery crimson hue. Their teeth were so prominent that their lips could not fully conceal them.

Initial estimations placed these creatures at a length of at least two to three meters. They were nestled within vast hollows, their eyes shut, appearing to be in a deep slumber.

It was confirmed that the creatures inhabiting these substantial cavities were, in fact, Flame Demon Fish.

Observing the Flame Demon Fish in their apparent sleep, Cao Yunwei and Cao Xiaodong finally exhaled in relief.

However.

Suddenly, the voices of Old White and Wu Fengxian, along with Old Black and Jiang Yuntian, resonated within Ye Chenfeng’s mind. Old White's voice spoke, "Young man, something is terribly amiss. While we have never personally witnessed these so-called Flame Demon Fish, based on the senses of both Old Black and myself, these creatures are not asleep. They are in a state of clear wakefulness."

Heeding Old White's warning.

A shiver coursed down Ye Chenfeng’s spine as he realized his current inability to confront the Flame Demon Fish!

...(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my biggest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com for reading.)