Divine Emperor of Death

Isabella and Yi Feng traversed along the edges of the volcanic mountain range.

They encountered hot, boiling lava in volcanic holes that threatened to burn them alive if they fell down. Due to limited soul sense, they couldn't sense its aura properly, but the scent of danger it gave off, causing their throat to feel a burning sensation, was enough for them to stay away from it.

Lava also flowed in their pathway, creating volcanic creeks and brooks. The volcano occasionally sent a fiery fountain of molten rock into the air, filling the air with ash. Smoke was prevalent, darkening the sky.

There were fiery trees that seemed to be burning for a long time, melting rocks that remained in a liquid-metal state, turning the landscape into a hellish inferno.

The hot molten rock liquid flowed outward, occasionally popping up with a bubble and exploding slightly.

"So, why are you here despite being unprepared? Surely, you could've stayed away if you had wanted, as the Candidacy didn't force participation."

Isabella tried to start a small talk as she walked through the hellish region.

Yi Feng's expression was glum as he dragged his feet while following Isabella, but when he heard her question, his expression turned even more glum.

He remained silent, not speaking.

It made Isabella understand that the power behind him forced him to attend.

"I see. So the Starmantle Family forced you to participate…"

"I-It's not… like that…"

Yi Feng tried to shake his head, but his voice was hesitant.

In Isabella's eyes, it seemed like he didn't want to insult the Starmantle Family since they were off the same physique, which meant also similar blood. She guessed that he probably saw the Starmantle Family as his new home or made to see that way.

"So the Starmantle Family spoiled you with countless resources…?"

"Yes…" Yi Feng lightly smiled, "They did indeed-"

He had just said it when his expression churned before he ducked.

Isabella also crouched at the same time.

In the distance, there seemed to be a lavafall pouring down from a higher peak. The molten liquid flowed relentlessly, unstoppable, moving with a quiet yet terrifying power. It oozed out like thick, red syrup, making the ground sizzle and causing the edges to crack over its fiery touch.

On the foot of the lavafall near the banks, there seemed to be a figure who made Isabella and Yi Feng cautious.

They watched him enter a hidden cave behind the lavafall, making them look at each other.

What could possibly be behind the lavafall that would warrant that unknown man risking his life to enter?

If he got caught in a sudden eruption, then even his ashes wouldn't remain.

"Do you have an Escape Talisman?"

Isabella asked, causing Yi Feng to nod hesitatingly. He didn't know if revealing his cards was a good idea, but he didn't think of going against this woman.

Isabella wanted to ask if he had two or if he had the same talismans she had. She decided against it for the moment and headed forward.

"Where are you going…?"

Yi Feng uttered with a hushed voice.

Isabella stopped and turned to look at him, shrugging in response, "Don't be so timid. We also have life-saving measures, so at least try to gain more information while you can before the inheritors can group up."

"…"

Yi Feng contemplated a bit before he lightly nodded. He followed Isabella to the lavafall, moving slowly amidst the plethora of molten rocks acting as obstacles. They walked and jumped past the flowing lava creeks, making their way to the lava fall.

It got hotter and hotter near the lavafall, making them feel like they were going to melt as the heat was too much.

However, bearing the heat, they were able to make it to the bank and silently crouched to the edge of the cave entrance. Here, the heat was ridiculously intense. The air was thick with a fiery energy from the molten cascade.

Still, they were safe, untouched by the lava as it poured very slowly, not making rapid splashes.

Isabella reached her head out slightly and peeked inside the cave.

There was nothing that caught her eye other than the glow of the lava that illuminated the darkness within. The rocky composition of the cave wall told her that lava had once erupted from here or made its way outside but now, it was empty.

Yi Feng separated from the wall and walked past Isabella to see what was going on, causing Isabella to reach out her hand and grab his arm, pulling him to the side forcefully.

"Don't be so ludicrous enough to walk out openly."

She berated him in a hushed voice, causing Yi Feng to shudder.

Isabella pulled him back to the wall and hushed him to the corner, glaring at him. It made Yi Feng appear like he was going to cry, wondering what he was supposed to do with such a sexy body in front of him. Was he supposed to lean over her and peek at the cave and get killed in the process? Then, if he luckily escaped and made it outside through the Crystal Gate, would the Divine Emperor of Death, who was said to consider his wives as his life, be supposed to leave him alive?

Feeling like he couldn't retaliate, he lowered his head.

It caused Isabella to feel like he was still a kid who didn't know how to survive in the outside world.

"Are you able to conceal yourself?" She asked, but Yi Feng shook his head.

Isabella nodded.

She knew a bit about the Starmantle Family's Starmetal Mantle Physique. Rumor had its toughness was even better than an Earth Dragon's, but it was only by a light margin that they were regarded equal for the most part.

Still, both their cultivation wasn't suited to concealment, so their type always tended to go out blazing with their fists raised, not caring about the potential danger that could harm them as they handled it all with their physical strength.

Isabella wanted to enter the hidden cave but she didn't know what to do with Yi Feng as she couldn't just abandon him here after stringing him along.

She sighed and reached out her hand to his head, "Wait here."

"…"

Yi Feng blinked innocently.

Touching his head, he felt like something was placed over him. When he saw what it was, it was a spirit formation that concealed him. It covered a small space and was enough to encompass a teenager like him.

He became momentarily taken aback, wondering how an Earth Dragon inheritor knew how to draw inscriptions when his image of them was like they were fist brutes.

He saw Isabella head back to the cave entrance and peek inside before making her way in. He hid behind the corner, so he was able to remain out of sight. However, he started feeling anxious as soon as she left, making him feel like he was going to get caught by someone out there.

He tried to move but then saw the concealment spirit formation distort, causing him to take a step back and remain in place like an obedient child waiting for his mother.

But soon enough, he saw Isabella run out of the cave entrance and hide behind the wall.

She placed a hand over her lips, telling him to be quiet.

Half a minute later, that white-robed man walked out, looking left and right before he walked over to their side, walking past them.

Isabella held her breath.

The distance between them was no more than three meters.

Yet, the white-robed man appear like he couldn't see her and walked past her, causing her to be inwardly shocked.

This was a feat that wouldn't be possible in the normal world where their senses were suppressed. Here, they were forced to rely on their eyesight to look. She didn't do anything either and remained silent while suppressing her energy, so he wasn't able to sense her at all while Yi Feng was concealed.

"Yi Feng, follow him…"

After Isabella confirmed that the man was far away, she gestured for Yi Feng to follow him.

As for herself, she entered the cave and headed inside.Novel Fire - novelfire.net