Invincible Soul Emperor

Beside the magma.

As that sound gradually faded, Ye Qingchen and Xue Zhao finally relaxed a little inside.

However, just when they thought the danger had passed.

The Lava Lake suddenly churned violently, lava spewing out as the entire lake surface grew even hotter and more restless.

Right after, a massive figure suddenly burst forth from the lake and shot into the sky.

It was a gigantic Fire Dragon, several dozen meters long, its body covered in thick scales, each scale blazing red like fire, radiating scorching heat.

The Fire Dragon’s eyes were like two burning fireballs, flashing with vicious and furious light.

Its mouth gaped open, revealing sharp fangs, each tooth seemingly able to tear steel apart with ease.

The Fire Dragon’s body coiled through the air, its enormous dragon wings spread wide; every flap stirred up waves of blazing flame storms, heatwaves surging over and sending the surrounding temperature soaring in an instant.

Its tail was like a colossal fire whip, a casual flick enough to set off gigantic waves of lava.

The dragon scales shimmered with a blinding radiance in the reflection of the flames, as though each scale contained endless fire Energy.

The Fire Dragon’s entire body exuded a terrifying pressure, as if it itself were the incarnation of the Volcano, carrying the power to destroy heaven and earth.

Ye Qingchen and Xue Zhao were stunned in place by this sudden behemoth, a deep shock and vigilance surging in their hearts.

The Fire Dragon’s searing aura was nearly suffocating; the scene before their eyes was like doomsday descending, everything under its threat appearing so small and powerless.

The Fire Dragon let out a low roar, its voice deafening, filled with endless rage and menace.

It looked down at Ye Qingchen and Xue Zhao, murderous light flickering in its eyes, as if it could pounce at any moment and tear them to pieces.

Lava dripped from its body, sizzling as it hit the ground, as though it were burning everything it touched.

Ye Qingchen quickly calmed himself and made a swift judgment: "This Fire Dragon has already reached the Eighth Layer of the Martial Emperor Realm. It looks like it’s the Guardian here. It won’t let us get close to the Fire Crystal Stone so easily."

Xue Zhao took a deep breath, her gaze more serious than ever: "Ye Qingchen, we’d better be careful. Eighth Layer of the Martial Emperor Realm, but with this level of might, I’m afraid it can unleash even stronger Energy."

The Fire Dragon roared again, its massive figure circling in the air as if putting its power on display in provocation.

"This Fire Dragon isn’t just massive, its strength is downright terrifying." Ye Qingchen said in a low voice, his gaze locked on the Giant Dragon circling above. "Every one of its scales is like a natural suit of armor. Ordinary attacks can’t even scratch it. Not to mention it can spit searing flames—if we’re hit, we’ll be reduced to ash in an instant."

Xue Zhao nodded, adding, "Its other abilities are extremely strong as well. Every flap of its wings can whip up violent air currents and flame storms. We’re restricted on the ground, while it’s up high in the air with absolute advantage. And its attack speed is very fast; it’s hard for us to dodge its strikes."

The two exchanged a look for a moment, their hearts growing heavier.

Clearly, this Fire Dragon’s abilities in every aspect far exceeded their expectations. Going head-to-head was definitely not a wise choice.

"If this goes on, we won’t even be able to get close to the Fire Crystal Stone, let alone take it from the lake." Ye Qingchen frowned, his mind racing for a countermeasure.

Xue Zhao’s brows were tightly knit, then a sudden idea flashed through her: "Maybe we can split the work. One of us draws the Fire Dragon’s attention, while the other slips into the lake to take the Fire Crystal Stone."

Ye Qingchen’s eyes lit up at that; he felt this was the most feasible plan for now: "Good idea. That way we can divide its focus. Once we’re locked onto by the Fire Dragon, our lives could be in danger at any moment, so splitting the roles is the safer bet!"

Xue Zhao nodded, a trace of calm flashing in her eyes: "You go attract its attention. The temperature in the lake is extremely high, your Energy isn’t suited for that at all. And you’re better at dodging, so you lure it away. That way our chances of success are greater."

Ye Qingchen was indeed better suited to drawing attention.

And going to the lakebed to grab the Fire Crystal Stone was nowhere near that easy either.

They couldn’t see the bottom of the lake, and had no idea whether it was dangerous or safe down there.

So it was better to leave Ye Qingchen up top.

Hearing her words, Ye Qingchen nodded in agreement at once: "Alright, we move according to this plan. Xue Zhao, you must be careful."

The two began to move separately.

Ye Qingchen took a deep breath, quietly glanced at the Giant Dragon, then quickly moved behind a large boulder in the distance.

His figure melted into the shadows of the flames, his entire person like a nimble hunting leopard.

"This Giant Dragon is so huge, I have to make enough noise to catch the Fire Dragon’s attention."

Ye Qingchen took out a Rune from his waist, something he had specially prepared for drawing the enemy’s attention.

He weighed the Rune in his hand, then hurled it hard toward a rock not far away.

"Boom!" The Rune exploded beside the rock, unleashing a blinding flash and a thunderous bang.

The flash instantly lit up the entire area. The Fire Dragon was abruptly drawn by this sudden burst of light and turned its head toward the source of the sound.

Ye Qingchen quickly leapt out from behind cover and sprinted toward a more distant spot.

As he ran, he struck his Longsword hard, producing sharp metallic clangs that echoed loudly through the volcanic cave.

"Roar!" The Fire Dragon let out a low roar, its massive head swinging toward Ye Qingchen, the flames in its eyes growing ever more ferocious.

It was clearly completely enraged by Ye Qingchen’s actions. It spread its enormous wings and lunged toward him.

Ye Qingchen’s heart pounded faster, but he forced himself to stay calm, continuing to pound on his weapon as he quickened his pace, constantly running farther away from the Lava Lake. He needed to make sure the Fire Dragon’s attention was fully fixed on him, giving Xue Zhao the opening she needed.

He ran to a towering rock wall and suddenly stopped, turning to face the Fire Dragon as he shouted loudly, "Hey, over here! Look here!"

The Fire Dragon’s gaze locked firmly onto Ye Qingchen. It bellowed, opening its massive jaws as a torrent of blazing fire spewed from its mouth straight toward him.

Ye Qingchen swiftly dodged to the side; the flames brushed past his body, the scorching heatwave making his skin sting, but he still braced himself and stood his ground, continuing to draw the Fire Dragon’s attention.

"Come on, come chase me!" Ye Qingchen shouted provocatively, swinging the short sword in his hand and letting out a piercing whistle.

He kept changing positions, weaving nimbly between the rock walls, doing his best to maintain distance from the Fire Dragon while not letting it lose interest in him.

The Fire Dragon roared in fury, its enormous body circling in the air, its wings whipping up violent flame storms. It went all out in pursuit of Ye Qingchen, seemingly completely enraged by his taunts.