Chapter 153: Ember Crossing
As they climbed away from Ao Qin’s damaged stronghold, following Captain Zhen through winding paths carved into the mountainside. The Steam vents hissed from cracks in the rock, releasing superheated vapor that could cook flesh in seconds if it touched someone’s skin.
"Stay close," Captain Zhen warned. "The ground here can give way without warning, and falling into a thermal pocket is not a pleasant way to die."
Grim adjusted the heat-resistant gear Shen Yue had provided, grateful for the protection it provided. The armor was crafted from some kind of treated coral that asrobed some of the heat, but it couldn’t completely shield him from the oppressive temperature that surrounded them on all sides.
Lin moved beside him. Since learning the truth about Shen Lao being her real father, she had spoken little, her ice magic flickering unpredictably around her hands as her emotions warred beneath the surface.
"Princess," Captain Zhen said gently as they paused at an overlook, "perhaps you should rest. The journey ahead will require your full attention."
"I’m fine," Lin replied curtly, but Grim could see the tension in her shoulders, the way her jaw clenched when she thought no one was looking.
Below them, the volcanic landscape spread out in a panorama of fire and stone. Rivers of molten rock carved glowing channels through the mountainside, creating a network of burning arteries. The sight was both beautiful and terrifying—nature at its most raw and powerful.
"The rebels chose their territory well," Captain Zhen observed, pointing toward distant fortifications that seemed to grow directly from the volcanic rock. "Any attacking force would have to cross multiple lava rivers while under constant bombardment from elevated positions."
"How do we get past them?" Grim asked, studying the tactical situation with growing concern.