Absolute Death Game

Glancing back, he saw the magma to the west, already roiling, suddenly surged as if it had reached a boiling point, and before he could react, a monstrous snake with a body shimmering like flowing fire suddenly poked its head out from a hole—it was the very same Lava Red Python he had seen in the forest before.

However, the python looked different from when Xiao Buli had last seen it in the forest. Perhaps it had not come into contact with the magma back then and hadn't shown its fiery nature. Although fierce, it had seemed somewhat ordinary in appearance.

At this moment, the scales of the python gleamed with cracks emitting a red glow, as if its body was ablaze from within. Its already bulging eyes, like powerful flashlights, shot out beams of light, and its bright red tongue flicked out small flames each time it darted in and out of its mouth.

The searing heat made Xiao Buli nearly unable to withstand the gaze of the creature. Thinking this was bad, he turned to run back the way he had come, only to see the Rat King spinning in terror on the spot. Both the ground's magma and the giant python were mortal enemies of the Rat King. Concerned that the Rat King would perish right then and there, especially since it seemed useless in the current situation, Xiao Buli waved his mystical seal, and the Rat King returned to the Sealed Space.

All these events might be detailed to recount but had only taken a few seconds to unfold. Yet, those few seconds had plunged Xiao Buli into a situation of irreparable peril.

When the giant python heard a noise outside, it stuck its head out from the magma to see that Xiao Buli was near the cave entrance. If it chased after him as he ran off, it would waste precious time.

Taking advantage of the few seconds Xiao Buli had paused to turn around, the python receded into the magma.

Seeing his chance not to be missed, Xiao Buli stepped forward, but suddenly, the lava surged. As previously mentioned, the ground was riddled with holes like a piece of cheese, and the movement of the magma underground clearly indicated it was all connected. The python moved incredibly fast through the magma and had already emerged in front of Xiao Buli, cutting off his escape route.

Xiao let out an inward groan of dismay at the sight and glanced back at the several branching paths behind him, unsure which led to potential life and which to certain death. If he ran into the giant python's lair, not even his bones would be left.

Right then, Xiao saw a silhouette flash by an entrance in the distance. Illuminated by the firelight, it was Yi Xuan, except his Taoist robe was now charred and tattered, making him appear quite disheveled. It was then Yi Xuan's head flashed with a character, "Xiao, over here!"

At that moment, Xiao felt a blast of hot air rush towards him. Turning around, he saw the giant python spewing a mouthful of molten lava, accompanied by an intense glow, hurtling straight at him. Despite his quick reflexes, it was nearly impossible to jump clear. Thankfully, his Five Elements Spirit Armor Technique blocked it first, followed by the Spiritual Energy Shield taking a hit. Xiao managed to withstand the brunt of the molten lava, but his face felt scorched, making it almost impossible to keep his eyes open. As the python continued its assault, spewing a second mouthful of molten lava, Xiao executed a Chaotic Shadow Split to dodge out of the way. Using the luck-infused movement technique, he dashed to the cave entrance, and without a word, both he and Yi Xuan plunged inside.

The Lava Giant Python emerged from the nearest hole to the cave entrance but didn't give chase, instead twisting its body as if begrudging that the prey that had been within its grasp managed to escape.

Fearing that the python might change its mind, Xiao dragged Yi Xuan further into the depths of the cave. Not far inside, they reached a chamber that ended in a gigantic water pond, spanning nearly the entire floor—completely devoid of anything else when compared to the previous danger.

After catching his breath, Xiao asked, "What happened? How did you end up here, and when did that python come inside?"
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Yi Xuan, still visibly shaken, hurried to explain upon being asked, "It came in not long after you entered the cave. I was so frightened that I fled instantly. The thing is, inside this cave, there are neither branching paths nor spaces to hide, leaving me nowhere to escape. I ran all the way up to the lava cave we just left. Once inside, the snake buried into the lava and started to corner me from the holes. You can see how my gear has been scorched to tatters. While fighting it off, it seemed to think it had the upper hand and didn't hurry to kill me, giving me the chance to hide here. After entering, it lingered at the entrance for a long time but refused to come in. I don't know why, so I stayed hidden. Later, when I heard a noise outside and went to look, I found you. For now, we're safe here, but getting out is going to be difficult."

It was impressive how Yi Xuan managed to convey so much in one breath. Although there were a few typographical errors, Xiao quickly understood. The python didn't dare enter the cave, but could there be something peculiar inside this cavern? If anything was left at all, it was this pond. Could this water be the dwelling of some fierce creature? It was indeed impossible to say; after all, those rats lived right beside a snake's lair. Could it be that creatures in the Immortal Realm have such habits, delighting in living in fear every day?

Xiao looked into the water for a while and promptly negated his previous thought. The pond was deep, but the water was so clear it was possible to see to the bottom. If there truly was something, it would be utterly impossible for it to hide.

So, what exactly was it? Xiao idly scooped up a handful of water from the pond, immediately feeling its piercing chill. It was then that he realized how cool the cave was. Though the Lava Cave laid just outside, staying here for an extended period made him feel rather cold.