The Ethereal Domains

Chapter 716: Rolling Fire

Rolling Fire . . .

The soldiers prepared for the upcoming battle, even though they had no clear understanding of Cha Eun Xiao's plan. Their commander's intent was evident, and they followed his lead. Several men stood atop the wall, including Cha Eun Xiao, Song Jue, Ning Biluo, Zhao Pingtian, and Liu Changjun. They were the only ones equipped to withstand the searing heat of the impending inferno without injury.

Song Jue contemplated the situation, realizing the magnitude of the impending disaster. "This fire will take more than three days to burn out! Afterward, everything within a thousand miles will be eradicated. This land will become barren for centuries."

Cha Eun Xiao remained calm as he observed the approaching flames. He felt the heat intensify and noticed the rising temperatures around him, yet his demeanor remained composed. The fire was set hundreds of meters away, and it advanced swiftly, covering over a hundred meters within two breaths.

The southwesterly wind blew stronger, stoking the flames to greater heights. The fire's temperature rose, making it unbearable for ordinary individuals. Soldiers on Iron Peak began to suffocate, with the flames consuming not only oxygen but also the very air they breathed, making it feel like inhaling burning embers.

"If we continue to wait, we'll be roasted. Even if we can endure it, our soldiers down there won't," Song Jue gasped, struggling with the fiery blaze and smoke, despite his exceptional cultivation.

In this perilous situation, even a superior cultivator like Song Jue found it challenging, which meant the situation was far worse for others.

Cha Eun Xiao spoke, "Not yet. Just wait."

"Really? We're still waiting..." Song Jue displayed a wry smile, feeling the heat intensify.

Ning Biluo and the other three were equally enduring the extreme temperatures, their faces flushed.

"If any of you can't endure it, just get down," Cha Eun Xiao suggested. "You won't face the flames directly, and it will be more bearable below."

They shook their heads in determination.

Zhao Pingtian commented on the unusual intensity of the fire, "I once faced a massive fire in a burning mountain, and it didn't feel as intense as this. What's different about this one?"

Cha Eun Xiao explained calmly, "This situation is entirely different. When dealing with a fire on a mountain, there are spaces among the plants where you can find refuge. You were capable of finding a safe spot. The heat was there, but it wouldn't kill you. What we're dealing with now is a flat plain with nowhere to hide. Additionally, the wind is blowing toward us, leaving us no escape from the engulfing flames. We're trapped."

He went on, "Running through this fire would cause injuries. It may not be fatal for you, but escaping unharmed is impossible. Those of a lower level would undoubtedly perish in such an inferno."

Despite the dire circumstances, Cha Eun Xiao managed a faint smile. "Victory is within reach. Why can't I smile? Look at the opposite side; their troops are retreating hastily. The fire has disrupted their command."

"They believed they were sufficiently distant from the flames, but they weren't. That's why they're in a panic."

"As the fire continued to grow, their enemy's disorder would increase," Cha Eun Xiao stated calmly, his eyes fixed on the roaring blaze. "And that's when we'll strike."

"Strike?" Song Jue inquired, intrigued. "Sounds good. Just tell me how."

Song Jue gestured toward the vast sea of fire that blocked their escape routes. "Our exit is likely sealed. The gates may have already burned down. How do we strike? Do we charge through the fire? Our soldiers will be reduced to ashes before we can escape. No, there might not even be ashes left."

Song Jue shrugged. "Look, we should leave. Don't act like you're in control here. It won't work."

Cha Eun Xiao smiled but remained silent as the flames climbed to the top of the wall. With a soft puff, the fire engulfed Cha Eun Xiao and his companions.

Wenren Chuchu and Wenren Jianyin observed the unfolding scene from the sweltering heat generated by the fire. The air appeared distorted due to the intense blaze. While they had seen the enemies gathering on the wall earlier, everyone had now descended from it. However, Commander Ye and a few of his men still stood their ground.

Wenren Chuchu felt a pang of sorrow. "Is that the hero's lament at the end?" She watched the five of them standing on the wall like statues. The fire rolled toward them, yet they remained immobile, ready to face their demise.

Wenren Jianyin couldn't help but feel empathy. "If I were him, I suppose I'd do the same—choose to go down with it. A hero with great aspirations but ultimately powerless, meeting his end."

"They are all resilient men," Wenren Jianyin sighed, closing his eyes. "Ye Xiao is truly his father's son. It's admirable, the strength of their character."

Wenren Chuchu bit her lip, filled with turmoil. "Are you really giving up? Why didn't you charge into battle? You possess extraordinary abilities. Even when surrounded by millions of troops, you still have a chance to escape. What's happening to you? Our futures are bright, and we belong to a higher realm. How can you die in this mortal world's war?"

The rolling fire expanded in the howling wind, eventually consuming the wall's summit. After a while, the five men on the wall vanished from their sight, seemingly reduced to ashes by the relentless inferno.