Flame Gorge reached across the endless scarlet wasteland like a giant scar.Peering over the gorge revealed cliff walls that plunged sheer as a cleaver stroke, the rock stained dark red—as though blood had congealed.Not a single plant grew on the cliffs. Only jagged crimson crystals jutted out, scattering the sunlight in blinding shards.Deep within the gorge, waves of heat rolled unchecked. The blast furnace breath of the earth bent the very air, twisting it into shimmering ripples that danced and shuddered like mirages above desert sand.Visible torrents of crimson vapor surged upward, carrying the pungent odor of sulfur and a scorching heat.A stream of magma flow across the gorge, making gurgling noises and spurting over fifteen meters.Crimson exotic creatures swam at a rapid speed in the magma river.Then a single roar—low and commanding―rolled out of the gorge.The roar struck the cliff walls like a hammer that rocks rolled off the cliff.The roar came from the Flame Dragon. It stunned cultivators at Heavenly Immortal Realm Level Five.Someone whispered, "So this is Flame Gorge."Jared narrowed his eyes and felt the intense fire-type spiritual energy.His chaotic celestial energy circulated twice as quickly, sharpening every sense until each ember in the wind felt mapped against his skin.Standing beside him, Vermilion Demon Lord's brows creased with unease. "The malice and fire-poison here is intense. Many enforcers must have died here."The Earthfire Pavilion party raised its camp on a rare stretch of level ground near the gorge.Ferdinand soon gathered everyone and said, "Flame Gorge has three parts: the outskirts, the middle, and the heart. The Flame Spirit Herb grows on the border of the middle and the heart of the gorge, in what we call the Flame-Spirit Basin, which also happens to be where the Flame Dragon resides.""Our objective is simple. Reach the Flame-Spirit Basin, harvest at least thirty mature Flame Spirit Herbs, and leave. We only have three hours. Any longer and the dragon will notice and attack."Sweeping the crowd, Ferdinand paused on the ten hired escorts and said, "You should know the risk when you accepted the mission. You must obey orders and cooperate, so the chance of surviving will be huge. The Earthfire Pavilion rewards success generously."Yet Jared sensed an invisible boundary between the Earthfire Pavilion disciples and escorts. The disciples clustered around Ferdinand and Lindsay, leaving the escorts to watch the perimeter.Elliot stood beside Ferdinand. His gaze drifted across Jared. He had a contemptuous smile."I'll allocate the tasks. When we enter the gorge, I need people to explore the path and remove the threats. Who can accept this task?" Ferdinand asked.Before anyone could volunteer, Elliot stepped forward and said, "This task is perilous and crucial. We need someone agile and strong. I nominate Jared Chance. During the trials, his performance was extraordinary-strength well above his tier. He is the perfect choice."Elliot turned to look at Jared with a smile.The hired escorts' expression changed.People who explored the path faced the most dangers since many venomous bugs and vicious beasts resided in the Flame Gorge. Plus, there were traps.Although they would receive a higher pay, the risk was the highest.The escorts who passed the trials were mostly at Heavenly Immortal Realm Level Five. They were not willing to accept the task.All eyes turned to Jared.Jared met Elliot's gaze for several silent breaths, then dipped his chin. "I'll do it."noveldramaVermilion Demon Lord opened his mouth, ready to protest, but the words caught in his throat."No worries at all. In fact, I've been looking for a chance to study this gorge," Jared explained.A thin gleam of triumph skimmed across Elliot's eyes as he nodded. "Since we're clearing the path, smaller group makes less noise and is less likely to spook the Flame Dragon. Jared, pick two to three companions." Elliot intended to isolate Jared.Jared's gaze swept across the escorts. Many of them lowered their head, afraid to look at him.Only a tall and slim cultivator with a bow at his back and a short and stout cultivator wielding two hammers stepped forward."I am Lyndon Forest, Heavenly Immortal Realm Level Six. I'm good at long-range attacks and scouting. I'm willing to join Mr. Chance," the tall man introduced himself."Name's Ethan Stone, Heavenly Immortal Realm Level Five. I can take the hits," the short man said.Caleb nodded his head. "Thank you. I'll count on you.""I'm going too!"Lindsay walked through the disciples and stood beside Jared. "I have never had an adventure. This is a good chance to explore the world.""Nonsense!" Color drained from Elliot's face as he snapped, "Lindsay, exploring the path is dangerous. You cannot risk yourself. Return at once!""Lindsay, don't be ridiculous," Ferdinand warned, brows furrowing. "Stay by my side. Your safety comes first.""But—" Lindsay began, sparks of stubborn fire in her eyes.Caleb spoke before the quarrel ignited. "Your Highness, your presence is too valuable to gamble. Let us handle the path-finding."Lindsay bit her lower lip, then retreated a step. "Please be careful. Lucky, protect Jared, understood?"Lucky answered with a deep huff and nudged Jared in solemn promise.Elliot watched the exchange, the darkness pooling in his eyes growing a shade darker."Jared, I'll come with you," Vermilion Demon Lord suggested.།"We can't both step into danger. If we fall together, no one will carry the word back. Stay behind me. If real trouble strikes you it still beschoenough to save me," Jared replied. Jared feared losing Vermilion Demon Lord to whatever waited ahead.Vermilion Demon Lord's eyes softened with gratitude.Not long ago, when he was no more than a ragged wisp of soul, he had helped Jared However, with his body restored, Jared had stood upon heights he could barely fathom. He needed Jared to protect him.