... Naturally, the demonic beasts of the Scorched Canyon were of a relatively low tier, yielding only common goods. However, because the Scorched Canyon possessed an undamaged passage that led directly into the Purgatory Domain, one of the Six Domains, this location had become a place of immense strategic importance.

In terms of power division, this area fell under the jurisdiction of an organization called the Northwest Alliance. This Northwest Alliance was, essentially, a super-coalition formed—willingly or unwillingly—by various small, medium, and large sects and clans from the northwestern expanse of the Great Qian Continent, boasting perhaps no fewer than a thousand organized members in total.

However, the vast majority of members within this Northwest Alliance were either merely marking time or being thoroughly exploited. This was because the Alliance itself was controlled by only a handful of supremely powerful behemoth forces.

The entire Alliance lacked even a single expert at the Nascent Soul Transformation stage (), yet it was rich in cultivators at the Golden Core () level and the old monsters of the Soul Formation () stage. Thus, by banding together, they could manage a resistance against dominant sects similar to the Taiyi Sect. Simply put: they lacked top-tier might but commanded sheer numbers.

Similar alliances were commonplace across the Great Qian Continent; it was a pattern formed by circumstance and the natural law of the world. Yet, even Lei Dong gradually discerned that the living conditions for the smaller clans and sects here were harsher than those in Kang Prefecture or Zhao Prefecture.

But such matters held no bearing on Lei Dong; he was merely a passing traveler in the Great Qian Continent. His sole purpose and objective now was to traverse the Scorched Canyon and enter the Purgatory Domain. Before that, of course, he needed to pass the checkpoint established by the Northwest Alliance here: Scorched City.

Lei Dong floated mid-air, standing upon a comically oversized blade he had casually forged, gliding slowly over the Scorched Canyon at an unhurried pace. The display he put on was certainly not unimpressive, displaying the cultivation level of a mid-stage Golden Core expert. By outward appearance, even those closest to Lei Dong now would absolutely fail to recognize him: he was covered in a scraggly beard, his physique bulky, robust, and rugged, resembling some vagrant, rough-edged uncle of the martial world.

Even at a height of one hundred zhang, Lei Dong could feel waves of scorching heat rushing up to meet him as he looked down. Although bizarre, if one truly appreciated the scene, this place offered a unique, alien spectacle. It was a panorama of burnt red and ochre hues, dotted with all manner of grotesque, jagged stones, deep ravines crossing everywhere, and pools of flowing magma. Occasionally, jets of lava would erupt like natural springs. Although seldom trod by civilized feet, this region was by no means devoid of life; on the contrary, it was bursting with diverse species and vibrant life energy. For example, near a small lava pool spanning barely a dozen zhang, several ferocious-looking demonic beasts, entirely crimson, were playfully tumbling about. When thirsty, they would dip their heads into the molten pool for a gulp of lava.

It seemed, however, that this group of lesser beasts had no inkling that danger was closing in on them. Though the surface of the lava pool looked small, beneath the thick bedrock, intricate, branching channels extended far and wide. Within that searing magma itself dwelled numerous heat-resistant species. Within Lei Dong’s divine sense, a Molten Lava Crocodile, several zhang long and emanating the aura of the Foundation Establishment stage (), was silently surfacing from the pool. Its scales, alternating between charred black and dark red, made it resemble a piece of buoyant, cooled lava at first glance.

This Molten Lava Crocodile was highly skilled; not only could it conceal its form, but it could also retract its aura to the absolute minimum.

Clearly, the ferocious-looking little beasts had not detected the impending threat, drawing ever closer to the pool, their vigilance dissolving amidst their play. One had already placed half a foot into the molten water. Suddenly, the Molten Lava Crocodile struck—truly still as a maiden, swift as a startled hare—sending droplets of lava flying skyward like fine dust. The beast’s sharp fangs had clamped down hard on the small creature.

Amidst the ugly little beast’s shriek, the Molten Lava Crocodile began to spin violently within the pool, tearing it in half within moments. The remaining beasts scattered in utter panic toward the craggy, safer high ground, howling mournful challenges at the crocodile. But such threats were meaningless to the predator. With leisurely ease, it began to feast upon its captured prey right in front of the terrified group.

Only after it was fully sated did it cast a cold, calculating glance toward the cluster of small beasts. Amidst their sorrowful cries, it slowly sank back into the magma pool. Surely, this spectacle would be seared into the beasts’ memories for all their future lives, a constant reminder never to let down their guard.

Lei Dong certainly could have intervened and saved the small crimson creature moments ago. But he did not move; he simply watched the entire scene unfold from the air. Survival of the fittest was, after all, the most fundamental law of this world. Every achievement Lei Dong had attained on his journey thus far was bought with vigilance such as this.

It was at this precise moment that a group of cultivators appeared within Lei Dong’s vision, riding various flying artifacts that trailed multi-colored streaks of light. Leading them was a burly man whose appearance was similar to Lei Dong’s current disguise, only this man stood atop an unusually large hammer.

Spotting Lei Dong from afar, the man let out an inquisitive "Eh?" and shouted warmly, "I am Wu Ji from the Cloud Mountain Sect. Brother, are you also heading to Scorched City? If the route is convenient, perhaps we could travel together." However, he maintained proper etiquette, keeping a respectful distance from Lei Dong, preserving a safe boundary between the two parties.

Lei Dong sent a brief sweep of his divine sense, discerning seven cultivators in the group—men and women—dressed variously, their escape lights displaying mixed auras of good and evil. The flying artifacts they rode were dazzling and varied, clearly indicating they hailed from different sects and families. Their cultivation, however, was uniformly in the Golden Core stage, ranging from early to high levels.

The leader, this Wu Ji of the Cloud Mountain Sect, possessed the highest cultivation among them: high-stage Golden Core. This was quite normal; in most teams, absent extraordinary circumstances, status was usually determined by cultivation level.

According to the map Lei Dong had purchased, Scorched City was only tens of thousands of li away. Traveling with company seemed unnecessary, so he shook his head: "Thank you for the invitation, Brother Wu. I prefer traveling alone; I must decline your kindness."

"Hmph, ungrateful wretch." A female cultivator in the opposing group, garishly beautiful yet only in the early Golden Core stage, spat disdainfully, glancing from afar at Lei Dong, clearly repulsed by his unkempt appearance. She snorted repeatedly, "Let’s see how he gets bullied going to Scorched City alone."

"Enough, Li Xianxian," the stout man named Wu Ji turned back, frowning, and reprimanded her in a low voice. "He is likely heading to Scorched City for the first time and doesn't know the local rules, which is why he refused us. Besides, when a group invites a lone individual, anyone would feel cautious." He then called out to Lei Dong again, "Brother, it's not that I wish to be tedious. But if you go to Scorched City alone, you are likely to be bullied. We are all Golden Core cultivators; earning spirit stones isn't easy, and banding together offers some measure of safety. If you truly don't wish to travel with us, then I will wait for you at the gates of Scorched City with my team. We can enter together, and then we can each go our separate ways."

Lei Dong had been adventuring long enough to not be some novice rookie; he had seen a great many people. In his estimation, this stout man, Wu, seemed genuinely well-intentioned and enthusiastic. He decided to test his judgment. Regardless, with his current strength, he stood to gain nothing against cultivators of this caliber; if they dared to make a move, they would only be courting death.

After feigning contemplation, he said, "My name is Ding Dong, a lone cultivator with no sect or affiliation. Since Brother Wu has insisted repeatedly, I will gratefully accept your offer. I ask for your guidance along the way." With that, Lei Dong shifted his feet, urged his flying greatsword, and moved toward Wu Ji’s group.

"Excellent! When I first saw Brother Ding from afar, I knew you were a bold and straightforward man." Wu Ji was clearly pleased. When Lei Dong stopped a few zhang away, he laughed heartily, "Come, come, let me introduce you. This handsome gentleman of refined bearing is Chen Yun, from the Sword Hero Gate. Don't be fooled by his youthful looks; he is already an Elder of the Sword Hero Gate."

Lei Dong glanced over. The man certainly looked young, likely due to diligent maintenance or the consumption of some beauty-preserving elixir. Judging by the decay in his spirit-soul aura and his cultivation, he must be at least a hundred years old. Mid-stage Golden Core; his strength was passable.

When entering a locale, one must play the part. Lei Dong was currently impersonating an unaffiliated Golden Core cultivator to hide his true identity, meaning he could not adopt the airs of a true master. He immediately cupped his hands in greeting: "So, you are an Elder of the Sword Hero Gate. I am the lone cultivator Ding Dong. Greetings, Brother Chen." As for the Sword Hero Gate, Lei Dong had genuinely never heard of it. But he surmised that a sect keeping a Golden Core cultivator as an Elder couldn't be terribly formidable anyway.

Chen Yun, fair-faced and handsome, dressed in flowing white robes, carrying a sword casket on his back, impeccably clean, was clearly someone a bit narcissistic and pleased with himself. Naturally, he found Lei Dong’s scruffy appearance highly displeasing. However, constrained by the superior strength of Wu Ji, he managed a stiff bow in return before falling silent, looking around haughtily.

"Brother Ding, please forgive Chen Yun; he is rather aloof," Wu Ji managed an awkward smile before introducing a pair of identical, petite, and exquisitely delicate women dressed in purple skirts: "Brother Ding, these two are the Murong sisters—the elder is Murong Fu, and the younger is Murong Lian. They hail from the renowned Murong Family."

Lei Dong offered a noncommittal smile, then gravely cupped his hands toward the appealing twin blossoms: "I am the lone cultivator Ding Dong, greetings to the Murong sisters..."