Chapter 17 (1/2)

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

The afternoon sun caused the temperature in the mountain range to rise sharply, reaching nearly 30 degrees celsius.

More importantly, the area had just experienced a massive fire, and there were soot and ash everywhere. The nearby volcano was still spewing billows of gray-white smoke, and the intense scent of sulfur made it hard to breathe.

The expedition team was equipped with safety helmets and thick filtration masks. It was so stuffy that they felt like they were going to suffocate to death.

Even Xu Yin was breaking out into a sweat, and Wei Zhenzhen was so tired that she couldn’t speak.

If not for the fact that Gao Xuan was leading the way in front, Wei Zhenzhen would’ve complained about the difficult conditions. But Wei Zhenzhen could only clench her teeth and tough it out to present herself as mature and understanding.

The rest of the students were in a similar state to Wei Zhenzhen.

They hadn’t experienced many hardships in their lives, so they were close to fainting under such harsh conditions.

However, there was a cold expression on Wang Hongen’s face, so no one dared to grumble loudly.

Gao Xuan and Yun Qingshang were the most relaxed out of the group. Even though they were both dressed in bulky wolf-hide clothing, there wasn’t a single bead of sweat on their faces, and their pace was light and fast.

The rest of the group didn’t think this odd. They all thought that Gao Xuan and Yun Qingshang were locals and naturally had the skill to traverse the mountainous terrain.

“Professor Wang, we’re close to the volcano now…

Xu Yin became a little worried when she saw that they were getting closer and closer to the volcano. If the volcano erupted, their group wouldn’t have anywhere to run.

“Don’t be worried. We have Gao Xuan.”

Wang Hongen had sensed the Dragon Tooth Key in his robes get warmer. Even if the volcano erupted, he wouldn’t leave.

Of course, he still had to give a reasonable explanation to the group, and Gao Xuan was the perfect excuse.

Xu Yin was extremely doubtful. She felt that Wang Hongen was acting strange.

However, Gao Xuan took the initiative and turned back to tell Xu Yin, “Don’t worry, Professor Xu. The volcano has been stable these last few days. It won’t erupt.”

“Gao Xuan, it pays to be careful with these kinds of things.”

Xu Yin was willing to believe Gao Xuan. However, as the leader of the group, she didn’t want to make the students take unnecessary risks.

This was just an ordinary expedition. There was no need to head deep into the volcano.

“There’s no danger.”

Gao Xuan smiled and said, “Professor Xu, I’m more scared of death than anyone here. I don’t joke around when it comes to my own life.”

Xu Yin became more confident when she heard Gao Xuan say this. That was right. Gao Xuan didn’t have any dealings with Wang Hongen. There was no need for him to risk his life to help Wang Hongen.

Off to the side, Wei Zhenzhen couldn’t help but praise, “Brother Gao Xuan, you’re amazing!”

“The right conditions have to be met before a volcano can erupt,” Gao Xuan said confidently. “This volcano is like a man. After a large-scale eruption, it won’t erupt again for a while after.”

Xu Yin looked a little awkward. Why had their conversation veered in this strange direction? She was unprepared.

Wei Zhenzhen stifled her laughter. Who knew if she understood the joke or not.

Wang Hongen was stone-faced. He said loudly, “Continue forward, everyone. Don’t stop. We’re very close to our destination.”

Xu Yin felt that it wasn’t right, but she had no reason to object. She hesitated for a moment, then let out a soft sigh and followed the group.

“The ancient legend has it that there’s a Flame Dragon in the volcano. It was sealed by a deity because it had committed too many atrocities…”

Gao Xuan couldn’t keep himself quiet. The rest of the group were exhausted and didn’t have the energy to speak, yet he continued talking about the ancient legend of this land.

“Thus, this place is called Red Dragon Volcano.”

Gao Xuan said, “If we want to look at this area through a scientific lens, then this volcano erupted during ancient times and caused massive damage to the inhabitants here. And, due to the inhabitants’ primitive and simple way of thinking, they treated the volcano like a god and hoped that it would remain stable and not erupt…”

Even though Wei Zhenzhen didn’t have any strength left, she was still willing to use what strength she had left to praise Gao Xuan. “Brother Gao Xuan, you sure know a lot.”

“Primitive religions reflected all of the early inhabitants’ simple, primitive feelings. These religions are always easy to interpret, no matter how much they’ve changed over time.”

Gao Xuan had come back from the future. Even though he hadn’t specifically learned these pieces of information, he did have some general knowledge.

The rest of the girls also had a look of awe and approval on their faces. While interacting with Gao Xuan these past two days, they’d realized that not only was Gao Xuan ridiculously attractive, but he was also knowledgeable and talented.

Comparatively, the boys in the expedition team seemed too frivolous and ignorant.