As Xiao Zhuzi and her companions struggled to make their way through the cave, a deafening roar suddenly echoed throughout the cavern. The sound was like the roar of an ancient beast, sending chills down their spines. They looked in terror towards the center of Lava Lake, where a massive column of lava shot up like a fountain, the orange-red molten rock tracing countless arcs in the air, splattering everywhere with a ferocity greater than any previous eruption.
“Quick, press against the rock wall!” Fei Bao's voice pierced through the cacophony.
Xiao Zhuzi and Xi Xi screamed in fright, immediately pressing themselves against the wall as a scorching gust of air rushed past them like a fire dragon. A fist-sized chunk of lava fell from above, landing dangerously close to Xi Xi's feet. With a sizzling sound, the hard stone was instantly melted into a smoking pit. In sheer panic, Xi Xi instinctively recoiled, nearly losing her footing and falling into the Lava Lake below. Just at that critical moment, Xiao Zhuzi reacted swiftly and grabbed her tightly.
“Thank you, Xiao Zhuzi…” Xi Xi gasped, gripping Xiao Zhuzi's hand.
Fei Bao circled above, anxiously scanning their surroundings. Suddenly, his gaze fixed on a crack in the rock wall not far away. “Xiao Zhuzi! Xi Xi! Move forward a bit! There’s a large crevice in the wall where we can take cover!”
Without hesitation, Xiao Zhuzi and Xi Xi hurried forward, each step feeling like it could be their last. The searing air burned their lungs as sweat blurred their vision, but the instinct to survive drove them onward.
Finally, they reached the Rock Crevice. Xiao Zhuzi was the first to squeeze inside, followed closely by Xi Xi. Just as Fei Bao was about to fly in, a massive chunk of lava suddenly plummeted from above, crashing near the entrance and sending hot debris flying everywhere.
“Fei Bao!” both Xiao Zhuzi and Xi Xi cried out in unison.
Clenching his teeth, Fei Bao felt something graze his back, leaving a burning sensation, but he couldn't afford to dwell on it. With remarkable agility, he dove into the Rock Crevice just in time.
The three friends collapsed onto the ground inside, the roar of the lava eruption still ringing in their ears as waves of heat surged toward them. At least for now, they were safe. Seizing the moment, Xi Xi quickly replaced their damp moss with fresh ones; the cool sensation revitalized them.
Fei Bao couldn’t help but inhale sharply; his back had been burned when he rushed inside, his skin glowing an unnatural red. Xi Xi quickly retrieved a jar of green burn ointment and gently applied it to his wound. The cooling salve eased his pain, allowing his tense muscles to relax.
Drenched in sweat and feeling utterly uncomfortable with her clothes clinging to her body, Xiao Zhuzi eagerly grabbed her water bottle and gulped down several mouthfuls before handing it to Fei Bao, who grimaced from pain. Then she slumped beside Xi Xi, her face pale as she closed her eyes and took deep breaths before managing to speak again.
“Although… we’re safe for now, we can’t stay here too long. Once things calm down outside even slightly, we need to move on and get away from this Lava Lake as quickly as possible.”
Xi Xi and Fei Bao nodded in agreement and began replenishing their water supply and regaining their strength. As time passed, the roaring of the lava outside gradually diminished. Fei Bao cautiously approached the entrance to observe what was happening outside.
“It seems like Lava Lake has calmed down a bit,” Fei Bao turned back to Xiao Zhuzi and Xi Xi. “This might be our last chance.”
The three exchanged encouraging glances before taking a deep breath and carefully stepping out of the Rock Crevice. The air outside was still unbearably hot but much better than the hellish scene they had just escaped.
Xiao Zhuzi and Xi Xi stepped onto the narrow winding path along the rock wall once more; this time their pace quickened. Fei Bao circled above them, ready to alert his friends of any potential dangers. Just as they were about to reach their destination, Lava Lake suddenly erupted again with renewed fury. A strong wave of heat surged towards them accompanied by an eerie hissing sound.
Fei Bao's pupils dilated in shock as he shouted, “Watch out ahead!” He pointed forward where a massive rock was slowly sinking—about to collapse into Lava Lake.
“Xiao Zhuzi! Xi Xi! Sprint! Jump across for safety!”
With all their remaining strength, Xiao Zhuzi and Xi Xi dashed forward at full speed. In that critical moment when Xiao Zhuzi leaped just as the large rock was about to completely submerge, she landed unceremoniously on the other side before quickly turning back with her hand outstretched and shouting, “Xi Xi! Hurry!”
Xi Xi gritted her teeth and mimicked Xiao Zhuzi's actions with all her might. Just as her toes left the rock’s edge, it crumbled beneath her with a thunderous crash. In mid-air, she stretched out her arm; her fingertips almost grazed Xiao Zhuzi’s palm…
Time seemed to freeze at that moment.
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