C10 Mountain of Flames

White Wolf executed a swift roll, brandishing a sharp blade and inquired, "Sir, shall I eliminate them? I can swiftly ensure their compliance. Perhaps they would be more persuaded by the sight of our blades."

His aura was thick with menace, his eyes glinting with greed. The masked man recoiled in fear, retreating several steps. Was this man a professional assassin, quick to draw his weapon? Little did he know that in the desert, bearing arms was not just for taking lives but also for protection and safeguarding one's possessions.

"There's no need. Seven Wolves, you and this masked man are my brothers. Descend and prepare for our journey to Ofanlenor to retrieve the treasures. Let there be no mishaps this time, do you understand? Gather everyone and also prepare some of the items he mentioned earlier; I have a use for them!" Sharp commanded with undeniable authority. At his word, White Wolf spun on his heel, sheathing his blade, and responded with a crisp, "Yes!"

Sharp gestured ahead, "My brother, and all of you, behold the boundless verdant lands yonder, the majestic mountains, lush pastures, and plump sheep. There are untapped mines in those mountains! With enough effort, all of it could soon be in my pocket. You've arrived at the perfect time to assist me, and in doing so, boundless riches await you!"

The group, some standing, some seated, gazed upon the towering mountains and the expansive desert, yearning for the day they could bask in the infinite wealth Sharp promised. The prospect of toiling harder today or tomorrow was of little concern to them.

Their journey had been arduous, weather-beaten by wind and rain. Yet, none had the inclination to admire the scenery; their sole focus was to fulfill the imperial edict and relieve themselves of the burden. Exposed to the elements day after day, their true purpose in the Western Region remained a mystery. Upon reaching the village, famished and parched, the aroma wafting from the inn triggered their salivation, and the quest for rest became paramount. The sight of the inn stirred emotions akin to finding family. "Waiter, come here, please!"

"Waiter, may I ask you something? It's already autumn, yet it feels as scorching as summer here. What's the reason for this persistent heat? It's quite peculiar and leaves us perpetually thirsty," Erik inquired.

The waiter bustled about, his feet shuffling as he wiped down the tables and chairs. With a warm greeting, he said, "We're situated on Yang Pass Road, right by Nine Raven Mountain, in a place known as the Mountain of Flames. It's perpetually hot here, a truly unique spot. In December, you'll find it dry, never damp and chilly, hence the heat. But that's the least interesting part. There's an old rumor that's been the spark for the fiery tales around here..."

The mention of the Mountain of Flames piqued everyone's curiosity. Rupert, visibly anxious, inquired, "What's so unique about the Mountain of Flames?"

"Well, it's not so much unique as it is true to its name," the waiter replied, urging them to take it easy. "But the rumor might not hold water. You see, our establishment has been around for ages. The founding grandfather left behind quite the story! Ah, we've never really had any notable guests over the generations, but in his prime, he hosted a beauty you'd never guess..."

Zach chimed in, "The world's full of beautiful women, as numerous as fish crossing a river. With so many coming and going each day, your statement seems a bit broad. After all, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. What one person finds stunning, another might find plain. Any chance you could drop us a hint?"

Observing the steady stream of patrons, the waiter noted, "I see many faces pass through here, and from your accents, you're clearly visitors from Egeswood. You seem well-versed in the cultural delights of the city. I'll let you in on a secret—it was Lady Rita. Does that qualify as a distinguished guest? It's her story that has everyone believing!"

Upon learning that Lady Rita had once graced their humble inn, the grandfather was initially overwhelmed. He had toiled from dawn till dusk, but he later laughed heartily, proclaiming, "All the hard work was worth it. When everyone laid eyes on Lady Rita, they were awestruck, proclaiming her beauty otherworldly. We'd heard tales of the capital's foremost beauty, whose grace could outshine the moon and shame the flowers, but we'd never seen her ourselves. Just one glance, and our lives felt complete..."

Rupert shook his head and raised his hand to interrupt, "Waiter, let's not beat around the bush. We're interested in the actual rumors, not hearsay."

The waiter, sensing the mood, paused his wiping of the table and inquired, "May I ask where you're headed? This area is full of fun and mystery. I grew up here and know a thing or two that might interest you..."

Rupert's curiosity was piqued by the waiter's words. "We're travelers, keen on exploring ancient legends along the Silk Road. We'd love to hear about any remarkable places along the way."

"Sir, the main road east leads to Egeswood, while the west takes you to the Silk Road, and beyond that lies Celestial Dew. If you're looking to head into the heart of it all, you'll find Celestial Dew nearby. You can take the official road, which is a straight seven or eight-day journey. The mountain path is a shortcut, only two or three days, but I recommend sticking to the official road. It's safer. The mountain path is treacherous and best left to those who know it well."

"Waiter, why do you advise against the shortcut? Are there wild beasts or bandits in the mountains, or perhaps something even more bizarre? Could you clarify?" Zach asked, shaking his head.

"In every mountain, you'll find predators and the occasional bandit king, but that's not unusual. However, these mountains aren't for everyone. Ordinary folks who venture in might encounter strange phenomena, or worse, get struck by lightning," the waiter explained. "So, it's clear that strangers are unaware of the dangers. You wouldn't know about the changes that have taken place. It's said that forty years ago, the mountains were lush with greenery and blooming flowers. But one night, a clear sky was shattered by a thunderbolt that sent fireballs raining down, turning the mountains into barren peaks overnight. Since then, the daytime temperatures soar, and at night they plummet."

"For the average person, spending even a few days here is nearly impossible. Moreover, there's a village inhabited by a community of practitioners, both men and women, who have made it their home. There, you'll discover even more wonders. They've created an oasis, a veritable Shangri-La with a climate perfectly suited to their needs, and they're quite courteous. They occasionally descend the mountain to trade their goods for everyday supplies."

"Why don't they just move to the base of the mountain? It seems much more comfortable there. Why not choose to live here instead of fleeing to some remote place?" Rupert inquired further.

"I've been around for quite some time, and what I mentioned earlier is merely hearsay. They are protecting a Relic of the Gods; it's their sacred duty. You should just listen and not take it too seriously. There are always those who scoff at the idea of a Relic of the Gods. Just look outside. You'll see a couple of deranged, mute vagabonds. They sought to uncover the truth, ignored warnings, and ended up like that. They talk about the Relic of the Gods as if it were..." Rupert trailed off, gesturing outside where a few disheveled beggars were seeking alms, desperate for warmth and a meal. Rupert had given them some bread to help fill their stomachs.