Zhao Ya and Kong Xiangdong stood atop a platform formed by accumulated snow that had not melted for many years, looking solemnly into the distance.
At this moment, the hillside was shrouded in a dense purple-red mist that extended upwards, piercing through the thick clouds above, creating a spectacular scene.
Moreover, a faint but mighty roar echoed from within the mist.
Seeing this, Kong Xiangdong couldn’t help but feel a chill run down his spine.
Just moments ago, he had used all his strength to follow closely behind Zhao Ya, narrowly escaping before the mist enveloped the entire mountain.
If he had hesitated even slightly during the process, he might have perished there.
Thinking of this, Kong Xiangdong couldn’t help but glance at Zhao Ya.
Zhao Ya stood there with an air of calm, even a hint of curiosity in his eyes, making Kong Xiangdong murmur to himself.
He himself was often called Kong the Madman, but now it seemed that in terms of daring, even two of himself combined would not measure up to this young man.
In truth, Kong Xiangdong had no idea that Zhao Ya dared to do this entirely because of his absolute confidence in his own strength.
He was confident in handling any possible situation, which is why he set off the Thunder Bomb.
If he wasn’t absolutely certain, or if he faced unforeseeable danger, Zhao Ya would never have acted rashly.
Now the purple-red mist covering the mountain and extending skyward confirmed Zhao Ya’s suspicion.
The creature lurking in the dark cave beneath the mountain, though formidable, seemed restricted by various factors, preventing its true form from emerging. Thus, it had to resort to driving sea lizards or using the poisonous mist to cope.
Moreover, its poisonous mist had limitations, extending no further than the mountain’s coverage range.
So, when the two stood far from the mountain, the giant creature could do nothing but rage impotently.
Despite this, the nameless giant’s strength still left Zhao Ya in awe.
Especially the roar that made the entire mountain tremble, sending a chill down Zhao Ya’s spine.
There was no doubt that the creature’s power was beyond anything worldly, reaching an unimaginable realm.
"It seems the Wuyang Sea truly lives up to its reputation, with an ordinary mountain harboring such unknown giant beasts," Zhao Ya murmured softly.
"Hmm? What did you say?"
After this battle, Kong Xiangdong admired and respected Zhao Ya, even developing a strong desire to befriend him.
A madman tends to admire someone even crazier than himself.
Thus, hearing Zhao Ya murmur something, he promptly asked.
"Oh, nothing, just musing to myself," Zhao Ya replied.
Then he glanced back at Kong Xiangdong, "Leader Kong, although your revenge plan is complete in one sense, it’s also unfinished. What do you plan to do next?"
It was complete because those sea lizards, which once poisoned Kong Xiangdong, had mostly perished under Zhao Ya’s enhanced Thunder Bomb.
Failure was straightforward too; the mastermind was still comfortably nestled beneath the mountain, so Kong Xiangdong’s revenge couldn’t be considered truly successful.
Hearing Zhao Ya’s words, Kong Xiangdong couldn’t help but smile bitterly.
"At this point, how can I still hope for revenge? Surviving this ordeal is a stroke of luck. Fortunately, although the poison in my brain is severe, my expertise in the Poison Dao allows me to manage it. I won’t die in the short term."
Then Kong Xiangdong sincerely looked at Zhao Ya, "Regardless of success, the terms we agreed upon will not change. Once we return, I will share all the secrets you’re interested in with you."
Zhao Ya smiled.
He understood Kong Xiangdong’s intention to make friends.
But he didn’t refuse.
After all, Kong Xiangdong was an intriguing individual. Though lacking in strength, his expertise in the Poison Dao was comparable to his own.
Even though he sometimes showed madness due to the poison in his brain, he was fundamentally decent, making him a worthwhile friend.
"Thank you, Leader Kong!"
"You’re welcome!"
After exchanging these pleasantries, they both smiled, and then...
Kong Xiangdong sneezed.
During their mountain ordeal, Kong Xiangdong had been nearly blown to bits; while he narrowly escaped, his clothes were shredded.
During their desperate run for life, he hadn’t felt anything, but now that he was aware, he felt exceptionally cold.
Even in the warmest summer, the temperature around the Wuyang Sea and its vicinity was unbearable for average people.
Kong Xiangdong’s strength saved him from freezing to death.
"Let’s go back to the town!"
Seeing this, Zhao Ya immediately turned around, heading towards the town.
Kong Xiangdong dared not rest.
Staying any longer, once his limbs froze, it would spell trouble.
Fortunately, the town wasn’t far from the sea, and at their speed, they quickly made it back.
Once they barged into their lodging in the brothel and changed into thick cotton clothes, drinking two bowls of hot ginger syrup, Kong Xiangdong felt alive again.
Jing Rou soon arrived after hearing the news. Seeing Zhao Ya safe and sound, her heart was at ease.
But Kong Xiangdong’s battered state left her somewhat taken aback.