Chapter 0490: Entering Dragon's Belly

With the dispersal of the large anima cumulonimbus, the once rowdy and hectic crowd began to disperse. The other colleges that were previously supporting cast members began to quickly search for more anima opportunities, hoping to squeeze out a few more drops of anima dew that would allow them to send even more teammates to Dragonbone Island.

In the span of barely even half a day, the entire area had vacated significantly.

Li Luo and the rest were no different. After gathering the anima dew, they began to move anew.

The direction they were headed in was the Dragon's Belly. This was the zone furthest away from the start point in the Hall-level competition. At the same time, it enveloped the entirety of Dragonbone Island, so anyone who wanted to make their way to the island had to trek through it.

However, there was no real rush for Li Luo's party to expedite their journey there. They were lacking just that smidge of anima dew to round out their forces.

Thus, the next two days were a flurry of exploration and random wandering, all in the hopes of glimpsing a tasty anima treat.

The windfall from the large anima storm had warped their expectations of the ease of collecting anima dew... thus the sudden drought and difficulty in finding any more drops was a significant dampener. Fortunately, not too much anima dew was required, and they managed to scrounge up enough to fill up the sixth anima gourd.

Finally, the group began to directly make their way towards the depths of the Dragon's Belly.

Occasionally, they would stumble across a group from another college, all of whom would inevitably treat Li Luo politely before turning tail and fleeing with their tails tucked between their legs.

Nonchalant and nonplussed by these happenings, Li Luo led his team forward rapidly.

After half a day, Li Luo finally reached a location where the temperature seemed to be almost scorching.

After crossing a small mountain, one could see a vast change in the environment before them. The scenery before them was painted with a swathe of raging crimson, flooding the senses with a raw redness. It was a sea of flames, constantly raging into the skies, the sheer heat warping the void before them.

Additionally, overlayed across the sheer heat was an indescribable pressure. It felt ancient and boundless, and if one strained to listen, a dragon's cry could be heard within.

"Is this the Dragon's Belly? It's.... terrifying," Yu Lang said with a slightly pale demeanor.

Li Luo nodded in agreement gravely. He could feel the frightening energy that encompassed the flaming sea.This was not something a mere Resonant Master Stage cultivator could resist. If they were to wander aimlessly, they might very well be scorched into literal ashes in mere seconds.

"Can the anima dew protect us?" Wang Hejiu gulped. Fear could be seen within his eyes, and he was doubtful that this seemingly ethereal liquid could allow him to step foot into the flaming sea.

"Sheesh. What are you prattling on about? Even if the anima dew can't protect you, if you were REALLY in danger, the anima gourd would send you flying out of here. With so many esteemed college staff members and the Academic Federation around, how would they simply stand by and watch swathes of students run headfirst and die?" Bai Doudou disdainfully explained.

"Even if it can keep me on the edge of my life, won't I suffer?"

"Then don't go."

Wang Hejiu pouted at this incredibly blunt reply.

"Everyone, we have already decided who our representatives are. Thus I won't say anymore." Li Luo clapped his hands, interrupting the bickering of the duo. With a somber expression, he continued, "The second half of the competition is upon us, and presumably, the final, decisive battle is not far away. All motivational words have long been said. However, I do have one last thing to add."

The gazes of the Astral Sage College were fixated on Li Luo. This period of time had demonstrated his might, and even the likes of his rival, Wang Hejiu, and Duze Beixuan had silently accepted him within their hearts.

"The entire Astral Sage College is awaiting our victory. As a member of the Astral Sage College, there is a responsibility for us to strive with all we are capable of to be triumphant. No matter what trials and tribulations await us, none will stop our march!"

A slight smile could be seen on his face. Confidence and calm exuded from this young man who was exceptionally charismatic. Inadvertently, the gentle gazes of certain females couldn't help but linger upon him.

Qin Zhulu and the rest, on the other hand, grunted and nodded.

"Alright, take out your gourds and double check if the anima dew within is sufficient. We will prepare to enter the Dragon's Belly."

Qin Zhulu, Bai Doudou, Wang Hejiu, Yi Lisha, and Lu Qing'er retrieved their gourds and conducted a final check.

𝐟𝗿𝐞𝚎𝚠𝐞𝚋𝕟𝐨𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝚖

Meanwhile, Li Luo turned towards Yu Lang, Bai Mengmeng, Xin Fu, and the rest and smiled. "It looks like we may have to go our separate ways for now. Thank you for all that you have done."

Yu Lang heaved a sigh of relief. "You will be the bearer of our hopes and dreams. We will await your good news."

Bai Mengmeng also gave a vibrant smile, one that was pure and moving as she clenched her fists."Do your best, Leader! I believe you will earn the title of the strongest One Star Hall student!" Li Luo nodded at her enthusiasm, and without saying anymore, he turned to leave, slowly making his way towards the Dragon's Belly.

His companions immediately kept pace with him as well.

As they made their way ahead, glancing back allowed them to see radiant light engulf Yu Lang, Bai Mengmeng, and the rest, enveloping them before shooting into the sky.

Similar scenes could also be seen elsewhere.

These were all students that were unable to enter the Dragon's Belly. After their representatives left, they had opted to leave the battlefield.

The next segment of the competition would be the stage of the chosen ones.

Li Luo then turned to face the crimson sea ahead of him. The almost berserk flames in front of him seemed to be violently thrashing around, instilling a certain fear in all who saw them. Even though they had yet to step inside, one could hear the roar of the flames before them.

Yet one could see a faint hint of golden light within the crimson sea of flames.

The Dragon's Belly..

“Could this have been formed with the blood of an actual dragon?” As he pondered over how this fantastical sight had formed, he drew out his anima gourd and poured the anima dew over himself.

The shimmering anima dew seemed to form a thin, liquid film that enveloped the entirety of one's body. At the same time, an inscrutable, cooling feeling spread throughout him, completely warding off the heat of the Dragon's Belly.

Li Luo curiously stared at the liquid that covered him. It didn't seem to have affected his ability to use resonant power; all it did was completely suppress the influence of the Dragon's Belly's environment.

He mused to himself, "This layer of anima dew might be able to block the effects of the Dragon's Belly, but it seems to be slowly eroding away. It looks as though we will have to reach Dragonbone Island before we are out of time. At the same time, the protective ability of the liquid seems to be basically zero. If one were to be attacked, it would likely be broken. Thus, it looks as though we will have to avoid any form of confrontation if we want to preserve our strength."

Lu Qing'er immediately quipped, "I don't think anyone would be willing to fight within the Dragon's Belly... right?"

"We should just be careful. No scheme is beyond our enemies for the sake of victory." Everyone nodded in agreement.

Signaling for the rest to go, the group kicked off their journey, rushing into the depths of the soaring, crimson flames within the Dragon's Belly.