Under the stimulation of the raging fire outside, the胖子 even started to speak of despair, "Since death is inevitable, let me die now. The tormented cries of the creatures burned alive outside are my future. I don't want to die such a painful death."
Ye Tiancheng was still thinking calmly. Regardless of the胖子's clamor, he was always contemplating how to survive. This was Ye Tiancheng's consistent and most precious quality: the ability to remain calm even in the most dangerous moments.
"胖子, you have to believe me. If I die in Black Wind Mountain, won't my lifelong reputation be ruined? I will never let myself be trapped here."
Ye Tiancheng vowed. For him, even if he had to die, it should be for saving all living beings. To die in such a strange manner would be utterly contemptible.
"Brother Ye, of course I believe you, but I'm more afraid of this great fire. I've never seen such a bizarre fire that nothing can stop. I'm afraid everything will be reduced to ashes by the flames."
The胖子's voice trembled as he spoke, clearly overcome by fear. Ye Tiancheng could see the despair of impending death, which was clearly affecting his emotions as well.
"Don't panic, don't panic. The problem will surely be solved. I believe there's always a way out."
Ye Tiancheng's mind was racing, yet everything before him seemed to have cornered them into an inescapable dead end.
Just as Ye Tiancheng felt the flames licking around his face, if no action was taken, everything would be irreversible, and this dead end would be sealed.
At this moment, from a corner of the cave, a furry large head suddenly emerged. The large head looked very amusing. Appearing at such a tense and critical moment, it was somewhat comical, seeming particularly ludicrous.
Lin Xue, who was already injured, couldn't help but report to Ye Tiancheng upon seeing this scene.
"Master, this is so interesting! Did you see? Isn't this the wombat that ran past us when we first entered Black Wind Mountain!"
After speaking, Lin Xue immediately reacted, "Right, Master, I just remembered something. I heard that wombats like to dig holes underground. We can hide in its burrow. I suspect this wombat has come to save us."
Lin Xue felt very excited about her discovery, as this small finding might be their lifeline. This was a crucial step, and she was not joking.
"The problem is, I can't talk to animals. Xue'er, if you have a way, don't hide it anymore. It's such a critical moment. We, master and disciple, absolutely cannot falter. The lives of all three of us might depend on this bear."
Lin Xue couldn't communicate with animals either, but the little phoenix could. With Lin Xue's instruction, the little phoenix quickly spoke to the wombat. The rest was easily resolved. After the wombat agreed, it led them all to hide in the underground burrow.
This underground burrow was about two to three meters below ground level, so the fire couldn't reach inside. This meant the underground hole dug by the wombat was quite safe.
Now that they were safe, the胖子, who had just experienced a near-death experience, was still very panicked. He kept hugging himself and trembling uncontrollably. His pitiable appearance made it hard not to feel for him. This guy was truly terrified and would likely need some time to recover.
"Master, it seems this wombat has really saved many animals. There's a whole bunch of small animals hiding there, all normal and not corrupted by the evil energy of Black Wind Mountain. There's also a rabbit here."
Lin Xue sat in a corner. The rabbit directly jumped onto her, clearly showing affection towards Lin Xue. It looked very cute, pure white and plump, with no hint of aggression, giving off a particularly innocent impression.
"This rabbit is so cute."
The胖子, who had been trembling all over and extremely scared just moments ago, suddenly felt healed upon seeing the little rabbit.
"If you like it, then hug that rabbit. There are many other animals over there; feel free to choose. They're all quite cute anyway."
Ye Tiancheng's mood finally relaxed. His life was saved, but he wasn't sure how long this great fire would last.
Fortunately, he had brought some dry rations and water, which could sustain survival, but only at the most basic level. Ye Tiancheng was uncertain how long this disaster would last and whether their food and water would be sufficient. If they became extremely hungry, would they resort to eating the other animals in this underground burrow? These were all difficult choices.
After more than an hour of adaptation, none of the three spoke. Silence was their norm. At this moment, they could say nothing. The only thing they could do was to wait for time to pass.
Perhaps after time passed, everything would take a new turn. As for how long it would take, no one was quite sure.
"Brother Ye, let's eat something first."
The胖子's stomach had been growling for half a day. He wondered how long they would be trapped here. With the ground outside engulfed in raging flames, it was best to conserve food. If they wasted it all now, and became truly starving, they might have to do cruel things.
"Let's take out a little to eat."
The胖子's large bag was like a treasure chest, filled with many delicious things. The胖子 quickly took out some compressed biscuits. However, as soon as he opened the plastic bag, a large group of animals of all sizes crowded around, looking at the胖子 with pitiful eyes.
"What do you mean?" The胖子 knew that food was the most important thing for them now. Food is paramount. If they didn't protect this food well and it was snatched away, the three of them might truly starve to death.
"Don't push your luck. This is mine. We're just sheltering under the same roof. I absolutely won't give it to you."
"Alright, let's eat quickly. These animals haven't been trapped here for long. They probably just see food and are reacting naturally; they aren't that hungry. Don't worry about this."
The胖子 only took out a small portion. Even though food was abundant now, he couldn't eat too much at once, fearing that if the remaining amount was less, it would affect their future survival.
The group ate compressed biscuits and drank mineral water, their thoughts drifting elsewhere.
When the胖子 ate the biscuits, a few crumbs occasionally fell, and the animals quickly picked them up and ate them with humble attitudes. They were indeed quite pitiful.
"Brother Ye, look! Black Wind Mountain still has quite a few normal animals. They look quite pitiful. If we have any extra food, we should give them some. They are all lives, regardless of status."
Once a person's compassion is stirred, it's hard to retract. When they encounter something pitiable, they want to show more mercy and understanding.
"Okay, let's wait a bit longer. It's not the right time yet. These animals are probably not that hungry."
Ye Tiancheng was confident about how to handle their current predicament, so he spoke slowly and calmly, showing no signs of panic.
"Alright." After speaking to Ye Tiancheng, the胖子 quickly said to the animals, "Don't worry, I definitely won't let you starve. I'll give you some during the next meal."
The animals seemed to understand, chirping at the胖子 and making gestures of clasping their paws together. It was clear they were very grateful.
"Oh, Brother Ye, look quickly! These animals are too cute! I've never seen such cute ones before. I feel like my heart is melting."
The胖子 already liked small animals, and with the repeated onslaught of cuteness from these small animals, he felt as if his heart was melting.
"If you like them, that's good. Fortunately, they are here. They can help distract us. Otherwise, this cave would be too boring and stuffy."
The continuous burning above caused a greater lack of oxygen, making it feel truly suffocating. He hoped everything would return to normal, and everyone could breathe freely.
"Me too, Brother Ye. It's better that you didn't remind me. Now that you've mentioned it, I instantly feel like I can't breathe. It seems the psychological effect is quite strong. If I can avoid thinking about it, I won't. Overthinking is just asking for trouble."
The胖子 told himself to be an optimist and never fall into negative emotions. After saying this, he quickly started playing with the small animals.
"Little darling, you are too cute. You look so endearingly silly, it's incredibly lovable."
The胖子 quickly adjusted his mood and then started playing with the wombat. The little bear was also quite affectionate towards the胖子, burying its head in his arms. The two seemed like close brothers.
Ye Tiancheng glanced at Lin Xue. Lin Xue was resting with her eyes closed. Ye Tiancheng knew that the girl was definitely cultivating. Only by restoring herself could she break out of this hellish place.
"Xue'er, are you thinking of stopping this great fire?"
"Yes, Master. I don't want to see lives devastated. You told me before, Master, to have a heart that cherishes all under heaven. It is this belief that made me look up to you and willing to follow you always."
Lin Xue having such thoughts was truly commendable. Even in moments of crisis, Ye Tiancheng thought of his disciple and brothers' lives, forgetting that Black Wind Mountain was originally a peaceful place.
As a result of the arrival of the three outsiders, the entire Black Wind Mountain was now facing destruction. Those burned alive were not only monsters but also ordinary animals that had been struggling to survive in Black Wind Mountain.
Thinking of those poor animals, Ye Tiancheng felt a pang of sadness. Their lives were already difficult, and now they had to risk their lives.
"I am willing to join you in this endeavor. However, with just the two of us, we may not be able to turn the tide."
"It's alright. I know we are having a very difficult time, and just preserving our own lives is not easy. But, Master, if I don't have this spirit of striving, I am not worthy of being your disciple."
Indeed, after spending so much time in the outside world, even his courage had diminished. Ye Tiancheng recalled his spirited past self and compared it to his current state, feeling a sense of unease.
"I understand. Thank you, Xue'er, for reminding me. Otherwise, I would have almost forgotten my original intention. Since we are here, we should be responsible for all the creatures of Black Wind Mountain. We must find a way to save them."