Strange Voyage: Summoning the Fourth Disaster.

Chapter 810 Touching the Firewood, Trouble

The gathering place of evil gods that no longer exists.

"interesting."

"I never expected something like this to happen on Candlefire Island. Interesting..."

Roger, turning his gaze away from the public chat, shook his head and smiled.

He had actually anticipated this situation long ago. After all, since the Spirit Candle possesses an almost realistic "reality," it is natural that some people would also invest their true emotions into it.

Although Zhang Ming was unaware that this was actually a real world.

But Sekashi is indeed a real person, not some fictional creation of a program.

So at first he really thought Zhang Ming might make some realistic decisions.

Unexpectedly, after some communication on the public screen, this kid seemed to have suddenly figured things out, strengthened his resolve, and began to take his relationship with Sekashi seriously.

Currently, this is undoubtedly a pretty good situation.

but……

"Xiao Ming."

"The characters in the game have fixed story endings and a foreseeable future."

"You don't have..."

Roger thought to himself.

Admittedly, whether out of consideration for the game or his own inclination, he had no intention of breaking up the couple.

Even though Candlefire Island is now powerful and seems to be able to beat anyone and move sideways like a crab, Roger still feels that he is just the helmsman of a big ship.

He can avoid danger through experience and fight his way out, but if he encounters a real storm, the large ship is still in danger of capsizing...

Therefore, if something really happens, the fate of Zhang Ming and Sekashi is predictable.

"That's all."

"Let's do our best..."

Rog turned his attention back to Kehl and his fellow undead.

The once enormous, decaying maggots had now been completely devoured by the Corpse Spirits.

Undoubtedly, under the devouring of the Corpse Spirit Clan, the once troublesome rotten maggots have become the best nourishment for the Corpse Spirit Clan to become stronger, and the devouring process is nearing its end.

as predicted.

After some time had passed.

The last drop of pus from the rotting fly maggots was completely devoured by the Corpse Spirit Clan.

"what……"

The leader, Keherton, immediately let out a low groan of pain; clearly, the process was not pleasant.

Roger generously bestowed his power upon them to help them recover.

After regaining his senses, Kehl didn't even check his own condition before immediately kneeling down in front of Rogge, filled with self-reproach.

"My lord, please forgive my incompetence. I have caused such a long delay and consumed so much of your energy..."

"Alright, no need for further words, it's not important."

Roger raised his hand; he never believed that a person's loyalty was written on the surface, and that no amount of formalities could compare to actual actions.

"How does it feel?"

The bizarre nature of the rotting maggots needs no further explanation, and the origin of the [deep corruption] within them is even more mysterious. This time, the Corpse Spirit Clan almost mobilized the entire clan's strength, plus Rogge's strong support from the side, to devour them.

Such efforts naturally brought very generous returns.

After hearing Rogge's words, Kehl closed his eyes and carefully examined his condition and strength.

"My lord, I can clearly feel that my ignition point has now reached the peak of the Eternal Flame, but I am still quite a distance from that legendary 'sensation'..."

At this point, Kehl couldn't help but sigh softly.

Of course, this is not because he is greedy.

Everyone desires power, but the reasons for needing power vary.

Kehl needs power because the great cause he needs to accomplish cannot be satisfied with this level of power.

“Is that so…” Roger pondered for a moment, then nodded slightly: “Then the improvement is quite rapid.”

Kehl has directly crossed a major ignition point this time, and the temperature has also risen to its highest level so far.

Moreover, this was under the condition of absorbing it together with other compatriots, and as a result, the temperature and even the ignition point of Keher's compatriots were raised considerably.

Even the rotten flies and maggots have burned away; this giant power bank is actually quite generous...

The "feeling" that Keher refers to should actually be called "touching the fire" in a more formal way on the Burning Land, meaning the unique state of touching the fire.

It is not an ignition point, but rather a mysterious and profound state of being. There is no fixed process, and there is no experience from other life forms to refer to, making it extremely unique.

Although it is only a subtle feeling and advancement, it can make the life of "Touching the Flame" truly stronger than the Eternal Flame, and will thus be favored by the world.

Furthermore, after touching the fire, there are two most important bonuses.

One point is that, before the Eternal Altar collapsed, only powerful beings that could "touch the flame" were qualified to enter the Eternal Altar to burn...

Another important point stems from the long lifespan after "touching the firewood".

Thanks to the world's favor, life that has touched the fire gains the ability to "burn slowly," which can greatly extend its lifespan. Some experienced life forms that have touched the fire can even achieve a near "stagnant burning" to wait for one era after another.

Therefore, whether it is out of anticipation of burning or desire for a long life, many idealistic and steadfast lives are eager to "touch the fire".

But here comes the crucial point: touching the fuel is not the ignition point, and there is no fixed procedure to follow. So how can the life of Hengyan reach this state?
For a long time in the past, many people believed that the world was actually divided according to the hierarchy of bloodlines, and that the fate of those who "touched the firewood" was predetermined for each individual.

Because none of the lives they witnessed that were not of strong lineage.

But later, someone who had been injured by firewood proved to the world that this was actually absurd.

While some races may rank their members by the purity of their bloodline, the Burning Earth is definitely not one of them when it comes to burning.

Even after this view was overturned, life still felt confused.

If it's not a bloodline you're born with... then what are the requirements for touching the firewood?

Over the course of countless years, some exceptionally talented individuals have offered some answers to this question that can be considered.

Simply put, it means "getting things done".

Do something that has an impact on the world.

Take the Long Night's Flame, for example. The reason He stepped into Touching the Flame was because in the past, He and his brother Redrolta had solved the "Abyss" that caused the polar night to spread everywhere.

People also see it as a form of "global recognition" to some extent.

Of course, even so, the answer is still too vague.

Therefore, after the "bloodline theory" of touching the firewood, many people have further promoted it to "destiny theory," believing that only those with this destiny can successfully touch the firewood...

In conclusion, this state of being able to touch the firewood is a goal that many lives can only dream of but never reach.

Because this is extremely advanced knowledge, few people know it, and Rogge naturally learned some of it from Long Night and Pridoddan.

"I wonder if the spirit candle will need to be ignited in the future..."

After muttering a couple of things to himself,
Rog suddenly remembered something and asked, "I remember you once said that your Corpse Spirit Clan had a powerful ancestor who entered the Eternal Altar, so... he reached the 'Touching the Flame' realm, is that right?"

Kehllton paused for a moment: "...Yes, that is why the ancestors were able to enter the ranks of those chosen by the Eternal Altar."

Hearing this, Roger naturally understood and didn't ask any further questions.

At the same time, he gained a deeper understanding of the Corpse Spirit Clan's experiences, which led to some new questions. Since... this "touching the fire" is so difficult, and is naturally regarded by people as a certain degree of "world recognition," then why did the Corpse Spirit Clan's ancestors successfully touch the fire?
The world has recognized it, but the Eternal Altar does not recognize it and even rejects it. What kind of logic is this?

Does that mean that "touching the firewood" is not a recognized act?
Then what do you mean by giving me the right to burn?
They give you a sweet treat and then slash you in the back, leaving you completely unsure whether they're accepting or not... No wonder the Corpse Spirit Clan is plunged into deep self-doubt because of this...

The world recognizes it... but the Eternal Altar refuses...

"interesting……"

Roger stroked his chin and pondered for a moment, then realized there might be a deeper reason behind it.

But now is not the time to think about these things. After all, even if we rack our brains, we can't come up with anything, and even if we did, we have no evidence.

“I understand.” Roger steered the conversation back on track, looking at Kehl and his companions: “Do you have anything urgent to do, or do you need to rest and recuperate?”

He glanced at the group of Corpse Spirits.

"without……"

Keher was about to step forward when Rogge raised his hand to stop him, signaling him to listen to the opinions of the other tribesmen.

Most of the undead race expressed that there was no problem, while only a small number remained silent but did not object.

Seeing that the other tribesmen were all fine, Keher breathed a sigh of relief, then looked at Rogge with a serious expression.

"The Corpse Spirit Clan awaits your command at any time."

Rogge nodded, not standing on ceremony with him, but he also had no intention of squeezing the corpse spirits dry: "I do have a need right now, but I don't need all of you to come."

He then told Kehl the details of the task he had assigned him... namely, to freely explore intelligence about deep-seated corruption.

"This may also be related to the origins of your Corpse Spirit Clan."

"Rogge said."

He felt that the Corpse Spirit Clan's unique immunity to corruption must have some extraordinary origin.

Coincidentally, he also needed more information about corruption and "deep-seated corruption," so it was best to send Kehl to find it.

Kehl accepted the order without hesitation and quickly selected people to enter the giant coffin and set off immediately.

As for the remaining undead companions, they were left with Rogge. It was not difficult to set up some places for these undead to live, and he quickly moved them over.

After doing all this.

The once bustling gathering place of evil gods is now completely empty, with the azure power faintly visible on the horizon.

"it's time."

Roger made up his mind and closed his eyes.

The next moment, the power of the spirit candle erupted instantly, accurately and swiftly locking onto the key component that constituted the gathering place of the evil gods—the Time-Stacked Core.

Before long, the Time Core fell into the azure power envelope.

What followed was the rapid encroachment of the Dark Frontier on this area, causing it to collapse at an extremely fast pace.

Clearly, there is no anchor here like the [Hanging Sun Frost Tower], so destruction is inevitable.

Rogge had no intention of saving it.

Such a filthy place should have been swept into the dark border long ago. The reason it has been left until now is simply because the Corpse Spirit Clan absorbed the rotten maggots, which delayed things a bit.

Soon, the power of the spirit candle gradually receded.

The gathering place of evil gods, filled with blood and sin, was also swiftly swallowed up by the dark frontier...

……

"grown ups……"

Seeing Rogge's body reappear in the Candlelight Hall, Nonia smiled gently and bowed slightly.

Roger nodded, and while manipulating the power of the spirit candle, casually asked, "Those idiots haven't caused you any trouble lately, have they?"

Upon hearing this, Nonia hesitated for a moment.

Seeing this, Rogge knew that these players must be up to something again.

After all, given Nonia's personality, she wouldn't even frown unless it was something particularly troublesome or important.

"What happened? Tell me."

Roger looked at her and asked.

"Strictly speaking, it shouldn't be considered a big problem, but I feel it's necessary to tell you about it..."

When Rogge asked, Nonia didn't hesitate any longer and told him the important matter.

It is indeed about the players, and it also involves Xiaoluo...

Well known.

Among the players of Lingzhu, there is a very special player whose name is Wowo.

After entering the Spirit Candle, she sat near a fixed spot on Candlewood Island day after day, answering questions for new players without fail.

This more regular lifestyle than many NPCs on Candlelight Island has led many new players to believe that this is an NPC.

Although she didn't enjoy fighting, she suppressed her fear and apprehension to explore the game, all in order to provide newcomers with more professional and comprehensive answers.

Therefore, she gets along well with the other players.

Furthermore, she has a very good relationship with the snail, and is practically Roger's designated snail keeper, which makes her very easy to take care of.

But, just recently.

WoWo's online and offline times have become irregular.

In some instances, she would even disconnect from the connection with the spirit candle midway through.

This has never happened before.

This naturally raised questions from some players, but WoWo acted perfectly normal in the face of questions from other players or XiaoLuo, saying that she just had some urgent business to attend to.

This situation worried Xiaoluo a lot, so she went to find Nonia, and just then Roger returned.

"So that's what happened."

After hearing what Nonia said, Roger remained silent for a moment.

"Don't worry, nothing will happen. I'll talk to Xiaoluo myself later."

"Aside from that, are there any other problems?"

Hearing Rogge say that, Nonia breathed a sigh of relief, then shook her head firmly.

"There are no other problems, sir."

But at that moment, an untimely and difficult-to-describe sound suddenly came from outside the Candlelight Hall.

"Mommy, Mommy, Nonia Mommy~"

"Please, just slap me again, just once, please..."

It's clearly the voice of some eccentric player.

A flicker of guilt flashed in Nonia's eyes; this would probably take up Lord Rogge's time again...

Roger immediately frowned.

He gently patted Nonia's shoulder and took a deep breath: "Nonia, you've worked hard."

"I'll grant you some more permissions..."

(End of this chapter)