42 New Journey

Upon returning to the Flame Tribe, Nevad used his absolute power to suppress the entire tribe.

He then convened the remaining leaders of the Judgment Squad and the high-ranking members of the Flame Tribe for a meeting.

The content of the meeting was straightforward.

They were devising a plan to kill the false god.

For this purpose, the entire Flame Tribe would take a series of actions against Alex and his forces.

Many expressed their dissatisfaction, believing that Nevad should first appease the populace to stabilize the public sentiment.

However, when Nevad declared it was the will of the Flame God, everyone fell silent.

They dared not show any disrespect towards their deity, the Flame God.

Even thinking such thoughts was considered blasphemy against the Flame God.

"Three months from now, eradicate the heretics!"

...

Alex approached the foot of Black Wolf Mountain, a direct route to the summit.

Looking at the bare surroundings, he felt something was missing.

"Lord, is there a problem here?"

Shadow had become Alex's loyal follower, tending to his every need.

Shaking his head, Alex then instructed, "Since the tribe at the foot of the mountain is called the White Wolf Tribe, this mountain shall henceforth be known as White Wolf Mountain."

"Inform the people of the White Wolf Tribe to erect a stone monument here, inscribed with 'White Wolf Mountain.'"

Black Wolf Mountain was now a thing of the past, and the name seemed ominous to Alex.

From then on, this place was White Wolf Mountain.

In the following days, Alex's life returned to calm.

His strength also reached a period of stagnation.

Even if he occasionally killed a lord-level powerhouse, the experience points and evolution points he gained were almost negligible.

Thinking of the one million evolution points needed for his next evolution, Alex felt a headache.

Even if he slaughtered lord-level beings like pigs, it would take a long time to accumulate enough, especially since lord-level beings were rare in the Forgotten Forest.

"I can't stay here any longer."

The vicinity of White Wolf Mountain was like a starting village, no longer offering significant improvement to him.

To evolve faster, he needed to explore unknown territories.

Heading north was a well-considered choice in his original plan.

This decision was made after careful consideration.

Firstly, the south was immediately ruled out; heading south would definitely lead to the Flame Tribe.

The east, with its endless plains offering no cover, was instinctively ruled out by Alex.

Regarding the west, he had heard from the red-striped pythons that powerful monsters were scarce in the west, and the farther west one went, the more barren the land became.

Thus, only one direction remained: the north.

The road north of White Wolf Mountain was extremely rugged, filled with mountains and ravines, and one could easily fall off a cliff if not careful, making it difficult to traverse.

But for Alex, who could fly, this was no issue.

Where walking was impossible, flying was the solution.

The news of Alex's departure spread throughout the tribe.

The people of the White Wolf Tribe sent him off with sincere blessings, even organizing a farewell ceremony for him.

After taking care of all affairs on White Wolf Mountain, Alex set off alone to explore the northern wilderness.

Alex traveled fast.

On the first day, he covered thousands of miles, reaching a place far from White Wolf Mountain.

This area was scarcely populated and filled with danger.

Roars of beasts could occasionally be heard from the forests.

Even Alex did not dare to fly openly in the sky.

For instance, he had once flown into a formation of over ten thousand 'Carrion Crows.' Not being suited for aerial combat, he had found himself in a dire situation, suffering injuries.

Despite having reached the king-level, Alex did not consider himself invincible.

Without unbeatable strength, he remained cautious.

While in a mountain stream, Alex took a refreshing bath.

In such hot weather, the water was surprisingly clear and cold, a rare find.

Gurgle.

A huge bubble emerged from the water.

The appearance of the bubble was eerie, as there should have been nothing beneath the water.

Suddenly, the ground beneath Alex's feet began to shake, swaying unpredictably.

More and more bubbles appeared in the pool, making the water seem as if it were boiling.

Not taking any chances, Alex quickly flew up to overlook the changes from above the gorge.

"Hiss!"

A gigantic snake head burst through the water surface, its ferocious maw aiming for Alex.

The snake's head was as large as a small house, easily capable of swallowing Alex whole.

Poison Flame Python (Level 19, Peak Lord-level)

Description: A Poison Flame Python on the verge of evolving into a king, awakened and enraged by the intrusion. 

Note: The Poison Flame Python possesses a special poison flame attack, with those poisoned almost certainly facing death.

"Damn!"

"So that's why the water was so cool; it was the coiled body of the Poison Flame Python."

The current hitting the coiled middle part of the snake had formed a small pool of clear water.

The thought of he been bathing above a snake sent a chill down Alex's spine.

What is wrong with this freaking snake, intentionally creating a pool only for Alex to take a bath and enrage it?

"In this day and age, even taking a bath is risky; it's not easy."

Sighing lightly, Alex dodged the python's attack with a swift side-step.

Even the system had warned that the python's poison was deadly; Alex was not about to gamble with his life.

"[Thunder Form]!"

Seizing the moment of the python's distraction, Alex leaped downwards, landing on the python's vital spot, his claws tearing through flesh and blood.

"Hiss!"

The python writhed in pain, pain flashing through its slit pupils.

But this only strengthened its resolve to kill Alex.

"You damn White Wolf, daring to disturb this lord's slumber, I will have your life!"

The Poison Flame Python spoke in human language, roaring in anger.

"Constrict!"

The python's body turned red as it coiled and twisted, intending to strangle Alex.

In its view, Alex was merely a white wolf that could easily be crushed.

But as the python attempted to tighten its grip...

A thunder orb formed in Alex's hand.

"Take this!"

Instead of releasing the thunder orb, Alex forcefully pressed it into the wound of the Poison Flame Python.

It was a move to strike while the enemy was down.

"Explode!"

Boom!

A deep, muffled explosion sounded.

The python's body uncontrollably fell into the pool, causing waves to ripple.

Despite the Poison Flame Python's severe injury, Alex remained vigilant.

The system had mentioned that this python was on the verge of evolving into a king-level, possibly possessing abilities close to that level.

"Disappeared?"

The python had indeed vanished right before Alex's eyes.

As if it had disappeared into thin air.

However, Alex could still sense that the Poison Flame Python was hiding nearby, he can feel that its body is still in the vicinity.

"[Poison Flame Engulfs]!"

Dark purple flames carrying poison rained down from the sky.