Crossing the wilderness to survive, starting with a broken kitchen knife.

Just as everyone was puzzled, a soft light slowly rose from the crater. Within the light, a figure wearing ancient robes and with white hair loomed. When the light faded, everyone saw that it was a hunched but majestic old man, holding the rune scale in his hand.

"Outsiders, your courage in pursuing this far is commendable." The old man's voice was low and hoarse, echoing in everyone's ears as if it had traveled through countless years. Zhang Shi stepped forward, clasped his fists and saluted. "Senior, we mean no offense. However, this behemoth is wreaking havoc on the island. We seek your assistance and guidance on how to subdue it." The old man nodded slightly, his eyes sweeping across the tired yet resolute faces of the crowd. He spoke slowly, "This behemoth was created thousands of years ago by the Lizardmen to protect the secret treasure within the volcano. It was fused with forbidden magic and the power of the earth's core magma. Its power is connected to the volcano, and it is inexhaustible. Ordinary means are difficult to harm its roots."

Ge Dalong asked anxiously, "Then, Senior, what's with this rune scale? Why was the beast imprisoned after it flew into the crater?" The old man gently stroked the scale, a hint of reminiscence in his eyes. "This scale is one of the keys to unlocking the volcano's secret treasure, and it's also the key to controlling the beast. Thousands of years ago, the Lizardmen clashed internally over the secret treasure, causing the seal to loosen and the beast to gradually spiral out of control. As the last guardian of the Lizardmen, I have exhausted my entire magical power to seal myself and the volcano here, waiting for someone with a destiny to bring the scale and completely quell this disaster."

Zhao Feng frowned. "Senior, the scale is now in your hands. How can we fully subdue the beast?" The old man smiled faintly. A flash of light flashed in his hand, and the scale transformed into three streams of light, piercing Zhang Shi, Zhao Feng, and Ge Dalong respectively. "This scale has already imparted some of its power to you. Next, you must combine your magic power to infuse the seal array at the crater. This beast may be powerful, but its vitals have been damaged by your repeated attacks. It is now weakened. Your magic power will activate the ancient seal and imprison it once more."

The three exchanged glances, hope ignited in their eyes. Without hesitation, they walked to the edge of the crater and positioned themselves at the location indicated by the old man. Zhang Shi took a deep breath, channeling his magical energy. The pain in his right arm seemed to vanish, and all his strength surged forth, transforming into a stream of silver sword energy that infused the formation's core. Zhao Feng swung his battle axe and roared. The axe shone with golden light, and with unwavering force, he smashed it down into the formation's core, shaking the ground with each swing. Ge Dalong waved his hands, icy blue magic pouring out like water, causing the surrounding temperature to plummet as his magic mingled with the power of Zhang Shi and Zhao Feng.

As the three continued to pour their magic power, the ground around the crater lit up with ancient runes, their light reaching the sky. The behemoth, sensing the reawakening of the seal's power, struggled and roared frantically, attempting to break free. However, its resistance grew increasingly futile under the overwhelming force of the seal. Finally, a powerful flash of light appeared, and the behemoth was slowly dragged deeper into the volcano. The seal closed completely, and the raging magic subsided, leaving only silence.

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief and slumped to the ground, their faces filled with the joy of having survived a catastrophe. An old man approached, looked at them with relief, and said, "Thank you, warriors from a foreign land. This disaster ended because of you. The secret treasure within this volcano may not be ordinary, but it has been fused with the seal after years of vicissitudes and should not be retrieved. However, your actions today have ensured peace in this area, and you will surely bring great blessings in the future." Zhang Shi and the others stood up and saluted the old man again to express their gratitude.

After everyone had rested, they bid farewell to the old man and slowly descended the mountain path. The sea breeze blew, but without the pungent smell of sulfur. The sun shone on their bodies, bringing a warm warmth. They knew that while this thrilling adventure had ended, their story of upholding justice and defeating powerful enemies would be passed down on this island for generations. Returning to the island village, the villagers cheered and welcomed their heroes home. Zhang Shi, Zhao Feng, and Ge Dalong gazed at this reborn land and vowed to defend it to the end, no matter what hardships lay ahead.

Back on the island, the soldiers had already decorated the place with lights and flowers, eagerly awaiting the heroes' return. Some alliance members ran at the front, waving small, homemade flags and calling out the names of Zhang Shi, Zhao Feng, Ge Dalong, and others. Familiar faces stood at the harbor, their eyes filled with joy and gratitude. They personally crowned the heroes with wreaths woven from fresh flowers, adorned with seashells, a symbol of good luck for the island.

The island hosted a grand celebration banquet, with long wooden tables laden with a variety of delicacies. There was freshly caught, steamed fish, tender and juicy, freshly caught from the sea, plump poultry roasted with island spices, and large platters of fresh fruits and vegetables. Wine flowed freely, and everyone raised their glasses to toast the heroes, expressing their most sincere gratitude. The banquet also included a spontaneous song and dance performance organized by the survivors. The cheerful music and graceful dance moves filled the entire island with joy.

Despite the elder's warning against retrieving the secret treasure, Zhang Shi's curiosity was unquenchable. After a period of rest and recuperation, he, Zhao Feng, and Ge Dalong discussed a new journey to the ancient volcano. This time, however, they embarked not on a treasure hunt but purely on a thirst for knowledge. They brought with them better equipment and information on volcanic geology and magic circles gleaned from ancient tomes in the village.

Deep within the volcano, they discovered numerous ancient ruins, obscured by the devastation of the behemoth. The walls were engraved with scenes from the Lizardmen's past, images of rituals, and mysterious magical runes. These runes were unlike anything they had seen before, seemingly revealing a deeper understanding of magical power. Overwhelmed with treasure, the three men devoted countless hours to copying and studying them. Drawing on his profound magical skills, Ge Dalong gradually deciphered the meaning of some of the runes and mastered new magical techniques, such as the ability to instantly condense small ice shields for defense and manipulate water flow to create more sophisticated attack patterns.

After a life-or-death battle with the behemoth, the rapport between Zhang Shi, Zhao Feng, and Ge Dalong reached new heights. Zhao Feng began to consult Zhang Shi on agile combat techniques, learning how to quickly transform and execute precise strikes. Zhang Shi, in turn, sought Zhao Feng's methods for cultivating an unstoppable fighting spirit, enhancing his resolve in the face of powerful foes. Ge Dalong devised a specialized magical training program for both men, helping them better perceive and utilize their magic. After a period of training, Zhang Shi's Shadow Step became more fluid and faster, and Zhao Feng's axe swings now carried a magical charge, enhancing his attack power.

Meanwhile, the warriors fighting alongside them have also made significant progress. During daily training, they share combat experiences, learning how to better coordinate magical attacks and becoming less flustered when facing magical monsters. Some warriors with magical talents have also received careful instruction from Ge Dalong and have begun experimenting with simple spells, such as lighting torches and condensing water balls. This has significantly boosted the team's overall combat effectiveness.