The acupoints mastered by martial artists differ, so their power varies as well. But one thing is certain: a fourth-rank martial artist is several times stronger than a third-rank one.

Two third-rank martial artists and three second-rank martial artists attacking a fourth-rank demon beast is basically suicide.

“There are a lot of fire crystals inside the cave.” Henry Clark's words instantly stunned George Carter, and the others all looked equally shocked.

Susan Baker couldn't help but ask eagerly, “Are you sure they're fire crystals? And there are a lot?”

Henry Clark replied seriously, “They're fire crystals, at least a hundred jin.”

At these words, everyone showed disbelief. Fire crystals are a precious material, used by cultivators for casting spells and also for forging magical artifacts. Even the lowest grade fire crystals are at least fourth-rank.

If they could really get their hands on over a hundred jin of fire crystals, it would be worth far more than a hundred ironback blue wolves. Although a fourth-rank fire bear is terrifying, in the face of such huge profit, it doesn't seem so daunting.

Even within the Red Lotus Temple, the resources available to even the true disciples are limited. To obtain enough medicine, weapons, or even secret techniques, one needs a lot of money. If they could get this batch of fire crystals, it would be enough to cover all expenses for several people for ten years.

“Even if we can't get them, just knowing the location is good. At worst, we can kill everyone else to keep it secret.” Susan Baker thought to himself, making up his mind. He said to Edward Reed, “Let's go check out the situation first, then decide what to do, okay?”

Edward Reed couldn't resist the temptation of such huge profit either. Her bright eyes turned as she nodded, “Alright, taking a look shouldn't be dangerous.”

With the two strongest making the decision, Linda Cooper and George Carter didn't dare voice any objections. Led by Henry Clark, the group followed the long river downstream. This time, they quickened their pace and walked for most of the day before finally arriving at the entrance of a cave.

The cave was no more than two feet high, with withered vines and branches tangled messily over the entrance. A branch of the river flowed directly into the cave, and the rushing water almost sealed the entrance. At dusk, the inside of the cave was pitch black, its depth unknown.

Susan Baker's face darkened. “Wukong, explain this to me. The cave is so small and full of water—how could a fire bear stay inside?”

Henry Clark said helplessly, “How would I dare lie to you! There's a complex underground river inside. If you follow the river for quite a distance, you'll reach the huge underground cavern where the fire bear lives. The fire bear doesn't come in and out from here.”

Susan Baker stared into Henry Clark's eyes, seeing only calm clarity like water, and finally said, “Fine, I'll trust you one more time. If you're lying, I'll cut you into a thousand pieces.” He threatened coldly.

Henry Clark remained unmoved, pointing at the cave entrance. “You'll know once you go in and see.”

“George Carter, you go in with Wukong.” Susan Baker ordered.

George Carter looked extremely reluctant, but didn't dare defy Susan Baker, and followed Henry Clark into the cave.

After Linda Cooper entered, Edward Reed suddenly reached out to stop Susan Baker, saying, “We'd better make things clear first, so we don't end up turning on each other later.” She paused, then added, “I want fifty percent.”

Susan Baker pondered for a moment, then laughed, “Alright, half and half. Also, we need to deal with the others, so word doesn't get out.”

Edward Reed sneered, “You're straightforward! But don't kill them all—leave one strong enough to carry the bags.”

Susan Baker gave a thumbs up in praise. “Smart.”

“Haha…” “Hehe…” Edward Reed and Susan Baker looked at each other and laughed, both feeling very pleased.

“Splash, splash…” In the dark, cramped, winding cave, the group bent over and waded through the water. At the very front, a fist-sized white orb of light floated above Henry Clark's head, emitting a faint glow to guide the way.

The illumination spell cast by Edward Reed was only moderately effective, but at least it didn't require constant attention and saved a lot of trouble. Of course, in a perilous underground cave, walking around with a glowing light above your head was hardly a good thing.

No one knew how long they walked in the darkness. Just as Susan Baker was about to lose patience and question Henry Clark, a wave of stifling heat suddenly rushed over. Turning a narrow bend, they could faintly see a layer of dim red light in the distance.

Susan Baker couldn't help but feel delighted. That dim red glow was clearly from fire rock, and only fire rock would contain fire crystals. Although he knew Henry Clark wouldn't dare lie, seeing it with his own eyes, Susan Baker couldn't hide his excitement.

Henry Clark stopped, pointed at the dark red glow ahead, and whispered, “Beyond here is the fire rock cave. After two more turns, you'll see a spacious stone cavern over a hundred zhang wide. The fire bear usually sleeps on a pile of fire crystals in the stone cave.”

Susan Baker personally followed Henry Clark in to take a look. Sure enough, the situation was exactly as Henry Clark had described. He felt both joy and shock. Joy because there really were a lot of fire crystals—at least over a hundred jin. Shock because the fire bear's aura was deep and powerful; it was probably a mid-grade or higher fourth-rank demon beast. At least, for their small team, it was extremely formidable.

“According to the records, fire bears are violent by nature, with thick skin and flesh. They love heat and fear cold, can spew fierce flames, and after going berserk, their strength and speed increase dramatically—they're extremely dangerous. The patch of crescent-shaped white fur on their chest is their weak spot.”

Edward Reed was a spellcaster and knew something about the habits of fire bears. No matter how fierce a demon beast below sixth rank, most aren't very intelligent. Although the fire bear was stronger than all of them, as long as they had the right method, killing it wasn't impossible.