Kexin did not disappoint me. Hearing my shout, she quickly threw the Molotov cocktail in her hand, hurling it fiercely in Xinlaijia’s direction.
The sky-filling black roots had already captured my attention, leaving no time for defense.
"Bang!"
The Molotov cocktail smashed into Xinlaijia's tree trunk, instantly erupting into a monstrous inferno!
This was no ordinary wine bottle like the last time; it wouldn't be extinguished easily!
Feeling its本体 (main body) being damaged, Xinlaijia abandoned its attack on me. Most of the black roots were withdrawn, leaving only a small portion attempting to entangle Kexin and me. My pressure immediately eased!
Burn! Burn!
"Let's give it another drink!"
The firelight illuminated my face, a brilliant red.
I felt my mind surge with excitement, adrenaline coursing through me.
This fire wasn't big enough yet; I had to ensure this demonic tree vanished completely!
One after another, I hurled Molotov cocktails fiercely at Xinlaijia, and bullets were fired at its tree trunk like they were free.
No matter how many black roots Xinlaijia possessed, they couldn't save it from the spreading conflagration.
The dancing black roots seemed to be composing a dirge for a god!
Seeing the flames reach Xinlaijia's crown, I leaped back, pulling Kexin out of its attack range and hiding in the grass, quietly admiring the scene.
Great men have taught us to despise the enemy strategically, but to take them seriously tactically.
Although Xinlaijia was beyond saving now, it didn't mean it had no power to take us down with it.
If I risked so much only to end up in a mutual destruction with Xinlaijia, it would truly be a laughingstock.
"Master, did we really burn Xinlaijia? Did we… really kill a god?!"
The firelight cast a red glow on Kexin’s small face. I saw her expression, a mix of excitement and uncertainty. I couldn't help but reach out and vigorously ruffle her hair.
Xinlaijia was a demonic tree revered as a deity by the savage tribes, no wonder Kexin found it hard to believe.
In Kexin’s worldview, she had been taught since childhood by the elders of her tribe that as a saintess, she should serve the gods her entire life.
Gods were powerful and omnipotent!
And now, an ancient tree, worshipped by another tribe as a god, was walking step by step towards its end, and Kexin herself had been the one to deliver the blow.
It was understandable that this scene caused her to fall into self-doubt.
"Kexin, take your knife and draw a semicircle along this patch of bushes. Be careful not to get too close to Xinlaijia!"
Seeing that all of Xinlaijia's black roots were engulfed in flames, and the situation was decided, the tension I had been holding gradually eased. I then instructed Kexin to prepare for the cleanup.
The most urgent task now was no longer Xinlaijia's fate, but rather the urgent need to draw a firebreak around the area to prevent the flames from spreading to the entire jungle.
Arson leads to imprisonment for life.
While there were no police here, if the fire spread, not only Kexin and I, but all living beings in the vicinity would be consumed by the inferno.
The skyward flames, the swaying pseudo-god, and the youth and maiden toiling on the ground formed a scene both spectacular and serene.
Fire arose, god perished!
After drawing the firebreak, Kexin and I sat aside, patiently waiting for Xinlaijia to be completely reduced to ashes.
After an unknown amount of time, the flames slowly subsided and finally extinguished completely.
Before my eyes, the demonic tree that had once blazed with infernal might was gone, replaced by the charred remains of deadwood.
I told Kexin to wait for me obediently in her spot, then cautiously approached Xinlaijia alone.
Xinlaijia, revered as a god by the Xinlai tribe, I wondered if anything useful would remain.
It is said that after great Buddhist masters die, their bodies may contain relics. So, this mountain god, worshipped by the savages, should perhaps leave something behind after being burned?
Although this demonic tree was sent to its end by Kexin and me, a sliver of hope still lingered in my heart.
What if?
After a thorough search, the outcome was greatly disappointing. Apart from the burned tree trunk, there was nothing left of Xinlaijia.
Feeling disappointed, I was about to lead Kexin away, my eyes sweeping across the ground.
Hmm?