In the vast and ancient forest, an exotic fragrance wafted through the air. A light mist enveloped the woods, and occasionally, small beasts darted out from the undergrowth, creating a serene atmosphere that made the place seem like a fairyland.
“Over countless years, this ancient forest has evolved into its own world. It’s home to many powerful magical beasts, so be on your guard,” several figures flashed across the sky and then landed on a large tree. As Xiao Yan surveyed the surroundings, he softly warned. He could sense the presence of strong auras within the forest, which surely belonged to the local magical beasts.
“Yes, and many of these magical beasts are relics from ancient times. They have formidable combat strength. If we get entangled with them, it will be quite troublesome,” Heavenly Fire Venerable nodded and spoke in a low voice.
“Pfft, what’s so special about being ancient? Don’t worry; nothing will happen if you follow me,” Zi Yan pursed her lips and scanned the area. She lightly tapped a branch, and her small figure swiftly dashed into the depths of the forest.
“Let’s follow this girl; it’s safer with her around,” Xiao Yan smiled at the group before leading the way.
This ancient forest covered a vast area. Even with their speed, after nearly ten minutes of travel, Xiao Yan and the others still hadn’t reached the end. It was clear just how monumental the legacy left by the ancient Dou Sage was.
As they journeyed, they felt the presence of many fierce auras. On several occasions, some massive, ferocious-looking magical beasts darted past. Yet, perhaps due to Zi Yan’s ancient essence as a Celestial Illusionary Dragon, her latent dragon aura kept these beasts from actively harassing them, making their trip remarkably smooth.
“Hiss!”
Several silhouettes dashed through the forest. Suddenly, Xiao Yan halted and turned his head towards the north, his brows knitted tightly.
“What’s wrong?” Little Healer Immortal asked worriedly.
“Others have entered the forest, and there are quite a few of them,” Xiao Yan replied.
“Looks like they discovered the stone gate as well,” Little Healer Immortal frowned slightly.
“No, it’s from another direction. It seems there are other entrances to this ancient forest besides ours,” Xiao Yan shook his head helplessly and then added, “We need to hurry up.”
“I sense it!” Just as Xiao Yan finished speaking, a look of surprise appeared on Zi Yan’s face ahead.
“Soul Baby Fruit?” Xiao Yan’s heart tightened, and he quickly asked.
“Mm, I can’t be wrong. I’m more familiar with the scent of such natural treasures than you are,” Zi Yan nodded. Without delay, she tapped a branch and shot forward, with Xiao Yan and the others quickly following.
Whizz, whizz! The sound of wind slicing through the air filled the deep forest. Concerned about being followed, the group sped up. They zipped through the forest behind Zi Yan for about ten minutes, finally landing on a large tree. Her gaze was fixed on something ahead.
Xiao Yan quickly joined her, and his eyes followed Zi Yan’s line of sight. A look of joy, hard to conceal, spread across his face.
Before Xiao Yan and the others lay a lake spanning roughly ten feet. The water in the lake was exceptionally clear, but one couldn’t see the bottom. In the center of the lake, a small floating land formed, resembling a little island. On the island stood a peculiarly shaped tree.
The tree was ash-silver in color, with its branches weaving like vines. The branches extended and formed a strange arc, resembling a pregnant woman when viewed from afar. Inside the belly formed by the intertwined branches, a faint golden light emanated.
“Indeed, it’s a Soul Baby Demon Tree…” Seeing the oddly shaped plant, Xiao Yan sighed in relief and said joyfully.
“Since we’ve found it, what are we waiting for? Let’s go!” Bear Fighter grinned and said.
“Wait, most spiritual treasures of heaven and earth have magical beasts guarding them. The Soul Baby Fruit is a rare treasure for refining souls, and it also has great effects on certain magical beasts. How could it not have a guardian beast?” Zi Yan shook her head and fixed her gaze on the lake. She clenched her small fist and punched through the air, sending a fearsome gust of wind smashing into the water, creating a large hole.
With a loud boom, the calm lake erupted into towering waves. Out of the water emerged a huge shadow, and with a splash, a giant creature burst forth, its large eyes glowing fiercely, scanning the surroundings.
“An Earth-to-Heaven Serpent, thought to be extinct in the outside world…” Zi Yan exclaimed in surprise at the colossal magical beast emerging from the water.
Xiao Yan and the others looked at the massive creature. It had the body of a snake, covered in green scales, and was extremely long. Atop its head, a pitch-black horn protruded, bearing mysterious patterns, and faint blue light flickered within.
The Earth-to-Heaven Serpent, an ancient magical beast, was known in ancient texts for its formidable combat strength. It was said to have some dragon blood running through its veins, and if it could cleanse its leaden impurities and withstand numerous thunder calamities, it might evolve into a true Celestial Illusionary Dragon.
“Didn’t expect to see an Earth-to-Heaven Serpent here…” Xiao Yan marveled, then looked at Zi Yan, who nodded. “Leave it to me.”
The strength of this Earth-to-Heaven Serpent was at the peak of the seventh rank, but with its bloodline and physical power, even a Dou Venerated cultivator would find it challenging to defeat. While Xiao Yan and the others could handle it, it was best to avoid a fight. If a battle broke out and this beast destroyed the Soul Baby Fruit, it would be a disaster.
Zi Yan leaped off the branch and landed lightly on the lake. A purple light emanated from her body, forming a ten-foot-long purple light dragon above her head. The dragon let out a mighty roar to the sky.
Though small, the purple dragon was a genuine Celestial Illusionary Dragon, the supreme being in the world of magical beasts. With the same lineage shared by the Earth-to-Heaven Serpent, the dragon’s aura became even more intense.
Under the dragon’s low growl, the Earth-to-Heaven Serpent’s fierce gaze gradually softened. Its enormous body slowly retracted into the water, while its massive head drew close to Zi Yan, like a pet.
Seeing this, Xiao Yan and the others breathed a sigh of relief. Zi Yan patted the Earth-to-Heaven Serpent’s head and pointed to the Soul Baby Demon Tree in the center of the lake.
Seeing where Zi Yan pointed, the Earth-to-Heaven Serpent hesitated, then its eyes filled with human-like reluctance. It had guarded the Soul Baby Fruit for so long and didn’t want to give it up. But the overwhelming bloodline aura from Zi Yan left it no choice. Dejected, it looked rather pitiful.
“Can we give it something in return? It looks so sad,” seeing the creature’s dejected state, Zi Yan’s heart softened. She turned to Xiao Yan.
Xiao Yan dashed down and bowed to the Earth-to-Heaven Serpent. “I apologize. We don’t want to take what you love, but the Soul Baby Fruit is crucial to us. Though it has great use for the soul, it’s not as beneficial for a magical beast focused on physicality. I have two medicinal pills that can strengthen the physical power of magical beasts, which should be quite useful for you. Additionally, given your ancient dragon bloodline, transforming into a human form is difficult. Here is a mature Transformation Grass.”
Hearing the word “Transformation Grass,” the Earth-to-Heaven Serpent’s eyes lit up, and it eagerly nodded its large head.
Relieved, Xiao Yan quickly retrieved the medicinal pills and a jade box. The Earth-to-Heaven Serpent sucked them up greedily. Satisfied with the compensation, it sank back into the depths of the lake.
Having pacified the creature, Xiao Yan gestured to Zi Yan and the others. They made their way to the small island in the lake.
Standing beside the Soul Baby Demon Tree, Xiao Yan discovered two golden fruits the size of fists hanging inside the branches, resembling infants. A subtle, enticing fragrance wafted out, causing his soul to tremble.
“We should leave quickly. The roars of the beasts in the forest are getting denser. It seems others have entered,” Little Healer Immortal and the others urged, having joined the group on the island.
Xiao Yan nodded and swiftly cut a section of the branch, crafting two rough wooden boxes. The Soul Baby Fruit was unique and couldn’t be stored in anything else, as it would gradually evaporate. Only the branches of the Demon Tree could contain it.
With the boxes ready, Xiao Yan carefully cut the branches and placed the fruits inside, securing them in his storage ring.
“Finally, we have the Soul Baby Fruit…,” as Xiao Yan sealed the Soul Baby Fruit into the storage ring, the weight on his heart lifted. His mission was complete, and Elder Phamacist would surely regain his full strength!
“Let’s go,” after storing the fruit, Xiao Yan was about to leave when he noticed Zi Yan staring intently deeper into the forest. Curious, he asked, “What’s wrong?”
“There… something is calling me,” Zi Yan’s gaze was bewildered, the feeling coming from her bloodline.
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