In the vast and dense forest, one could see only endless greenery as far as the eye could reach. Occasionally, a gentle breeze would blow, causing huge green waves to ripple across the sea of trees, spreading from afar and vanishing at the horizon, creating a magnificent sight. Above the forest, the sky was a deep azure. At this moment, several figures were flying across the open sky, their eyes sharp as an eagle’s, meticulously scanning the forest below. However, due to the vast expanse of the forest and the undulating waves of green, many things beneath the canopy were hidden. Despite their thorough search, they failed to find their target. After fruitlessly scanning the forest, the figures exchanged resigned glances, shook their heads, and then signaled to each other, splitting up and heading in different directions.
Below the dense forest, a towering tree reached towards the sky. However, surrounded by even taller trees, it did not stand out. At a fork in the tree’s branches, thick foliage concealed something that was difficult to spot at a glance.
A muffled, pained breath suddenly sounded from within the leaves, followed by the sound of gritted teeth. Moments later, the leaves rustled, revealing a furrowed brow. The figure cautiously peered into the empty sky, scanned the direction the earlier figures had taken, and then let out a sigh of relief, sitting down on a thick branch, his back against the trunk, sweat pouring down his forehead.
“Teacher? Are you still there?” After taking a few deep breaths, Xiao Yan called out softly in his heart.
“Um…” After a short pause, a slightly weary, elderly voice echoed in Xiao Yan’s mind: “Little one, the situation is not good this time. Using the Buddha’s Wrath Lotus twice in a row, such a high-intensity drain, if not for the Seven Illusion Blue Spirit Saliva you gave me, I might have fallen into a deep sleep again.”
Xiao Yan let out a bitter laugh. “I was indeed rash this time, but with my father missing…”
“Ai, I understand. You are very attached to your father. Otherwise, with your personality, you wouldn’t have rushed into the Yunlan Sect and killed Yun Leng in public.”
The Elder Pharmacist smiled, “But there’s no need to blame yourself. In life, one must protect something. If not, with no desires or ambitions, can one still be considered human? Even if you become a strong warrior, the loneliness and solitude can drive one mad.”
“Thank you, Teacher.” Xiao Yan said, his voice filled with gratitude.
“Hehe, do we still need to talk about thanks?” The Elder Pharmacist laughed, then his voice grew more serious, “Little one, we are still within the Yunlan Sect’s territory, so we must leave quickly. Although Yun Shan was injured by the two Buddha’s Wrath Lotuses, the elders and enforcers of the Yunlan Sect are not to be underestimated. Moreover, there is a Battle Emperor strong like Yun Yun. Now, I have consumed too much soul energy from the two Buddha’s Wrath Lotuses. At least, I can’t provide you with as much energy as before. Also, Yun Shan’s attack left some residual energy marks in your body. I can only try to suppress the fluctuations of this energy. If we forcibly destroy it, Yun Shan will immediately sense it.”
Xiao Yan nodded silently, clenching his fists. He looked up through the gaps in the leaves at the azure sky, fully aware of Yun Shan’s murderous intent. The Yunlan Sect was probably mobilizing all its forces to hunt him down. In his current state, he could only handle a few Yunlan Sect disciples. If he encountered the enforcers or elders, even if he could hold them off, it wouldn’t be easy to escape if they wanted to delay him. By then, when the Yunlan Sect’s teams arrived, he, Xiao Yan, might truly end up buried in this endless forest.
“Let’s hide in the deep mountains to avoid the Yunlan Sect’s search teams. I’m also not in a good condition now. If we don’t treat the injuries first, we might not even be able to run away.”
Xiao Yan wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and said softly.
“Indeed. As an alchemist, I don’t worry about injuries. Although you are seriously hurt, now that the teacher has woken up, I will help you recover as quickly as possible,” the Elder Pharmacist said with a smile.
Nodding, Xiao Yan had complete faith in the Elder Pharmacist’s alchemy skills. He supported himself on the tree trunk and slowly straightened his body.
“There are Yunlan Sect search teams to the east, south, and north. You can only head westward into the forest,” the Elder Pharmacist reminded, “Also, be careful of the figures in the sky. Most of them are Yunlan Sect elders, with Dou Wang level strength. If you run into them now, it will be troublesome.”
“Understood,” Xiao Yan replied, carefully pushing aside the leaves and scanning the area below. Seeing no immediate danger, he hugged the tree trunk and slid down like a nimble monkey. When he was a few meters from the ground, he released his grip, lightly kicked the trunk, and somersaulted in mid-air, landing on one knee with both hands on the ground, making almost no sound.
Rapidly surveying the surroundings, Xiao Yan then plunged into a cluster of dense vegetation. Just as he entered, a multicolored light flashed past, causing Xiao Yan to stop in a cold sweat. He quickly glanced forward, feeling an overwhelming joy. The multicolored light was the Swallowing Heavenly Python, which had transformed into a snake. While others might have trouble finding the hiding Xiao Yan, for the Swallowing Heavenly Python, who had lived with him, the faint scent in the air was a clear trail.
“Hey, little one, it’s your turn to control the body?” The Swallowing Heavenly Python slithered over, flicking its tongue at Xiao Yan.
“Hehe, that’s great, that’s great…” Seeing the Swallowing Heavenly Python’s actions, Xiao Yan’s face lit up with unhidden joy. Although the Swallowing Heavenly Python wasn’t as strong as Queen Medusa, this little guy was more reliable than the queen. As long as given enough food, it would charge forward without hesitation. On the other hand, Queen Medusa, thinking of her standing idly by during the battle with Yun Shan, made Xiao Yan’s teeth itch with anger.
Xiao Yan quickly took out a bottle of Companion Purple Crystal Essence from his storage ring, dipped a small jade stick into it, and fed it to the Swallowing Heavenly Python. The little guy immediately became lively, circling around Xiao Yan a few times before darting into his sleeve.
“Phew, at least I have a protective amulet now,” Xiao Yan patted his sleeve, letting out a long breath. With the Swallowing Heavenly Python, he wouldn’t be easily delayed by the Yunlan Sect elders.
“Go quickly, it seems someone is coming. It’s not advisable for you to fight right now. I sense your aura fluctuating, which suggests your strength is increasing. It looks like the recent battles have been beneficial. Find a quiet place to heal and rest, or you’ll waste this opportunity to improve your strength,” the Elder Pharmacist’s stern voice echoed in Xiao Yan’s mind.
Hearing this, Xiao Yan paused, then nodded in surprise. This was one of the few pieces of good news in this situation. In a situation where he was being hunted from all sides, any increase in strength meant a better chance of survival.
Glancing back at the dense forest, Xiao Yan sneered, “Yunlan Sect, Yun Shan, our grudge is now firmly set. I hope you won’t regret this! If you think I, Xiao Yan, am the kind to tuck my tail and beg after being humiliated, you’re wrong…”
With those words, Xiao Yan pushed off the ground, his body turning into a shadow, darting into the dark forest. As Xiao Yan left, the area gradually fell silent. About ten minutes later, nearly ten figures shot out from the forest, holding swords and scanning the surroundings. Seeing nothing, they relaxed, exchanged a glance, and shook their heads, putting away the signal flares they held tightly. For someone who could defeat even the old sect leader Yun Shan, they naturally had to be on high alert.
A leading Yunlan Sect disciple stepped forward, brandished his sword, and left a cryptic symbol on a tree. Afterward, he turned and said, “This area has been searched. If we go further, we’ll enter the northwest of the Monster Mountain Range. The monsters there are not weak, and searching will be difficult. We need to inform the elders to use the flying teams…”
As he spoke, he took out a bamboo flute, put it to his lips, and blew, sending a faint, sharp sound rippling out into the vast forest.
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage