Chapter 91: Entering The Valley
Bai Changlin’s White Ape True Intent seemed to be like a mountain range lying between the two people’s True Intents.
The three people’s True Essence flowed around their bodies, gathering into their True Intents. Behind them, monstrous Beast Spirits faced off against each other.
The entire camp was suppressed by this powerful aura. Those in the Muscle and Bone Realm, and even the Blood Moving Realm, felt their Qi and Blood surging. Only those in the Spirit Nurturing Realm were slightly better off.
“Your White Ape has become much more solid. School Master Bai must have decided on his Monkey Mind, and his True Intent is operating as desired.”
Liang Ying stopped his movements. The Red Armored Mad Scorpion’s True Intent dissolved like mist, strands of True Intent transforming into True Essence and merging into his body, as if it had never appeared.
Hundred Herbs Hall’s Second Shopkeeper, Tang Yuxuan, also dispersed his Green Sheep True Intent, but his expression was very solemn.
If Bai Changlin hadn’t intervened just now, he would have been injured by Liang Ying.
The Beast Spirit True Intent is formed from one’s spirit and True Essence. The Qi and Blood are connected, and if it is broken, one will also be affected.
“Hmph.”
Tang Yuxuan snorted coldly and cupped his hands slightly to Bai Changlin, “Thank you, Brother Bai.”
The two families were on good terms, and many Golden Ape Martial Arts School disciples served as guards and held important positions in Hundred Herbs Hall. They were naturally connected and there was no need for many words.
“How lively. Is the True Intent Realm going to make a move today as well?”
Another group of people walked out from the forest, all mounted on Scaled Horses. Leading them was a middle-aged man in a golden brocade robe with gentle yet authoritative eyes. His gaze swept over everyone present, and he spoke with a teasing tone.
“Rare. This year, the Lin Family is led by Second Master. In previous years, it was always Third Master.”
The Lin Family had five individuals in the True Intent Realm. Two were elders of the “Master” generation, over a hundred years old. Their strength was formidable within the True Intent Realm, but they rarely acted.
The True Intent Realm was not beyond the mundane, and it was inevitable that they would suffer from the decline of their bodies.
The current heads of the family were three cousins: Family Head Lin Nianchong, Second Master Lin Nianzu, and Third Master Lin Nianxing. All three were skilled in the True Intent Realm. Lin Nianchong, in particular, was a secular disciple of the Beast King Sect and had learned a secret technique from them.
Lin Nianzu smiled slightly, “This year is not peaceful. Big Brother sent me to come so that these brats can get some experience.”
Liang Ying’s gaze darkened, and even Tang Yuxuan did not look particularly happy.
They knew best how the recent chaos had arisen.
After a few pleasantries, each group settled down to rest in the camp.
Su Yan scanned the Lin Family’s group and noticed many young people, but Lin Yue was nowhere to be seen. The team was led by two individuals in their early thirties who were in the Spirit Nurturing Realm.
‘The Spirit Nurturing Realm individuals dispatched by the Lin Family are not from the younger generation. What’s going on?’
Bai Yun had told him that the Lin Family had four or five young cultivators under the age of twenty-five, and they should have been the ones to undertake this training.
“The Lin Family itself cultivates three Treasure Mountains and has never competed for rankings.”
Bai Yun appeared beside him at some unknown time and said in a low voice.
“Why?”
“Competing for rankings requires risking one’s life, which they deem not worth it. Moreover, if they were to take all the benefits, everyone would be dissatisfied.”
Bai Yun stated it directly. With her reminder, Su Yan also understood.
No matter how strong the Lin Family was, they couldn’t suppress the entire Yun Cang Town. Hoarding all the benefits would invite hostility.
Furthermore, even if they had some connection with the Beast King Sect, the Beast King Sect would likely not be happy to see one family dominate.
One by one, other major powers such as Seven Blades Martial Arts School, the Li Family, the Wang Family, Eight Directions Trading Company, and Tian Feng Weapon Shop arrived. The atmosphere in the camp became increasingly oppressive.
Each family was a force within the city, and they had had grievances with each other to varying degrees in the past.
Normally, they couldn’t engage in open conflict, but now that they were in the Miasma Valley, life and death were uncertain.
Naturally, many people had come with the intention of killing.
“Isn’t that Gu Changfeng? He comes to the Miasma Valley right after his son died. This will be interesting.”
Among the various factions, there were no lack of gossips who began to recount old grudges.
Gu Changfeng’s furious and bloodshot appearance was immediately noticed by someone.
“I heard Old Man Gu investigated quite a few things, some…”
Before he finished speaking, Gu Changfeng seemed to sense something and his gaze swept over.
The gossiper immediately shut up, while Su Yan looked towards Gu Changfeng.
Seeing his appearance, Su Yan pondered: ‘Something is not right with the old man. Even with his son dead, he shouldn’t look like this, as if he’s ready to fight desperately. It’s unlikely he’s investigating me.’
The sound of neat horse hooves approached, followed by the orderly sound of armor clashing. A troop of cavalry emerged from the forest, clad in black iron armor and carrying sabers.
The leading general wore entirely black armor, held a coiled dragon spear, and stood tall as he led his troops into the camp.
Zhao Pan looked at everyone and said, “Everyone, now that all the families have arrived, as in previous years, I, representing the imperial court, will serve as witness.”
“Thank you for your trouble, Commander Zhao.”
The leading group of True Intent Martial Artists exchanged pleasantries. No one dared to underestimate this Captain Commander who commanded troops.
Although Yun Cang Town’s government was weak, it was only relatively so. The County Magistrate and Captain were all martial artists in the True Intent Realm. Zhao Pan, in particular, was rumored to be a retired Monster Suppressing Guard, and his strength was not to be underestimated.
“Each family will draw lots. One group will enter every half hour. The victor will be determined here after seven days, establishing the right to defend the mountain and its operations.”
Zhao Pan ordered the drawing items to be brought forth. No family caused conflict and they stepped forward to draw their lots.
Only Hundred Herbs Hall did not need to.
According to the rules, they had guarded the Miasma Valley for five years. They were the most familiar with its changes, even without deep exploration.
If they were allowed to enter first, some things might be snatched up.
Therefore, as per custom, the faction guarding the mountain usually entered last.
The order of the lot drawing was quickly determined.
The Li Family entered first, and the rest followed in order. The Golden Ape Martial Arts School was ranked fifth.
“The order is set. All families begin to enter.”
As the voice faded, the thirty members of the Li Family quickly entered the valley entrance before them.
They stepped in swiftly, and before long, the miasma fog concealed their figures, and they disappeared.
Time ticked by, and the Seven Blades Martial Arts School, the Wang Family, and the Lin Family entered in succession.
It was soon the Golden Ape Martial Arts School’s turn.
“Enter the Miasma Valley and be extremely cautious. Do not trust others lightly. If you encounter danger, immediately send a signal.”
“Yes, Senior Brother.”
Everyone hurried in. Su Yan was among the group, watching the surrounding mist gradually envelop them.
Upon entering the valley, the humidity intensified. Moreover, beyond two to three hundred meters, it was difficult to distinguish things clearly, and visibility was limited.
“Muscle and Bone Realm practitioners pair up. Those in the Blood Moving Realm and above can arrange themselves.”
The group entered the valley. Li Jinshan led them for about a mile or two before allowing them to split up.
Since they were entering the valley to compete for treasures, they couldn’t stay together all the time.
“Yes, Junior Brother.”
Before entering, those who wanted to find teammates had already done so. Now, they each found their teammates and began to disperse and explore in various directions.
“Junior Brother Su, be very careful. Treasures are important, but safety comes first.”
Li Jinshan knew that Su Yan’s purpose for entering was more for experience than for acquiring treasures, so he naturally cared about this junior brother.
Su Yan smiled confidently and said, “In the mountains and forests, I fear no one.”
“Caution is always wise.”
Li Jinshan said, and then continued, “I will explore deeper. If you encounter danger, you can either flee towards the valley entrance or towards my location.”
After a few words of advice, Li Jinshan departed first.
“Beware of Seven Blades Martial Arts School and Little Mountain Association.”
Bai Yun only said this, and her figure also quickly disappeared.
The Miasma Valley had been sealed for five years. Earth Vein Spiritual Energy gathered here. Besides first-order Treasure Plants and Spirit Herbs, it was also possible for second-order Treasure Plants and Spirit Herbs to be born.
For the Spirit Nurturing Realm and even the True Intent Realm, these were rare treasures.
“They’ve all left now. It’s time for me to make my move.”
After everyone had left, Su Yan finally revealed a smile.
The mist shrouded the view, and the miasma obscured visibility. For others, this was a major problem, but for him, it was an advantage.
He released the White Bone Poison Centipede and the Red Armored Mad Scorpion, having them guard him.
The White Bone Poison Centipede stayed less than twenty meters away, while the Red Armored Mad Scorpion scouted a hundred meters ahead. As for the Blood Locust, he temporarily held back, keeping it as a trump card.
The valley was filled with miasma, but it also gathered spiritual energy. Su Yan’s Mountain Hunting skill had reached Great Accomplishment. Although he couldn’t precisely pinpoint locations, he could vaguely sense where Treasure Plants were most likely to be nurtured.
He hurried along. After traveling only about two hundred meters, he received a signal from the Red Armored Mad Scorpion. He saw a plump black cloud mushroom under an old tree stump lying by the roadside.
Su Yan stepped forward, touched it, and harvested the black cloud mushroom.
“As expected, spiritual energy converged. It’s only been sealed for five years, but this black cloud mushroom already possesses the medicinal potency of twenty years, not inferior to a first-order Treasure Plant.”
The black cloud mushroom grew in such a conspicuous place, it was unlikely to have been missed. It could only have grown in recent years.
This demonstrated how effective this place was for cultivating spiritual herbs.
He placed the black cloud mushroom into his Insect Realm Space and immediately quickened his pace of exploration.
Unlike others, they did not have treasure items for storage and had to find ways to carry treasures on their person.
He was different. If he had the opportunity, he could scour the entire valley.
Su Yan did not search the surroundings but headed directly for the depths of the valley.
The place where spiritual energy was most concentrated was inside, and the most precious Treasure Plants would certainly be there.
Su Yan’s footsteps were extremely fast. Along the way, with the Red Armored Mad Scorpion and the White Bone Poison Centipede scouting ahead, any Spirit Herbs he found were collected by him.
Along the way, he also understood why all the families attached so much importance to this Miasma Valley.
Outside Yun Cang Town, Treasure Plants that might not be seen in a month could be encountered here within a few hundred meters.
Even with his skill in finding herbs, it was enough to show the problem.
In just these two to three miles, he had already found three or four Treasure Plants.
He followed the stream upwards and suddenly saw beside the stream, on a leafless, black, old tree stump, hung three emerald-green fruits shaped like jade. Gold patterns grew in three circles at the base of the stem.
“Gold Pattern Emerald Fruit, a first-order high-grade Treasure Plant. It can nourish the body and can also be refined into a body-tempering profound elixir.”
Su Yan’s eyes lit up, and he strode forward. Suddenly, the water churned, and a black fish monster lunged out.
Its scales were densely packed, its spine like a mountain, and it had four clawed feet that shattered the hard pebbles by the stream.
“Roar!”
The black-scaled water beast lunged forward, its late first-order aura fully released.
“Walking into a trap.”
Seeing this, Su Yan was not afraid. Instead, he strode forward. Seeing it bite, he hammered it with one hand.
With a dull thud, the black-scaled water beast’s hard skull immediately shattered.
Su Yan threw another punch, knocking it back into the water. It flipped onto its back, clearly dead.
“Such great strength. If it were an ordinary Blood Moving Realm practitioner, it would likely require a prolonged struggle, and one would still have to worry about this fellow diving into the water.”
As he spoke, he stepped forward and collected the three Gold Pattern Emerald Fruits into his Insect Realm Space.
He looked regretfully at the fruit tree. The tree of the Gold Pattern Emerald Fruit was also a treasure, but his Insect Realm Space, while able to hold live ferocious insects, could not plant Spirit Herbs. He didn’t know if there would be an opportunity in the future.
“When I can open up planting fields, I probably won’t need these anymore.”
“Kid, hand over the things.”
Su Yan turned around. Behind him stood three people holding blades, their eyes burning as they stared at the fruit tree behind him.
Su Yan spoke neither hurriedly nor slowly, his gaze sweeping over their attire, “Seven Blades Martial Arts School people?”
“Hmph, you recognize people.”
That person seemed to have also noticed Su Yan, and his eyes suddenly lit up, “You are Su Yan?”
That person chuckled, “It seems that Senior Brother Yin’s mission is meant for me to reap the reward.”
The leader was at Blood Moving Great Accomplishment, and the two beside him were at the Blood Moving Realm cultivation.
“Yin Ruguang?”
Su Yan’s eyes flickered. He hadn’t sought out others for trouble, but instead, someone had come to find him.
“Brother Wang, stop wasting time with him. Kill him first, then go find the other people from Golden Ape Martial Arts School. I presume they are nearby, and they should have some other gains.”
The person beside him hurriedly swung his saber towards Su Yan.
They were not here to slowly search for resources.
How could searching for resources compare to the speed of robbing?
His Qi and Blood converged on the blade. This saber strike came so fast that only a faint afterimage remained.
Su Yan did not dodge or evade. A sinister smile appeared on his face, his eyes full of mockery.
He was just a mountain villager who had gotten lucky and became a True Disciple, but he was not skilled in combat.
Just as the blade was about to reach Su Yan’s neck, about to sever it.
Clang.
Suddenly, he found Su Yan’s hand reach out and grab the blade.
He immediately wanted to break free but discovered a terrifying force was gripping the blade.
“You people have reminded me.”
Su Yan yanked the blade off with one hand and threw it. The blade shot through the man’s thigh with lightning speed, pinning him to the ground.
Not good!
Wang Xing and Xie Feiying, seeing this, were startled and immediately drew their sabers, attacking Su Yan from both sides.
They had cooperated in hunting feral beasts in the desolate mountains before, and their tacit understanding was extremely high, immediately sealing Su Yan’s escape routes to the left and right.
However, before they could reach Su Yan, they were suddenly attacked by red and white shadows and were directly pounced upon and knocked to the ground.
Sharp insect limbs pierced their bodies, pinning them firmly.
They looked in horror at what was on them – it was actually monstrous insect beasts.
They tried to struggle, but the next moment, their wounds were torn even more severely, and the pain made them unable to resist.
“You… you can actually command feral beasts?!”
“Is it very strange?”
Su Yan smiled, but the smile made Wang Xing feel uneasy.
“Senior Brother Yin is nearby. If you kill us, Senior Brother Yin will definitely hunt you down. I have three hundred taels of banknotes on me as compensation.”
Before he could finish speaking, the White Bone Poison Centipede tore off one of his arms and began to chew it in front of him.
Su Yan said indifferently, “Tell me the location of Yin Ruguang and the others. You have ten breaths of time. Once the time is up, I will let him devour your spine.”
