Chapter 75 – His left side was frozen, while his right side burned
Chapter 75 – His left side was frozen, while his right side burned
The scent of blood in the Soul Severing Ravine had not yet fully dissipated when Mu Xiaochuan and his group had already left the valley that resembled a Shura field and boarded the radiant flying boat once more.
On the flying boat, the atmosphere returned to one of ease and joy. The one-sided "warm-up exercise" earlier had not tired them out; instead, it was like an appetizer, making them eagerly anticipate the upcoming "training."
"Alright, everyone," Mu Xiaochuan said with a relaxed smile, lounging comfortably on the soft couch in the main cabin, "We've finished exploring Qinglan County City. What's our next destination?"
He glanced at everyone, offering a hint of encouragement.
Ye Lingxuan, her imagination running wild, suggested, "Why don't we head straight to the Xiaoque Dynasty? It's bound to be more fun than Qinglan County City."
"Haha," Yun Wange laughed at Ye Lingxuan's idea, "How about each of us picks a place? Once all six of us have chosen, it should be enough. Vice Sect Master Ren, why don't you start?"
All eyes turned to Vice Sect Master Ren Tianlong.
Ren Tianlong stroked his chin, a hint of eagerness flashing in his eyes, quite unlike his usual steady demeanor. He chuckled and said, "If you ask me, we should go to the most thrilling and dangerous place! That's what real training is about!"
He paused, his tone carrying a hint of excitement, "I suggest we go to the Demonic Beast Wilds!"
"Demonic Beast Wilds?"
At these words, everyone in the cabin gasped! Even the usually composed Yun Wange showed a serious expression!
The Demonic Beast Wilds!
It's not just any ordinary gathering place for demonic beasts! It's located at the extreme southern border of the Xiaoque Dynasty, a vast, harsh, and almost unexplored primitive wilderness!
There, it's a true paradise for demonic beasts and a dreamland for cultivators!
It's said that deep within the wilds, there are hordes of Foundation Establishment Stage demonic beasts, and even beast kings with power comparable to Golden Elixir ancestors, striking fear into many! Some legends even speak of ancient, terrifying beasts lying dormant! It's precisely this allure that draws countless cultivators to explore, though many self-proclaimed powerful cultivators or adventure teams have rushed in, only to meet their end with no remains left!
"Vice Sect Master Ren..." Wei Zhangang's voice trembled, "Isn't that place too dangerous? With just us..."
"What are you afraid of!" Ren Tianlong waved his hand, exuding a mysterious boldness, "With our Qingling Sect's 'Galactic Battleship,' visiting the outskirts of the Demonic Beast Wilds should be a walk in the park!"
He paused, a sly glint in his eyes, "Besides, fortune favors the bold! While the Demonic Beast Wilds are dangerous, the treasures and rare beasts inside are unimaginable to the outside world! Who knows, with a bit of luck, we might hunt a few rare demonic beasts, harvest their inner cores and essence blood, which would greatly aid us in breaking through our bottlenecks!"
Ren Tianlong's words were passionate and fervent, as if the Demonic Beast Wilds were filled with treasures, ripe for the taking.
Ye Lingxuan's eyes lit up at the mention of treasures, "Really? Then let's go!"
Although Leng Yunjian and Wei Zhangang were still a bit worried, considering the unfathomable strength of Ren Tianlong and Mu Xiaochuan, it seemed... not entirely impossible?
Yun Wange pondered for a moment, finally looking at Mu Xiaochuan for his opinion.
Mu Xiaochuan shrugged, smiling nonchalantly, "I don't mind. Wherever we go, it's all the same... I mean, training? The Demonic Beast Wilds sound exciting, let's check it out!"
He thought to himself: Demonic Beast Wilds? Perfect! I haven't had the chance to properly test my Primal Spirit Staff and the newly learned Heaven-Breaking Staff Codex against worthy opponents yet! Those foolish demonic beasts would make the best sparring partners! And... I've heard that some demonic beast meat is... extremely delicious? Hehehe...
And so, under Ren Tianlong's suggestion, this already quirky "training group" veered off all conventional routes once again, changing direction towards the legendary perilous yet enticing southern forbidden zone—the Demonic Beast Wilds!
...
Several days later, the flying boat finally reached the outskirts of the Demonic Beast Wilds.
As soon as they approached, a desolate, primitive, and violent aura filled with bloodlust hit them! Looking around, the land appeared a barren dark red, as if soaked in endless blood. Low, twisted strange trees, jagged black rocks, and massive beast bones scattered everywhere painted a wild and dangerous picture. The air was thick with the pungent scent left by various demonic beasts, and occasionally, distant, heart-pounding beast roars could be heard.
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"This... is the Demonic Beast Wilds?" Ye Lingxuan nervously clutched Mu Xiaochuan's arm.
"Yes." Yun Wange nodded solemnly, "Everyone, be careful. From now on, we're in demonic beast territory. Even though it's the outskirts, it's still fraught with danger and not to be underestimated."
The group put away the flying boat and began to venture on foot.
Sure enough, they hadn't gone far before encountering their first wave of attacks.
Two or three dozen Wind Shadow Leopards, agile as cheetahs, covered in blue scales, with astonishing speed and blade-like claws and fangs, exuded a powerful aura of the late Qi Refining stage!
If an ordinary Foundation Establishment team encountered such a number of Wind Shadow Leopards, they would likely face a tough battle.
However...
"Roar!"
The leading Wind Shadow Leopard let out a low growl, transforming into a blue shadow, lunging at Ren Tianlong, who was at the forefront!
Ren Tianlong didn't even blink, simply raising his hand effortlessly!
"Bang!"
A dull thud! The lightning-fast Wind Shadow Leopard crashed into a spiritual energy shield as if hitting a wall of copper and iron, letting out a wail before being sent flying, its bones shattered, clearly beyond saving!
The other Wind Shadow Leopards, instead of retreating, were incited to ferocity, letting out a series of threatening roars, surrounding the group from all directions!
"Hmph! A bunch of beasts, courting death!" Ye Lingxuan shouted, taking the lead! With a flick of her wrist, a crimson whip danced like a fiery serpent, sending three or four Wind Shadow Leopards flying in an instant!
Leng Yunjian was even more decisive, her ice crystal dagger lightly tapping, sending out chilling ice spikes that precisely targeted the Wind Shadow Leopards' heads!
As for Mu Xiaochuan, he moved leisurely among the leopards. He didn't rush to kill but carefully observed the Wind Shadow Leopards' movements and... their meat quality?
"Hmm... these Wind Shadow Leopards are fast, but the meat is too tough, too many bones, not good to eat..." Mu Xiaochuan mused, stroking his chin.
He casually swung his staff, seemingly effortless, yet always precisely hitting the Wind Shadow Leopards' joints or weak spots, rendering them incapacitated but not immediately dead.
In just a moment, the ferocious Wind Shadow Leopards were dispatched by the group as easily as slicing vegetables.
"Alright, let's gather the spoils." Ren Tianlong said with a smile, "Even though they're just Qi Refining stage demonic beasts, their pelts and claws can fetch some spirit stones outside."
Upon hearing this, Wei Zhangang and Leng Yunjian stepped forward to skillfully skin the leopards and dismantle their claws and fangs. Ye Lingxuan curiously poked at a dead Wind Shadow Leopard, seemingly studying its anatomy.
Only Mu Xiaochuan squatted beside a Wind Shadow Leopard with a broken leg, carefully... cutting off its... kidneys?
"Uh... Elder Mu, what are you... what are you doing with that?" Wei Zhangang asked, dumbfounded.
"Oh, this..." Mu Xiaochuan calmly placed the bloody kidneys into a specially crafted jade box, casually saying, "I thought it looked interesting, so I brought it back... for research."
Everyone: "..."
In the following days, they delved deeper into the Demonic Beast Wilds. The demonic beasts they encountered grew increasingly powerful.
There were the thick-skinned, immensely strong "Iron Armored Savage Bulls," comparable to the early Foundation Establishment stage; the "Bloodfang Demon Wolves," adept at coordinated attacks, with individual strength nearing the mid Foundation Establishment stage; and even a lone "Crimson Flame Demon Tiger," capable of spewing flames, with strength reaching the fifth level of Foundation Establishment!
However, regardless of the type of demonic beast or their numbers, in the face of Mu Xiaochuan's team, akin to a "Galactic Battleship," they all met the same fate—mercilessly crushed, with no chance to retaliate!
Ren Tianlong and Yun Wange, both at the ninth level of Foundation Establishment, occasionally joined in to stretch their muscles, but most of the time, it was Mu Xiaochuan leading the three younger ones in "leveling up."
Mu Xiaochuan's Primal Spirit Staff and Heaven-Breaking Staff Codex were honed to perfection in real combat, their power becoming increasingly formidable. Ye Lingxuan's Burning Heart Exquisite Scarf and her unknown staff technique became more refined, her fighting style bold and fierce. Leng Yunjian's speed and ice-sealing power grew sharper. Wei Zhangang's defense and combat awareness steadily improved.
And Mu Xiaochuan maintained his unique "collection" habit throughout.
Iron Armored Savage Bull? Meat too tough, too many tendons, but the bullwhip is decent.
Bloodfang Demon Wolf? Too gamey, no thanks!
Crimson Flame Demon Tiger? Hmm... tiger bones make great wine!
...
After several days, while others' storage pouches were filled with various precious demon cores, materials, and pelts, Mu Xiaochuan's storage ring was packed with all sorts of meat, whips, and kidneys...
That night, they found a high-ground cave with a wide view as a temporary camp. A simple alert formation was set up at the entrance, and the crackling bonfire dispelled the wilderness's chill and darkness.
Mu Xiaochuan enthusiastically began grilling, and everyone tasted the deliciousness of spirit beast meat, realizing Mu Xiaochuan's discerning taste. However, no one dared to try the bullwhip he grilled.
After dinner, Ren Tianlong and Wei Zhangang took turns keeping watch.
Yun Wange, Mu Xiaochuan, Ye Lingxuan, and Leng Yunjian rested in their respective tents deep within the cave.
In the dead of night, with silence all around, only the occasional distant beast roar broke the stillness.
Mu Xiaochuan lay on a warm, comfortable beast skin mat, listening to the crackling bonfire outside, yet feeling a restless heat within. Despite the constant battles in the Demonic Beast Wilds, it felt like a relaxing vacation to him. However, perhaps he had eaten too much of that stuff, and now he couldn't sleep.
Meanwhile, Ye Lingxuan quietly got up, sneaking into Mu Xiaochuan's tent like a cat, unaware of the eyes watching from behind.
Seeing Ye Lingxuan, Mu Xiaochuan was instantly wide awake, filled with delight.
"Lingxuan..."
"Shh..." Ye Lingxuan placed a finger on her lips, signaling him to be quiet, and then...
Before anything else could happen, the tent flap was gently lifted by a slender, jade-like hand.
A cold and stunning figure silently stood at the entrance.
It was Leng Yunjian!
Her face remained icy, but in her clear eyes, two flames burned like never before!
"Su Yao asked me to take care of Elder Mu before she left." She wasn't good at lying, her eyes flickering with some nervousness after speaking.
"Hurry and come in," Ye Lingxuan, even with her straightforward nature, knew she was lying but didn't expose her.
Leng Yunjian began massaging Mu Xiaochuan's shoulders, "Elder Mu, is this pressure alright?"
"Hahaha..." Mu Xiaochuan chuckled quietly, "Cold niece, fighting in the tent is inconvenient. Why don't you both use your spiritual energy on me, so I can feel how your skills have improved recently?"
"Following Elder Mu's instructions," Leng Yunjian's icy face showed a hint of a different color.
Leng Yunjian and Ye Lingxuan exchanged a glance, then together channeled their spiritual energy towards Mu Xiaochuan.
Though the spiritual energy was abundant, to Mu Xiaochuan, at the seventh level of Foundation Establishment, it was still insufficient. He simply didn't resist, allowing the hot and cold spiritual energies to invade his body.
As the spiritual energy entered, Mu Xiaochuan felt an indescribable thrill and excitement!
His left side was frozen, while his right side burned.
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