Chapter 312: Poison Mist Valley
As Xiao Ling's mind moved, his clone turned into a wisp of invisible energy and was taken back into his body. He stretched and slowly got up from the bed.
Since today was the day that Venerable Skyfire had agreed to come out of seclusion, Xiao Ling had made plans and did not intend to stay in the Han family for long.
"It's time to retrieve the Netherworld Poison Fire," Xiao Ling said to himself, "Qinglin and Xian'er still need some time to prepare. By the time I retrieve the Netherworld Poison Fire, they should be almost back to the Han family. By then we can set off for Shengdan City to collect the herbs needed to refine Fuling Qingdan. This should save a lot of time."
"And now that Skyfire Venerable has successfully recovered his physical body, his strength has even reached the peak level of three-star Dou Zun. Combined with my cultivation of a nine-star Dou Zong, and the Sky Demon Puppet that can compete with a three-star Dou Zun, I shouldn't encounter any trouble on this trip."
Thinking of this, Xiao Ling pushed open the door and walked slowly outside.
At this time, in the courtyard, Han Yue and Han Xue were doing morning exercises. The crystal beads of sweat slid down their necks, looking particularly moving.
Their movements were relaxed, and the tight clothes outlined charming curves as they moved, which attracted people's attention involuntarily. Especially since they were a pair of sisters with different styles, it was even more pleasing to the eye.
On one side of the courtyard, Zi Yan, under the bamboo pavilion, chewed a pill while teasing the little Sky-Swallowing Python, looking very happy. The little Sky-Swallowing Python swam around her, rubbing Zi Yan's hand with its smooth body from time to time, as if it also enjoyed this intimate interaction.
Xiao Ling leaned against the door frame with a smile, admiring the heartwarming scene in front of him, and a warm feeling surged in his heart.
"How is your training going?" Han Yue stopped her morning exercise when she saw Xiao Ling coming out, and walked up to him and asked.
Xiao Ling gently held Han Yue's charmingly slender waist, pulled her into his arms, and said with a smile, "Of course, the training went well. How is your father doing?"
Han Yue was pulled into Xiao Ling's arms. Although she struggled a little, she soon relaxed and snuggled into Xiao Ling's arms. She raised the corners of her mouth and replied, "Thanks to the Po Zong Dan you gave me, and my father's cultivation level is close to Dou Zong. Now he is practicing in seclusion. I heard from him that he should be able to successfully break through to the Dou Zong realm in the near future."
"That's good," Xiao Ling said with a smile, "When your father becomes a Dou Zong, the Hong family will lose a lot of manpower. In the future, I'm afraid no one in Tianbei City will dare to easily provoke your Han family."
Seeing Xiao Ling, whom she had been thinking about, appear, Han Xue also stopped practicing, walked lightly to his side, and said softly: "Brother Xiao Ling, good morning."
After some morning exercise, Han Xue's cheeks were lightly flushed, her breathing was a little rapid, and her clothes were slightly messy, adding a bit of alluring charm to her.
"Good morning, Xiaoxue'er, you are even more beautiful today." Xiao Ling looked at Han Xue's lovely appearance and couldn't help but hold her fair little hand. He slowly injected a stream of cool fighting spirit into Han Xue's body to help her relieve the fatigue after morning exercise.
When Xiao Ling suddenly held Han Xue's hand, her face flushed more obviously. She wanted to break free, but as the fighting spirit Xiao Ling injected flowed through her body, the fatigue gradually subsided, and she couldn't help but relax and let out a comfortable hum, "Hmm~"
However, as time went on, Han Xue felt Xiao Ling's palm begin to move gently on her arm. She twisted her body a little embarrassedly and said softly: "Brother Xiao Ling, don't move your hand. It feels weird."
"Haha, Xiaoxue'er, don't be nervous," Xiao Ling smiled easily, his hands moving gently and rhythmically, "This is all to help you relax, it will be fine soon."
Xiao Ling did know his limits; his actions were limited to helping Han Xue relieve muscle tension after exercise, and he did not cross the line.
Han Xue also gradually relaxed, allowing Xiao Ling's palm to bring her waves of comfortable touch.
"Xiao Ling, he started to get upset as soon as the Little Medical Fairy left, and now he's teasing Han Yue's sister. He's such a playboy." Zi Yan stopped what she was doing and glanced at Xiao Ling with a bit of dissatisfaction in her eyes. "Just wait and see, when I can keep my adult appearance stable, I'll make him stare at me straight."
She glanced at the little Sky-Swallowing Python beside her, as if seeking support: "Don't you think so, Little Sky-Swallowing Python? Isn't that guy too abominable?"
The little Sky-Swallowing Python seemed to really understand Zi Yan's words. Its clever little head nodded up and down, indicating that it felt the same way.
"Boy Xiao Ling, I have completely adapted to my current level of cultivation. Whatever plans you have next, I can make them as you wish." At this moment, the familiar and slightly vicissitudes of life voice of Skyfire Venerable sounded in Xiao Ling's mind.
After hearing what Lord Skyfire said, Xiao Ling stopped what he was doing and came back to his senses.
Han Xue felt that Xiao Ling stopped, and she seemed to have not yet recovered from her previous state of relaxation. There was a hint of reluctance in her eyes when she looked at Xiao Ling.
Xiao Ling didn't care about Han Xue's reaction, but said to the Skyfire Venerable through soul transmission: "Since Senior Skyfire can fully master the power, let's act according to the plan."
Afterwards, Xiao Ling told Venerable Tianhuo roughly about his previous plan, including going to the Poison Mist Valley first, and then going to Shengdan City to collect the medicinal materials needed to refine the Poria Green Pill.
After listening to Xiao Ling's plan, Skyfire Venerable also agreed and prepared to set off together. He also didn't want to stay in this place any longer and waste time.
If the affairs in the northern region of Zhongzhou can be resolved earlier, they can go to Shengdan City earlier to collect the materials needed to refine the Poria Green Pill. As long as Xiao Ling can refine the Poria Green Pill, his strength will be able to return to its peak state.
After finishing the conversation with Skyfire Venerable, Xiao Ling turned to Han Yue and Han Xue and said, "I have to go out for a while and may not be back for a few days. If Xiao Yixian and Qinglin come back first during this period, tell them to wait for me at the Han family for a while."
"Are you going to the Poison Mist Valley this time?" Han Yue remembered that Xiao Ling had asked her about the Poison Mist Valley before, and the purpose of this trip should be there.
"Yes, I'm ready. It's time to go get that thing back." Xiao Ling nodded slightly and did not hide the destination of this trip.
"Since you have made up your mind, you must be careful. The Poison Mist Valley is a mysterious place, so you must always be vigilant." Han Yue reminded with concern, "If Qinglin and Xiao Yixian come back, I will tell them."
"Brother Xiao Ling, you must return safely." Han Xue couldn't help but interrupt when she heard that Xiao Ling was about to go on a long journey, with a hint of worry in her tone.
Xiao Ling turned around and gave Han Xue a reassuring smile: "Don't worry, our strength is enough to deal with most situations, nothing will happen. You just wait for my good news at home."
Then, he looked at Zi Yan, with a hint of helplessness in his voice: "Zi Yan, stop playing, we should leave."
Hearing Xiao Ling's call, Zi Yan quickly put the little Sky-Swallowing Python into her sleeve and said excitedly, "I see, let's set off quickly. I want to see what kind of creature that Netherworld Poison Dragon Scorpion, which has the blood of the Grand Void Ancient Dragon, is."
As she spoke, Zi Yan walked briskly to Xiao Ling's side. Her movements were natural and skillful, and she took one of Xiao Ling's hands.
At the same time, Venerable Skyfire also walked out of the training room. Compared with the extroverted aura he had when he was just resurrected, his aura was now calm and restrained, giving people a feeling of being unfathomable.
Seeing the appearance of the Skyfire Master, Han Yue and Han Xue both bowed respectfully to him and said in unison: "Junior greets Senior Skyfire."
Since Xiao Ling had already explained the identity of Skyfire Venerable to them before, they all had some understanding of this Dou Zun powerful master.
When they first learned that Xiao Ling had such a strong man by his side, they were indeed shocked, but when they thought of Xiao Ling's identity as an eighth-grade alchemist, they also felt that it was not surprising to have a Dou Zun as a bodyguard.
However, they did not tell this matter to anyone. In the entire Han family, only the two of them knew about the existence of Lord Skyfire.
"Haha, two little girls, no need to be so polite." Seeing Han Yue and Han Xue's respectful look, Tianhuo Zun waved his hand gently. He knew that the two girls had a close relationship with Xiao Ling, so there was a hint of kindness in his tone.
Looking at the two girls' graceful figures, Skyfire Venerable secretly admired in his heart: "Xiao Ling is quite charming. Compared with me when I traveled around the continent, he is only slightly inferior~"
After everything was ready, Xiao Ling did not waste any time. He summoned the Sky-Splitting Seat and changed it to a size large enough for several people to ride in. Then, he took Skyfire Venerable and Zi Yan with him and flew into the sky, heading towards the Poison Mist Valley.
...The endless mountains are shrouded in a mysterious dark hue, as if nature had overturned the color palette here, blending dark green, dark blue and gray-black into one.
The trees on the mountains are unusually dense, their branches twisted as if telling ancient stories, and the leaves a sickly green, as if each leaf holds an unknown secret.
In this valley, the forest looks particularly gloomy. It is difficult for sunlight to penetrate the layers of tree canopy. Only sporadic light casts mottled shadows on the ground.
The forest is full of various exotic plants, some of which have colorful flowers and some of which have tempting fruits, but they all have one thing in common: they all carry deadly toxins. These poisons and poisonous weeds silently warn every creature that tries to approach.
In addition to plants, this forest is also home to many poisonous insects and wild animals. Venomous snakes slither silently in the grass, poisonous spiders weave death traps between the treetops, and those unknown wild animals in the depths of the woods observe the surroundings with vigilant eyes, ready for every upcoming fight.
In the dark sky above the mountains, a slender black figure suddenly flashed across the sky, coming from far away. It was moving very fast, like a black lightning, passing through the area.
Although the vision was blurry and the specific appearance of the figure could not be seen clearly, the powerful aura it exuded was clearly felt.
This breath spread out like a wave, penetrating the forest and shaking the souls of every creature. The low-level monsters felt this frightening breath, and they instinctively chose to hide, disappearing into the depths of caves or dense forests, not daring to make any sound.
Even those ferocious predators in normal days became extremely cautious at this moment. They put away their usual arrogance and carefully concealed their whereabouts, for fear of attracting the attention of the mysterious black shadow.
On the back of the Split Sky Seat stood three figures. They were Xiao Ling, Skyfire Reverend and Zi Yan who had rushed all the way from Tianbei City.
"The environment in the Netherworld Mountains is really terrible," Xiao Ling looked around and couldn't help muttering, "There's such a heavy poison gas just outside, it must be worse inside. As for the Poison Mist Valley at the core, the situation there is probably even worse."
"I've been to places like this many times when I was in the Douqi Continent, but places like this are rare." Venerable Skyfire stood aside, with a hint of emotion in his tone.
"Haha, indeed." Yao Chen also revealed his soul body, with a hint of expectation in his voice, "Only such a unique place can give birth to those strange and bizarre heavenly and earthly wonders and strange fires."
For an alchemist like Yao Chen, it is difficult to conceal his anticipation for the strange fire.
As the Rayquaza continued to climb deeper into the Nether Mountains, the concentration of poisonous gas around it became increasingly dense.
Although these poisonous gases are not enough to pose a threat to masters like Xiao Ling, inhaling them for a long time will always be harmful.
To be on the safe side, Xiao Ling took out four carefully prepared detoxification pills from his storage ring and handed them to Zi Yan and Tianhuo Zun.
"This is what Xian'er left for me," Xiao Ling said easily, "After taking these detoxification pills, the toxins won't be able to cause trouble in our bodies."
As soon as he finished speaking, Xiao Ling put the pill into his mouth.
The pill melted upon contact, turning into a cool warm current that quickly spread throughout the body, bringing a sense of comfort to the whole body.
Then he threw another one to Rayquaza, who swallowed it in one gulp.
Zi Yan and Tianhuo Zunzun also took the pills one after another. Although there was no significant reaction, they no longer needed to release their fighting spirit to offset the toxins.
As they went deeper, the surrounding environment became more and more desolate. All they could see was endless dark swamps and intricate valleys.
"According to the markings on the map, the Poison Mist Valley is incredibly large," Xiao Ling said as he checked the map. "Its area is not inferior to that of the Gama Empire. Because of the harsh environment, there are many powerful monsters hidden here, including the Netherworld Poison Dragon Scorpion, which is at least level seven. In addition to it, there are many powerful guys, and even a mysterious race. To be able to survive in such a place, their strength must not be underestimated."
"Compared to these guys, this harsh environment doesn't seem so terrible."
Hearing Xiao Ling's words, Zi Yan waved her pink little fist and said confidently: "If those guys dare to cause trouble, I will beat them up one by one."
Xiao Ling gently scratched Zi Yan's nose and teased, "Ordinary monsters will definitely not dare to provoke us, but if you really run into a tough one, don't cry and ask me for help." He smiled and continued, "Don't forget, our current strength is not to be underestimated."
He pointed at the Splinter Cell under his feet and reminded him, "Besides other things, the Splinter Cell is now a genuine seventh-level magical beast. With it here, those magical beasts that have not reached the seventh level dare not come and die."
"Hmph, even if I can't beat him, I still have you and Old Man Huo, plus that golden puppet. How could I possibly be in danger in a place like this?" Zi Yan curled her lips, looking fearless.
"Haha, girl Zi Yan is right. Don't worry, I'm here and I will definitely not let you get into danger." Venerable Skyfire was also standing by, with a kind smile in his tone.
Before, he had always existed in the form of a soul body and needed Xiao Ling's help most of the time. Now, not only has he recovered his physical body, but his strength has also reached the peak level of Three Stars of the Dou Zun. Naturally, he wants to show it off well.
Looking at Zi Yan's nonchalant look, Xiao Ling could only smile helplessly and didn't say much.
After all, the reason why they brought Zi Yan out this time was to let her relax. With their current team strength, there was really no need for Zi Yan to take action.
With the combat power of Yao Tianhuo and Tian Yaokui, two Dou Zun-level people, most situations can be solved, and those that cannot be solved are not something that Zi Yan can solve either.
"Raichongzuo, let's speed up and move deeper." Xiao Ling conveyed the message to Raichongzuo in his heart.
"Got it, boss." Rayquaza replied in his heart, then twisted his body and suddenly increased his speed.
……
In the following journey, Xiao Ling and his team continued to move towards the depths of the Poison Fog Valley.
Just as Xiao Ling said, there are indeed many powerful magical beasts hidden in the depths of the Poison Mist Valley, and sixth-level magical beasts can be seen everywhere.
For Xiao Ling and his friends, these monsters posed no threat at all, and Xiao Ling was too lazy to provoke them.
But don't forget, there is a restless Zi Yan in their team.
Zi Yan has a natural sensitivity to those natural treasures with rich energies, and those magical beasts are more or less guarding some treasures.
After all, this place has a harsh environment and is full of dangers. No one has paid attention to it for many years, so naturally it has produced many rare medicinal herbs and poisons.
The special environment here makes these medicinal herbs and poisons extremely rare in the outside world, and Xiao Ling also discovered many treasures that he did not have.
Faced with so many rare medicinal herbs, how could Zi Yan let them go easily?
Therefore, the monsters they encountered were in bad luck. Some monsters sensed the terrifying aura of the Splinter Cell and fled directly, obediently giving up the treasures they had guarded for many years. As for those who didn't know what to do, they were easily dealt with by Zi Yan.
(End of this chapter)