Chapter 100: Chapter 96: Senior Brother, What Kind of Work Did You Do Before Coming to the Daoist School? (Double Chapter)

"Squeak squeak squeak!"

In the narrow mountain path, a group of black monkeys with scarlet eyes leaped down from the ancient trees on both sides, carrying black demonic energy between their limbs like shadows, silently attacking a man and a woman on the path.

The woman’s skin was as fair as snow, dressed in a long green gown with jade ornaments that jingled softly, her face seemingly always graced with a gentle smile.

The man was tall, his robe sleeves hanging gracefully, his handsome face exuding an air of confidence and elegance.

The two walked along the mountain path, conversing, seemingly oblivious to the sudden attack of the black monkeys from the sides.

The black monkeys’ faces were lit with bloodthirsty excitement, black demonic energy swirling continuously in their palms, carrying a strong corrosive breath, about to strike the pair.

"Clang!"

But just then, beside them, a giant cyan lotus’s phantom suddenly appeared, the petals tinged with a golden hue, like metal, exuding an indestructible aura.

The black monkeys’ attacks landed on the cyan lotus, making a clanging sound like metal striking, unable to break through its defense.

Moreover, a powerful purifying force surged from the cyan lotus, as if a spring breeze blowing away snow, aiming to obliterate all evil.

"Squeak squeak!"

The black monkey troop hadn’t reacted before they were struck by an unusual force, all knocked to the ground, their heart veins shattered, clearly beyond saving.

Witnessing this, Bian Chuyao couldn’t help but sigh:

"In the old days, Zhongshan Country boasted thousands of miles of mountains and rivers, with several Golden Cores. Though not as mighty as our Cyan Peak Daoist School, it was a force to be reckoned with, its Jade Hall filled with countless Spirit Beasts. But who would have thought that today it would become like this."

"Even the once extraordinary Golden-backed Apes have turned into demons..."

In that great battle, countless cultivators perished. Due to the hasty cleanup after the battle, the entire Zhongshan Country was thrown into the Land of Annihilation, and the bodies of these cultivators became food for the wild beasts and demon beasts in the mountains. These beasts consumed the bodies of these cultivators, growing stronger, and were gradually corrupted by endless grievances, turning into demonic creatures, even the Spirit Meridians were contaminated.

"Fortunately, the Land of Annihilation locks the realm levels, and although these demonic creatures are numerous, they cannot break through to the Qi Refining Realm. With Senior Brother Gu here, Chuyao will surely be safe to obtain the Flowing Flame Golden Fruit!"

Saying this, Bian Chuyao looked up at Gu Yuan, her eyes seemingly twinkling with admiration and awe.

Facing such a fake gaze, Gu Yuan remained unmoved, merely frowning as he asked, "Junior Sister, why have you not made a move along the way?"

Since entering Cloud Mist Mountain, Gu Yuan and his companions have encountered several attacks of various sizes.

Although the attacking demon beasts weren’t of high strength, Bian Chuyao never made a move, not even when the demon beasts were just inches away, always waiting for Gu Yuan’s protection.

Gu Yuan naturally could protect her, yet her constant reluctance to act made him suspicious.

Could it be that she’s waiting for something?

Facing Gu Yuan’s questioning, Bian Chuyao merely tilted her head and smiled: "These little demons surely won’t trouble Senior Brother. I need to conserve my strength to protect Senior Brother in the end!"

"What does Junior Sister mean by this? Is there another unforeseen event in this place?"

"Chuyao cannot be certain, it’s just a precaution. But rest assured, Senior Brother, if there’s a crisis, Junior Sister will surely take action. As for these little demons ahead, I’m confident that they won’t be a problem for Senior Brother."

Bian Chuyao explained with a smile.

"Could it be... someone else is also coming to fight for the Flowing Flame Golden Fruit?"

However, Gu Yuan wasn’t so easily fooled, sharply grasping the issue in Bian Chuyao’s words.

Bian Chuyao fell silent for a moment, then sighed softly: "I cannot be sure, but I’m just preparing for any eventuality. Rest assured, Senior Brother, I will act in times of danger, not leaving you to face it alone."

Gu Yuan nodded silently, but as he looked at the looming Cloud Mist Mountain, a peculiar look flashed in his eyes.

...

...

In the Land of Annihilation, Dharma Artifacts cannot be used. Without their Dharma Artifacts, Qi Refining cultivators find it extremely exhausting to use mana to activate Dharma Seals for flying. Coupled with the demon miasma clouding Cloud Mist Mountain, and the remnants of Zhongshan Country’s Sky-Sealing Array, flying is utterly impossible. Thus, Gu Yuan and his companion had to gradually advance along the stone steps in the mountain.

After a long while, with Gu Yuan repelling numerous assaults from minor demons in the mountains, they finally ventured deep into the demon miasma of Cloud Mist Mountain.

"Whoosh whoosh whoosh!"

Just after passing the mountain path, the black miasma surged like a tide, continuously eroding their mana and mental state.

Fortunately, both possessed Top-Grade Spiritual Senses, and with the protection of the Breaking Miasma Pill, they could almost ignore the demon miasma, walking safely within the black fog.

"Screech screech screech!"

But at this moment, an eerie fox’s call suddenly rang out, and a black dilapidated temple appeared before them in the miasma.

Inside the temple, a black fox howled skyward, its cries piercing, sending intangible sound waves like beasts’ roars to assault them.

For an ordinary cultivator, such an attack on one’s spiritual sense alone could render them motionless and stupefied.

"Roar!"

"Chirp!" 𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞

However, a silver Flood Dragon and a golden Fire Phoenix soared out, effortlessly blocking this fierce spiritual attack.

But the black wild fox, its limbs like lightning, bearing thick demonic energy, lunged for Gu Yuan’s throat.

The black temple’s fox was precisely the scene from the Crossing True Star Array, but the fox before them was stronger, having reached the level of Qi Refining Ninth Layer.