Sensing the terrifying aura emanating from Qing Yiyun's forehead, Dao Ling's eyes narrowed slightly. This was surely a supernatural power implanted by a powerful being between his brows, a trump card to save his life in critical moments—but it would only activate if someone tried to kill him.
Dao Ling's figure flashed suddenly, bursting inward.
The Scarlet Fire Spirit Bird, about to thrash Qing Yiyun, let out a shriek at the sight, flung Qing Yiyun away, and flapped its wings furiously to charge inside.
"Spiritual herbs!" Dao Ling's eyes lit up at the sight of a herb wrapped in starlight. He swiftly reached out and grabbed it.
The three herbs were identical, resembling a flower with leaves. The first was half a foot tall, bearing five leaves, each veined with silver and 隐隐 (faintly) revealing a galaxy within, astonishing Dao Ling.
Especially the third one, shrouded in pure star energy, had six leaves each dripping with tiny star rivers. 隐隐 (Faintly) visible were embryonic stars floating within, mysterious and unpredictable.
"Ah, Six-Leaf Star Grass!" The Scarlet Fire Spirit Bird nearly died of fright, screaming at the top of its lungs. This was a rare treasure! A Six-Leaf Star Grass could spark wars if it appeared in the outside world.
This Star Grass could theoretically grow up to nine leaves, but nine-leaf ones were saintly medicines, likely nonexistent. The Six-Leaf Star Grass was already 极其罕见 (extremely rare), each worth a fortune.
Dao Ling glanced at the Scarlet Fire Spirit Bird and immediately stowed the three herbs. Formed from star energy, they were definitely several grades higher than Star Beads.
"Give me one," the Scarlet Fire Spirit Bird grinned, chuckling.
"Depends on your performance. Let's go," Dao Ling leaped onto its back. The Scarlet Fire Spirit Bird almost spat out old blood, flapping its wings and scratching its head: "Seriously?"
This treasure was incredibly rare—refining one would surely boost strength drastically. The Scarlet Fire Spirit Bird was eager. Anyway, this devilish youth was a master; following him meant good fortune.
"Hurry up, no more 废话 (nonsense)." Dao Ling urged. There must be more treasures here. The youth from the Ancient Divine Mountain, whom he hadn't encountered yet, was likely searching for something.
As they emerged, a thunderous boom echoed from afar. Star rivers burst forth like a flood, with stars manifesting as if a divine palace were opening.
The Scarlet Fire Spirit Bird howled, eyes reddening, and charged madly toward the opening divine palace.
By the time they arrived, a battle had erupted. Experts from the Star Academy had also entered. The youth from the Ancient Divine Mountain was 极其强势 (extremely overbearing), his body shrouded in divine radiance, his aura terrifying—one palm strike killed a creature.
Qian Yao was also there, graceful and perfect, her snow-white skin glowing. She was vying for a piece of animal pelt.
Three silver animal pelts, oozing starlight, held unclear inscriptions. Everyone here was fighting for them, as they might contain earth-shattering secrets.
"All of you, scram!" The Ancient Divine Mountain youth was fearsome, his aura surging like a great wave, sending seven or eight people coughing blood.
"Who is this terrifying person? Where does he come from?" Some Star Academy experts were astonished. Among them were the academy's prodigies, yet none could withstand a single blow from him.
The purple-haired youth was also present, clashing with the Ancient Divine Mountain youth. Others dared not approach, quickly shifting to other battlefields.
"What do we do? These people are all powerful," the Scarlet Fire Spirit Bird whispered from the sky. "Only the third pelt is contestable."
"Move in," Dao Ling's gaze fixed on the third pelt. The second was being fought over by Qian Yao's group; only the third offered a chance.
The Scarlet Fire Spirit Bird crept closer. A dozen people were locked in battle, the sky darkening, blood flying, the pelt changing hands repeatedly.
"If we grab it, we'll be surrounded. These people are no weaklings," the Scarlet Fire Spirit Bird muttered. This treasure was a hot potato.
"You go distract them. I'll snatch the pelt, then we leave," Dao Ling said.
At this, the Scarlet Fire Spirit Bird's face turned ashen, growling: "So I'm just bait? You do it if you're so tough!"
"Fine, I'll be the bait. But can you snatch the pelt?" Dao Ling scoffed.
The Scarlet Fire Spirit Bird hesitated. Dao Ling pressed: "This is the ancient Star Palace, possibly hiding peerless inheritances. Don't hesitate! If you miss this opportunity, you'll regret it for life. Even the Ancient Divine Mountain folks want it—imagine its value! You have a chance, but you don't seize it? How spineless!"
"Who's spineless? I'm just preparing!" The Scarlet Fire Spirit Bird nearly exploded, spitting out a treasure seal as raging scarlet flames burst forth.
Dao Ling hid under its wing. The Scarlet Fire Spirit Bird, tense, eyed the bloody scene. When the pelt was about to change hands, it piped up: "Stop! This belongs to me now."
The dozen fighters paused, casting confused glances before ignoring it.
"So pathetic, ignored like this..." Dao Ling's sigh set the Scarlet Fire Spirit Bird ablaze.
"YOU BRATS! DIDN'T YOU HEAR ME? SCRAM!" it roared, the treasure seal tumbling, scarlet fire 滔天 (sky-high), flipping down to suppress everyone.
The Scarlet Fire Spirit Bird charged toward the silver pelt, looking domineering as it aimed to subdue the crowd.
The dozen fighters were enraged. How dare this bird be so brazen, trying to suppress them all? This was an insult! Fist forces surged toward it, but the bird was quick, dashing in to draw their attention.
Dao Ling slipped from under the wing, snatched the silver pelt like the wind, and bolted outward.
The dozen fighters 联手 (jointly) sent the Scarlet Fire Spirit Bird flying, bloodied. When someone saw a shadow grab the treasure and flee, they howled: "What? Trap! The bird was just a decoy!"
Enraged, they hurled fist seals. A dozen attacks surged like a tidal wave.
Dao Ling's body turned bronze, his back veined with blood qi, golden runes forming as 琉璃丹焰 (glazed pill flames) enveloped him.
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
The attacks struck. The battle robe of glazed flames 扭曲 (twisted) and exploded. Energy smashed into his back, shattering golden runes and tearing flesh.
Dao Ling trembled, blood trickling from his mouth, nearly paralyzed. But his flesh was strong, enduring the blows as he neared the exit.
Just as he was about to escape, a terrifying shadow flashed—the Ancient Divine Mountain youth, incredibly fast, his palm aimed at Dao Ling's head to kill him.
This palm was so powerful it could shatter vacuum and crush mountains.
Dao Ling tensed, feeling immense pressure. A direct hit would mean severe injury. He readied himself, forming a fist seal, blood qi roaring, 气息凶猛 (fierce aura), and punched back.
BOOM! The crash was deafening, like two mountains colliding, the earth shaking.
"Hmm? Decent physical body," the Ancient Divine Mountain youth marveled, sensing Dao Ling's strength. His eyes gleamed with 杀意 (killing intent). Being at the peak of Yunling, his cultivation far surpassed Dao Ling's. His aura surged like a river through his arm, crashing into Dao Ling to destroy him.
Dao Ling didn't resist. His bronze body, veined with blood qi, golden runes solidifying, was sent flying.
The Divine Mountain youth snorted, strolling out unhurriedly. The dozen pursuing fighters gritted their teeth and turned to the second pelt.
Stepping outside, the youth's face froze. The area was empty, no one in sight.
"Court death!" he said coldly, his aura terrifying, golden pupils like vortices ready to devour souls, sending shivers down spines.