Inside the cave, the campfire crackled and danced, dispelling the dampness and chill. After resting, the man's complexion had improved significantly, and his breathing had become steady. Leaning against the stone wall, he slowly recounted his encounter with the Black Flame Demonic Tiger in the Secret Realm.
Lin Yaoyao took out a map and carefully identified their location by the firelight. 'Our current position is here,' Lin Yaoyao's slender finger gently tapped on the map, pointing to a spot marked with a Red Skull. 'The valley where the Black Flame Demonic Tiger roams is here.' Her finger slowly traced along a winding path, eventually stopping at a valley marked with a Black Flame Pattern. 'It seems we're not far from the Black Flame Demonic Tiger's valley,' Lin Yaoyao said gravely, her delicate brows slightly furrowed.
Meanwhile, Bai Li opened the System panel to check the rewards for the new task. 'Ding! Congratulations, host, on completing the task! Reward: 2 attribute points have been automatically added to the host's Attribute Panel,' the crisp voice of system xiao mai echoed in Bai Li's mind. With a thought, Bai Li allocated all 20 attribute points she had obtained to defense. A flicker of determination flashed in her silver eyes. In this perilous Secret Realm, boosting her defense would better protect herself and her companions.
System Panel:
Name: Bai Li
Gender: Female
Age: 18
Race: Spirit Beast Clan
Height: 1.44 m
Weight: 4 kg
Appearance: 89 (10 is max)
Strength: 35 (15 + 2 Bloodline Bonus)
Speed: 34 (14 + 2 Bloodline Bonus)
Defense: 87 (67 + 2 Bloodline Bonus) (Meat Fox?)
Talents: Myriad Medicine Body, Spiritual Qi Affinity
Skills: Mastery of Alchemy (Max Level), Nine-Tailed Fox Fire
Cultivation: Foundation Establishment, Second Layer (/2500)
Bloodline: Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox (Sealed, 1/9 Awakened, Bloodline Talent: All Attributes +2)
Contract Status: Contracted
Tail Authority: Healing and Rebirth
Main Quest: Awaken the Nine-Tailed Bloodline
Side Quest: Help Contractor Lin Yaoyao find a Spirit Beast Bloodline Treasure. No reward penalty.
Possesses extremely powerful healing and purification abilities. As the Bloodline awakens, the host's various abilities will greatly improve, eventually restoring the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox form. The Nine-Tailed Fox's fur is an extremely rare material for Artifact Refining, usable to craft armor and cloaks with high defense; the Nine-Tailed Fox's blood can be used to refine Medicinal Pills that enhance Divine Sense; the Nine-Tailed Fox's tails can be used to refine various Magic Treasures with formidable power.
The defense value on the System panel changed to 87. Bai Li nodded in satisfaction, closed the System panel, and turned to look at Lin Yaoyao, just meeting her gaze. The two exchanged a smile, understanding each other without words.
Shen Mo walked over to the man and asked with concern, 'Fellow Daoist, do you have any other information about this Black Flame Demonic Tiger? For example, its attack methods or its weaknesses?' As she inquired, she carefully observed the Trial Participant's expression, hoping to glean more useful information from his words and demeanor. Knowing oneself and the enemy ensures victory in every battle; they must have sufficient understanding of the Black Flame Demonic Tiger to formulate a more effective combat plan and increase their chances of survival.
The man recalled for a moment and slowly said, 'The Black Flame Demonic Tiger's attack methods mainly rely on its Sharp Claws and flames. It's extremely fast, its strength is formidable, and its flames are Corrosive. Once hit, it's hard to heal.' He paused, then continued, 'As for weaknesses... I fought it for a short time and didn't discover any.' His face showed a look of frustration, as if apologetic for not providing more useful information. He sighed and added, 'I only remember it seemed to fear water. I was forced near a Waterfall at the time, and it didn't approach but spat fire from a distance. However, the Waterfall's Mist seemed to suppress its flames.' As the Trial Participant spoke, he carefully searched the map and finally extended his finger, tapping heavily on a spot. 'Right, it's here! There should be a Waterfall nearby, not marked on the map,' he added.
The man marked the Black Flame Demonic Tiger's specific location and Activity Range on the map. This information supplemented the missing parts of the map and gave Lin Yaoyao and Shen Mo a clearer understanding of the Black Flame Demonic Tiger's range. Lin Yaoyao carefully studied the newly added information on the map, combining it with the Trial Participant's earlier description. Her brows furrowed as she fell into deep thought. After a moment, she looked up and said to Shen Mo and Bai Li, 'Based on the information provided by the Trial Participant, we need to revise our previous plan.' Pointing to a route on the map, she said, 'If we directly pass through the Black Flame Demonic Tiger's activity area, we're likely to encounter it head-on. With our current strength, it's hard to defeat it. So, I suggest we Take a Detour to avoid its activity area.'
Shen Mo looked at the map, thought for a moment, and nodded in agreement. 'Taking a detour will add some distance and delay, but it's safer.' She turned to Bai Li and asked for her opinion, 'Bai Li, what do you think?'
After hearing the Trial Participant's description, Bai Li gained a clearer understanding of the Black Flame Demonic Tiger's terrifying strength and danger. A flicker of gravity passed through her silver eyes. She understood that with their current strength, defeating the Black Flame Demonic Tiger was nearly impossible. 'I agree with taking a detour,' Bai Li said firmly.'Safety first.' As she spoke, she silently circulated her Cultivation Technique in her mind, deciding to intensify her Cultivation to improve her strength, better protect Lin Yaoyao and Shen Mo, and face the upcoming challenges. She knew that in this perilous Secret Realm, only by continuously improving her strength could she survive better.
As dusk fell, the sky outside the cave gradually darkened, and the Jungle became more eerie and terrifying. Lin Yaoyao assigned Shen Mo to Keep Watch, which Shen Mo gladly accepted. She walked to the cave entrance, holding a long sword, vigilantly observing the surroundings. She circulated her spiritual power to the utmost, ensuring she could detect any abnormalities immediately. Night fell, and the wind in the mountains grew stronger, rustling leaves like ghostly whispers. Occasional roars of beasts pierced the quiet night, sounding especially sharp. The firelight illuminated Shen Mo's resolute face; her eyes were sharp and piercing, like a guardian deity silently protecting her sleeping companions in the cave.
Meanwhile, Lin Yaoyao and Bai Li seized the time to Cultivate, restore their spiritual power, replenish their stamina, and prepare for the upcoming adventure. Lin Yaoyao sat cross-legged deep in the cave, meditating with closed eyes. She circulated the spiritual power within her body, following the Cultivation Technique's pathways through her Meridians, feeling the Qi flow and nourish her body. In the room, Spiritual Qi swirled, forming a faint White Halo that enveloped her. She seemed to be in a misty, celestial realm, with her body and mind greatly relaxed and elevated. Bai Li also sat cross-legged beside Lin Yaoyao, meditating with closed eyes. She silently circulated her Cultivation Technique, absorbing the surrounding Spiritual Qi and restoring her consumed power. Two fluffy tails swayed gently behind her, like two blooming White Pom-poms, rising and falling softly with her breath.
"Sister Yaoyao, when are we setting off?" Bai Li opened her eyes, turned to look at Lin Yaoyao, and asked softly.
Lin Yaoyao opened her eyes, glanced at the sky outside the cave, and said, "We'll set off after daybreak."
Bai Li nodded, "Alright."
Bai Li stretched, her fluffy tail swaying slightly. She pulled out a small furry comb from her Storage Pouch and carefully groomed her two tails. One stroke, two strokes, one stroke, two strokes... The cave was extremely quiet, with only the faint sound of the comb brushing through fur.
Dawn broke, and the morning light filtered through the vines at the cave entrance, casting dappled shadows on the ground. Lin Yaoyao and Bai Li finished their Cultivation, feeling refreshed and full of energy. Shen Mo had not slept all night but remained alert, her long sword gleaming coldly as she maintained vigilance. The Trial Participant, after a night's rest and Medicinal Pill treatment, had improved significantly, his complexion regaining some color. He struggled to get up, and Lin Yaoyao quickly stepped forward to support him, asking with concern, "Fellow Daoist, how are you feeling?"
"I am Li Ming, from the Qingyun Sect. Thank you for your concern, Miss Lin. My injuries are no longer an issue, and I can continue traveling," Li Ming said gratefully, testing his movements. Though still somewhat weak, he could move freely.
Lin Yaoyao nodded and said, "In that case, let's set off now." She turned to Shen Mo and Bai Li, "We'll continue according to our original plan, taking a detour to avoid a direct encounter with the Black Flame Demonic Tiger."
Shen Mo and Bai Li agreed. The four left the cave and continued deeper into the Trial Secret Realm. Bai Li walked at the front, her silver eyes gleaming, her fluffy twin tails swaying gently with her steps as she keenly sensed the surroundings, guiding everyone away from dangers and traps. Shen Mo followed closely behind, holding her long sword, her sharp gaze scanning the environment, vigilantly observing every plant, stone, and blade of grass—no movement escaped her notice. Lin Yaoyao and Li Ming walked in the middle of the group. Lin Yaoyao tended to Li Ming while studying the map to confirm their direction, occasionally exchanging information with Shen Mo to analyze the situation and plan their next steps. The Trial Participant silently followed behind Lin Yaoyao, filled with gratitude. If not for their rescue, he might have already perished in the Yellow Springs. He silently resolved to do everything in his power to help them complete their task, repaying their life-saving kindness.
Sunlight filtered through the dense canopy, casting dappled shadows on the ground. The Jungle was filled with the damp scent of soil and the fragrance of various plants. Birds chirped merrily on branches, butterflies danced among flowers—a scene full of vitality. Yet, behind this beautiful scenery lay countless dangers.
Bai Li suddenly stopped, a flicker of alertness in her silver eyes, her two fox tails twitching uneasily. "There's the sound of a Waterfall ahead," she said softly.
Lin Yaoyao and Shen Mo also stopped, listening carefully. Indeed, the sound of rushing water came from the distance, growing clearer and closer.
"A Waterfall?" Lin Yaoyao looked at the map, which did not mark a Waterfall. "Could it be the hidden Waterfall the Trial Participant mentioned?" she wondered to herself. If so, it meant they were not far from the Black Flame Demonic Tiger's lair.
"Let's go take a look," Shen Mo suggested, gripping her long sword tightly, a hint of caution in her gaze. "Be careful; there might be danger nearby."
Bai Li nodded and led the way toward the Waterfall. Lin Yaoyao and Li Ming followed closely, while Shen Mo brought up the rear to protect them.
Following the sound of water, the four pushed through layers of foliage, and their view suddenly opened up. A massive Waterfall cascaded down from towering cliffs, majestic and powerful. The water crashed against jagged rocks below, creating a deafening roar and sending up Mist that formed beautiful rainbows in the sunlight. The air was filled with damp moisture and the fresh scent of plants, refreshing the mind.
Bai Li walked to the edge of the cliff and looked down. Below the Waterfall was a deep pool, its water emerald green and bottomless, like a giant piece of jade embedded in the valley. The pool was surrounded by exotic flowers and plants, vibrant and colorful, competing in beauty. Rich Spiritual Qi rose from the water, forming a thin Mist around the pool, making the entire scene look like a fairyland, breathtakingly beautiful. Bai Li turned excitedly to Lin Yaoyao and said, "Sister Yaoyao, look, the Spiritual Qi in this pool is so rich!" Her silver eyes sparkled, her two fox tails wagging happily behind her like two blooming white flowers, expressing her excitement. Bai Li was highly sensitive to Spiritual Qi and could clearly feel the dense energy in the pool, far surpassing any place she had seen before. This filled her with curiosity and anticipation—perhaps something like a Heaven And Earth Treasure was hidden below.
Lin Yaoyao and Shen Mo also walked to the cliff edge and looked down. The pool water was clear, with colorful pebbles visible at the bottom, shimmering in the sunlight. The plants around the pool were exceptionally lush, vibrant, and full of life. The fresh air carried the fragrance of flowers and the moist scent of the water, refreshing and serene, as if they were in a paradise. Lin Yaoyao's heart stirred—with such rich Spiritual Qi, perhaps something like a Heaven And Earth Treasure was indeed hidden below. She turned to Shen Mo and Bai Li and said, "Let's go down and take a look." Her tone held a hint of excitement and anticipation, her eyes gleaming.
Shen Mo nodded in agreement. She turned to Li Ming and said, "Fellow Daoist Li, wait here. We'll go down and return shortly." Her tone was gentle, with a touch of concern. The Trial Participant's injuries were stable but not fully healed, making it unsuitable for him to descend to the pool bottom, where the environment was complex and fraught with danger. If they encountered any threats, he would only be a burden.
Li Ming gave Shen Mo a grateful look and nodded, saying, "Don't worry, Miss Shen. I'll wait here for your return." He understood Shen Mo's intention and knew his current condition was not fit for risk. He sat cross-legged, beginning to regulate his breathing and recover his Qi, silently praying for Lin Yaoyao, Shen Mo, and Bai Li's safe return.
Lin Yaoyao summoned her Flying Sword, its crystalline white blade gleaming in the sunlight, emitting a faint chill. Bai Li leaped lightly into Lin Yaoyao's arms, and Lin Yaoyao held her, Bai Li's two fox tails swaying gently in her embrace like soft scarves, bringing a touch of warmth. Shen Mo also summoned her Flying Sword, nimbly stepping onto it, her long sword emitting a faint cold light as she remained vigilant.