They walked deeper into the forest. Along the way, they encountered many groups of other participants. Some were fighting monsters bitterly, while others were forming alliances to search for treasures.
But whenever they saw Anthony and Yan Zhuo walking calmly, they would instinctively move aside. The aura Anthony emitted was too calm, yet too oppressive. No one dared to provoke them.
"Anthony, look over there!" Yan Zhuo suddenly pointed to a hill not far away.
On top of the hill, there was a natural garden protected by a light barrier. Inside, dozens of stalks of herbs were growing, glowing with different colors.
"That's... the Thousand-Year Ginseng! And that is the Moon Dew Flower!" Yan Zhuo's eyes lit up. "Those are high-grade ingredients! Just one stalk is worth hundreds of Spirit Stones!"
"Indeed," Anthony nodded. "But it seems someone got there first."
At the entrance of the garden, three young men were already trying to break the barrier. One of them was wearing a blue robe embroidered with waves. He held a long sword and was cutting at the light screen with water-attribute energy.
"It's the disciples of the Water Wave Sect," Anthony analyzed. "They are known for their defensive and healing techniques."
"Hey! You two! Get lost!" One of the disciples noticed them and shouted arrogantly. "This place is marked by us! Don't even think about getting a share!"
Yan Zhuo immediately got angry. "Marked? Since when does this place belong to you? The herbs grow here naturally, whoever takes them owns them!"
"Little girl, you have a sharp tongue," the leader in blue turned around. He had a mole under his eye, looking very sinister. "I am Liu Feng, the third disciple of Water Wave Sect. If you know what's good for you, turn around and leave. Otherwise... I don't mind adding two more lives to my tally today."
"Master, this guy has killing intent," Anthony noted.
"He is at the Late Stage of Foundation Establishment. Quite confident. But he is too noisy."
Anthony stepped forward, standing in front of Yan Zhuo. He looked at Liu Feng calmly.
"Move aside. Or I will make you move."
"Haha! Big words!" Liu Feng laughed. "Do you know who I am? My Water Palm Art can drown even a fire cultivator! You look like a pretty boy, probably just rely on your looks to get here. Let me teach you how to respect your seniors!"
Liu Feng didn't wait for a reply. He suddenly attacked! His hand turned blue and swelled up, covered in rolling water energy.
"TIDAL WAVE PALM!"
A massive palm print made of condensed water smashed towards Anthony, carrying the force of a crashing wave. It was powerful and heavy.
"Anthony! Watch out!"
Anthony didn't flinch. He saw through the movement instantly.
"Too slow. And too soft."
Anthony raised his own hand. It didn't glow with any light, nor did it make any sound.
"STAR CRUSHING FIST!"
He punched forward.
BOOM!!!
The sound was deafening. The water palm print instantly shattered like glass. The force didn't stop; it went straight through and hit Liu Feng in the chest.
Crack!
"Gah?!" Liu Feng's eyes bulged. He felt like he was hit by a meteor. His body bent backward like a shrimp, and he was sent flying dozens of meters away, crashing hard into a tree.
"Elder Brother Liu!" The other two disciples were terrified.
They looked at Anthony, who was standing there with his fist still clenched, his expression cold and indifferent.
"Now," Anthony said softly. "Is the way clear?"
The two disciples shivered in fear. They didn't dare to say another word. They dragged the injured Liu Feng and ran away as fast as they could.
"Hmph! Cowards!" Yan Zhuo snorted, then turned to Anthony with a bright smile. "That was awesome! You are so strong!"
"Let's collect the herbs," Anthony smiled. "We will use these to make pills later. Your fire power will increase even more."
They walked into the garden and began to harvest the treasures. Their journey in the Mystic Realm had officially begun, and they were off to a perfect start.