Chapter 9: The Valley

Unfortunately, one hemostatic pill requires thirty low-grade five-element stones. Even for a hunting team like Qu Yun's, they can only afford to buy two or three as backups

Upon first seeing such a gigantic spider, even Feng Ruoxin, with her resolute spirit, could not help but gasp in surprise. What was even more alarming was that the basic spirit beast identification manual did not contain any information about this enormous spider

This is a narrow and elongated valley, approximately several hundred zhang in length and only about ten zhang in width. Both sides are quite steep, but due to the towering trees and vines on either side, it is difficult to detect the existence of this valley even when flying overhead on a mount. As for discovering it from the ground, it is even more challenging. If it weren't for Feng Ruo accidentally stepping into a void, it is likely that this valley, so close at hand, would have gone unnoticed.

The Blood-Stopping Pill is not a crude and hastily made remedy like the Blood-Stopping Powder; it is a true elixir with the ability to bring the dead back to life and heal broken bones. Even in a state of severe injury and near death, as long as one consumes this Blood-Stopping Pill, recovery can occur within a few hours. It is undoubtedly the best choice for hunting expeditions.

However, the purple-green vine is not as ubiquitous as the blood-clotting grass; it is quite rare. Moreover, in such an environment, many third-generation disciples of the Qingyun Sect who intended to collect the purple-green vine have returned empty-handed.

It is done, now I've fallen into that spider's lair!

With a thought, he swiftly severed the spider silk entangling his left leg as if wielding a knife. At this moment, all he desired was to escape as far as possible, and he dared not entertain any other thoughts.

After rolling down for a moment, Feng Ruo finally managed to halt the downward momentum, but the already tattered clothes on his body could not withstand it, turning into threads and strips.

Fortunately, the Moonlit Short Blade is indeed sharp, allowing this to be accomplished with little effort. I imagine that if it were the long blade from before, it would have already been nicked dozens of times by now.

After advancing for about an hour, the surroundings of Feng Ruo became increasingly dim. It was evident that no one had visited this place for a long time, as the sprawling vines had densely covered all the space, blocking out the light.

Yet even so, Feng Ruo could not be certain that she would not get lost. Moreover, the terrain here was uneven and unpredictable, making it somewhat challenging for Feng Ruo, given her current abilities.

Holding his breath, Feng gently cut through the vines blocking the way with the Moonlit Dagger, while carefully searching. As for the spirit beasts, he was not very concerned, because in this densely vine-covered area, even if a spirit beast appeared, it would make a loud noise in advance.

Unexpectedly, the place where he landed was a steep slope; at that moment, he had no time to react, and his whole body involuntarily fell down!

The trees in this valley are not particularly numerous, yet the various flowers and grasses are exceptionally vibrant. From the perspective of Feng Ruo, it is indeed very beautiful

In this situation, Feng Ruo had no time to escape from the steep sides of the valley and could only desperately run forward into the valley, regardless of the circumstances, as the terrain within the valley was relatively flat

If Feng Ruo could now collect a purple-blue vine, he would certainly hope for it, as that would allow him to earn at least four or five low-grade five-element stones, which is much more profitable than hunting a first-level spirit beast

The short knife reflecting the moonlight in Feng Ruo's hand unexpectedly bounced back when it struck the delicate spider silk, nearly causing him to lose his grip

Damn it! Seeing the situation as it is, Feng Ruo had no choice but to give up on moving forward. It was not that he was afraid, but rather that he had to return the way he came. Otherwise, he would have no choice but to spend the night on the East Peak, which was not the outcome he desired

What a pity! If only I had a flying mount!" Feng Ruo could not help but exclaim. If he had a white-feathered crane, it would not only shorten his travel time, but in situations like this, he would naturally not have to worry about getting lost. Moreover, if he encountered any unknown dangers, he could also take refuge in the sky.

"Could it be a Level 2 Spirit Beast?" Feng Ruo's mind quickly flashed this thought. A Level 2 Spirit Beast is not something he can handle at his current level, as it is almost equivalent to a mid-stage Qi Refinement cultivator. Even Kong Fei would have to expend considerable effort to hunt one down

However, Feng Ruo was not overwhelmed by excitement; he understood very well that his strength was still insufficient to compare with those third-generation disciples of the Qingyun Sect. This place was certainly not his own backyard

However, Feng Ruo did not have time to appreciate this achievement; he turned and fled, for the enormous spider was truly beyond his imagination. His magical power could only support the casting of the Flame Blade three times, and with the addition of the five doses of Vitality Powder, he could cast a total of only eight times. Yet, he did not believe that these eight blades could break through the defenses of that silver spider www.hetushu .com .com

With a low shout from Feng Ruo, a flash of fire swiftly streaked through the air, striking firmly against the spider silk. With a violent tremor, the spider silk was severed with a sharp "crack" sound

The sudden situation startled Feng Ruo greatly, but fortunately, he did not scream; otherwise, it would have been disastrous to attract any spirit beasts at that moment

With a wry smile, Feng Ruo directly dismissed this unrealistic thought; in this perilous environment, losing focus is certainly not a good thing

After Feng Ruo had taken more than ten steps forward, a rustling sound suddenly came from behind him. Before he could turn around to look, he felt something wrap around his left leg, followed by a tremendous force pulling him, nearly causing him to topple over.

However, in that introductory manual on the identification of spiritual herbs, there is a record of a type of spiritual herb called Purple-Blue Vine, which grows in dark environments. Specifically, this spiritual herb has far surpassed the level of Blood Coagulation Grass and Sweet Dew Branch, making it extremely precious. Notably, this herb can be used as the main ingredient in the refinement of hemostatic elixirs

However, if Feng Ruo is unable to attend to these matters now, he swiftly positions the Yingyue short knife horizontally across his chest, while quickly surveying the surrounding situation. Only after confirming that there is no danger does he let out a slight sigh of relief

Fortunately, Feng Ruo's reaction was also extremely swift; he immediately bent his waist and exerted force to counteract that power. At that moment, he discovered that what had ensnared him was actually a white silk thread, nearly the same thickness as a hair. Moreover, the source of this thread was a silver spider the size of a calf.

With a shout of "Hey!" Feng Ruo lightly leaped down from a cliff several zhang high. After stumbling a couple of steps, he quickly steadied himself and cautiously scanned his surroundings. He was now outside the area he had previously explored, so he had to remain vigilant at all times

To know that the core area of Qingyun Mountain, with its four peaks to the southeast, southwest, northeast, and northwest, has always been the backyard of those third-generation disciples, where the most formidable spirit beasts are merely second-level spirit beasts, and the relatively rare spirit herbs have long been completely harvested by them. Such a secluded valley may very well contain many overlooked spirit herbs; if he can collect a few, he could strike it rich.

"This is terrible! This spider silk is even more resilient than snow silkworm silk!" Feng Ruo was greatly alarmed in her heart, and without a moment's hesitation, she swiftly infused her magical power into the Moonlit Dagger. Almost simultaneously, the entire blade was enveloped in a half-foot-long red flame! This time, to be cautious, Feng Ruo deliberately increased the output of her magical power.

After looking around for a while, Feng Ruo couldn't help but frown. Perhaps he was nearing the heart of the Eastern Peak, where the tall trees were no longer sparse. The entire sky was shrouded by the massive canopies, and occasionally a ray of sunlight would pierce through, only to be quickly swallowed by the boundless shadows. As a result, he was unable to determine his direction and could only rely on his memory and experience to ascertain his position

If given a choice, Feng Ruo would certainly be unwilling to take such a risk, but this is indeed the fastest way for him to obtain the Five Element Stones at present

In an instant, Feng Ruo suddenly exerted force and, under the books, he dashed forward over ten zhang. However, the speed of the silver spider was surprisingly swift as well, closely following behind. It seemed that if it closed the distance just a little more, it would be able to shoot out its silk.

Certainly, while remaining vigilant, Feng Ruo did not forget to search for spiritual herbs. The two types of spiritual herbs, Blood凝草 and Sweet Dew Branch, were not worth considering, as there was no opportunity for them to grow in such an environment

After shaking his somewhat sore neck, Feng Ruo turned around to head back along the path. However, he unexpectedly stepped on an extremely slippery object and nearly fell backward due to the suddenness of it. Fortunately, his reflexes were quick, and he leaped to the side to regain his balance

However, these flowers and grasses are all waist-deep, and no one knows what is hidden within them

Taking a deep breath, Feng Ruo casually adjusted the tattered strip of cloth on her body, then cautiously moved forward with the Yingyue short knife in hand, while carefully observing every blade of grass and tree around her

After carefully observing the situation here, Feng Ruo felt a surge of excitement within, for the unique location of this valley held a significant possibility of remaining unnoticed by others

Perhaps due to the abundance of trees, the weeds on the ground appear somewhat pitiful. However, in contrast, the unknown vines thrive remarkably, growing wildly everywhere in sight, to the extent that Feng Ruo had to force a path through them.

But suddenly, Feng Ruo felt a void beneath his feet. Looking down, he discovered it was a dark cave! It was only because he was fleeing in panic, combined with the surrounding overgrown weeds, that he had not noticed it at all