Meeting Han Yunzhi Again

The next morning, a powerful fluctuation of spiritual energy erupted from the southwest, followed by a brilliant white beam of light piercing the sky, breaking through the distant clouds.

Above the vast sea of fog, a massive sphere of light began to form.

Disciples of Tianque Castle swiftly activated the Moon Sun Orb, using its power to disperse the dense fog.

Qi Yuan's eyes burned with anticipation—he would soon see Nangong Wan again. He wasn't sure if he could win her over or pry into the secrets of Spirit Beast Mountain, but he knew he had to give it his all.

The sphere of light in the sky spun rapidly, its brilliance intensifying until even the monks in the forbidden area dared not look directly at it.

After half an incense stick of time, fine cracks appeared on its surface, as if something within was about to hatch.

Then—

A thunderous explosion shook the heavens. The sphere burst into countless fragments of light, cascading down like a magnificent meteor shower.

As soon as the luminous fragments touched the mist below, the fog churned violently, boiling and surging until it finally dissipated.

With the veil lifted, the landscape of the Blood Forbidden Land was fully revealed. A majestic circular mountain range, its ridges steep and imposing, came into view, drawing admiration from the disciples of the seven sects.

Suddenly, with a sharp whooshing sound, a brown figure shot out of the nearby bushes like an arrow, disappearing into the dark mountains.

The sight instantly triggered the instincts of the gathered disciples. The Blood Forbidden Land was only open for five days—every moment was precious. Without hesitation, they sprang into action, eager to gather as many rare elixirs as possible before time ran out.

Qi Yuan, however, remained still, carefully observing the paths taken by the others. If too many people crowded one route, the rewards would be scarce.

He knew better than to follow the masses.

After waiting patiently, he spotted a less-traveled path leading up the rightmost mountain—only three or four figures had ventured that way. If he encountered them, any conflict would be easier to manage.

Gathering spiritual herbs was not his priority. He had already seized plenty from defeated elite disciples. Instead, he intended to head straight to the stone hall and wait for Nangong Wan.

But first, he needed to prepare.

Tianlei Zi was powerful but unreliable against fast-moving opponents. Once he exhausted his supply, he would be vulnerable. The Gold Brick Talisman was too slow to activate—depending on it entirely would be foolish.

A better plan was needed.

He decided to collect yin and yang energies to craft Yan Yang Talismans and Condensed Pearl Talismans for self-defense.

The second level of the Blood Forbidden Land posed more than just the challenge of the terrain and fog—formidable monsters lurked within.

Instead of confronting them head-on, Qi Yuan considered a different approach. Monsters were living beings too, possessing their own yin and yang energies.

Solitary creatures would take too long to harness energy from, but packs—groups of seven or eight—would be ideal. The stronger their presence, the greater the energy he could extract.

He retrieved the jade slip Li Huayuan had given him, quickly scanning for a suitable target.

Mountain-Breaking Wolves.

A pack-dwelling species known for their natural ability to shatter stone, their strength hovered around the first level—manageable within his current capabilities.

Most importantly, they were nearby. A convenient source of free yin and yang energies.

Having made his decision, Qi Yuan stowed the jade slip and gripped a few mid-level talismans before speaking calmly.

"Stop hiding. Come out."

His spiritual sense had detected movement—someone was approaching.

If their intentions were hostile, he would strike first. If they were simply passing by, he would let them live.

A rustling sound came from the dense forest. Moments later, a young woman in green emerged, her cheeks flushed, hands clasped together in nervous hesitation.

Han Yunzhi.

Qi Yuan hadn't expected to see her here. A mere coincidence? Or something else?

The talisman in his hand vanished into his sleeve as he spoke.

"It's you? Do you have a death wish, venturing into the second level with your level of cultivation?"

Han Yunzhi might have managed to collect herbs safely on the first floor, but the second floor was another matter entirely. The danger here was far greater.

Then he remembered—she was searching for the Fiery Sun Flower. That explained her reckless decision.

"I saw you from a distance," Han Yunzhi whispered. "So I followed you…"

Qi Yuan was momentarily taken aback. This place was perilous—it would be heartless to send her away.

"Follow me," he said flatly. "Don't wander off."

Han Yunzhi's face lit up. "My name is Han Yunzhi. May I know your surname, benefactor?"

"Qi Yuan," he answered with a faint smile.

"Can I call you Brother Qi?" she asked, her eyes gleaming.

Qi Yuan met her gaze. Something about her sincerity softened his heart. He nodded slightly.

Beaming, Han Yunzhi trotted a few steps closer. "Brother Qi, thank you for saving my life."

"Enough with the formalities," Qi Yuan said, barely glancing at her. "Just follow me."

A flicker of disappointment crossed Han Yunzhi's face, but she quickly regained her cheerful demeanor and followed.

She knew she needed his help.

Down in a low-lying valley, a pack of powerful, ferocious mountain wolves prowled, their eyes gleaming with cold hunger, ready to pounce on unsuspecting prey.

Suddenly, a pheasant darted into their territory, as if it had been sent there deliberately.

The bird let out a few frantic cries before realizing the danger and attempted to flee.

But it was too late.

Four or five wolves lunged, tearing the pheasant apart in an instant.

Moments later, the wolves that had feasted began behaving strangely, letting out low howls, their bodies tense with excitement.

One male wolf slowly approached a female, the two exchanging silent communication before slipping away into the shadows.

Seeing their packmates pair off, the rest of the wolves began following suit.

A strange atmosphere settled over the valley.

Hidden in the darkness, Qi Yuan smirked in satisfaction. His plan was working. But this was only the beginning—he needed more yin and yang energies.

Beside him, Han Yunzhi had turned crimson, her expression torn between embarrassment and outrage. She cast an incredulous glance at Qi Yuan, as if struggling to believe what she had just witnessed.

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