I am in Yellow Maple Valley, and I have a demonic beast clone!

Chapter Twenty-Two: Gathering! Old Monster Qiong!

The atmosphere in the council hall of Huangfeng Valley was solemn and heavy; you could hear a pin drop.

Sect Leader Zhong Lingdao sat in the main seat, his face serious, unlike his usual gentle demeanor.

On either side of him sat two mid-Foundation Establishment stage deacons with deep auras and sharp eyes, clearly the sect elders in charge of leading or supervising the team.

Below the main hall, a dense crowd of cultivators, numbering about sixty or seventy, stood.

These are all Qi Refining disciples from Huangfeng Valley who have made up their minds to venture into the Blood Forbidden Land to seek a chance at immortality.

Those who can stand here are at least at the tenth level of Qi Refining, with many at the eleventh or twelfth level. Several others have a deep and restrained aura and sharp eyes, clearly indicating that they are experts at the thirteenth level of Qi Refining!

Zhou Ding stood at the front of the crowd, calmly observing his surroundings.

The auras of the six or seven Qi Refining Perfection cultivators were as conspicuous as torches in the night, and there was a subtle sense of scrutiny and competition between them.

With Zhou Ding's revealed Qi Refining Level 13 cultivation, he naturally belongs to the first tier, attracting many eyes that are either wary or inquisitive.

His gaze moved slowly through the crowd, and he soon found Han Li at the back.

Han Li remained as unremarkable as ever, his aura perfectly concealed, blending seamlessly into the crowd.

He seemed to sense Zhou Ding's gaze, turned his head slightly, met Zhou Ding's gaze briefly, and nodded almost imperceptibly as a greeting.

Just as Zhou Ding was about to look away, he caught a rather "unusual" figure out of the corner of his eye.

He was an old man with white hair and a wrinkled face, who looked to be at least seventy or eighty years old, and stood out from the Qi Refining disciples whose average age was no more than thirty.

He had an ordinary aura, probably only at the eleventh or twelfth level of Qi Refining. He was hunched over and wore an old, faded Taoist robe. He blended into the crowd and was inconspicuous. Some disciples even looked at him with a hint of incomprehension and contempt.

At such a young age and with such cultivation, how dare he venture into the Crimson Forbidden Zone? Isn't he just courting death?

However, the moment Zhou Ding's gaze fell upon the old man, his heart felt as if it had been gripped tightly by an invisible hand, almost stopping its beating!

He forcibly controlled the muscles in his face, and with great willpower immediately and naturally shifted his gaze, as if he had only glanced at it unintentionally.

But deep inside, a monstrous storm was brewing!

"A gesture of respect!"

Based on the original work, this image instantly overlapped with the terrifying name deep in his memory.

A Nascent Soul stage cultivator, pay your respects!

One of the very few people who truly stand at the pinnacle of the human realm!

Yes, in the original story, it seems that he disguised himself and infiltrated the Crimson Forbidden Land in order to explore some ancient secrets or spatial nodes!

After the immense shock and horror came extreme calm and vigilance.

Zhou Ding immediately focused all his attention, keeping his eyes and nose focused on his mind. He even locked his proud divine sense inside his body, not daring to let it leak out in the slightest, and he dared not "look" at the old man again.

In front of a Nascent Soul stage expert, any unnatural curiosity or prying could be fatal!

He hoped that the other party hadn't noticed his momentary surprise and doubt.

"quiet!"

Just as Zhou Ding's thoughts were churning, the sect leader Zhong Lingdao's majestic voice resounded throughout the hall, drawing everyone's attention.

"This Bloodstained Forbidden Zone trial concerns the distribution of Foundation Establishment Pills for Yellow Maple Valley over the next few years, and even more so, the life and death of each and every one of you on your cultivation path!"

Zhong Lingdao's gaze swept across every face below, young or no longer young: "Within this forbidden land, danger lurks everywhere. Not only are there ferocious beasts left over from ancient times, bizarre poisonous insects, and natural deadly terrain, but also disciples from the other six sects eyeing you covetously! Murder for treasure, infighting—it's all too common! Since you've chosen to step into this place, you must be prepared to die, and even more so, have the determination to eliminate all obstacles!"

After a stern and realistic "mobilization," Chung Ling Dao signaled to the deacons on both sides to begin distributing the items.

Each disciple received a mid-grade spirit stone, a high-grade magic weapon, a bottle of healing pills, and two low-grade high-grade talismans.

This is a grant from the sect.

After the supplies were distributed, the light at the entrance of the main hall dimmed, and a profound and awe-inspiring spiritual pressure slowly spread out.

Surrounded by several Foundation Establishment cultivators, an old man with a square face, wide mouth, gray hair, and piercing eyes walked in with a powerful stride.

He didn't deliberately release any pressure, but just by standing there, all the Qi Refining disciples felt a slight tightness in their chests and involuntarily lowered their heads.

Li Huayuan, a Core Formation stage cultivator!

"Uncle-Master Li!" Sect Leader Zhong Lingdao and the two stewards quickly stood up and bowed respectfully.

Li Huayuan nodded casually, his gaze sweeping over the Qi Refining disciples below, as if it were a tangible scrutiny, before finally settling on Zhong Lingdao: "Is everyone here?"

"Reporting to Martial Uncle, all the disciples who participated in the trial are here," Zhong Lingdao replied respectfully.

"Okay." Li Huayuan said no more, waved his hand decisively, and announced in a booming voice, "Let's go!"

Having said that, he turned around first and strode out of the council hall.

The disciples dared not delay and quickly followed.

As soon as we stepped out of the main hall, the sky above us suddenly darkened!

In mid-air, a colossal object over twenty feet long was suspended!

Its entire body is covered with dense, silvery scales the size of a palm, which reflect a dazzling metallic luster in the sunlight.

Its head was ferocious, with a single, shiny black, spiraling horn. Its cold, vertical pupils exuded a fierce aura.

It was Li Huayuan's spirit beast, the Silver-Armored Horned Python!

"Hiss—!" A suppressed gasp and gasp rang out from the crowd.

For many disciples, this was the first time they had seen a demon beast so closely. The oppressive aura emanating from the level of life itself and the visual impact left them deeply moved and shaken.

Zhou Ding also looked up, his heart trembling.

But he quickly calmed down, and even felt a strong sense of anticipation: "A level three demonic beast, equivalent to the mid-Foundation Establishment stage... When my Little Gold advances to level three in the future, with its 'mutation technique' and foundational strength far exceeding that of its peers, what is this Silver-Armored Horned Python? If it can reach level four..."

He was full of confidence in his future and that of his clone.

"What are you all standing there for? Get up here quickly!" Li Huayuan had already landed steadily on the broad, platform-like back of the Silver-Armored Horned Python. Seeing his disciples still in a daze, he frowned and shouted in a low voice.

The disciples then seemed to wake from a dream and quickly used their lightness techniques to leap onto the python's back.

The back of the silver-armored horned python was surprisingly smooth, and its scales were cool but not slippery.

Once the last person had settled down, Li Huayuan had a sudden thought.

The silver-armored horned python let out a low hiss, like the friction of metal. Its massive body swayed slightly, its tail twitched in the air, creating a gust of wind. Then it transformed into a huge silver stream of light, soaring into the sky and disappearing into the clouds in the blink of an eye!

A fierce wind howled, and clouds and mist rushed towards us.

Zhou Ding found a spot on the side, sat down cross-legged, closed his eyes to regulate his breathing, adjusted himself to his best state, and quietly waited to arrive at his destination.

……

The two days passed in the blink of an eye amidst high-speed flight and the monks' meditation and breath control.

The silver-armored horned python finally landed on the top of a mountain that looked rather desolate and lacked spiritual energy.

The area offers a wide view, and several groups of cultivators in various attire have already arrived, each occupying a distinct area.

An invisible tension and sense of confrontation permeated the air.

Li Huayuan put away the Silver-Armored Horned Python and led the disciples of Huangfeng Valley to find an open space to settle down.

Like the other disciples, Zhou Ding sat cross-legged in place, but his eyes were secretly scanning the teams of other sects, observing potential opponents.

Soon, a strange sound of something breaking through the air came from the distant horizon, like the sound of silk and bamboo instruments, or the sound of wind.

As everyone looked up, they saw several "stars" suddenly light up on the azure sky and quickly magnify.

Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be a series of human figures supported by several points of silver light!

Beneath the silver light, several snow-white, crystal-clear ribbons, several meters wide and resembling a real rainbow bridge, fluttered in the wind, carrying those figures as they rode the wind, ethereal and otherworldly.

"It's the Qingxu Sect's 'Snow Rainbow Silk'!" a knowledgeable disciple exclaimed in a low voice.

Sure enough, the group of cultivators quickly approached and revealed their true forms.

Most of them wore gray Taoist robes, their hair was tied in a Taoist bun, they held whisks in their hands, and their faces were thin and refined, a standard Taoist attire, exuding an air of otherworldly elegance.

The leader was a middle-aged Taoist priest with fair skin, three long wisps of beard, and a refined and amiable demeanor. The widest and most dazzling piece of clothing he wore was a snow-white long silk robe.

"Haha, Fellow Daoist Li, it's been several years since we last met, and you still look as dashing as ever! I didn't expect you to be leading the team again this time. I, Fuyunzi, am very pleased!" The middle-aged Daoist rode the Snow Rainbow Silk and landed gracefully a few feet in front of Li Huayuan. He cupped his hands and smiled, his voice clear and melodious.

Upon seeing the newcomer, Li Huayuan raised an eyebrow and said irritably, "Fuyunzi, you old Taoist priest, don't try that trick on me! Last time, you tricked me so badly with your sweet words, don't try the same thing again this time!"

Upon hearing this, Fu Yunzi was not annoyed at all; on the contrary, his smile widened, and he waved his whisk: "Fellow Daoist Li, you are mistaken. It is only natural to accept defeat in a bet; how can you say that I cheated you? Last time, it was just that you were a little unlucky."

"Hmph! Don't try to talk your way out of this!" Li Huayuan snorted, clearly still holding a grudge about losing the bet last time.

Fu Yunzi's eyes darted around, a mysterious smile appearing on his face. He lowered his voice and said, "Fellow Daoist Li, don't be angry. I've brought something quite valuable with me this time... How about we gamble again? This time, the stakes I've brought will definitely tempt you..."

As he spoke, he flipped his hand, and something appeared out of thin air in his palm.

It was a strange sphere about the size of a fist, pure white like jade, but its surface was covered with dense, scarlet blood vessels.

As soon as the ball was released, a rich, pure demonic aura, carrying a wild and ferocious scent, and the smell of blood immediately spread, causing even the disciples with slightly lower cultivation levels nearby to feel a chill.

"This is..." Li Huayuan's pupils suddenly contracted as he stared intently at the sphere, his breathing becoming increasingly rapid.

"The inner core of a level-five demonic beast, the Bloodline Flood Dragon!"

Fu Yunzi wore a smug expression, but his tone was full of temptation, "Fellow Daoist Li, your Silver-Armored Horned Python is a type of python-dragon. If you can refine this pill, the benefits are self-evident, aren't they? Perhaps... there really is a sliver of a chance to reach the fifth level?"

A level 5 demonic beast is equivalent to the early stage of Core Formation!

Upon hearing this, Li Huayuan's eyes shone brightly, and a hint of struggle flashed across his face, but more than anything, he was filled with an irrepressible desire.

If the Silver-Armored Horned Python can advance, it will greatly enhance his strength!

"How...how do you want to gamble?" Li Huayuan's voice was slightly hoarse.

Seeing that the fish had taken the bait, Fu Yunzi's smile widened: "The rules are as simple as last time. Seven days later, the forbidden area will close. Whoever brings out the most valuable and numerous spiritual herbs from within will win. If you win, this Bloodline Flood Dragon's inner core is yours; if I win... well, not much is needed. Fellow Daoist Li, you can refine two more pieces of 'Iron Essence' for me, how about that?"

Iron essence is the refined essence that only Core Formation cultivators can extract from large quantities of iron. It is a precious material for crafting magical treasures, and its extraction is extremely taxing on mental and spiritual energy. The value of two pieces of iron essence is indeed similar to that of a peak level four demon beast's inner core.

Li Huayuan stared at the Bloodline Flood Dragon's inner core, then glanced at Fuyunzi's confident smile, his mind in turmoil.

Iron essence is indeed precious, but the Blood Thread Dragon's inner core is too tempting for him!

Moreover, he had some confidence in his disciple's abilities this time...

"Alright! Let's bet!" Li Huayuan gritted his teeth and stretched out his palm.

"Great!" Fu Yunzi laughed, extending his palm in preparation for a high five as a pledge.

However, just as their palms were about to touch—

A dirty hand, covered in grease and grime, with black mud under its fingernails, suddenly and abruptly appeared between the two hands!