Qingming Mountain Range

Ten days later.

Mu Bai leaned against the carriage window, gazing outside in utter boredom.

They had already been traveling through the mountains for more than half a month. According to Langya Xing's original estimate, they should have crossed the Qingming Mountain Range in three days and reached the outer territory of the Langya Family.

However, a sudden landslide had completely changed their plans—the entire road had been buried, the mountains had collapsed, even altering the terrain's original contours.

Left with no choice, the caravan could only take a detour, choosing a more perilous route—venturing deep into the heart of the Qingming Mountain Range and crossing part of the range.

This road was far more difficult than the previous one.

The mountain path was rugged, at times so narrow that only one carriage could pass through, and at others so steep that the Bai Ze Beasts had to exert themselves to climb it.

Dense ancient forests blotted out the sky and sun. From time to time, deep beastly roars drifted over from afar, sending chills down one's spine.

What concerned Mu Bai even more was that, ever since entering the depths of the Qingming Mountain Range, everyone from the Langya Family, including Langya Xing, had become exceptionally vigilant.

Langya Xing, who had originally been so relaxed, was now faintly frowning. Every so often, he lifted the curtain and swept his gaze over their surroundings, as though guarding against something.

Mu Bai finally could not help asking, "Young Master Langya, is the Qingming Mountain Range... dangerous?"

Langya Xing withdrew his gaze, his expression solemn. "The Qingming Mountain Range is unlike ordinary mountains in the secular world. Many exotic beasts live here, and there are even true demon beasts at the Innate level."

"Innate-level demon beasts?!" Mu Bai's heart jolted.

After entering the world of cultivation, he had long known that powers beyond the mortal realm existed in this world. Yet hearing of something like an "Innate demon beast" still shook him deeply.

That was a terrifying existence comparable to a human Innate expert. Should they truly encounter one, the entire caravan would likely be wiped out in an instant.

Langya Xing seemed to see his concern and smiled faintly. "Don't worry. The demon beasts here have an agreement with my Langya Family. Innate-level demon beasts will not attack members of the Langya Family."

Only then did Mu Bai let out a breath of relief.

"However..." Langya Xing changed the subject. "What we truly need to guard against are exotic beasts in the Houtian realm. Most of them appear in groups. Even we might meet our end on the spot if we are careless."

Mu Bai nodded, his heart settling somewhat.

As long as the enemy was not at the Innate level, he was not afraid to fight.

Just then, the carriage jolted to a halt.

"What happened?" Langya Xing frowned slightly.

From outside came the gray-robed elder's voice. "Young Master, there is an exotic beast's aura ahead. It seems... to be guarding something."

Interest flashed through Langya Xing's eyes. He lifted the carriage curtain and got down with Mu Bai.

Among the trees ahead, a massive figure could vaguely be seen crouched beside a short tree bearing red fruit.

The fruit was crimson all over, its surface glowing with a faint spiritual light. It was clearly no ordinary thing.

"That is a Crimson Spirit Fruit," Langya Xing said quietly. "One of the supplementary ingredients for refining Innate Pills. It is quite valuable."

Mu Bai's gaze sharpened.

Innate Pills—those were precious medicinal pills capable of helping Houtian martial artists break into the Innate realm!

And guarding the Crimson Spirit Fruit tree was a huge exotic beast—a giant wolf in shape, but with six legs. Its entire body was covered in pitch-black scales, its fangs were chillingly sharp, and scarlet light gleamed in its eyes.

"A Black Scale Wolf at the Houtian Limit." Langya Xing narrowed his eyes. "It appears to be waiting for the Crimson Spirit Fruit to ripen."

Mu Bai gripped the Qinglin Sword, battle intent gradually rising within him. "Should we make a move?"

Langya Xing smiled faintly. "Since we've come across it, naturally we cannot let it pass us by."

Before his words had faded, the Black Scale Wolf seemed to sense their presence. It abruptly raised its head, its scarlet beast eyes locking onto the two of them as a deep growl rumbled from its throat.

"Roar—!"

The next instant, it burst into motion. Its six legs struck the ground as it lunged forth like a bolt of black lightning!

Mu Bai's eyes turned cold. The Qinglin Sword left its sheath in an instant, Sword Qi blazing like a rainbow as it slashed straight for the wolf's head!

"Clang—!"

The sword blade collided with the Black Scale Wolf's sharp claws, sparks flying in every direction.

Mu Bai felt a tremendous force strike him, forcing him back two steps. His heart filled with alarm—this Black Scale Wolf's strength was actually even more tyrannical than that of an ordinary Houtian Limit martial artist!

Langya Xing did not rush to act. Instead, he stood to the side, one finger slightly raised as a pure lotus silently emerged, as though waiting for the best opportunity.

The Black Scale Wolf failed to land its blow, and its ferocity only intensified. Its six legs suddenly exerted force as it pounced again!

Mu Bai snorted coldly, his sword stance shifting. The fourth form of the Lightness Sword Style—"Clouds Roll, Clouds Unfurl!"

In an instant, countless strands of Sword Qi poured down like dense storm clouds, enshrouding the Black Scale Wolf!

"Sss! Sss! Sss—!"

The Sword Qi struck the wolf's body, yet produced the sound of metal clashing against metal. The Black Scale Wolf's scales possessed extraordinarily powerful defenses; ordinary Sword Qi could hardly break through them!

"Its weak point is its abdomen!" Langya Xing suddenly called out.

Mu Bai's gaze sharpened. His body suddenly accelerated, and his sword's edge turned, stabbing directly toward the Black Scale Wolf's lower belly!

The Black Scale Wolf roared in fury. Its six legs kicked fiercely, and it actually twisted its body in midair, avoiding the vital point. At the same time, one claw swept across, driving straight for Mu Bai's throat!

At the critical moment, a streak of white light suddenly flashed!

"Pure Lotus Heart Sutra—First Finger!"

Langya Xing finally made his move. A pure lotus shot through the air, striking the Black Scale Wolf precisely in the flank!

"Bang—!"

The Black Scale Wolf recoiled in pain, its body faltering. Mu Bai seized the opening, and the Qinglin Sword shot out like a whirlwind!

"Tornado Rain Strike!"

"Squelch—!"

The blade pierced into the Black Scale Wolf's abdomen, blood gushing forth!

"Roar—!" The Black Scale Wolf let out a shrill howl and struggled to counterattack, but Langya Xing moved his fingertips again. A second, then a third pure lotus blasted out in succession, completely sealing off its retreat!

"It's over," Langya Xing said calmly.

A sharp glint flashed in Mu Bai's eyes as he violently twisted the blade!

"Boom—!"

The Black Scale Wolf's body crashed heavily to the ground, devoid of life.

Mu Bai let out a long breath and sheathed his sword.

Langya Xing stepped forward and lightly tapped with his fingertip. The pure lotus dissolved into a wisp of white light.

He looked at the Crimson Spirit Fruit tree and smiled faintly. "Not a bad harvest."

Mu Bai nodded. The two walked to the tree together and carefully plucked the crimson fruit.

The Crimson Spirit Fruit was warm in his hand, spiritual radiance flowing over its surface. It had clearly ripened.

"This Crimson Spirit Fruit is yours," Langya Xing suddenly said.

Mu Bai froze. "For me?"

"With your current cultivation, you are only a hair's breadth from the Xiantian realm. Once we reach the Langya Family, this Crimson Spirit Fruit can be exchanged for quite a few cultivation resources. With those resources, perhaps you can make your breakthrough," Langya Xing said evenly. "Besides, you contributed greatly in that battle."

Warmth stirred in Mu Bai's heart. He solemnly put away the Crimson Spirit Fruit. "Thank you."

Langya Xing smiled, then turned toward the carriage. "Let's go. We still have a journey ahead of us. Deep within the Qingming Mountain Range, there is more than just this one strange beast."

Mu Bai nodded and followed in his footsteps.

Yet at the instant they turned away, deep within the distant dense forest, a pair of icy eyes silently opened, watching their retreating figures from afar...