Xiang Tian took a closer look. It was a spirit beast shaped like a White Flood Dragon, yet it had tiny dragon horns and limbs like tiger claws. It resembled a White Qilin, but was not quite the same.
Its entire body was crystalline white, so translucent that its internal organs could even be seen. It was Xiang Tian's first time encountering something like this, and he was a little bewildered.
"Awoo!"
The spirit beast let out an angry roar and leaped straight onto the shore. Its jaws gaped wide, and even the inside of its mouth was white. Though it was not as bloody and exaggerated as a crimson maw, it still inspired an eerie, bewitching fear of the unknown.
Xiang Tian drew his immortal sword. He had no idea what kind of spirit beast stood before him, but his instincts told him one thing: it was strong!
Step by step, it advanced, vicious light flashing in its eyes.
Suddenly, it dived forward and lunged at Xiang Tian with bared fangs.
Xiang Tian leaped aside and brought his sword down on its head.
With a clang, the thing did not suffer the slightest injury. It shook its head hard and hopped around on the spot several times, looking utterly enraged.
Xiang Tian was dumbfounded. He had not expected this creature, which looked so delicate and fragile, to have such a tough body.
"Awo!"
The spirit beast spat out a beam of golden light at Xiang Tian. Wherever it passed, trees, flowers, and grass were reduced to scorched earth.
Xiang Tian hurriedly cast a spell, and a wall of light appeared before him.
"Boom!"
The explosion was deafening. Xiang Tian lost his footing and was sent flying by the immense impact.
"My heavens, what kind of monster is this?!"
Xiang Tian had been completely stumped by that move. This thing was far stronger than the Yin Spirits from Yin Si Hall.
"Wuhu!"
Xiang Tian:?
Impressive. This spirit beast even fucking knew how to whistle!
But then, Xiang Tian saw the mocking look in the spirit beast's eyes, as though it were saying, Is that all? Little bro, you can't cut it.
He could not endure this. He absolutely could not endure this!
Xiang Tian went all out. Today, either it would kill him, or he would kill it!
He ran one hand along his sword, and Indestructible Black Flame instantly clung to the blade.
I don't care who you are. Try taking another sword strike from me!
Xiang Tian swooped down and slashed again. The spirit beast, which had been rather pleased with itself, opened its mouth to take the blow head-on. With a crisp clang, its snow-white fangs clamped onto Xiang Tian's immortal sword.
Man and beast remained locked in a stalemate.
A smile curled at Xiang Tian's lips. This was exactly the effect he wanted.
At the urging of his thoughts, Indestructible Black Flame surged up in an instant, swallowing both Xiang Tian and the spirit beast.
Scorching heat waves swept through the surroundings. The earth turned charred black, cracking everywhere under the unbearable temperature.
"Awoo!"
Hearing that cry of pain, Xiang Tian knew he had succeeded and swiftly pulled back.
The spirit beast hopped and jumped wildly in place, howling without end. Yet no matter what it did, not even rolling across the ground could extinguish the black flames covering its body.
With no other choice, the spirit beast plunged headfirst into the lake.
Black flames spread over the lake's surface, yet they still could not be put out.
Bubbles rose from the water. Xiang Tian stood at the shore. Whatever you are, if you lack the skill, you simply cannot extinguish Indestructible Black Flame.
Waves rolled across the lake's surface, and only after a long while did they finally settle. At the same time, a gleam of light emerged, and a Jade Flute wrapped in spiritual radiance rose from the lake.
Xiang Tian froze for a moment, then immediately flew over and grabbed the Jade Flute.
A stream of information followed, flooding into his mind.
Calming Heart and Illuminating Melody!
It was a musical score!
As for the flute, one glance was enough to tell that it was no ordinary object. And the melody was an even greater treasure!
Xiang Tian was utterly shocked. The Dao Sea Secret Realm actually contained such a fine treasure!
Calming Heart and Illuminating Melody could soothe one's emotions and aid cultivation. Though it was ineffective in combat, it could also help repair damage to the soul and spirit. Playing a tune during a breakthrough in cultivation would likewise be of immense benefit.
Damn, this was truly damn amazing! Killing monsters could even drop equipment—now this was a secret realm with a conscience!
Xiang Tian was overjoyed. He put away the flute and shot into the sky without another word, searching everywhere for traces of spirit beasts.
Fine, there was a wild boar ahead. He cut it down, and not even a fart dropped.
Then came another long worm. He cleaved it apart, yet still got nothing at all.
Xiang Tian began to wonder. Could it be that only powerful spirit beasts in this place carried treasures?
Beside the corpse of a giant python, Xiang Tian sank into confusion.
"Quick, run!"
Just then, Xiang Tian heard someone cry out not far away and hurriedly turned to look.
Several people were fleeing for their lives. Behind them, a Fiery Red Lion covered in flames was chasing after them.
Judging by the lion's appearance, it was much stronger than that wild boar and python. Could it perhaps drop a treasure too?
Xiang Tian charged over with his sword without another word.
The few people only saw a streak of black light flash past them, too fast to make out clearly. Then a mournful cry sounded behind them. When they turned around, the Fiery Red Lion that had been pursuing them had already been decapitated, blood desperately gushing from its neck, while Xiang Tian stood with his back to them.
Seeing that figure, the few of them were overcome with gratitude. Which fellow cultivator was this? He was far too handsome! Just standing there, he looked exactly like an otherworldly master, a hidden peerless prodigy.
Xiang Tian had no idea they had so much inner drama. He merely stood there, waiting for the lion to turn into spiritual light and drop a treasure.
But after waiting for a long time, there was still no movement. Xiang Tian felt terribly unlucky and kicked the Fiery Red Lion's corpse away.
That kick made the few people feel immensely satisfied. They had been chased into a miserable state by that thing earlier, and now that it had died right before their eyes, it was truly a joy beyond measure!
Xiang Tian turned around, and the few people froze. Clearly, they recognized him.
Xiang Tian's expression was not pleasant, and they were scared out of their wits. Xiang Tian knew the rumors outside painted him as terrifying, wicked to the bone.
But he had still thought too well of himself. According to the rumors, Xiang Tian was moody and unpredictable; whenever he was unhappy, he would casually wipe out an entire household.
Seeing that it was Xiang Tian, with such an ugly expression on his face, the few of them began trembling all over in fright.
Seeing them like this, Xiang Tian's face darkened even further.
And the few of them became even more terrified, wishing they could call for their grandfathers and grandmothers to save them.
Taking a deep breath, Xiang Tian forced out a smile. "None of you are hurt, are you?"
"N-No."
One person answered with a stutter.
"It's good that you're all right."
With that, Xiang Tian turned and prepared to leave.
"Wait."
Hearing someone speak behind him, Xiang Tian turned back in confusion. "What is it?"
One person looked at Xiang Tian. "Just now, I saw students from your academy fighting a giant scorpion. The commotion was huge. It's in that direction."
As he spoke, he pointed in a direction.
After thanking him, Xiang Tian set off at once. This place was truly strange, and he had to do everything he could to protect the other four. If even one of them fell, he would be too ashamed to face the dean and the academy's students.
Watching Xiang Tian's figure vanish beyond the horizon, the few people all sighed in relief. They secretly thought that Xiang Tian did not seem quite like the rumors. After all, he had saved their lives, and they could not help feeling grateful.
Before you continue