Familiar Scent
The Black Mountain Old Demon knelt on one knee, supporting his body with both hands, his fingernails carving deep furrows into the ground.
His entire body was shrouded in a thick, black mist, from which faint, mournful cries of ghosts and wolves could be heard.
His body trembled violently, every muscle spasming, his face contorted with grotesque muscles, and his eyes bulging as if they were about to pop out.
"Ah--"
The Black Mountain Old Demon let out a roar of unwilling anger, and, enduring the excruciating pain all over his body, slowly got up from the ground.
At this moment, his Yuan Power was exhausted, like water from a dried-up well, and he had no strength left to fight.
His gaze swept across the battlefield, a scene of utter devastation, with severed limbs scattered everywhere and blood pooling into streams.
Fu Linglong lay on the ground, her flesh and blood mangled, and several Fox Clan elders were also on the verge of death.
The Black Mountain Old Demon wanted to rush over and devour the flesh and blood, but looking at Fu Linglong, who was motionless and seemed like a dead person, he couldn't make up his mind.
He didn't know whether she was truly critically injured and unable to move, or if she was pretending to lure him into a trap before delivering a fatal blow.
After all, he no longer had the strength to fight, although the remaining Fox Clan members lying on the ground posed no threat to him.
But it's better to be safe than sorry!
Having finally broken free from constraints, it would be a great loss if I were to capsize here.
Extreme resentment flashed in his eyes, followed by venomous rage. "You Fox Spirit, once the Venerable One recovers, I will wipe you all out!"
He spoke fiercely, his voice hoarse and low, as if it came from the Jiu You hell, carrying endless hatred.
As soon as he finished speaking, his body suddenly dispersed, turning into a thick cloud of Black Mist that churned in the gale and disappeared into the ground in the blink of an eye.
The few Fox Clan elders who survived by sheer luck were covered in wounds, their clothes were tattered, and blood kept seeping from their wounds, dripping onto the ground.
They struggled to their feet, supporting each other, and staggered to Fu Linglong's side.
"Your Empress, Your Empress!" they cried out desperately, their voices filled with anxiety and fear.
However, Fu Linglong kept her eyes tightly closed and remained motionless.
Her face was deathly pale, devoid of any color. Her clothes were tattered, revealing shocking wounds. The blood had long since dried and congealed into dark red scabs.
Its breath was extremely faint, like a candle flickering in the wind, ready to be extinguished at any moment.
"Quickly, carry the Empress back to the camp for treatment!"
An elder called out anxiously.
As if waking from a dream, everyone carefully lifted Fu Linglong and hurriedly ran towards the camp.
Inside Fu Linglong's bedroom, the silence was almost oppressive, as if the air itself had frozen.
A huge luminous Night-shining Pearl cast a pale white light, illuminating Fu Linglong lying lifelessly on the bed.
Her face was as white as a thin layer of frost in winter, almost transparent, and her chest barely rose and fell, as if all life in the world had been drained from her, and she was like a sculpture frozen on the edge of death.
Beside them, an elderly woman sat quietly.
Her back was slightly hunched, and the years had etched deep wrinkles on her face, each line seemingly telling a story of a long life.
She slowly extended her thin, bony hand, shaped like a chicken claw, and gently placed it on Fu Linglong's wrist, holding her breath and concentrating to take her pulse.
After a moment, her brows furrowed more and more, and then she shook her head helplessly.
"Alas, the Empress's injuries are too severe."
The old woman sighed deeply, her voice hoarse and heavy. "Unless there are Immortal Grade Pills, or the Ten-Thousand-Year Ginseng King, or top-grade spiritual herbs, it is possible to alleviate her injuries and pull her out of danger."
If the Empress can find the Life Divine Water, her wounds will not only be healed instantly, but she will also receive a great fortune!
Otherwise..."
At this point, the old woman seemed to choke on something and couldn't continue.
But everyone present understood the meaning behind those words.
"Pass down the word: send out all the younger generation of the clan to find Medicinal Herbs to save our Empress!"
The Fox Clan Great Elder looked solemn, his eyes filled with anxiety and determination.
"Yes, sir!" The guard obeyed and left, his voice echoing in the empty palace.
As soon as the order was given, the surviving young foxes in the clan sprang into action.
Some of them have completely shed their naivety, yet their eyes reveal a firm resolve.
The group quickly packed their belongings, carrying their worries and loyalty to the Empress, and left the village, their figures disappearing into the mountains and forests.
They had only one belief in their hearts: they must find the elixir and do their part to save the Empress.
Even if the road ahead is full of thorns, knowledge, and danger, it cannot stop them from moving forward.
In a valley that resembles a paradise, a gentle breeze carries a sweet fragrance.
Wildflowers bloom wildly all over the mountains and fields, red like fire, pink like the sunset, and white like snow. They intertwine to create a magnificent picture.
Countless beautiful butterflies fluttered among the flowers, their wings shimmering with iridescent light, creating a charming scene that resembled a dreamlike paradise.
Ao Shanshan, like a cheerful little deer, hopped and skipped among the flowers, chasing butterflies.
Silvery laughter echoed through the valley as they played carefree and frolicked.
Tired from playing, she stopped, bent down, and gently picked a delicate, beautiful flower.
The petals were still covered with glistening dewdrops, which shimmered in the sunlight.
She ran briskly to Hua Qiang's side, held up the flowers in her hand, and smiled innocently, "Eldest Brother, these flowers are so pretty, I'm giving them to you."
After leaving the lively tea party, Hua Qiang and his group, at the strong request of Ao Shanshan, Ao Miaomiao and several other girls, came to this valley to play and have a barbecue.
The nine frustrated old men seemed to be scattered around, some strolling leisurely, others resting with their eyes closed, all looking like they had nothing to do.
In reality, they secretly perform guard duties, constantly watching out for any disturbances around them and protecting everyone's safety.
With these formidable "free fighters" around, the girls had no more worries about their safety and were able to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature, playing to their hearts' content and enjoying a carefree life.
Hua Qiang's lips curled up slightly, revealing a gentle smile.
He reached out and took the flowers, then gently patted Ao Shanshan's head with his other hand, saying softly, "Thank you!"
"Oh, Eldest Brother, you're so annoying! You messed up my hairstyle."
Ao Shanshan scolded playfully, while tidying her messy hair with her hands, but still had a smile on her face.
Seeing this, Ao Miaomiao and Long Mo'er couldn't help but smile.
Then, they strung the goat, which they had just carefully prepared, on a stick and placed it securely on a wooden frame.
A fire was lit below, and the flames playfully licked the mutton. Soon, an enticing aroma filled the air.
Hu Xiaoqian emerged from the depths of the canyon, looking dejected.
She had searched the area for several days, turning over every corner, but she couldn't find even a single Medicinal Herbs that could heal the queen's injuries.
Exhausted both physically and mentally, she couldn't help but feel envious when she saw the joyful scene before her.
Suddenly, her brows furrowed slightly, her nostrils twitched slightly, and she inhaled deeply.
Because she smelled a faint yet familiar scent.
Following the scent's direction, she discovered it originated from Hua Qiang, the handsome young man sitting next to the two girls, whose good looks were only slightly less striking than those of the readers.