Spirit Bird

"Spiritual Land..."

Fang Yuan gazed ahead, his expression fervent.

Even the lowest grade Spiritual Land was a massive treasure, though it also contained immense danger.

Not to mention anything else, where there were many Spirit Flowers and Spirit Grass, there would inevitably be numerous accompanying Spiritual Beasts and Fierce Beasts. Even a single Poison Dragon Grass was guarded by a mutated Pearl-tailed Snake, let alone true Spiritual Plants?

"I have to go for it. If you don't enter the tiger's den, how can you catch its cubs?"

Fang Yuan gritted his teeth, a hint of ruthlessness on his face. "Flower Fox Ferret, lead the way. We're going to find Spiritual Fertilizer!"

The Flower Fox Ferret often ran this route. Since nothing happened the previous few times, as long as he was careful and didn't get affected by this strange mist, there shouldn't be any major problems.

"Giggle!"

The Flower Fox Ferret was remarkably intelligent and led the way. Fang Yuan, meanwhile, crawled along behind it, silently following. He focused his inner energy into his ears, constantly listening for any movement around him.

It was indeed strange.

Ever since he remembered his Master's teachings and calmed his mind with the Sitting-Forgetting Tea Ceremony, this strange mist no longer had the peculiar effect it once did.

In fact, after walking a bit further, the mountain mist gradually dispersed, revealing the scenery behind it.

"Is that..."

Fang Yuan's pupils widened slightly as he looked at the scene.

Within his line of sight was a small and exquisite Green Peak, surrounded by a ring of white mist like a Sky Curtain blocking it off. Inside, the sky was a clear, blood-red, and the beautiful scenery of the setting sun was clearly visible.

"A wall of mist, shrouding this entire mountain?"

Fang Yuan was somewhat surprised, knowing that if he hadn't had the Flower Fox Ferret leading the way and been determined to push through, he would likely have missed this place that was suspected to be a Spiritual Land.

In this regard, the secrecy of this place was unknown how much it surpassed Secluded Valley.

"Hoo..."

"Wait a moment!"

Fang Yuan exhaled, then noticed something different.

"Even the air here seems fresher, imbued with spirituality... Ordinary people living here could extend their lifespan, and even martial artists practicing here would greatly benefit!"

His eyes lit up. "With all these divine peculiarities, this place must be a Spiritual Land without a doubt!"

In an instant, Fang Yuan felt like he had won the lottery.

However, the more critical the moment, the calmer his mind became. He followed the Flower Fox Ferret and ran towards the side of the Green Peak.

On the side of the Green Peak was a somewhat bare cliff face. Numerous black dots dotted it, appearing indistinct as the sky gradually darkened.

The Flower Fox Ferret became even more vigilant here, beckoning with its small paws without making a sound.

Fang Yuan took a deep breath and followed it to the base of the cliff.

"Huh? What is this..."

Below the cliff face was a small lake. The lake water was as green and lustrous as jade, surrounded by a ring of white sand beach.

Upon arriving, Fang Yuan's nose immediately caught the unique fishy fragrance of Spiritual Fertilizer. Looking at the sand beach before him, he was speechless.

"This entire 'sand beach'... is actually made of Spiritual Fertilizer, so much... so much Spiritual Fertilizer!"

He murmured, a look of ecstasy appearing on his face.

He was already familiar with the appearance of Spiritual Fertilizer; it was a semi-transparent granule, and it was visible everywhere on this beach. Several depressions had clearly been dug out by animal claws. The granules in the deepest parts were even more transparent, while the topmost layer was pure white.

"It seems the more transparent the Spiritual Fertilizer, the better its effect... I wonder how this beach was formed. I'm rich! I'm rich!"

Fang Yuan's eyes shone brightly. He took off his bamboo basket, rolled up his sleeves, and was about to step forward to collect it properly.

"Chirp chirp!"

However, at this moment, a small bird the size of a fist, with pure white feathers, red eyes, and a fierce look, perched on a green tree nearby, let out a cry.

Its cry immediately startled a larger bird next to it. Its body was more than ten times larger than the small bird's, like a small eagle, and it pounced towards Fang Yuan with fierce aggression.

"Hmm? Another variant Spirit Bird. This place is indeed good at nurturing spiritual beings!"

Seeing this, Fang Yuan was not afraid. He formed his right hand into a claw and moved with the speed of lightning: "Eagle Claw Hand!"

Pfft!

Amidst a shrill cry, a large amount of white feathers scattered.

This large bird was at best a variant, a semi-spiritual bird, still a considerable distance from being a true Spiritual Beast. How could it be Fang Yuan's opponent?

With just one move, its neck was snapped by the Eagle Claw Hand.

"Haha... Flower Fox Ferret, we have an extra meal tonight!"

Fang Yuan threw the spiritual bird into his back basket and said to the Flower Fox Ferret with a smile.

Just then, the Flower Fox Ferret leaped forward, bit Fang Yuan's trouser leg, and fled for its life.

"This..."

Seeing its appearance, it was clear that it had sensed a great danger. Its fur stood on end, as straight as swords.

Fang Yuan was decisive, and without bothering with the Spiritual Fertilizer, he grabbed his bamboo basket, his entire figure turning into a gust of wind.

"Chirp chirp!"

Behind him, the little white bird's cries grew more desperate.

"Chirp chirp!"

"Chirp chirp!"

Immediately, as if in response, more and more bird calls emerged from the cliff. Specks of black opened their wings and swooped down rapidly. They were precisely the same Red-eyed White Birds from before.

"Hiss..."

Fang Yuan, who had glanced back, was filled with terror. He immediately poured his internal energy into his legs without hesitation, fleeing for his life.

He had no choice but to run!

The Red-eyed White Birds behind him were a dense, black mass, blotting out the sun!

With such numbers, even if they were only half-spirit birds, their combined might was something even a true Spiritual Beast would not dare to confront!

Just like the Flower Fox Ferret beside him, it too tucked its tail and ran at top speed.

"I finally understand why the Flower Fox Ferret didn't want me to come here before!"

Fang Yuan's mind raced as he sprinted. "With so many half-spirit birds, if an ordinary person came, they probably wouldn't be able to run more than a few steps before being caught and pecked to death!"

"To the mist wall!"

He was a man of decision, and he immediately bolted towards the mist wall.

His opponents were positioned above him. Even though he had a head start and the aid of his internal energy, he could still be caught. His only hope was to hide in the dense forest or the mist, making them lose his trail.

Whoosh!

The Flower Fox Ferret indeed hadn't tricked Fang Yuan.

At his current speed, just as the Red-eyed White Birds gathered and gave chase, he plunged into the mist wall, his entire figure disappearing.

"Chirp chirp!"

Having lost Fang Yuan, the murderer of their companions, the massive flock of birds could only circle Qingshan endlessly, their cries mournful... The entire Spiritual Land seemed to tremble with their calls.

After venting their anger, the enormous flock of exotic birds returned to their nests on the cliff and gradually quieted down.

"Phew..."

Seeing this, Fang Yuan let out a long sigh of relief. He didn't dare to provoke this flock of exotic birds again and slowly withdrew from the area.

Outside.

After experiencing the spiritual energy within the Spiritual Land, returning to the outside made Fang Yuan feel somewhat uncomfortable, as if the heavens and earth had become defiled.

In reality, the mountains and rivers of Qingling Mountain were quite good. This feeling was entirely a result of comparison.

"Spiritual Land!"

Fang Yuan gazed into the mist-shrouded distance, a hint of excitement appearing on his face. "This Spiritual Land is mine!"

He had every reason to feel this way!

A natural Spiritual Land was a treasure trove. Who knew how many rare flowers and exotic herbs were hidden on that Green Peak. Putting aside everything else, the Spiritual Fertilizer alone was enough to make Fang Yuan's mouth water.

"And the spirit birds... with such a large flock of exotic birds, the bird king must be at the Spiritual Beast level, perhaps even a notch above the Flower Fox Ferret!"

Fang Yuan's greatest desire at the moment was to take over the entire Green Peak Mountain as his base and transplant all the spiritual tea, spiritual rice, and other resources here.

With this Spiritual Land, what was the foundation of his Secluded Valley worth anymore?

"Alas... my strength is insufficient..."

Fang Yuan frowned. "With so many exotic birds, perhaps only a Martial Ancestor could withstand them head-on?"

Thinking of this, he looked at his bamboo basket.

Inside, besides a thin layer of Spiritual Fertilizer, there was also a trophy!

"Haha... Flower Fox Ferret, weren't you complaining about not eating enough beggar's chicken? Tonight, you'll have a feast!"

Fang Yuan carefully examined the Spirit Bird in his hand.

Its feathers were pure white, its eyes a bright crimson. Its sharp talons gleamed like wrought iron, and coupled with its pointed beak, it resembled a small eagle.

Having personally fought this Spirit Bird, Fang Yuan knew its strength was not weak.

Although it couldn't withstand even one move from him, he was already at the fifth stage of the Martial Dao. In the outside world, he would be considered a skilled individual, comparable to a Sect Steward!

If it truly encountered an ordinary person, with the Red-eyed White Bird's speed, one swoop and peck, a swipe of its talons, and if unlucky, its eyes could be gouged out!

"What kind of exotic bird is this? I've never heard of it before? What's its name? Red-eyed Falcon? White-feathered Crow? Red-eyed White Bird?"

Fang Yuan suddenly felt a spark of interest in naming it. Finally, he made up his mind. "Hmm... Red-eyed White Bird is still the best, just like at the beginning, haha... I really am a naming genius..."

Unbeknownst to him, the white ferret, who was aggrievedly bearing the name Flower Fox Ferret, rolled its eyes speechlessly beside him upon hearing this.

Of course, this sense of grievance only lasted for a moment.

When Fang Yuan prepared the Red-eyed White Bird in the same way, making a beggar's chicken-style bird dish, the Flower Fox Ferret immediately cast aside all its arrogance and speechless feelings. It began circling Fang Yuan's pant legs, its snow-white tail wagging incessantly, like a pug desperately trying to please its owner.

"Damn it, you're a ferret, not a dog! Have some ferret dignity!"

Seeing this, Fang Yuan couldn't help but laugh and cry. He tore off half of the beggar's bird and tossed it to the Flower Fox Ferret.

"Cluck cluck!"

The Flower Fox Ferret quickly snatched it up, holding the dish and devouring it, occasionally letting out contented purrs.

For it, in the face of delicious food, what was a little bit of self-respect?

"Hmm? Is it really that good?"

Seeing the Flower Fox Ferret's reaction, Fang Yuan took a bite of the bird meat himself, and his expression instantly changed.

"This bird meat is even more tender than chicken, crispy, fragrant, and not greasy. Delicious! Delicious!"

He devoured the bird meat at lightning speed, then contentedly rubbed his belly. Feeling warm currents rising within him, his expression changed again. "This kind of buff is comparable to a meal of Red Jade Rice, isn't it? It truly lives up to its name as a half-spirit bird!"