Led by Long Xingtian, they soon arrived at their destination.
Covered by dense bushes, a crescent-shaped lake hid within a secluded valley.
The lake surface remained calm and rippleless, like a mirror of azure glass.
Ling Yun and the others gazed into the distance, seeing a plot of land at the very depths of the tranquil lake, where a small tree about the height of a child grew.
This tree possessed a bizarre shape, winding and twisting like a serpent. Its bark peeled back like fish scales, and hanging from its branches were seven fiery-red fruits.
These fruits were also quite singular; their surfaces seemed to resemble dragon fruits, brimming with wisps of vital essence and shimmering with a faint luster.
"That is the Dragon Blood Fruit." Long Xingtian gazed forward, his heart beating unworthily.
An Qing said, "I'll go get them right away."
The three little ones stared straight ahead with unblinking eyes.
Ling Yun said, "Don't go. The Demon Emperor Golden Lion values the Dragon Blood Fruit so much, and this place is terrifyingly quiet. There must be an even more powerful beast guarding it."
Hearing this, An Qing immediately retreated. Ling Yun's words made sense, and she had almost grown careless.
Little one said, "Don't be a coward!"
Everyone: "..."
Long Yanran nudged her and joked, "You go and bring those seven fruits back."
"No! I'm scared."
Little one instantly chickened out, hiding behind Beibei and occasionally poking out her little head—truly adorable.
Roar!
An extremely fierce roar shook the surroundings. The entire secluded valley vibrated with a humming sound, and ripples began to stir across the water's surface.
Then, amid the horrified gazes of An Qing and the others, an extremely ferocious beast broke the water's surface and soared into mid-air.
Long Xingtian's pupils contracted sharply.