Back on Snake Path, after defeating the disgusting Boli Gelang and the sinister, cunning Guangmou, the players rang the second ancient bell and arrived at the next stop beyond Emerald Bamboo Forest—White Mist Marsh.
On the trestle bridge ahead stood a little snake demon wielding a bone hammer—the Snake Patrol Officer.
From a large tree beside the bridge came a comical stuttering voice.
[Shen Monkey: Y-you-you, what are you standing around for? Q-quick-quick, help your big brother! Beat it to death with your sticks!]
Wang Qiu'er efficiently smashed the snake demon to death with a few strikes.
The monkey in the tree leaped down.
[Shen Monkey: (Hehehe.) Such a tiny snake demon, nothing special. Snake gallbladders make fine wine—they clear heat and neutralize toxins. Come, come, little brother, this way, this way.]
Following Shen Monkey into the cave, the players unlocked an important system—the upgrading and brewing functions for gourds and wine—and bought Jade Pool Lotus Seeds, which slowly restored health after drinking.
"So the health potion gourds in this game can be customized with all kinds of wine and medicinal ingredients!"
Tang Ya excitedly studied the wine-brewing system. "Adding Gallbladder Pearls gives poison resistance, and adding Jade Pool Lotus Seeds slowly restores health. This setting is so interesting!"
Bei Bei smiled and nodded. "Getting supplies at a time like this probably means there's a tough battle ahead. There's a chilling killing intent hidden in the damp air of White Mist Marsh."
The group left Shen Monkey's cave and arrived at a shallow stretch of water that looked broad and open, yet was shrouded in mist.
A cutscene began.
A man dressed in refined white scholar's robes and carrying a long spear stood in the middle of the shallows with his back to the players.
[Whiteclad Noble: O phoenix, O