Chapter 42

Over the past half month, Xiao Ming had discovered something else: his cultivation speed was simply too slow, and he did not dare recklessly attempt to wield lightning.

He had also figured out the reason. His physical body was too weak. If he rashly used the power of lightning, his body would likely be unable to withstand it.

Therefore, his only option now was to raise his cultivation as quickly as possible. Once he reached the Dou Spirit realm, he was confident that he could wield the power of lightning. Even if he could not absorb all the lightning power in the valley then, he could at least make his own strength far more formidable.

Over the past few days, Xiao Ming had cultivated within the valley while observing his surroundings.

He discovered that the density of Dou Qi here far surpassed that outside. It could even be called a spiritual vein, which was why it had caught his interest.

However, he knew very well that he could not leave the valley casually, because he still needed to remain here and continue cultivating.

His cultivation method was also extremely simple and crude: meditation.

Although Xiao Ming's cultivation and combat strength had greatly improved after absorbing numerous Dou King-level magical beast cores, he believed that now was still not the best time to confront Yun Ling head-on.

After all, he had only just broken through to the Dou Grandmaster realm. He was still a long way from being able to openly escape from the hands of a Dou Sect.

And if he wanted to rapidly increase his cultivation, he had to improve his combat experience and reaction speed within a short time.

Thus, what he lacked most right now was actual combat experience, and this sort of battle was the best possible tempering for him.

So he found a relatively powerful Fire Qilin.

This Fire Qilin was a peak Dou Spirit magical beast and possessed fire-attributed Dou Qi.

However, Xiao Ming did not attack immediately. Instead, he watched from the side.

He knew that the Fire Qilin's most formidable trait was the incomparably tough scales covering its body.

Therefore, he had to use those scales to temper his offensive power.

At that moment, a rumbling sound came from afar, causing Xiao Ming to frown slightly.

He discovered that there was someone else in the valley, and that person's cultivation was exceptionally powerful.

Among everyone in the Magical Beast Mountain Range, the only person Xiao Ming knew who possessed such strength was Yun Ling, who had come in pursuit of him.

"Looks like that fellow has entered the depths of the Magical Beast Mountain Range after all, and he has encountered a particularly troublesome opponent. He is clearly locked in an extremely intense battle right now."

Seeing this scene, Xiao Ming knew that no matter what commotion he made now, Yun Ling would not pursue him for the time being. Thus, Xiao Ming could safely improve his strength in this area for a short while.

Thinking of this, Xiao Ming no longer hesitated and charged straight at the Fire Qilin before him.

He wanted to test exactly what level his true strength had reached and how much power he could unleash, which was why he chose to attack first.

"Roar..."

Seeing the young man charge toward it, the Fire Qilin immediately let out an angry roar. Its massive body then slammed directly into Xiao Ming's fists.

This creature was enormous. Its huge body was like a small mountain as it crashed directly into the Xiao Clan Gauntlet.

Moreover, the Fire Qilin's strength was astonishing. It directly drove Xiao Ming's fists inward.

"Hm?"

When the Fire Qilin struck him, a massive rebounding force surged through Xiao Ming's fists. His expression changed abruptly, and he felt a sharp ache in his arms.

Yet he refused to be outdone. He immediately circulated the Dou Qi within his body, and his right hand seemed to transform into two sharp daggers as it viciously stabbed toward the Fire Qilin's left shoulder.

"Roar!"

The Fire Qilin roared furiously once more, then swung its pair of sharp claws at Xiao Ming's body, intending to tear him apart.

But at that moment, a dazzling white radiance suddenly bloomed from Xiao Ming's fists, directly blocking the Fire Qilin's attack.

"Bang! Bang!"

A series of collisions rang out. The barrier formed by the fist shadows Xiao Ming unleashed was like a defensive shield, nullifying the Fire Qilin's attacks.

"Huh?"

Seeing that its attacks had no effect, the Fire Qilin let out an enraged cry.

It knew that this human was merely a fighter, so it had not taken him seriously at all.

Yet it had never imagined that this human could use a fist technique, and such a formidable one at that. He had actually neutralized all of its attacks.

However, its body was practically invincible. Even Dou Spirit-level humans would find it difficult to harm it, much less a mere Dou Grandmaster.

With that thought, it let out another furious roar and clawed at Xiao Ming.

At that moment, brilliant light burst from Xiao Ming's fists, directly blocking the Fire Qilin's attack.

But the Fire Qilin was no pushover either. Its claws were incomparably sharp, tearing through Xiao Ming's seemingly impenetrable offense.

Not only that, its claws carried terrifying flames that directly scorched the Xiao Clan Gauntlet.

These were no ordinary flames, but poisonous fire. Once touched, it would immediately ignite and turn its victim to ashes in an instant.

Thus, in the blink of an eye, black smoke had already covered Xiao Ming's fists and was rapidly spreading. The smoke continued to billow outward, covering his entire arms and the Xiao Clan Gauntlet in moments.

"Not good, it's poison! No, if I don't stop it now, my arms will really be ruined!"

Upon noticing this, Xiao Ming could not help crying out.

He did not want the poisonous fire to destroy the gauntlet before he had even had the chance to do anything with it. Xiao Ming had spent countless resources forging this gauntlet; if it were destroyed, it would break his heart.

Thinking this, Xiao Ming did not dare delay. He hurriedly controlled the Xiao Clan Gauntlet and smashed it toward the Fire Qilin's chest.

Although the Fire Qilin's defense was astonishing, the Xiao Clan Gauntlet's power was not to be underestimated. If it struck, the creature would surely die here!

"Crack!"

A crisp sound rang out.

The Xiao Clan Gauntlet struck the Fire Qilin directly in the chest, but it did not shatter it outright. It merely left several bloody marks across the Fire Qilin's chest.

"What formidable defense!"

The artifact spirit within the Xiao Clan Gauntlet could not help but exclaim in admiration.

At that moment, the Xiao Clan Gauntlet pressed its advantage and smashed down toward the Fire Qilin's chest once more.

But just then, the Fire Qilin spat a fiery red spherical object from its mouth.