System Task: Collect Ferocious Beast Essence-Blood

Within the main hall of Zichen Cave Abode, Xuan Chen was fully focused on deducing the latest developments of the Dragon-Han Calamity. Within the reach of his divine sense, the conflicts among the three clans had escalated from occasional friction into fierce regional struggles. The spirit-vein treasure lands of the western Primordial World were already engulfed in war.

Just then, the system's prompt suddenly rang out in his mind, interrupting his thoughts.

[System Prompt: Detected that disciple Nüwa's innate foundation has initially taken shape, but there is still room for improvement.]

[Side Quest Triggered: Myriad Spirits Essence-Blood Ritual.]

[Quest Description: Collect the essence-blood of ten kinds of ferocious beasts from the Primordial World (must include bloodlines of innate ferocious beasts) and refine the "Myriad Spirits Essence-Blood Pill." This pill can temper the disciple's physical body, reinforce the foundation of the Primal Creation Body, enhance compatibility with Dao laws, and lay the groundwork for a future breakthrough into the Primordial Unity Golden Immortal realm.]

[Quest Requirements: The essence-blood must be taken from living ferocious beasts to ensure that their origin has not dispersed; the bloodlines of the ten ferocious beasts must not overlap, and at least three must be of the innate grade.]

[Quest Reward: Myriad Spirits Essence-Blood Pill formula ×1, Primordial Body-Tempering Fluid ×3, disciple's innate foundation enhanced (Chaos Dao Resonance +5%).]

[Time Limit Notice: The conflict among the three clans will spread to the vicinity of Mount Buzhou within three months. Complete the quest as soon as possible to avoid being caught in the flames of war during the hunt.]

A sharp gleam flashed through Xuan Chen's eyes. This task had come at precisely the right time. Although Nüwa had stabilized her Golden Immortal cultivation, the potential of her Primal Creation Body had yet to be fully unearthed. The Myriad Spirits Essence-Blood Pill could perfectly make up for this shortcoming. Moreover, the time limit matched the calamity signs he had deduced. Before the three clans' war spread to Mount Buzhou, this was the perfect chance to head out and hunt ferocious beasts.

"Nüwa, come to the main hall at once." Xuan Chen summoned Nüwa through his divine sense.

A moment later, Nüwa hurried in, clad in the Chaos Purple Lotus Garment. The lotus robe swayed gently with her steps, radiating a faint purple-gold glow, while the Dao Resonance around her grew ever more condensed. She asked, "Master, why have you summoned your disciple?"

Xuan Chen informed Nüwa of the system task, then took out a map showing the distribution of ferocious beasts throughout the Primordial World. It marked the habitats of the ten target beasts. "This task requires the essence-blood of ten ferocious beasts. Among them, Qiongqi, Taowu, and Taotie—of its remaining bloodline—are innate grade. The other seven are ancient ferocious beasts. Most of them are scattered through the mountain ranges surrounding Mount Buzhou, not far from the cave abode. We can make the round trip within three months."

He paused, his tone turning solemn. "Hunting ferocious beasts is not merely to complete the task. It is also practical combat training for you. Though you have comprehended the Water Dao, you lack experience in battles of life and death. During the Dragon-Han Calamity, real combat ability is far more crucial than one's cultivation realm. On this journey, I will teach you the combat laws of survival in the Primordial World. You must take them to heart."

Determination flashed in Nüwa's eyes. "This disciple understands! I will not disappoint Master's expectations. I will complete the task and improve my combat ability as well."

Xuan Chen nodded in satisfaction, then began preparing supplies for the journey. "I have prepared jade bottles for storing essence-blood. They can seal the origin of ferocious beast essence-blood. These are Qi-Concealing Talismans; they can hide our auras and prevent high-level ferocious beasts or cultivators of the three clans from detecting us. Also, keep the defenses of the Chaos Purple Lotus Garment activated at all times. If you encounter a ferocious beast you cannot contend with, remember that preserving yourself comes first. Do not force yourself to show bravery."

Nüwa accepted the jade bottles and talismans, carefully putting them away. "This disciple will remember Master's teachings."

At dawn the next day, the two transformed into twin streams of light and silently departed from Zichen Cave Abode. The Chaos Spirit-Gathering Defensive Formation laid down by Xuan Chen activated automatically, completely concealing the cave abode's aura, as though no one had ever lived there. During the flight, Xuan Chen continuously explained the traits of the target ferocious beasts to Nüwa. "Qiongqi enjoys devouring living beings and possesses a savage, brutal nature. It is innately adept at water-controlling arts, which share common ground with your Water Dao. However, its water attribute contains fierce Baleful Intent, so you must deal with it cautiously. Taowu is belligerent by nature, its physical body incomparably hard, and it excels at charging with brute force. Your Water Dragon Break divine ability can strike at its weak point..."

Nüwa listened intently, committing the habits and weaknesses of every ferocious beast to heart. She understood that this hunt was not simply for gathering essence-blood. It was also a practical lesson in how to formulate tactics based on an enemy's traits.

The two flew westward toward Black Wind Ridge on the outskirts of Mount Buzhou, the habitat of the first target ferocious beast—Qiongqi. The forests and mountains along the way were deathly silent. Occasionally, low-level demon beasts appeared, but upon sensing the powerful auras of the pair, they fled in panic. Xuan Chen did not allow Nüwa to act. Instead, he explained, "Our objective on this journey is clear. There is no need to waste time on low-level demon beasts. To survive in the Primordial World, the first thing to value is the word 'efficiency.'"