Forbidden Sky Land

Under the gray sky, patches of white snow appeared eerily, while a mess of footprints marked the pristine snowfield.

With blood-fused earth as roads and broken weapons and shattered bones as walls, ancient characters lay scattered all around.

Xiao Yi Xian and the others sat impatiently atop Chi Han, continuing onward.

Its enormous white wings spread several meters wide, and when it took off, a massive blood-red dust storm rose around it.

A huge white shadow streaked swiftly across the sky. After flying for who knew how long, Chi Han descended lower and lower, as though it had been restricted by something.

Standing atop Chi Han, Xiao Yi Xian spread her Purple Cloud Wings. Yet no matter how she circulated her Dou Qi, she only went "thud" in place, completely unable to fly.

Watching both the expert and the great snake fail to fly, a memory seemed to flash through Yue Lin's mind. Seemingly recalling something, she said hesitantly, "It seems to be a Forbidden Sky Land!"

"Hm? Forbidden Sky Land?"

Xiao Yi Xian understood the term, but why was there a restriction against flying here?

It was as if the books Yue Lin had once read were reflected in her eyes as she recalled, "I once read in historical records that my clan has a Mirror Lake. Within its range, flying is forbidden."

Liu Yan listened quietly at the side. As an alchemist, he was naturally widely knowledgeable.

He had also seen some mentions of Forbidden Sky Lands in ancient texts, but there was not much written about them. After all, the strongest expert in the Jia Ma Empire was merely a Dou Huang.

How could a place even Dou Zong experts could not encounter possibly be understood in the Jia Ma Empire?

As for this method of forbidding flight, Xiao Yi Xian knew it would be simple enough for a Dou Zun or Dou Sheng. But where could a Dou Zun or Dou Sheng possibly be found here?

Either it was an array formation, or some treasure was suppressing this place. Otherwise, it would be impossible for them to be unable to fly...

Chi Han could only helplessly retract its wings and move forward step by step in its serpentine gait, leaving nothing but winding grooves in its wake.

Splash!

After an unknown length of time, the sound of water reached their ears. Xiao Yi Xian stared fixedly ahead.

A vast lake suddenly appeared before them, stretching as far as the eye could see. As they approached, the water reflected Chi Han and everyone atop it.

The lake was bottomless, and the calm surface was clearly the prelude to an approaching storm.

Other than the bones they had encountered earlier, everything had gone far too smoothly. The path had been completely unobstructed, without the slightest danger.

There was definitely something terribly wrong with this seemingly tranquil lake...

Liu Yan stared solemnly at the lake and said gravely, "I have a bad feeling. This lake is definitely not as simple as it appears."

As a Fifth-grade Alchemist, his soul power had already broken through to the spiritual tier. He could clearly sense his soul trembling.

It was as though something terrifying lurked beneath the tranquil lake.

Xiao Yi Xian said nothing as she gazed at the water. She knew Liu Yan was right. She could even sense You Su within the sword case on her back trembling.

It seemed to be conveying, Do not go beneath this lake!

A flash of violet light passed through Xiao Yi Xian's eyes. No matter how she looked, she could not make out anything within the lake.

As someone from a clan that lived here, Yue Lin could clearly feel her heartbeat accelerating. She even had the urge to turn around and leave at once.

If the Queen had not told her that she had to obtain the method to enter and leave the small world, and if the gate behind them had not already closed, she might have abandoned all dignity, given up being the Saintess, and fled.

Phew!

Yue Lin relaxed slightly. Her main goal now was to cling tightly to the great snake and absolutely avoid touching the lake water!

"Chi Han, swim across quickly!" Xiao Yi Xian ordered as she looked into the distance.

"Yes!"

Chi Han flicked its tongue and rapidly plunged its enormous body into the lake.

It did its best to keep its body above the water, using its unique swimming method to swiftly head forward.

Splash!

Splash!

The lake's previous calm vanished. Waves surged across the surface, greatly increasing Chi Han's resistance.

Dou Qi could not be used in this eerie water. Relying only on its physical strength, Chi Han was under immense pressure. Every stroke took tremendous effort.

To think that a dignified Dou Wang expert would end up like this...

Xiao Yi Xian seemed to sense something. Her eyes instantly turned black, and she frowned slightly as she murmured, "Sword Come!"

The sword case on her back trembled. You Su left its sheath in an instant, its edge scraping past the case as the long sword gave a soft, lingering hum beside their ears.

The silver-white sword instantly appeared in Xiao Yi Xian's hand. You Su let out a clear cry that suddenly rang through heaven and earth as a streak of purple Sword Qi slashed into the water!

"Hm? What is happening?"

Yue Lin looked at Xiao Yi Xian in confusion. Why did this senior seem so weak?

And why had she attacked the lake for no reason?

Before Yue Lin could think further, her vision went dark, and she lost consciousness...

Liu Yan emerged from behind Yue Lin. Looking at Xiao Yi Xian, he nodded and asked, "Miss, is there something in there?"

Although Xiao Yi Xian was somewhat surprised that Liu Yan had acted so quickly, the most pressing matter was still what to do about the situation before them!

Faint traces of blood surfaced on the water, and the stench of blood instantly spread through the surroundings.

Xiao Yi Xian frowned and summoned Xiao Ling'er from the mark. She said sternly, "We'll just have to deal with them. Kill them as they come. Chi Han, hurry onward!"

"Okay, Sister!"

"Yes, Miss!"

Roar! Chi Han roared furiously, using all its strength to press onward.

Many fish-like monsters that also resembled humans appeared on the lake surface. Their long fangs scraped together as green light blazed in their eyes while they stared at Xiao Yi Xian atop the snake's head.

You Su in Xiao Yi Xian's hand continuously unleashed violet sword radiance, cutting down the fish monsters as they approached.

Silver light flared in Xiao Ling'er's eyes. Her wine-red pupils stared fixedly at the disgusting green-eyed monsters!

Snowflakes scattered over the fish monsters, and many ice sculptures surfaced across the lake.

Purple flames burned in Liu Yan's hand, and within them, the shadow of a lion could even be seen.

Gurgle!

One blue fish monster after another leaped into the air. Before they could get close to Chi Han, wisps of purple flame ignited across their bodies, and the smell of scorching flesh filled the air.

Earth-tier low-grade Dou Technique—Myriad Swords Returning to Origin!

The battle intent and madness in Xiao Yi Xian's eyes flashed past in an instant. Dou Qi surged explosively from her dantian as You Su in her hand seemed to transform into countless streams of Sword Qi that gathered around her.

Chilling killing intent erupted as violet sword radiance flickered from You Su's tip.

Pale violet, translucent sword shadows filled the surroundings, densely packed as they reflected the figures of countless fish monsters.

"Go!"

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Countless fish monsters fell from the sky onto the lake, splashing up wave after wave. The dark-blue lake had even turned blood-red.

The overwhelming scent of blood attracted even more fish monsters, while an enormous black shadow flashed swiftly beneath the lake.