After Xiao Yan and the One-Horned Whale Serpent had been away from the lake for a long time, many Dou Di experts gradually arrived at the place. However, all they found was an empty lake. The Soul-Congealing Fruit and the place itself had already been taken away. The place was deserted.
"This is... Soul-Congealing Fruit Tree! Could it be that Soul-Congealing Fruit have appeared here!"
Upon seeing the small, white tree that resembled a child, some of the assembled Dou Di experts recognized it. Immediately, exclamations of surprise rang out from the Dou Di experts present, which then turned into sighs of helplessness.
Meanwhile, somewhere in this Ancient Forest, Xiao Yan was also traveling alone at great speed through the mountains and forests. His figure, wrapped in black robes, was like a jet-black arrow, piercing through the void in an instant. Several adjacent towering ancient trees rang out one after another with a slight thud. Due to Xiao Yan's incredibly fast speed, those sounds seemed to be the same.
As for the One-Horned Whale Serpent at this moment, in order not to attract the attention of the powerful figures in the forest, it transformed into a miniature snake only a few inches long, which clung to Xiao Yan's arm under his black robe. Under the cover of the black robe, no one could discover the powerful magical beast hidden beneath it.
The vastness of the Ancient Forest meant that Xiao Yan would have to stay there for several days. However, this was for the best, as it would allow Xiao Yan to recover his strength as much as possible before reaching the depths of the Xiao Yan. This would give him a better chance of competing with the Four Great Clans within the ruins.
During his journey, Xiao Yan naturally encountered many Dou Di experts who were resting. These people were different from the Half-Emperor experts. As Dou Di, they mostly traveled alone. Their powerful strength gave them the courage to face various dangers alone. Of course, this is only the most one-sided explanation. Perhaps it was precisely because of their strength that they became more afraid of life and death, which led them to no longer trust anyone.
Their excessive caution caused them to lose something far more important than strength.
Facing those various and cautious gazes, Xiao Yan's eyes beneath his black robe remained indifferent. He was already used to such people and naturally felt nothing. However, the One-Horned Whale Serpent clinging to Xiao Yan's arm cautiously glanced at the eyes of those outside. Even as a magical beast, it couldn't help but feel a chill run down its spine.
"These humans... are just too terrifying. The look in their eyes is enough to frighten even us magical beasts. You humans say magical beasts are scary, but in my opinion, humph, you humans are the scariest."
The whispered words reached Xiao Yan's ears, but he couldn't detect any hint of a joke in them; Xiao Yan were nothing but cold sneers and mockery.
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan's flying figure unexpectedly froze for a moment. This small change immediately attracted the attention of those powerful figures. A mysterious black-robed man whose strength could not be discerned was someone they could not afford to be careless about.
Of course, while these people were wary of Xiao Yan, this mysterious figure, they were also cautiously guarding against each other.
Now, within these ruins, everyone is a competitor. As the saying goes, there are too many monks and not enough porridge. The treasures that can catch the eye of Dou Di powerhouse are destined to be only a few. Apart from the Four Great Clans, the amount of profit that these Dou Di powerhouses present can share is even more pitiful. Therefore, these people often regard others as prey.
And that is why almost everyone thinks this way, and naturally, they are more careful and cautious with each other.
Of course, this atmosphere was destined not to last long, because as soon as an opportunity arose, and a treasure that could make all the Dou Di powerhouses' hearts flutter appeared in front of these guys, this group of people would immediately turn into a pack of starving wolves, tearing and scrambling for it without any regard for anything else.
"Hmph..."
Glancing at the assembled Dou Di powerhouses, Xiao Yan couldn't help but let out a cold laugh. Indeed, just as the One-Horned Whale Serpent had said, sometimes, when humans become truly terrifying, even the ferocious beast race must temporarily retreat...
At least from this moment's perspective, the One-Horned Whale Serpent residing on Xiao Yan's arm is still worthy of Xiao Yan's trust, unlike the group of guys in front of him. Once you show them your wounds, you will not only fail to receive the care that a fellow human should provide, but you will also be exposed by them, revealing rows of bloodthirsty teeth like sharks.
Xiao Yan glanced indifferently at the Dou Di experts who were sitting cross-legged in the forest. His eyes, hidden beneath his black robe, flickered slightly. Then, with a swift movement, he leaped into the depths of the forest.
Once Xiao Yan's figure had completely disappeared from sight, the Dou Di experts who were sitting cross-legged in the woods finally withdrew their wary eyes. They then glanced at the others around them, their vigilance increasing rather than decreasing.
A moment later, in the mountains and forests, Xiao Yan looked up at the sky that was gradually darkening. The envoy couldn't help but frown slightly. No wonder those Dou Di experts were gathered in one place. The Ancient Forest at night was probably the most dangerous time!
With this in mind, Xiao Yan took a deep breath and casually scanned the forest. After a few breaths, his gaze, hidden beneath his black robe, locked onto a secluded tree hollow. A slight smile appeared on his lips, and then he moved Xiao Yan, appearing before the tree hollow in the next instant.
Most of the ancient trees in the Ancient Forest have cross-sections several meters long, and the ancient tree in front of Xiao Yan at this moment is even larger. Therefore, standing in front of this tree hole, Xiao Yan is like standing in front of a natural villa. From the outside, the size of this tree hole is enough to stand more than a hundred people at the same time, let alone Xiao Yan at this moment.
"Hehe, I never expected to find such a wonderful natural place deep in the mountains and forests."
Xiao Yan smiled, not thinking much of it, and took a step, intending to step into the tree hole.
However, at this very moment...
Before Xiao Yan's eyes, the Holding Up the Heavens tree suddenly began to function. In an instant, the ancient tree seemed to come alive, and the vines on the ground immediately stood upright like giant snakes. Greenish-blue Dou Qi burst forth from the vines, transforming into emerald green arrows that shot towards Xiao Yan.
At the same time, beneath the black robe, the expression on Xiao Yan's face suddenly changed drastically.