The roars drew closer, and the ground even trembled slightly with the heavy footsteps. Xiao Yan's gaze grew grave as his soul power spread out like a tide, carefully probing for the source of that presence.
Before long, a massive figure burst out of the depths of the forest, blocking Xiao Yan's path.
It was an exotic beast resembling a wild boar, nearly five meters long and covered in dark golden scales. Three sharp tusks grew from the top of its head, glinting with a chilling light, and its crimson eyes were filled with savagery. The Origin Qi fluctuations it emitted had unmistakably reached the Peak Origin King level, making it even stronger than the Wang Clan retainer he had encountered earlier!
"A Golden-Horned Mystic Wild Boar?" Xiao Yan recognized the exotic beast. He had seen a similar description on the distribution map of exotic beasts in the Black Wind Abyss, but this one's size and presence far exceeded what had been recorded.
The Golden-Horned Mystic Wild Boar had evidently taken Xiao Yan for an enemy invading its territory. It let out a deafening roar and slammed all four hooves into the ground, charging at him like a cannonball, its three sharp tusks gleaming with a deadly luster.
Xiao Yan dared not be careless. He darted aside, narrowly avoiding the charge. The Golden-Horned Mystic Wild Boar was extraordinarily fast, far more agile than its massive size suggested. Its hard scales gleamed like metal in the sunlight, and its defenses were evidently formidable.
"Boom!"
The Golden-Horned Mystic Wild Boar crashed headfirst into a tree behind Xiao Yan. The trunk, as thick as a bowl, snapped at once, sending wood chips flying. It turned around, fixed its crimson eyes on Xiao Yan, and attacked again, its huge hoof slamming down with enough force to tear through the air.
Xiao Yan's gaze sharpened, and the Origin Qi within him erupted without restraint. Green Lotus Core Flame rose over his body, forming a suit of flaming armor. Instead of dodging, he met the hoof head-on and threw a punch!
"Bang!"
Fist and hoof collided with a thunderous, muffled crash. Xiao Yan felt a tremendous force surge through him, numbing his arm slightly and forcing him back three steps. The Golden-Horned Mystic Wild Boar was also shaken back two steps, a flicker of surprise passing through its eyes. Clearly, it had not expected this seemingly weak human to withstand its blow.
"Interesting." Xiao Yan shook out his numb arm, a spark of fighting spirit igniting in his eyes. The Golden-Horned Mystic Wild Boar's strength and defenses were formidable, making it perfect for honing his use of Origin Qi.
He closed in, taking the offensive. His Origin Qi and Heavenly Flames fused perfectly, and his fists and kicks struck at the Golden-Horned Mystic Wild Boar's weak points again and again with the might to burn mountains and boil seas.
Though the Golden-Horned Mystic Wild Boar was not particularly intelligent, its fighting instincts were formidable. Relying on its hard scales and brute strength, it locked in combat with Xiao Yan. Fist shadows crisscrossed the forest, beastly roars rang out, trees snapped, and shattered stones flew in a fierce battle.
Xiao Yan's combat experience far surpassed the beast's. Rather than meet it head-on, he used his agile movement to circle constantly, looking for openings. Whenever the Golden-Horned Mystic Wild Boar exposed a weakness, he seized the chance to hammer its relatively vulnerable belly or joints with fists or palm strikes infused with Heavenly Flames.
"Sizzle!"
Another punch struck the Golden-Horned Mystic Wild Boar's belly, and Green Lotus Core Flame erupted instantly. Though the scorching fire failed to break through its scales directly, it caused the beast tremendous pain, drawing a pained roar from it.
After several exchanges, the Golden-Horned Mystic Wild Boar's scales had been scorched black by the Heavenly Flames, and its movements had gradually slowed. Yet the ferocity in its eyes burned even brighter; it had clearly been enraged beyond measure.
It suddenly stopped and howled at the sky. Origin Qi surged wildly within it, and the three golden horns atop its head began to shine with dazzling golden light. An even more terrifying presence erupted from its body.
This is bad. It's going to use its innate divine ability! Xiao Yan's heart tightened. He hurried back, watching it warily.
The Golden-Horned Mystic Wild Boar abruptly lowered its head, pointing its three golden tusks at Xiao Yan. It turned into a streak of golden light and charged again with the power to destroy heaven and earth. This time, its speed and strength far surpassed before!
Xiao Yan took a deep breath and circulated both Heavenly Flames within him at once. Green Lotus Core Flame and Fallen Heart Flame intertwined, condensing into a massive flaming spear in his hand.
"Heavenly Flames: Shatter Delusion!"
With a low shout, Xiao Yan hurled the flaming spear. It howled through the air, trailing a long tail of fire as it shot unerringly toward the Golden-Horned Mystic Wild Boar's head.
"Boom!"
The flaming spear collided with the Golden-Horned Mystic Wild Boar's golden horns, unleashing an earth-shaking blast. A terrifying energy shockwave spread in every direction, instantly leveling the surrounding trees and leaving a huge, deep crater in the ground.
Amid the billowing dust came the Golden-Horned Mystic Wild Boar's piercing scream.
When the dust settled, the Golden-Horned Mystic Wild Boar's massive body lay on the ground. Its three golden horns had broken, and the flaming spear had pierced its head. The crimson faded from its eyes, and it fell completely still.
Xiao Yan stood where he was, panting heavily, his face somewhat pale. The battle had taken a considerable toll, especially the final strike, which had depleted well over half the Origin Qi in his body.
He walked over to the Golden-Horned Mystic Wild Boar's corpse. Its scales, tusks, and inner core were all rare materials. The three golden horns in particular contained exceptionally pure metal-element Origin Qi and were worth a great deal.
Just as Xiao Yan was about to process his spoils, faint footsteps came from deep within the forest.
His gaze sharpened, and he immediately went on guard. Having just fought a major battle, he was not in peak condition. If he encountered another powerful enemy, things might prove troublesome.
A figure slowly emerged from the dense forest and appeared before him.
It was a girl who looked about thirteen or fourteen, dressed in a simple green dress and barefoot. Her skin was as fair as fine mutton-fat jade, and her long black hair fell loosely over her shoulders. Her features were exquisite, especially her eyes, which were as clear and pure as a spring deep in the forest. At that moment, however, a hint of curiosity and wariness showed in them as she studied Xiao Yan and the Golden-Horned Mystic Wild Boar's corpse.
The girl gave off no Origin Qi fluctuations whatsoever, as though she were an ordinary little girl, but Xiao Yan dared not underestimate her. Anyone who could appear alone in this wild forest, where danger lurked on every side, could not possibly be ordinary.
"Who are you?" The girl's voice was clear and pleasant, with a hint of hesitance, as though she rarely spoke to others.
"Xiao Yan," he answered simply, remaining on guard in secret. "And you?"
"My name is A Man," the girl said, her gaze still fixed on the Golden-Horned Mystic Wild Boar's corpse. "Did you kill it?"
"Mm." Xiao Yan nodded.
Surprise flickered in A Man's eyes. She walked over to the Golden-Horned Mystic Wild Boar's corpse, crouched down, and reached out a fair little hand to gently stroke its scorched scales. She murmured something under her breath, a note of regret in her voice.
Xiao Yan watched her in puzzlement, unable to understand why she cared so much about the corpse of an exotic beast.
A moment later, A Man stood up and looked at Xiao Yan. "The Golden-Horned Mystic Wild Boar was vicious, but it was one of this forest's guardians," she said earnestly. "You shouldn't have killed it."
Xiao Yan frowned slightly. "It attacked me first. I was only protecting myself."
A Man shook her head, as though she did not quite understand. "In the forest, the strong are revered, but even so, you can't kill indiscriminately. Every living thing has a reason to exist."
Xiao Yan did not argue with her. Everyone had a different standpoint, so naturally their views differed as well. He changed the subject. "Do you know where this place is?"
A Man blinked her clear eyes. "This is the outskirts of the Mist Forest."
"The Mist Forest?" Xiao Yan had never heard the name before. "Which region does it belong to? How far is it from the Northern Region?"
A Man shook her head. "I don't know what the Northern Region you mentioned is. The Mist Forest is the Mist Forest. It's always been here."
Xiao Yan's heart sank. It seemed he had been transported somewhere extremely remote, perhaps even unknown to the outside world. Leaving would probably not be easy.
"Did you come from outside?" A Man studied Xiao Yan curiously. "I rarely see people like you."
"Mm, I was transported here by accident," Xiao Yan said. "Have you always lived in the Mist Forest?"
"Mm." A Man nodded. "I've lived here since I was little."
Xiao Yan was surprised. It was truly incredible that a little girl could live alone in a forest fraught with danger.
"It's dangerous here. You're all alone..."
"I'm not afraid." A Man interrupted him, a hint of pride in her voice. "My friends in the forest will protect me."
"Friends?" Xiao Yan looked around in confusion. Aside from the trees and the exotic beast's corpse, he saw no one else.
As though to confirm A Man's words, a rustling came from deep in the surrounding forest. A flock of colorful little birds flew over and landed on her shoulders, chirping away. Several little squirrels clutching pine cones also crouched at her feet, studying Xiao Yan curiously.
Xiao Yan stared in astonishment. The little animals were so close to her, as though they were her family.
A Man smiled and stroked the birds' feathers. "They're all my friends," she told Xiao Yan.
Only then did Xiao Yan understand. The girl likely possessed some special ability to communicate with nature, which allowed her to survive safely in the Mist Forest.
"Where are you going?" A Man asked.
"I want to leave here and return to the outside world," Xiao Yan said.
A Man thought for a moment. "The Mist Forest is huge and dangerous. It'll be hard for you to get out alone. Besides, there are 'guardians' deep in the forest. They won't let strangers leave easily."
"Guardians?" Xiao Yan's interest stirred. "What kind of guardians?"
"Very, very powerful beings." A hint of awe appeared on A Man's face. "They guard the heart of the forest and won't let anyone damage it."
Xiao Yan frowned deeply. It seemed leaving the Mist Forest would be even harder than he had imagined.
"Can you take me out?" Xiao Yan looked at A Man. Since she lived here, she should be very familiar with the forest.
A Man hesitated, glancing at the Golden-Horned Mystic Wild Boar's corpse on the ground and then at Xiao Yan. Finally, she nodded. "I can, but you have to promise me you won't hurt the forest's creatures indiscriminately again, unless they really are trying to kill you."
"All right, I promise," Xiao Yan said at once. As long as he could leave, that was a small request.
"Then let's leave here first. The smell of blood will attract other exotic beasts," A Man said, turning toward the depths of the forest.
Xiao Yan gathered the materials from the Golden-Horned Mystic Wild Boar and quickly followed.
A Man led the way with a light step, her bare feet making no sound on the leaf-covered ground. She knew the forest extremely well and always found the safest, quickest route, avoiding potential dangers.
Along the way, Xiao Yan saw many strange plants and exotic beasts he had never encountered before. Some were docile and cute, while others were fierce and menacing, but at A Man's prompting, he did not provoke any of them. The vicious beasts also seemed wary of A Man for some reason and did not attack.
"A Man, have you always lived alone?" Xiao Yan could not help asking.
"No." A Man shook her head. "I used to live with Granny, but she went somewhere far away last year and never came back."
At the mention of Granny, a trace of sadness crossed A Man's eyes.
Xiao Yan fell silent and asked no more.
The two continued on their way, occasionally exchanging a few words. Most of the time, Xiao Yan asked about the Mist Forest, while A Man curiously inquired about the outside world.
Xiao Yan briefly told her about the Dou Qi Continent and the Great Thousand World. A Man's eyes sparkled as she listened, full of longing.
Before they knew it, the sky gradually darkened.
"Let's rest here tonight," A Man said, pointing to a sheltered cave ahead.
The cave was small but dry. A Man deftly gathered some dry branches, then took two strange stones from her clothes and struck them together. Sparks flew from the stones and lit the branches.
The warm firelight illuminated the cave, driving away the cold and darkness of the night.
Xiao Yan leaned against the cave wall, circulating his Origin Qi to recover what he had spent. A Man sat by the fire, eating some unidentified wild fruit in small bites. From time to time, she looked up at Xiao Yan, her eyes full of curiosity.
"Xiao Yan, there's a very warm power in you," A Man suddenly said.
Xiao Yan was taken aback. "A warm power?"
"Mm, like sunlight." A Man nodded. "It's a little like Granny's presence, but different too."
Xiao Yan understood that she was probably referring to the Heavenly Flames within him.
"That's the power of a kind of flame," Xiao Yan explained simply.
"Flame?" A Man looked at him curiously. "Can you show me?"
Xiao Yan hesitated, then held out his palm. A faint wisp of Green Lotus Core Flame danced in its center, giving off a gentle glow and warmth.
A Man's eyes widened in surprise. She carefully reached out her little hand, wanting to touch it, but was a little afraid.
"It's all right. It won't hurt you." Xiao Yan controlled the Heavenly Flame, making it gentler.
A Man tentatively extended a finger and lightly touched the wisp of flame. Delight appeared on her face. "It's so warm, and it doesn't burn at all!"
She played with it to her heart's content, and Xiao Yan did not interrupt, merely watching quietly.
Watching A Man's innocent smile, Xiao Yan felt much of the restlessness and unease in his heart gradually dissipate. Though he was trapped in the unfamiliar Mist Forest, meeting such an innocent, kindhearted girl was a blessing amid misfortune.
Just then, a low growl suddenly came from outside the cave. It was full of greed and savagery, utterly different from the Golden-Horned Mystic Wild Boar they had encountered earlier, colder and more dangerous!
The smile vanished from A Man's face at once, and wariness filled her eyes. "This is bad. Shadow Wolves! They've caught the scent of blood!"
Xiao Yan's gaze sharpened. He immediately stood and walked to the cave entrance, looking in the direction of the sound.
Pairs of ghostly green eyes lit up in the darkness, flickering like will-o'-the-wisps. There were at least a dozen pairs!
An icy presence came from the direction of those eyes, sending a chill through even Xiao Yan.
"Shadow Wolves are pack-dwelling exotic beasts. They're extremely fast and skilled at hiding, so they're hard to deal with." A Man walked to Xiao Yan's side and spoke in a low voice. Her little face was somewhat pale, but her gaze was resolute.
Xiao Yan clenched his fists. Origin Qi circulated quietly within him, and Heavenly Flames gathered in his palms, ready to strike.
He knew another vicious battle was now unavoidable.
In the darkness, more than a dozen black figures sprang out like ghosts, charging straight toward the cave on a gust of bloody wind!