"To capture a Tian Gang Battle Tiger as a pet would surely be a heaven-defying gain!" Zhou Yan's gaze burned with fervor.
"It's a pity that with my current strength, subduing a Tian Gang Battle Tiger is still quite difficult. After all, a Tian Gang Battle Tiger is equivalent to a cultivator at the Divine Marquis realm!"
Zhou Yan sighed inwardly.
The Divine Marquis Martial Sect realm was already considered an expert. A single palm could destroy mountains and rivers hundreds of meters wide, and with every movement, they could stir up winds and waves.
"Regardless, this is a heaven-sent opportunity. I absolutely cannot miss it!"
With blazing eyes, Zhou Yan immediately stepped forward, heading towards the vortex in the sky.
"Roar~"
At that very moment, the Netherworld Ghost Fire suddenly appeared, engulfing Zhou Yan instantly, intending to burn him to ashes.
"Not good!"
Zhou Yan's face turned ashen. He quickly unleashed the Nine Stars Hegemony Art, channeling all his true qi into his right arm, and slashed out with his saber.
Clang!
Sparks flew!
Zhou Yan was sent flying back dozens of meters, the tiger's mouth of his hand split open, blood streaming.
The Netherworld Ghost Fire was too bizarre, carrying negative energies like evil, filth, and destruction. The moment Zhou Yan touched it, it was like coming into contact with sulfuric acid; his skin rapidly rotted and festered.
"My physical defense can't withstand it?"
Zhou Yan was filled with surprise.
He had the strength of a four-star Martial Master. By rights, his body should be more resilient than iron and steel.
Yet, in that one strike, he was repelled. If he hadn't circulated the Nine Stars Hegemony Art to resist at the critical moment, he would have likely been incinerated.
"Hoo, hoo."
The Netherworld Ghost Fire swirled, emitting a mournful whine. A pair of blood-red eyes stared fixedly at Zhou Yan, seemingly wary of something.
"Hmm? This thing is afraid of me?"
Zhou Yan touched his nose, a wry smile playing on his lips.
He had initially thought the Netherworld Ghost Fire was wary of his strength, after all, the power he had just unleashed was truly terrifying.
"It seems this trip's gains are more than just the remnants of the Tian Gang Battle Tiger!"
Zhou Yan's gaze swept across the land.
The elemental energy here was thin, unsuitable for plant growth. Only rare spiritual herbs would thrive, such as the renowned Purple Cloud Grass of the Tian Xuan Dynasty!
Purple Cloud Grass, also known as Purple Sun Grass, needed to be preserved for more than three days after harvesting to achieve its maximum efficacy. Its medicinal properties were mild and gentle, best for replenishing blood and qi, making it a nourishing spiritual herb.
This type of spiritual herb was extremely precious, with a high market price. One stalk of Purple Cloud Grass was worth five thousand gold coins.
"There are only six stalks of Purple Cloud Grass in total. If I can obtain one, perhaps I can break through the bottleneck to the Divine Sovereign realm!"
Zhou Yan's eyes lit up, and he immediately quickened his pace.
In a short while, he reached the end of this cave dwelling, where a deep, dark pool of water lay.
Outside the pool stood a withered old tree, its branches shriveled, with dense vines hanging down, coiling around the cave walls.
"This tree must be the guardian beast that protected the Tian Gang Battle Tiger – the Netherworld Demonic Tree!"
Zhou Yan's gaze sharpened. "The leaves of the Netherworld Demonic Tree are top-grade materials for making迷香 (Mi Xiang - hallucination incense). Once burned, they release a special aroma that causes hallucinations."
Legend had it that the Netherworld Demonic Tree was one of the most terrifying plants in existence, something even Martial Saint experts were reluctant to provoke.
"I wonder how much my cultivation will soar if I devour it?"
Zhou Yan licked his lips, eager to try.
His physique had already reached the peak of eighth grade, ready to advance to Martial Master at any moment. However, due to insufficient accumulation, he had been unable to break through.
If he could devour this Netherworld Demonic Tree, it would surely help him break through the bottleneck and successfully advance to Martial Master.
"Gulp, gulp~"
The next moment, the Netherworld Demonic Tree trembled. Thick vines extended like colossal pythons, baring their fangs and claws, lashing out towards Zhou Yan with extreme speed.
Swish!
Zhou Yan's figure flickered, dodging the attack.
The vines of the Netherworld Demonic Tree seemed to possess intelligence, relentlessly pursuing him with incredible speed. They instantly wrapped around Zhou Yan's legs, intending to drag him up to the tree canopy.
Whoosh!
A ball of Netherworld Ghost Fire spontaneously appeared, engulfing Zhou Yan's feet and forcing back the vines of the Netherworld Demonic Tree.
Using the Netherworld Ghost Fire, Zhou Yan maneuvered and dodged the vine attacks.
Swish!
Wielding his Spirit Severing Saber, he brought it down with a fierce slash onto a vine. Flames erupted, instantly tearing through the branch of the Netherworld Demonic Tree, revealing a greenish-blue fruit within, entirely emerald-like, as if carved from jade.
"The fruit of the Netherworld Demonic Tree actually contains dense Yin-attribute true qi!" Zhou Yan's eyes widened.
Although the Netherworld Demonic Tree was a companion plant to a solitary star of ill-omen, it was an extremely high-quality spiritual herb, containing immense wood-attribute vital energy.
"For so many years, the Tian Gang Battle Tiger couldn't destroy the Netherworld Demonic Tree; instead, it absorbed its life essence. Now, it benefits me!"
Zhou Yan grinned and reached out.
Crack!
However, the moment his palm touched the Netherworld Demonic Tree, an intense pain surged from his wrist, causing Zhou Yan to cry out.
"Ah... this Netherworld Demonic Tree actually bit me?"
Zhou Yan roared and hastily withdrew his palm. On the back of his hand, a row of tiny, dense teeth marks had appeared, glowing a conspicuous crimson.
"Damn it, what is this thing, so sharp?" Zhou Yan's heart pounded, and his eyes twitched.
He had cultivated the Nine Stars Hegemony Art, making his physique nearly monstrous. Ordinary treasures could barely wound him.
Yet, this Netherworld Demonic Tree had managed to bite through his skin.
"It seems this thing is not as simple as I imagined," Zhou Yan frowned, his mood growing serious.
"Roar~"
At the same time, the Netherworld Demonic Tree seemed to sense danger, letting out a roar. Boundless fury erupted from its core.
Rumble!
Instantly, the surrounding void surged violently. The elemental energy in the heavens and earth churned and rolled, forming terrifying hurricane-like gusts.
Whoosh!
The branches of the Netherworld Demonic Tree swayed wildly, and an endless stream of dark blue mist emanated, spreading out like a tide in all directions.
"Not good, this is Netherworld Mist!"
Zhou Yan's expression changed drastically. He quickly held his breath and retreated.
Buzz!
However, the Netherworld Demonic Tree seemed to have already locked onto him. Circles of mist spread out, instantly engulfing Zhou Yan.
"Ah, damn it!"
Zhou Yan grunted, feeling an intense chill. A sinister cold permeated his body, causing his skin to take on a faint black hue. It felt as if threads of cold were circulating, freezing his blood.
"Hahaha, you brat, no matter how powerful you are, aren't you still going to perish here!"
"Netherworld Demonic Mist is supremely Yin and extremely cold. Even a second-rate Martial Master would stiffen and lose all combat ability upon contact. No matter how you struggle, it's just a death throe!"
"This time, you won't escape even with wings."