The colossal beast before them was as large as a small hill, covered in crimson scales. Its scarlet tongue lolled out, emitting a pungent, foul odor.
"A fully grown Blood Zombie King!"
Zhou Yan's heart sank.
Blood Zombies were born from resentment.
Once formed, they possessed longevity, capable of living for millennia, and their combat prowess was incredibly fierce.
Especially the defense of a Blood Zombie King, which was like steel and iron.
Even ordinary martial artists found it impossible to breach.
"This Blood Zombie King's strength is roughly at the late stage of the Divine King realm, possibly even on the verge of the peak Divine King stage."
Zhou Yan's brow furrowed.
A Blood Zombie King's power far surpassed martial artists of the same level. It would be difficult for him to slay one alone.
"No matter, I'll kill it first."
Zhou Yan's resolve hardened.
He had already received word that the Dragon Tiger Mountain held the tombs of past generations of Dragon Tiger Mountain ancestors.
If he could obtain some treasures, his cultivation resources would significantly increase.
With this thought, Zhou Yan stomped his foot, transforming into a streak of light, and dashed towards the Blood Zombie King.
The Blood Zombie King roared, its cavernous maw opening to spew forth a foul stench. It tore through the air like a sharp blade, lunging at Zhou Yan.
However, before it could touch Zhou Yan, it abruptly halted.
The next instant, the massive Blood Zombie King’s body trembled, then cracked. Blood gushed out profusely, and finally, it exploded with a bang, scattering into countless fragments.
Zhou Yan's expression shifted dramatically, his heart pounding. He was utterly terrified.
Too powerful!
A Blood Zombie King couldn't withstand even a single blow from him.
"Lord, what's wrong?"
"Lord, are you alright?"
The soldiers of the Iron Guard Legion quickly inquired.
"It's nothing. I just stepped on a stone just now."
Zhou Yan slowly regained his composure and responded calmly.
"Huh?"
Suddenly, a flicker of surprise crossed Zhou Yan's eyes. He spotted something amidst the remnants of the shattered Blood Zombie King.
There lay a jade pendant, crystal clear and translucent, inscribed with a lifelike green lotus pattern.
"What treasure is this?"
Zhou Yan's eyes lit up. He reached out and grasped the green lotus pattern.
Instantly, the green lotus pattern trembled slightly, as if trying to break free from Zhou Yan's palm and escape.
"Hmph, trying to run?"
Seeing this, Zhou Yan let out a cold snort. His true qi surged, firmly suppressing the green lotus pattern.
As time passed.
The green lotus pattern gradually calmed down.
Only then did Zhou Yan breathe a sigh of relief.
"Lord, the treasure you obtained, was it from this Blood Zombie King?"
The soldiers of the Iron Guard Legion also noticed the green lotus pattern and crowded around.
Clearly, they too were captivated by it.
"Yes, this green lotus pattern seems to contain some profound mystery. I will keep it for now and study it carefully later."
Zhou Yan nodded, then waved his hand: "Let's continue forward."
...
A moment later.
Ahead, the sound of rumbling suddenly erupted.
On a cliff face dozens of feet high, a dark cave appeared.
The cave was deep, its end obscured from view.
Several figures darted out from the cave.
Leading them was an elder, his face withered, his eyes sharp, and an aura of chilling murderous intent emanating from him.
"Haha, my guess was correct! This place is indeed peculiar!"
"This cave must be the entrance to the Dragon Tiger Mountain ruins!"
The young, handsome man's face lit up with ecstasy.
Immediately, he flipped his right hand, revealing two golden pills. A refreshing medicinal aroma filled the air, invigorating the spirit.
"These are Spirit Gathering Pills, capable of aiding breakthroughs in cultivation."
The young, handsome man chuckled and casually tossed the two golden pills. They arced through the air, landing precisely in the hands of two soldiers.
"Thank you, Young Master, for your generous gift."
The two soldiers rejoiced, quickly expressing their gratitude.
Spirit Gathering Pills were expensive and virtually impossible to obtain on the market.
"These ordinary soldiers only deserve ordinary Spirit Gathering Pills."
The young, handsome man glanced at the soldiers, a look of disdain in his eyes.
"Let's go, follow me, and together we will explore the Dragon Tiger Mountain ruins!"
His words fell, and the young, handsome man took the lead, guiding the Iron Guard Legion into the dark cave.
Simultaneously, from the depths of the cave, terrifying blood zombies crawled out.
"Quick, retreat!"
Seeing this, the surrounding members of the Iron Guard Legion cried out in unison, turning to flee.
"Heh heh… a bunch of ants daring to trespass into a forbidden area, all of you shall die."
The Blood Zombie King roared, its appearance ferocious and terrifying.
Its skin was blood-red, as if forged from molten lava, exuding a potent malevolent aura that inspired dread.
In an instant, the Blood Zombie King spread its arms, and hundreds of blood claws descended, striking down with immense force.
As the blood claws fell, several unfortunate soldiers in the Iron Guard Legion were struck. They exploded instantly, their remains utterly annihilated.
The remaining soldiers were thrown into a panic, screaming.
"Run!"
The young, handsome man's eyelids twitched, sweat beading on his forehead. He was filled with both terror and astonishment.
The terrifying might of the Blood Zombie King had far exceeded his expectations.
The Blood Zombie King roared, its speed astonishing, pursuing the Iron Guard Legion.
"This fellow is incredibly powerful!"
Zhou Yan's expression was grave.
This Blood Zombie King was far more formidable than the Blood Corpse Kings he had slain before.
Fortunately, he had reacted in time and evaded it.
Otherwise, he too would have perished under the Blood Zombie King's claws.
However, Zhou Yan found it strange. This was the heartland of Dragon Tiger Mountain; logically, the Blood Zombie King should be in hibernation.
Yet, it had attacked them with such ferocity, which was truly inexplicable.
"This Blood Zombie King must have been severely injured, leading to its violent temperament, which is why it attacked us."
Zhou Yan murmured to himself.
"Let's go, we'll follow it!"
Subsequently, Zhou Yan led his men, following closely behind the Blood Zombie King, heading deeper within.
...
Not long after, Zhou Yan and his party entered the inner region of Dragon Tiger Mountain.
"Such dense spiritual energy of heaven and earth!"
"As expected of a sect with a thousand years of inheritance!"
Zhou Yan and the others looked up, their eyes widening in astonishment.
Before them, a misty haze enveloped the area. Towering ancient trees rose from the ground, their dense canopies blocking out the sky, like pillars supporting the heavens.
This scene was like a fairyland!
"This is truly a blessed land!"
Someone exclaimed excitedly.
"Yes, it is said that a thousand years ago, this was the sacred land of Dragon Tiger Mountain, possessing immense authority, with the Dragon Tiger True Lord residing here. Unfortunately, in recent years, with the thinning spiritual energy of heaven and earth, this place has become increasingly dilapidated and has fallen into ruin."
Another person sighed with deep regret.
"Heh heh, so what? Today, we are able to set foot in this place and obtain fortuitous encounters, which will surely allow us to leap over the dragon gate and ascend to the heavens in a single bound!"
"That's right, any of the rare treasures and heavenly materials here, if dug up, would be enough for us to cultivate for half a lifetime."
"We're going to be rich this time."
Around them, the crowd was filled with excitement.
"Quick! Quickly search for the treasures here."
The young, handsome man urged them on.