Moments later, Zhou Yan's body surface was covered in red marks, his blood boiling.
"Damn it, how can this heat be so intense?"
Zhou Yan gritted his teeth, suppressing it with all his might.
*Pfft!*
Finally, the heat within his body reached its peak, and he spat out a mouthful of blood, his breathing chaotic.
"It's over!"
Zhou Yan's heart raced. He could sense that he was about to be completely depleted.
The medicinal power contained within the Vermilion Bird Holy Fruit was too potent, far exceeding his imagination!
"Not good, I must find a safe place, otherwise, I might not last three seconds."
Zhou Yan's heart skipped a beat, and he immediately stood up, preparing to escape.
"Roar!"
Unfortunately, the Black Flood Dragon was extremely fast, catching up in an instant.
"Not good!"
Zhou Yan's pupils constricted.
The next moment, the Black Flood Dragon lunged, opening its fangs and tearing towards Zhou Yan's neck.
"I'll fight!"
Zhou Yan gritted his teeth and fought back with all his might.
*Bang bang bang!*
As they clashed, Zhou Yan dodged as best he could, but the Black Flood Dragon was too fast, and he was still wounded.
"Roar!"
The Black Flood Dragon roared furiously, its attacks becoming even more fierce.
*Bang bang bang!*
In a flash, Zhou Yan had taken seven or eight blows.
"Ah!"
Zhou Yan cried out in pain, staggering backward, snapping four or five trees.
*Pfft!*
Blood splattered, Zhou Yan's face was ashen, and he knelt on the ground.
"Roar!"
At this moment, the Black Flood Dragon was extremely excited, attacking madly.
Zhou Yan managed to hold on for a dozen more moves, but ultimately, he was outnumbered and struck in the chest by a claw, his ribs broken, and he was severely injured.
"Huff!"
The Black Flood Dragon opened its bloody maw and directly swallowed Zhou Yan.
The next moment, the Black Flood Dragon's eyes turned scarlet, filled with a bloodthirsty desire.
Zhou Yan's flesh and blood essence was robust and abundant, the perfect nourishment!
As the Black Flood Dragon was about to devour him, it suddenly felt a terrifying fluctuation.
*Rumble!*
A crimson light flashed, dazzling and brilliant, like the midday sun, making it impossible to open one's eyes.
"Roar!"
The Black Flood Dragon was terrified and retreated frantically.
Simultaneously, a giant flaming wing swept through, like a celestial blade cleaving through the air.
*Pfft!*
The flaming wing descended, shattering the Black Flood Dragon's hard scales, and a large section of its tail was severed!
"Aowuu!"
The Black Flood Dragon let out a piercing scream, writhing in pain.
*Swish!*
The Black Flood Dragon quickly burrowed into the depths of the swamp and disappeared.
"Whoosh!"
In the void, a ball of scorching fire appeared, which was none other than a giant sword.
Hanging from the hilt was a figure, unmistakably Zhou Yan.
However, Zhou Yan's current state was quite disheveled.
His clothes were tattered, and a shocking scar ran across his chest.
"Cough cough..."
After several violent coughs, Zhou Yan slowly raised his head, a smile appearing on his face. "I've finally survived."
"Fortunately, I have the Xuanhuang Qi protecting me, otherwise, I would have truly died here today."
Zhou Yan felt lingering fear and immense relief.
He had initially known nothing about the Black Flood Dragon.
However, upon hearing about the Vermilion Bird Holy Fruit and seeing the Black Flood Dragon's imposing presence, he had decided to seize it.
Unfortunately, he had underestimated the terrifying power of the Black Flood Dragon.
"Although the Black Flood Dragon was sealed, its combat power is still terrifying, something I cannot contend with."
Zhou Yan shook his head.
"It seems I need to find a secluded spot to refine the Vermilion Bird Holy Fruit," he muttered to himself, making a decision.
The medicinal power within the Vermilion Bird Holy Fruit was extremely violent and required a lot of time to absorb slowly.
Moreover, this place was desolate and remote, with no hidden spots to be found.
"Hmm? What is this?"
Suddenly, Zhou Yan's gaze sharpened.
On the cliff face ahead, a Ganoderma lucidum was growing, crystal clear, radiating a faint green auspicious glow and emitting a fragrant aroma.
"Jade Ice Ginseng!"
Upon clearly recognizing the Ganoderma lucidum, Zhou Yan's eyes lit up, and he couldn't help but exclaim.
This Jade Ice Ginseng was a rare spiritual medicine that could help martial artists improve their cultivation.
Even experts in the Innate realm could extend their lifespan by consuming it.
Its value was immense!
"Haha, Heaven has not been unkind to me."
Zhou Yan was overjoyed.
He never expected to obtain a Jade Ice Ginseng on this secret realm exploration.
"Buzz!"
The next moment, Zhou Yan leaped forward without hesitation, grabbed the Jade Ice Ginseng, and put it into his mouth.
But just then, a sudden change occurred!
*Crack!*
As soon as the Jade Ice Ginseng entered his mouth, it turned to powder and fused into Zhou Yan's nose and mouth.
Immediately, Zhou Yan's face flushed, his entire body felt like it had turned into charcoal, his skin was scalding hot, and smoke rose from it.
"No..."
Zhou Yan's eyes turned bloodshot, and his heart throbbed.
This was going to kill him!
"Roar!"
However, the Black Flood Dragon gave him no opportunity, charging fiercely.
*Boom!*
The Black Flood Dragon swung its sharp claws, brutally striking Zhou Yan.
Zhou Yan let out a muffled cry and was sent flying backward again, crashing through several ancient trees.
"Hiss!"
At this moment, Zhou Yan was scorched black, blood oozing from the corners of his mouth.
His skin felt like it was burning, causing an unbearable sting.
"Am I... am I going to die?"
Zhou Yan's eyes widened, his heart filled with despair.
He never imagined that the medicinal power of the Jade Ice Ginseng would be so potent.
As soon as he consumed it, it transformed into a raging medicinal force that erupted uncontrollably.
This medicinal power was too fierce; even with his strength, he could not withstand it.
"No! I must refine it immediately!"
At this moment, a sharp light flashed in Zhou Yan's eyes. Forcing himself to his feet, he sat down cross-legged.
"Hoo..."
The next moment, wisps of medicinal power seeped out from Zhou Yan's pores, dissipating into the surroundings.
Soon, a vortex formed around Zhou Yan, inhaling and exhaling the medicinal power.
Zhou Yan calmed his mind, guiding this medicinal power to circulate along the cultivation path of the "Nine Heavens Dragon Control Art."
However, Zhou Yan's cultivation was shallow, and the medicinal power was too abundant for him to absorb perfectly.
Therefore, he could only absorb a very small amount of medicinal power each time.
"Huh?"
Suddenly, a thought crossed Zhou Yan's mind.
He saw that within his dantian, the small cauldron emitted a soft hum, seemingly very interested in the Jade Ice Ginseng.
The next moment, the small cauldron vibrated, and wisps of peculiar mist flowed into Zhou Yan's body.
"Hoo..."
As the mist entered his body, the previously restless medicinal power immediately stabilized and flowed along Zhou Yan's meridians to his limbs and extremities.
"Buzz!"
Zhou Yan's entire body glowed, feeling comfortable and as if he were bathing in a hot spring.
After a while, Zhou Yan's complexion regained its color, and his body exuded a golden radiance, shining brilliantly.
A night passed.
Zhou Yan slowly opened his eyes, his gaze filled with vitality.
"As expected of a Saint-grade medicinal ingredient!"
Zhou Yan marveled. The recovery overnight had completely healed his injuries.
At this moment, Zhou Yan felt full of strength, his qi and blood surging like rolling waves.
"I wonder if there are any other treasures in this secret realm?"
Zhou Yan pondered inwardly, his gaze sweeping around.
However, this secret realm was vast and boundless, fraught with danger. A slight misstep could lead to death.
Therefore, even Zhou Yan dared not move around carelessly, fearing encounters with demonic beasts.
*Swish!*
Suddenly, Zhou Yan's ears twitched, sensing some kind of sound.
"There's movement?"
Zhou Yan's brow furrowed. He listened intently and soon detected a clue.