Remote Valley

"There is indeed something, but..." Wu Hao hesitated and looked around, clearly concerned about being overheard.

Considering that there might be occasional passersby in Zhenwu Garden, Wu Hao seemed cautious about discussing the matter openly.

"Come in and talk." Lu Yunxiao swiftly picked up on Wu Hao's reservations and invited him into the room.

The door closed behind them, and the two settled onto chairs in the dormitory.

"What's the big secret?" Lu Yunxiao handed Wu Hao a glass of water and inquired in a hushed tone.

"Today, while hunting beasts in the primeval forest, I stumbled upon a mature Bijing fruit on a Bijing fruit tree."

Wu Hao took a sip of water and spoke quietly.

"Bijing Fruit?" Lu Yunxiao's eyebrows shot up; he was familiar with this.

Bijing Fruit was a precious heaven and earth treasure that could enhance one's strength and level after consumption. It was particularly valuable for cultivators at the stage of fighting masters and beyond.

For Lu Yunxiao, Bijing Fruit held even greater significance. Possessing intermediate winemaking skills, his main challenge was finding high-quality materials. Bijing Fruit was an excellent ingredient for winemaking.

"Did you encounter the Bijing Python as well?"

Having knowledge of Bijing Fruit, Lu Yunxiao naturally understood the creature that was associated with it. Bijing Python, a guardian of the Bijing Fruit Tree, was covered in scales reminiscent of aquamarine crystals, boasting remarkable defensive capabilities.

Since Bijing Fruit appeared, a Bijing Python would invariably be present, safeguarding the valuable fruit.

"Yes, I encountered a third-stage Green Crystal Python and battled it. However, the Green Crystal Python is too powerful; I couldn't defeat it."

"That's why I'm inviting you to join me. We'll split the Bijing Fruits we find."

Wu Hao was open and candid, not hiding any details.

Due to his limited strength, Wu Hao couldn't contend with the Bijing Python alone. Seeking external assistance was essential.

Among Canaan Academy's students, Wu Hao shared the closest bond with Lu Yunxiao. Aware of Lu Yunxiao's strength and reliability, he naturally turned to him first.

"That's the situation." Lu Yunxiao pondered for a moment before asking, "What's the level of the Green Crystal Python? Is it in the early or mid-third stage?"

"Likely the early third stage. Otherwise, I wouldn't have escaped. With a beast's physical advantage, it probably isn't much weaker than the four top fighters at the academy."

The academy's four leading fighting masters, Lu Feng, Chen Yu, Li Cheng, and Zhao Guangyun, were all four-star major fighting masters. Lu Yunxiao hadn't informed Wu Hao of his breakthrough to five stars.

"You can try," Lu Yunxiao mused, rubbing his chin.

Having become a six-star fighter, Lu Yunxiao's strength was formidable when pushed to its limits.

Though the outer court only acknowledged the four top fighters, they remained oblivious to his rise on the very first day. He was on par with the four top fighters.

"Is it just the two of us? Do you plan on inviting others?" Lu Yunxiao inquired further.

"Just us two will suffice. I know that you have the ability to fight against masters now. You might even be able to defeat them, and I'm more than capable myself."

Wu Hao spoke softly, well aware of Lu Yunxiao's tendencies. He knew Lu Yunxiao had a habit of escalating matters.

Furthermore, Wu Hao wasn't ordinary either; he could contend against Jiuxing Doushi with his full power. Together, they were more than capable of facing a Green Python at the early third stage.

Lu Yunxiao smiled, non-committal, in response to Wu Hao's words.

"When do we leave?" Lu Yunxiao asked softly.

"Early morning tomorrow. I need to tend to myself; I sustained some injuries while battling the third-stage Bijing Python."

Wu Hao's voice conveyed his intent.

"Alright!" Lu Yunxiao nodded in agreement, a resolute tone in his voice.

...

The next day, as dawn broke, Lu Yunxiao and Wu Hao left the academy grounds, venturing into the virgin forest surrounding Canaan City.

The virgin forest was expansive, requiring an entire day's ride on a griffon beast just to cross a part of it. This vastness spoke to its scale.

While portions of the virgin forest had been explored by Canaan Academy, many areas remained untouched by their expeditions. Wu Hao's discovery lay within one such unexplored region.

The virgin forest posed considerable danger due to its various monstrous inhabitants.

Hunting and slaying monsters was a regular experience for Canaan Academy's students. This was possibly one reason for the academy's establishment within the virgin forest.

In the early morning, a white mist veiled the virgin forest, lending it an ethereal, dreamlike quality.

As they walked side by side, Lu Yunxiao and Wu Hao adopted serious expressions. The virgin forest demanded vigilance; one couldn't be too cautious.

"Where are we headed?" Feihong Sword was unsheathed in an instant, slicing a first-stage Chiyan Snake into halves. Lu Yunxiao's query was calm.

"Here." Wu Hao pointed in a direction. To prevent getting lost, he had left cryptic markers during his return yesterday. Following these markers would help them find their way more easily.

"Understood." Lu Yunxiao nodded, and the two picked up their pace.

Minute by minute, the morning turned to midday. The sun climbed higher, dispersing the white mist, and the forest grew clearer.

"Here!" Wu Hao and Lu Yunxiao halted in front of a valley.

"As expected, it's remote. It's no wonder this spot went unnoticed."

Lu Yunxiao murmured as he observed the surroundings. The valley was far from areas explored by the academy. Leaves and thorns covered the pathway, obstructing visibility.

Wu Hao's discovery of this valley was indeed unique. Its remoteness was the likely reason it had escaped detection by others.

"How did you manage to find this place?" Lu Yunxiao glanced at Wu Hao, puzzled.

"I was chasing a monster that escaped me, which led me quite far. After defeating it, I realized I had strayed off course. So, I wandered around until I stumbled upon this place."

Wu Hao replied openly.

"It sounds like something you'd do." Lu Yunxiao's mouth twitched slightly. Wu Hao's refusal to abandon his pursuits aligned with his determined character.

Chasing a monster through the forest for an extended period of time was a feat only Wu Hao could accomplish.

"Enough talk. Let's proceed."

Wu Hao motioned to Lu Yunxiao to focus, a deep voice accompanying his instructions.

"Agreed!" Lu Yunxiao nodded, a flash in his hand revealing the Feihong Sword.

Wu Hao, too, drew his blood sword, readying for the imminent challenges.

In the valley's entrance, the path was narrow and long. As Lu Yunxiao and Wu Hao ventured deeper, the valley gradually unfolded before them.