Nurturing Poison

Observing the poison gland in Niu Geng's hand, a faint smile appeared at the corners of Lu Yuling's mouth. She glanced at Hua Nongying but remained silent. Hua Nongying, upon hearing Niu Geng's words, was taken aback. She had not expected that Niu Geng, who appeared honest and straightforward, was actually an expert in poisons.

Poison was undeniably a fearsome but powerful force. Once it was used properly, there was no doubt that it could be used to challenge those of a higher level or to assist others.

The Endless Mountains were indeed teeming with poisonous insects, making it easy to fall victim to poisoning. Having someone knowledgeable in poisons would undoubtedly increase their safety. With this in mind, Hua Nongying nodded, acknowledging Niu Geng's value. Thus, the four of them finally formed a team.

Niu Geng proceeded to collect items such as snake galls from the Five-Colored Poison Python. Lu Yuling retrieved a small jade bottle and extracted some blood essence from the heart meridian of the python. Soon after, they swiftly departed. The scent of fresh blood from the demon beast's carcass permeated the air, attracting the attention of other demonic creatures.

Using a tree branch, Niu Geng fashioned a simple stand and set up the Yin Gu Pot. Beneath it, a dried tree branch was ablaze. The Five-Colored Poison Python's gallbladder had been thoroughly crushed within the pot. Niu Geng's expression was solemn and focused.

Beside him, various poisonous herbs, insects, and fruits that had been collected were mashed into a juice and mixed with the bile of the Five-Colored Poison Python. The concoction was slowly simmered over the flames. Niu Geng's movements were skillful, revealing his familiarity with this type of work.

Zhuge Xiang, Hua Nongying, and Lu Yuling observed silently from the side. While they could not comprehend the intricacies of the venom that Niu Geng was handling, they refrained from disturbing him. Darkness would descend within two hours, making the Endless Mountains even more treacherous. If they could acquire some poison, it would provide relatively greater safety.

Poisonous grass, poisonous fruits, poisonous insects, and the bile of a poisonous python, which was close to a One-Star High-Rank demonic beast, were combined to create a poisonous substance. As the flames boiled the mixture, a colorful poisonous fog billowed and dispersed, emitting a pungent odor.

"Although this poisonous fog won't harm the human body, it can attract poisonous creatures within a five-kilometer radius. Would you like to leave and avoid inhaling it?" Niu Geng turned his head and addressed Zhuge Xiang and the other two while observing the rising poisonous fog.

Zhuge Xiang and the others nodded, finding a spot on a nearby large tree to sit down. They observed from above, possessing limited knowledge about poisonous creatures. Staying close might potentially hinder Niu Geng's efforts. Additionally, Hua Nongying and Lu Yuling were both female, and it was assumed they would be more resistant to poisonous creatures.

Before long, a poisonous snake slithered out from the depths of the forest. Drawn by something, it swiftly made its way towards the Yin Gu Pot. Following its appearance, other poisonous creatures emerged one after another. Spiders of various hues, snakes of different sizes, scorpions, centipedes, and toads…

In an instant, the ground was teeming with an abundance of poisonous creatures. They were all fixated on the Yin Gu Pot. Whether they were venomous snakes, spiders, or other poisonous creatures, their objective was to enter the Yin Gu Pot and consume the boiling poisonous juice within.

However, the lid of the Yin Gu Pot had been specially crafted, featuring only small openings that even the tiniest of snakes couldn't penetrate. Despite this, the poisonous creatures continued to surround the pot, unwilling to depart. They fervently attempted to gain entry, enticed by the deadly allure of the rising poisonous fog.

All the poisonous creatures vied for a chance to enter. The area near the Yin Gu Pot had inadvertently triggered a clash among these venomous beings. The poisonous insects turned on each other, engaging in a primitive battle.

Hundreds and thousands of poisonous creatures ruthlessly fought over the inaccessible Yin Gu Pot. It was akin to a method of breeding poisonous insects. These creatures engaged in brutal killings. Zhuge Xiang and the others sat on the tree trunk, their scalps tingling as they witnessed the spectacle. The sheer number of poisonous creatures was truly overwhelming.

After a bout of slaughter, only one poisonous creature remained. It was an unfamiliar type of poisonous bee, distinguishable from ordinary ones by its distinct appearance. The poisonous stinger on its tail was a striking shade of blue, clearly indicating its potent venom.

The method of cultivating poison had evidently resulted in the mutation and evolution of this toxic creature. In that moment, Niu Geng removed the lid of the Yin Gu Pot, and the poisonous bee hastened to crawl inside.

"Alright, let's go. With some nurturing, this poisonous bee will become a formidable ally," Niu Geng remarked as the final surviving bee entered the Yin Gu Pot. He stowed it away and looked up to address Zhuge Xiang and the others. Recognizing that it was getting late, Zhuge Xiang and the rest swiftly departed.

Roar…

As they traversed the forest in search of a secure refuge, a resounding roar reached their ears. It was a mighty roar, undoubtedly emitted by a formidable demonic beast. Five thousand disciples were currently fleeing for their lives, and many had sought refuge within the forest. Encountering such a situation was not unexpected.

Zhuge Xiang and the other three exchanged glances, silently conveying their intent to investigate. If they encountered disciples of higher strength, they would assist them when possible. In this treacherous forest, their survival chances would be greater with a few strong allies.

After making up their minds, Zhuge Xiang and his companions crouched down and stealthily proceeded forward. After walking around two hundred meters, they finally caught sight of the battle scene. However, Zhuge Xiang's eyes narrowed slightly upon witnessing the situation unfolding in the arena.

This area was an open space, a rarity within the dense forest. It had been completely cleared due to the ongoing battle. Standing upright like a human, a demonic bear towered over three meters in height. Its khaki fur resembled steel needles, and merely facing its immense size was enough to make one feel an overwhelming pressure.

The enormous bear paw moved with force, capable of shattering rocks half the height of a person or snapping trees that could be embraced by two individuals. A single swipe from this attack would undoubtedly prove fatal to any human.

Engaged in combat before the demonic bear were two familiar figures: Ling Wufeng and Ji Wuxue. Ling Wufeng brandished his flying sabers, their glimmers flickering through the air. Meanwhile, Ji Wuxue had already unleashed the Bloodthirst Technique, enveloping the demonic bear with a sharp sword technique. However, whether it was Ji Wuxue's swordsmanship or Ling Wufeng's flying sabers, their attacks proved entirely futile against the bear. Every strike was deflected, failing to even break through its skin.

"Isn't this demonic bear a little too thick-skinned?" Niu Geng's eyes widened. The strength displayed by Ji Wuxue and Ling Wufeng during the battle was beyond question. Yet, their combined assault hadn't inflicted any injury upon the demonic bear, which was undoubtedly shocking.

"No, thick skin alone cannot explain this." Lu Yuling's gaze intensified as she observed the scene before her and sensed the powerful Demonic Qi emanating from the bear. "This is a two-star demonic beast, equivalent to a cultivator in the Body Tempering stage."

"A two-star demon beast?" Zhuge Xiang and the others' expressions grew even more grave upon hearing Lu Yuling's words.

Compared to a one-star demonic beast, a two-star demonic beast exhibited a qualitative improvement, similar to that of a human cultivator. While a one-star demonic beast possessed high attack but low defense, a two-star demonic beast had already begun utilizing Demonic Qi to strengthen its body, rendering it highly resistant to attacks.

In a battle between a Qi Nourishing stage cultivator and a one-star demonic beast, the cultivator might have a chance to fight against someone of a higher cultivation level due to the beast's low defense. However, in a battle against a two-star demonic beast, victory was impossible. The cultivator's attacks proved ineffective, and the formidable assaults of demonic beasts were insurmountable. How could one possibly contend?

Despite Ji Wuxue and Lingwu Feng's considerable strength and improved survival chances when gathered together, the presence of a two-star demon beast gave them pause. Rushing to their aid could potentially result in their failure to save the person while also endangering themselves.

The group engaged in low-voiced discussions, grappling with uncertainty over whether they should intervene. In the midst of their deliberation, Ling Wufeng and Ji Wuxue were already in a wretched state under the relentless assault of the two-star demonic bear. Its strikes possessed the potential to shatter every bone in their bodies upon impact.

After a brief discussion, Zhuge Xiang nodded and made his intention to take action clear. Confronted with a two-star demon beast, Zhuge Xiang formulated a battle plan. Hua Nongying and Lu Yuling did not object to Zhuge Xiang's suggestion. Despite the beast's strength, if they could emerge victorious, they would gain two formidable companions. It was a fight worth undertaking. Upon hearing Zhuge Xiang's devised battle plan, their confidence surged.

The mechanical puppet and the Demon Fox puppet lunged forward, coordinating their attacks. Hua Nongying employed Ghostly Steps, darting around the demonic bear like a nimble fly, repeatedly thrusting her dagger. Although her strikes did not inflict significant damage, her elusive movements and relentless assault unsettled the demonic bear.

Although the demonic bear could sprint faster than a human when it ran on all fours, its reaction time was slow once it stood up. There was no doubt that Hua Nongying was the most at ease among the present individuals.

With Lu Yuling and Hua Nongying joining the battle, the burden on Ling Wufeng and Ji Wuxue lessened significantly. However, in the face of a two-star demon beast, even if it was a low-grade one, they still had no chance of winning.

Hua Nongying, akin to a fly, constantly provoked the demonic bear, eliciting continuous roars. The massive bear paw whistled through the air, but Hua Nongying's nimble Ghostly Steps allowed her to deftly evade its strikes. Faced with such an agile adversary persistently buzzing around it, the demonic bear could only bellow in frustration, unable to do anything. Despite its power, it was helpless against Hua Nongying and her mastery of Ghostly Steps.

Hiding at the side, Zhuge Xiang had already activated the Bloodthirst Technique while Hua Nongying and the others were attracting the demonic bear. He slightly lowered his center of gravity, fixating his scarlet eyes on the roaring maw of the beast.

Despite the two-star demonic beast's use of Demonic Qi to strengthen its body, Zhuge Xiang refused to believe that even the soft oral cavity inside its mouth could be extraordinarily resilient.

Applying some of the poison from the venomous glands of the Five-Colored Poison Python onto the Blood Refined Saber, Zhuge Xiang seized the opportunity. Suddenly activating Violent Steps, he transformed into a blood-red shadow. A trail of tragic blood-colored saber energy shot straight toward the demonic bear's gaping mouth.