"Crack!" The sound of impact echoed as Mu Yunxuan forcefully propelled Mo Wu away, causing him to soar through the air like a kite with a broken string.
Mo Wu's body was sent flying in a straight trajectory, resembling a kite whose string had been severed, propelled by Mu Yunxuan's force.
Turning around, Mu Yunxuan cast a gloomy gaze towards Haoyue Huang.
"Wu'er..." Mo Zhai disregarded everything else, including Li Xuan's bow, and hurriedly rushed towards Mo Wu's side.
"Emperor, I must provide an explanation to Qi Er today."
Mu Yunxuan is usually addressed as Uncle Haoyue Emperor, but today he was referred to as the Emperor instead of Uncle.
Upon hearing this, Haoyue Emperor naturally understood that Mu Yunxuan was furious, and the thought of Mo Wu potentially losing his life earlier today angered him deeply. If it weren't for his presence, Mo Wu might have met his demise.
"Do not worry! Xu will certainly uncover the truth behind this matter and give Qi Er the explanation he deserves."
"Brother Huang, since you have spoken, then I will say no more," Jun Zixi intended to fight for her grandson initially, but when the royal brother spoke, she had nothing else to add.
"My Emperor, observing the usual steadiness with which the two brothers act, their recklessness today has left people perplexed. It is inconceivable that individuals would say things that may cost them their lives in front of such a gathering! I fear their minds have been manipulated." Jun Zixi's voice carried a hint of unease as she glanced at the queen and spoke in a cold tone. Haoyue Emperor posed the question to the queen, fully aware in his heart that Mo Zhai was her confidant. However, regardless of who it might be, he was deeply angered by the corruption of moral values within the Haoyue Kingdom under the public's gaze.
A flicker of unnaturalness flashed across the queen's face as she pondered her response. "Emperor, this concubine truly does not know."
"Since you claim ignorance, then we shall wait until you find out the truth before you speak," Haoyue Emperor's voice was icy cold.
A fleeting expression of fear quickly passed over the queen's face.
"Take these two individuals away and await Suqi's return to handle the matter," Haoyue Emperor promptly gave the order.
Mu Yunxuan and Su Zimo, Su Li, returned to their respective positions, patiently waiting once again. Their sole desire was for Su Qi's safe return.
"Momo, do you think Qi Er is in danger? Should we secretly send someone to check on him?" Murong Shaofeng sent a secret message to Su Zimo as soon as she sat down.
Su Zimo gazed at his gentle and handsome face, resembling a jade sculpture, and replied, "Shao Feng, there's no need. Those alchemists are no match for Qi'er, and the highest level of Jade Mountain Warcraft is merely a Holy Beast Warcraft. With Qi'er's abilities, there should be no problem."
Upon hearing Su Zimo's words, a glimmer of understanding crossed Murong Shaofeng's face, and he fell silent.
In Jade Mountain, this place was different from Cuihua Mountain. The ground often shook violently, and true strength was only obtained through bloody battles that forged an unwavering will. Even though Su Qi possessed experience in slaying Warcraft, it was through one battle after another that he gradually mastered the temperament of these creatures and became adept at swiftly dispatching them.
Su Qi searched around but failed to find the Earth Flame Lotus and the Melting Soul Ginseng.
It was highly likely that the Earth Flame Lotus grew within the heavenly spring water in the cave. As a result, Su Qi began searching for areas with caves.
"Huh! There's a cave here." Su Qi's mind raced like lightning, his eyes gleaming with coldness. He strode purposefully into the cave, making no effort to conceal his presence, knowing full well that there were likely many individuals following him.
"Ji Gongzi, Su Qi has entered the cave. Shall we follow suit?"
"Wait a moment. If there's no Earth Flame Lotus inside, we'll only be disturbing the peace by entering." Ji Yu didn't want the imminent opportunity slipping away. He intended to wait until Su Qi found the Earth Flame Lotus before making his move.
"But what if there is an Earth Flame Lotus in this cave, and Su Qi claims it before we even get there? We would have waited in vain," Helan Min fretted, concerned that she might miss out on obtaining the Di Yan Huo Lian. She never expected the sudden emergence of this predicament from the old man, adding an unexpected twist.
"Have you forgotten? Wherever precious herbs are found, there are usually waiting Warcraft. If there truly is an Earth Flame Lotus, Su Qi will have to eliminate the Demon Beast to acquire it," Ji Yu explained.
"Roar!" Just as Ji Yu finished speaking, a roar of a Demon Beast echoed from within the cave.
"Ji Gongzi, I hear the roar of a Demon Beast," Helan Min shivered, her face filled with resentment. She had never battled Warcraft and found them repulsive.
"Oh no! How frightening! Su Qi stood close to the stone wall, his grip on the jade pearl almost loosening in fright. Unbeknownst to him, there were monsters lurking in the dark cave.
In front of Su Qi, a massive snake with a thick body and a proud head appeared, its fiery red eyes glaring menacingly, while its tail thrashed about.
"Damned humans! How dare you trespass into this deity's cave? Are you seeking death?" The snake, based on its voice, seemed to be female, but its body's color remained indistinct within the dark recesses of the cave.
"If you seek death, then seek it. Let me tell you, if you want to live, step aside. It isn't easy to reach the eighth rank of the Holy Beast stage," Su Qi's face expressed vigilance. While the Nickel Pig Big Ear Demon Beast possessed formidable defense, it was comparatively easier to deal with than this cunning snake monster, especially considering the lethal force of its tail.
"You're an alchemist searching for the Earth Flame Lotus?" The snake monster inquired once more.
Su Qi blinked her large eyes, confirming her suspicion that it was indeed a snake. It was far more cunning, unlike other monsters that simply announced their intention to kill and devour humans.
"Could it be that the Earth Flame Lotus is here?" Su Qi responded with a question instead of a direct answer. Killing this eighth-order Demon Beast of the Holy Beast stage, in addition to the Nickel Pig Big Ear Demon Beast, would allow him to advance to the eighth rank of the Golden Xuan Period. He was merely one rank away from his brother, and as long as Su Qi persevered, he could surely catch up to his brother's progress.
"This deity is the fiery silver serpent that guards the Earth Flame Lotus."
After the Fire Silver Snake finished speaking, a radiant silver light instantly emanated from its body, illuminating the surroundings with greater clarity.
Su Qi's keen eyesight allowed him to spot several red Earth Flame Lotuses floating in the blue heavenly spring behind the Fire Silver Snake.
Su Qi's heart skipped a beat as he realized that there were not just one, but several lotuses.
"What is your connection with the Earth Flame Lotus?" Su Qi asked, aware that certain Warcraft could produce unique medicinal materials during their cultivation, and these materials were often guarded by the Warcraft.
"The Earth Flame Lotus here is naturally born because of this deity," replied the Fire Silver Snake.
Though its body turned silver, the snake's eyes remained blood-red, giving it a sinister appearance in the dark cave.
Su Qi couldn't help but gulp nervously. Snakes! His wife had an extreme fear of snakes, and even though she was fearless in other situations, snakes could easily bring her to her knees.
"Xiao Ye came for the Earth Flame Lotus. What will you do? The Nickel Pig Big Ear Monster outside has already been killed by Xiao Ye," Su Qi said, trying to appear as confident as possible.
Su Qi looked puzzled and tried to exude a domineering aura.
But his head was hurting so much! The Fire Silver Snake's head was close to the cave's roof, forcing Su Qi to raise his head as high as possible to meet its gaze.
"This Flame Lotus is extremely precious. Humans all desire it for refining elixirs. But this deity has been waiting in this cave for a hundred years, and you are the first to find it."
"How is that possible? It's so close to human territory." Su Qi expressed disbelief, both in his expression and in his heart. Snakes were always cunning creatures.
"What chance do those foolish humans have to enter here? Ordinary people can only see the entrance of the cave, and under this deity's pressure, they can only step inside at most," the Fire Silver Snake mocked, its tone filled with coldness and ridicule.
"Then why can I enter?" Su Qi asked, feeling dejected. Was he somehow special? He briefly thought of his own importance.
"You ask me as if I have the answer. This is your territory. How would I know how you found out?" Su Qi maintained a clueless expression, but his large eyes continued to glance at the Earth Flame Lotuses behind the Fire Silver Snake. Time was running out, and if he didn't act quickly, an hour would pass. However, dealing with the Fire Silver Snake would be much more challenging than the Nickel Pig Big Ear Demon Beast outside.
"Today, I will decide, Young Master, whether you will give up the Flame Lotus or not." If he didn't give it up, a fight would ensue.
"The Earth Flame Lotus is yours, deity."
"Ah! All of them are mine?" Su Qi was stunned, a trace of doubt fleeting through his mind. Could there be such a good thing in the world?
No, he had lived for five years and never encountered such a thing.
"Yes, but I want you to form a contract with me."
The Fire Silver Snake's words widened Su Qi's eyes. It was asking him to form a contract. Could such a good thing actually happen to him, Su Qi? The image of his wife's fear of snakes suddenly flashed through his mind, and Su Qi quickly shook his head.
"No, my mother is afraid of snakes. I can't form a contract with you." Su Qi refused, but as soon as he did, a hint of regret crept in.
Enraged, the Fire Silver Snake's eyes were filled with anger. It was not something an ordinary person could contract with. For a hundred years, no one had entered this cave as easily as this child. Once it left the cave, the seal on its body would be lifted, granting it freedom. It could then cultivate more rapidly and reach the stage of a super divine beast. After cultivating for so long, it desired to transform into a human form. It blinked its fiery red eyes and said, "Your mother's fear of snakes is only temporary. This deity is a demigod and a half-demon beast, a rarity in the world. I can guarantee that your mother will no longer fear snakes."
"Really? Then hurry up and form the contract!"
As long as his wife was no longer afraid, how could he refuse? He had never had a spiritual pet before. He had never encountered the right one. He didn't expect his first contract to be with a divine beast, let alone a half-beast, half-god creature. He didn't fully understand the implications, but he didn't need to. Once contracted, Warcraft and humans were usually loyal.
"Good!" Seeing Su Qi's agreement, the Fire Silver Snake's tone softened.
"Ji Gongzi, should we go in and take a look? Su Qi has been inside for a long time," Helan Min said, her legs feeling numb from standing for so long. She was worried that Su Qi would take the Earth Flame Lotus before they had a chance.
She had initially planned to take the second lotus, but if she had to rely on Ji Yu's help today, she feared she wouldn't be able to defeat Su Qi alone.
"Why are you in such a hurry? The beast only roared but didn't fight. Don't speak nonsense if you want to settle things once and for all," Ji Yu warned coldly. He didn't want to deal with this troublesome woman.
Suddenly, not far from them, they heard the sounds of a Demon Beast. Ji Yu and Helan Min looked up to see four Earth Beast stage monsters surrounding seven or eight people in the middle.
"Ji Gongzi, should we save them?"
"Shut up! Do you meddle in other people's affairs when you sell cloth and salt? Our goal is to secure first place in this alchemy competition. The life and death of others is irrelevant to us. If you want to take risks, I won't stop you," Ji Yu replied coldly and sarcastically. Even he couldn't protect himself, so why should he help others? This woman had a brain like a dog eating tofu, always getting involved where she shouldn't.
"Yes! Ji Gongzi is right. Let's patiently wait for Su Qi to come out. It's hot today, why is Ji Gongzi wearing a hat? It's covering his fair forehead," Helan Min said.
Inside the cave, Su Qi quickly completed the contract with the Fire Silver Snake. The snake then shrank its body, becoming roughly the same height as Su Qi.
"Young master, please go and retrieve the Earth Flame Lotus from the Heavenly Spring."
"What I desire is this Flame Lotus," Su Qi said with a wicked grin as he leaped up and flew towards the blue Tianchi.
The Fire Silver Snake by his side observed Su Qi's cultivation and a hint of surprise flickered in its red eyes. It was truly astonishing for someone of such a young age to possess the cultivation of the seventh stage of the Jin Xuan period. Once considered a god-like existence, it had now become a contracted beast to a human, which seemed like a downgrade.
"Eight, there are eight flowers," Su Qi exclaimed with excitement, his pink and jade-like face radiating a strange brilliance from his big eyes.
"Eight?" The Fire Silver Snake was momentarily puzzled and replied, "Then I've been in this cave for four hundred years."
"Four hundred years? Are you bragging? Have any Warcraft lived for that long?" Su Qi retorted, returning with eight Earth Flame Lotuses, looking down upon the Fire Silver Snake as his mother had warned him, deeming it merely a cannon barrel.
"Didn't I tell you? I am a half-beast, half-divine beast. In fact, I am on the level of a divine beast. Don't underestimate me. Without me, these Earth Flame Lotuses wouldn't exist. This particular Earth Flame Lotus is unique—it grows two out of a hundred. I provided it, and I can identify all the spiritual and medicinal herbs in the world," the Fire Silver Snake argued, determined to make Su Qi realize its power.
"Fine, fine! Whatever you say. But right now, I'm short on time. I still need to find the Soul Melting Ginseng to refine the Heavenly Soul Shou Pill," Su Qi said, contemplating where he could store the Earth Flame Lotuses since he hadn't found a space ring yet.
"Go to that stone wall over there. There's a box with a serpentine space ring inside. Check if you can form a contract with it," suggested the Fire Silver Snake, looking down on Su Qi for not even having a space ring despite both being at the seventh stage of the Golden Xuan Period.
"I didn't expect you to have hidden treasure. It seems that fortune favors me, Su Qi, and I get to experience the joy of unexpected gains," Su Qi chuckled to himself, considering his luck in stumbling upon such a fortuitous situation.
Following the Fire Silver Snake's instructions, Su Qi found a red brocade box made of gold-clad jade. The transparent and precious material puzzled him further about the Fire Silver Snake's identity.
Opening the box, he discovered a silver serpentine ring. Delicate and small, it instantly caught Su Qi's fancy. He swiftly put the ring on his slender finger, feeling a slight tingling pain as the contract formed successfully.
"Hehe... The contract is complete. Thank you!" Su Qi beamed, his eyebrows forming a smile. His long and dense eyelashes fluttered gently, enhancing his cute appearance. He couldn't help but feel overjoyed.
With a thought, Su Qi placed the Earth Flame Lotuses into the Space Ring Ring.
"It seems we share a deep connection. I'll take you with me as I search for the Rong Soul Ginseng. I know where to find it," the Fire Silver Snake offered, willing to assist him now that it had become his master.
"Great! Let's go quickly, or we won't catch up," Su Qi exclaimed, hastening his steps. Suddenly, a thought crossed his mind—could Ji Yu and Helan Min be waiting outside, setting a trap for him?
"By the way, Fire Silver, from now on, I'll call you Fire Silver. Can you shrink a bit? My mother will faint if she sees you. Ji Yu won't be pleased either if he finds a big snake beside me," Su Qi remarked, concerned about the potential consequences of being seen with a snake.
Upon hearing this, the Fire Silver Snake stuck out its rarely seen snake tongue, wondering if its name really mattered. The important thing was that its mother was genuinely afraid of snakes.
Obediently, Huoyin shrank to the size of Su Qi's hand. It maintained its noble and elegant demeanor as a princess of the snake clan. They didn't need to crawl on the ground like other snakes—they could hold their heads high, ascend to the sky, and escape. Unless necessary, it wouldn't willingly become someone else's beast pet. It secretly worried that it would lose its grandeur when it shrank.
"Let's go," Su Qi said, reaching the entrance of the cave. As the spring breeze blew past, he stood facing the wind, his clothes fluttering, and his big eyes filled with a gleam of determination.
"Young Master Su, please save us!"
"Young Master Su, save us quickly!" The voices caught Su Qi's attention. He turned and saw seven or eight people standing back-to-back, surrounded by four monsters.
Belching in disdain, Su Qi looked at the scene. Couldn't these seven or eight grown men handle four Earth Beast Stage monsters? Perhaps it was because he had just slain the Holy Beast Period's Nickel Pig Big-eared Demon Beast that these four Earth Beast Stage Demon Beasts had the audacity to approach.
A white-clad man noticed the Fire Silver Snake beside Su Qi and cast a strange look at him. He concealed his greed but kept his eyes fixed on the Fire Silver Snake.
He exclaimed with flattery, "Young Master Su, since you've contracted with a Demon Beast, does that mean you've found the Earth Flame Lotus?" Yet, there was a hint of reluctance in his tone, as if he wanted Su Qi's help to escape their predicament.
Upon hearing this, Su Qi's eyes gleamed, realizing that these people knew he had found the Earth Flame Lotus.
With Elder Liu's deadline looming closer, Su Qi felt conflicted. For now, he decided to spare their lives, reminding himself that he was not one to form close relationships with others.
"It's up to you now, Fire Silver."
"Wait, young master." The Fire Silver Snake swiftly approached, emanating the aura of the eighth stage of the Saint Beast Stage to suppress the Earth Beast Stage Demon Beasts.
Soon, the Earth Beast Stage demonic beasts turned and fled.
"Thank you, Su Gongzi. Your beast pet is truly extraordinary. Such a small creature managed to scare away four Earth Beast Stage Demon Beasts. Could it be that it's already a Saint Beast Stage Demon Beast?" the man in white praised, his eyes fixated on the Fire Silver Snake with fascination.
Su Qi remained silent, his soft voice overflowing with a cold aura as he uttered, "Leave." There was an indescribable chill in his childish voice.
With the Fire Silver Snake holding its head high, Su Qi departed amidst their bewildered gazes.
"Ji Gongzi, what should we do? Su Qi seems to have obtained the Earth Flame Lotus."
"Why are you in such a hurry? He's currently searching for the Soul Melting Ginseng, and we'll follow him," Ji Yu replied, crossing his mind. Although he didn't know what Su Qi encountered inside the cave, the presence of the contracted beast beside him made him regret not entering earlier. If it weren't for the group of people near the cave entrance, he would have entered long ago. This time, he couldn't let Su Qi obtain the Soul Melting Ginseng.
Ji Yu and He Lanmin weren't the only ones with such thoughts. The eight men Su Qi had just saved exchanged glances and quietly trailed behind him.
Su Qi's eyes swept over his followers, a look of contempt adorning his small face.
He inwardly cursed, "A bunch of greedy bastards who want to take advantage of me."
"Humans are inherently greedy, including the man in white who wanted to use you," the Fire Silver Snake commented.
"How do you know what's going on in my mind?" Su Qi's face expressed surprise.
"Little master, now that we've contracted, I can sense your thoughts," the Fire Silver Snake replied.
"Does that mean I have no more secrets?" Su Qi quickly retorted, regretting the contract with the Fire Silver Snake.
"Little master, please calm down. I can't perceive everything," the Fire Silver Snake reassured him.
"That's good to know." Su Qi felt relieved. He looked around and questioned, "Where are you taking me? Why is the terrain getting steeper?"