Chu Yang could feel it—the life essence of the little fox was fading rapidly. Yet, he was powerless, unable to stop it.
Moreover, taking the little fox with him carried the risk of encountering unforeseen dangers on the road, consequences Chu Yang dared not imagine.
He had already decided that even if he couldn't find a divine medicine to completely remove the curse, he must find something to extend the little fox's life.
Even if he had to constantly use powerful elixirs to slowly increase her lifespan, Chu Yang would not let the little fox die before his eyes.
She had done too much for him.
A resolute look flashed in Chu Yang's eyes. He turned back to look at the sleeping little fox in the cave, raised his hand to invoke a law of heaven and earth, sealing the entrance so no one could detect her presence.
He also used his magical powers to keep the little fox in a state of deep sleep, preventing her from thinking of finding him.
Chu Yang had made up his mind: he would venture alone into the ancient forbidden land to find the divine medicine for the little fox.
With that, Chu Yang left the cave expressionlessly. In the darkness, his shadow stretched long behind him.
...
The cultivators were utterly astonished to see the Emperor leave like this.
Could it be that the Emperor intended to abandon the poor little fox?
The thought filled countless hearts with rage, feeling it unjust for the little fox!
She had transformed herself to save Chu Yang, and yet, he was going to abandon her?
No one expected that the two, who were inseparable and willing to live and die together just a moment ago, would now face such a decision, with the Emperor abandoning the little fox and leaving alone?
"Ha, the Emperor's true nature is revealed. To think we believed the Emperor's transformation was due to the little fox's death."
"Unexpectedly, he abandons the little fox now!"
"The Emperor is ruthless and heartless, a butcher to the demon race, devoid of any sentiment. Perhaps the little fox never mattered to him; everything was just to use the kind-hearted little fox."
"Indeed, the Emperor's actions are too despicable. No wonder later generations hate him so much, and not without reason."
"Even with great power, one shouldn't be so utterly devoid of conscience. Heaven sees all. The Emperor's downfall, betrayed by heaven and earth, was inevitable!"
"I just feel sorry for the little fox. If she wakes up to find the Emperor has abandoned her, how desperate and angry would she be?"
Everyone was filled with fury, utterly disgusted by the Emperor's actions!
...
Chu Yang arrived at a vibrant mountain range.
If it were the outside world, Chu Yang might not have paid much attention to such a paradise-like place.
But this was the ancient forbidden land, known as the death zone.
As they ventured deeper, no signs of normal life were visible. Either they were cursed with malevolent energy or turned into desolate ruins.
Yet, this mountain range was filled with abundant life.
The mountains were beautiful, and birds were everywhere.
The clear sound of birdsong and the babbling of a brook echoed continuously.
The peace and tranquility made Chu Yang suspicious.
In the ancient forbidden land, the more ordinary and danger-free a place seemed, the more eerie it was.
Especially now, the presence of such a picturesque scene in the ancient forbidden land was particularly abrupt and unnatural.
There could very well be great terror lurking within!
However, Chu Yang also knew that, whether in a forbidden land or the outside world, the most terrifying places often accompanied the greatest fortunes and blessings.
This was an ancient, unchanging truth.
Although it was unclear why such a paradise-like place appeared here, Chu Yang had already made up his mind to venture in and investigate.
As Chu Yang stepped into the mountain area, he noticed many small animals running around on the lush grass.
These animals were more robust and full of life compared to those outside.
Chu Yang noticed this as soon as he entered the mountains.
It wasn't just the animals; the vegetation was the same.
After examining for a while, Chu Yang found that these plants all exuded a strong life force.
This discovery clearly confirmed Chu Yang's suspicions.
A divine light appeared under Chu Yang's feet, and he rode it, releasing his spiritual sense to trace the source of this life force.
Soon, Chu Yang found himself in front of a small stream.
Although it was a small stream, it connected the entire mountain area. The water was calm and clear.
Following his senses, Chu Yang found this stream.
Approaching it, he found that the water indeed contained an unimaginable life force.
Taking a small sip, Chu Yang felt a surge of life energy enter through his mouth and spread throughout his body.
His whole body felt incredibly comfortable and peaceful.
Such a significant effect left Chu Yang in awe!
No wonder the life force of the flora and fauna here was so strong; it must be due to this stream.
After all, in this valley, the only water source was this stream.
And the medicinal properties in this water were likely more divine than Chu Yang had imagined.
Chu Yang did not let his guard down.
He remained highly alert as he began searching along the stream for traces of powerful medicines.
Before long, Chu Yang spotted a red water lotus.
The ultimate source of the life force came from this water lotus!
The lotus emitted divine light, illuminating the stream, and near the lotus, the water formed a small vortex, radiating endless life energy.
Chu Yang felt confident. He knew this water lotus was the medicine he sought.
He raised his hand, intending to take the red water lotus.
However, at that moment, a terrifying aura swept over, and the calm stream seemed to boil in an instant.
Boom!
A tremendous explosion sounded, sending ripples across the water.
A monstrous beast, resembling a giant crocodile, emerged from the water, causing one's heart to palpitate.
The beast, nearly ten zhang in size, stood towering between heaven and earth. Its hideous and terrifying appearance exuded a bloodthirsty aura.
Its shimmering scales appeared majestic and formidable, demanding attention.
An overwhelming aura covered the entire sky, exerting ancient pressure.
The crocodile ancestor opened its gaping maw.
It was like an endless abyss, emanating an extremely terrifying aura of destruction, enveloping Chu Yang.