"Going to the Beast Region? A fortuitous opportunity suited for me?"
"Could it be, husband, that you're planning to take me to the Nine Serene Springs this time?" Cai Lin asked, having learned quite a bit about the continent's secrets recently.
"Yes, exactly the Nine Serene Springs!" Gu Fei nodded with a smile.
The Nine Serene Springs are located deep within the earth, typically regarded as the sacred land of the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python Tribe. When members of this tribe seek to advance their cultivation, they usually immerse themselves in the waters of these springs, which greatly aids in their breakthroughs.
Although the waters of the Nine Serene Springs are extremely cold and yin-infused, they are one of the best places in the world for snake-like magical beasts, who naturally lean towards yin energy, to refine their bodies.
"Husband, the Nine Serene Springs are under the control of the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python Tribe, one of the three major beast tribes in the Beast Region. When do you plan to go there?" Cai Lin inquired further.
"We'll depart immediately!" With Gu Fei's current strength, there were very few places in this world that he couldn't reach. However, a significant part of his confidence came from the fact that Zi Yan, a Four-Star Dou Saint, would be accompanying him. With her by his side, there was little Nine Serene Deep Ground Python Tribe could do to threaten them.
"No time to waste, let's head out now!" Zi Yan said with excitement. The last time she visited the Beast Region, the opportunity she encountered allowed her to soar in cultivation like a rocket, reaching the level of Dou Saint. She was eager to see what new opportunities awaited this time.
The three of them quickly made their preparations and, just like before, quietly left the area. They left behind instructions for Xiao Yi Xian and Qing Lin to inform others that they had entered seclusion.
...
The Nine Serene Deep Ground Python Tribe's true stronghold lies deep underground. However, they also have many branches on the surface. Among the three major magical beast tribes in the Beast Region, they have the largest population. However, this large population also lead to impure bloodlines.
According to the elders of the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python Tribe, if this continues, their ancient bloodline might be completely diluted within a century, causing the tribe to degenerate to the level of ordinary magical beasts. This has led to significant internal conflict and debate within the tribe. But without a replenishment of ancient blood, this fate seems inevitable given their rampant reproduction rate.
The Nine Serene Ground Abyss is one of the main pathways into the underground world, and it's heavily guarded by the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python Tribe.
"Up ahead is the Nine Serene Ground Abyss!"
"Zi Yan, it's up to you now!" Gu Fei said.
"Don't worry, they won't even sense our presence as we enter!" Zi Yan waved her sleeve, and a spatial force enveloped Gu Fei and Cai Lin, making them vanish without a trace as they silently entered the underground world.
The underground world had an incredibly complex terrain. But Gu Fei had come well-prepared, armed with a detailed map. In just a few minutes, they navigated through numerous serpent tribes and reached the depths of the underground world. About half an hour later, they arrived at the headquarters of the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python Tribe.
The Nether Serpent Vein was the heart of the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python Tribe's territory and regarded as a sacred land by many serpent tribes. As a sacred land, it was naturally well-guarded. Even those of the serpent tribe would be denied entry without the proper status or rank.
"Husband, the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python Tribe is truly deserving of its place among the three great beast tribes. Though they're the weakest among the three, they still have a considerable number of strong individuals," the Medusa Queen remarked as they stood atop a mountain. "This scale of strength is far beyond that of my own serpent tribe..."
"Don't worry, Cai Lin. This is nothing. When you visit my Ancient Dragon Island, you'll see that the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python Tribe is just a motley crew in comparison!" Zi Yan said proudly. "We have plenty of Dou Venerates in our Dragon Tribe..."
"Alright, when you become the Dragon Emperor, make sure to give me a warm welcome!" The Medusa Queen played along with Zi Yan.
In terms of overall strength, the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python Tribe couldn't compare to the Ancient Void Dragon Tribe.
"Well, I'm not the Dragon Emperor yet!" Zi Yan said, blushing slightly.
"Alright, let's head to the Nine Serene Springs!" Gu Fei chuckled, reminding them of their task.
With that, Zi Yan once again utilized her spatial powers, enveloping the three of them. Their figures vanished into thin air. With Zi Yan's control over space, even a Five-Star Dou Saint wouldn't be able to detect them from a distance.
...
Deep within the Nether Serpent Vein, there lay a massive, dark chasm, hundreds of feet wide and seemingly bottomless. A terrifyingly cold yin wind constantly howled up from the depths. Just standing near it could make a person's blood and Dou Qi feel as if it were freezing.
At the bottom of this chasm was the sacred pool of the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python Tribe.
The Nine Serene Springs!
This was one of the primary objectives of Gu Fei and his companions.
There were no guards stationed near the chasm, as everyone knew that the frigid yin wind coming from the dark abyss was the best natural guard. Even a Dou Ancestor wouldn't dare venture too deep for fear of being trapped forever.
As the chilling yin wind continued to howl, the space nearby suddenly distorted slightly. Three figures slowly appeared- Gu Fei, Zi Yan, and Cai Lin.
Glancing at the dark abyss below, Gu Fei smiled and without hesitation, they broke through the icy wind and descended into the depths of the chasm.
The chasm was incredibly deep; a regular Dou Venerate would need about an hour to reach the bottom. But with their speed, the three of them reached the ground in just a few minutes.
As they neared the bottom, a massive lake appeared before them. The chilling yin energy that could freeze even Dou Qi emanated from this lake. The lake was enormous, with its waters a deep yellow color. Streams of yellowish mist, tinged with the scent of blood, continuously rose from the lake, swirling upwards.
"This is the legendary Nine Serene Springs," Gu Fei said as he slowly approached the enormous lake. The closer he got, the more he could feel a subtle yin energy trying to infiltrate his body.