Three hundred miles may seem like a daunting journey, but with the aid of speed-enhancing *Windwalk Talismans*, Chen An covered the distance in less than two hours, arriving at the outskirts of the Poison Marsh.
Nestled deep within a dense forest, the Poison Marsh starkly contrasted with the lush greenery around it. Within its boundaries, decay reigned supreme. Rotten, collapsed trees littered the swamp, and the muddy ground occasionally belched out bubbles, each popping with a burst of green, toxic fumes.
The sight was nothing short of a desolation. Greenish poison permeated the air, filling every corner. Scattered white bones dotted the ground—some belonging to beasts, others unmistakably human.
Chen An's heart sank at the grim spectacle. Although he had prepared himself mentally, standing on the edge of this death trap was an entirely different experience.
The stench of rot and decay invaded his nostrils, prompting a coughing fit. He instinctively covered his nose and mouth as he surveyed the suffocating poison mist blanketed the marsh. He did not doubt that stepping into the toxic fog without protection would result in an agonizing death—his body rotting away until nothing but a pool of sludge remained.
Wasting no time, Chen An retrieved several *Wind Talismans* from his storage pouch and infused them with spiritual energy. A fierce wind roared to life, dispersing the poison mist in moments. Seizing the opportunity, Chen An steeled himself and stepped into the Poison Marsh.
---
Entering the marsh was like stepping into another world. The chirping of birds and rustling of leaves vanished entirely, leaving behind an eerie silence punctuated only by the occasional pop of bubbles in the swamp and the distant growls of hidden beasts.
Unlike Chen An's guarded demeanor, the red-ringed snake coiled around his arm seemed to revel in this environment. It slithered out from under his sleeve, gliding down to the ground and weaving energetically through the swamp, its tongue flicking in rapid succession.
While the poisonous mists posed a grave threat to Chen An, they were a boon to the red-ringed snake. It thrived in this environment, becoming noticeably more active. Its agile movements and rapid tongue flicks made it clear that it was invigorated.
From time to time, the snake turned its head to glance back at Chen An, its eyes conveying an almost human-like urgency, as if urging him to follow.
Chen An hesitated for only a moment before deciding to trust the snake. After all, since taming it with the *Spirit Beast Command Spell*, the bond between them had grown strong. If anything, he trusted this beast far more than any human.
Following the snake's lead, Chen An soon arrived at the territory of a colony of venomous bees. The low hum of their wings filled the air long before they came into view. These bees were pitch black and as large as a child's palm. Their stingers gleamed menacingly in the faint sunlight filtering through the poisonous fog.
But what truly stunned Chen An was their hive. The colossal structure towered nearly ten meters high, casting a massive shadow over the swamp. Its sheer size left Chen An in awe—and dread.
The snake's intent was clear: it wanted something from the hive.
Chen An frowned. Destroying such a massive hive and fending off the swarm would be no small feat. Although he didn't know how lethal the bees' venom was, he was certain a single sting would be excruciating, if not fatal.
The most straightforward solution would be to burn the hive using *Fire Talismans*, eradicating the swarm. However, Chen An sensed the snake's desire for something inside the hive, making this approach unfeasible.
Faced with the dilemma, Chen An let out a wry chuckle. "Red Ring, you know how to give me a headache."
As if understanding him, the snake coiled around his legs and nudged him affectionately with its head.
Sighing in resignation, Chen An decided to try an alternative.
---
He retrieved several *Water Prison Talismans* from his storage pouch. Activating them, he encased himself in a protective sphere of water, much like he had done during the disciples' competition. With his defenses secured, Chen An cautiously approached the hive.
The moment he stepped into the bees' territory, the swarm reacted violently. A deafening buzz filled the air as hundreds, if not thousands, of venomous bees surged toward him, their black bodies forming a writhing cloud.
Inside the water sphere, Chen An clenched his fists. Though the talisman shielded him, he couldn't help but feel apprehensive as the bees relentlessly attacked, many of them drowning in the water.
Progress was slow, and the strain on his *Water Prison Talisman* grew evident. Yet Chen An persisted, steadily advancing toward the hive. When he finally reached it, he drew back his fist and struck with all his might.
"Boom!"
The massive hive shattered under the force, its black honey spilling onto the ground alongside countless bee larvae.
The red-ringed snake wasted no time. It lunged at the fallen hive, devouring the honey and larvae with fervor. Despite its slender frame, the snake's appetite seemed insatiable, its body like a bottomless pit.
With their hive destroyed, the remaining bees dispersed, their aggression waning rapidly. Chen An waited cautiously, ensuring the threat was gone before deactivating the water sphere.
Panting slightly, he surveyed the aftermath. The snake, clearly delighted, was still feasting. Chen An took the opportunity to collect some of the black honey and larvae, storing them in a porcelain vial.
Though he wasn't sure of their uses, Chen An believed it was wise to keep them for potential future needs.
---
This encounter had given him a taste of the dangers lurking in the Poison Marsh. Yet, despite the risks, he felt a newfound confidence in his ability to navigate this perilous terrain.
As the snake finished its feast, Chen An prepared to continue deeper into the swamp.
Just then, a faint sound reached his ears—voices coming from somewhere in the distance!