I'm in Yellow Maple Valley, and I have one equipment slot!

Chapter 301 Another Immortal Body! Obtaining the Refining Method of a Heaven-Reaching Spiritual Treasure!

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"Hiss—this treasure is truly wondrous!"

Tianhen the Old Monster couldn't help but exclaim in admiration.

Marquis Nanlong and Old Ancestor Linghu were also dazzled, gaining a deeper understanding of Zhou Yuan's background and methods.

Zhou Yuan controlled the Yin Ring, leading the three of them, and they moved slowly and steadily forward in the passage filled with the dense light of the North Pole.

Under the light, some silvery-white metallic spots could be vaguely seen on the stone walls on both sides of the passage.

Zhou Yuan knew that this was the location of the rare "Gangyin Sand" mine.

However, we are in a dangerous place right now, so it is not the time to start mining. We can only wait until another day.

After spending almost half an hour, the four of them finally crossed the death passage filled with the aurora borealis without any major incident.

When they stepped out of the passage and felt the "normal" violent spiritual energy and oppressive atmosphere of the inner valley of Fallen Demon Valley again, the three of them, including Tianhen Old Monster, all felt as if they had been transported to another world.

"Finally—we've truly entered the inner valley."

Linghu Laozu breathed a sigh of relief. Even though his lifespan was running out, he was broad-minded and had walked that stretch of road with great fear.

Zhou Yuan retracted the Yin Ring and scanned the area ahead.

The inner valley's scenery differed from the outer valley's. The crimson light in the sky was more intense, and the earth took on an eerie dark purple hue. In the distance, mountains rose and fell, and the faint aura of powerful demonic beasts and the fluctuations of restrictive energy emanated from them.

The sense of danger permeating the air was several times stronger than in the outer valley.

Without delay, they continued to fly towards a specific direction in the inner valley, following the instructions on the Cangkun Jade Slip.

After several close calls and detours, the four finally arrived at a small, bare hill covered only with some dark red moss.

On the other side of the hill, there are two forked roads.

A road winds its way up to the mountain in front of us and the mountain range behind it that is shrouded in a faint blood mist.

Faintly, a tooth-grinding, rustling sound, like the rubbing of carapaces, could be heard coming from deep within the mountains, along with a faint, yet slightly tingling, sweet and pungent, fishy scent carried on the wind.

The other path veers to the left, extending along a dry riverbed. However, the sky in that area is visibly more distorted, and the spatial fluctuations are chaotic, clearly concealing more and denser spatial rifts, including many invisible rifts that are difficult to detect.

"Senior Brother Zhou, the jade slip records that the safe route to the target location seems to point to the riverbed path on the left, which is full of spatial rifts?" Marquis Nanlong took out the jade slip, compared it with the description, and asked with some uncertainty.

Although the path is riddled with spatial rifts, with Senior Brother Zhou's magical beast's perception of space, and their carefulness, they might be able to get through.

Tianhen the Old Monster and Linghu the Ancestor also looked at Zhou Yuan. They naturally sensed the dangerous aura coming from the mountain ahead; the rustling sound and the sweet, bloody smell indicated that it was definitely not a benevolent creature.

Zhou Yuan's gaze fell on the seemingly calm low mountain in front of him, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his eyes, and he slowly shook his head.

"The jade slip's record is correct; the riverbed path on the left was indeed the relatively safe route Cang Kun took back then." But that was thousands of years ago. Now, we have better options.

The little purple creature on his shoulder seemed to sense its master's intentions. Its silvery-white eyes gazed curiously at the low hill in front of it, and it gently scratched Zhou Yuan's collar with its little paws.

"What Senior Brother Zhou means is—" Tianhen Old Monster seemed to be deep in thought.

"Behind this mountain peak, a swarm of flying purple-striped scorpions dwells."

Zhou Yuan spoke calmly, as if discussing a common matter, "This scorpion is an ancient and exotic species. Mature individuals have two wings on their backs, making them incredibly fast. Their stingers contain a strange venom that can injure Nascent Soul cultivators, and their carapaces are hard, making them difficult to break with ordinary magic weapons. Furthermore, they live in groups, making them quite troublesome. If we were to force our way through, even we would need to put in some effort and might even get injured."

"Flying Purple-Striped Scorpion?!" The three men, including Marquis Nanlong, changed their expressions slightly. They had also heard of the ferocious reputation of this kind of insect.

"Since it's so dangerous, why not choose the path on the left? Although there's a spatial rift, with Xiao Zi's abilities, she should be able to avoid it."

Linghu Laozu was puzzled.

Zhou Yuan raised the corners of his mouth slightly, revealing a meaningful smile, and looked intently at the low hill behind him.

"Because I changed my mind."

"The path on the left, though it has spatial rifts, doesn't offer any treasures or opportunities worth our risking our lives for. But this shortcut before us..." He paused, his tone carrying an undeniable determination, "...this swarm of flying purple-striped scorpions is itself a rare treasure."

"Senior Brother Zhou, you mean—" Old Monster Tianhen's eagle eyes flashed, as if he understood something.

"Not bad." Zhou Yuan nodded, a hint of eagerness flashing in his eyes.

"I intend to capture these Flying Purple-Striped Scorpions, especially the mother scorpions and their eggs. If they can be tamed, or used to refine certain special elixirs, magical treasures, or even cultivated into guardian spirit insects, their value far surpasses that of ordinary rare and precious materials."

His choice of this more dangerous path was not reckless.

Because he was confident that he could handle the purple-striped scorpion swarm with his own strength.

The three men, including the Marquis of Nanlong, exchanged glances, all seeing shock in each other's eyes, which quickly turned into determination and eagerness.

Since Senior Brother Zhou dares to think and act, he must have something to rely on.

Following this legendary sect leader, one always seems to encounter unexpected opportunities and challenges.

"It's entirely up to you, Senior Brother!"

The three of them said in unison.

"it is good."

Zhou Yuan's gaze swept across the low hills ahead, his divine sense already quietly spreading over, beginning to carefully investigate the number and distribution of the "Flying Purple-Striped Scorpions," and—the possible scorpion queen.

The hunt is about to begin. And their journey to the Fallen Demon Valley has ushered in their first truly tough battle and opportunity.

After crossing the mountain peak inhabited by the flying purple-striped scorpion, the road ahead became flat again, but the oppressive atmosphere and sense of danger in the air did not diminish in the slightest.

The four continued to fly at a low altitude and slow speed, not daring to be careless in the slightest.

Little Purple perched on Zhou Yuan's shoulder, its silvery-white eyes constantly scanning the surroundings warily, especially areas with unusual spatial fluctuations. The three—Heavenly Hate Old Monster, Marquis of Nanlong, and Ancestor Linghu—followed behind Zhou Yuan, equally focused, their divine senses extending like tentacles, working in conjunction with Little Purple's warnings.

After flying for about half a day, the surrounding scenery began to change noticeably.

The first thing you notice is the change in air temperature.

Originally, the Valley of Fallen Demons was filled with a mixture of cold and violent spiritual energy, but now there was an indescribable heat emanating from ahead. As they moved forward, the heat became more and more pronounced, as if they were approaching a giant furnace.

As far as the eye could see, the already sparse and strange vegetation on the mountain ridges became even sparser, until it disappeared completely.

The ground beneath our feet and the rocks on either side gradually changed color from dark red to a scorching crimson. Eventually, as far as the eye could see, there were only barren crimson rocks of varying sizes, some of which even had a semi-molten, glassy texture due to the high temperature, reflecting an eerie light in the dim sky.

In some low-lying areas or mountain fissures, lava fissures of all sizes can be clearly seen.

Within the cracks, fiery red magma flowed slowly like blood, occasionally bubbling up huge bubbles that would burst open with a "poof," spewing out scorching heat waves and choking grayish-white volcanic ash.

The air was thick with the pungent smell of sulfur and burning minerals. The temperature was high enough to cause mortals to dehydrate and die instantly. Even low-level cultivators, without protective spiritual energy, probably wouldn't last long.

This place is now a scene of fiery hell, a stark contrast to the cold and eerie areas we had passed through earlier.

"What a domineering land of fire spirits!" Marquis Nanlong frowned, his protective aura thickening to shield him from the surging heat. His cultivation technique was not fire-attribute, making him quite uncomfortable with this environment.

Tianhen the Old Monster and Linghu the Ancestor also had solemn expressions.

Such an extreme environment often means that the creatures inhabiting this place are by no means benevolent, and may very well possess extremely troublesome fire-attribute supernatural powers.

After traveling a while longer, the scenery ahead suddenly changed.

A majestic, crimson peak rises from the ground like a pillar of fire reaching the sky, thousands of feet high. Most of the peak is directly inserted into the thick, fiery red clouds above, as if connected to the heavenly fire.

The entire mountain is crimson red, barren of any vegetation, and its surface is covered with ravines and folds formed by the cooling of flowing lava, exuding a breathtakingly powerful heat and an ancient aura.

Zhou Yuan's escape light paused, stopping in mid-air several miles away from the crimson giant peak.

The three people behind them also stopped.

"This is it."

Zhou Yuan's gaze fell on the base of the giant peak, on a dark cave entrance about three or four zhang high, which was illuminated by the lava and appeared to be flickering between light and shadow.

That was the entrance to the cave containing the remains of that ancient cultivator, as recorded in the Cangkun Jade Slip.

The jade slip clearly mentions that deep within the cave, beside a lava lake, lies the remains of an ancient cultivator, whose body contains a great treasure.

But to obtain these, one must first defeat the "Fire Toad Beast" guarding the cave.

According to the information left by Master Cangkun, this fire toad beast is an ancient and exotic species that prefers extremely hot places, and most of its nests are built in lava.

The most troublesome aspects of this beast are twofold: firstly, its indestructible body.

As long as it is in a lava environment, no matter how serious the injury, as long as it can jump into the lava in time, the injury will be completely healed in a very short time, making it almost impossible to kill.

Second, the Fire Release technique.

In flames or lava, this beast can use fire escape techniques that are almost like teleportation, moving like lightning and making it extremely difficult to catch or trap.

Fighting such a monster in such an extreme geographical environment is undoubtedly using one's own weakness to attack the enemy's strength, making it extremely dangerous.

"Senior Brother Zhou,"

Marquis Nanlong stepped forward, gazing at the cave entrance spewing heat, and said in a deep voice, "This Fire Toad Beast possesses the abilities of 'immortality' and 'fire escape,' so it would be unwise to fight it head-on in this lava cave. In my opinion, it would be better to first set up one or two powerful water-attribute trapping and killing formations at suitable locations outside the cave, then find a way to lure it out of its lair and annihilate it within the range of the formations. That would be the best strategy."

His proposal was the safest and most reasonable solution.

By using formations to restrict its fire escape and separating it from the lava environment, its geographical advantage can be weakened to the greatest extent.

Upon hearing this, Tianhen the Old Monster and Linghu the Ancestor nodded slightly.

Facing such environmentally specialized ancient beasts, a direct confrontation is indeed an unwise move.

However, Zhou Yuan slowly shook his head, his gaze still calmly fixed on the cave entrance, with even a faint smile playing on his lips.

"Junior Brother Nanlong is right. However—"

He paused, a glint of light flashing in his eyes. "I've changed my mind. This Fire Toad Beast is exceptionally talented and has great potential. If we can subdue it and bring it back to the sect to guard the mountain's fire vein, or use it in certain special situations, it would be a powerful asset. Killing it directly would be a waste."

He wants to subdue him again?

The three old monsters, Tianhen and his companions, exchanged glances. Recalling the fate of the three giant pythons, they felt even more curious and expectant about Zhou Yuan's miraculous "Spirit Control Technique."

However, this beast can "not perish" in lava and is proficient in fire escape techniques, making it several times more difficult to capture alive than to kill.

"Is Senior Brother Zhou confident?"

Linghu Laozu couldn't help but ask.

"We should at least try. Even if it fails, it's not too late to eliminate them."

Zhou Yuan spoke calmly, yet with an undeniable confidence.

Having said that, he said no more. A flash of spiritual light appeared on his body, and he transformed into a pale golden streak of light, flying towards the cave entrance at the bottom of the crimson giant peak.

Seeing this, Tianhen Laoguai and the other two had no choice but to suppress their doubts and quickly follow.

As soon as you approach the cave entrance, a heat wave ten times stronger than the outside heat hits you, mixed with a pungent sulfurous smell and a strange, fishy odor.

The cave entrance is about seven or eight zhang high and four or five zhang wide, and it is a naturally formed passage.

The cave walls on both sides are a mix of black and red, as if they have been scorched by fire and soaked in lava for countless years. The rock surface is covered with fine cracks, from which wisps of dark red flames occasionally pierce out.

The flames hissed and scorched the surrounding air, distorting and deforming it.

In such high temperatures, an ordinary Core Formation cultivator without a powerful protective treasure would likely have their magical power dried up and turned into charcoal shortly after entering the cave.

However, for Zhou Yuan and his three mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivators, simply circulating their magic power to form a layer of pure protective spiritual light around their bodies was enough to keep out the high temperatures and toxic gases.

The cave passage twists and turns downwards, and the deeper one goes, the dimmer the light becomes. Only the occasional flames shooting up from the rock walls and the red glow of lava seeping through the cracks in the ground provide some illumination.

The temperature also rose sharply as they went deeper, and the pressure on the protective aura increased.

Fortunately, the passage wasn't particularly long. Soon after, the space opened up before the four of them, revealing a huge underground space.

This space is hundreds of feet wide and nearly a hundred feet high, resembling a huge underground cavern.

But what is most breathtaking is not its size, but a red lava lake that occupies most of the cave area and is constantly boiling and churning!

In the lake, the viscous, scorching magma, like boiling iron, kept bubbling up with bubbles the size of houses, then bursting violently with a "pop," splashing up large amounts of magma fire rain that scorched the nearby rock walls, making them sizzle.

The space was filled with terrifying heat and blinding red light, and the smell of sulfur in the air was so strong that it was almost suffocating.

Around the lava lake, near the edge of the cave walls, is a relatively solid, dark red rock surface.

Surprisingly, in such an extremely harsh environment where nothing should grow, a few clumps of low-growing plants stubbornly grow in some cracks or depressions in the red rock ground.

These plants have unique shapes, thick leaves, and are entirely covered in strange colors such as fiery red, indigo, or pearly white. Their surfaces are faintly glowing with spiritual light, clearly indicating that they are not ordinary plants. They are special spiritual herbs that can survive in such a hot and toxic environment, and their medicinal properties must be extremely unique and potent.

Everyone's gaze quickly shifted from the lava lake and the spiritual herbs, and they all turned their attention to the center of the lake.

In the center of the lava lake, there is a huge black rock, about ten feet in size, protruding from the lava, like an isolated island in the lake. At this moment, on this rock, a colossal creature is lying sprawled out, belly up, emitting a thunderous snoring sound, fast asleep.

This object is about five or six zhang long and about three zhang wide, and its shape is very similar to a giant toad magnified many times.

Its entire body is covered in a pure and bright fiery red, smooth and glossy, as if it were carved from the finest red jade. Under the reflection of the lava fire, it shines brightly, making it even more imposing.

With its long and powerful breaths, a thin layer of red clouds, like the sunset, will naturally appear on its body, swirling around it and making it appear even more mysterious and powerful.

It is the ancient beast of this place—the Fire Toad Beast!

Seemingly because it was in an absolutely safe nest, with the lava lake serving as a natural barrier and a healing sanctuary, the fire toad slept soundly, its snoring causing dust to fall from the cave ceiling.

However, Zhou Yuan and his companions' gazes eventually passed over the sleeping fire toad beast and landed on a high platform near the cave wall on the opposite side of the lava lake.

It was a square stone platform about three zhang in circumference, rising about ten zhang above the lake surface.

The stone platform is carved with many ancient patterns and runes that are now blurred but whose intricate and exquisite details are still visible, exuding the aura of time.

Unfortunately, the four corners of the stone platform have long been corroded by high temperature and humidity, and many runes have broken and become ineffective.

But in the center of the stone platform, a skeleton lay quietly.

The skeleton was wrapped in a simple, ancient-style blue robe, quite different from the clothing worn by cultivators today.

Surprisingly, after enduring the scorching heat and erosion of fire for countless millennia, this cyan robe remains as new as ever, radiating a soft and pure pale green aura that envelops the skeleton.

The skeleton itself was even more bizarre. Its flesh and blood had long since dissolved, leaving only a complete skeleton.

But these bones are not the usual pale white or withered yellow; instead, they are crystal clear, as if carved from the purest crystal, so clear that you can even vaguely see the fine texture inside the bones!

Bathed in the glow of the lava fire, the crystal skeleton refracted a mesmerizing and dreamlike light, so beautiful it was almost eerie, yet it also carried an indescribable sense of solemnity and grandeur.

"The remains of an ancient cultivator—and that precious garment—" A glint flashed in the eyes of Marquis Nanlong, and his breathing became slightly rapid.

Their main objective in coming here was to find this remains and the subsequent Blood Curse Gate.