Refining Ruins Cauldron

Before even entering the valley, a strong wind was already howling, and sand and stones were flying all around.

The small pebbles hitting my body felt like being cut by a knife.

Gu Qingyun could only release his spiritual energy to form a barrier on his body.

If we don't do this, I'm afraid we won't be able to walk more than a few steps before our bodies are covered in countless bloody cuts.

Not only that, he could even feel the power of lightning in the wind as well.

Those electric arcs, hidden in the gale, were invisible to the naked eye, yet they would constantly travel along the spiritual energy barrier, emitting subtle crackling sounds.

The deeper you go, the stronger the power becomes.

Anyone weaker would probably be covered in blood from this wind.

Falling Wind Ridge is indeed no ordinary place!

This is only the outer edge of the valley.

If one were to truly venture into the depths, just how terrifying would the lightning and metallic spiritual energy there be?

"Peak Master Nalan, this place is too strange."

Gu Qingyun couldn't help but speak, keeping a watchful eye on his surroundings.

His spiritual sense was so limited that it couldn't even break through a fifty-meter range, and it was constantly being compressed.

The gale, lightning, and metallic spiritual energy intertwined, forming an invisible net.

The moment the spiritual sense was extended, it was torn apart by countless tiny lightning bolts.

I reckon that once we get deeper into the valley, my spiritual sense will be completely useless, and I'll be blind to everything.

"It is said that in ancient times, a powerful being who had undergone tribulation ascended to immortality here. At that moment, the celestial phenomena changed and heavenly punishment descended."

"Luofeng Ridge was formed at that time."

"The environment here is so harsh that ordinary creatures simply cannot enter."

Nalan Feixue explained that she was also keeping a close watch on her surroundings.

If ordinary creatures can't get in, it means that if they do appear, they are definitely not ordinary beings.

Entering Luofeng Ridge requires extreme caution.

Gu Qingyun nodded silently, becoming increasingly cautious.

In such places, one must not only guard against spirit beasts, but also against the natural environment itself.

One wrong move and you might be struck by lightning and turned into charred remains before you even see the spirit beast.

Before long, the two finally arrived at the entrance to the canyon.

The surrounding rocks were pitch black, and even had electric arcs on them, which Gu Qingyun could clearly hear crackling.

Those rocks looked as if they had been tempered by lightning and fire for countless years, their surfaces were incredibly hard, and they gleamed with a cold, metallic luster.

Occasionally, a tiny arc of lightning would leap across the ground and blast a crater the size of a finger.

"There are about forty spirit beasts inside."

Nalan Feixue took the initiative to explain.

"The deeper we go, the stronger these spirit beasts become."

"In addition, living in such a harsh environment for many years has made them much stronger than other spirit beasts of the same level."

"It is a truly powerful demon, extremely aggressive."

"We must not linger in battle; we must be extremely cautious."

Upon hearing this, Gu Qingyun carefully noted it down and slowly nodded.

Know yourself and know your enemy, so you won't die without even knowing how you died.

"Deepest in Falling Wind Ridge, where the Ancient Thunder Amethyst is most concentrated, there dwells a Beast King, Hidden Dragon Jiao."

"It has lived for a thousand years, and its strength is at the half-step Nascent Soul stage, surpassing mine."

Upon hearing this, Gu Qingyun was stunned, and his expression became more serious.

A beast king at the half-Nascent Soul stage, and its cultivation is even above that of Nalan Feixue!

Even if the latter were injured now, it might not be a match for this beast king even in its prime.

If they were to face each other now, even if the two joined forces, they would have absolutely no chance of defeating this hidden dragon!

Moreover, this is their territory.

The Qianlongjiao has been entrenched deep within Luofeng Ridge for many years, tempering its body with lightning, and has long been in harmony with the lightning power of this valley.

If a real fight breaks out, the opponent could even use the thunder and lightning of heaven and earth to their advantage.

"In that case, let's stay on the outskirts and see if we can find the Ancient Amethyst."

Gu Qingyun remained silent for a moment before slowly speaking.

Know when to stop.

He needs the five elements spiritual items, but he doesn't need to pack up all the ancient thunder amethyst in the entire Falling Wind Ridge.

As long as you can get a decent piece of Gulei amethyst, the trip won't have been in vain.

"Now, this is the only way."

Nalan Feixue nodded, but still poured cold water on Gu Qingyun.

"However, once we engage in battle with the spirit beasts of this place, the commotion will inevitably attract other spirit beasts, and may even alarm the Beast King."

"Therefore, when necessary, one must give up everything and prioritize saving one's own life."

Opportunities are not limited to this place or this one place. The world is vast and full of countless opportunities, and those with the right fate and ability can obtain them.

"But if I lose my life, then I really will lose everything."

Gu Qingyun nodded; he understood this principle.

Although he wanted the Ancient Lei Amethyst, he wasn't crazy enough to risk his life for a chance encounter.

When things truly reach a point where nothing can be done, retreating is the only sensible course of action.

The two began searching the outer perimeter of the canyon.

The surrounding environment is slightly better, not as harsh as the core area, and it is easier to move around.

Gu Qingyun walked very quietly, trying not to disturb those around him.

Nalan Feixue walked ahead, using her experience from her previous intrusion into Luofeng Ridge to avoid several obviously dangerous areas.

Just then, a bolt of lightning struck down from the sky.

Hiss!

boom!

In an instant, a large hole was left in the mountain, the rock was split into pieces, and the fragments of stone fell like raindrops.

Gu Qingyun gasped, her pupils contracting slightly.

If that lightning bolt had struck him, it probably would have vaporized him instantly!

This power is almost comparable to an attack from an ordinary Golden Core cultivator!

Such thunder was merely a common celestial phenomenon within Falling Wind Ridge.

No wonder those spirit beasts on the outer perimeter dare not set foot there easily.

"Shh!"

Nalan Feixue seemed to have noticed something and made a shushing gesture.

Gu Qingyun quickly shut her mouth and cautiously followed.

Soon, following Nalan Feixue's gaze, he saw a black wolf.

The black wolf's fur was like needles, and its body was covered in fur like armor. Its claws were incredibly sharp, as if they could cut through everything in the world.

Electric arcs could even be seen dancing on its body, clearly indicating that it was a spirit beast that had been tempered by the power of thunder for many years.

At this moment, it is guarding a purple stone the size of a human head in front of it.

The stone emitted a purple light, its aura sharp and heavy.

The purple light was also interspersed with wisps of lightning.

Each flash caused a slight popping sound in the surrounding air.

Although Gu Qingyun had never seen the Ancient Lei Amethyst before, he recognized it at a glance.

This is the Ancient Lei Amethyst!

The metallic spiritual energy and the power of lightning intertwine, creating an extremely unique aura.

He was excited, but quickly covered his mouth.

You search high and low without finding it, only to have it come to you effortlessly!

Black Wolf closed his eyes tightly, his claws protecting the Ancient Amethyst, his body pressing down on it.

It may appear to be asleep, but it is actually absorbing the spiritual energy of the Gulei Amethyst with every breath.

The absorption rate is not fast.

After all, the metallic spiritual energy on the ancient amethyst is extremely domineering, and if one is not careful when absorbing it, one will suffer from qi deviation.

Even if spirit beasts have powerful physical bodies, they still dare not be careless in this regard.

Black Wolf was also very particular about how he absorbed the spiritual energy of the Ancient Lei Amethyst.

A wisp of spiritual energy, combined with a burst of lightning in the air, can not only enhance cultivation but also temper one's bones and blood.

With a two-pronged approach, it would be difficult not to become stronger.

Its black guard hairs shone even brighter.

If he continues to train, he might actually be able to turn his hair into a deadly weapon!

"The Dark Yin Wolf?!"

Nalan Feixue seemed to recognize the species of the black wolf and transmitted her voice to Gu Qingyun.

"Ordinary Xuan Yin You Wolves are extremely fast, covering a hundred zhang in an instant, and disappearing without a trace."

"This ghost wolf before us has been tempering its body for many years, and its defensive capabilities are probably far superior to those of the Xuan Yin Ghost Wolves outside."

"Ordinary attacks simply cannot break through the defense."

Upon hearing this, Gu Qingyun expressed his deep agreement.

Crucially, this ghost wolf possessed a formidable aura and also exhibited cultivation at the late Golden Core stage.

This is still its home ground.

Once war breaks out, endless troubles are inevitable.

What's more troublesome is that it's cultivating right next to the Ancient Lei Amethyst.

If the two are too slow, it will detect them immediately.

If the attack is too aggressive, it may also affect the Gulei Amethyst.

The balance in this is extremely difficult to strike.

"Peak Master Nalan, if we seize the Ancient Lei Amethyst and then escape, what are our chances of success?"

Gu Qingyun responded.

Nalan Feixue remained silent for a moment before continuing, "The success rate is less than 20%."

This is already a rather optimistic prediction.

Once the Xuan Yin Youlang becomes ferocious, even if it cannot kill Nalan Feixue and the other two, it can still stall until the other spirit beasts gather.

Given the terrain of Luofeng Ridge, the two of them would have no chance of escape and would surely die.

Especially here, where lightning is dense, one cannot fly freely, nor can one unleash spiritual power without restraint.

Once surrounded by several spirit beasts, escape will be difficult.

"Then, according to the Peak Master's opinion, what should we do?"

Gu Qingyun continued.

"kill!"

A single word, yet the meaning is clear.

If we can kill the Xuan Yin Youlang on the spot with lightning speed and eliminate the threat forever, the success rate is much higher than stealing the Gu Lei Zi Jing and escaping!

Gu Qingyun's eyes narrowed.

This method sounds dangerous, but upon closer examination, it is indeed the safest approach at present.

If you rob someone but don't kill them, you will surely be pursued.

Killing without satisfaction will inevitably provoke a pack of beasts.

Therefore, only one strike can determine life or death!

"This beast's physical body must be extraordinary; we can't give it any chance to react."

"I need your cooperation. Use spiritual means to attack it!"

Nalan Feixue pondered for a moment, then revealed her plan.

"At that time, I will go all out and try to kill with one blow. This is my only chance."

"If we fail, we must immediately flee Falling Wind Ridge."

"clear!"

Gu Qingyun nodded without the slightest hesitation.

This is already the best solution!