Ian Song and his group didn’t bother picking the various Treasure Herbs and Spirit Medicines scattered around them.
While these herbs were valuable, at their level, obtaining them wasn’t difficult. Besides, this was just the outer edge of the Creation Forest—surely, the deeper they went, the higher the grade of Treasure Herbs and Spirit Medicines they’d find. There was no need to fight lower-level cultivators for scraps.
Ian’s party included Prince Rowan Vance, Princess Myra Vance, the Dragonfolk, the Blood Demon Race, and other powers—nearly a hundred strong. Their combined strength was formidable.
"Let’s keep moving. Stay alert, everyone!"
Ian waved his hand and strode forward. While the exotic beasts in the Creation Forest were elusive and looked dangerous, out here on the edge, none could really threaten him.
Meanwhile, Prince Rowan and Princess Myra each directed their Scarlet‑Scale Army and Myriad‑Phenomena Army to take up positions on the flanks, forming the whole group into an arrowhead formation.
Maybe it was their numbers, or maybe the exotic beasts sensed their aura—either way, for the next half hour, not a single beast attacked. The group advanced smoothly for fifty li.
Once past fifty li, the trees around them grew enormous—each trunk would take three people to encircle.
Everyone noticed that after fifty li, the environment started to suppress their souls. It became harder to extend divine sense or spiritual perception.
"Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!"
Suddenly, a swarm of strange snakes shot up from the surrounding grass, streaking toward the group like bolts of lightning.
These snakes were only as thick as a thumb, jet black all over, but their heads were huge and faintly red, with cold, eerie eyes.
No need for orders—the Scarlet‑Scale Army and Myriad‑Phenomena Army on the flanks jumped into action.
These soldiers were all handpicked elites, each with cultivation at the Demisage (half‑god) level.
"Don’t let them get close!"
Suddenly, Flora Thrall shouted a warning.
"Kill them!"
Thanks to Flora’s warning, the elite soldiers swung their weapons in a blur, wiping out every last snake in moments.
"These are ancient variant venomous serpents—packed with deadly toxins. If they get too close, you risk getting poisoned!" Flora explained. "But when so many appear together, there’s usually a special Spirit Medicine nearby—Sky‑Serpent Grass. Eat it, and you’ll be immune to a hundred poisons!"
Everyone’s eyes lit up at that. Princess Myra quickly said, "Check for any snakes that slipped through, then search for Sky‑Serpent Grass!"
After a sweep by the Myriad‑Phenomena Army, several dozen more exotic snakes were slain. Finally, at the edge of a mountain ravine, they found a lush patch of Spirit Medicine. Flora Thrall confirmed it was Sky‑Serpent Grass—eat it, and you’d be immune to a hundred poisons.
There were hundreds of stalks—plenty for everyone.
After everyone took their dose, Flora stashed the rest, and the group continued onward.
They’d gone less than a few li when a strange fragrance wafted over. Following the scent, they discovered a huge fruit tree loaded with fire‑red fruit, each one glistening and giving off a rich, enticing aroma.
But perched on the tree were three golden monkeys, each clutching a fruit and munching away. When they saw Ian’s group approach, they grew wary and bared their fangs.
"That looks like a special divine fruit—eat it, and your body becomes light and agile," Princess Myra said, hesitating.
"Let’s pick a few and try them!"
Prince Rowan ordered his guards.
One guard immediately leapt up, grabbed a handful of fruit, and landed with them—but his actions angered the three golden monkeys.
"Whoosh!"
A golden blur flashed past—the guard was knocked flying, and the fruit in his hand snatched away.
"Damn beasts!"
The furious guard steadied himself and lunged again for another fruit on the tree.
"Eek eek!"
Just then, the golden blur shot past again.
But this time, the guard was ready. He formed a fist and punched the little monkey, sending it flying dozens of meters away.
He reached out and grabbed several dozen divine fruits, then retreated to Prince Rowan’s side.
"Miss Flora, you’re the poison expert—can you check if these fruits are safe?"
Prince Rowan handed a fruit to Flora for inspection.
"No poison. Everyone can eat them safely!"
After a quick inspection, Flora gave her verdict.
Just then—
The three golden monkeys suddenly transformed into giant beasts.
Each giant monkey stood over a hundred zhang tall, radiating fierce and murderous energy. Roaring, they charged at Ian and the others.
"Interesting!"
Princess Myra watched with a glimmer of interest.
Three guards shot forward to meet the giant monkeys, while several others rushed to pick the divine fruit before the battle could destroy them.
Transformed, the monkeys’ strength rivaled Demigod‑level martialists.
That made everyone uneasy. They’d only gone fifty li into the Creation Forest, and already encountered exotic beasts as strong as Demigod‑level martialists. Would even godlike creatures appear deeper in?
The monkeys were powerful, but Prince Rowan and Princess Myra’s guards were seasoned elites. In less than half a quarter hour, all three giant monkeys were slain.
Everyone ate the divine fruit. It tasted good—after one, they all felt lighter and nimbler, but a second fruit had no effect and was just an ordinary Spirit Fruit.
They pressed onward.
In a flash, a whole day passed. Ian’s group had traveled over three hundred li into the Creation Forest, picking up all sorts of precious herbs, divine medicines, and fruits—and encountering plenty of exotic beasts along the way.
As expected, the deeper they went, the stronger the beasts became.
The last wave of beasts they faced were all at the Second‑Rank War General level. Even with the combined might of the Myriad‑Phenomena Army and Crimson‑Scale Army, it took a lot of effort to bring them down.
And the deeper they went, the more the Creation Forest suppressed their divine souls. Even Demigod‑level senses could only reach a hundred meters. So, after a quick discussion, they cleared a patch of forest and set up camp for the night, planning to continue at dawn.
Crackle!
The campfire glowed, lighting up everyone’s faces as they gathered around.
Ian was surrounded by beauties at his fire. The Creation Forest was dangerous, but full of opportunities, so of course he’d brought all the women along.
Just today, after eating all sorts of divine fruit, the women’s strength had improved significantly.
Right now, Ian was holding two longswords, each skewering a bird‑type exotic beast. Even without any seasoning, the roasting meat gave off a mouthwatering aroma.