Chapter 159 Chapter 159

Everyone followed the white tiger and the black snake through the long and narrow valley.

The road ahead was getting narrower and narrower. The weather was clear at first, but gradually fog rose in front. The stone walls on both sides were shrouded in slightly damp white mist, and the sunlight above was getting sparser and sparser until it shrank into a small crack like a thin line.

My vision was completely blurred and I could only move forward in the dim light.

The contestants, with their formidable mental strength, fared relatively well, but the scholars suffered. Being unable to see clearly was one thing, but being about to enter the mysterious realm of the Other Element and unable to carefully explore the path in was even more painful than killing them. Soon, some researchers pulled flashlights from their equipment bags, while others tried to get the mysterious beast to light a fire.

But Yu Cong raised his hand and held them down.

Yu Cong's gaze fell on the sword-tailed tiger and black snake that were nearby, and he asked in a low voice, "Excuse me, can I light a lamp here?"

Swordtail Tiger: "...Roar."

[…It’s best not to.]

Yu Cong nodded sternly, then turned around and made arrangements: "Everyone, stay close to the people next to you. It's best if you can hold hands. Try to be quiet and avoid using fire or light abilities."

"Xiao Xia, the beast master—"

Xia Muqing understood what he meant and immediately patted Lord Fengluo on the back. In the gloom, Lord Fengluo quietly quickened his pace and walked to the front of the group.

The characteristic 'Danger Sense' is activated, and the sensitivity is raised to the highest level.

Protect the safety of the team to the greatest extent possible.

Behind Lord Fengluo, the "chat room" opened by the Nether Butterfly was still running. It whispered in the mental link: "Yeah?"

[Master, the surroundings give me a bad feeling, a bit like being in an old factory. There really can't be any light or heat, otherwise... it might attract some strange things.]

Old factory?

Xia Muqing was slightly stunned, remembering the wild beast corpses soaked in dark green solution and placed in rows of glass jars.

But that shouldn't be the case. That's Dr. Z's laboratory, a purgatory of countless wronged souls. Isn't the Alien Secret Realm the exact opposite, a carefree paradise for mysterious beasts?

At least that was her impression of the Alien Secret Realm before she set out.

"Ah." The Nether Butterfly waved its antennae in annoyance.

[It's hard to say. Perhaps my sensing isn't accurate. The stone walls on both sides are covered in green vines. Their scent is disrupting my perception. The detectable scent is intermittent, and I can't really tell...]

The little golden dragon blew air out of its nostrils: "Ah?"

"Hmph, anyway, this big tiger and little snake didn't even bother to remind us about the lighting issue. If the leader hadn't asked about it beforehand, someone in our group would have suffered a loss!"

This is true, Xia Muqing nodded with a serious expression.

The crowd walked in the thick fog for about ten minutes. Suddenly, at a certain moment, Xia Muqing felt that the atmosphere around her had changed.

It felt like suddenly emerging from the water, or like opening the door of a closed room and walking into the sunlight - the difference in touch was so distinct that it gave me goosebumps.

Many people in the team also noticed it, and low exclamations came one after another.

Someone slowed down his pace, his right hand groping in his pocket, wanting to pull out the space wave measuring device. But Yu Zong turned around sharply, grabbed his forearm, and breathed rapidly: "Hurry up, don't stop!"

The shell of the Golden Nether Star Beast cracked silently, turning into pieces of flying gold foil that flew around its body, with a low-key dark glow on its surface.

Lord Feng Luo also bared his fangs and let out a low warning sound from his throat: "Woo!"

The space is changing, and the feeling of hot to cold and cold to hot is constantly alternating, giving people the illusion of being torn in two, as if one side of the body is being roasted on a stove, with the flames licking the skin; the other half has melted into the ice and sunk to the bottom of the sea thousands of meters deep, with tens of thousands of tons of sea water pressing on the shoulders, making it impossible to breathe.

The researcher also felt something was wrong, and immediately gave up the idea of ​​taking out the instrument to make measurements, and hurried forward to catch up with the main group.

The ground heaved, the air swirled. Now, there was no light at all, only vast, speckled patches of dark patterns, like clouds rising around me. The suffocating feeling grew stronger. Though the stone walls were untouchable, it felt as if a tunnel was pressing inward, trapping anyone passing through it.

The sound of heavy breathing echoed through the group. Xia Muqing gasped for air and even began to feel suspicious. She wondered if the sword-tailed tiger was planning to wipe out the human group on the way...

But in the next second, it suddenly became clear: "Buzz!"

A loud humming sound was close to their ears, and the feeling of being squeezed around them suddenly loosened. They felt as if something had forcefully "spitted" them out, gurgling through the constricting space, the wind pushing them faster and faster until they stepped into a completely new world.

“Crash!”

The thick fog suddenly dissipated, the sky was bright, and a group of people rubbed their eyes in surprise.

Underfoot were tangled vines, interwoven into branches thicker than centuries-old trees. The trees were extremely tall, giving everyone the illusion of being on a cliff. Moreover, the spreading shade was not dense, and the branches and leaves even seemed a little sparse. But precisely because of this, the light shining from above was exceptionally bright.

In the distance, a sea of ​​clouds surged like a rolling river, and the rolling indigo mountain range cast a faint shadow, seemingly separated from space, and the shadowy figures were indistinct. But the view from nearby was very wide. Facing the gentle breeze, Xia Muqing could see the endless plains not far away, and the countless mysterious currents flashing among the swaying grass and trees.

Look more carefully, where is Xuanliu?

They are clearly young mysterious beasts playing happily!

Some lazily lay on the grass, their snow-white, soft bellies spread out; some rolled around and rubbed against their companions, wrinkling their fur; some hopped lightly among the branches, tugging on vines and squeaking; some took their first steps behind the buttocks of large mysterious beasts, or rode on their heads, ruffling their long fur into a ball...

Xia Muqing opened her eyes wide.

So, so cute!

The people around her even held their breath. After all, who among these people didn't love profound beasts to the core? Seeing so many incredibly adorable profound beast cubs at once, the feeling of exhilaration that struck them directly was indescribable.

“Hiss…” someone gasped softly, “Furry, so much fur… Woohoo, isn’t this beautiful?”

"This isn't some mysterious realm of alien origin, it's simply heaven!"

"It's more than just furry! Look to the east, there's a glow of fire there—it must be the Blazing Canyon, the sacred place of fire-type profound beasts!"

The person who said this was Ji Hong. She couldn't hide the excitement in her eyes at all. Her red dress fluttered in the breeze, and her pupils reflected a brilliant halo.

Xue Yao also stared at the other side: "The waterfall looks like the Milky Way falling from the sky! It must be a gathering place for water-type mystical beasts!"

"Oh my god, it's so spectacular! There really is such a wonder! The ancients were right!"

Exclamations came one after another, and even Xia Muqing couldn't help but feel uneasy. Her guess about the "Alien Secret Realm" kept changing - perhaps the breath sensed by the Nether Butterfly outside was just a special formation guarding this Peach Blossom Land?

If we look at it from this perspective, then it makes sense that the road was full of dangers. The only question that remains is the attitude of the sword-tailed tiger and the black snake...

"roar!"

The sword-tailed tiger took a step forward and slammed its huge paw on the branch. Invisible shock waves spread out, causing a tremor.

[Human beastmasters, welcome to the mysterious realm of the Other Element. This is our paradise.]

[This area is divided into six major regions, each home to mysterious beasts of different attributes. I have teamed up with other beast kings to set up multiple tests in each region. You—take this.]

A few leaves floated down and landed in the hands of Xia Muqing and others.

The palm-sized leaves, with their fine veins like a vast net, shone with a translucent emerald luster, like a delicate work of art, and also brimmed with a rich aura of profound energy. The researcher nearby, envious, raised his hand to push up his glasses and said, "It looks like a profound artifact, capable of containing profound energy?"

Xia Muqing tried to input Xuanli into it. After a moment, she nodded, then shook her head: "It is indeed possible to infuse Xuanli, but the channel seems to be locked. Only the power of a specific aura can be input."

"That's right," the sword-tailed tiger explained in a low voice. "This 'spiritual leaf' is both your pass to the 'paradise' and your exam paper."

Numerous tests have been set up within the Paradise. You must pass them to gain the approval of the profound beasts and allow them to infuse their profound energy into the Spiritual Leaves. You only have one day to complete the test. If you can completely dye the leaf veins golden before sunset, you will be considered a successful candidate and can take any cub within the Paradise—of course, provided it voluntarily signs a contract with you.

[The 'Spirit Leaf' will only recognize the power of the mysterious beasts within the 'Paradise'. Do not try to use other mysterious powers to pass it by. I have already marked it.]

[You must not force the cubs! You must not do anything harmful! I will be high up in the sacred tree, monitoring your every move!]

Everyone nodded and held the green leaves tightly in their hands.

Force was impossible; the team members were no fools. Each time a profound beast approved, they could inject a portion of their profound energy, illuminating the leaf veins. This was also a very interesting test. The contestants present were all excited, eager to try, and rolled up their sleeves, ready to give it a go.

The researcher was also envious and blurted out, "Um, Mr. White Tiger... Beast King? Does he have any extra spirit leaves? Can we get some too?"

"You don't need one for each person, just give us a piece..."

Yu Cong frowned slightly and was about to stop it, but he didn't expect the sword-tailed tiger to look completely unconcerned. It flicked its sharp tail and said, "Roar."

[Okay, I'll give it to you guys too.]

With a rustling sound, many leaves fell again. There were so many of them that it was hard to say whether each researcher could get one, but basically two or three people could get one.

The researcher who originally only wanted one or two pieces: "......?"

Isn’t this too generous?

He was completely dumbfounded.

He had thought that this novel "spiritual leaf" that could identify a specific aura was a prop specially made by the Swordtail Tiger for this event, and could be called a rare item, but now it seemed to have become an ordinary commodity that was everywhere?

But before the researchers could ask any more questions, the sword-tailed tiger jumped up. Its huge body was very flexible, just like a nimble white cat, easily leaping to a high place, leaving them with only a low growl.

[Hurry up and go, you still have 8 hours. Don't blame me for not reminding you, a day in Paradise is much shorter than outside!]

“……!”

Everyone had many questions, but the time limit suddenly made everything tense. Without further ado, the contestants began to move. As soon as they saw the entire park from above, everyone had a rough idea of ​​the desired contracted profound beast.

Ji Hong was the first to summon the rainbow stars, and his entire body was shrouded in a rainbow light: "I'm leaving first, to the Blazing Canyon!"

Xue Yao rushed to the waterfall area without hesitation. He has always had a special liking for water-based mysterious beasts.

The remaining few people had their own choices. Uncle Xiong and Guan Yun both took the balanced route. The contracted beasts had various attributes. Now they also wanted to fill in the gaps and enhance their overall strength.

In the end, Uncle Xiong chose the jungle direction, while Guan Yun frankly stated that he planned to walk around first and observe carefully before making a decision. Xia Muqing agreed with this: "I think so too. Fate is actually very important..."

As the two chatted, they let the mysterious beast fly down from the tall tree. Guan Yun glanced at the golden light in the north and said curiously, "I want to go over there and take a look. You..."

Xia Muqing looked in another direction.

Over there, the black snake that had left one step before them was swimming slowly, trying to get into a remote cave.

Xia Muqing's eyes flickered a few times.

"You go first, I'll go over there and take a look." She whispered, "I'm going to meet...my mysterious old friend."

…

After evolving, the strength of the black snake has indeed increased a lot.

Especially in terms of acuity, before Xia Muqing even entered the cave, a low breathing sound came from inside: "Hiss?"

A giant snake as thick as a bucket poked half of its head out from the shadows, its dark scarlet pupils emitting a faint glow in the dimness, making it look particularly terrifying.

"Why are you looking for me? Didn't Baihu tell you that time is running out? Why don't you hurry up and complete the mission?"

"Don't be so formal," Xia Muqing said with a smile, "Long time no see, you look well?"

The black snake snorted coldly from its nose and raised its head proudly: "Hiss."

[Of course, this snake will not give in easily.]

"For the sake of our previous friendship, will you please help me?" Xia Muqing winked at Xuanshe. "Just now outside, were you trying to tell us something?"

“…”

The black snake was silent for a moment, and its tail gently slapped the cave wall.

Its eyes were very complicated. It looked at Xia Muqing carefully, then looked over her shoulder at the nervous little golden dragon, Fengluo Lord and Nether Butterfly not far away.

“Hiss.”

【I have said everything I need to say.】

The black snake raised its head and spit out its sharp tongue.

[Since you guys helped me before, I'll remind you again. If you have the ability, leave now and let your dog tear open the space... What? It can't do it? What the hell, stupid as hell.]

"Uh..." Xia Muqing's eyes twitched slightly, "After all, it's the Alien Secret Realm."

Although Lord Fengluo had made further progress in his spatial knowledge, the Alien Secret Realm was already considered an independent, small world. Furthermore, upon entering, Xia Muqing was reminded that the entire surrounding area was shrouded in a solid, thick spatial barrier, likely the Paradise's protection and defense system.

In this situation, it is extremely difficult to break through the space, and it must be done without being noticed - after all, you can't break it halfway and be found by the sword-tailed tiger - this is really not easy.

Besides, even if Lord Feng Luo could do it, Xia Muqing couldn't let him do that.

Isn't this equivalent to declaring war on the Alien Secret Realm?

The human team had sacrificed a great deal for this operation, and the companions had endured countless hardships to finally secure the opportunity to contract the divine beast cub. Not to mention the vast team of researchers, all of whom had come to explore the secret realm with a mission and purpose. At this point, was everyone being sent home based on a single, cryptic statement from the Black Snake?

Not to mention Yu Cong, even Xia Muqing herself would not agree.

"Can you reveal a little more detail?" Xia Muqing lowered her voice. "I know that big tiger has bad intentions, but I also need evidence before I can tell my companions."

The black snake squinted at her, his eyes gleaming with coldness: "Hiss?"

[Companion? Your companion is none of my business.]

"To be frank, I don't have a favorable impression of human beastmasters. Don't forget how I ended up like this. If all humans in the world died, I wouldn't be happy at all."

At this point, it began to get impatient and slapped its tail to chase people out: "Hiss, hiss, hiss!"

[Alright, alright, let's go! Don't disturb my sleep. There are a lot of high-quality pups outside. Go check them out! Don't waste your time here!]

The long tail made the stone walls on both sides tremble and scattered dust. Fortunately, Lord Feng Luo blew out a breeze in time to help Xia Muqing block all the sand and gravel on her head.

The black snake's refusal to cooperate was clear, and Xia Muqing felt a surge of worry. She pondered for a moment, then glanced at the 'Spiritual Leaf' in her hand, and a sudden flash of inspiration struck her mind.

"Do you also have design tests on your side?"

Xuan She: "...?"

It stopped swinging its tail, tilted its head slightly, and looked at Xia Muqing suspiciously.

[You...want to try my test? ]

"That's right," Xia Muqing nodded. "The Swordtail Tiger said there are tests everywhere in the secret realm. As a powerful beast king, you must have set up some here as well, right?"

"How about making a bet? If we can pass your assessment, you'll reveal more of the information you know to me. How about that?"

The black snake fell silent.

It pondered this for a moment, its torment evident. But in the end, its urge to act prevailed.

"Hiss?"

"The test I designed isn't easy. Honestly, it's one of the hardest tests in this paradise. Are you sure you want to try it?"

"This isn't a school. There aren't any stupid fighting rules here, and there aren't any teachers standing by to help. Are you prepared to get hurt, bleed, or even die if you dare challenge me?"

Xia Muqing straightened her back, smiled brightly at Xuanshe, and made an "OK" gesture. "Look at what you said. I've made great progress recently. Just like you are already a beast king, I am now a well-known beast master."

"Go ahead, come on. How do you want to be assessed? A battle between mysterious beasts? Do you want to have a long-awaited reunion sparring match with Xiaofeng, just like old friends greeting each other?"

Hearing this, the black snake looked at her with complicated eyes and exhaled slowly.

"hiss."

[No, my assessment is only for beastmasters, there is no need... No, mysterious beasts are not allowed to participate.]

[Do you dare to attempt such an assessment alone? ]