In such a predicament, the utility of the Spirit Condensation Bianstone Jade had been wholly diminished.
With no further need, Jiang Chen stowed it away, safely ensconcing it within the confines of the Heavenly Demon Hidden Heart Ring.
With Jiang Chen's unyielding vigilance as their shield, the trio successfully breached the expanse of a vast red valley.
The sheer enormity of this valley had far surpassed the limits of Jiang Chen's divine sense.
Sunken into the earth, it mimicked the likeness of a massive, vermilion bowl!
'Can this rightfully be termed a valley?'
'It more closely resembles a basin.'
Jiang Chen mused in secret before shifting his attention to a meticulous examination of the valley.
Nestled within the Red Maple Heavenly Valley, it was an extensive forest of colossal red maple trees, each boasting a diameter well over ten meters.
Under the shelter of these grand trees, a thick carpet of purple-red thorns thrived, and the remaining foliage bore a similar hue of crimson.
"Wow!"
"What a breathtaking view!"
"I can hardly believe I hadn't discovered this place earlier; I'm so pleased to have made the journey now."
Ji Ruxue couldn't contain her jubilant exclamations, "Sister Xiaojing, be quick! Use the Image Projection Stone to immortalize this moment for me!"
The Image Projection Stone.
This was a unique gem that could manifest the current scene within its confines.
However, its capabilities were limited; each Image Projection Stone could only capture a singular scene.
To Jiang Chen, it bore a striking resemblance to what he would term a 'camera'.
"Understood!"
Without delay, Xie Xiaojing produced some Image Projection Stones and began to 'photograph' Ji Ruxue in earnest.
Jiang Chen responded with a nonchalant smile, his attention simultaneously trained on their surroundings.
It didn't take long.
He soon identified the presence of five or six demonic beasts of the Heavenly Origin realm!
These formidable creatures, known as 'Six Extremes Flame Armored Beasts', bore a striking resemblance to rhinoceroses.
Cloaked entirely in dark red scales, they boasted six imposing spikes protruding from their vast heads.
Additional spikes were evident along their backs, four limbs, and tails.
The Six Extremes Flame Armored Beast was a beast of the fire element.
However, Jiang Chen perceived an unusual vigor in the aura of these Six Extremes Flame Armored Beasts, teeming with vivacity, an undercurrent of excitement, and an irritable edge!
Further observation revealed something else.
The eyes of these Six Extremes Flame Armored Beasts were alight with a fervor that bordered on madness.
One should understand that Heavenly Origin realm spirit beasts typically possessed a modicum of intelligence.
The Six Extremes Flame Armored Beasts were certainly not exceptions to this rule.
Yet, the Six Extremes Flame Armored Beasts that currently appeared within Jiang Chen's divine sense were notably devoid of the spiritual consciousness typically observed in such creatures.
They brimmed with violent and murderous intentions, closely resembling the blood-red humanoid monsters he had previously encountered within Immortal Tian Cui's Cave Mansion.
'I can't help but wonder if the demonic beasts that have been sporadically emerging in other regions of the Purple Heaven Holy Land bear similar characteristics.'
Jiang Chen ruminated internally, careful to keep his vigilance up at all times.
Just then, Ji Ruxue and Xie Xiaojing also took notice of a Six Extremes Flame Armored Beast.
"Quickly, look over there, it's a Heavenly Origin realm demonic beast!"
"I never anticipated encountering a Heavenly Origin realm demonic beast this swiftly. Hurry, let's join forces and eliminate it!"
"Before we engage, hold back on the assault for now, allow me some time to warm up."
Ji Ruxue voiced her excitement.
She had been well-versed in a wide range of cultivation techniques and secret arts, yet had seldom been afforded the chance to apply them in a real battle.
"Holy Maiden, approach the battle with tranquility."
"With me present, no harm will befall you."
Positioning the jade flute to hover above the Six Extremes Flame Armored Beast, Jiang Chen conveyed his assurance to Ji Ruxue.
"Understood!"
With a decisive nod, Ji Ruxue leaped from the jade flute without hesitation!
Mid-leap, she deftly waved her petite hand, summoning an oil-paper umbrella that sprang open with a flourish.
This seemingly delicate oil-paper umbrella, in reality, was a top-grade Heavenly Origin artifact.
Moreover, it functioned as a dual-purpose sword umbrella, equally proficient in both offense and defense!
At this juncture, Ji Ruxue unfurled the oil-paper umbrella, her right hand subtly tugging on the umbrella handle.
Immediately, a slender, elegant white sword materialized, its needle-like fineness embodying a silent threat.
Clutching the umbrella in one hand and the sword in the other, Ji Ruxue descended from the heavens, poised to strike down the Six Extremes Flame Armored Beast!
But the Six Extremes Flame Armored Beast was no easy prey.
Detecting the imminent danger looming above, it reacted with swift vigilance.
"Roar!!"
With a bellow that reverberated through the sky, the Six Extremes Flame Armored Beast launched the spear-like red spikes from its back directly at Ji Ruxue.
As if that wasn't enough, from the spike-riddled cavities in its back, the Six Extremes Flame Armored Beast spewed forth a torrent of blazing flames, directing the deadly surge towards Ji Ruxue.
"Hmph, such paltry tricks."
Ji Ruxue dismissed it with a soft scoff.
She utilized the broad surface of her umbrella to shield against the beast's spikes and searing flames.
Simultaneously, she swung her long sword, executing the Void Rainbow Sixth Sword Style - Piercing Through the Clouds.
Bang, bang, bang.
A fierce battle was ignited in the heart of the mountain forest.
Despite Ji Ruxue being merely at the Early-stage Heavenly Origin realm, her prodigious talent was undeniable.
Furthermore, she wielded a top-grade Heavenly Origin artifact in her grasp.
Therefore, Ji Ruxue was evenly matched against the Six Extremes Flame Armored Beast, at the Middle-stage Heavenly Origin realm, exchanging blow for blow.
Jiang Chen and Xie Xiaojing refrained from intervening.
This evenly matched contest was indeed a form of character-building trial.
The battle raged on, with the colossal Six Extremes Flame Armored Beast, standing the height of a four or five-story building, bellowing incessantly as it charged relentlessly.
The surrounding landscape was rapidly deteriorating into a scene of chaotic ruin.
Gigantic red maple trees were uprooted and toppled, one after another.
The panicked cries of countless airborne and ground-dwelling creatures echoed through the chaos as they scrambled to flee to more distant locales.
Employing her nimble maneuvers and razor-sharp weapon, Ji Ruxue repeatedly landed blows on the Six Extremes Flame Armored Beast's hide.
An abundance of blood, akin to molten rock, spewed from the wounds on the Beast's body.
Any flora in its path was instantly incinerated, and some rocks were even shattered due to the terrifyingly high temperature.
As time gradually ebbed away, under Ji Ruxue's relentless onslaught, the Six Extremes Flame Armored Beast found itself increasingly on the back foot.
However, a turn of events that caught Jiang Chen off guard unfolded.
Instead of choosing to flee under its survival instinct, the Six Extremes Flame Armored Beast continued its reckless assault on Ji Ruxue.
'What in the world is happening?'
With narrowed eyes, Jiang Chen directed the jade flute to descend closer to Ji Ruxue.
Roughly another quarter of an hour elapsed, Ji Ruxue's sword plunged through the skull of the Six Extremes Flame Armored Beast, the immense Heavenly Yuan Power obliterating its brain.
"Roar!"
The Six Extremes Flame Armored Beast emitted a frantic, pain-laden roar, then collapsed to the ground with a resonating thud.
"I prevailed!"
"It's been quite a while since I've experienced such a thrilling battle!"
Standing triumphantly atop the head of the fallen Six Extremes Flame Armored Beast, Ji Ruxue waved her hand with an air of exhilaration.
"An outstanding battle!"
Guiding the jade flute, Jiang Chen, accompanied by Xie Xiaojing, landed beside Ji Ruxue, offering his praise with a smile.
"Sister Ruxue, your strength is truly remarkable!"
Xie Xiaojing complimented with sincerity.
"It's merely adequate."
"Do not lavish me with undue praise."
Ji Ruxue laughed heartily, "Let's hasten and seek more beasts to challenge!"
"What about the carcass of this creature?"
Jiang Chen gestured towards the lifeless form of the Six Extremes Flame Armored Beast and asked.
It was, after all, the remains of a Heavenly Origin realm beast.
The potency of its blood and Qi was incredibly powerful!
"I have no need for it."
Ji Ruxue dismissed it with a nonchalant wave of her hand, "Jiang Chen, feel free to take it."
"That won't do."
"While it's true that you, Miss Ruxue, are in want of nothing,"
"When we venture out for training, acquiring rewards is a significant part. It adds meaning to our trials."
Jiang Chen shook his head, then turned to Xie Xiaojing and said, "Isn't that right, Junior Sister Xiaojing?"
"Indeed, indeed, Senior Brother Jiang Chen is correct!"
How could Xie Xiaojing refute? She immediately concurred.
"Thus, everyone should gain something."
"And Miss Ruxue is no exception."
"I'll temporarily secure the carcass of this Six Extremes Flame Armored Beast, and we'll divide it up when we return."
Jiang Chen offered a faint smile, waved his hand to dismantle the body of the Six Extremes Flame Armored Beast into sizable chunks, and stored it within the Heavenly Demon Hidden Heart Ring.
A note from AlphaWIA:
Get early access to (+75) more chapters by joining my Patreon.
In such a predicament, the utility of the Spirit Condensation Bianstone Jade had been wholly diminished.
With no further need, Jiang Chen stowed it away, safely ensconcing it within the confines of the Heavenly Demon Hidden Heart Ring.
With Jiang Chen's unyielding vigilance as their shield, the trio successfully breached the expanse of a vast red valley.
The sheer enormity of this valley had far surpassed the limits of Jiang Chen's divine sense.
Sunken into the earth, it mimicked the likeness of a massive, vermilion bowl!
'Can this rightfully be termed a valley?'
'It more closely resembles a basin.'
Jiang Chen mused in secret before shifting his attention to a meticulous examination of the valley.
Nestled within the Red Maple Heavenly Valley, it was an extensive forest of colossal red maple trees, each boasting a diameter well over ten meters.
Under the shelter of these grand trees, a thick carpet of purple-red thorns thrived, and the remaining foliage bore a similar hue of crimson.
"Wow!"
"What a breathtaking view!"
"I can hardly believe I hadn't discovered this place earlier; I'm so pleased to have made the journey now."
Ji Ruxue couldn't contain her jubilant exclamations, "Sister Xiaojing, be quick! Use the Image Projection Stone to immortalize this moment for me!"
The Image Projection Stone.
This was a unique gem that could manifest the current scene within its confines.
However, its capabilities were limited; each Image Projection Stone could only capture a singular scene.
To Jiang Chen, it bore a striking resemblance to what he would term a 'camera'.
"Understood!"
Without delay, Xie Xiaojing produced some Image Projection Stones and began to 'photograph' Ji Ruxue in earnest.
Jiang Chen responded with a nonchalant smile, his attention simultaneously trained on their surroundings.
It didn't take long.
He soon identified the presence of five or six demonic beasts of the Heavenly Origin realm!
These formidable creatures, known as 'Six Extremes Flame Armored Beasts', bore a striking resemblance to rhinoceroses.
Cloaked entirely in dark red scales, they boasted six imposing spikes protruding from their vast heads.
Additional spikes were evident along their backs, four limbs, and tails.
The Six Extremes Flame Armored Beast was a beast of the fire element.
However, Jiang Chen perceived an unusual vigor in the aura of these Six Extremes Flame Armored Beasts, teeming with vivacity, an undercurrent of excitement, and an irritable edge!
Further observation revealed something else.
The eyes of these Six Extremes Flame Armored Beasts were alight with a fervor that bordered on madness.
One should understand that Heavenly Origin realm spirit beasts typically possessed a modicum of intelligence.
The Six Extremes Flame Armored Beasts were certainly not exceptions to this rule.
Yet, the Six Extremes Flame Armored Beasts that currently appeared within Jiang Chen's divine sense were notably devoid of the spiritual consciousness typically observed in such creatures.
They brimmed with violent and murderous intentions, closely resembling the blood-red humanoid monsters he had previously encountered within Immortal Tian Cui's Cave Mansion.
'I can't help but wonder if the demonic beasts that have been sporadically emerging in other regions of the Purple Heaven Holy Land bear similar characteristics.'
Jiang Chen ruminated internally, careful to keep his vigilance up at all times.
Just then, Ji Ruxue and Xie Xiaojing also took notice of a Six Extremes Flame Armored Beast.
"Quickly, look over there, it's a Heavenly Origin realm demonic beast!"
"I never anticipated encountering a Heavenly Origin realm demonic beast this swiftly. Hurry, let's join forces and eliminate it!"
"Before we engage, hold back on the assault for now, allow me some time to warm up."
Ji Ruxue voiced her excitement.
She had been well-versed in a wide range of cultivation techniques and secret arts, yet had seldom been afforded the chance to apply them in a real battle.
"Holy Maiden, approach the battle with tranquility."
"With me present, no harm will befall you."
Positioning the jade flute to hover above the Six Extremes Flame Armored Beast, Jiang Chen conveyed his assurance to Ji Ruxue.
"Understood!"
With a decisive nod, Ji Ruxue leaped from the jade flute without hesitation!
Mid-leap, she deftly waved her petite hand, summoning an oil-paper umbrella that sprang open with a flourish.
This seemingly delicate oil-paper umbrella, in reality, was a top-grade Heavenly Origin artifact.
Moreover, it functioned as a dual-purpose sword umbrella, equally proficient in both offense and defense!
At this juncture, Ji Ruxue unfurled the oil-paper umbrella, her right hand subtly tugging on the umbrella handle.
Immediately, a slender, elegant white sword materialized, its needle-like fineness embodying a silent threat.
Clutching the umbrella in one hand and the sword in the other, Ji Ruxue descended from the heavens, poised to strike down the Six Extremes Flame Armored Beast!
But the Six Extremes Flame Armored Beast was no easy prey.
Detecting the imminent danger looming above, it reacted with swift vigilance.
"Roar!!"
With a bellow that reverberated through the sky, the Six Extremes Flame Armored Beast launched the spear-like red spikes from its back directly at Ji Ruxue.
As if that wasn't enough, from the spike-riddled cavities in its back, the Six Extremes Flame Armored Beast spewed forth a torrent of blazing flames, directing the deadly surge towards Ji Ruxue.
"Hmph, such paltry tricks."
Ji Ruxue dismissed it with a soft scoff.
She utilized the broad surface of her umbrella to shield against the beast's spikes and searing flames.
Simultaneously, she swung her long sword, executing the Void Rainbow Sixth Sword Style - Piercing Through the Clouds.
Bang, bang, bang.
A fierce battle was ignited in the heart of the mountain forest.
Despite Ji Ruxue being merely at the Early-stage Heavenly Origin realm, her prodigious talent was undeniable.
Furthermore, she wielded a top-grade Heavenly Origin artifact in her grasp.
Therefore, Ji Ruxue was evenly matched against the Six Extremes Flame Armored Beast, at the Middle-stage Heavenly Origin realm, exchanging blow for blow.
Jiang Chen and Xie Xiaojing refrained from intervening.
This evenly matched contest was indeed a form of character-building trial.
The battle raged on, with the colossal Six Extremes Flame Armored Beast, standing the height of a four or five-story building, bellowing incessantly as it charged relentlessly.
The surrounding landscape was rapidly deteriorating into a scene of chaotic ruin.
Gigantic red maple trees were uprooted and toppled, one after another.
The panicked cries of countless airborne and ground-dwelling creatures echoed through the chaos as they scrambled to flee to more distant locales.
Employing her nimble maneuvers and razor-sharp weapon, Ji Ruxue repeatedly landed blows on the Six Extremes Flame Armored Beast's hide.
An abundance of blood, akin to molten rock, spewed from the wounds on the Beast's body.
Any flora in its path was instantly incinerated, and some rocks were even shattered due to the terrifyingly high temperature.
As time gradually ebbed away, under Ji Ruxue's relentless onslaught, the Six Extremes Flame Armored Beast found itself increasingly on the back foot.
However, a turn of events that caught Jiang Chen off guard unfolded.
Instead of choosing to flee under its survival instinct, the Six Extremes Flame Armored Beast continued its reckless assault on Ji Ruxue.
'What in the world is happening?'
With narrowed eyes, Jiang Chen directed the jade flute to descend closer to Ji Ruxue.
Roughly another quarter of an hour elapsed, Ji Ruxue's sword plunged through the skull of the Six Extremes Flame Armored Beast, the immense Heavenly Yuan Power obliterating its brain.
"Roar!"
The Six Extremes Flame Armored Beast emitted a frantic, pain-laden roar, then collapsed to the ground with a resonating thud.
"I prevailed!"
"It's been quite a while since I've experienced such a thrilling battle!"
Standing triumphantly atop the head of the fallen Six Extremes Flame Armored Beast, Ji Ruxue waved her hand with an air of exhilaration.
"An outstanding battle!"
Guiding the jade flute, Jiang Chen, accompanied by Xie Xiaojing, landed beside Ji Ruxue, offering his praise with a smile.
"Sister Ruxue, your strength is truly remarkable!"
Xie Xiaojing complimented with sincerity.
"It's merely adequate."
"Do not lavish me with undue praise."
Ji Ruxue laughed heartily, "Let's hasten and seek more beasts to challenge!"
"What about the carcass of this creature?"
Jiang Chen gestured towards the lifeless form of the Six Extremes Flame Armored Beast and asked.
It was, after all, the remains of a Heavenly Origin realm beast.
The potency of its blood and Qi was incredibly powerful!
"I have no need for it."
Ji Ruxue dismissed it with a nonchalant wave of her hand, "Jiang Chen, feel free to take it."
"That won't do."
"While it's true that you, Miss Ruxue, are in want of nothing,"
"When we venture out for training, acquiring rewards is a significant part. It adds meaning to our trials."
Jiang Chen shook his head, then turned to Xie Xiaojing and said, "Isn't that right, Junior Sister Xiaojing?"
"Indeed, indeed, Senior Brother Jiang Chen is correct!"
How could Xie Xiaojing refute? She immediately concurred.
"Thus, everyone should gain something."
"And Miss Ruxue is no exception."
"I'll temporarily secure the carcass of this Six Extremes Flame Armored Beast, and we'll divide it up when we return."
Jiang Chen offered a faint smile, waved his hand to dismantle the body of the Six Extremes Flame Armored Beast into sizable chunks, and stored it within the Heavenly Demon Hidden Heart Ring.
A note from AlphaWIA:
Get early access to (+75) more chapters by joining my Patreon.
