Chapter 50: Jade Snake Orchid

Chapter 50: Jade Snake Orchid

As soon as Ye Fan and Pang Bo approached the area, they were startled. Hundreds of venomous dragons, as thick as water barrels, were hissing and flicking their tongues, their toxic mist pervasive, corroding a large section of the forest until it was unrecognizable. Furthermore, low roars echoed from deep within the dense forest, where countless large beasts roamed.

For some unknown reason, they weren't attacking each other. Instead, they were all incredibly agitated, continuously gathering in this area, their numbers swelling like a surging tide, pouring outwards from within. Most of these fierce beasts were unidentifiable.

The sky above was also filled with a multitude of strange birds, circling constantly at low altitudes. All of them were several meters in size, a dark, oppressive mass that blotted out the sun.

"What's happening?" Ye Fan and Pang Bo were both utterly astonished. The sight before them was incredible: a vast number of wild beasts and endless fierce birds had gathered in the area, all restless and agitated, like a tumultuous flood.

After observing for a while, Ye Fan said, "I think they must have retreated from the depths of the ruins."

"Could it be that the Lightning Bird and the Scaled Ape King's fight disturbed all the other fierce birds and beasts?"

"It's hard to say. Even if beast kings were fighting, it couldn't possibly scare out so many exotic beasts and spiritual birds, could it?"

"How do we get past? There are so many fierce birds and beasts, densely packed like a tide, completely blocking our path."

"Let's find a way to go around. This is definitely an opportunity. I suspect there's likely a vacuum zone inside, perhaps with super beast kings fighting in the deepest part, or some other change occurred that drove most of the fierce birds and beasts to the periphery."

The two walked for more than ten miles, circling around until they found a sheer cliff. They climbed up using the vines, then traversed several more cliffs and precipices, finally descending along old vines. They successfully reached the depths of the dense forest, bypassing the tidal wave of fierce beasts and raptors.

"It's really quiet in here." This area was filled with ancient trees reaching skyward, entangled with old, lush vines, yet it was utterly silent. It seemed as though all living creatures had fled, leaving a deathly quiet with not a single sound.

"What happened in the depths of the ruins? Even a beast king's fight wouldn't cause this. I think it must be some other reason! Otherwise, how could all the fierce birds and beasts have fled?" Ye Fan and Pang Bo were both somewhat bewildered and uncertain, but they eventually pressed forward, quickly advancing another ten miles. The ancient trees grew even more robust, the landscape entirely primitive.

"Hiss..." Amidst a cluster of scattered rocks, a hissing sound emerged, as if a snake was flicking its tongue. A five-colored mist permeated the air there, and waves of a foul, fishy odor wafted towards them.

"A giant snake!" Pang Bo exclaimed in a low voice. There, amidst the jumble of rocks, a massive snake, as thick as a water vat, lay coiled. It continuously spewed five-colored venomous mist from its mouth and appeared extremely agitated.

"It's not an ordinary snake; it has a jade horn on its head!" The colossal snake, as thick as a water vat, had scales as large as palms all over its body, vibrant and colorful. Its iridescent scales shimmered under the sunlight. Most remarkably, the jade horn on its head continuously emitted brilliant, multicolored threads of light that flowed downwards, sparkling and gleaming as they merged into its skull.

"This horned snake has become a spirit, capable of absorbing the essence of the sun and moon. If it were to grow claws beneath its belly, it would be the legendary flood dragon." A chill ran down both their spines. Not all fierce beasts had retreated; some powerful ones remained. However, this giant snake was also very agitated, seemingly wanting to leave but hesitating.

Suddenly, a faint, muffled sound, like a giant drum being beaten, echoed from deep within the ruins, carrying across a great distance.

Upon hearing the muffled sound, Ye Fan and Pang Bo both felt an inexplicable panic. At that moment, the giant snake with the jade horn trembled involuntarily a few times, then abruptly propelled its body, swiftly darting into the depths of the stone forest.

"A snake den!" The scattered rock formation was its nest. It agitatedly rushed into a massive dark hole and refused to come out again. As the five-colored toxic mist dissipated and the foul odor drifted away, everything within the stone forest became clearly visible.

"This must be the kind of jade-horned snake that the Transmission Elder mentioned!" At first, they didn't make the connection, but after the mist cleared and they saw the dark snake den deep within the stone forest, they remembered some things.

"I remember the Transmission Elder saying that this type of jade-horned snake evolves after an old snake absorbs the essence of the sun and moon for over a hundred years. In its habitat, there grows a rare spiritual medicine called 'Jade Snake Orchid'..."

Both had some recollection, but it wasn't very clear. Besides teaching mystical arts, the Transmission Elder had imparted much other knowledge over the past few months, such as explanations of cultivation scriptures, weapons, and spiritual medicines. Ye Fan and Pang Bo had focused primarily on cultivation and hadn't invested much energy in other knowledge. Before this expedition, they had hastily reviewed relevant books; otherwise, they might recognize many herbs but wouldn't necessarily spot them quickly.

"It really is the 'Jade Snake Orchid'!" Ye Fan and Pang Bo were both excited. At the entrance of the dark snake den, they saw three peculiar, palm-sized plants. The plants were as white as jade, entirely crystal clear, appearing at first glance like three small white snakes standing upright, with several white jade leaves attached and a brilliant white orchid flower at the top.

The three plants were very unusual, clearly extraordinary. They subtly glowed, and a faint, sweet fragrance wafted on the wind.

"Yes, it's the 'Jade Snake Orchid'!" Upon seeing the 'Jade Snake Orchid' with their own eyes, the Transmission Elder's words seemed to echo in their ears again, and they instantly recalled the precious value of this plant.

It was said that when an old snake absorbed the essence of the sun and moon, spiritual energy permeated the area around its den. However, ordinary plants couldn't withstand it; even spiritual herbs would turn to dust over time. Only a peculiar kind of orchid could survive, absorbing vital energy alongside the old snake as it consumed the essence of the sun and moon. After more than a hundred years of spiritual energy baptism, it would gather a large amount of sun and moon essence, transforming into a strange plant resembling the old snake, thus earning the name 'Jade Snake Orchid'.

It possessed extraordinary detoxifying properties, capable of neutralizing many strange poisons in the world. Its growth by the snake den also aligned with the saying that detoxifying spiritual herbs are found near poisonous creatures. Furthermore, by absorbing the essence of the sun and moon alongside the old snake, it accumulated vast amounts of vital life energy, making it a favorite among cultivators.

The two suppressed their impulse, not daring to rush forward and pluck them directly. It was said that these were prepared by the old snake for itself; once the 'Jade Snake Orchid' fully transformed into the shape of the old snake, it would consume them. If anyone tried to claim the 'Jade Snake Orchid', the old snake would fight to the death.

"The old snake has already transformed into a jade-horned snake, but these three 'Jade Snake Orchids' haven't fully matured into the old snake's form yet."

"How can we harvest them...?"

"I think the old snake was startled just now and hid deep inside its den, too afraid to come out for now. If we stealthily approach, we should be able to harvest them successfully."

"That's a bit risky. Let's wait a bit. If that muffled sound echoes from the depths of the ruins again, we'll quickly rush over, grab them, and immediately flee."

"Alright, let's wait patiently for a while."

After discussing, the two hid within the scattered rock forest. Although they didn't know what was happening deep within the ruins, they felt that the situation should persist, and the muffled sounds would continue to echo.

Sure enough, less than fifteen minutes later, the muffled sound resonated three times in succession. Ye Fan and Pang Bo felt an unsettling tremor in their hearts; it was a strange sensation they couldn't explain, as if their souls were involuntarily quivering.

They steadied themselves, then quickly rushed forward, pulled out the three "Jade Snake Orchids" from the entrance of the snake den, and bolted out of the stone forest without looking back.

They ran for several miles before stopping. Behind them, a rumbling sound emanated from the direction of the stone forest, as if an earthquake had struck. Clearly, the old snake had burst out.

"Thump!" Another muffled sound came from deep within the ruins, causing Ye Fan and Pang Bo's hearts to violently lurch, their chests aching. However, it was precisely this sound that silenced the stone forest where the old snake was.

"Thankfully, we succeeded. I was really afraid that old snake would pursue us. It's already a spirit; ordinary powerful cultivators can't do anything to it, let alone us." The two sat on a large bluestone, wiping away cold sweat.

Ye Fan and Pang Bo carefully examined the 'Jade Snake Orchid' in their hands. It indeed strongly resembled an old snake with leaves and a top-mounted orchid. Even its stem had scale-like patterns, and its entire body was translucent and lustrous, as if carved from mutton-fat jade. A refreshing fragrance permeated their internal organs.

"Too bad it hasn't fully matured yet..."

"Be content. Something like this is incredibly rare."

"It's said to contain a vast amount of life essence. I wonder what its true effects are."

"Let's find a safe place and try consuming it."

The two wouldn't even consider trading the 'Jade Snake Orchid' for the Hundred Herbs Liquid with the elders of Spirit Void Cave. This item was certainly many times more potent than the essence refined from a hundred herbs – the Hundred Herbs Liquid.

Ye Fan and Pang Bo grasped the vines and climbed a cliff. The vegetation here was lush, yet there were no traces of beasts or birds, making it very quiet.

"Once we take the 'Jade Snake Orchid,' we won't have to worry about encountering venomous snakes or scorpions later."

After discussing for a moment, Ye Fan decided to take one plant first to see its effects. His constitution was rather unique, so he didn't have to worry about the medicinal power being too strong and shattering his Sea of Suffering.

Ye Fan bit off half of a Jade Snake Orchid. A rich fragrance immediately spread, filling the entire cliff. His mouth was full of exquisite aroma, and he felt all the pores on his body open up. Spiritual energy permeated the surroundings, and the severed Jade Snake Orchid emitted vital life essence, with tiny rays of shimmering light flowing from it. Ye Fan hurriedly put the remaining half into his mouth.

He then quickly sat cross-legged and began to cultivate the mystical arts described in the Dao Scripture. He remained perfectly still, like a fossil. Not long after, Ye Fan's breathing suddenly became rapid, his face turned blood-red, his blood vessels bulged, his skin flushed, and then faint points of light began to emanate from his body surface.

Pang Bo was very tense, quietly observing. He sensed a powerful spiritual energy impacting Ye Fan's flesh, blood, and internal organs.

One could even clearly hear Ye Fan's blood rumbling, like a mighty river rushing. A powerful vital life essence circulated within his body, continuously scouring his physical form, causing light to overflow from him.

Only after half an hour did the sounds within Ye Fan's bloodstream cease. His breathing gradually deepened, and his pulse stabilized, making him feel much more agile.

"Boom!" Suddenly, at that very moment, Ye Fan's Sea of Suffering erupted with intense golden light, forming brilliant divine rainbows that were dazzling and magnificent.

"Here it comes!" Pang Bo was a little excited.

The scene they had witnessed last time reappeared: Ye Fan's Sea of Suffering transformed into a golden ocean, with rumbling tsunami-like sounds echoing, deafening like thousands of galloping horses.

Furious waves surged skyward, golden light was blinding. The boundless ocean, vast and undulating, swept up to the heavens, and fervent divine radiance scattered across the sky.

"Rumble!" Lightning flashed and thunder roared. Streaks of golden lightning tore through the sky, and ten thousand peals of thunder resonated in the firmament. Amidst the destructive power, there was boundless vitality, vigorous life force surging within the crackling electric bolts.

The golden ocean, with its terrifying, towering waves, intertwined with the intense lightning, creating a wondrous world of endless divine brilliance.

The deafening sound of the tsunami reached them. Even though Pang Bo had witnessed it before, he was still somewhat stunned at this moment. The golden Sea of Suffering seemed to possess a strange, continuously vibrating power.

Ye Fan's Sea of Suffering shone with brilliant light, causing the surrounding scenery to also shimmer with divine radiance.

It was a full two hours before everything slowly calmed down. The golden light receded, the roaring sounds vanished, and Ye Fan's Sea of Suffering returned to silence. He himself became much more ethereal, imbued with an almost immortal quality, appearing transcendent and otherworldly.

Half an hour later, Ye Fan opened his eyes, which flashed like two bolts of lightning. His eyes sparkled with divine light, his spirit was invigorated, and his vital energy was robust.

"How do you feel?"

"I feel great. My Sea of Suffering has expanded." Ye Fan began to cultivate the mystical arts recorded in the Dao Scripture. A golden light immediately flared in his Sea of Suffering, which had grown from the size of a sesame seed to that of a soybean, fixed there like a divine lamp.

"This speed of expansion... it's truly astonishing!" While Pang Bo was happy for Ye Fan, he was also extremely surprised. This time, Ye Fan's expansion of his Sea of Suffering was many times greater in a single go.

A subtle divine power circulated within the golden Sea of Suffering, making Ye Fan feel incredibly comfortable with every movement. The faint divine radiance emanating from the Sea of Suffering nourished his flesh and blood. Ye Fan activated the mystical arts of the Dao Scripture, and a golden divine light burst forth from his Sea of Suffering, shooting out along his finger with a soft "hiss," piercing through an ancient tree in front of him.

Pang Bo was instantly dumbfounded. "You... you can actually use... attacks similar to 'divine patterns'!"

"The Jade Snake Orchid is indeed extraordinary. The life essence it contains is many times more potent than the dozens of bottles of Hundred Herbs Liquid from last time!" Ye Fan exclaimed, feeling amazed. This time, his expansion of the golden Sea of Suffering had been incredibly smooth.

Pang Bo also looked excited. "This expedition wasn't in vain after all. Harvesting these three spiritual medicines must be more valuable than everyone else's total gains combined."

"I really don't know what happened deep within the ruins. Should we continue further?"

"Naturally, we should continue. Going a bit deeper might lead to more discoveries. With all the fierce birds and wild beasts having fled, it's a rare opportunity! Moreover, something astonishing might be happening deep within the ruins, which could be a great fortune for us."