One of the ways to acquire pill fire is by hunting fire-attribute fierce beasts and obtaining their fire seeds.
The more intense a fierce beast's fire attribute was, and the higher its grade, the better the quality of the resulting pill fire.
These flames were also known as beast fires.
Ye Han furrowed his brow slightly, pondering for a moment in his mind before a sharp glint flashed in his eyes, and he muttered, "There is a Spirit Beast Valley in the northern part of Yancheng. I've heard that fierce beasts run rampant there, so high-grade fire-attribute fierce beasts might exist there..."
"Furthermore, I have already stepped into the Mid Spirit Sea Realm and will break through to the Spirit Soul Realm before long. I am in dire need of a top-grade spirit soul."
With this thought in mind, Ye Han immediately decided to head to Spirit Beast Valley to try his luck.
Before long, he changed into light travel attire and set off alone toward the northern part of Yancheng...
***
Northern Yancheng, Spirit Beast Valley.
Here, the mountains were lofty and the valleys deep, with countless fierce beasts running rampant, which was why it was called the paradise of fierce beasts.
Not far away, shrouded in a thin layer of mist, a rolling mountain range loomed vaguely.
Between the mountains, streams gurgled, and countless towering ancient trees stood among them, exuding an aura of the wilderness.
These ancient trees were tall and straight, bearing the marks of a long history. Upon the rugged rocks, countless ancient vines twisted and turned like horned dragons.
Although Spirit Beast Valley was secluded and permeated with an uninhabited aura, it was not actually a place devoid of human footprints.
Due to its proximity to Yancheng, teams were frequently organized to come here and hunt fierce beasts.
These organizations were known as beast-hunting mercenary groups.
By noon, no fewer than ten batches of beast-hunting mercenary groups had entered Spirit Beast Valley in groups.
These mercenary groups typically consisted of teams of five or six, carrying various spiritual artifacts as they ventured deep into Spirit Beast Valley to hunt fierce beasts. Once they captured a fierce beast, they would extract its vital blood, vital soul, beast bones, and other materials, taking them all to the Tianyan Market to sell in exchange for a hefty sum of cultivation supplies.
The section of beast bone that Ye Han had previously bought at the Tianyan Market had indeed come from a beast-hunting mercenary group.
On the northern side of the valley, a group of seven mercenaries carrying spiritual bows was walking toward the valley entrance.
"Senior Brother Lu, that Black Wind Mercenary Group is truly lucky. I heard they hunted an injured Spirit Sea Realm fierce beast a few hours ago and made tens of thousands of spirit stones."
A sharp-mouthed youth wore a look of unconcealed resentment.
Beside him, a woman in red spoke with an arrogant expression, "They just got lucky. Our Solitary Wolf Mercenary Group is the strongest mercenary group in all of Yancheng. We cannot lose to the Black Wind Mercenary Group this time. Once we enter Spirit Beast Valley, we will definitely have to hunt a fierce beast of the same tier."
Upon hearing this, the rest of the mercenaries all nodded and secretly pumped themselves up.
At that moment, perched on a large boulder up high, a single figure was observing this group of people.
"These mercenary groups hang around here year-round, so they should be very familiar with the terrain of Spirit Beast Valley."
Ye Han frowned. He glanced around; the terrain of Spirit Beast Valley was complicated and perpetually blanketed in mist, so venturing deep alone would likely lead to getting lost.
Therefore, if he could join a beast-hunting mercenary group, that would actually be a good method.
With this thought, Ye Han suddenly leaped down from the boulder, plunging down the steep slope like a dashing leopard.
Swish—
"Who?!"
A vigorous figure suddenly charged down from the side slope, causing the members of the Solitary Wolf Mercenary Group to immediately turn alert and raise their spiritual bows in unison.
"Huh? Why is it just a stray person?"
The members of the Solitary Wolf Mercenary Group frowned and lowered their spiritual bows.
"Which mercenary group are you from?"
The leading green-robed youth walked toward Ye Han and asked in a deep voice.
This youth was the captain of the Solitary Wolf Mercenary Group and also the eldest son of the Lu family in Yancheng, Lu Qingshan.
"I am not from any mercenary group. I merely want to enter Spirit Beast Valley to hunt fierce beasts. But since this is my first time here, I don't know the complicated terrain and fear getting lost, so I intend to join your Solitary Wolf Mercenary Group. I wonder if that's acceptable?"
Ye Han cupped his fists toward Lu Qingshan and spoke truthfully.
Unexpectedly, as soon as these words were spoken, a harsh laugh rang out.
"How ignorant. You actually want to break into Spirit Beast Valley alone? Even our mercenary groups have to be extremely careful here. It's fraught with danger, and if you encounter a powerful fierce beast, I'm afraid not even your bones will be left behind."
The person who spoke was none other than the arrogant woman in red, Lu Xue.
Lu Xue looked Ye Han up and down, and seeing that this fellow was even younger than her, a look of disdain immediately filled her eyes.
Lu Qingshan frowned. He rarely encountered cultivators who ventured into Spirit Beast Valley alone.
To enter Spirit Beast Valley by oneself required at least the strength of the Spirit Sea Realm.
Yet the youth before him looked four or five years younger than him; how could he possibly be a Spirit Sea Realm expert?
"This..."
For a moment, Lu Qingshan found himself in a difficult position.
However, the outspoken Lu Xue beside him bluntly refused, "Our Solitary Wolf Mercenary Group is one of the strongest mercenary groups in all of Yancheng. To join us, you need at least the strength of the Seventh Layer of Spirit Spring Realm. Do you think you have what it takes? We aren't foolish enough to drag along dead weight."
Hearing this, Ye Han couldn't help but frown.
Looking at Lu Xue's exquisite face, he felt not a shred of favorable impression toward her.
Especially that arrogant posture of looking down on others—it was quite repulsive.
Yet, deep down, Ye Han was also sneering. Lu Qingshan, the strongest member of the Solitary Wolf Mercenary Group, was only half a step into the Spirit Sea Realm.
If he could join the mercenary group, it would definitely be a major help.
It was just a pity that these arrogant mercenaries lacked discernment.
"Since that's the case, forget it."
No emotion showed on Ye Han's face.
"If this little brother doesn't mind, you can join our Tiemu Mercenary Group."
At that moment, a hearty voice came from behind.
Not far away, another group of mercenaries dressed in black was seen walking toward the valley entrance.
"The Tiemu Mercenary Group has come as well!"
Seeing this group of men in black, the expressions of the Solitary Wolf Mercenary Group turned ugly.
Competition existed among these mercenary groups, and the Tiemu Mercenary Group and the Solitary Wolf Mercenary Group harbored quite a deep grudge against each other...
***
At the western side of the valley entrance, another aggressive group of people had arrived.
These people were none other than the members of another mercenary group—the Tiemu Mercenary Group.
Ye Han looked over with curious eyes and immediately noticed that their attire was rather peculiar.
This group of people all wore animal-skin coats with dark, tanned, and rough skin, and developed limbs, making them look like primitive aborigines.
The burly man leading them was even more stalwart in build, with a rugged appearance and powerful, muscular physique.
He was the leader of the Tiemu Mercenary Group—Tiemu.
"Tiemu, you're here too?"
Lu Qingshan's expression turned hostile as he said in a deep voice.
Tiemu's voice was as resonant as a bell. He looked at Lu Qingshan and let out a cold snort.
"Lu Qingshan, last time your Solitary Wolf Mercenary Group used despicable methods to snake a Ninth Layer of Spirit Spring Realm fierce beast that our Tiemu Mercenary Group hunted, we haven't settled that score yet. Of course we have to come."
"Hahaha, what a joke. The fierce beasts in this Spirit Beast Valley don't belong to your Tiemu Mercenary Group. Whoever gets their hands on them naturally owns them."
Lu Qingshan raised his brow and said with a shameless expression.
As it turned out, a month ago, the two mercenary groups were competing in a hunt here, and unexpectedly, the Tiemu Mercenary Group had hunted a severely wounded fierce beast only for the other party to intercept it.
Hearing Lu Qingshan's words, the group of members behind Tiemu all clenched their fists in anger.
"What, want to start a fight here?"
The members of the Solitary Wolf Mercenary Group wore provocative expressions.
However, Tiemu frowned and reached out to hold back his brothers, who were burning with anger.
He knew that since they hadn't hunted any fierce beasts yet, starting a conflict here was not wise.
Tiemu's gaze fell on Ye Han, and he laughed heartily, "Little brother, if the Solitary Wolf Mercenary Group won't take you, we will. If you don't mind, you can join our Tiemu Mercenary Group; we happen to be short of some manpower. And rest assured, you'll get a share of whatever fierce beasts we hunt this time."
Ye Han glanced at Tiemu. This fellow was rough-hewn and forthright, looking much more pleasing to the eye than Lu Qingshan, so he said, "Brother Tiemu is straightforward, of course I'd be willing."
"Good!"
Tiemu patted Ye Han's body, secretly transmitting a surge of spiritual energy. An ordinary person would likely have been shaken off balance by this burst of spiritual energy.
Yet Ye Han wore a smile and remained completely motionless.
"Oh?"
Tiemu was secretly surprised inwardly. His move was intended to test Ye Han's strength, but this little fellow's strength seemed to be unfathomable.
How could Ye Han not know that Tiemu was deliberately testing his strength?
However, Tiemu's cultivation realm was the same as Lu Qingshan's—only at the half-step Spirit Sea Realm. How could he possibly fathom the depths of Ye Han's power?
"Your Tiemu Mercenary Group really dares to accept any third-rate trash as members; aren't you afraid of losing face? Hehe, Commander Tiemu, I'm afraid your Tiemu Mercenary Group will lose to our Solitary Wolf Mercenary Group again in this Spirit Beast Valley beast hunt."
Lu Xue raised her brow and taunted.
"Haha, it's your Solitary Wolf Mercenary Group that lacks the eye to recognize a gem and gifted us such a powerful teammate instead. I should be thanking you."
Tiemu laughed dismissively.
"Just him?"
Lu Xue looked at Ye Han with disdain and curled her lip.
He was merely a seventeen-year-old kid; how strong could his strength possibly be?
"Tiemu, let's just wait and see which of our two mercenary groups wins and which loses this time."
Lu Qingshan wore a provocative expression, sparks faintly flashing in his eyes.
Behind him, the brothers of the Solitary Wolf Mercenary Group and the Tiemu Mercenary Group were also gritting their teeth and glaring angrily at one another.
"Hmph! Let's go!"
Lu Qingshan let out a cold snort and turned around to lead his mercenary brothers into Spirit Beast Valley.
"This fellow is truly arrogant!"
Watching Lu Qingshan's retreating back, the brothers of the Tiemu Mercenary Group gritted their teeth.
"Little brother, this is Tie Wu of our Tiemu Mercenary Group. He is especially skilled with the saber; a Seventh Layer of Spirit Spring Realm Mad Lion Tiger beast was once easily decapitated by a single slash of his. If you don't understand anything, you can ask him..."
Tiemu looked at Ye Han and introduced the gloomy-faced saber-wielding youth standing beside him. Although Tie Wu's expression was cold, he still nodded toward Ye Han.
"This is Tie Lan..."
Before long, Tiemu introduced the members of the mercenary group to Ye Han one by one.
The members of this mercenary group neither opposed Ye Han's joining nor were they overly excited about it.
After all, in their view, Ye Han's strength was probably not yet sufficient to join the Tiemu Mercenary Group.
Only Tiemu knew that the youth before him might not be someone to be trifled with.
"Let's go in. This time, we must hunt more fierce beasts than the Solitary Wolf Mercenary Group."
With that, these rugged men led Ye Han and aggressively barged into the valley.
***
The dense forest featured towering ancient trees.
The fallen leaves on the ground had accumulated over the years, reaching a thickness of over a foot, making it extremely soft to step on.
At this moment, Ye Han and the members of the Tiemu Mercenary Group had gradually entered a dense forest.
This dense forest was overgrown with weeds and, shrouded in mist, appeared both mysterious and eerie.
The members of the Tiemu Mercenary Group held bone spears in their hands, cautiously crouching in the undergrowth while scanning their surroundings from time to time.
Rustle, rustle, rustle.
At that moment, a faint sound came from the bushes not far ahead.
"Shh, fierce beasts are about!"
Tie Wu made a hush gesture to the others, then exchanged glances with Tiemu, Ye Han, and the rest.
Treading lightly, they encircled that patch of bushes from four directions.
"It's a pack of Iron-Backed Wolves."
Ye Han parted the weeds and saw about seven or eight wolves with silver fur all over their bodies.
The strength of these wolves was around the Seventh Layer of Spirit Spring Realm, which could be considered quite formidable.
"Make a move!"
Shortly after, Tiemu exchanged a glance with the others.
Boom!
The mercenary group members raised their bone spears, thrusting them forward like a streak of white light with a whoosh.
Swish!
Awoo—
One of the Iron-Backed Wolves had its flesh pierced, pinned to the muddy ground along with the bone spear as fresh blood gushed out and it wailed miserably.
Roar, roar, roar—
The remaining Iron-Backed Wolves were startled, baring their fangs at Tie Wu and the others before revealing their sharp claws and pouncing forward.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
The members of the Tiemu Mercenary Group also erupted with formidable spiritual energy from their bodies, engaging in a fierce and chaotic battle with the pack of Iron-Backed Wolves.
Awoo~
The Iron-Backed Wolves were no pushovers either; they raised their heads and howled to the skies, seeming to summon the surrounding wolf pack.
One of the Iron-Backed Wolves lunged toward Ye Han. Ye Han dodged its body, and with a loud bang, a boulder was shredded by the wolf's claws.
"Brother Ye, get out of the way!"
A resonant voice rang out as Tie Wu came charging over with his saber.
A murderous aura surged over his entire body. With a loud boom, he lunged toward the Iron-Backed Wolf, pinned it fiercely to the ground, and slashed ruthlessly across its neck with his blade.
Swish—
Fresh blood sprayed, and the wolf's head hit the ground.
Awoo! Awoo!
Just as the Tiemu Mercenary Group was about to secure victory, a series of extremely loud wolf howls suddenly rang out from all directions.
"Not good, the wolf pack has been summoned."
Ye Han frowned, thinking to himself that things looked bad.
The howling of those Iron-Backed Wolves earlier had precisely been to summon their companions.
Rustle, rustle, rustle.
Sure enough, before long, rustling sounds echoed from the surrounding undergrowth.
Hundreds of Iron-Backed Wolves revealed their ghostly green pupils, completely surrounding everyone in the Tiemu Mercenary Group.
"Oh no..."
At that moment, Tiemu's expression changed drastically.
***
"Oh no..."
The expressions of Tiemu and the others shifted violently. They scanned their surroundings, hearing only rustling sounds as one Iron-Backed Wolf after another emerged.
These wolves bared their fangs and emitted low growls, numbering at least several hundred!
"Everyone, gather close together!"
Tiemu bellowed. The members rapidly shot backward, forming a circle with their backs to one another as they gazed around with vigilance.
At this moment, they were no longer besieging the Iron-Backed Wolves; they were being besieged by the Iron-Backed Wolves!
Awoo~
Howl after howl echoed through the valley.
Ye Han swept his gaze across them hurriedly; the strength of these Iron-Backed Wolves wasn't high, mostly below the Fifth Layer of Spirit Spring Realm, but they made up for it in sheer numbers.
There were only eight people on their side. Facing the encirclement of hundreds of Iron-Backed Wolves, once dragged into a protracted battle, even a Spirit Sea Realm expert would be worn to death.
"Boss, what do we do now?!"
Tie Wu gripped his saber tightly, sweat on his palms, looking nervous.
The remaining members were also breathing heavily, their bodies tense, their complexions even turning slightly pale with panic.
Tiemu clenched his fists tightly, a trace of ruthlessness flashing through his resolute gaze.
He knew that if they didn't fight their way out, the entire Tiemu Mercenary Group would perish here!
"Kill our way out toward the left!"
Boom!
Tiemu roared angrily, his fists shaking as spiritual energy shockwaves blasted toward the wolf pack.
He shot forward, his fists striking down heavily and fiercely against the wolves.
With a loud bang, fresh blood sprayed high into the air as two Iron-Backed Wolves wailed and collapsed to the ground, dead.
Awoo! Awoo!
At this, the wolf pack also flew into a rage, flashing their sharp claws and teeth as they lunged forward.
Boom, boom, boom—
Hundreds of wolves swarmed forward all at once; such a scene was naturally magnificent beyond compare.
The ferocious wolves bared their fangs and lunged at Tie Wu and the others, instantly plunging the members of the Tiemu Mercenary Group into a state of siege.
Bang!
Ye Han slapped his palm downward, and a spiritual light handprint roared forward, blasting a wolf into a mist of blood and temporarily terrifying the remaining wolves into retreating.
"These wolves aren't lacking in intelligence..."
Ye Han raised his brow slightly and muttered.
He noticed that not many Iron-Backed Wolves actively besieged him; instead, they stared at him with apprehension, clearly aware that this person was not one to be easily provoked.
However, Tiemu and the others were currently surrounded in several circles by the wolf pack, enduring a frenzy of biting and tearing.
Swish!
"Ah!"
An angry cry rang out. Ye Han looked over in alarm and saw that Tie Wu had been bitten directly on the arm by an Iron-Backed Wolf, tearing away his flesh along with the bite.
In the other battle zones, Tiemu and the others were also covered in fresh blood, with deep lacerations torn into their bodies by the sharp claws of the Iron-Backed Wolves.
"Fall back!"
Tiemu's eyes split open in fury as he roared.
Boom, boom, boom—
Before long, the group once again retreated, panting heavily as they formed a circle with their backs to one another.
They realized they simply couldn't break out!
"Damn it!"
Tiemu clenched his fists, filled with deep self-blame.
They shouldn't have provoked a pack of vengeful Iron-Backed Wolves, no matter what.
At this moment, the gazes of the remaining members were also suffused with despair, their faces filled with fierce resolve.
Aside from Ye Han, everyone else had sustained significant injuries, and the spiritual energy within their bodies was nearly exhausted.
Looking at the desolate expression on Tiemu's face, Ye Han said in a deep voice, "Brother Tiemu, I actually have a way to make these Iron-Backed Wolves retreat on their own."
"What way? Let's hear it!"
Even as Tiemu spoke, his gaze remained fixed unblinkingly on the surrounding wolf pack, fearing they might lunge forward.
"See that? There is a grayish-brown wolf on that large boulder. I bet that is the Iron-Backed Wolf King. As long as that wolf king is killed, the wolf pack will naturally collapse and retreat crestfallen."
Ye Han pointed toward the left flank.
Less than three hundred meters away from them stood a massive rock.
Atop the rock stood a majestic giant wolf.
Its mane was glossy, its teeth sharp, and its imposing, spirited appearance clearly marked it as the wolf king!
"Kill the wolf king?"
Tie Wu and the others forced bitter smiles, their faces deathly pale.
Putting aside whether they could even charge out of the wolf pack to cover three hundred meters, even if they managed to break through, they wouldn't necessarily be able to deal with the wolf king.
That wolf king possessed the strength of the peak Spirit Spring Realm.
Had Tiemu been at his peak condition, he might have stood a chance in a one-on-one duel to defeat the wolf king.
But now, that was clearly impossible.
"Brother Tiemu, watch closely."
With that, Ye Han smiled faintly.
He rapidly mobilized his spiritual energy, and a heavy, oppressive force swept outward in all directions. Golden spiritual energy surged sharply as he stamped his foot down.
Boom!
His figure whistled out like a golden thunderbolt, reaching an extreme speed!
Swish, swish, swish—
Roar!
Seeing Ye Han pounce toward the wolf king, the rest of the wolf pack also lunged forward like madmen.