Lin Feng and the others were fleeing through the narrow canyon, with the pursuers from Wanling Valley closing in step by step. The eerie mist grew denser, as if it concealed countless unknown dangers. The Black Panther Exotic Beast and the Little White Beast walked warily at the front, their fur bristling as they seemed to sense the bizarre aura around them.
Suddenly, the Little White Beast let out a sharp cry. Right after that, a swarm of spider-like monsters surged from the stone walls on both sides of the canyon. These spiders were enormous, standing as tall as a man, with their bodies covered in sharp spikes. Their eight eyes flashed with a ghostly green light, exuding an endless chill.
"Watch out!" Lin Feng shouted, instantly slashing out several sword Qi beams from the Chaos Light Sword in his hand toward the spider swarm. As the sword Qi swept past, several spiders were cut in two, but more spiders showed no fear whatsoever, lunging forward with bared fangs and claws.
At the same time, the pursuers from Wanling Valley also arrived at the mouth of the canyon. Seeing the scene inside, a smug, cold smile appeared on the middle-aged man's face. "Hmph, let's see where you can run this time! Once these monsters finish you off, I'll come and collect the spirit herb." With that, he actually led his subordinates to wait for rabbits by the stump at the canyon entrance, intending to reap the fisherman's profit.
Knowing they could not sit and wait for death, Lin Feng fought the spider monsters while searching for a way to break through. Su Yao hid behind the Black Panther Exotic Beast, using the surrounding stones and herbs to try to compound some medicine capable of dealing with the spiders.
The spider monsters' attacks were extremely fierce. They spat sticky spider silk in an attempt to entangle Lin Feng and the others. Lin Feng nimbly dodged while directing the Black Panther Exotic Beast and the Little White Beast to coordinate with him against the spiders. Relying on its sturdy body, the Black Panther Exotic Beast knocked aside the approaching spiders, while the Little White Beast deployed spells to attack the spiders' vital spots.
However, the number of spiders was simply too great, and gradually Lin Feng and the others began to fall into a predicament. Lin Feng's body had already been slashed by the spiders' spikes in several places, and fresh blood stained his clothes. The Black Panther Exotic Beast and the Little White Beast were also somewhat exhausted, their movements growing sluggish.
Just as everyone felt despair, a mysterious voice suddenly echoed through the canyon: "Juniors, do not panic." As the voice faded, a beam of golden light shot out from the depths of the canyon, instantly striking a particularly large spider. Bathed in the golden light, that spider instantly melted into a puddle of black water.
Immediately following, an elder dressed in golden robes slowly walked out from the mist. The elder had white hair and a youthful complexion, with a gaze like lightning. In his hand, he held a golden staff, atop which was embedded a dazzling gem that radiated a mysterious glow.
"Many thanks to the senior for saving our lives!" Lin Feng hurriedly cupped his fists in salute.
The elder nodded slightly. "I am in closed-door cultivation here, and sensing unusual activity in this place, I came out to take a look. Why did you provoke these spider monsters to attack, and why are you being hunted by that group behind you?"
Lin Feng briefly recounted the sequence of events. Hearing this, the elder furrowed his brow slightly. "Wanling Valley has become increasingly overbearing in recent years. However, you need not worry; with me here, they dare not act presumptuously."
With that, the elder turned to face the people of Wanling Valley at the canyon entrance, waved the staff in his hand, and a powerful beam of golden light shot toward them. Seeing this, the middle-aged man's expression changed drastically as he hurriedly commanded his subordinates to block it. Yet that golden light carried immense power, instantly shattering their defenses and forcing everyone back several steps.
"Who are you? How dare you meddle in the affairs of Wanling Valley!" the middle-aged man shouted, both startled and enraged.
The elder let out a cold snort. "Who I am is not something you are qualified to know. If you know what's good for you, get lost immediately, or don't blame me for being impolite!"
Though resentment lingered in the middle-aged man's heart, having witnessed the elder's formidable strength, he dared not attack rashly. Gritting his teeth, he yelled, "Let's go! Wanling Valley will remember this score!" With that, he led his subordinates away in disgrace.
Having dealt with the people of Wanling Valley, the elder turned back to look at Lin Feng and the others. "Alright, the crisis is temporarily resolved. However, even greater dangers are concealed deep within this canyon. You should leave this place as soon as possible."
Lin Feng said gratefully, "Thank you for the warning, Senior, but we are searching for a specific spirit herb, and we do not know if you might happen to know of it." Thereupon, Lin Feng described the characteristics of the Seven-Colored Spirit Herb.
After listening, the elder pondered for a moment. "I do know the whereabouts of this spirit herb. It grows beside the Spirit Spring at the very end of the canyon, but a powerful Demon Beast guards that place. For you to go there with your current strength is undoubtedly courting death."
Lin Feng's gaze was resolute. "Senior, for the sake of the sick people in Su Yao's town, I am willing to try. I hope Senior can give us some guidance."
Looking at Lin Feng's resolute gaze, the elder nodded slightly. "Very well, since you possess such determination, I will lend you a hand..."