Lin Feng and Liu Yan stood at the entrance of Netherworld Valley, gazing into the deep and mysterious ravine, their hearts filled with both tension and anticipation.
"Brother Lin, this Netherworld Valley looks so gloomy and terrifying. Are we really going in?" Liu Yan's voice trembled slightly. Although she was determined to venture forth with Lin Feng, facing the unknown danger inevitably filled her with unease.
Lin Feng gripped Liu Yan's hand tightly, giving her a resolute look. "Liu Yan, don't be afraid. As long as we are careful and cautious, we will definitely complete the mission and find the manual."
Taking a deep breath, the two of them stepped into the perilous Netherworld Valley. Mist drifted through the valley, and a chilling wind howled like the breath of the underworld.
Not long after entering, a massive Netherworld Wolf appeared before them. Its eyes flashed with a blood-red light, its fangs were as sharp as knives, and it radiated a fierce aura. It possessed the strength of the Fifth Layer of Martial Warrior Realm.
Lin Feng's current cultivation was at the Third Layer of Martial Warrior Realm. Facing this formidable opponent, there was not the slightest trace of retreat in his heart. He circulated the internal energy within his body, and the technique of the Breeze Formula surged rapidly through his meridians, instantly making his aura razor-sharp.
"Liu Yan, step back! I'll handle this!" Lin Feng shouted, his figure darting toward the Netherworld Wolf like a ghost.
Seeing this, the Netherworld Wolf opened its blood-sausage maw, let out a deafening roar, and lunged fiercely at Lin Feng. Lin Feng sidestepped and nimbly dodged the wolf's pounce while concentrating his internal energy into his right fist, smashing it hard against the beast's abdomen.
Feeling the pain, the Netherworld Wolf angrily lashed its tail, sweeping it toward Lin Feng. Lin Feng leaped up swiftly to evade the strike. Taking advantage of the fact that the wolf had not yet regained its footing, he launched another attack, kicking off powerfully with his left leg and spinning his body in mid-air as his right foot lashed out with formidable force toward the wolf's head.
After a fierce battle, the Netherworld Wolf gradually grew exhausted. Seizing the opportunity, Lin Feng unleashed the ultimate technique of the Breeze Formula. A powerful surge of internal energy shot from his palm, striking the wolf directly in the eye. With a miserable howl, the Netherworld Wolf collapsed to the ground and stopped moving altogether.
"Brother Lin, you were amazing!" Liu Yan ran over, her face brimming with excitement and admiration.
Lin Feng wiped the sweat from his forehead and said, "This is only the beginning. We need to be even more careful."
The two continued onward, and the dangers in the valley multiplied. They not only had to watch out for monster beasts lurking in the shadows, but also had to evade various lethal traps.
As they passed through a narrow path, countless poisoned arrows suddenly shot out from the stone walls on both sides. Reacting quickly, Lin Feng pulled Liu Yan back in a hasty retreat while swinging the long sword in his hand, swatting down the incoming poisoned arrows one after another.
"That was close!" Liu Yan said, her heart still pounding with lingering fear.
"Stay sharp. Danger is everywhere here," Lin Feng reminded her.
Before long, they arrived in front of a cave. A strange fragrance drifted from within, stirring Lin Feng's heart with the thought that there might be precious treasures inside.
Walking cautiously into the cave, they saw a spiritual herb glowing with a purple light growing right in the center—the Netherworld Spirit Ganoderma. However, coiled beside the spirit ganoderma was a massive Netherworld Python. Its body was thicker than a water vat, and its scales flickered with a cold light, radiating a powerful aura. It possessed the strength of the First Layer of Martial Master Realm.
"Oh no, it's a Netherworld Python!" Lin Feng's expression turned grave.
Liu Yan asked, "Brother Lin, what should we do?"
After pondering for a moment, Lin Feng said, "We'll join forces. I'll draw its attention, and you look for an opportunity to attack its weak spot."
Liu Yan nodded, gripping her short sword tightly.
Lin Feng took the initiative, brandishing his long sword as he charged toward the Netherworld Python. Sensing the threat, the python opened its mouth and spat out a jet of black venom. Lin Feng sidestepped to avoid it, and the venom landed on the ground, instantly corroding a large pit into the earth.
Seeing that the venom had missed Lin Feng, the Netherworld Python wriggled its massive body and lunged at him. Lin Feng nimbly dodged the python's attacks while continually thrusting his long sword into its body.
Taking advantage of the python's distraction, Liu Yan quietly slipped around behind it. Spotting her moment, she drove her short sword straight into the python's vital seven-inch spot.
Struck with agony, the Netherworld Python whipped its tail in fury and batted Liu Yan away. Seeing Liu Yan injured, Lin Feng flared with anger. He drove his internal energy to the absolute limit, unleashing his strongest strike as he plunged his long sword straight into the python's eye.
After a few painful struggles, the Netherworld Python finally collapsed onto the ground, motionless.
Lin Feng hurried over to help Liu Yan up. "Liu Yan, are you alright?"
Liu Yan shook her head. "I'm fine, Brother Lin. Thanks to you."
Lin Feng said, "Let's grab the Netherworld Spirit Ganoderma and get out of here quickly."
Having successfully acquired the Netherworld Spirit Ganoderma, Lin Feng used the power of this spiritual herb to successfully breakthrough to the Fourth Layer of Martial Warrior Realm.
"System prompt: Host has reached the Fourth Layer of Martial Warrior Realm, but there is still a long way to go before the Grand Master Realm. Continued effort is required."
Lin Feng understood in his heart that although he had made a breakthrough, there were still more challenges awaiting him on this path of martial arts.
They continued deeper into the Netherworld Valley and soon encountered a massive maze. The paths within the maze were intricate and complex, and eerie mists swirled all around, making it impossible to tell direction.
After wandering through the maze for a long time, the two still could not find the exit.
"Brother Lin, it feels like we've just been walking in circles," Liu Yan said anxiously.
Lin Feng stopped in his tracks and carefully observed the walls around them. "Don't worry, we will definitely find the exit."
Just as they were beginning to feel despair, Lin Feng suddenly spotted a minute crack in one of the walls. He gave it a gentle push and discovered a hidden mechanism.
Lin Feng pressed the mechanism, and with a rumble, a stone door slowly opened, revealing a passageway.
"We finally found it!" Overjoyed, the two followed the passageway and walked out of the maze.
After a series of hardships and obstacles, they finally arrived at the place where the manual was kept. However, a powerful barrier guarded the area.
At this point, Lin Feng was at the Fourth Layer of Martial Warrior Realm, while Liu Yan was at the Second Layer of Martial Warrior Realm. Facing such a formidable barrier, their strength appeared insignificant.
Yet they did not give up. Together, they studied the flaws in the barrier while continuously elevating their internal energy.
After hours of effort, a trace of loosening finally appeared in the barrier. Seizing the opportunity, Lin Feng unleashed a full-strength strike and shattered the barrier.
They successfully obtained the manual. However, at that very moment, a group of Mysterious Figures appeared and surrounded them.
"Hmph, hand over the manual, or don't even think about leaving alive!" the leader of the Mysterious Figures said coldly.
Clasping the manual tightly to his chest, Lin Feng retorted, "In your dreams! We worked hard for this, so come and take it if you have the ability!"
A fierce battle was about to begin...