After rummaging through boxes and cabinets in her room, Yue Jinxuan swayed her waist and walked over to Tang Dou.
"Senior Brother, we have all the other materials, but we're missing the Fat-Reducing Spirit Leaf."
Tang Dou asked anxiously.
"Then, Junior Sister, how can we obtain this Fat-Reducing Spirit Leaf?"
Yue Jinxuan pondered for a moment before speaking slowly.
"I'll go get it for you right now."
"I remember there is a mountain range nearby where the Fat-Reducing Spirit Leaf grows."
"However, this spirit leaf has a peculiar shape, and Senior Brother might find it difficult to identify."
"I shall accompany Senior Brother."
With that, Yue Jinxuan turned and walked toward a corner of the room where a pink long dress was hanging.
She gracefully untied her sash, took off her clothes, and changed into the long dress.
After changing, Yue Jinxuan walked back over to Tang Dou.
"Alright, let's set off."
Tang Dou nodded, and the two of them walked out of the room side by side.
Along the way—
Tang Dou suddenly chuckled and said.
"Junior Sister!"
"Look at the birds in the woods."
"Could it be that they are so captivated by your peerless beauty that they are singing with such delight?"
The corners of Yue Jinxuan's lips curled upward in a half-smile.
"Oh?"
"Am I really that charming in Senior Brother's eyes?"
Tang Dou nodded repeatedly with a flattering expression.
"Naturally!"
"Junior Sister's beauty is truly wushuang, unmatched by anyone in the world!"
Yue Jinxuan chuckled.
"Pfft, what, are you plotting something against me?"
"Hehe, Junior Sister, don't underestimate me. Once I lose weight, I'll be quite handsome, you know."
"With that glib tongue of yours, you won't stand a chance even if you lose weight, humph!"
"Junior Sister, do you think the Fat-Reducing Spirit Leaf was also attracted by your beauty, which is why it's deliberately hiding and refusing to show itself to us?"
"Senior Brother, if you keep this up, watch out—I really will get mad. When that time comes, don't blame me for refusing to refine pills for you."
Tang Dou exaggeratedly jumped backward.
"Junior Sister, calm your anger! Calm your anger!"
"I was just trying to liven up the atmosphere."
"Come on, let's keep going. This time I'll definitely search even more earnestly than you!"
After searching for a while longer, sunlight filtered through the treetops, casting mottled patterns upon the two of them.
Seeing beads of sweat oozing from Yue Jinxuan's forehead, Tang Dou couldn't resist teasing her.
"Junior Sister!"
"The dew on your forehead is truly 'fairy nectar'!"
"Don't let it go to waste. Quickly, let me wipe it for you."
Hearing this, Yue Jinxuan's cheeks flushed slightly as she scolded playfully.
"Go on with you, Tang Dou."
"Are you itching for a beating again?"
"Why aren't you hurrying up to look for your spirit leaf?"
Tang Dou chuckled.
He pulled a handkerchief from his robe, pretending to hand it over, but suddenly pulled it back, blinked, and said.
"Oh my!"
"I almost forgot, Junior Sister is a little fairy!"
"How could she possibly need the handkerchief of a mortal like me?"
"However..."
"If Junior Sister is truly hot, your Senior Brother here wouldn't mind turning into a cool breeze to help you beat the heat."
Amused by his banter, Yue Jinxuan let out a soft laugh and reproached.
"Alright, alright, there's truly no dealing with you."
"We'd better hurry up and find the spirit leaf, or it'll be too dark to make it back."
The two exchanged a smile and continued on their quest for the Fat-Reducing Spirit Leaf.
At that moment—
Lurking deep within the dense forest was a demonic snake known as the Black Abyss Spirit Python.
A hundred zhang in length, its massive body was covered in dark green scales, and two short horns grew from its head.
Its eyes, resembling two netherworld flames, were locked fiercely onto the direction where Tang Dou and Yue Jinxuan were.
Suddenly—
The Black Abyss Spirit Python opened its blood-red maw and lunged fiercely at Tang Dou.
Its speed was blinding!!
Like a streak of black lightning tearing through the night sky, the gale force it whipped up sent surrounding grass, trees, and pebbles flying in all directions.
Tang Dou felt his vision go dark.
His heart pounded wildly in his chest!!
"Junior Sister, watch out!"
At this critical juncture—
Tang Dou snapped back to his senses, unhesitatingly stepping in front of Yue Jinxuan with his knees slightly bent into a fighting stance.
The unbridled casualness in his eyes was replaced by an unprecedented gravity.
His right hand gripped the hilt tightly, and amidst a clear ring of steel, the Frost Moon Cold Light Sword leaped from its scabbard.
Tang Dou let out a furious roar.
With both hands gripping the cold light sword, he slashed forward with all his might. The sword Qi slashed through the air like a bolt of silk, heading straight for the Black Abyss Spirit Python's vital spot.
The Black Abyss Spirit Python raised its massive head high and twisted its body, effortlessly dodging the attack.
Immediately afterward—
It opened its giant mouth and spewed a cloud of black poisonous mist.
The toxic fog spread rapidly, withering vegetation and draining all vitality wherever it passed.
Tang Dou's face turned instantly pale.
He grabbed Yue Jinxuan's wrist and spun sharply, leaping like an arrow released from a string to escape the encroaching poison.
The two landed steadily.
Their gazes locked onto the billowing fog of poison, their expressions grave.
Yue Jinxuan's voice trembled slightly.
"Senior Brother!"
"I remember passing a narrow cave on our way here."
"This snake demon is huge, so perhaps we can head inside to avoid its sharp edge."
Tang Dou nodded slightly and said.
"Alright, Junior Sister, you go to the cave first."
"I'll stall this demon snake for a moment and follow right after."
Yue Jinxuan's eyes grew slightly red, and she couldn't help whispering a parting instruction.
"Alright, Senior Brother, you must be careful."
With that, she turned and fled toward the cave with tears in her eyes.
Sensing Yue Jinxuan's escape, the Black Abyss Spirit Python flashed a look of fury in its eyes and whipped its massive tail around, lashing out to intercept her.
Seeing this, Tang Dou opened his eyes wide with fury.
His feet moved rapidly as he charged angrily toward the demon snake.
As the distance closed—
Tang Dou's right foot kicked off the ground ferociously.
His entire body vaulted into the air like lightning, charging straight at the Black Abyss Spirit Python.
The power of thunder surged within his body, finally gathering at the blade in his hand.
"Demon snake!"
"Go die for your grandfather!"
The sword light tore through the sky with an overwhelming, destructive momentum, cleaving straight down at the demon snake.
The sword blade collided with the Black Abyss Spirit Python's massive body, erupting in a brilliant flash of light.
The Black Abyss Spirit Python let out a shrill, miserable cry, its colossal body twisting and thrashing in mid-air.
Meanwhile, Tang Dou was batted away by the snake's tail, crashing heavily into a towering ancient tree.
"Bang!"
With a loud crash, the trunk shuddered violently.
Tang Dou felt his blood churn in his chest, and a mouthful of blood spilled from the corner of his mouth.
Enduring the pain, he struggled to his feet.
At that moment, Yue Jinxuan ran over anxiously, grabbed Tang Dou's hand, and cried out eagerly.
"Senior Brother, hurry!"
"While the demon snake is injured, let's get out of here!"
Tang Dou nodded with difficulty and followed Yue Jinxuan, sprinting back the way they came.
The scenery along the path blurred past at breakneck speed...
Behind them, the furious roars of the Black Abyss Spirit Python were rapidly closing the distance!
Before long—
The two finally reached the vicinity of the cave.
Suddenly, a wave of howling wind erupted from behind them.
Tang Dou whipped his head around.
The Black Abyss Spirit Python was already right upon them!!
Its massive body writhed, its blood-red jaws agape, charging fiercely in their direction.
Panicked, Tang Dou pushed Yue Jinxuan away and shouted.
"Junior Sister, hurry inside the cave, I'll be right behind!"