Chapter 346: Thunder Marsh Blood Pool
In the Thunder Marsh, the landscape was remarkably majestic, with arcs of lightning sweeping across like cascading clouds or vast auroras. Disregarding their danger, they were quite a spectacle.
Many mountain tops were bare or charred, alongside melted crystals, showing no signs of living beasts. Most creatures that stumbled in met a grim fate, reduced to charred remains.
Wang Xuan was enveloped in a faint white light, shielding himself against the unique thunderous material. The lightning here unpredictably burst in the air or suddenly surged from the ground, making it hard to guard against.
Finally, he neared the source of fortune within the Thunder Marsh. Ahead, the landscape was barren, rocky, and dotted with pits filled with what seemed like blood.
"Is this liquid seeping from the blood pool?" Wang Xuan observed with his Spirit Eye. It wasn't real blood but appeared to be a kind of exotic mineral substance.
Crack! Dense lightning struck again, this time in hues of blue and purple, like swords fiercely plunging from the sky, piercing the ground and scattering light in all directions.
Wang Xuan vanished from the spot in a blink, dashing towards the source of fortune.
"He's here!" whispered some demons, harboring hostility yet wary of Wang Xuan, especially those who had come from the new star. After all, Wang Xuan and Chen Yongjie had made a name for themselves hunting demons there.
Deep within the Thunder Marsh, amid thunder and lightning, lay a pool shrouded in blood mist. It occasionally emitted dazzling radiance, with an unusually rich concentration of super-materials, brimming with vitality.
Crimson liquid flowed from the pool, forming streaks of blood light that spread outwards, creating variously sized "blood pits" around.
"Excuse me, everyone. I only need a small corner of this vast blood pool," Wang Xuan called out, addressing the few demon cultivators scattered around the area. The presence wasn't overwhelming; the formidable demons were absent.
"By all means, please proceed," replied a demon, his human form betraying his origins with two unmistakable goat horns protruding from his head.
Having been recognized due to the Divine Slayer Banner, Wang Xuan no longer concealed his identity, though he remained clad in his battle-worn armor.
"Brother Wang, your capture of the esteemed Fairy Gu is a testament to your exceptional strength. We all admire your feat," one of the demon cultivators remarked, breaking the ice. They were adaptable, noting his approachability and refraining from expulsion.
"It was mere chance," Wang Xuan modestly claimed. He was careful as he navigated around Gu Mingxi, steering clear of the more perilous sections near the thunderous marshland, to stand at the brink of the largest blood pool, the origin of all the crimson currents. The onlookers, recognizing the situation, instinctively gave him space, leaving him in solitude by the pool. Previously, the fearsome might of the pool deterred many, with its reputation for brutal transformations, sparing only those of significant strength, like the Blood God Ape and a select few mighty demons.
"Brother Wang’s modesty underplays his achievements. Despite her youth, Fairy Gu's renown stretches beyond the earthly immortals within the secluded realms," chimed in a peculiar demon, his body gleaming metallically, his voice echoing the clank of ancient copper, a testament to his mineral demon lineage.
Wang Xuan was taken aback by the claim of Gu's power transcending that of earthly immortals. Yet, what did it matter to him? He reflected on Qi Lian Dao, progeny of the Demon Ancestor, formidable beyond words, whom he had managed to strike repeatedly.
Setting Gu Mingxi beside the pool, Wang Xuan meticulously circled the perimeter, observing the surge of red fluid and the emanating divine glow, devoid of any stench.
"Stay back and guard for me," Wang Xuan replied, dismissing the challenge with a calm demeanor.
Qi Cheng Dao's gaze sharpened, issuing a challenge. "If you are a true man, fight me. Let's see who's stronger, let merit decide our fates."
"Agreed, but first, stand watch for me. I'm on the verge of a breakthrough, feeling an epiphany. We'll spar afterward," Wang Xuan responded, his tone serene, undisturbed by the prospect of confrontation, focused instead on the insights awaiting him beneath the blood pool's surface.
In the distance, the crowd showed surprise. In these times, maintaining one’s current level of power was considered fortunate, yet here was someone eager for rapid advancement.
Qi Cheng Dao, his expression cold, said, “Wang Xuan, I had no prejudice against you, even admired you. But now, you disappoint me with such threats. That's not the behavior of a true hero.”
“Are you seeking what you call a fair supernatural duel?” Wang Xuan chuckled, then asked, “What realm are you in now? The second or third level of the Transcendent Realm?”
He continued calmly, “I have no issues with you either. Wait until I reach the eighth stage of the mortal realm. It won’t be long, I won’t make you wait too much. Then, we can have our contest.”
Many had gathered nearby, collecting the red liquid flowing from the blood pool, planning to take it elsewhere for their own purification.
The crowd was intrigued by Wang Xuan's words. His realm was indeed far below Qi Cheng Dao's. How could their current confrontation be considered a true contest of paths?
Suppressing his killing intent, Qi Cheng Dao held back. Under the watchful eyes of many, if he were to attack and force the other to behead Gu Mingxi, it would only make him seem overly aggressive and ruthless.
Moreover, he genuinely did not wish for Gu Mingxi to die here.
“I’ll give you time. Let's see how far you can go,” Qi Cheng Dao said, his face expressionless.
Wang Xuan remained silent, his gaze fixed on the bottom of the pool, ready to dive in. From a distance, Zhou Qinghuang approached, concealing herself near the Leize with Gu Mingxi's spirit in tow. "See? Your body is fine," she said.
Gu Mingxi was in no mood to engage. Fine? Bound by silver chains, her body scorched by lightning, marred by a terrible gash, and once even pierced through the heart by the chain!
With a splash, Wang Xuan tossed Gu Mingxi's body into the pool, glancing back at Qi Cheng Dao reassuringly, "Don't worry, the blood pool will benefit her."
Qi Cheng Dao's expression remained icy, offering no response.
Far off, Gu Mingxi's spirit grew restless, tempted to rush over. Truly, it was a bitter moment for her. Damaged in body and spirit, captured, and now ignominiously dumped into the blood pool, it was a low point indeed.
Reaching the bottom, Wang Xuan was astonished. The blood pool seemed like it had been created by a meteorite from beyond the skies, with clear signs at the base and remnants of extraordinary substances, hinting at powers close to reality.
This discovery sent a shock through him. Could it be that a meteorite once carried such substances?
