Lin Feng journeyed onward alongside Chang Gong Xiaojing and the others. Their group of nine pressed deeper into the Black Mist Herb Valley. Yan Can, at the second layer of the Golden Core stage, and Lin Feng, whose fighting prowess defied his apparent cultivation level despite possessing a flying sword, formed the core strength. The rest were no weaklings either. Though Chang Gong Xiaojing and Zhang Fangzhou were Foundation Building seventh layer – technically the 'weakest' in the group – the other four Biquan Sect disciples, including Loong Fei, ranged from eighth to ninth layer. Each possessed the capability to handle a late-stage Tier 2 demon beast alone. Consequently, their progress was unimpeded. Any beast daring to block their path, even early Tier 3 ones, was swiftly dispatched. Their pace remained steady.
Among the numerous spiritual herbs and rare materials encountered along the way, Lin Feng showed little interest in the Tier 2 ones, yielding them entirely to Loong Fei and the others. Tier 3 discoveries were split evenly between Lin Feng and the Biquan Sect group. While this division technically favored Lin Feng slightly, the Biquan disciples raised no objections.
Three days later, they arrived at a distinct location.
On the map Lin Feng possessed, this area was marked clearly: The Half-Moon Swamp.
True to its name, it was a vast expanse of marshland shaped like a colossal crescent moon. At its heart stood a barren hill, nearly devoid of vegetation. Scattered throughout the swamp itself were patches of solid ground like small, isolated islands. From afar, one could see peculiar plants radiating extraordinary light growing on some of these 'islands' — unmistakable signs of exceptional spiritual treasures.
These precious herbs stood invitingly on the swamp islands, seemingly awaiting harvest. Yet Lin Feng knew well that venturing carelessly into this marsh could easily prove a one-way trip. The Half-Moon Swamp teemed with ferocious demon beasts.
In the Lingyue Sect's records concerning the Black Mist Herb Valley, this place was designated a 'Forbidden Zone'. Disciples below the Golden Core stage were strictly forbidden from approaching, even in groups. Even Golden Core cultivators were barred from venturing here alone.
"Up ahead is the Half-Moon Swamp, Senior Brother Yan," Loong Fei said, a trace of apprehension in his eyes as he surveyed the expanse of dark, murky water ahead. "Should we change our route?" It was evident that the Biquan Sect, like the Lingyue Sect, classified this swamp as off-limits.
Yan Can, however, showed no fear. He studied the swamp land seriously, pondering for a moment before turning to Lin Feng. "Lin Feng, what do you think? Should we detour or proceed?"
Lin Feng also hesitated briefly, though the dominant expression in his eyes was one of eager anticipation. After a moment's consideration, he spoke. "While the Half-Moon Swamp is indeed perilous, earning its 'Forbidden Zone' status among most sects, that very danger implies fewer have dared to tread here. Consequently, the treasures likely remain more plentiful. Passing it by feels like a missed opportunity. Why don't we attempt a cautious exploration? If the danger proves overwhelming, we can always retreat."
Yan Can smiled. "Exactly my thoughts. With you and me leading the way, we stand a chance even against a mid-stage Tier 3 beast. And even if we cannot overcome it, ensuring everyone's safe retreat shouldn't be an issue… Let's try it!"
With the two de facto leaders in agreement, the others readily consented. They pressed forward, soon reaching the swamp's edge. Their immediate target was the nearest visible 'island'.
The question of how to reach it presented a challenge. According to records, an anomalous suction force pervaded the Half-Moon Swamp. Even the most skilled lightness techniques would fail; attempting to walk on the swamp's surface was impossible. Among them, only Yan Can could manage short-distance flight via his sword, allowing him to reach the small island. Carrying anyone else, however, was beyond his current ability.
Lin Feng surveyed their surroundings. Spotting a large tree nearby, an idea sparked. He proposed building a rope bridge. Producing a length of exceptionally strong rope, he handed one end to Yan Can. The Golden Core cultivator flew across the hundred-meter gap to the island, secured his end firmly, and Lin Feng anchored the other end on their side. A taut line now spanned the treacherous water.
For cultivators of their level, traversing a hundred meters along a single rope presented no real difficulty. Yan Can first swept the nearby swamp with his spiritual sense, locating and eliminating several demon beasts lurking beneath the murky water. With those potential threats neutralized, the group crossed the rope bridge without incident.
Once they set foot on the island, Loong Fei and the others immediately began searching for and gathering spirit herbs. Covering several hundred meters, the island boasted a noticeably richer concentration of herbs than areas they had previously encountered. The group harvested enthusiastically. A few Tier 2 beasts they encountered posed minimal threat; Loong Fei and the other Biquan disciples dispatched them easily through teamwork, without requiring Lin Feng or Yan Can to intervene.
Before long, the island was thoroughly picked over. They selected the next nearest island, repeated the rope bridge process, and embarked on another round of fruitful gathering.
Upon reaching their third island, however, they encountered significant trouble. A Tier 3, Level 3 demon beast lay concealed there. Alarmingly, Yan Can's initial spiritual sense sweep had failed to detect it. It was Xiaoqiu's timely warning that saved them from a devastating ambush. Lin Feng and Yan Can coordinated their flying sword assaults while the others formed a defensive formation, unleashing a barrage of talismans in support. Ultimately, they managed to slay the beast without Lin Feng even needing to resort to his White Tiger Soulfire Talisman.
"Beasts are, after all, beasts," Lin Feng mused internally. "Unlike human cultivators with their diverse arrays of magical treasures, elixirs, and tactics, even at the same cultivation stage, humans generally hold the advantage." Though, he conceded silently, that holds true mostly for lower tiers. Those monstrous beings at Tier 8 or 9 who achieve human form often surpass cultivators of equivalent strength.
...
"Chiu!!!"
Just as the group finished harvesting the Tier 3 beast carcass and began scouring the island for herbs, Xiaoqiu, perched on Lin Feng's shoulder, suddenly perked up. The little creature lifted its head high, staring intently into the distance, sniffing vigorously. Excitement shone in its eyes as it tugged urgently at Lin Feng's hair.
Lin Feng instantly understood. A flicker of surprise and hope crossed his face. "What is it? Something good over there?"
Xiaoqiu nodded emphatically. Lin Feng followed its gaze. About two hundred meters away lay the vast, barren hill at the very center of the crescent-shaped swamp. Xiaoqiu seemed focused on a spot partway up the lower slopes. Straining his eyes, Lin Feng finally discerned what looked like a cave entrance, barely above the swamp's waterline, perhaps ten to fifteen meters across.
"Lin Feng, what's happening?" Yan Can's voice came from beside him as he noticed Lin Feng's intense scrutiny.
Lin Feng nodded towards Yan Can who had approached. He pointed into the distance. "There seems to be a cave over there. Might hold something valuable. Shall we investigate?"
"Oh?" Yan Can also peered towards the indicated spot. He then closed his eyes, extending his spiritual sense outward. After a moment, he reopened them, a glint of interest showing. "Alright. Let's take a look."
Once the others finished gathering the herbs around them, Yan Can took one end of the rope and flew across the swamp towards the cave entrance on his sword. Watching him, Lin Feng couldn't help but feel a pang of familiar envy. Flying on a sword... The desire had burned within him for so long. He used to naively assume it became possible at late Foundation Building stage, only to learn later how demanding it truly was. Even a newly advanced Golden Core cultivator struggled. Yan Can, at the second layer, could only manage it tentatively, useful for short hops like this but impractical for sustained travel or combat maneuvering.
Soon, the entire group stood within the large cave entrance. Upon entering, Lin Feng realized it was even more spacious than he had estimated – easily twenty to thirty meters high and wide, clearly a natural formation. The initial section near the entrance was partially submerged by swamp water. They hugged the damp wall, carefully navigating inward for over fifty meters before finally reaching consistently dry ground. The cavern was filled with stalactites and stalagmites of varying sizes. The air hung thick with dampness and a pungent odor of decay.
As they ventured deeper, Lin Feng grew increasingly intrigued. The cave branched out into numerous passages, forming a surprisingly vast network. Disappointment crept in, however, as their search yielded absolutely no trace of plant life. He began to doubt Xiaoqiu's senses, especially as the little creature itself seemed bewildered, tilting its head as if struggling to pinpoint a direction within the caverns.
No spirit herbs. No demon beasts. The others gradually lost interest, concluding this was likely just an ordinary, albeit large, cave system.
"Hmm?!" Just as Lin Feng himself was on the verge of giving up, his brow suddenly furrowed. Instinctively, he turned to look down a branching passage they had passed moments before. A faint, peculiar ripple had brushed his awareness. The sensation felt strangely... familiar.
"Magma Fire?!" Lin Feng's eyes widened imperceptibly, a surge of internal disbelief and excitement mixing. That fleeting, unusual sensation had emanated from the Magma Fire residing within his dantian!
"Could it be… advancement materials for my Magma Fire?!"