351 Chapter 351
Elder Jianyu chuckles, his voice carrying through the group as they continue their exploration. "Sect Master, this island is rich with resources," he exclaims with a hearty laugh. "It must be a gift from heaven, especially considering the southern region has been bullied by other regions."
Another elder, Elder Mingzhe, joins in with laughter. "This is good, very good. We should monopolize this tower and ensure that no outside forces catch even a whisper of its existence." His eyes shine with ambition and excitement at the prospect of their sect gaining exclusive access to such wealth.
As they delve deeper into the heart of the island, the atmosphere becomes denser with the fragrant scents of myriad herbs and plants, each more exotic and valuable than the last. Their collection of rare herbs grows, with each new discovery adding to their excitement and the promise of their sect's burgeoning power.
Amidst their foraging, Elder Xuefeng, known among his peers for his esteemed profession as a seven-star alchemist, suddenly pauses, his nostrils flaring as he detects a familiar aroma wafting through the air. "Wait," he commands, holding up a hand to signal the others to halt. His eyes narrow as he focuses on the source of the scent, his seasoned instincts guiding him.
With careful steps, he leads the group toward a small clearing, where a particularly striking herb catches his eye. This plant stands out, not just for its radiant appearance, but for the potent energy emanating from it. "This... this is a Celestial Nectar Leaf," Elder Xuefeng announces, his voice tinged with reverence.
The Celestial Nectar Leaf is distinguished by its vibrant green leaves that shimmer with a light akin to the stars themselves. Each leaf is edged with a silver hue, and the plant exudes a gentle, mesmerizing glow. The air around it seems to hum with vitality, and just being near it makes the elders feel a surge of energy. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om
"It's incredibly rare, even in the central region it's quite rare. Its nectar can enhance cultivation, heal the gravest of injuries, and even extend one's lifespan," Elder Xuefeng explains, his hands hovering over the plant, careful not to touch it just yet.
Elder Qingshan steps closer, his interest piqued. "In all my years, I've only heard tales of the Celestial Nectar Leaf. To think we would find it here," he muses, admiration evident in his voice.
Sect Master Tianwei regards the herb with a thoughtful gaze. "Our discovery here could change the fate of our sect," he states, a sense of determination settling over him. "We must take this opportunity to secure our position and ensure the prosperity of our people."
With Elder Xuefeng leading the way, the group inches closer to the Celestial Nectar Leaf, their movements cautious and measured. The herb's soft glow bathes their faces in a serene light, emphasizing the importance of their discovery. However, their focus shifts abruptly as the silence of the clearing is shattered by a deep, resonant growl emanating from a nearby cave.
Elder Lianzhao, the first to react, instinctively takes a defensive stance, his eyes darting toward the source of the sound. "A beast," he whispers, his voice tense.
The growl grows louder, more assertive, as a figure emerges from the shadows of the cave. It's a tiger, but unlike any they have seen before. Its fur is a rich blend of earthy browns and vibrant greens, mirroring the terrain of the floating islands. Swirls of wind and dust encircle its form, giving it an ethereal quality as it moves with a grace that belies its size.
Despite their combined efforts, the tiger's response is swift and fierce. Utilizing its mastery over wind and earth, it deflects the incoming elemental assaults with gusts of wind that turn aside water and fire, while its earth element forms a protective barrier against metal, wood, and lightning.
Seeing an opportunity amidst the chaos, Elder Jianyu makes a dash for the Celestial Nectar Leaf. However, the tiger anticipates his move and, with a roar that shakes the air, it unleashes its earth element. The ground around the herb rises up in a protective dome, thwarting Jianyu's attempt to reach the precious plant.
Sect Master Tianwei, recognizing the challenge they face, calls out to his elders, "Focus! This beast is formidable, but together, we can kill it. Elder Jianyu, return to formation. We need to kill it faster."
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High above the floating island, Argon, along with Morgrim, Seraphine, and Mia, observe the intense battle unfolding below. Invisible to those on the ground, they have an unobstructed view of the confrontation between Sect Master Tianwei, his elders, and the elemental tiger beast.
Seraphine watches the struggle with a mix of amusement and disdain. "Master, these humans are weak," she comments, a smirk playing on her lips. "They're struggling to kill one beast. Pathetic."
Argon, his expression thoughtful, watches the elders and Sect Master Tianwei fight with all their might. "I did overestimate them," he muses, reflecting on the fact that they hail from the main continent of this world. "However, it's said that the southern part of the continent lacks resources compared to others. That might explain their struggle."
Mia, usually more vocal, remains unusually quiet, her thoughts consumed by the revelation that Argon is the mastermind behind the tower. She looks on, a sense of awe and reverence for Argon growing within her. "Lady Seraphine is correct," she thinks to herself. "His Lordship is indeed a divine being."
The battle intensifies as the tiger unleashes a powerful combination of wind and earth elements, its attacks precise and ferocious. In a moment of distraction, one of the elders, Elder Lianzhao, fails to dodge in time and is struck by a massive gust of wind carrying sharp rocks. The attack sends him tumbling across the island, his robe torn and blood seeping from numerous cuts.
Sect Master Tianwei, noticing Elder Lianzhao's plight, tightens his resolve. "Elders, increase your efforts. We cannot allow this beast to best us," he commands, focusing his water element to create a barrage of icicles, aiming to pierce the tiger's defenses.
The elders, rallying at Tianwei's call, push their elemental powers to the limit. Elder Jianyu sends a wave of fire towards the tiger, attempting to scorch its fur, while Elder Qingshan's vines wrap tighter, trying to immobilize the beast. Elder Mingzhe's metallic blades whirl faster, seeking gaps in the tiger's elemental armor.
The tiger, feeling the increased pressure, roars defiantly, its elemental powers surging as it fights back with renewed vigor. The air around the island crackles with the clash of elements, the ground shaking with the force of their confrontation.