CHAPTER 445: 445 CURIOUS BABY

Before the multicolored archway, a disciple from Zhengying Academy distributed Beast Exorcism Talismans to the group.

Mu Hanyan examined it closely. The talisman, made from gold and silver, faintly exhibited shades of red and blue, suggesting it might contain other metallic minerals. It was engraved with complex and profound patterns, somewhat similar to his Star Plate Star Formation, but he couldn’t discern any immediate connection at the moment.

Securing the talisman close to him, they stepped through the portal.

Instantly, his body felt lighter as the scenery flickered, as if entering another dimension.

Suddenly, the howling wind sounded in his ears, and waves of chill enveloped him. Only then did Mu Hanyan realize that the shifting lights had disappeared; lifting his eyes, he saw a vast expanse of mountains and rocks. They had passed through the portal and arrived at Exotic Beast Valley.

Calling it a valley was a bit of a misnomer, for it was, in fact, a vast and deep canyon with greenish mountains rising imposingly on both sides, giving off a feeling of ancient desolation. The valley was dotted with bizarrely shaped giant stones that resembled fierce beasts in a deep slumber for millions of years. However, the lush vegetation added a hint of vitality and a queer sort of beauty to the valley.

Having trained in the Longyan Mountains multiple times, this was Mu Hanyan’s first encounter with such scenery. The fragrance of flowers wafting through the valley air was unexpectedly refreshing.

Looking up beyond the valley, an undulating pattern of light akin to water ripples shimmered, resembling a gigantic transparent dome that encapsulated the valley.

Barrier! Mu Hanyan immediately thought of the barriers that Ye Yanran had deployed. Clearly, the reason why Exotic Beast Valley remained hidden from the outside world was due to this barrier.

Mu Hanyan couldn’t even begin to fathom what level of power it would take to create such a barrier that concealed an entire valley. Recalling his past status as a Sword Saint, even with the help of alchemy, setting up such a barrier wasn’t something a few or even dozens of Sword Saints could achieve.

Without the correct method, perhaps not even hundreds or thousands of Sword Saints could manage it. No wonder Zhengying Academy held such a prestigious status; their foundation truly was formidable.

Many had entered before, but Mu Hanyan hadn’t seen a single one of them; it seemed they had all been transported to different entrances.

"Let’s go." Without lingering too long, Mu Hanyan took the lead towards Exotic Beast Valley.

"Wait, I’ve heard that Exotic Beast Valley is full of dangers. Shouldn’t we check for any hazards first?" Wu Qiuyun said uncertainly.

"What’s there to check? Even if there are dangers, we can’t just give up, can we? Regardless, let’s face whatever comes," Mu Hanyan replied indifferently.

Ideally, scouting ahead for any dangers would be prudent, yet that would mean splitting up. With her insight, it was clear to her that Wu Qiuyun only had the strength of a Seventh-level Knight, and Mu Cheng, being Fifth Rank, was even weaker. She couldn’t trust anyone else to scout, nor was she comfortable leaving them behind while she scouted alone. It seemed better for them to stick together. With her capabilities, as long as they didn’t encounter any very powerful Exotic Beasts, she should be able to keep them safe.

"Eldest Young Master Mu really isn’t afraid of death," Wu Qiuyun thought, wanting to persuade further but seeing Mu Hanyan already stepping forward into the valley, leaving no opportunity to speak, he could only shake his head in resignation.

"Come on, don’t fall behind," Mu Cheng followed closely behind Mu Hanyan, looking around curiously as they walked, like an inquisitive child.