CHAPTER 13: ENTERING THE XUANYUAN FORBIDDEN ZONE

The imperial guards, including their commander, all bore expressions of disbelief.

The Xuanyuan Forbidden Zone was a terrifying restricted area that had existed for tens of thousands of years. Over thousands of years, countless powerful individuals—including Peak Emperor realm cultivators—had tried to find a way in, but for naught. Just now, someone managed to enter by carrying a ladder. Could it really be that simple?!

Jin Li instructed icily, "This matter mustn’t be leaked!"

The guards also understood the gravity of the situation. "We swear on our lives, this secret goes to no other soul!"

The commander was full of excitement. "This is heaven's blessing for Our Majesty! If we've truly discovered a way into the Xuanyuan Forbidden Zone, we can send people in and harvest countless spirit herbs from the outer edges!"

No living beings had entered the Xuanyuan Forbidden Zone in at least ten thousand years. Untouched spirit herbs had to be in great abundance there. They were too weak for the inner region, but at least they could scour the outer edges for treasures with fewer beasts.

Unable to contain her excitement, the commander was ready to carry the ladder and go in herself. She could already catch a glimpse of several priceless herbs just from the outside.

Jin Li's expression remained cold and unreadable, revealing none of the excitement within. A ladder lay beside her as well, but she hadn't picked it up yet. She needed more verification.

"Don't act rashly yet. Let's keep observing."

All the prisoners they brought in were violent criminals with nothing to lose. Three had been sent into the Xuanyuan Forbidden Zone with ladders.

Their faces were filled with awe and fear. When a man spotted a spirit herb, greed flashed across his face. He rushed to pluck it and shoved it into his mouth.

They couldn’t escape with the imperial guards outside, especially with a physical condition no better than an ordinary person. Eating spirit herbs was their only shot at survival.

The commander grew increasingly anxious watching them devour the precious herbs. Even she wouldn't dare consume such treasures so casually! Meanwhile, those death-row inmates gobbled them down like snacks!

However, Jin Li remained calm, saying nothing. Her eyes were fixed on the forbidden zone. As such, the commander could only stay in place, her heart aching worse than if flesh had been carved from her chest.

Suddenly, Jin Li narrowed her eyes. The guards also sensed something and became alert.

A roar echoed. A massive white tiger, one zhang tall, with blue eyes appeared. Its paw struck the ground, smashing trees and scattering branches. The massive tiger was only a few hundred meters from the prisoners.

It’d only take the ferocious beast a few seconds to reach them.

"The Azuresteel Tiger!" The commander's expression darkened. "It’s a terrifying King-level beast!"

The commander was a King realm warrior of the same caliber as the Azuresteel Tiger’s level. Nevertheless, she was no match for it in actual combat.

The bloodthirsty beast meant guaranteed death for the prisoners, and the end of route for them. They could no longer enter the outer region, as it’d be too dangerous.

Upon seeing the beast, two of the prisoners dropped their ladders and fled in panic. The third was paralyzed with fear, clutching his ladder.

"Grrr!"

The Azuresteel Tiger howled furiously, unleashing an energy blast at the two fleeing prisoners.

The two stiffened, then shattered. Blood splattered everywhere as their limbs were torn apart. The last prisoner collapsed to the ground, clinging desperately to the ladder as he wet himself.

However, when the tiger turned to the man, a strange emotion flickered in its eyes—contemplation, or perhaps even fear. Then, it left.

The guards and the commander were stunned. Why did the Azuresteel Tiger leave? Isn't it naturally bloodthirsty? Didn't it attack all humans who entered?

A complex expression crossed Jin Li's face. Qi Yuan had spoken the truth. Carrying a ladder allowed one to enter the Xuanyuan Forbidden Zone freely.

Qi Yuan... who are you, really?

Jin Li felt a moment of confusion and even inferiority, but she quickly shook it off. "Everyone, carry your ladders and follow me inside. No matter what fearsome beasts we encounter, don't let go of your ladders. Understand?"

The guards obeyed. "Yes, Your Majesty!"

However, the commander protested, "Your life is far too precious, Your Majesty! Let us go instead. Your Majesty, please wait here."

Jin Li thought of Qi Yuan. She’d be betraying his trust if she didn't go.

"It’s fine. I'll join you." Her tone left no room for debate.

Thus, they carried their ladders and entered the Xuanyuan Forbidden Zone. The last surviving prisoner was swiftly dealt with.

The guards were extremely excited as they explored the perimeter of the Xuanyuan Forbidden Zone.

"So many spirit herbs!"

"This is the Sanhua Fragrance!"

"Xuanyu Grass!"

"Greenfruit!"

The guards harvested freely, reaping bountiful rewards. With so many years without humans, it was no surprise that there were many spirit herbs. Other forbidden zones had long been picked clean near the edges, while the inner regions remained too dangerous for even experts.

Jin Li sighed in amazement. "In just one hour, we've already picked twenty-three King-grade spirit herbs."

Even as an empress, she’d only come across fewer than ten King-grade spirit herbs her whole life. Low-grade spirit herbs were even more abundant. The harvest had exceeded an entire year’s worth of the imperial treasury.

The commander was flushed with excitement. "With this many spirit herbs, we can train countless powerful warriors and attract many more powerhouses to our cause!"

Jin Li was overjoyed as well. She recalled the words Qi Yuan used when he said he had "cleared the stage" of Xuanyuan Forbidden Zone. Yes, that was the word he used, stage.

Suddenly remembering something, she declared, "We must go deeper. We have to find Emperor-grade herbs, especially the Nine-Petal Qiluo."

It was her prime objective, but there was also another reason. The guards’ expressions shifted slightly. After all, deep inside the forbidden zone lay not only Emperor-grade herbs, but also Emperor-level beasts. They could still escape if they encountered King-level beasts, but Emperor-level ones? They were basically courting death.

Their grip on the ladders tightened. They didn't know if the ladders would continue to work.

"We are willing to follow Your Majesty!"

Jin Li nodded. "Good."

She knew that even over twenty King-grade spirit herbs wouldn’t be enough for a full comeback. To fully heal Aunt Qin and perhaps even help her reach the next level, Jin Li had to obtain the Nine-Petal Qiluo and other Emperor-grade herbs. In addition, she also wanted to see the place where Qi Yuan had spent half a year.

The group of women cautiously made their way deeper into the Xuanyuan Forbidden Zone. Any beast they encountered—be it powerful or weak, vicious or tame—completely ignored them. Some even seemed careful not to harm them.

The commander was amazed by that development.

"With ladders on our backs, we can enter Xuanyuan Forbidden Zone. Even the beasts ignore us... It's truly hard to believe." Then she changed the subject, "I wonder what kind of extraordinary person taught this method to Her Majesty?"

Everyone turned to Jin Li, their eyes full of curiosity.

That person must be a Peak Emperor cultivator!