7: Crimson Cloud Fruit and Qi Refining Level 3

After tidying up his Immortal Cave, Gu Yuchuan began his cultivation. He had grown accustomed to replacing sleep with cultivation, a habit a Cultivator should have. In the dim cave, a faint green light flickered on his body, and every breath he took carried a hint of spiritual charm. He could feel that the cultivation speed in the Yunxi River was indeed faster. As expected, a place occupied by a Great Yao was different; even in the peripheral areas, his cultivation improved.

He cultivated for an entire night and felt that his cultivation level had indeed increased. He happily wagged his tail and began humming a little tune. Truly, the Bloodline of the Green-Scaled Serpent was no longer that of a Mortal Beast; its benefits to cultivation were significant.

Wriggling his body, he stepped out of his cave. Today's task was to find a natural treasure to present to Great King Hui She.

He first swam around the vicinity of his Immortal Cave for a while, wanting to search nearby, but there was indeed nothing. Then again, who knows how long that Koi had lived here? If there were anything, how could he have missed it?

While he was thinking, a white figure appeared before him.

“Fellow Daoist Green Snake, what are you doing here?”

Gu Yuchuan turned his head and saw the dazzling white Koi. Sometimes he thought that it was lucky this Koi was a Yao Beast; otherwise, with those shimmering scales, it would be hard for him to survive.

“It is Fellow Daoist Koi. I am checking if there are any spiritual fruits or plants nearby. I haven't found a treasure for the tribute yet.”

A look of hesitation appeared on the Koi's face. After thinking for a moment, he spoke: “Fellow Daoist Green Snake, I can point you in the right direction. After going ashore, to the north, there is a Monkey Forest. It produces something called Red Cloud Fruit, which Great King Hui She and the Shrimp Soldiers and Crab Generals under him are very fond of. You can go look for it, but that place is the territory of a group of monkeys. They are extremely vindictive. If you don't have a method to hide yourself, it's better not to go. Just search well in the water; maybe you'll find something.”

Gu Yuchuan's eyes widened. He hadn't forgotten that he already had a grudge against that group of monkeys. It was decided then: the enemy's things were his things. He was definitely getting those Red Cloud Fruits.

After thanking the Koi, he swam back leisurely. Although he had decided to go to the Monkey Forest, he still needed to run a Simulation. Who knew what dangers lurked there?

【Congratulations to the Host for starting the fifth Simulation. Talent drawing will now begin.】

【White Talent: Scale Reinforcement; Green Talent: Level 2 Poison Fang Enhancement; White Talent: Swiftness.】

He looked at these talents and felt speechless. What was going on? Had his luck run out? That couldn't be right. Wait... he tapped his head with his tail. He remembered what was wrong. He hadn't washed his hands! Drawing cards without washing his hands—no wonder he didn't get anything good! Next time he drew cards, he must remember to wash his tail first!

Forget it, he could only choose Level 2 Poison Fang Enhancement.

【Host has selected Green Talent: Level 2 Poison Fang Enhancement. Simulation beginning.】

【Morning of the First Day: Following the Koi's guidance, you head to the Monkey Forest. You activate your Stealth Divine Ability, and the journey is very safe. You see many monkeys; the rank odor on them is hard for you to bear.】

【Afternoon of the First Day: You successfully steal four Red Cloud Fruits. Upon returning home, you eat one yourself, and your cultivation successfully advances to the Qi Refining Third Layer Realm. Just as you advance, several monkeys rush into your cave and brutally kill you.】

【Simulation ended. Survival time: one day. Cultivation: Qi Refining Third Layer. Evaluation: A foolish little snake who tried to steal a chicken only to lose the rice. Reward: 55 divine dragon points. (Including 5 points for surviving 1 day and 50 points for advancing one layer in cultivation).】

This made Gu Yuchuan jump up in his Immortal Cave in anger. Those damn stinking monkeys had actually killed him twice! He had simulated so many times, and nothing else had been able to kill him twice. This was a blood feud! He took out his little notebook and drew a skull behind 'monkeys.' This meant they must die.

【Rewards available for exchange from this Simulation: Green Talent: Poison Fang Enhancement (50 divine dragon points); Qi Refining Third Layer Cultivation (50 divine dragon points). Do you wish to exchange?】

He thought about it and decided to exchange for the Qi Refining Third Layer cultivation. With Water Manipulation, his reliance on Poison Fangs was actually quite small. Cultivation was the most fundamental thing for a Cultivator.

【Congratulations to the Host for reaching the Qi Refining Third Layer Realm. Reward: One Simulation attempt.】

He felt a bit happy and started wagging his tail. With a thought, he had already come up with a good plan. Stinking monkeys, just wait; your end is near. He was very familiar with the tactic of 'driving the tiger to swallow the wolf.' Now, it was time to steal the Red Cloud Fruits.

He cautiously went ashore, used his magic power to dry the moisture on his body, activated his Stealth talent, and walked toward the Monkey Forest. Slowly, he began to smell the rank odor of the monkeys. This was clearly close to the Monkey Forest. Sure enough, before walking much further, he saw that lush Monkey Forest, though the woods didn't look too large.

After a few more steps, he began to see groups of monkeys. Most of them were just Mortal Beasts without any cultivation. Those with cultivation were mostly at the Qi Refining First or Second Layer; none had a higher cultivation than him. However, he knew that since he was killed in the simulator, there must be an existence in this Monkey Forest capable of killing him.

Walking further in, the temperature in the air began to rise slightly. Soon, he saw several crimson trees. Seven or eight red fruits grew on the trees, smelling fragrantly enticing and refreshing. This must be the Red Cloud Fruit.

Taking advantage of a monkey's inattention, he grabbed four and ran. Once out of the Monkey Forest, he began to lay out his movement tracks. Ultimately, they pointed toward his cave, but the route was crisscrossed in all directions so that the monkey group wouldn't be able to find him easily.

He didn't dare linger and returned to the Yunxi River to find the Koi. He told the Koi that he didn't know how to go pay respects to Great King Hui She and asked the Koi to go with him. The Koi went without any hesitation. Truly a good fish.

Of course, Gu Yuchuan had another purpose, which was to protect the Koi. After all, he didn't know when the monkey group would come. If he wasn't home, they might vent their anger on the Koi. Since the other party had helped him, he wouldn't let such a thing happen.

Soon, they swam to the front of an underwater palace. The Koi took a step forward and walked up to a Clam Maiden.

“Fellow Daoist, I am bringing a newly arrived Fellow Daoist to pay respects to the Great King. Please pass word along.”

The Clam Maiden clearly knew the Koi and didn't make things difficult for them at all, going in to pass the word. As expected, no matter where you are, having connections makes things easier to handle.