The True Phoenix Physique was a relatively rare constitution. It contained a trace of the True Phoenix's bloodline within the body. Once truly activated, cultivation would become unimpeded, smooth and natural.
Xiao Hui's True Phoenix Physique was clearly not yet fully awakened.
Otherwise, her realm would definitely not be merely at the Mid Stage Saint Realm.
Along the way, they encountered several small groups of Earth Corpse Monkeys, all of whom were slaughtered single-handedly by Senior Brother Fang, making him appear exceptionally valiant.
This Senior Brother Fang possessed the strength of the Saint Realm Late Stage, and was capable of fighting above his level. Even if he encountered ordinary Condensed True Realm experts, he could probably fight them to a standstill.
From his conversation with Xiao Hui, Ye Yunfei learned that Xiao Hui and her brother both hailed from a major clan in the Eastern Region—the Yuan Clan.
While the overall strength of the Yuan Clan was slightly inferior to that of the five great clans of the Eastern Region,
among second-tier powers, it was a top-tier existence, fairly renowned.
Senior Brother Fang, and the dozen or so male and female disciples following him, were all students of the Azure Dragon Sacred Land.
Senior Brother Fang was a core disciple of the Azure Dragon Sacred Land, and his status within the Sacred Land was similar to that of Chen Ziqian.
After encountering Xiao Hui and her brother, Senior Brother Fang had proactively suggested they team up and had kept the siblings by his side.
"Little Brother, I hope you won't hold a grudge for Senior Brother Fang speaking harshly to you earlier," Xiao Hui said to Ye Yunfei.
"He's actually a very good person and has taken very good care of the two of us."
Ye Yunfei couldn't help but sneer inwardly.
The reason Senior Brother Fang treated Xiao Hui and her brother so well was undoubtedly because he had, by chance, discovered Xiao Hui possessed the True Phoenix Physique and wanted to claim her body for himself. That was why he was so attentive.
It was just that Xiao Hui was naive by nature and didn't know Senior Brother Fang's true motive.
A moment later.
"We're here!"
Senior Brother Fang became excited and exclaimed in a low voice.
Ahead, a massive valley came into view.
Demonic energy surged within the valley like a raging tide, shooting skyward and spreading out in rolling waves!
Moreover, constant weird cackling sounds could be heard; Earth Corpse Monkeys were densely active within the valley.
Indeed, it was an Earth Corpse Monkey lair.
Outside the valley entrance stood hundreds of young martial artists, each one appearing outstanding and extraordinary. One glance revealed they were all disciples from prominent sects and great clans.
"Brother Tianmo!"
Senior Brother Fang, with his dozen or so Azure Dragon Sacred Land disciples, approached a young man clad in snow-white robes, who stood with his hands clasped behind his back.
"Hmm."
The young man gave a slight nod.
This young man was Crown Prince Tianmo, a leading figure among the younger generation of the Azure Dragon Sacred Land.
Ye Yunfei had seen him on the warship.
By now, a group of Azure Dragon Sacred Land disciples had gathered around Crown Prince Tianmo.
For this Hudao Academy recruitment exam, every major sect and clan in the Eastern Region had sent many of their juniors to participate.
Hudao Academy was the most prestigious academy on this continent.
Being able to enter Hudao Academy held immense benefits for one's future development.
Hence, those major forces in the Eastern Region attached great importance to it.
"Xiao Hui, come here."
Senior Brother Fang called out to Xiao Hui.
"Brother, Little Brother, Senior Brother Fang is calling us. Let's go," Xiao Hui said, taking Ye Yunfei and his two companions forward.
Senior Brother Fang swept a glance over Ye Yunfei and Wu Heishan, his gaze filled with distinct loathing.
"Who are they?"
Crown Prince Tianmo, seeing Xiao Hui and the other three, couldn't help but frown.
"Brother Tianmo..."
Senior Brother Fang quickly whispered a few sentences to Crown Prince Tianmo.
Crown Prince Tianmo's indifferent gaze swept over Xiao Hui and her group, then he paid them no further mind.
It was clear he scorned them as unworthy of his notice.
However, because this Senior Brother Fang's master was a rather influential elder within the Azure Dragon Sacred Land, Crown Prince Tianmo gave Senior Brother Fang face and did not drive Xiao Hui's group away.
"Master, this valley is strange," Hu Miao's voice suddenly rang out in Ye Yunfei's Soul Sea.
"Just based on Earth Corpse Monkeys alone, it would be impossible to generate demonic energy of such quality."
"Indeed," Ye Yunfei replied, also scrutinizing the demonic energy swirling above the valley, sensing something peculiar.
Streaks of demonic energy soared skyward like columns of smoke from a beacon fire, accompanied by rolling sounds of wind and thunder, and within it surged sinister demonic whispers, supremely powerful and evil, capable of shaking one's heart and soul.
"This demonic energy is very ancient. It certainly wasn't created by the Earth Corpse Monkeys.
In other words, aside from the Earth Corpse Monkeys, a more terrifying demonic being might also be lurking within this valley.
We must be careful in everything when the time comes," Ye Yunfei frowned.
"This is terrifying," Wu Heishan, closely following by Ye Yunfei's side, looked at the valley ahead with demonic energy soaring to the sky, his face paling a little in fright.
"Little Brother, don't be afraid," Xiao Hui said to Ye Yunfei.
"When we attack the valley later, you hide behind my brother and me. Your realm and cultivation aren't up to much, so there's no need for you to take action.
We will share some of the Ancient Demon Crystals we snatch with you."
She smiled enchantingly, her dimples faintly showing, her willow-brow curved, looking utterly adorable.
Moreover, her whole body emitted a tranquil, pleasing fragrance, giving people a sense of relaxation and delight.
"Right.
Lad, you just stay close to us," Yuan Dayong also said seriously to Ye Yunfei.
"Don't try to prove your strength by taking on more than you can handle."
"Ahem, my thanks then," Ye Yunfei was torn between amusement and annoyance.
Nevertheless, he felt somewhat moved.
"Xiao Hui," Senior Brother Fang walked over at this moment, stopping beside Xiao Hui, his tone gentle.
"The valley ahead is a large Earth Corpse Monkey lair. It surely contains a large hoard of Ancient Demon Crystals, likely a staggering number.
The disciples from our great sects have agreed to jointly attack it, and then we'll snatch those Ancient Demon Crystals."
"Mhm," Xiao Hui said.
"Senior Brother Fang, don't worry. We siblings won't hold you back and will fight with our full strength.
When the time comes, you don't need to spare any attention to cover for us."
"Xiao Hui, after all this, don't you truly understand my feelings towards you yet?"
Senior Brother Fang pretended to speak tenderly.
"When you speak like this, it's too distant.
No matter what, I will definitely ensure your safety and your brother's. I won't let you suffer the slightest hardship or injury.
Moreover, I will help you two siblings collect enough Ancient Demon Crystals—one hundred—so you can smoothly pass the trial."
However, he flicked his fingernails meaningfully as his gaze swept over Ye Yunfei and Wu Heishan.
"Only, I have no intention of extending my protection to some rubbish outsiders.
You two minor characters, leaving now might still be wise.
Otherwise, once the attack is launched and fierce battle with the Earth Corpse Monkeys begins, no one will have any consideration for the life or death of minor characters like you.
Hmph, then it'll be too late for regrets."
"Senior Brother Fang, why must you keep picking on Tianfei?
Even though his cultivation is weak, you shouldn't deliberately make things difficult for him," Xiao Hui said, stepping in front of Ye Yunfei.
"Xiao Hui, you! Fine, fine, Xiao Hui, I won't argue with you.
But you must remember, in our world of martial artists, it is the strong who are truly worthy of trust.
These weak ants aren't worth your time and attention."
Seeing Xiao Hui shielding Ye Yunfei, Senior Brother Fang's face twisted in anger, wanting to flare up on the spot, but in the end, he restrained himself.
Nevertheless, the look he shot at Ye Yunfei was brimming with endless killing intent.
"Everyone, I believe we are largely assembled. I think we can begin the attack now!"
Suddenly, at this moment, a young man dressed in a golden robe spoke out in a resonant voice.
This young man was Jun Changsheng, a leading figure among the younger generation of the Profound Yellow Sacred Land.
"Yes, we can attack!
We must not delay!" Crown Prince Tianmo of the Azure Dragon Sacred Land also declared loudly.
"Prepare to attack!"
Everyone roared in response.