The Dao Sovereign of Shennong

Zhao Xing looked at the just acquired Ganoderma lucidum(lingzhi) after sending out the reconnaissance straw puppet.

"Low-grade spiritual herb, not sure if it extends lifespan or boosts vitality."

The herb emitted a delicate fragrance. After tasting a piece, he quickly learned its name and effects.

[You have consumed the low-grade spiritual herb 'Purple Thunder Ganoderma.' Lifespan increased by 2 Years, vitality increased by 100 points, and Thunder Law proficiency increased by 150 points.]

"Hmm? Why did it also increase Thunder Law insight?" Zhao Xing felt a current flowing within him.

After eating a piece, he discovered that the Purple Thunder Ganoderma increased his lifespan, vitality, and Thunder Law insight.

"It seems this herb is not far from being a mid-grade spiritual herb. With a bit more time, it might truly reach mid-grade."

As for why it enhanced Thunder Law insight, it wasn't random.

Zhao Xing had observed that the piece of rotting wood had been struck by lightning.

The Purple Thunder Ganoderma that grew from the lightning-struck wood naturally increased Thunder Law-related insights.

After consuming the entire Ganoderma, Zhao Xing glanced at the panel.

[Name: Zhao Xing]

[Realm: Unranked]

[Fortune: Derivation Two]

[Essence Gathering: Stage 6 (1156/10000)]

[Additional Lifespan: 35 years]

[Spell: Basic Cultivation (Max Level)]

[Thunder Summoning (Beginner): Seven Transformation (7784/9999)]

[Lightning Summoning (Intermediate): One Transformation (1955/9999)]

After consuming the Purple Thunder Ganoderma, Zhao Xing's lifespan increased by 2 years, vitality by nearly a thousand points, and Thunder Law insight by over seven hundred points.

Since it increased Thunder Law insight, both [Thunder Summoning] and [Lightning Summoning] spells benefited from it.

Thunder Summoning was approaching level eight, and Lightning Summoning was close to level two.

"Lifespan only increased by two years, but it's still an unexpected delight."

After all, the fight with Qin Feng was essentially a free gain, so any increase was welcome.

"Thump~"

His heart suddenly raced.

After reaching Stage 6 in essence gathering, absorbing the Ganoderma took only a quarter of an hour.

Zhao Xing noticed the reconnaissance straw puppet had approached the cave entrance.

"It seems there is no anomaly. Could the beast have left?"

Controlling the straw puppet to look around, Zhao Xing saw no sign of the beast, which made him braver.

"Whoosh~"

The straw puppet stopped pretending and quickly rushed into the cave.

Since the reconnaissance straw puppet didn't inherit Zhao Xing's keen eye spell, its vision suddenly darkened after entering the cave.

"Using a tier one Donghu Pearl as eyes is still insufficient. In such a complex environment, it's not enough."

"Next time, I should consider using a Night Pearl or other treasures that enhance night vision."

Fortunately, the cave was relatively large with adequate lighting, so it could still be vaguely seen.

The cave was not damp and was well-ventilated.

After the straw puppet advanced five meters, it stepped on a dry twig due to the reduced visibility, making a snapping sound.

Zhao Xing controlled the straw puppet to look down and realized that what it stepped on was not a twig but a bone as thick as an arm!

"This cave is quite deep."

Zhao Xing continued forward and advanced another ten meters safely but still saw no end. The cave remained pitch black, sloping downward, and the height increased, exceeding seven or eight meters.

"This cave is too large. What kind of beast resides here?"

Such a large cave made it hard not to imagine the size of the beast.

Moreover, the bones on the ground were getting larger.

Initially, they seemed to be bones of small animals like rabbits or wild chickens.

But gradually, the bones of large beasts appeared.

When the reconnaissance straw puppet ventured twenty meters deeper, it saw a relatively intact skeleton over five meters tall!

"What kind of beast is this? Could it be an entry-grade beast?"

Without a head and missing many ribs, Zhao Xing could only determine it was an entry-grade beast.

It might even be above the ninth grade!

"Donghu Mountain has given birth to powerful entry-grade beasts, but few have seen them alive. Usually, after the autumn equinox, they are dealt with by the authorities."

"Could there be an entry-grade beast residing here?"

Zhao Xing became more cautious and carefully guided the reconnaissance straw puppet past the skeleton.

At this moment, the Donghu Pearl glowed, and the straw puppet's view suddenly brightened a bit.

Two sources of light appeared ahead.

Upon seeing the light, Zhao Xing's excitement doubled.

"Could it be a high-grade spiritual herb?"

He immediately directed the straw puppet to rush over and grab it.

However, the two sources of light flashed and charged at the straw puppet like lightning.

"Buzz~"

The next moment, Zhao Xing lost contact with the straw puppet.

Then, a roar faintly came from the cave.

"Good grief, mistaking the beast's eyes for spiritual herbs," Zhao Xing realized too late.

What he had seen was likely the beast's eyes, not a treasure.

Its speed was so fast that the reconnaissance straw puppet couldn't react in time and was destroyed before it could even see what happened.

"If it's an entry-grade beast guarding the cave, it will be very difficult."

"Moreover, I can't even tell what this beast looks like or its realm," Zhao Xing pondered.

Zhou Gang and Fang Jie had indeed provided a surprise, but it was such a big one that he wasn't sure if he could handle it.

"Explore again!"

This time, Zhao Xing sent in three Mighty Vajra Straw Puppets, five Binding Straw Puppets, and one Reconnaissance Straw Puppet into the cave.

The three Mighty Vajra Straw Puppets and five Binding Straw Puppets were just for covering the reconnaissance straw puppet for observation.

The second exploration aimed to confirm the beast's type and strength, so there was no need for secrecy.

He directly let the straw puppet charge boldly.

Zhao Xing climbed a high branch, directly facing the cave, and watched from afar.

As soon as the straw puppet team entered the cave.

"Swish, swish, swish~"

A blurred black shadow appeared, almost like lightning.

In Zhao Xing's view, he couldn't see the beast's movements clearly.

He only observed the straw puppet in the lead.

The foremost Seven-Transformation Mighty Vajra Straw Puppet was instantly cut in half at the waist.

The Binding Straw Puppets were utterly destroyed.

In the end, the reconnaissance straw puppet only saw a blurred shadow and two ghostly lights.

"Buzz~"

Vision was interrupted again.

Roars came from the cave.

Zhou Gang and Fang Jie, who were healing, were terrified, their hearts racing and drenched in sweat.

Zhao Xing also felt as if his heart was gripped, unable to calm down.

"Definitely an entry-grade beast, either above the ninth grade or an innate variant with a powerful bloodline."

Even without seeing it, Zhao Xing understood the terrifying nature of the mysterious beast in the cave.

"Large size and such speed?"

"Generally, the strength of a beast is linked to the guarding treasure. It must be a high-grade spiritual herb," Zhao Xing's eyes were fervent.

The spiritual herb of luck was something he greatly desired. The benefits of Derivation Two fortune were substantial, with more accurate warnings for disasters and advantages in combat. Even in the spirit mountain, while farming at the foot of the mountain, he could find Zhu fruit!

"A beast of such size must come out to forage. Now that dawn has broken, it must be out looking for food. Perhaps I can use the straw puppet to lure it away from the mountain," Zhao Xing's mind began to plan.