Chapter 182 - Golden Emperor Vine
Bai Rouyun and Little Chu had spent two days within the mountain forest. They had slowly reached the outskirts of the Cloud Leopard's territory, and while Little Chu would be capable of handling the beast somewhat easily, they were still extremely alert.
It was obvious that the one who had told Bai Rouyun to hunt the Cloud Leopard was Li Moyun, but Little Chu was aware that it was only because he wanted her out of Canglan City while he cleaned up the many factions that had appeared to investigate her.
He had to pick the safest option for Bai Rouyun, and that was to send her away.
But, she did not have the ability to protect herself at the current point in time, so the two of them had to be increasingly cautious as they advanced.
They did not only have to find the Cloud Leopard; they also had to secure the area. When Little Chu would be fighting the Cloud Leopard, they could not afford other beasts to sneak up on them and attack Bai Rouyun.
She could then be forced into a situation where she would have to use her Qi, even though it might cause lasting damage to her body, or take an injury of unknown degree.
This was why they were slowly making their way through the area, and killing every beast that they came across, no matter what strength that it commanded.
It took them a whole day to clear the area around the Cloud Leopard's cave, but the longer time they spent, the more uncomfortable Little Chu and Bai Rouyun became.
They had hunted a lot of beasts, and the dense scent of blood was hanging in the air. It was not far from the cave of the Cloud Leopard, but it had not come out to see what was happening.
This proved that something was wrong. The Cloud Leopards were, in general, relatively alert and cautious beasts. When a threat would appear, they would naturally investigate the source of this threat, but even now, when the heavy stench of blood filled the air, it had not exited the cave.
Slowly, the pair of recognized siblings made their way to the clearing just in front of the cave. They were starting to doubt whether the Cloud Leopard was even present within the cave, but just as their doubts increased, a low growling sound came out from the depths of the cave.
The growl was clearly a warning. It was bloodthirsty and urgent, but there was no sign of the Cloud Leopard's advance, causing Bai Rouyun and Little Chu to frown. What could have caused the Cloud Leopard to be so unwilling to leave the cave.
Bai Rouyun and Little Chu were vigilant as they closed in on the cave entrance. They had to go together, as Bai Rouyun could not be left alone outside, in case another beast ventured by, but it was clear that the current situation was out of their expectations.
"Or, maybe we should give up and return to Canglan City?" Little Chu could not help but ask hesitatingly. He felt that they had already spent enough time in the mountain forest, and that Li Moyun should have already resolved the situation back in Canglan City, but he had forgotten Bai Rouyun's nature.
While she was currently unable to use her Qi, her personality had not changed. She loved the idea of investigating mysteries, and adventuring through dangerous regions.
The unknown, and rather threatening, growl from the Cloud Leopard had caused her to become extremely curious, and she was not willing to leave. She felt a strange curiosity towards knowing what was happening within the cave.
Little Chu did not need to wait for an answer from Bai Rouyun before he knew of her decision. The brilliantly shining eyes showed her longing for excitement, and he shook his head and sighed.
"Well, in that case, stick close to me, and do not walk ahead of me, nor fall behind."
Bai Rouyun was excited, but she was still aware of her own situation. She obediently nodded her head, and followed closely by Little Chu as they made their way into the cave.
The darkness surrounded them, and their speed slowed down as they cautiously moved forward. The scent within the cave was not as unpleasant as Bai Rouyun had expected; instead, it was slightly sweet.
This scent was not something that one would expect to find in a damp and dark cave belonging to a beast.
When they sensed the sweetness in the air, both Little Chu and Bai Rouyun got extra alert, but the Cloud Leopard had not come out to greet them yet. It was clear that it was waiting in the depths of the cave for them to arrive.
They soon reached the end of the cave. What met them caused their pupils to constrict in shock.
Here, at the very back of the cave, where light should not shine, was a gentle and golden light which fell from a plant that was climbing on the cave wall.
It was a vine with thorns, but unlike most vines, the wood was golden, and shone with a gentle light.
Next to the plant was the Cloud Leopard. It was lying on the ground, illuminated by the golden vine, but upon closer inspection, Bai Rouyun felt rather uncomfortable. She found the reason why the Cloud Leopard had not come out.
The golden vine was coiled around the body of the Cloud Leopard, the thorns had embedded themselves in its flesh, and the eyes, which were beautiful and blue like a clear sky, looked misty and confused.
Little Chu and Bai Rouyun knew instantly that this was a Golden Emperor Vine. It was an extremely rare plant, but it was also extremely dangerous.