Dongfang Kunlun looked at Gu Qingli with a smile that grew wider by the second, his pride becoming more evident with every passing moment.
This little girl not only possessed extraordinary strength but her comprehension ability was even more remarkable—she grasped everything with the slightest hint.
When compared to that arrogant young man from the Wanxing Valley, she was far superior. Dongfang Kunlun couldn't help but recall what had transpired three years ago when he had encountered that five-year-old boy. A wicked smile curled at the corners of his lips as the memory resurfaced.
Now, his disciple had surpassed all expectations!
Suddenly, Dongfang Kunlun's expression shifted, and he stood, gazing towards the distant Demon Realm Forest.
"Xiao Li, there may be trouble in the forest. I must investigate. I will return before evening."
Dongfang Kunlun gently patted her head, his tone calm yet serious.
"Master, can I come with you?" Gu Qingli asked, her curiosity piqued. She had never ventured into the infamous Demon Realm Forest, a place that sent shivers down the spine of even the bravest souls. The thought of exploring it thrilled her.
She yearned to understand more about this world.
Dongfang Kunlun raised an eyebrow, then smiled. "Very well. Today, I shall take you to witness it firsthand."
Gu Qingli's face lit up with a broad grin. This would be her first time venturing out in five years since coming to the Divine Ancient Continent!
With a burst of excitement, she rushed into the house, leaving a note on the table before closing the door behind her. She scattered a handful of black powder at the entrance before turning back to Dongfang Kunlun, who had been watching her closely.
"Master, let's go!"
"You truly seem to know everything, Xiao Li."
Dongfang Kunlun marveled inwardly. What five-year-old could accomplish such a thing? Her mind was razor-sharp, and the powder she had scattered was likely a form of poison.
Gu Qingli looked up and smiled. "I just can't stop worrying about Mother."
Dongfang Kunlun's smile softened. Though ruthless to his enemies, he was entirely devoted to his loved ones. After gently patting her head, he effortlessly lifted her into his arms.
Gu Qingli felt the world spin as she was lifted off the ground.
Her eyes widened as she watched the scenery whiz past her, and for the first time, she held her breath, experiencing the exhilarating sensation of soaring freely through the air.
Dongfang Kunlun shot forward like a shooting star, his body leaving behind a long trail of pale blue light as he raced toward the boundless expanse of the Demon Realm Forest.
Gu Qingli's heart raced with excitement. The sensation of flying was beyond her wildest imagination, and no amount of practice with the Phoenix Fire Technique could have prepared her for this experience. The Divine Ancient Continent was truly a land of wonders, and her resolve to master the martial sword techniques only deepened.
The vast and endless Demon Realm Forest was a lush green during the spring, its rolling waves of verdant foliage stretching as far as the eye could see. The endless greenery created a disorienting sense of being lost in an immensity without end.
As the largest primordial forest in the north, ordinary people dared not enter it, for it was teeming with vicious beasts. Only those who practiced martial arts could survive within, seeking challenges and opportunities for advancement.
After all, this perilous land contained countless treasures that tempted even the most powerful. The magical beasts sought by spiritual illusionists, magic cores from beasts of all levels, and an endless array of heavenly treasures—all of these lay hidden beneath the surface of calm.
At Dongfang Kunlun's extraordinary speed, they arrived at their destination in no time, having already delved deep into the forest.
Suddenly, they began to descend rapidly, and the wind carried the unmistakable scent of blood, making Gu Qingli furrow her brow.
"Xiao Li, stay up in the trees. Do not come down. It's dangerous!"
Dongfang Kunlun's voice carried a note of urgency, but he made sure she was safely placed.
Before Gu Qingli could respond, she was already perched in the crook of a large tree. Dongfang Kunlun had vanished from sight.
Gu Qingli's gaze shifted downward.
Not far below, several injured young people lay on the ground, some with wounds, as they applied medicine and bandaged their injuries.
On the other side, a dozen young men and women, all dressed in the same attire as Dongfang Kunlun, were engaged in a fierce battle with five individuals clad in black.
Though outnumbered, the black-clad group was accompanied by a fearsome magical beast. The creature's massive head was covered in black scales, and its powerful limbs appeared like tree trunks. Its enormous eyes glowed with an ominous light, and it emitted a stream of white smoke in anger.
This was the first time Gu Qingli had ever seen such a creature—an abnormally large beast, almost twice the size of regular animals. Her eyes widened with curiosity as she watched in awe.