"Let's go, out first!"
Having obtained the third fragment of the Heaven-Ascending Path painting, Chen Nan was in high spirits.
He bent down, holding Xuan Qingniao in a princess carry, and walked along the winding stone steps towards the exit.
Meanwhile.
Many members of the Cold Saber tribe had already gathered outside.
They were all discussing who had drawn out the Cold Saber.
After all, as members of the Cold Saber tribe, they could feel that the Cold Saber had been drawn.
"Congratulations, Ancestor, congratulations on drawing out the Cold Saber," Xuan Ming said excitedly to Chen Nan.
Xuan Ji was also extremely excited: "Son-in-law, you're really fast!"
I'm fast?
Chen Nan was bewildered.
What right do you have to judge my speed?
This question should be asked of your daughter!
If I were fast.
Would she be carried out by me?
The members of the Cold Saber tribe were also stunned.
The tribal chief called Chen Nan son-in-law?
And the old tribal chief called Chen Nan Ancestor?
This relationship seems a bit chaotic!
Xuan Ji looked embarrassed and quickly added: "I really didn't expect son-in-law to draw out the Cold Saber in such a short time."
"Isn't it?"
"Isn't it?"
"Isn't it just as I said?"
The Nine-Headed Flame Lion trotted over: "I said my method would definitely work, right?"
Chen Nan gave it a cold glance.
The Nine-Headed Flame Lion shivered, instinctively tucking its tail between its legs in fear.
Even though it had also stepped into the Divine Venerable realm.
Chen Nan's strength still made it fearful.
Chen Nan said to Xuan Ming, "I need to go to the Northern Li tribe to open the Heaven-Ascending Path as soon as possible. Only then can I take Qingniao to the Third Heaven to find the Phoenix Grass!"
Xuan Qingniao's condition was very poor.
In her current state.
She could only live for another three months at most.
This might seem like a long time.
But it was thanks to Chen Nan's Ancient Sacred Body nourishing her body.
If they hadn't been intimate.
Xuan Qingniao would not have lived for more than ten days.
"Ancestor, I'll accompany you to the Northern Li tribe!" Xuan Ming said. He was worried about his granddaughter's safety and wanted to wait until the Heaven-Ascending Path was opened before accompanying Chen Nan to the Third Heaven.
"Old man, don't think this Lion Master doesn't know your intentions. You just want to enter the Third Heaven with us." The Nine-Headed Flame Lion spoke, "I advise you to save your energy!"
"With your half-baked strength, you won't survive for three days there."
"Even when eating, you'd have to sit at the children's table."
Xuan Ming looked embarrassed.
A mid-level Divine King was by no means weak.
However.
In front of the Nine-Headed Flame Lion, a Divine Venerable, he was truly a weakling.
"Master, I'm not trying to scare him!" The Nine-Headed Flame Lion's eyes were serious. "You've also guessed, a noble and awesome race like mine is not indigenous to the Second Heaven."
"This world cannot nurture beings like me."
"Yes, I come from the Demon Realm of the Fifth Heaven."
"I've heard some things about the Third Heaven."
"The Third Heaven has many powerful异魔 (yìmó - foreign demons). If you rashly go there without reaching the Divine Venerable realm, you will definitely die!"
"With our strength, bringing this little lady might keep her safe."
"But if we bring one more person, they will definitely become a burden to us."
It paused, then added, "However, bringing more people is also possible. At least they can help us attract the attention of the 异魔 and act as our cannon fodder!"
Upon hearing this.
The hope that had just ignited in Xuan Ming's heart was instantly extinguished.
He didn't fear death.
He just didn't want to become a burden to Chen Nan.
Because this concerned his granddaughter's life.
"Then it's settled. I'll go to the Northern Li tribe first." Chen Nan looked at Xuan Ming and his son, who were filled with worry and reluctance. He then said, "Qingniao and I are already husband and wife. No matter what, I will find the divine medicine to heal her."
"Grandfather, Father, you must take care of yourselves." Xuan Qingniao cast a reluctant glance.
She knew.
This farewell.
She might never see them again.
Even if there was divine medicine to heal her in the Third Heaven.
Whether it could be found was still unknown.
However.
Leaving the Second Heaven with the hope of surviving.
Her father and grandfather wouldn't be so heartbroken, would they?
"Let's go!"
Chen Nan held Xuan Qingniao and landed on the back of the Nine-Headed Flame Lion.
"Let's go with Master to show off!" The Nine-Headed Flame Lion let out an excited roar and disappeared like a blur from the Cold Saber tribe.
------
Above the clouds.
Chen Nan looked at Xuan Qingniao, who was sitting cross-legged, and said, "If you feel any discomfort, you must tell me immediately."
"We are merely using each other." Xuan Qingniao closed her eyes to rest, not even opening them. A coldness that kept people at a distance emanated from her extremely beautiful face. "Even though we have been intimate, it was out of necessity."
"Therefore, I advise you not to harbor any inappropriate thoughts about me."
Chen Nan shook his head helplessly. "Your life is short. Being with me can prolong your lifespan."
The Nine-Headed Flame Lion, which was flying, said, "Little lady, stop acting so proud. Let me tell you, not every woman can turn my master into her white knight."
"You should cherish this fate!"
"Also."
"You are now his person."
"Don't even think about falling in love with other men!"
"Our lion race has a saying, how can a woman who has been protected by a Lion King fall for a dog?"
Xuan Qingniao kept her eyes closed, ignoring the Nine-Headed Flame Lion and Chen Nan completely.
Chen Nan didn't try to get a warm reception by showing his cold shoulder. Instead, he said to the Nine-Headed Flame Lion, "Tell me everything you know about the Third Heaven."
The Nine-Headed Flame Lion burst into laughter. "Are you asking me for advice?"
Chen Nan shook his head helplessly.
He really healed his wound and forgot the pain.
He reached out and gently stroked the Nine-Headed Flame Lion's head, and said softly, "While I'm not hungry yet, you can consider how your head would be cooked."
The Nine-Headed Flame Lion's mentality exploded. "Eating a head?"
Chen Nan calmly asked, "Who told you to be an eyesore to me?"
The Nine-Headed Flame Lion was on the verge of tears, its eyes filled with grievances, looking like a young widow being harassed by a drunkard. It lowered its head dejectedly and said, "I come from the Fifth Heaven, and I don't know much about the Third Heaven."
"But I know one thing."
"The Third Heaven, Sixth Heaven, and Ninth Heaven are all guarded by powerful 异魔."
"Their purpose is to prevent anyone from crossing the Ninth Heaven and reaching the ultimate heights."
Chen Nan's eyes became serious.
He had encountered a human-shaped 异魔 in the Second Heaven and had barely escaped.
It was not hard to imagine.
The 异魔 in the Third Heaven would surely be even more powerful.
At this moment, he couldn't help but wonder.
With his solitary strength.
Could he truly cross the Nine Heavens and reach the ultimate heights?
The Nine-Headed Flame Lion said, "Master, you don't need to worry. Your strength is immense, and you just drew out the Cold Saber. I believe with your power, you can definitely conquer the 异魔 of the Third Heaven."
"After all, you are a faint glimmer of dawn in the darkness!"
"I believe that one day, this faint light of yours will illuminate the entire Three Realms!"
Chen Nan was surprised. "Do you really think so?"
The Nine-Headed Flame Lion looked pitiful. "Considering how hard I'm trying to flatter you, can you not chop off my head?"