Chapter 6471 - 6480
Taking advantage of the brief opening, he flashed forward, accelerating towards the exit at the end of the space.
Seeing this, the soul beasts gave chase. Those peak seventh-grade soul beasts were incredibly fast, relentlessly attacking him, trying to entangle him.
Kai desperately fled ahead, the soul beasts in hot pursuit, their black soul attacks constantly striking the golden light, each impact causing excruciating pain to his soul.
His speed gradually slowed, and the golden light dimmed. Just as he was about to be overtaken by the soul beasts, he finally saw the exit at the end of the space.
A faint white light, like hope in the darkness, guided him forward. A
resolute glint flashed in Kai’s eyes. He mustered his last bit of spiritual power, transforming into a streak of intense purple light, breaking through the encirclement of the soul beasts behind him, and plunged into the exit.
Behind him, the soul beasts roared in despair, their cries mournful, but they were blocked by the spatial restrictions, unable to pursue him out of the exit. They could only howl madly in the space, watching helplessly as Kai escaped.
Having broken through the second barrier, Kai’s soul hovered in the void, trembling violently. The purple light had dimmed to its lowest point, and the golden light of the Great Luo Golden Scripture had also weakened. His soul was exhausted, as if it would collapse at any moment.
Kai could only rest for the time being. He hadn’t expected that even the Great Luo Golden Scripture would be unable to withstand this barrier.
” Kai, have you ever considered that these barriers might be fake?” At this moment, Bei Mingyuan suddenly spoke up.
“Fake?” Kai was taken aback.
“The Great Luo Golden Scripture is a treasure of the Daoist patriarch, even several Golden Immortals couldn’t do anything to it. How come it’s struggling to withstand the attacks of True Immortal Realm soul beasts here?”
Bei Mingyuan asked.
Kai thought about it, and it was indeed the case. Even with several Golden Immortals, the Heavenly Extreme Venerable couldn’t break through the protection of the Great Luo Golden Scripture.
How come the attacks of these True Immortal Realm soul beasts were making the protection of the Great Luo Golden Scripture weaker and weaker?
Could it be that these barriers were all fake, and everything was an illusion?
Kai stopped speaking and slowly closed his eyes, immersing himself in emptiness.
With only his soul remaining, he couldn’t use the Origin of Illusion, unable to discern whether he was still within an illusion, and could only rely on time to comprehend it.
Kai’s soul hovered in the void at the exit of the second trial, its purple light dim and its golden light flickering uncertainly.
Around him was a void, without heaven or earth, without direction, only endless gray-white mist slowly flowing, enveloping him.
This was a buffer zone between the second and third trials, a place for rest and a chance for those who had overcome the trials to catch their breath.
The golden light of the Great Luo Golden Scripture was slowly recovering, the residual medicinal power of the Soul Nourishing Liquid was being absorbed little by little, and Kai’s soul was gradually warming up, but he didn’t rush forward.
Bei Mingyuan’s words echoed repeatedly in his mind: “These trials are all fake.”
Fake.
He closed his eyes; the stinging pain from the depths of his soul brought him back to his senses, but also filled him with doubt. Even
with the combined efforts of the Heavenly Supreme Venerable and several Golden Immortals activating the ancient Soul Refining Array, they hadn’t been able to harm the Great Luo Golden Scripture in the slightest.
Yet here, a mere group of True Immortal Realm soul beasts could dim the golden light of the Great Luo Golden Scripture and cause his soul to tremble.
This was illogical.
The Great Luo Golden Scripture’s defense was absolute, a power surpassing the Golden Immortal level; how could it be shaken by True Immortal Realm soul beasts?
Unless—the attacks of these soul beasts weren’t real at all.
The damage they caused wasn’t actual damage to the soul, but a mental illusion.
It was the illusion array’s technique that made his soul “think” he was injured, so the golden light “thought” it needed to expend more power to resist, thus dimming.
Kai’s soul brightened slightly.
He remembered that in the Celestial Realm, Bai Qian had told him that the Fox Clan’s greatest strength wasn’t attack, but illusion.
A true master of illusion didn’t crush you with brute force, but made your five senses, soul, and even your Dao heart believe that everything before you was real.
If your body believed you were injured, you would truly be injured.
If your soul believed you were attacked, your spiritual power would truly be depleted.
This Primordial Soul Forest was originally the territory of the demon race.
And what were the demon race’s greatest skills? Illusion.
He slowly opened his eyes; the purple halo stopped flickering, becoming steady and resolute.
He didn’t rush to the third trial, but instead floated cross-legged, closed his eyes, and focused his mind, sinking his consciousness deep into his sea of consciousness.
The golden light of the Great Luo Golden Scripture slowly flowed around him, no longer expanding outwards, but converging inwards, inch by inch, returning to his soul.
The golden light grew weaker and weaker, finally almost completely dissipating.
Kai’s soul was exposed in the grayish-white mist. Without the golden light protecting him, he felt no stinging pain.
The mist was cold, but it didn’t corrode his soul.
He smiled.
Just as he expected.
The attacks of those soul beasts, the damage from those restrictions, were all illusions.
The golden light of the Great Luo Golden Scripture had never been depleted from the beginning; it was merely cooperating with his perception to create the illusion of being “attacked.”
If he had continued to believe it was real, he would have truly been trapped in the illusion array, never able to escape.
Bei Mingyuan’s voice rang out again, tinged with a hint of relief: “You finally understand. The trials of the Primordial Soul Forest didn’t test your combat strength, but your state of mind.
The Soul Forest Maze tested whether you could hold onto your true self when lost.
The battle against the Soul Beasts tested whether you could see through illusions in dire straits.
What truly trapped you was never the Soul Forest, but your own heart.”
Kai nodded, saying nothing more.
He stood up, transforming into a purple streak of light, and flew towards the third trial.
This time, he didn’t activate the golden light protecting him from the Great Luo Golden Scripture, but instead exposed himself naked in the grayish-white mist.
The mist flowed past him without harming him in the slightest.
Just as Kai was comprehending the true meaning of the illusion array, five golden rays of light pierced the sky above the Ten Thousand Demon Ridge, like five burning meteors, trailing long flames, rushing towards the Demon Emperor’s Palace.
The five golden beams moved with incredible speed, tearing through the sky and emitting piercing shrieks. The demonic beasts of Ten Thousand Demon Ridge were so terrified that they collapsed to the ground, too afraid to move.
A powerful pressure poured down from the sky, like Mount Tai bearing down, causing the entire mountain range to tremble slightly.
Qingqiu was drinking tea in a side hall. She picked up her white jade teacup, took a small sip, and her amber eyes remained completely calm, as if she had long anticipated this moment.
She put down her teacup, stood up, her long white dress trailing on the ground with a soft rustling sound.
She walked to the entrance of the side hall, looked up at the sky, and a slight smile curved her lips.
“Lord Tianji, you’ve come after all.”
From the moment Lord Tianji issued the bounty, Qingqiu knew he would definitely return; it was only a matter of time. Gui Yuanzi emerged from another side hall, his expression grave, his brows furrowed.
He strode to Qingqiu’s side and whispered, “Your Majesty, the Heavenly Venerable’s arrival is ill-intentioned. The young master is still undergoing trials in the Ancient Soul Forest. If they interrupt him…”
He didn’t finish his sentence, but his meaning was clear.
Qingqiu waved her hand, her tone calm yet carrying an undeniable authority: “The Ancient Soul Forest is a forbidden area of our demon race; outsiders cannot enter. No matter how strong the Heavenly Venerable is, he wouldn’t dare to force his way in. I will stop them. You just need to guard the entrance and not let anyone disturb Kai’s trials.”
She paused, then added, “If I can’t stop them, you take Kai and leave. Under no circumstances can he fall into the hands of the Heavenly Venerable.”
Gui Yuanzi immediately bowed: “Your Majesty, rest assured, I will not fail in my mission.”
Five golden lights landed on the plaza in front of the Demon Emperor’s Palace. As the golden light dissipated, five figures appeared.
Leading the group was Venerable Tianji, clad in a long golden robe, a long sword at his waist, golden holy light swirling around him, exuding an aura
of majesty. Behind him stood four Golden Immortal elders: Elder Zhao, Elder Qian, Elder Sun, and Elder Li, their powerful auras radiating oppressive force.
The demon guards on the plaza gripped their weapons tightly upon seeing the newcomer, their expressions tense, yet none flinched.
Though their cultivation was inferior to the Golden Immortal elders of Tianji Palace, this was demon territory, and they could not retreat.
Venerable Tianji didn’t even glance at the demon guards, his gaze fixed directly on the direction of the Demon Emperor’s Palace. His voice, like muffled thunder, echoed throughout the valley: “Qingqiu, I have arrived. Come out and greet me.”
The hall doors slowly opened, and Qingqiu emerged, dressed in snow-white robes, her long hair as black as ink, her figure aloof and untouched by worldly concerns.
She walked slowly to the center of the plaza, stopping before Venerable Tianji. Her amber eyes were calm and unwavering, and her tone was equally indifferent: “The Venerable Tianji’s presence is an honor to Wan Yao Ling. May I ask what brings
you here?” Venerable Tianji didn’t mince words, getting straight to the point: “Is Guiyuanzi with you? Is that purple divine soul also with you?”
Qingqiu didn’t deny it. “Guiyuanzi is indeed a guest at Wan Yao Ling. As for the purple divine soul you mentioned, I don’t know what you’re referring to.
” The Venerable’s eyes narrowed. “Qingqiu, I don’t like beating around the bush. Guiyuanzi brought that purple divine soul from Guiyuan Sect; someone witnessed it.
Hand it over, and I’ll leave immediately. If you don’t, I don’t mind personally searching your Ten Thousand Demon Ridge.”
Qingqiu’s lips curled slightly, her smile cold. “Palace Master Tianji, what arrogance! Ten Thousand Demon Ridge is the territory of the demon race, not your Tianji Palace. You think you can just search it as you please? I’d like to ask, what qualifications do you have?” The
Venerable’s face darkened.
He hadn’t expected Qingqiu to be so assertive, much less that she would turn against the Tianji Palace for an outsider.
In his eyes, Qingqiu was merely a mid-stage Golden Immortal, a minor demon emperor, utterly unworthy to challenge him, a peak third-grade Golden Immortal.
“Qingqiu, I’m only speaking politely to you out of respect. Don’t be ungrateful.”
The Venerable’s voice was icy, golden holy light surging around him, his pressure crushing towards Qingqiu like a mountain, attempting to force her to submit with his aura.
Qingqiu remained motionless. A faint white spiritual light shone around her, the primordial power of the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox, gentle yet resilient, completely blocking the pressure from the Heavenly Venerable.
Although her cultivation was inferior to the Heavenly Venerable, this was the Ten Thousand Demon Ridge, protected by ancient restrictions, making her combat power far superior to that outside.
“Palace Master of the Heavenly Palace, I’ll say it again, the Ten Thousand Demon Ridge is not a place for you to run wild. I don’t care if you want that purple divine soul, but you cannot search within the Ten Thousand Demon Ridge. This is the rule, and the bottom line.”
Qingqiu’s voice was calm, but every word carried weight.
The Heavenly Venerable fell silent.
His gaze lingered on Qingqiu’s face for a long time, then swept over the Demon Emperor’s Palace behind her, as if weighing the consequences of his actions.
Just then, Guiyuanzi emerged from a side hall, standing beside Qingqiu, a cyan longsword in his hand, its spiritual light swirling, his expression cold and stern.
He didn’t speak, but his attitude was clear: he stood by Qingqiu.
The Celestial Venerable sneered, “Guiyuanzi, you, a mere sect leader of the Guiyuan Sect, dare to oppose me?”
Guiyuanzi remained composed, his tone calm: “Your Highness, I have no intention of being an enemy of the Celestial Palace. However, that soul was brought back by me, and I cannot ignore its affairs. I beg Your Highness’s understanding.”
“Understand?”
The Celestial Venerable laughed, his laughter filled with mockery. “You, a mere cultivator who has just entered the third rank of Golden Immortal, dare to ask for my understanding? Very well, since you are so ungrateful, I will personally take action and show you what it means to be outmatched.”
He raised his right hand, golden holy light condensing in his palm, transforming into a gigantic golden sword of light.
The sword was ten zhang long, its blade covered with dense runes, each rune containing the power of Golden Immortal laws, radiating a world-destroying pressure.
He slashed down with his sword, the golden sword light cleaving towards the Demon Emperor’s Palace.
Qingqiu did not retreat.
She raised her right hand, fingers spread, and a white spiritual light surged from her palm. The light transformed into a gigantic phantom of a nine-tailed celestial fox, baring its fangs and roaring as it charged towards the golden sword light.
“Boom—!”
The white spiritual light collided with the golden sword light, unleashing a deafening roar.
The entire valley trembled, the ground cracked, and debris flew everywhere.
Qingqiu was blasted back several steps, a trickle of blood escaping from the corner of her mouth, but her posture remained upright, her eyes still resolute.
Her cultivation was inferior to that of a Heavenly Supreme Venerable; in a head-on clash, she was no match. The Celestial Venerable gave her no chance to breathe.
He raised his hand again, and golden holy light condensed into a second sword beam, even sharper and more domineering than the first.
He didn’t want to kill Qingqiu, but he wanted to at least render her incapable of resistance.
Just then, Guiyuanzi moved.
He took a step forward, blocking Qingqiu’s path, his cyan longsword unsheathed, its blade shimmering with cyan spiritual light, spiritual power surging, and he unleashed a slash.
The cyan sword beam collided with the golden sword beam, producing another deafening roar. Guiyuanzi was blasted back more than ten steps, his arm numb, his tiger’s mouth split open, blood flowing down the hilt of his sword.
But he had blocked it.
The Celestial Venerable’s expression changed.
He wasn’t shocked by Guiyuanzi’s strength, but by his determination.
A mere sect leader of the Guiyuan Sect dared to attack him; this was courting death.
“Guiyuanzi, are you insane?” The Celestial Venerable’s voice was cold.
Gui Yuanzi wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, raised his head, and looked at Tianji Venerable. His voice was hoarse but firm: “Palace Master, I’m not crazy. I’m just doing what I should do. That soul is very important to me, and I won’t let it fall into anyone’s hands.”
Qingqiu also stood beside Gui Yuanzi again. The two stood side by side, one in white and one in green, their two figures standing out conspicuously in the golden pressure.
“Your opponent is me.”
Qingqiu’s voice was soft, but every word seemed to be carved into stone. “Palace Master Tianji, this is not your Tianji Palace, this is the Ten Thousand Demon Ridge. I will not allow you to run wild here.”
Tianji Venerable clenched his fists.
He wanted to kill Qingqiu, wanted to kill Gui Yuanzi, wanted to rush into the Ten Thousand Demon Ridge to find that soul.
But he couldn’t—at least not now.
Although Qingqiu’s strength was not as good as his, with the support of the Ten Thousand Demon Ridge and the help of Gui Yuanzi, he couldn’t kill them in a short time, and might even be killed in return.
And once he made a move, it would be equivalent to completely breaking ties with the demon race.
At that time, the Heavenly Palace’s situation in the Seventeenth Heaven would be even more difficult.
He took a deep breath, suppressing the anger in his heart.
“Good, good, good.”
He said “good” three times in a row, each word seemingly squeezed out from between his teeth, carrying an uncontrollable rage.
He looked at Qingqiu, then at Guiyuanzi, his eyes filled with killing intent.
“Qingqiu, Guiyuanzi, I will remember you. I will not let this matter rest. I will
obtain that purple divine soul sooner or later. You can protect him for a while, but not forever. When I obtain that divine soul, Guiyuan Sect and Wanyao Ridge will pay the price.”
He turned around, leaped into the air, and transformed into a golden streak of light, flying into the distance.
The four Golden Immortal Elders hurriedly followed, five golden lights piercing the sky and disappearing into the horizon.
On the plaza, Qingqiu and Guiyuanzi stood side by side, watching the five golden lights gradually disappear, remaining silent for a long time.
“Your Majesty, you are injured.” Gui Yuanzi turned his head, looking at the bloodstains at the corner of Qingqiu’s mouth, his tone full of guilt. “I am incompetent and have implicated Your Majesty.”
Qingqiu shook her head, raised her hand to wipe the bloodstains from the corner of her mouth, and said in a calm tone, “It’s nothing, just a minor injury. I have lived for tens of thousands of years, this injury is nothing. But you, you took a sword strike from the Heavenly Venerable and are seriously injured.”
Gui Yuanzi gave a bitter smile, “I’m fine. It’s just that the Heavenly Venerable won’t let this go. He retreated this time not because he was afraid of us, but because he was afraid of provoking a joint resistance from the demon race and the human race. Next time he comes, it will probably not be so easy to deal with him.”
Qingqiu was silent for a moment, “I know. But we can hold out for as long as possible. As long as Kai obtains the Eternal Soul Wood and reshapes his physical body, we will have hope of turning the tide. As for what happens after that, we’ll talk about it later.”
She turned around and walked towards the Demon Emperor’s Palace.
After taking a few steps, she stopped and did not look back.
“Guiyuanzi, that divine soul— Kai, who exactly is he? Is he worthy of your Guiyuan Sect’s desperate efforts, worthy of my clan’s trust?”
Guiyuanzi thought for a moment, then said sincerely, “Your Majesty, I don’t know who he is. But I know that the Great Luo Golden Scripture chose him, and the fate of the Daoist sect rests on him. I believe he is worthy.”
Qingqiu didn’t speak again and walked into the Demon Emperor’s Palace. The palace
doors slowly closed, obscuring her figure.
Guiyuanzi stood in the square, gazing in the direction of the Primordial Soul Forest, silently praying: Young Master, you must pass the trial, you must come out alive. The Heavenly Venerable has retreated, but the time left for them is running out.
He turned and walked into the side hall, sat cross-legged, and closed his eyes to heal his injuries.
Spiritual energy slowly circulated within his body, repairing the meridians injured by the Heavenly Venerable.
His face was pale, but his eyes remained resolute.
Outside the window, three blazing suns hung high, their silver, gold, and crimson rays intertwining and scattering, dyeing the entire earth a dark gold.
In the distance, the stone gate of the Primordial Soul Forest remained tightly shut. Deep within the darkness, Kai’s soul was undergoing its final trial.
He was unaware that he had already passed the second trial, unaware of what was happening outside, and unaware that the Celestial Venerable had just visited the Myriad Demon Ridge.
He only knew that he needed to obtain the Eternal Soul Wood as soon as possible and reshape his physical body.
Because many people were waiting for him, and many things awaited his attention.
In the heart of the Ancient Soul Forest, the afterimages of the second trial’s battle against the soul beasts completely dissipated, the violent shockwaves of divine souls slowly subsided, and the entire space returned to deathly silence.
A thin mist, interwoven with black and white, slowly surged and flowed, like smoke and haze, shrouding the path ahead. The mist was neither cold nor fierce, neither harsh nor malevolent.
It lacked the bone-chilling coldness of the first two trials, which devoured divine souls, and the bewitching chaos of illusionary arrays; it was eerily calm.
Kai’s purple divine soul concealed all its sharpness, withdrawing the golden light protecting him with the Great Luo Golden Scripture, carrying neither defense nor vigilance.
Naked and light, he floated along the direction of the flowing mist, slowly flying towards the inevitable entrance to the third trial.
This was a choice he had carefully considered.
The first two trials—one a mentally devastating array, the other a battle of soul beasts—were both externally locked down, their killing intent exposed. He had only survived by relying on the Great Luo Golden Scripture’s protection, his agility, and his tenacious will to the death.
The more outwardly dangerous the obstacle, the easier it is to overcome; the truly deadly trials are never the obvious clashes of swords or the impact on the soul, but rather the silent, intangible tests of the mind.
The third trial, placed last, is certainly different from the head-on battles of the first two. If one still clings to a defensive, brute-force approach, one is more likely to fall into the trial’s hidden traps, causing one’s mental defenses to crumble first, one’s soul to become chaotic, and one to collapse without a fight.
It’s better to let go of all defenses, go with the flow, face the trial with one’s true nature, and connect with the Dao through one’s soul.
Wisps of warm mist brushed across Kai’s soul, cool and moist to the touch, like the lingering dew of a deep mountain morning, gently adhering to the texture of his soul, without erosion, tearing, or disturbance, without a trace of malice.
Instead, it exuded a distant and ancient aura, as if the peaceful essence accumulated over countless ages, encompassing all the past and accepting all joys and sorrows.
There was no stinging, no tremors, no hallucinations, no whispers of inner demons, only tranquility.
Kai traveled at a steady pace, unhurried and unhurried, his divine soul suspended in the center of the mist, drifting gently with the current, allowing the ancient aura around him to nourish his severely depleted divine soul essence.
He flew onward, his mind empty, not dwelling on the deep-seated hatred, not worrying about rebuilding his physical body, not anxious about the future, only quietly appreciating the unique serenity of this mist.
About the time it takes to brew a cup of tea passed, when the surging black and white mist ahead suddenly parted, like tides yielding to a king, revealing a gentle, warm gate of light at the edge of his vision.
This gate was not grand or tall, only about ten feet high, its entire body formed from pure, pale golden light. The halo flowed softly and restrainedly, neither dazzling, domineering, nor intimidating, but warm and soothing, gently permeating the mind and spirit.
Compared to the oppressive darkness of the first labyrinth and the bloodthirsty killing intent of the second soul beast space, the entrance to the third level seemed like two completely different worlds, a stark contrast that instantly relaxed his tense nerves.
Without hesitation, without testing, without wariness, Kai’s soul stirred slightly, transforming into a condensed and gentle purple light, plunging into the pale golden light gate.
The next instant, the world spun, light and shadow shifted, and the surrounding space instantly changed.
The scene before him suddenly opened up, completely transformed.
The third level was neither a complex and captivating underground labyrinth, nor a closed and cramped trial chamber besieged by soul beasts, nor a perilous place filled with killing intent and restrictions, but rather a quiet and peaceful forest retreat, untouched by the world.
The entire forest was not large, only a hundred feet in circumference, with gently undulating terrain, soft and fertile soil, lush green grass, and countless tiny spiritual flowers blooming quietly, their fragrance subtly permeating the air.
The trees in the forest were sparse and scattered, not dense or crowded, their branches spreading out, lush and green, showing no trace of the eerie, withered trees and chilling atmosphere of the outer perimeter of the Ancient Soul Forest.
Warm sunlight filtered through the gaps in the tree canopy
, scattering like scattered gold across the ground, dappled with light and shadow, swaying gently in the breeze, gentle and pleasing. There was no murderous aura of soul battles, no bloodthirsty stench of soul beasts, only the pure fragrance of grass and trees, the delicate scent of spiritual flowers, intertwined and refreshing, nourishing the soul.
From afar, the occasional clear, melodious birdsong echoed from the forest, its gentle notes resonating and adding a touch of life to this tranquil woodland.
This was no dangerous trial ground; it was clearly a secluded paradise hidden in a chaotic world, far from the killing, a perfect secret realm for quiet cultivation.
Kai’s purple divine soul hovered silently in mid-air at the edge of the forest. With a slight thought, the protective golden light of the Great Luo Golden Scripture subconsciously shone forth, illuminating only a three-foot radius around him. It wasn’t for defense, but solely to probe the surroundings, guarding against any hidden attacks.
His gaze swept across the surroundings, meticulously examining every inch of woodland, every tree, every inch of air.
The forest was calm and still, the vegetation growing peacefully. There were no hidden restrictions, no concealed illusion arrays, no lurking soul beast pressure, not even the slightest hint of hidden killing intent or sinister schemes.
Quiet, too quiet.
Peaceful, too peaceful.
The tranquility felt unreal, the gentleness unsettling.
Kai pondered silently, speaking to himself with a cautious tone: “The first three trials are progressively more difficult. The first two are life-or-death battles, extremely dangerous, yet the final trial is completely devoid of any killing intent or warning. This anomaly is definitely not a good thing.
The safer something seems, the more dangerous it may be. The test of this trial is not in the fighting, but elsewhere.”
Deep within his sea of consciousness, the remnant soul of Bei Mingyuan slowly awakened, its voice carrying the wisdom and understanding accumulated over countless years, echoing softly: “You’re right. The Soul Tree takes wood, the Soul Tree takes wood. People all think they’re taking wood, seizing treasures, seeking the opportunity to reshape their physical bodies, but that’s not the case.
This final trial is never about taking wood, never about refining cultivation, never about protecting the soul, but about protecting your heart.”
“Heart?” Kai’s soul stirred slightly, asking in confusion.
“Yes, it’s the heart.”
Bei Mingyuan explained slowly, his tone solemn. “On the path of trials, external forces can be overcome, but the inner demons are the hardest to conquer. No matter how strong your combat power, you can fight head-on;
no matter how high your wisdom, you can see through illusions; but the obsessions, love, hate, grudges, and severance of the human heart are the hardest to understand and the hardest to let go of.
Follow the guidance of my divine sense and look towards the center of the forest. That is your destination on this journey, and also the source of your inner demons in this tribulation.”
Kai did as he was told, looking up in the direction indicated by Bei Mingyuan’s divine sense. His gaze pierced through the sparse trees and reached the very center of the forest.
In the core of the clearing, an ancient tree stood quietly, all alone, neither leaning nor relying on anything, neither humble nor arrogant, standing at the very center where the spiritual energy of the entire forest converged. The ancient tree wasn’t particularly towering or thick, only about the size of two people’s embrace. Its trunk was straight and upright, neither bent nor broken, its dark brown bark rough and thick, covered with a dense network of fine, varying shades of natural veins.
These veins meandered and intertwined, their shapes bizarre and varied; some
twisted and contorted like distorted faces of people struggling in agony and wailing in despair; others stretched out like rivers of time, flowing ceaselessly across the ages.
Wisps of dark light emanated from beneath the bark’s veins, neither menacing nor malevolent, yet exuding a profound aura of antiquity and the weight of time.
The ancient tree was lush with leaves, their deep green hue warm and smooth, each leaf like a carefully sculpted piece of natural jade, its veins clear and its luster subtly understated.
Bathed in the warm sunlight, they shimmered with layers of soft, warm light, vibrant with life, a stark contrast to the dark, ancient trunk.
An ancient, soul-stirring tree.
The three essential treasures for reshaping the physical body, the core foundation upon which Kai had traversed the wasteland, braved three trials, and survived countless near-death experiences, were now within reach, right before his eyes.
Kai’s purple divine soul suddenly glowed faintly, the hope suppressed in his heart for many days quietly surging forth. The desire for revenge, returning to his homeland, and seeing his old friends again instantly welled up in his mind.
However, he forcibly suppressed his agitation, still not rashly stepping forward to seize them. Instead, he stopped in place, carefully scanning the surrounding forest again, repeatedly confirming whether there were any hidden guardian soul beasts, deadly restrictions, or fatal illusion arrays.
He probed again and again, sensed again and again, but the result remained the same—no danger, no killing, no protection, no restriction.
The entire forest was only peaceful, only ancient, with only the ancient soul trees standing silently, nothing else.
Bei Mingyuan spoke again, his tone calm yet revealing an unwavering certainty: “No need to search anymore, searching more is useless.
This third trial has no traps, no restrictions, no illusion arrays, no guardian soul beasts—all external killing intent is gone. The trial is never about external things, but only about your heart.”
“It doesn’t test your combat strength, your intelligence, or your speed; it only tests three things.”
“First, whether you dare to take this heaven-defying opportunity, and whether you dare to bear the endless karma behind it.” “Second
, whether you are willing to let go of your obsessions and resonate with the essence of the Soul Wood with your pure soul.” “Third
, after you take the Soul Wood, whether you can withstand the backlash of the obsessions of countless losers, never forgetting your original intention, never changing your true nature, and never going astray.”
Kai remained silent for a long time, his soul fluctuating, a thousand thoughts flashing through his mind.
He carried the burden of a blood feud, the debt of blood owed to his fellow disciples, the unwavering desire to return to the Sixteenth Heaven, and the mission to revitalize the Daoist sect and continue the legacy of his ancestor.
His obsessions were deep, his heart heavy, love and hate intertwined, entangled in grudges—how difficult it was to achieve a mind free of distractions and pure innocence!
But he had no other choice.
For his physical body, for revenge, for all those who had perished, no matter how difficult, he had to do it.
Without further hesitation, Kai transformed into a soft purple light, slowly flying to the trunk of the Eternal Soul Wood, hovering steadily.
He concentrated his mind, his divine soul power condensing into a semi-transparent, illusory palm, which he gently extended and firmly placed on the rough, cold trunk of the Eternal Soul Wood.
The touch was cool, yet the texture was smooth, like touching ten-thousand-year-old jade, a delicate and unique sensation. A faint, ancient divine soul aura slowly emanated from his palm, peaceful and profound, neither agitated nor fierce.
Kai exerted a slight force, attempting to uproot the Eternal Soul Tree and forcibly take it away.
The trunk remained unmoved, as stable as Mount Tai, rooted in the void, not shifting an inch.
He added three-tenths of his divine soul power, fully activating his primal power, but it was still useless. The ancient tree remained rooted, as if it had merged with this world and this void, unshakable in the slightest.
Kai frowned slightly, puzzled. “What’s going on? Ordinary spirit wood can be easily uprooted with a divine soul, but this soul wood seems to have no protection. Why can’t it be moved by brute force?”
Bei Mingyuan chuckled bitterly and slowly explained, “You still don’t understand.
The Eternal Soul Wood is not an ordinary plant. It doesn’t take root in the soil, the mountains, or the spiritual veins. It takes root in the origin of the void of the heavens, in the obsession of countless ages, and is one with the Primordial Soul Forest, sharing the same origin and coexisting.”
“You try to pull it out with external force, to seize it with brute force. Even if a fourth or fifth-grade Golden Immortal came in person, let alone a wisp of your remnant soul, it wouldn’t budge an inch.”
“To obtain it, one need not force, nor coercion, nor robbery, but resonance.
When the soul merges with the soul tree, and the heart harmonizes with time, it will recognize your heart, your path, and your convictions. Without your intervention, it will naturally bestow itself upon you.
If it does not recognize you, you may search every mountain and forest, destroy the void, but all in vain.” Upon
hearing this, Kai instantly understood. He abandoned his brute force, withdrew his illusory hand, slowly closed his soul eyes, concealing all sharpness and eliminating all distracting thoughts.
He immersed all his divine consciousness deep within the trunk of the ancient soul tree, rejecting all external interference, emptying his mind, and eliminating all restlessness.
He did not think of the excruciating pain of his destroyed body, the overwhelming grief of his tragic death in Freedom Valley, the deep-seated hatred for the gods, the grand scheme of battle after reshaping his body, or the perilous road ahead and the surrounding enemies.
With no thought arising, all thoughts vanished; only his true heart remained, quietly comprehending.
At first, his divine sense sank into the Soul Wood, finding only boundless darkness, deathly silence, and utter emptiness.
There were no fluctuations in energy, no echoes of time, no lingering attachments; it was as if he had fallen into an endless void, a silence
so profound it was unsettling. Kai remained patient, neither arrogant nor impatient, calmly and attentively waiting, silently sensing, steadfast and unwavering.
He didn’t know how much time had passed—perhaps a fleeting moment, or perhaps countless ages.
Deep within the boundless darkness, a faint light slowly began to flicker, tiny as a bean, dim and weak, like a candle in the wind, teetering on the verge of extinction, as if it would vanish completely at any moment.
Kai’s heart stirred slightly. He cautiously activated his divine sense, slowly approaching, gently touching it, daring not to disturb it in the slightest.
*Buzz—*
A deep, ancient, and profound Daoist sound suddenly resounded deep within his sea of consciousness.
The voice, its origin unknown, its age unknown, traversed countless ages and spanned countless realms, carrying endless sorrow, regret, and obsession. It echoed within Kai’s soul, causing it to tremble slightly and his heart to surge with turmoil.
Immediately following the final note, a vast, boundless, and intricate flow of information, like a burst dam, surged into Kai’s mind, overwhelming and sweeping across his consciousness.
Kai instantly understood: the primal power of the Eternal Soul Wood was never about killing techniques, cultivation principles, or unparalleled spiritual energy.
It was the essence of the souls of countless challengers over hundreds of thousands of years, the unfulfilled obsessions of countless seekers of the Dao, and the dying regrets of countless dream chasers.
Each wisp of soul essence contained a person’s entire life. Each lingering obsession was etched with a tale of joy and sorrow.
Some, seeking immortality, cultivate arduously for millennia, only to fail at the last hurdle, their souls falling into the Soul Forest, their obsessions lingering.
Some, seeking supreme power, conquer the heavens, only to be besieged by powerful enemies, their bodies extinguished, their hatred enduring.
Some, to protect their sect and loved ones, sacrifice themselves, ultimately unable to withstand the onslaught, separated by death, their regrets forever etched.
Some, seeking revenge, traverse countless realms, only to find their enemies before them, powerless to reverse fate, their resentment etched into their very bones.
Countless joys and sorrows, countless partings and reunions, countless successes and failures, countless lives and deaths, are all sealed within this ancient Soul Tree, sedimented by time, their obsessions accumulating, eternally unyielding.
Kai carefully sensed the pain, resentment, regret, and hope within each strand of obsession, his heart filled with mixed emotions, feeling a deep empathy.
He saw the fates of others, and he saw his own reflection. If he failed, if he perished, in the future, he too would be like this, his obsessions sealed away, forgotten by all.
“So that’s how it is… They are all pitiful souls, all bound by their obsessions.” Kai murmured softly, a sense of pity
welling up within him. He did not resist these chaotic obsessions, nor did he reject these sorrowful emotions, nor did he use the Great Luo Golden Scripture to forcibly suppress them.
Instead, he activated the Great Luo Golden Scripture’s gentle golden light, transforming it into soft threads of light that gently enveloped each wisp of remnant soul’s obsession, tenderly soothing and carefully purifying it, slowly calming their age-old resentment and wailing.
The obsessions gradually subsided, the remnant souls gradually stabilized, and all the chaotic emotions transformed into pure and gentle divine soul essence power, slowly flowing back and merging into the trunk of the Eternal Soul Tree, nourishing the Soul Tree and perfecting its essence.
Crack—
a crisp, subtle cracking sound suddenly broke the silence of the forest.
On the trunk of the Eternal Soul Tree, a fine crack quietly opened, and a black piece of wood, about the length of an arm and of perfect quality, slowly detached from the crack, hovering in the air before Kai’s divine soul, silently flowing with a faint black light.
The wooden log was jet black, its surface covered with fine, natural golden patterns that intertwined and shimmered, ancient and weighty, exuding a rich and mellow spiritual aura. It felt warm to the touch and brimming with spiritual energy.
Kai gently caught the Eternal Soul Wood. It was incredibly warm to the touch, and a rich, enduring spiritual nourishing power instantly surged into the depths of his soul, flowing throughout his body. His
previously weak, dim, and wounded soul healed and repaired rapidly at a visible speed, his depleted essence quickly replenished, and his dim purple soul light regained its brilliance and vitality.
His soul was stable, his essence abundant, and his mind at peace.
A huge weight was lifted from Kai’s heart.
“The Eternal Soul Wood, I’ve got it.”
He carefully put the wood away, protecting it close to his body, and without lingering, he transformed into a streak of purple light, flying swiftly towards the exit of the third gate, beginning his journey home.
…
Demon Emperor’s Palace, Tranquil Heart Hall.
The hall was ancient and elegant, its furnishings simple yet grand, devoid of excessive luxury. Only four blue stone pillars supported the roof, their surfaces inscribed with runes for calming the mind, soothing the soul, and protecting the heart. A gentle spiritual aura permeated the hall year-round, ideal for resting the spirit and healing injuries.
In the center of the hall lay a thick futon, upon which Gui Yuanzi sat cross-legged, eyes closed, concentrating on his breathing to heal his wounds.
Previously, in protecting Kai, maneuvering among various parties, and tirelessly planning, Gui Yuanzi had repeatedly used his primordial spiritual power, damaging his foundation, causing old injuries to recur, and leaving him deficient in qi and blood.
Although his injuries had now stabilized and his life was no longer in danger, the damage to his Dao foundation and the deficiency of qi and blood left him with a perpetually pale and haggard complexion, his former vigor unlikely to return. He needed prolonged rest to fully recover.
Yet, while he was resting, his mind was far from at rest.
Though his eyes were closed, his brows remained slightly furrowed, his mind preoccupied with countless thoughts of the Ancient Soul Forest trial and the safety of his young master, Kai. The Ancient Soul Forest trial consisted of
three perilous trials, countless powerful figures throughout the ages had perished within its walls, none ever to emerge.
Kai now possessed only a wisp of a remnant soul, his combat power meager, his protection weak, and the path ahead fraught with danger, each step a potential death sentence.
Gui Yuanzi sat there, each day feeling like an eternity, each moment unbearable agony, his heart filled with unease. He wondered if his young master could overcome the maze, survive the onslaught of soul beasts, withstand the trials of his inner demons, and successfully obtain the Eternal Soul Wood.
As the sect master of Gui Yuan Sect, he bore the legacy of his ancestor, the inheritance of the Daoist sect, and the heavy responsibility of protecting his master.
If Kai were to perish in the trial, the Great Luo Golden Scripture would be lost, the ancestral bloodline would be severed, and the Guiyuan Sect’s ten-thousand-year foundation and hope for revival would be utterly destroyed. A hundred years later, he would have no face to face his ancestors.
Anxiety, trepidation, worry, and anticipation—a myriad of emotions swirled within him, disturbing his peace of mind and making cultivation difficult.
Just as Guiyuanzi’s mind was in turmoil, unable to sit still, two steady, light footsteps approached from outside the hall, unhurried and unperturbed.
Guiyuanzi’s heart stirred, and he abruptly opened his eyes, his gaze sharp as he looked towards the hall door, a strong premonition rising within him.
The next moment, the hall door slowly opened, and Qingqiu walked slowly ahead, her expression calm, her steps composed, her imperial aura restrained, her demeanor dignified.
Behind her, a bright, luminous purple divine soul floated silently—it was Kai, returning from his trial.
Gui Yuanzi’s gaze suddenly locked onto the purple divine soul, then shifted to the piece of pitch-black soul wood floating silently beside it. His eyes instantly blazed with brilliant light.
Overwhelmed with excitement, he abruptly stood up, ignoring his unhealed injuries, and rushed forward.
His eyes were fixed on the Eternal Soul Wood, then on Kai’s divine soul. His lips trembled slightly, his voice filled with barely suppressed excitement and a choked sob: “Young Master! You…you made it through? The Eternal Soul Wood…you really got it?” Kai
‘s purple divine soul brightened slightly, his tone calm and composed. Having undergone the trials, his mind had become even more steady and profound: “Yes, I got it. Three trials passed, the soul wood is in hand, I have not failed you.”
These simple six words, however, sounded like heavenly music to Gui Yuanzi’s ears, instantly easing his days of anxiety and lifting a thousand-pound burden.
Gui Yuanzi’s eyes instantly reddened, tears nearly streaming down his face. A complex mix of emotions welled up within him—joy, relief, and deep emotion.
He bowed deeply to Kai, his manners respectful, his voice hoarse and solemn: “Young Master, you have worked hard, Young Master, you are fortunate! With the blessings of Heaven and the protection of the Ancestral Master, the revival of our Daoist sect is hopeful!”
“With this Eternal Soul Wood, only the Primordial Divine Water is needed to achieve the fusion of Yin and Yang, allowing Young Master to rebuild his supreme true body, return to his peak cultivation, avenge his grievances, and restore the prestige of the Daoist sect!”
Qingqiu walked to the main seat in the hall and sat down, picking up her jade cup and taking a sip of spiritual tea. Her expression remained calm and composed, but a hint of barely perceptible satisfaction and approval flickered in her eyes.
She remained silent throughout, listening quietly without interrupting or disturbing the conversation, waiting for the two to finish speaking.
Gui Yuanzi wiped the tears from the corners of his eyes, took a deep breath, and forcibly calmed his excited emotions. His expression turned solemn and serious as he spoke in a deep voice, getting straight to the point: “Young Master, I have already investigated thoroughly. The opportunity for the appearance of the Primordial Divine Water has been decided.
Three months later, the once-in-a-century Treasure Auction will be held in Tianque City of the Northern Region. The Primordial Divine Water will be auctioned as the grand finale treasure. At that time, all the major sects, forces, and powerful figures of the Northern Region will gather to bid for this treasure.”
“Only by acquiring the Primordial Divine Water can we perfectly reshape the final link of our physical body.”
Kai’s soul stirred slightly, and he asked the crucial question in a soft voice: “How many spirit stones are needed to acquire the Divine Water?”
Gui Yuanzi’s expression instantly became serious. After a moment of silence, he told him truthfully in a heavy tone: “I have investigated extensively and carefully estimated that the Primordial Divine Water is exceptionally gifted and has endless uses. The starting price will not be lower than five million high-grade spirit stones.
With all the forces vying for it, the final transaction price will definitely exceed ten million high-grade spirit stones.”
“The Guiyuan Sect’s accumulated reserves over the years, all available spirit stones, total only about three million high-grade spirit stones. The shortfall is enormous, far from enough.”
Ten million high-grade spirit stones.
These five words weighed heavily on Kai’s heart like a thousand-pound boulder.
Hope was within reach, yet the lack of funds was an insurmountable obstacle.
Kai’s spiritual light dimmed slightly, his heart sinking, but he did not panic or despair.
Seeing this, Guiyuanzi quickly reassured him, his tone unwavering: “Young Master, do not worry. I have a comprehensive plan and will not allow the spirit stone shortage to delay your plan to rebuild your physical body.”
“I will immediately return to the Guiyuan Sect and sell all non-core assets, idle magical artifacts, treasured pills, and rare spiritual materials, using all the sect’s accumulated wealth over tens of thousands of years, which should raise five million high-grade spirit stones.”
“With a remaining shortfall of five million spirit stones, I will personally visit the two major allied sects of the human race, the Qingyun Sword Sect and the Wanfa Sect, to seek their help.
These three sects share a common origin, and the human race is a unified whole; their fates are intertwined. They will never stand idly by while their young master is in dire straits, nor will they allow the Tianji Palace to dominate.
With the three parties joining forces, we will surely gather the necessary spirit stones and secure the Primordial Divine Water.”
Kai remained silent for a moment, a warmth flowing through his heart, and softly said, “Guiyuanzi, thank you for your hard work. For my sake, the sect has spared no effort.”
Guiyuanzi shook his head repeatedly, his expression solemn as a mountain, and bowed in reply, “Young master, you flatter me. I am not working for your sake alone, but for the last wish of the Guiyuan Sect’s founder, for the continuation of the human race’s Daoist tradition, and for the survival of the righteous path in all heavens. With the appearance of the
Great Luo Golden Scripture, and the young master bearing the founder’s bloodline, you are the only hope for the Daoist sect. Even if I have to give my all and exhaust the sect’s reserves, I will never let this hope be extinguished.”
The next day, just as dawn broke and the first rays of sunlight appeared, the sky began to brighten.
Gui Yuanzi dared not delay for even a moment. He bid farewell to Qingqiu and Kai, and alone departed from Wan Yao Ling, rushing back to Guiyuan Sect at full speed to devote himself entirely to the fundraising.
Qingqiu arranged for Kai to remain in the Demon Emperor’s Palace to recuperate, nourish his soul and spirit, and stabilize his origin.
Firstly, the Demon Emperor’s Palace was safe and secluded, and the Tianji Palace dared not easily provoke him, leaving him without enemies to bother him;
secondly, the spiritual energy here was abundant, providing excellent conditions for nourishing the soul, suitable for Kai to harmonize his divine soul, recover from his losses, and await the start of the auction. Kai had nowhere else to go, and with only a wisp of divine
soul left, he could not help with the fundraising, so he stayed to recuperate and await good news. Guiyuan Sect, Sect Master’s Hall. Upon his return, Gui Yuanzi immediately summoned all the sect’s elders and core disciples to the hall, with no one absent, for a meeting. The hall was solemn and dignified, with the ancestral statue sitting majestically in the center, and the ancestral tablets of the sect members arranged on both sides, incense burning. Li Qingyun and the elders sat on either side, their expressions solemn, knowing that something of great importance must be happening, and awaiting the sect leader’s words. Gui Yuanzi stood before the ancestral statue, his expression solemn, and recounted in detail Kai’s background, the ancestral bloodline, the inheritance of the Great Luo Golden Scripture, the tribulation to obtain the Soul Wood, and the need for millions of spirit stones to bid for the Primordial Divine Water to reshape his physical body, without concealing a single detail. Finally, his gaze swept over everyone, and his tone was firm as he ordered in a deep voice: “Elders, core disciples. The Daoist sect now hopes that the young master’s physical body can be reshaped, and this is of utmost urgency. All spirit stones in the treasury must be mobilized, and all non-essential assets, idle magical artifacts, treasured pills, and rare spiritual materials within the sect must be sold off for cash. All resources will be used to bid for the Primordial Divine Water to help the young master reshape his true body. Does anyone have any objections?” A brief silence fell over the hall. Guiyuan Sect has accumulated wealth over tens of thousands of years, and its assets are substantial. Selling them all will inevitably damage the sect’s strength and vitality, causing a sharp decline in its power in the short term and making it vulnerable to covetous attacks from external enemies. But in the next instant, a white-haired, senior elder was the first to rise, bowing and clasping his hands in a firm voice: “Sect Master, I have no objection! The foundation of the Guiyuan Sect lies in the lineage of our ancestor. Now that the ancestor’s descendant has appeared, there is hope for the sect. Even if the sect exhausts its resources and suffers great losses, we will not hesitate! I swear to support you to the death!” The second elder followed suit, bowing and echoing: “I second that! Resources can be replenished, and industries can be rebuilt, but once the lineage of our ancestor is severed, there will be no turning back. Supporting the young master is the right thing to do! I am willing to donate my life savings to help raise funds!” “I am willing to donate my treasured elixirs!” “I am willing to sell my personal magical artifacts!” “We are willing to live and die with the sect to help the young master rebuild his physical body!” In an instant, all the elders and disciples in the hall rose to express their opinions. No one objected, no one backed down, and no one cared about personal gains or losses. They were united as one, with one heart and one mind. Upon seeing this, Gui Yuanzi’s heart burned with emotion, and his eyes reddened. He bowed deeply to everyone, saying, “Thank you all for your unity and dedication in protecting our lineage. When our young master achieves his goal, he will surely not forget this kindness and will revitalize the Gui Yuan Sect, ensuring the eternal peace and stability of our human race!” In the following days, everyone in the Gui Yuan Sect worked tirelessly, each fulfilling their duties. Disciples rushed to various industrial strongholds, selling shops, mines, and medicinal fields; elders offered their personal treasures, converting pills, spiritual materials, and magical artifacts into cash; the entire sect tightened its belt, all to raise enough spirit stones, to protect their young master, and to ensure the survival of their lineage. With all their might, the Gui Yuan Sect raised five million high-grade spirit stones in just a few days, storing them safely in a storage ring. Afterward, Gui Yuanzi personally went to the Qingyun Sword Sect and the Wanfa Sect, two allied sects of the human race, to seek their assistance. Upon learning the whole story, the leaders of the two major sects, knowing the domineering and oppressive nature of the Heavenly Pole Palace and that Kai carried the hopes for humanity’s revival, immediately stepped in to help without hesitation. The leader of the Azure Cloud Sword Sect personally presented him with one million high-grade spirit stones, stating, “Guiyuanzi, humanity is one, interdependent. The Heavenly Pole Palace, with its wolfish ambitions, has oppressed us for many years. Now that we have the opportunity to support a fellow cultivator, we will not back down. No need for thanks!”
The sect leader of the Wanfa Sect also sent a messenger with one million high-grade spirit stones, conveying a message of mutual encouragement: “Wait patiently for the young master to reshape his physical body. One day, we will fight side by side to resist the gods and protect our human race’s land!”
The three sects joined forces, united in purpose.
In less than ten days, Guiyuanzi had gathered a total of eight million high-grade spirit stones, only two million short of the ten million target. The outcome was already in sight; only the final payment was needed before he could bid with all his might at the auction, determined to win.
Tianque City, located in the heart of the Northern Region, is the largest and most populous core city for independent cultivators in the Seventeenth Heaven.
The city is vast, lined with shops and bustling markets, a constant flow of cultivators and traders.
Not controlled by any single sect, it is a melting pot of various forces, a diverse and vibrant place, making it the largest resource trading center in the Northern Region and the permanent venue for the Wanbao Auction.
Behind the Wanbao Auction is the Void Merchant Guild.
The Void Merchant Guild’s influence spans across all realms, its foundation unfathomable, its connections ubiquitous. Even the top forces of the Divine Race must give the Void Merchant Guild considerable respect and dare not easily provoke them.
The Primordial Divine Water, a supreme treasure for reshaping the physical body, nourishing the soul, and repairing the foundation of one’s Dao, has already been secured by the Void Merchant Guild as the grand finale of this Wanbao Auction, to be publicly auctioned for maximum profit.
The Lord of the Heavenly Pole Palace, the Heavenly Pole Venerable, a top-tier expert at the peak of the third rank of Golden Immortal, and the ruler of the Northern Region of the Divine Clan Alliance, is ambitious, domineering, ruthless, and cruel.
He had already thoroughly investigated the matters concerning the Eternal Soul Wood, the Primordial Divine Water, and the reshaping of the physical body. He knew that once Kai gathered the Primordial Divine Water, reshaped his physical body, and returned to his peak, he
would inevitably seek revenge, join forces with the human clan sects, oppose the Heavenly Pole Palace, and shake the hegemony of the Divine Clan.
He absolutely could not give Kai any chance.
Kai had already obtained the Eternal Soul Wood and could not be intercepted. He had to firmly control the last item, the Primordial Divine Water, and absolutely could not allow it to fall into Kai’s hands.
If they waited for the public auction, with all forces gathered, there would be too many variables, and the bidding would be disorderly. It was inevitable that things would get complicated, and perhaps Gui Yuanzi would risk everything to win it.
He could not wait, nor could he afford to gamble.
Before the auction even began, Venerable Tianji decisively made his move, leading Elder Zhao and four other core Golden Immortal elders directly to the stone tower at the headquarters of the Void Merchant Guild in Tianque City, intending to seize the Primordial Divine Water by force.
The Void Merchant Guild headquarters was a towering nine-story black stone tower, its surface covered with ancient restrictive runes, its defenses unparalleled and impregnable; even a Golden Immortal would find it difficult to breach.
Venerable Tianji, without troops or engaging in combat, only exuded overwhelming pressure, standing before the stone tower’s entrance, his aura as imposing and domineering.
Elder Zhao went inside to report, and moments later, Wu Heng, the president of the Void Merchant Guild’s Tianque City branch, personally came out to greet them.
Wu Heng, a second-grade Golden Immortal, was meticulous, tactful, and neither arrogant nor servile, deeply understanding the interests of all parties involved.
“Venerable Tianji, your presence is an honor. Please come in,” Wu Heng said, bowing respectfully with clasped hands, his attitude humble and courteous.
The Celestial Venerable spoke without hesitation, his expression cold and his tone domineering: “President Wu, I have come today for only one thing. The Primordial Divine Water, I want it.”
Wu Heng’s smile froze, his heart sank, and he hurriedly replied: “Palace Master, please forgive me, the Primordial Divine Water has been designated as the auction’s grand finale. According to the Chamber of Commerce’s rules, it can only be auctioned publicly, and there will be no private transactions. I request that Palace Master proceed to the auction house for fair bidding.”
The Celestial Venerable’s lips curled into a cold killing intent, chilling him to the bone: “Rules? Before me, I am the rule. I will not wait, I will not bid, I want the Primordial Divine Water now. Name your price.”
Wu Heng still insisted on his bottom line: “Palace Master, the Chamber of Commerce’s rules cannot be broken, please understand.”
Boom…
The Celestial Venerable said no more, and with a wave of his hand, golden holy light soared into the sky, and the terrifying pressure of a third-grade Golden Immortal descended like a mountain collapsing and a tsunami crashing down instantly, locking onto Wu Heng with overwhelming momentum and murderous intent.
Wu Heng’s expression changed drastically. His Golden Immortal second-grade cultivation was like an ant trying to shake a tree before the Heavenly Venerable—utterly powerless, instantly overwhelmed by the oppressive aura, struggling to breathe.
“Wu Heng, I’ll say it one last time. Hand over the Primordial Divine Water now.
Otherwise, I’ll demolish this stone tower and raze your branch to the ground today. Do you believe me or not?” The Heavenly Venerable’s tone was icy, his killing intent chilling.
Wu Heng’s face turned ashen, caught in a dilemma.
Refusing meant the destruction of his branch;
giving it would break the guild’s rules, leading to endless trouble.
After much deliberation, forced by the overwhelming pressure, Wu Heng could only compromise.
A moment later, Wu Heng retrieved an exquisite jade box. Inside lay a thumb-sized, milky-white divine water bead, warm and radiant, brimming with life—the Primordial Divine Water.
The Heavenly Venerable verified the goods, casually tossing down a storage ring containing ten million high-grade spirit stones, and departed with the treasure.
Wu Heng stood before the stone tower gate, watching the five golden lights disappear into the distance, and sighed bitterly, “Heavenly Venerable, your power and tyranny are bound to lead to your regret sooner or later.”
…
Several days later, Gui Yuanzi, carrying eight million high-grade spirit stones, rushed to Tianque City full of hope and excitement to bid for the Primordial Divine Water.
However, when he arrived at the Wanbao Auction House and looked through the list of auction items, a line of small print caught his eye—Primordial Divine Water, withdrawn from the auction for unforeseen circumstances, not to be publicized.
Gui Yuanzi’s mind went blank, as if struck by lightning, his face instantly turned deathly pale, his body turned ice-cold, and he was incredulous.
He grabbed the staff member tightly, his voice trembling, and anxiously questioned, “Why was it withdrawn from the auction? Why was this highly anticipated finale item suddenly canceled? What happened!”
The staff member remained expressionless, shaking his head and saying only that it was a decision made by superiors and that there was no further information to disclose.
Gui Yuanzi walked out of the auction house, dejected, and stood on the bustling street, watching the people and traffic. The hope that had accumulated in his heart for many days slowly extinguished, leaving him feeling cold and heartbroken.
Kai, sensing Gui Yuanzi’s emotional collapse and despondency from within the Soul-Nourishing Jade Bottle, softly asked, “Gui Yuanzi, what has happened?”
Gui Yuanzi’s voice was hoarse, filled with endless resentment and anger. He knelt on the ground, tears streaming down his face, “Young Master… this subordinate is incompetent, this subordinate has failed you. The Primordial Divine Water… was taken ahead of time, the auction was withdrawn, and we had no chance to bid.”
Kai’s soul trembled slightly, his heart sank, but he did not erupt in anger. He had already anticipated that the Heavenly Supreme Venerable must have interfered in secret.
“Who took it?” Kai asked calmly.
Gui Yuanzi gritted his teeth, angrily saying each word, “Heavenly Venerable Tianji! Relying on his superior cultivation, he used his power to pressure the Void Merchant Guild, forcibly buying the Primordial Divine Water ahead of schedule.
No matter how many spirit stones we raise, it’s useless now.” Kai remained silent for a moment, his mind still calm, and slowly said, “Get up. It’s not your fault. It’s not your fault; the enemy is strong and we are weak, it’s just that power is domineering. This is not the end, but only the beginning.”
“Without the Primordial Divine Water, in the vast world of the Seventeenth Heaven, there must be other opportunities. We will search slowly, we will find them, and there will be a day when we can rebuild our physical bodies.”
Gui Yuanzi looked up, wiping away his tears, and nodded heavily, his eyes rekindling with determination: “Young Master is absolutely right! No matter how difficult the road ahead, we will never give up! We will find opportunities to the ends of the earth to help Young Master rebuild his true body!”
Gui Yuanzi didn’t linger and turned to walk towards the city gate of Tianque City.
He planned to leave Tianque City first, find a safe place, and then slowly discuss the next step of the plan.
Tianque City was within the sphere of influence of the Tianji Palace. Staying here would only make things more dangerous, and he might even encounter people from the Tianji Palace.
At that time, not only would he be in danger, but even the young master’s soul would be threatened.
The sunlight shone on him, casting a long, long shadow, making him appear particularly lonely, yet carrying an indomitable tenacity.
His steps were slow but firm, each step steady, as if telling of his determination.
Just as he had taken less than ten steps, a warm hand suddenly reached out from behind and gently patted his shoulder.
The touch was light, but it carried an undeniable force, causing Gui Yuanzi’s body to stiffen abruptly, and the hairs on his body instantly stood on end.
Years of cultivation and battle had instilled in him an extremely vigilant habit, especially in times of mental vulnerability and danger. Any unusual movement would instantly put him on alert.
He instinctively gripped the cyan longsword at his waist; the hilt was cold to the touch, yet it gave him a sense of security.
Simultaneously, his divine sense instantly expanded outwards, like an invisible net, instantly covering a ten-zhang radius around him, carefully probing everything, searching for the owner of the hand.
His divine sense was sharp, able to clearly perceive the aura of every cultivator around him, every fluctuation of spiritual energy, but strangely, he sensed no hostility.
The owner of the hand stood quietly behind him, motionless, his aura steady, as if he were just an ordinary passerby.
But Gui Yuanzi dared not be careless in the slightest.
Tianque City was a melting pot of all sorts of people, and moreover, he had just lost the Primordial Divine Water, his mind unsettled, making him most vulnerable to a sneak attack.
He slowly turned around, his movements deliberate and cautious, his longsword always ready to be drawn, his eyes warily fixed on the person behind him.
Behind him stood an old man, dressed in a long black robe of luxurious fabric, embroidered with intricate dark patterns that shimmered faintly in the sunlight.
The old man was thin, his hair white and neatly combed, his face etched with wrinkles yet remarkably spirited.
His eyes, though cloudy, held a sharp edge, as if they could see right through people.
A faint smile played on his lips, appearing gentle and kind, but beneath that smile lay a subtle, unsettling calculation.
Gui Yuanzi’s brows furrowed instantly, a flicker of doubt in his eyes.
He recognized this man; to be precise, he had heard his name and seen his portrait—Wu Heng, the president of the Void Merchant Guild’s Tianque City branch.
The Void Merchant Guild was a renowned guild throughout the entire Heavenly Realm, its power vast, spreading across various domains, and monopolizing most of the treasure trade.
Whether it’s spiritual materials, elixirs, magical artifacts, or various rare and precious natural treasures, you can find them all at the Void Merchant Guild.
The members of the Void Merchant Guild are all shrewd merchants, prioritizing profit over righteousness. They are willing to cooperate with or betray anyone for sufficient profit.
Gui Yuanzi didn’t understand why Wu Heng would stop him.
He and Wu Heng had no connection whatsoever; their only interaction was that he had come to Tianque City intending to bid for the Primordial Divine Water at the Wanbao Auction.
But now that the Primordial Divine Water had been bought by the Heavenly Extreme Venerable, he and Wu Heng had even less to do with each other.
“Guild Master Wu, what brings you to stop me?”
Gui Yuanzi’s voice was low and wary, his eyes fixed on Wu Heng without any relaxation.
He could sense that Wu Heng’s cultivation was not weak. Although his realm was only the second rank of the Golden Immortal Realm, his true power was definitely no less than his own. Moreover, Wu Heng had held a high position for many years, emanating a natural pressure that made him feel vaguely uneasy.
Wu Heng smiled, a smile that remained gentle yet made him even more enigmatic.
He spoke slowly, his voice low and hoarse, carrying a hint of age and a subtle calculation: “Sect Master Guiyuan, please wait. I have a few words to say to you.”
“Speak frankly,” Guiyuanzi said coldly. “I have important matters to attend to and have no time for pleasantries with Guild Master Wu.”
He was now focused solely on leaving Tianque City and wanted nothing more to do with the Void Merchant Guild.
The people of the Void Merchant Guild were too shrewd; dealing with them could easily lead to falling into a trap.
Wu Heng seemed unfazed by his coldness, still smiling as he said, “Sect Master Guiyuan, you’ve traveled a great distance from Guiyuan Sect to Tianque City, enduring much hardship. I presume it’s for the Primordial Divine Water at the Wanbao Auction?”
Upon hearing the words “Primordial Divine Water,” Guiyuanzi’s face instantly darkened, a flash of pain and anger crossing his eyes.
He knew that Wu Heng, as the president of the Void Merchant Guild’s Tianque City branch, must know that the Primordial Divine Water had been bought by the Heavenly Supreme Venerable. Bringing it up now was undoubtedly reopening old wounds.
“President Wu, you know perfectly well why you’re asking,”
Gui Yuanzi’s voice was cold, tinged with impatience. “The Primordial Divine Water has already been taken by the Heavenly Supreme Venerable, and your Void Merchant Guild has already withdrawn from the auction. What’s the point of me staying in Tianque City? Please step aside, President Wu, don’t waste my time.”
After saying that, he tried to walk around Wu Heng and continue forward.
But Wu Heng simply stepped aside, blocking his path, his smile unchanged.
“Sect Master Guiyuan, please calm down.”
Wu Heng shook his head and said slowly, “The Primordial Divine Water was indeed taken by Venerable Tianji, and there’s nothing I can change that. After all, Venerable Tianji’s strength and influence are undeniable, and I dare not offend him easily.”
He paused, deliberately lowered his voice, and leaned closer to Guiyuanzi, speaking in a voice only the two of them could hear: “However… although the Primordial Divine Water is gone, there is something that can replace it.”
“A treasure that can rival the Primordial Divine Water, or even surpass it.”
“What is it?”
Guiyuanzi’s eyes suddenly lit up, and he involuntarily took a step forward, his voice filled with urgency and disbelief.
He asked almost subconsciously, all his vigilance and impatience replaced by hope at this moment.
A substitute?
A treasure that can replace the Primordial Divine Water?
For him, this was undoubtedly a ray of dawn in a desperate situation, the only hope for the young master to rebuild his physical body.
Seeing Guiyuanzi’s eagerness, a hint of smugness flashed in Wu Heng’s eyes, but he quickly concealed it.
He didn’t immediately answer Gui Yuanzi’s question, but instead made a “please” gesture, smiling gently as he said, “This isn’t the place to talk. Too many people will overhear, and it could cause unnecessary trouble.”
“Sect Master Gui Yuan, please follow me. Once we get there, I’ll naturally tell you what the substitute is.”
Gui Yuanzi’s brow furrowed again, his vigilance returning.
He knew there was no such thing as a free lunch; Wu Heng’s seemingly kind offer of a substitute couldn’t possibly be out of goodwill.
The people of the Void Merchant Guild were always driven by profit, not loyalty. Wu Heng’s willingness to help him must have some ulterior motive; he must want something from him.
He hesitated, subconsciously glancing down at the jade bottle in his hand, wanting to ask the young master’s opinion.
He knew that although the young master only possessed a wisp of divine soul, he was meticulous and insightful, and would surely be able to judge the pros and cons of this matter.
Almost the instant he lowered his head, Kai’s voice slowly emanated from the jade bottle, soft yet exceptionally clear, carrying a hint of certainty: “Follow him and see. Whatever his purpose, as long as the substitute is genuine, it’s worth the trip. Even if it’s a trap, we might still have a chance to escape.”
Hearing his young master’s words, Gui Yuanzi’s hesitation vanished instantly.
He nodded, raised his head, looked at Wu Heng, and said firmly, “Alright. I’ll go with President Wu. But let me make this clear: if President Wu dares to play any tricks, don’t blame me for being impolite.”
Wu Heng smiled and waved his hand: “Sect Master Gui Yuan, rest assured, I only want to make a deal with you, a mutually beneficial one. How could I possibly play any tricks? Please.”
After speaking, Wu Heng turned and walked towards the depths of the street.
His steps were slow and steady, his back upright, exuding the composure of a superior.
Gui Yuanzi followed closely behind him, the jade bottle pressed against his chest, constantly alert to any movement around him. His long sword at his waist remained firmly at his side, ready for battle at any moment.
The two traversed the bustling streets, avoiding the crowds, and headed towards the headquarters of the Void Merchant Guild.
The headquarters of the Void Merchant Guild was a towering stone tower, standing in the center of Tianque City.
Constructed entirely of black boulders, the tower was dozens of feet tall, its surface covered with intricate runes that shimmered with a faint spiritual light, radiating powerful defensive energy.
From afar, it appeared majestic and imposing, deterring anyone from approaching lightly.
Gui Yuanzi followed Wu Heng into the stone tower.
He knew that from the moment he stepped into this tower, an unknown battle had begun.
But he had no way back. For his young master, for the Guiyuan Sect, even if there was an abyss ahead, he had to brave it.
The interior of the stone tower was far more magnificent and imposing than its exterior. In stark contrast to the ancient and austere exterior, the interior was exquisitely and luxuriously furnished, revealing the wealth and resources of the Void Merchant Guild.
The first floor was a grand hall, over ten zhang high, with countless fist-sized luminous crystals embedded in its dome.
These crystals emitted a soft yet bright light, illuminating the entire hall as if it were daytime, leaving no dark corner.
These crystals were not ordinary spirit crystals, but high-grade spirit crystals imbued with rich spiritual energy, each one incredibly valuable.
There were hundreds of such crystals on the dome alone, a testament to the Void Merchant Guild’s wealth.
On either side of the hall stood dozens of thick stone pillars, entirely black, engraved with ancient runes.
The runes emanated a faint spiritual light and a powerful defensive force, enveloping the entire hall and forming a solid defensive barrier.
Neither external attacks nor internal turmoil could easily breach this barrier.
The bases of the stone pillars are intricately carved with auspicious dragons and phoenixes, and lifelike mythical beasts galloping about, seemingly ready to step off the pillars at any moment, adding a touch of dynamism to the majestic hall.
In the center of the hall stands a long counter, crafted from warm, white jade, its surface as smooth as a mirror.
On it are displayed exquisite jade boxes and glass bottles, containing various spiritual materials and elixirs, emanating a faint spiritual aura.
Behind the counter stand several cultivators in uniform, each with a respectful expression and humble demeanor, methodically attending to guests who have come to trade or consign items for auction.
Guests arrive in twos and threes; some inquire about the price and quality of items at the counter, some pace back and forth in the hall, examining the surrounding furnishings, and others converse quietly, discussing the details of their transactions.
Despite the large number of people in the hall, everything is orderly and without the slightest chaos.
Wu Heng didn’t linger in the hall. He led Gui Yuanzi straight through the hall and headed towards a deep corridor at the back.
At the entrance of the corridor stood two cultivators clad in black armor. They were tall, with imposing expressions and steady auras, both at the peak of the True Immortal Realm.
Upon seeing Wu Heng approach, they immediately bowed respectfully, saying, “Guild Master.”
Wu Heng nodded slightly, said nothing, and continued walking forward.
Gui Yuanzi followed behind him, his eyes warily scanning everything around him.
He could sense that these two armored cultivators were quite powerful, and their auras were icy cold, clearly indicating they were experts who had spent years in battle or carrying out assassination missions. They were likely Wu Heng’s guards.
This showed that Wu Heng was also very vigilant.
The corridor was long, with pale blue spirit lamps embedded in the walls on both sides. The lamps emitted a faint light, dim and barely enough to see the path beneath one’s feet.
The corridor floor was also paved with blue stone slabs, covered with fine patterns that faintly emanated spiritual energy fluctuations, clearly indicating a simple restriction.
The corridor twisted and turned, with a corner every so often, making it feel like a maze, with no end in sight and no outside sounds.
Only the footsteps of the two echoed in the corridor, exceptionally clear and oppressive.
Gui Yuanzi’s hand never left the long sword at his waist, his divine sense constantly probing the movements on both sides of the corridor.
He knew that this seemingly peaceful corridor might actually harbor hidden dangers; there might be an ambush around any corner.
Wu Heng was a deep and calculating individual; no one knew what he was planning. He had to remain vigilant at all times, without the slightest lapse in concentration.
He didn’t trust Wu Heng, not at all.
Although the Void Merchant Guild had a renowned reputation for fair trade, it was ultimately a place for doing business. Merchants were profit-driven; in their eyes, there was only profit, no sentiment.
Wu Heng’s willingness to tell him about the alternative, and even to bring him here, could not possibly be out of kindness; he must want something from him.
Perhaps they coveted some treasure he possessed, perhaps they wanted to use him to do something dangerous, or perhaps it was all a trap, a trap set against him and the young master.