Chapter 220: Where Did This Wild Bird Come From!

Zheng Fa always felt Xiao Yuying's expression was sour, as if she had some grievance against him.

The two left the Heavenly Stele and, with unspoken agreement, avoided the crowd, finding a secluded corner in Lei Chi.

"What? Interested?"

Xiao Yuying looked at Zheng Fa, a smile playing on her lips; from her expression, it was clear she wasn't surprised by his choice.

Zheng Fa hesitated slightly, then bowed to Xiao Yuying: "How is the River Heaven Venerable connected to this treasure?"

Xiao Yuying, seemingly sincere in her invitation, replied generously.

"I'm not certain myself, but that hidden place bears the mark of the River Heaven Sect—you know, those people constantly parade the River Heaven Venerable's symbol everywhere; you've seen it enough times."

Zheng Fa fell silent.

He had once thought the River Heaven Sect merely flashy.

According to Han Lao, the River Heaven Sect… how to put it? They were certainly not descendants the River Heaven Venerable would ever acknowledge.

The mental fortitude. The audacity.

No wonder they're one of the Five Profound Sects!

"Then why couldn't it be another elder from the River Heaven Sect?"

"It's possible," Xiao Yuying nodded, not denying Zheng Fa's rebuttal but continuing: "But you know, I have some experience in treasure-hunting within hidden realms."

"… "

For some reason, Zheng Fa felt she was showing off.

Xiao Yuying smiled lightly at his expression, a hint of triumph on her face, and added:

"The artifacts and architectural styles of each era differ significantly," Xiao Yuying continued. "I can often tell the approximate age of a treasure or hidden realm with just a brief touch."

… What kind of wild archaeologist?

"The hidden realm radiates strong energy, but its seals and magical styles belong to the previous epoch."

Zheng Fa understood Xiao Yuying's meaning: "In the previous epoch, only the River Heaven Venerable himself used the River Heaven Venerable's seal among the River Heaven Sect…"

"… "

Xiao Yuying nodded with a beaming smile, clearly pleased with Zheng Fa's insight.

"Thus I can conclude that whatever lies inside, even if not left by the River Heaven Venerable himself, was left by someone close to him."

Zheng Fa was convinced by Xiao Yuying's words.

Xiao Yuying added: "I arrived in Taiyang Commandery long ago, but accidentally discovered that hidden realm. Unable to enter it, I came here to the Heavenly Stele."

"So, what exactly do you need me to do, Lady Xiao?"

"This concerns the secret of that hidden realm—I'll only tell you if you commit to going with me," Xiao Yuying shook her head, then asked Zheng Fa: "What do you say? Are you interested? As for distribution… you know, I don't lack ordinary magic treasures."

Zheng Fa grinned.

He knew that statement was at least half true.

It wasn't that Xiao Yuying was generous—mainly because one was a Nascent Soul and the other a Foundation Establishment, and she, being famously wealthy in the Profound Heaven Realm, likely had high standards.

A common scenario could arise:

Xiao Yuying: "What trash…"

Zheng Fa: "A precious treasure!"

They did have room for cooperation.

But…

Zheng Fa had no real interest in magic treasures.

If it were up to his nature, he wouldn't want to get involved in hidden realms at all…

But this matter involved the River Heaven Venerable.

Zheng Fa hesitated, then asked Xiao Yuying: "May I return and consult someone about this?"

"Who?"

"Zhang Shijie," Zheng Fa thought for a moment, deciding that regarding matters tied to the River Heaven Venerable, Zhang Shijie's stance was most similar to his own.

"… You're clearly well-raised."

"… "

"What if I refuse?" Xiao Yuying seemed unwilling to let this hidden realm's secret reach others' ears.

"Then I won't go," Zheng Fa said directly.

"… Very well. I know Zhang Wuyi—she's not one to gossip. But I'll make this clear—I only need you," Xiao Yuying said after a long silence, then nodded.

"Then may I consult my Master and Master Uncle…"

Seeing Xiao Yuying's face darken, Zheng Fa felt a pang of regret—

Who the hell goes on a competition without bringing their instructor?

…

In the Five Dragon Heavenly Palace.

Zheng Fa sat cross-legged on the bed, taking out one by one the spirit materials and elixirs collected from the Heavenly Stele Realm and Master Pang.

Master Pang had come merely to deliver spirit materials; seeing this extravagance, he clutched his chest and walked out, looking heartbroken.

Frankly, given the current state of the Profound Heaven Realm, Zheng Fa's consumption of spirit materials was excessively lavish.

Zheng Fa's spiritual sense settled within his dantian.

Various spirit materials and elixirs transformed into abundant spiritual power, like nectar nourishing the Thunder Field.

Before the Thunder Field could even warm the spiritual power, the red spiritual sprout above it snatched it away.

The sprout gave a little shake afterward, as if thoroughly delighted.

But it didn't grow at all!

Zheng Fa gritted his teeth and pulled out another batch of spirit materials.

Two full storage bags of spirit materials were rapidly consumed:

Thirty percent.

Sixty percent.

Ninety percent…

The sprout of the Fusang wood remained utterly unchanged.

Zheng Fa was nearly desperate.

Until he swallowed another elixir.

The sprout devoured this surge of spiritual power, suddenly enveloped in a thick crimson glow rising from its base.

After the crimson glow faded, the sprout's form finally changed—

It became a small tree.

The tree's entire trunk was crimson bark, with no branches or leaves, appearing bare and stark.

No further changes occurred.

That's it?

Zheng Fa couldn't help feeling disappointed.

Aside from becoming harder and longer, it hadn't changed at all!

…

In Zhang Shijie's courtyard.

Zhang Shijie told Yuan Shijie: "Now that you're drawn to Zheng Shidi, it's because of the Fusang Divine Tree—this isn't your fault."

Yuan Shijie nodded vigorously, feeling Zhang Shijie truly understood her.

"Yes yes yes, I can't control myself either!"

"You must control yourself even if you can't," Zhang Shijie said. "First, stop throwing yourself at Zheng Shidi every day!"

"… "

"What if you scare Zheng Shidi?"

"… "

"Why aren't you speaking?"

"I think Zheng Shidi doesn't mind as much as you do…" Yuan Shijie muttered softly.

"Hmm?" Zhang Shijie's voice turned cold.

"I won't throw myself at him!"

Yuan Shijie shuddered, swearing earnestly.

Zhang Shijie nodded slightly, satisfied.

"Zhang Shijie?" Zheng Fa's voice came from outside the door: "Are you available now?"

Zhang Shijie glanced at Yuan Shijie, as if reminding her to remember what was just said.

Yuan Shijie nodded quickly.

But as soon as Zheng Fa entered… Yuan Shijie felt her head spin.

The pleasant scent emanating from Zheng Shidi was now several times stronger than before!

She squinted, unable to resist pressing herself against him.

"Cough!"

Zhang Shijie's crisp cough echoed.

Yuan Shijie's mind cleared slightly; she glanced fearfully at Zhang Shijie and shrank back slightly.

But as Zheng Fa took two more steps forward.

The scent emanating from him made Sister Yuan's gaze blaze with fervor again—

To hell with it!

Better to die beneath the Fusang tree than live as a mundane bird!

She lunged headfirst at Zheng Fa.

Thud!

Zheng Fa watched helplessly as Sister Zhang swept her sleeve, sending Sister Yuan flying out of the courtyard and into the marketplace.

"Sister?"

"It's fine. What do you want?" Sister Zhang flicked her hand, as if nothing had happened.

Zheng Fa pondered: it might be better if Sister Yuan were gone—Xiao Yuying's implication seemed to be that he could speak only to Sister Zhang—

That fit perfectly with her belief that only geniuses deserved trust.

Zheng Fa recounted how Xiao Yuying had found him and spoken of the Lingbao left behind by the Heaven River Patriarch.

Sister Zhang frowned upon hearing this.

"How much do you believe?"

Zheng Fa had already considered this. He paused, then laid out his analysis:

"From the Heaven River Patriarch's perspective, if he was truly desperate and abandoned by all, it's entirely plausible he'd have hidden his treasures elsewhere rather than leaving them in the Heaven River Sect."

"So I do believe the secret realm may be connected to the Heaven River Patriarch."

Sister Zhang nodded, seemingly convinced by his reasoning.

"Moreover, I suspect the Heaven River Patriarch may have planned for contingencies…"

Zheng Fa's words stunned Sister Zhang, then she agreed: "Yes. The Heaven River Patriarch was resolute in mind—leaving a contingency is very likely."

"Now consider Xiao Yuying. She initially seemed to be deliberately cultivating favor with me, claiming she admires geniuses." Zheng Fa mused: "But our cultivation levels differ vastly—her eagerness is excessive."

"You mean she's searching for someone whose Thunder Art surpasses hers."

"Precisely. So this isn't likely a fabricated story."

After Zheng Fa finished, Sister Zhang considered for a moment and said:

"If all this is true, then the only question remains: is the secret realm worth entering—and will Xiao Yuying betray us once we've crossed the river?"

Zheng Fa fell silent for a long while, his brow furrowed, clearly hesitating.

Finally, he shook his head, as if making a firm decision.

"Not going?"

"Not going," Zheng Fa said. "I've thought it through again and again—what draws me is only the Heaven River Patriarch's new method."

Sister Zhang nodded lightly.

"But before we control the Heavenly Stele Realm… if we openly associate ourselves with this new method, the setting Sun Sword Immortal's words suggest great danger lies within."

Sister Zhang shuddered, a flicker of fear crossing her face: "I was blinded by the mere name 'Heaven River Patriarch.'"

"No, Sister Zhang. You've always been bold and relentless in your pursuit," Zheng Fa comforted her.

"…," Sister Zhang glanced at him. "I'm not afraid of dying—but I'm afraid of you dying."

"…,"

Silence fell over the courtyard.

Sister Yuan finally staggered back, standing at the doorway, too afraid to enter—whether fearing she'd disrupt the mood or that she'd lose control again, she couldn't tell.

A dark shadow suddenly flew in from outside the courtyard.

The shadow flew over Sister Zhang's wall, as if aiming precisely, and dove straight into Zheng Fa's arms.

Since no malice was sensed, even Sister Zhang didn't move to stop it.

Zheng Fa caught the shadow—it was a jet-black crow, rubbing against his chest.

"Where did this wild bird come from?!" Sister Yuan, at the door, was furious, clearly jealous: "Stop flinging yourself around! No manners at all!"

Zheng Fa was about to shoo the crow away when it opened its beak—and spoke in the voice of a young boy:

"Don't throw me away! Don't throw me away!" the crow cried. "I have news: the Great Freedom Demon Cult is colluding with demons to strike against your Jiushan Sect!"

Zheng Fa froze.

Sister Yuan grew even angrier—her heart filled not only with hurt but confusion—

So… does Zheng Jie prefer wild ones?

Or males?