Chapter 289: Ten-Thousand-Year Spirit-Awakening Tree, Transaction With the Mo Clan Ancestor

"True Lord Withered Glory, you've arrived as well."

Seeing Xu Chuan, the Yan Clan Ancestor immediately came forward to greet him. "I knew the Mo Clan would definitely invite you to the Jade Bamboo Secret Realm this time."

"Daoist Friend Yan."

"True Lord Withered Glory."

Many Golden Core stage cultivators gathered around to exchange greetings.

Xu Chuan responded to them one by one.

Besides the Golden Core stage immortal cultivators, there were also quite a few Perfected Foundation Establishment cultivators.

Most of the Foundation Establishment geniuses who had previously participated in the Prodigy Grand Assembly could be seen here, such as Yan Kuangtu, Yan Han, Liu Yue, Cang Daoling, Xi Tianqing, Lei Zhaojian, and others.

The Foundation Establishment prodigies generally came along with the Golden Core cultivators.

He was a relatively young Golden Core stage cultivator from the Luo Clan in Heart Constellation City.

They had also met last time.

"With their strength, obtaining some rare third-tier spirit wood shouldn't be much of a problem."

After understanding the situation of the Jade Bamboo Secret Realm, Xu Chuan deliberated and decided not to let them come. Their reputation was already resounding enough.

What they needed to do now was cultivate silently and gradually fade from the public's view.

Xu Chuan, on the other hand, was curious about what the ancient inheritance in the secret realm entailed, which was why he came to take a look.

"They are in secluded cultivation and currently do not have the time," Xu Chuan replied.

"That's true. Compared to Core Formation, the opportunities in the Jade Bamboo Secret Realm are dispensable to them, and your Xu Family isn't lacking this tiny bit of third-tier resources anyway."

"How could we not lack third-tier resources? Isn't that why I'm here?" Xu Chuan chuckled softly.

At this moment, a Foundation Establishment cultivator dressed in light cyan robes with an emerald-green Jade Bamboo embroidered on his chest approached. He bowed to Xu Chuan and said, "Senior True Lord Withered Glory, my Mo Clan Ancestor invites you over for a chat."

Xu Chuan's heart stirred. He turned to the surrounding people and said, "Daoist friends, since the Mo Clan Ancestor has extended an invitation, I shall go pay him a visit. Please excuse me."

"Of course, please go ahead."

Xu Chuan left, following the Mo Clan disciple.

Luo Yunshan asked, "Daoist Friend Yan, why do you think the Mo Clan Ancestor invited True Lord Withered Glory?"

"What else could it be? Naturally, to ask for his help. To comprehend a Major Success Divine Ability at the early stage of the Golden Core realm—his combat prowess is utterly astonishing.

He's probably the most promising person in our Heavenly Azure Prefecture in the last thousand years to pass the trial and enter the inheritance grounds.

Rumor has it that the Mo Clan's forefather rose to prominence in the Heavenly Azure Prefecture precisely because he obtained an opportunity from within. However, the inheritance he acquired was likely incomplete, or rather, only a very small fraction of it.

Initially, the Mo Clan kept the existence of the Jade Bamboo Secret Realm a secret. It wasn't until over five hundred years ago that they invited the various factions of the Heavenly Azure Prefecture to explore it together.

Unfortunately, the requirements for this secret realm's inheritance are simply too high. After two or three attempts, not a single person has managed to meet them.

They couldn't even pass the first stage."

The Yan Clan Ancestor sighed faintly.

"With True Lord Withered Glory here, it seems this might be the Mo Clan's closest shot at success."

"I would imagine so."

Xu Chuan followed the Mo Clan disciple out of the estate's side door, immediately stepping into a refreshing expanse of vibrant, emerald green.

Beneath their feet lay winding bluestone steps, flanked and shaded by dense bamboo branches. Dappled sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves, weaving mottled patterns of light and shadow on the stone slabs.

As a gentle breeze blew past, the bamboo leaves rustled softly. Spiritual rhythm seemed to flow in the air, and even every breath carried a faint bamboo fragrance, instantly bringing a profound sense of tranquility to the mind.

Strolling slowly up the steps, the sea of bamboo grew increasingly deep and secluded.

Looking out, the mountains and plains were covered entirely in Jade Bamboo. Each stalk stood tall and slender, with the tallest reaching over thirty meters. Their nodes were distinct, and their stems were as smooth and flawless as jade, glowing with a gentle, warm luster beneath the daylight.

The Mo Clan disciple introduced, "True Lord, please take a look. Those stalks entirely bright emerald-green, appearing as though carved from jadeite, have all grown for several decades. They can be considered tier-one spirit bamboo."

Xu Chuan swept his divine sense over the area and noticed some greyish-green stalks. He asked, "Those greyish-green Jade Bamboos should be tier-two spirit bamboo, right?"

"The True Lord has a discerning eye."

"Why is there no tier-three spirit bamboo? I've scanned a radius of several kilometers but haven't seen a single one."

"Tier-three spirit bamboo is a deep ink color, as if forged from ink jade. Their numbers are sparse, so our Mo Clan has transplanted them all to a single location for easier tending."

"That makes sense. Tier-three spirit bamboo is precious, so it naturally requires a grand array for protection."

The Mo Clan disciple smiled lightly but didn't say anything more.

'To occupy such a spiritual land of Jade Bamboo, it's evident that the Mo Clan's strength is absolutely formidable. Their foundation must be even deeper than the Three Sects,' Xu Chuan mused to himself.

About thirty minutes later.

The two of them passed through a patch of mist and arrived at an Ink Jade Bamboo Forest.

Although there weren't many stalks of Ink Jade Bamboo here, they still numbered in the hundreds.

If a single stalk of Ink Jade Bamboo were used for artificing, assuming a flawless success rate, it would be enough to forge over ten Two-Pattern Magic Tools. Paired with other third-tier materials, it could even be forged into a Magic Treasure.

This foundation alone far surpassed that of the Xu Family.

'As expected of a top-tier Golden Core Aristocratic Family with a thousand years of history!'

According to the information Xu Chuan had gathered, over fifteen hundred years had passed since the Mo Clan's rise to power, predating the White Cloud Mountain Lei Family by three hundred years.

An aristocratic family with a foundation like this possessed the potential to become a Nascent Soul Noble Family.

'During the last Prodigy Grand Assembly, the Lei Family brought forth Lei Zhaojian, yet the Mo Clan didn't have anyone participate. Do they truly lack talented descendants?

Or are they just keeping a low profile?

If it's the latter, then the Mo Clan probably isn't far from becoming a Nascent Soul Noble Family, which is why they don't want to draw too much attention to themselves.'

The Xu Family had operated the same way. Before he reached the Core Formation stage, they had kept as low a profile as humanly possible.

It was only after his Divine Ability Core Formation that they had begun to expand.

'Although the Cang Family has existed for longer, they are on a downward slope. Their overall strength might not even match the Mo Clan.'

Up ahead, a bamboo hut came prominently into view.

It was constructed entirely from Jade Bamboo. The bamboo walls were polished smooth, gleaming with a muted luster. The roof was covered with bamboo tiles, and its eaves curled upward slightly, exuding an air of elegance.

Beneath the eaves at the front of the hut hung three purple-gold wind chimes, their bells engraved with interlocking lotus patterns.

As the wind blew, the chimes swayed, emitting crisp 'ding-ling' sounds. The chiming wasn't sharp; instead, it added a sense of serenity, seemingly capable of washing away the worries in a person's heart.

To the left of the bamboo hut lay a deep pool. The water was crystal clear, reflecting the shadows of the Ink Jade Bamboo.

The bottom of the pool was paved with fine bluestone gravel, and occasionally, a few spirit fish swam by, stirring up concentric ripples.

By the pool's edge grew a few stalks of unknown spirit grass, their verdant leaves dotting the scenery.

In the clearing in front of the hut sat a flat green stone table. Its surface was perfectly smooth, seemingly polished by the passage of time. Beside it stood a few stone stools, their surfaces warm to the touch and gleaming with a smooth patina.

'This area spanning a few kilometers is shrouded in thick mist, completely isolating any divine sense probing. Coupled with the protective light screen of a grand array, this must be the core region of the Mo Clan.'

"True Lord, the Ancestor is inside. This junior will not enter and shall wait outside the grand array."

Xu Chuan nodded slightly and walked along the cobblestone path toward the bamboo hut.

When he reached the entrance, the door of the bamboo hut opened automatically.

"Daoist Friend Withered Glory's arrival truly adds glory to this humble home."

These words sounded somewhat familiar.

Xu Chuan stepped into the bamboo hut. Near the windowsill in the eastern corner, he saw a white-haired youth sitting cross-legged on a grey futon.

In front of him was a Tea Table, upon which rested two ink jade teacups.

The cup positioned opposite him was clearly prepared for Xu Chuan.

"Greetings, Daoist Friend Mo."

Xu Chuan cupped his fists, then discreetly released his divine sense to probe the man, only to find that he surprisingly couldn't see through the other party's cultivation realm.

"Please take a seat, Daoist Friend Withered Glory. This old man has been waiting for you for quite some time."

"Thank you."

Xu Chuan didn't stand on ceremony, seating himself comfortably on the futon opposite the youth.

"Daoist Friend Withered Glory truly has encountered tremendous opportunities. Even among Golden Core stage immortal cultivators who achieved Divine Ability Core Formation, few possess a foundation as deep as yours.

To find someone comparable, one would likely have to look toward the ancient prodigies."

"What does Daoist Friend Mo mean by this? How could I dare compare myself to ancient prodigies? I merely had a stroke of good luck. The divine ability I comprehended happened to be one that was easy for me to grasp, which was how I fortunately reached Major Success in it."

The white-haired youth, whose eyes betrayed the vicissitudes of countless years, smiled faintly. "This tea is quite excellent. Daoist Friend Withered Glory, why don't you have a taste?"

Xu Chuan picked up the teacup and took a light sip, his eyes lighting up. "Good tea. It carries a faint, fragrant bamboo aroma."

"This was brewed using the morning dew from this Ink Jade Bamboo Forest, along with the most tender leaves from the very top of the Ink Jade spirit bamboo.

Every drop of dew contains a wisp of the morning sun's purple qi, and it takes ten years just to gather enough for a single cup.

Those tender new leaves at the apex only sprout once every thirty years per stalk, and they brim with pure spiritual qi."

"For Daoist Friend Mo to treat me with such precious Spirit Tea, it seems the matter you seek my help with is not a small one," Xu Chuan said calmly, setting down his cup.

"With your divine abilities, it is merely a matter of lifting a finger."

"Please speak frankly, Daoist Friend Mo. No matter how much you praise me, and as much as I might enjoy hearing it, what is impossible remains impossible."

"Within the Jade Bamboo Secret Realm lies a Ten-Thousand-Year Spirit-Awakening Tree. This old man wishes to borrow its heart, and I hope Daoist Friend Withered Glory can assist me in this endeavor."

"A Spirit-Awakening Tree?! There's actually such a rare spirit wood in the secret realm?" Xu Chuan asked in astonishment. "Even in ancient times, this tree was exceptionally scarce.

Not to mention the heart of a Ten-Thousand-Year Spirit-Awakening Tree!"

After pondering for a moment, he continued, "For such a spirit wood, I'm afraid the difficulty of the trial to obtain it must be no small matter either."

"It is very difficult, but this old man believes you have a great chance of succeeding. You are well aware of this spirit wood's function. If you manage to retrieve it, its ownership will naturally remain yours.

This old man only wishes to borrow it.

If you agree, I can disclose all the information I possess regarding this secret realm."

"Compared to news of the secret realm, I am currently more interested in knowing what realm Daoist Friend Mo has reached?"

Upon hearing that the other party wanted to borrow the Spirit-Awakening Tree's heart, he already had some guesses.

"A person as wise as Daoist Friend Withered Glory surely must have guessed."

The white-haired youth's demeanor was calm and detached, giving off an unfathomably profound aura.

"Everyone says the Heavenly Azure Prefecture is weak and in decline, with only one True Lord of the Heavenly Azure Sect having attained a Major Success Divine Ability. I never imagined the Mo Clan, keeping such a low profile, actually harbored a True Lord-level powerhouse at the Golden Core Perfection stage, ready to charge at the Nascent Soul realm at any moment."

"If Senior were willing to reveal yourself, doubling the Mo Clan's strength and foundation would be well within reach."

"Daoist Friend Withered Glory, do you truly believe that would be a good thing at this time?"

The white-haired youth looked at Xu Chuan with tranquil eyes. "Taking a high-profile stance can certainly bring tremendous benefits, but the potential risks that follow might not be something you or your family can endure."

"Let this old man tell you a story."

"There was once a young boy who, by chance, stepped onto the path of cultivation. He joined a sect but eventually left to pursue the path of a rogue cultivator, where he encountered serendipitous inheritances.

His innate talent was quite good, so after over a century of bitter cultivation, he successfully walked the path of Divine Ability Core Formation.

He established an illustrious reputation.

He married, had children, and grew his family.

Over the course of two to three hundred years, the family expanded and thrived with youthful vigor, consecutively producing two Golden Core stage immortal cultivators.

Another century passed.

His divine ability reached major success, and his Golden Core attained perfection. Ten thousand cultivators came to pay their respects, and his fame was unparalleled. He was lauded as the person most likely to advance to the Nascent Soul realm in this region.

Not long after, he learned from a close friend that a certain secret realm contained items to assist in Nascent Soul Formation. Without hesitation, he set off with that friend.

Daoist Friend Withered Glory, do you know what happened to this man next?"

Xu Chuan fell silent for a moment before answering, "Since Daoist Friend Mo brings this up, he must have perished."

"Correct. Inside the secret realm, that close friend bared his fangs. He launched a sneak attack, gravely injuring the man, and colluded with others to kill him."

"That man was the forefather of my Mo Clan. As for the other person, it was the Ancestor of the Xi Family, the current Grand Elder of the Heavenly Azure Sect."

The white-haired youth continued, "Although your Xu Family's current situation is not entirely identical to my Mo Clan's back then, it is exceedingly similar.

You have you, True Lord Withered Glory, holding down the fort, along with Fairy Feng Ling and the backing of the Heavenly Foundry Sect.

As long as the Xu Family continues to develop steadily, surpassing the Heavenly Azure Sect is highly probable.

Though your numbers are currently thin, in a century or two, talents will surely emerge in droves, making you the most elite Golden Core power in the Heavenly Azure Prefecture.

Do you really think the Heavenly Azure Sect will tolerate your Xu Family?"

Xu Chuan remained silent.

The white-haired youth paused before adding, "Of course, the current landscape of the Heavenly Azure Prefecture is different. With the Greedy Wolf Sect eyeing us like a tiger, the Heavenly Azure Sect won't be foolish enough to destroy their own walls by forcing a crucial future combat force to rebel.

However, if that threat disappears one day, your Xu Family will need to be extremely careful."

"Thank you for the reminder, Daoist Friend Mo. I naturally understand this point. But whether it's the Heavenly Azure Sect holding the reins or the Greedy Wolf Sect seizing control in the future, our aristocratic families will invariably remain oppressed existences."

"As long as Daoist Friend Withered Glory understands."

"However, for Daoist Friend Mo to open your heart so candidly, what exactly are you trying to say?

It's highly unlikely that a mere 'borrow' and 'help' will convince me to participate in what is likely a highly dangerous trial, right?"

"If Daoist Friend Withered Glory retrieves the heart of the Ten-Thousand-Year Spirit-Awakening Tree and lends it to me to transcend the tribulation, upon my successful breakthrough, I am willing to protect the Xu Family three times within the scope of my abilities.

Should the Xu Family ever face a crisis of extermination in the future, I can ensure that your bloodline is preserved."

"What kind of inheritance lies within the Jade Bamboo Secret Realm?"

"It is called the Myriad Manifestations Puppet Sect. They were a top-tier ancient sect, second only to the Holy Lands, specializing exclusively in the Dao of Puppets. The puppets they forged came in myriad forms and possessed endless marvels.

However, the trial is incredibly difficult. There are three stages in total. With your early-stage Golden Core cultivation and Major Success Divine Ability, you might be able to pass two stages and obtain a portion of the inheritance."

"For Daoist Friend Mo to know this in such detail, could it be that you have also passed a stage?"

"To be frank with you, yes. The inheritance trial cave dwelling isn't hard to find. If you wish to try, a simple inquiry will suffice. I won't say more on the matter.

If you have any other doubts, this old man can resolve them one by one."

No matter how amiable the Mo Clan Ancestor appeared, human hearts were demonic and unpredictable.

After all, he was currently asking for a favor.

Even if it meant bowing his head in humble submission, there was likely no one who would refuse if it meant guaranteeing a breakthrough to the Nascent Soul realm.

The resistance against inner demons provided by the heart of a Ten-Thousand-Year Spirit-Awakening Tree should be comparable to the effects of a mid-grade Tribulation-Crossing Pill.

It would naturally be tremendously important for the Xu Family's future as well. Having acquired this information, Xu Chuan absolutely could not let the opportunity slip by.

The materials for the Tribulation-Crossing Pill were nearly extinct; even peak Nascent Soul powers struggled to gather them all.

But if he could obtain an intact Spirit-Awakening Tree, it meant he would have an endless supply of Spirit-Awakening Tree hearts.

In the hands of others, the heart could only be used once. But Xu Chuan controlled the Dao of Withering and Flourishing. As long as he didn't extract the heart entirely, he could ensure the tree wouldn't die.

Then, by slowly nourishing it inside the Xu Clan's Grotto-heaven, it would eventually recover completely.

With the secret arts of the "Five Elements Creation Scripture" paired with the heart of a Ten-Thousand-Year Spirit-Awakening Tree, future generations of the Xu Family would have at least a fifteen percent chance of forming a Nascent Soul.

This was already a Nascent Soul Formation success rate that disciples of numerous top-tier sects could only dream of.

Even for the absolute prodigies participating in the Prodigy Grand Assembly, their future chances of Nascent Soul Formation were only between five to ten percent. An extra five percent was considered a massive stroke of fortune.

As for the complete secret art within the "Five Elements Creation Scripture," only those with an Innate Five Elements Spirit Body could cultivate it, guaranteeing a thirty percent chance of forming a Nascent Soul.

According to the hints from the Clan Genealogy, as long as the Xu Family continued to develop, it was inevitable that a genius with such aptitude would be born in some future generation, allowing the "Five Elements Creation Scripture" to be utilized to its absolute limit.

If someone with this constitution had been born in the ancient era, they would undeniably be a prime candidate for a Holy Son of a Holy Land.

After a brief moment of contemplation, Xu Chuan looked up at the Mo Clan Ancestor and said, "The conditions Daoist Friend Mo proposes are not enough. If I truly retrieve the Ten-Thousand-Year Spirit-Awakening Tree's heart, you must swear an oath that after forming your Nascent Soul, you will not initiate any attacks against my Xu Family.

Furthermore, you must never leak any information regarding the Spirit-Awakening Tree's heart.

As for protection, I want to change that into three favors. On the premise that it does not harm the Mo Clan or endanger your own life, you must perform three tasks for my Xu Family unconditionally.

Of course, if you feel a request is unreasonable, you may refuse, but you cannot refuse maliciously or intentionally. Otherwise, you will be plagued by inner demons, and your cultivation will never advance another inch.

Finally, as for preserving the Xu Family's bloodline, there is absolutely no need.

If the day truly comes when the Xu Family faces extermination, I naturally have my own fallback plans."

Hearing this, the Mo Clan Ancestor fell into deep thought. After a moment's deliberation, he finally nodded. "Very well. I can swear the oath right now. However, the oath will not take effect unless you deliver the Ten-Thousand-Year Spirit-Awakening Tree's heart into my hands.

That is only natural!"

Subsequently, the two of them swore their oaths together.

If Xu Chuan's conditions had been excessively harsh, it would have been highly unlikely for the Mo Clan Ancestor to agree.

Even if he had reluctantly agreed, it would have left a rift of resentment in his heart, which would be detrimental to their future relationship.

"Then I shall leave this matter in Daoist Friend Xu's hands."

Xu Chuan nodded and asked, "Does anyone else know about the Ten-Thousand-Year Spirit-Awakening Tree?"

The Mo Clan Ancestor smiled faintly. "Rest assured, Daoist Friend Withered Glory, only this old man knows. Even within my clan, no one is aware. I would only inform someone if they had a chance of obtaining the tree."

"Then I can put my mind at ease. If others already knew, I would have had to make everyone involved swear an oath before I could feel even slightly relieved. Otherwise, I certainly wouldn't be able to eat or sleep in peace.

After all, the moment the news leaks, my Xu Family will instantly invite a monstrous calamity upon ourselves."

"I understand Daoist Friend Withered Glory's concerns. This old man had the same misgivings, which is why I didn't tell a single soul in my clan.

The current era is vastly different from ancient times, when Nascent Soul Formation was simpler.

To fight for this chance at Nascent Soul Formation, all the old Golden Core monsters in the entire Northwest Region would go completely mad."

"Daoist Friend Mo acts with great prudence. It seems we will have many shared topics of conversation in the future."

"Haha, this old man feels the same," the Mo Clan Ancestor said. "Having heard of your reputation previously, I assumed you were an arrogant, domineering person who liked to flaunt his power.

Meeting you now, I see that was merely my own prejudice.

My earlier warning was also clearly entirely unnecessary."

The Mo Clan Ancestor glanced out the window and continued, "Daoist Friend Withered Glory, it is getting late. The secret realm will open in half an hour.

This is an Inner Sect Disciple token of the Myriad Manifestations Puppet Estate. Showing this token will command the guardian puppet to guide you to the location of the Ten-Thousand-Year Spirit-Awakening Tree.

Otherwise, relying solely on yourself to search for it is virtually impossible."

"Thank you. Then I shall take my leave." Xu Chuan drained his Spirit Tea in one gulp and smiled warmly. "This tea is quite excellent."

"Is it? Then the next time we meet, this old man will gift you five kilograms to take with you."

"Daoist Friend Mo is too polite."

Xu Chuan turned and exited the bamboo hut, leaving with the Mo Clan disciple.

'He is quite a fascinating person. Barring any major upheavals, the Xu Family, under his leadership, indeed has hope of seizing the pinnacle of the Heavenly Azure Prefecture.

Let's hope he can gain something this time. After all, I do not have another century left to wait.'

Regardless of success or failure, the Mo Clan Ancestor was determined to charge at the Nascent Soul realm within the next ten years.

It wasn't merely due to his dwindling lifespan, but also because of the current volatile situation in the Heavenly Azure Prefecture.

The Mo Clan Ancestor withdrew his gaze, closed his eyes, and silently meditated.

Back at the estate.

The Yan Clan Ancestor and Luo Yunshan both asked Xu Chuan how it went.

"The Mo Clan Ancestor stopped seeing outsiders two hundred years ago. As expected of a peerless genius who achieved a Major Success Divine Ability at the early Golden Core stage, True Lord Withered Glory is so remarkable that even the Mo Clan Ancestor couldn't resist meeting you," the Yan Clan Ancestor chuckled, stroking his beard.

"Daoist Friend Yan praises me too highly. It was just an ordinary meeting over tea."

Since Xu Chuan put it that way, the Yan Clan Ancestor and Luo Yunshan naturally couldn't press the matter further.

After all, they could only be considered nodding acquaintances.

As for it being just an 'ordinary meeting over tea,' not a single Golden Core cultivator who heard that would believe it for a second.

Had it been an ordinary Golden Core cultivator under different circumstances, perhaps they might have bought it.

Aside from a newly-advanced Golden Core like Xu Chuan, how could the other Golden Core cultivators not know the situation inside the Jade Bamboo Secret Realm?

The stronger one's combat power, the more precious the spirit wood they could obtain.

Half an hour later.

A late-stage Golden Core cultivator from the Mo Clan led the crowd to the location of the secret realm, then produced a token and opened the entrance.

This token definitely had a connection to the Myriad Manifestations Puppet Estate; otherwise, it would be impossible to sense the secret realm's location.

If its authority level were higher, perhaps they wouldn't even need to wait a century to enter.

Watching the secret realm's entrance open, the Mo Clan's late-stage Golden Core cultivator swept his gaze over the crowd and announced, "Although the majority of the Daoist friends present have entered before, I still must offer a reminder.

This secret realm will only remain open for seven days. Once you obtain an item you are satisfied with, leave early.

If you exceed this time limit and the entrance closes, I'm afraid you will never have another chance to leave—at least, that has been the fate of everyone who stayed too long in the past."

"Alright, that is all. Everyone, please enter the secret realm."

One after another, the Golden Core stage cultivators charged into the pitch-black entrance suspended in mid-air, which was over ten meters wide and tall. Following them were the Foundation Establishment cultivators.

To the Golden Core experts, entering the secret realm this time was purely to harvest spirit wood.

For the Foundation Establishment geniuses, it was a chance to test their combat prowess and try their luck.

A spell of dizziness washed over him as the world spun.

Xu Chuan appeared in an open clearing. There were many people around him; unlike the Azure Dragon Secret Realm, the teleportation rule here wasn't random.

"True Lord Withered Glory, the inheritance cave dwelling challenge is to the east, while the spirit wood acquisition requires heading west," the Yan Clan Ancestor reminded him. "Where does the True Lord plan to go first?"

"I'll go take a look at the spirit wood first," Xu Chuan replied.

"Then why don't we go together? On the way, I can explain the rules for acquiring spirit wood to you."

"I'll have to trouble Daoist Friend Yan, then."

The two soared into the sky, instantly transforming into two streaks of light as they shot toward the west.

As for the others, some headed east, and some headed west.

In the blink of an eye, everyone had transformed into streaks of light and scattered.

"Right, Daoist Friend Yan, I am somewhat curious. Earlier, you only mentioned that the east and west are where the secret realm's opportunities lie. What about the south and north?"

"To the north lies a black mountain heavily layered with Restrictions. To this day, no one has been able to break through it. The south is accessible—it is a vast forest where quite a bit of spirit medicine can be found.

However, there are also many demonic beasts at the mid-third-tier and above.

If we were to encounter them, let alone Foundation Establishment cultivators, even we Golden Core experts might not escape with our lives.

Fortunately, those demonic beasts do not charge out of the forest. As long as we don't go inside and provoke them, there's nothing to worry about."

"I see," Xu Chuan nodded. "Daoist Friend Yan, may I ask how one goes about acquiring the spirit wood in the west?"

"The west is also a vast forest, but unlike the south, the entire forest is shrouded in a mist that isolates divine sense, making wide-range probing impossible.

There is plenty of rare spirit wood inside, but most of it is protected by Restrictions. Simply touching the tree will teleport you to a separate space. Once you pass a combat trial, you can return and take the spirit wood.

If you stumble upon spirit wood without a Restriction, you can take it freely.

Of course, those aren't very valuable. They're mostly just tier-one spirit wood or extremely common tier-two spirit wood."

"So it's like that," Xu Chuan murmured softly.

"As for the inheritance cave dwelling, you just need to fly straight east from where we were teleported in. At our speed, you'll see a massive mountain peak thousands of meters tall in about half an hour.

There are no-fly Restrictions surrounding the peak, so you cannot fly up.

The inheritance cave dwelling is located at the foot of the mountain, built directly into the rock face. There are guards stationed at the entrance.

As soon as you cross a certain threshold, the guards will awaken and pull you into a similar combat space. Only after passing can you enter the cave dwelling.

The trial at the entrance isn't considered too dangerous, as you are allowed to concede. But the trials inside the cave dwelling are said to be life-and-death tests. I've heard that no one who has ever entered has come out alive.

True Lord Withered Glory, you must weigh the risks carefully for yourself."

Xu Chuan nodded slightly.

"Oh, right, speaking of guards, there are some in the west as well. Those are existences comparable to the Nascent Soul realm! True Lord, remember absolutely not to provoke them."

"I understand."

The two continued flying, and half an hour later, they finally caught sight of the mist-shrouded forest.

There, a guard over three meters tall, clad entirely in thick armor and gripping a sword with both hands, stood stoically before the forest.

Many Golden Core cultivators bowed slightly in respect to the guard before leaping into the forest.

Flying was prohibited here as well; they could only proceed on foot.

"Daoist Friend Yan, thank you for clearing up my doubts on this journey. Let us part ways here. I have some private matters to attend to and it is inconvenient to travel with others."

"Understood."

The Yan Clan Ancestor stroked his white beard, smiled faintly, and ventured into the misty forest alone.

Xu Chuan waited for a moment. Seeing that there was no one around for dozens of miles, he approached the armored guard and presented his "Myriad Manifestations Puppet Estate" Inner Sect Disciple token.

"I wish to find the Ten-Thousand-Year Spirit-Awakening Tree."

The statue-like armored guard turned its head and looked at Xu Chuan.

The next moment.

It flipped its palm, and out of thin air, a lifelike spotted dog over two feet tall appeared in its massive hand.

The spotted dog jumped to the ground, panting with its tongue out and wagging its tail at Xu Chuan.

"Follow it, and you will naturally find it," a voice echoed in Xu Chuan's sea of consciousness.

"Thank you."

Xu Chuan cupped his fists toward the armored guard.

Then, he followed the spotted dog deep into the forest.

'The Myriad Manifestations Puppet Estate's Dao of Puppets is truly profound. They move just like living creatures. If I could obtain this puppet crafting inheritance, perhaps they could help me share the burden of cultivating spirit grass, or even handle more tasks.'

Various practical applications of puppet arts surfaced in Xu Chuan's mind.

'After obtaining the Spirit-Awakening Tree, I'll go check out the inheritance cave dwelling. Since the Mo Clan Ancestor managed to pass the first stage, I shouldn't have any problem either. As for what comes after, I'll judge based on the difficulty of the first stage.'

Xu Chuan continued to venture deeper, following the spotted dog.

Over four hours later, the spotted dog suddenly let out a bark.

Xu Chuan focused his gaze. Not far away, the faint mist dispersed, revealing a tree fifteen to eighteen meters tall and thick enough that it would take several people linking arms to encircle it.

As he arrived under the tree, the aura it exuded made Xu Chuan's mind feel instantly refreshed and cool.

His mind gradually cleared, as if all lingering shadows had been swept away.

"The Ten-Thousand-Year Spirit-Awakening Tree." A trace of fiery passion flashed in Xu Chuan's eyes.

He raised his hand. After a brief moment of hesitation, he finally pressed his palm against the Restriction surrounding the Spirit-Awakening Tree.

A white light flared, and he vanished from his spot.

When he reappeared, he was inside an enclosed, square spatial realm.

The area spanned a few kilometers in radius and reached a hundred meters in height.

At the edges, a translucent, pale yellow light screen flickered in and out of sight.

Moments later.

A mechanical voice rang out in mid-air.

[The challenger possesses a Myriad Manifestations Puppet Sect Inner Sect Disciple Token. Therefore, the trial will proceed according to the Inner Sect Disciple standards.]

Hearing these words, a foreboding feeling welled up in Xu Chuan's heart.

'Shouldn't there be disciple benefits?'

'Why does it sound like the standards are being raised instead?!'

[The trial tier is Level Five. In ten breaths, a Silver-Radiance class puppet with power comparable to the seventh layer of the Golden Core realm will be deployed. This puppet possesses formidable strength, physical defense comparable to a low-grade Magic Treasure, and can instantaneously cast top-tier first-grade fire-element arcane arts.

Challenger, please prepare yourself!

Nine, eight, seven...]

"F*ck me..."

Xu Chuan felt as though a hundred thousand alpacas were stampeding through his heart. He didn't even know what to say.

Without the Inner Sect Disciple token, relying purely on luck to find the Ten-Thousand-Year Spirit-Awakening Tree within seven days was incredibly difficult. Yet, having the token actually increased the difficulty of the challenge.

Xu Chuan exhaled a long breath of turbid air. A green light flashed in his hand, and a Magic Treasure resembling a short staff covered in dark gold dragon patterns appeared in his grasp.

It was none other than the high-grade Magic Treasure he had refined just a few months ago—the Azure Dragon Treasure Umbrella!

With a raise of his hand, the Azure Dragon Treasure Umbrella snapped open, taking the shape of an emperor's canopy, exuding a majestic and imposing aura.

The umbrella's canopy was woven from celestial silkworm silk interwoven with flood dragon scales, appearing dark cyan in color. Thirty-six Ink Jade Beads hung from its edges.

When attacked, the Ink Jade Beads could burst with cyan light, condensing an Azure Dragon phantom to circle around him.

Its twenty-eight silver-white umbrella ribs were actually twenty-eight one-pattern standardized Flying Swords, each about three feet long. With a hand seal, they could be deployed to dance like silver rainbows, forming the Azure Dragon Sword Formation.

Once the sword formation was established, dragon might would permeate the area, and sword qi would run rampant, possessing immense and terrifying power.

However, it consumed an exorbitant amount of mana. Anyone below Golden Core Perfection would struggle to activate it, and without a powerful divine sense and expertise in controlling multiple streams of divine sense simultaneously, one couldn't maneuver it freely.

Xu Chuan felt that, given the quality of his mana, he would still need to reach the late stage of the Golden Core realm before he could sustain the Azure Dragon Sword Formation for an attack.

His divine sense would have to break through to the Nascent Soul level before he could effortlessly command it, retracting and deploying it entirely at will.

According to the records in the Wood Sovereign Scripture, if the power of this Magic Treasure were unleashed to its absolute limit, it could rival the attack of an early-stage Nascent Soul expert.

Of course, it could only fend them off for a brief period at best.

Once his mana was depleted, he would be absolutely no match for a Nascent Soul cultivator.

[Three, two, one...]

The countdown ceased.

A flash of white light abruptly erupted, and a hundred meters away, a humanoid puppet over three meters tall suddenly materialized.

Its body was crafted from an unknown pale silver spirit wood. From a distance, it looked as if it were clad in silver-radiant armor, gleaming entirely with a cold, piercing luster.

Its surface was covered in intricate, microscopic patterns, and one could faintly sense spiritual power flowing within them.

The moment the puppet appeared, it seemed to lock onto Xu Chuan. It clenched its fists fiercely, the joints emitting crisp 'clack' sounds.

In the very next second, its figure transformed into a silver arrow, hurtling straight toward Xu Chuan's face with a sharp, ear-piercing shriek as it tore through the air.

"What incredible speed! It's not the least bit inferior to a late-stage Golden Core immortal cultivator!"

Xu Chuan's gaze sharpened, and he gave the Azure Dragon Treasure Umbrella in his hand a light spin.

The dark cyan canopy burst with cyan light. All thirty-six Ink Jade Beads lit up simultaneously, condensing a thick, heavy protective barrier while an Azure Dragon phantom materialized, letting out a roaring sonic wave.