Chapter 259

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Protagonist:

Jiang Xuan

Shi Yunfeng's inner heart surged with excitement, impossible to suppress.

He had come this time merely daring to beg Jiang Xuan to lend a hand to Boy, never daring to hope that the other children might also receive Jiang Xuan's protection.

He perceived that Jiang Xuan's attitude toward Boy was utterly different from that toward others.

Who could have expected that this trip would yield such an astonishing harvest!

Over these two years, Jiang Xuan's image in Shi Yunfeng's inner heart had continuously transformed.

Now, Shi Yunfeng was already certain that Jiang Xuan not only possessed cultivation transcending into sagehood, but more importantly, this exalted person regarded Stone Village as a spiritual home.

Shi Yunfeng also comprehended the profound meaning within Jiang Xuan's words just now.

A powerhouse such as this had no need to deceive him; if he harbored ulterior motives, Stone Village would have been doomed countless times over these past two years.

The wrinkles on Shi Yunfeng's face all smiled into a chrysanthemum, and he left the house fully satisfied.

At this moment, a clear and melodious voice rang out: "If you agree, I can find you a more superior cultivation ground — a divine land where heaven and earth spiritual qi swirls thickly, resources inexhaustible. The Stone Village people may also go together; Boy will surely enjoy the most top-tier resource treatment, and we will spare no effort to assist him — perhaps enabling his supreme bone to be reborn."

The speaker was precisely that little red bird.

At this moment, only one person and one bird remained inside the house.

Jiang Xuan wore a smile, his gaze peaceful, and slowly said: "This is, after all, Shi Guo's ancestral land. You and Shi Guo, the Stone Clan, are still allies, are you not? Yet now you wish to claim their ancestral land for yourselves — does this not violate righteousness?"

The little red bird's expression was arrogant, its face full of disdain, and it loudly said: "A bunch of blind fools! A born supreme plus a double pupil — how could their value compare to a mere single supreme? Digging out another's supreme bone to transplant into oneself, delusionally wishing to raise one's own cultivation ceiling? Simply foolish beyond measure! What does not belong to you is, in the end, but a mirage! You haven't even fathomed a single thread of your own double pupil's profundity, yet you delusionally wish to control a supreme bone?"

It paused slightly, a trace of disgust flashing in its eyes, and continued: "Having lost the heart of a powerhouse, how can one ascend to the supreme peak?"

This little red bird spoke fluently and incessantly, its words brimming with haughtiness.

It indeed possessed the capital for haughtiness; in these Eight Domains of the Lower Realm, it too was one of the powerhouses standing at the peak.

As Fire Country's sacrificial spirit, it was a Vermilion Bird descendant; though not a pure-blood Vermilion Bird, the Vermilion Bird bloodline flowing in its body possessed an awe-inspiring power.

The Vermilion Bird, as one of the four spiritual divine beasts ranked alongside the White Tiger, Black Tortoise, and True Dragon, its bloodline's might is beyond imagination.

Both the White Tiger and True Dragon clans have produced Immortal Kings; the Black Tortoise clan, though low-key in conduct with slightly weaker presence, judging by its racial characteristics, having an Immortal King sitting in command would also be normal.

Able to stand shoulder to shoulder with these three clans, the Vermilion Bird bloodline's formidable degree goes without saying.

Now, this little red bird had already reached the Venerable-level cultivation — the peak realm beneath the God Path.

Since it spoke of finding a new cultivation ground for Jiang Xuan and the others, it naturally intended to bring them to Fire Country.

With its status as sacrificial spirit to recommend someone, the treatment enjoyed would probably be beyond even the Fire Country Human Emperor's own children.

Jiang Xuan's expression was calm, his gaze deep, and he slowly said: "Past grievances should naturally be settled by Boy personally going to their door; Boy has already acknowledged me as master, so I shall naturally protect him."

Jiang Xuan's fingertips lightly pinched, and the tea leaves meticulously crafted from World Tree Dao Rule leaves were slowly cast into the ancient tea pot.

These were no ordinary tea leaves; they originated from the World Tree's Dao Rule leaves — compared to common enlightenment tea leaves, their preciousness simply cannot be spoken of in the same breath.

In the past Jiang Xuan only used such leaves as cultivation resources; now, savoring them, there was also an indescribable mellow richness.

"So, what exactly is the matter you have come for this time?" Jiang Xuan's expression was calm as he asked once more.

The little red bird watched Jiang Xuan's attention completely absorbed by that pot of tea, and its inner heart couldn't help but rise a trace of helplessness and confusion.

"With your strength, why not go forth into the vast boundless heaven and earth to achieve great deeds and make a name for yourself, yet willingly hole up in this tiny Stone Village?"

"How do you know today's Stone Village is not a future divine spirit holy land?" Jiang Xuan gently lifted the tea cup; curling rising steam blurred his features.

For a while, his whole person seemed to be shrouded in a layer of mysterious atmosphere.

In the Zhe Tian Jie's long years, Jiang Xuan needed only a single sentence to decide the life and death of countless living beings. A single thought flashing through could make even supremes feel dread in their hearts.

Those days, though filled with unlimited splendor, brimming with supreme majesty and power, in Jiang Xuan's inner heart were far less refreshing than today's transmitting the Dao, teaching, and resolving doubts; watching children laugh and play by his side brought satisfaction and happiness.

In his eyes, so-called status and fame were but illusory bubbles, utterly without value.

In the past, he single-mindedly cultivated, seeking to reach the peak of longevity.

Now, he is a quasi-Immortal King, a Lord of a Realm — what's wrong with resting a bit?

The little red bird was momentarily at a loss for words, not knowing how to respond to these words.

It had originally entered this Great Wilderness contending for a mountain treasure; a chance opportunity led it to discover Willow Deity's extraordinary marvel. Thereafter it attempted to approach Willow Deity many times, finally managing to engage in exchange with Willow Deity during a fortuitous coincidence.

Through this exchange, it discovered to its surprise that Jiang Xuan could actually converse with Willow Deity on equal terms.

This astonishing discovery greatly shocked it, so it began to carefully observe Jiang Xuan; as observation deepened, it increasingly perceived Jiang Xuan's extraordinary nature.

Combined with the fragmentary words unintentionally revealed in Jiang Xuan's conversations with Willow Deity, it finally suddenly realized the truth.

This seemingly ordinary Stone Village actually concealed two peerless powerhouses, and judging from all signs, both their origins seemed to far surpass its current self.

Without doubt, they must once have been super existences at the deity level.

This astonishing discovery made the little red bird descend upon Stone Village ever more frequently, single-mindedly wanting to persuade Jiang Xuan and Willow Deity to leave seclusion and join Fire Country.

However, every persuasion ended in failure; its full heart of enthusiasm was splashed with cold water by reality time and again.

The little red bird stared fixedly at Jiang Xuan for a moment; seeing this man's gaze remain firmly locked on the tea water, a nameless fire suddenly surged in its heart; it violently flapped its wings, preparing to flick its sleeves and depart.

"Mountain treasure — a child's toy." Jiang Xuan lightly sipped a mouthful of tea brewed from World Tree Dao Rule leaves; that unique tea fragrance spread in his mouth.

The little red bird's figure violently froze, hovering in mid-air, turning its head to look at Jiang Xuan in disbelief.

"If you are willing to stay in Stone Village and play with Boy for a few years, I will give you even more precious things." Jiang Xuan's expression was calm.

This little red bird before him, though a Vermilion Bird descendant, was not pure-blooded.

And Jiang Xuan possesses countless divine weapons and Dao Rules suited for the Vermilion Bird.

Vermilion Bird Banner, Fire Spirit Pearl...

"Whoosh!"

Xiao Hong spread her wings and flew high without the slightest hesitation.

Arabian Nights!

In her view, this was simply absurd beyond measure!

She was the incomparably noble Sacrificial Spirit of Huo Guo, a dignified Venerable expert — how could she possibly stay here to play with a little child?

Calling it play; given Boy's lively, fearless nature, he would certainly treat her as a fun toy to fiddle with at will.

Moreover, she was a female Vermilion Bird — how could she endure such humiliation?

As for the thing Jiang Xuan claimed was more precious than the Mountain Treasure, Xiao Hong did not even deign to consider it.

From the bottom of her heart she did not believe one could so easily obtain something more precious than the Mountain Treasure; in her heart she seriously doubted whether such things truly existed.

She would rather die in the fierce struggle for the Mountain Treasure, even if her corpse were exposed in the Great Wilderness with no one to bury her, than endure the shame of being treated as a plaything by a little child for the sake of something ethereal and illusory, of unknown truth or falsehood.

If Jiang Xuan knew Xiao Hong's thoughts at this moment, he would surely secretly sigh in admiration at her stubbornness and obstinacy.

Xiao Hong flapped her wings with all her might, carrying a heart full of disdain and anger, and vanished into the distant horizon at extreme speed.

Jiang Xuan quietly watched her depart, unable to help shaking his head slightly.

He knew very clearly in his heart that no matter what rare treasures were hidden in the mountain's treasure, none could compare to what he possessed — things more suited to Xiao Hong, more able to help her increase her strength.

Furthermore, Jiang Xuan knew the Mountain Treasure like the back of his hand.

Trash, too!

"What she says is not false; with your current strength, there is indeed no need to remain in the Great Wilderness any longer."

A willow leaf slowly manifested, and Willow Deity's peaceful voice drifted out. Since stepping into the Hongmeng Realm, Willow Deity had not only sprouted new branches brimming with vitality, but her divine soul had also healed to a great extent, gradually recovering her former divine radiance.

"You are indeed different toward that child." Willow Deity's voice seemed to come from a distant place. "Staying in Shi Cun — is it because of him?"

Jiang Xuan gave a slight nod. "He is still young; venturing alone, he may encounter setbacks." He paused slightly, then continued, "Just like now — those mischievous brats actually want to ride the tiger demon behind the village; the slightest carelessness would cost them their lives." Regarding Boy and the others' every move, Jiang Xuan knew it all by heart, as clearly as observing lines on his palm.

Still young?

Willow Deity mused silently; this made absolutely no sense.

Boy was indeed young in years, but judging by his current growth trend, there was completely no need for worry.

Moreover, he is young — what does that have to do with you?

"If not for the fact that there is no blood relation between you two, I would almost think he is your own child." Willow Deity's tone was faint.

"How can you be like those brats, slandering an innocent person out of thin air?"

Jiang Xuan was annoyed, his expression carrying a touch of helplessness and gentleness.

"You think highly of that child? Or is it pity for him?" Willow Deity asked again, her voice soft yet striking straight to the heart.

"Thinking highly of him is absolutely true; pity is out of the question."

Jiang Xuan wore a faint smile; Boy was so resilient and full of vitality that he fundamentally needed no one's pity.

Since ancient times, the Heavenly Emperor Huang who is invincible under heaven and earth — who would dare pity him?

Jiang Xuan merely wanted to use this stretch of time to hope that the Heavenly Emperor Huang's path would no longer be so arduous.

A willow leaf drifted out leisurely; Willow Deity spoke no further.

As she gradually recovered, the past events Willow Deity remembered grew more and more; in her eyes, the so-called Supreme Bone, or Double Pupils, were nothing earth-shatteringly extraordinary.

Of course, this did not mean she was indifferent to Shi Hao; on the contrary, she cared about Shi Hao the person himself, not that former Supreme Bone.

……

A piercing eagle screech that shattered the Heavenly Vault instantly tore through the long sky.

The eagle's cry contained powerful momentum; the Shi Cun people were caught off guard, many feeling as if struck by a heavy hammer in their ears, unbearable pain, their silhouettes trembling.

Jiang Xuan was also startled by this sharp sound; he raised his eyes, his gaze piercing through layers of cloud and mist, looking toward the Green-Scaled Eagle circling in the sky.

This eagle spread its wings, blotting out the sky and covering the sun; each wingbeat stirred up howling air currents.

Jiang Xuan was helpless, laughing and cursing: "These brats truly know not the height of heaven nor the depth of earth." Boy and the others' act of stealing the Green-Scaled Eagle's hatchling would surely bring a storm.

In the blink of an eye, Jiang Xuan stood at the village entrance.

His gaze was like a torch, penetrating everything; with one glance he locked onto that Green-Scaled Eagle, imposing and crying incessantly.

Hmph, as well as Boy and the others hiding in the mountain cave.

Seeing Jiang Xuan arrive, Shi Yunfeng's expression was anxious; he stepped forward quickly and said: "Hongmeng Teacher, Boy and the others…"

Jiang Xuan raised a hand to interrupt, his voice like a great bell: "I already know. When they return, each family take back your own child; stir-fried bamboo shoots with meat — these children are truly too insensible!"

This matter occurred in Shi Cun; if it were in another village, such reckless behavior could likely trigger a catastrophe where life is charred and the people suffer.

Jiang Xuan glanced at Shi Linhu and the others tightly gripping knives and spears; his expression was calm yet exuded an undeniable authority: "Put down the knives and spears; this matter I will handle."

Hearing this, everyone suddenly breathed a sigh of relief.

In their hearts, Hongmeng Teacher was unfathomably deep, and Shi Cun was safe.

Jiang Xuan stepped forward, his gaze shooting like a sharp sword toward that Green-Scaled Eagle about to attack the mountain cave where Boy and the others hid, and uttered two words: "Freeze!"

In an instant, the Green-Scaled Eagle's movements abruptly froze.

It sensed in Jiang Xuan's gaze a destructive power of deterrence sufficient to destroy everything; a single word, yet it felt as if placed in an endless dark abyss, its whole body shrouded in fear.

The Green-Scaled Eagle slowly turned its body in midair, its gaze falling on Shi Cun, eyes full of panic.

"The children acted recklessly, disturbing your family's peace." Then he shouted: "Why don't you come out!"

"Yes, Master!" Boy's voice rang out in the mountain cave, followed immediately by a group of kids bursting out like unbridled wild horses, charging toward the village.

"Noisy!" Jiang Xuan let out a thunderous shout, sound waves rolling like Thunder, shaking everyone's eardrums with pain.

Then he gestured to the Green-Scaled Eagle in the sky and said solemnly: "Its mother left for a moment, and you stole its hatchling — what kind of conduct is that? Hurry up and apologize!"

The little fellows wore faces full of bewilderment, looking at each other, completely at a loss.

Seeing this, Jiang Xuan's expression grew even sterner: "What are you standing there dazed for? When you become parents in the future, if someone steals your children, what will you do then?"

"Apologize this instant!"

The Stone Village people were likewise bewildered at this moment, completely unable to understand how things would develop.

Boy was very obedient, immediately shouting at the Green Scaled Eagle: "Auntie, sorry, we shouldn't have stolen your child!" This one "Auntie" left everyone staring with dropped jaws in astonishment.

The Green Scaled Eagle was equally astonished; it had never imagined things would develop in such an unexpected direction.

Shouldn't the normal development be rivers of blood flowing?

Seeing this, the other children also followed suit and apologized one after another.

The Green Scaled Eagle stared fixedly at them for a long while, then turned its head to look at Jiang Xuan, slowly nodding its eagle head, as if accepting their apology. (Chapter End)