"Our Shenmu clan reveres life in its natural state and does not conceal our appearance."
Xiao Wenbing nodded. Perhaps its appearance reflected its current physical condition. This Divine Tree Ancestor had teetered on the brink of death for hundreds of thousands of years. Although it had been saved, it was likely still quite weak, so its aged appearance was not surprising.
Just as Xiao Wenbing hesitated, the Divine Tree Ancestor said again, "Little friend, you've worked hard for me. Now that I've regained some of my abilities, you can stop now."
"Is that so? Then stop..." Xiao Wenbing chuckled and said, "Alright, stop, stop!"
However, despite his words, he showed no intention of stopping. Indeed, just consider that the other end of the energy conversion array contained chaotic power capable of destroying an entire realm. If he stopped now, where would this energy go? Was he, Xiao Wenbing, supposed to absorb it? He feared he wouldn't even be able to absorb one ten-thousandth before becoming the first cultivator to explode from excessive energy.
The Divine Tree Ancestor looked at Xiao Wen with bewilderment. This child was still persisting. How could he be so unconcerned about the loss of energy?
Xiao Wenbing suddenly looked up and said, "Senior, you have only just awakened. Have your abilities been restored?"
The old ancestor of the divine tree shook his head blankly, while Xiao Wenbing said solemnly and righteously, "Since you have not recovered, I naturally cannot stop. For your comfort, I would not hesitate to give my life."
The Divine Tree Ancestor was deeply moved. For hundreds of thousands of years, his mind had only been clear for a short time. And now, he had encountered such a human being who was willing to risk his life for him. How could he not be deeply moved?
"Good, good boy."
Quini and the others, however, understood the situation perfectly. Seeing Xiao Wenbing so easily deceive the old man, they all felt a sense of utter absurdity, and secretly, they were indignant that Xiao Wenbing dared to deceive the Divine Wood Ancestor of the Flame Realm. However, to risk offending both of them by stepping forward and revealing the truth was not something a wise person would do.
"Why don't you go back and rest, sir? I'll do my best," Xiao Wenbing said with a smile and a gentle tone.
Seemingly just awakened from a slumber of hundreds of thousands of years, the Divine Tree Ancestor was clearly somewhat listless. Without further ado, it returned to the great tree. However, it wasn't to rest; instead, it hurriedly used its leaves to check on the specific situation of the Flame Realm.
Over hundreds of thousands of years, the world has undergone tremendous changes.
The energy of the thundercloud storm was indeed powerful, but even the most powerful energy has its limits. Two days later, the thundercloud storm that had destroyed the Dark God and threatened the entire cultivation world finally disappeared completely. The Divine Tree Ancestor of the Flame Realm was also completely renewed, and even his appearance was much younger.
Volume 6, Chapter Sixteen: The Grand Ceremony of Scams and Deception
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Witnessing the expression on the Divine Tree Ancestor's face, Xiao Wenbing had to admit that it was indeed one of the greatest life forms in the universe. After it recovered some of its energy, everything began to develop in the best possible direction, and the entire Flame Realm was revitalized.
Above the energy conversion array, the masters of artifact crafting in the Flame Realm built a simple stone pavilion to commemorate this greatest moment for the Flame Realm.
At this moment, sitting atop this stone pavilion were seven people and the Divine Tree Ancestor. They were none other than the four immortals, including Quini, and Xiao Wenbing, along with the two women, Feng and Zhang. The fact that Quini and the others were here with the Divine Tree Ancestor at a time when everything was in ruins suggests that the matter they were discussing was extremely confidential and important.
"Hundreds of thousands of years ago..." The old man looked up at the sky and sighed, "I was ambushed, which is why this happened."
Xiao Wenbing curled his lip. More nonsense! Anyone can tell you that you've been ambushed. You're not tired of living and want to die on purpose, are you? Even if you wanted to die, it would be difficult to drag someone of the Dark God's caliber down with you.
“We understand, which is why we want to know who attacked you,” Queenie said respectfully.
"Hmm." Ancestor Shenmu frowned and considered for a long time. Amidst everyone's anticipation, he slowly said, "I don't know him."
Everyone burst into laughter.
"You don't recognize him?"
"Yeah, I've never seen this guy before, so what can I say?"
The group exchanged bewildered glances; the Divine Tree Ancestor's words made sense. They were certain the person who had ambushed them wasn't from the Flame Realm, but how could they possibly distinguish those from other planes?
“However, I suspect that there is a ferocious beast among them.” The Divine Tree Ancestor’s gaze swept over the crowd as he spoke slowly.
"A ferocious beast? What are its characteristics?" Xiao Wenbing jumped up from his chair, a thought flashing through his mind: Could it be such a coincidence?
"That was a ferocious beast with a single horn and four eyes. It must have come from some celestial realm."
Xiao Wenbing and Feng Baiyi quickly exchanged a glance. So, the ferocious beast that appeared on Zhenmo Star was not a coincidence.
A somber atmosphere settled over the pavilion. Although Xiao Wenbing didn't want to cause panic in the two realms, he had already mentioned the appearance of this ferocious beast to Quini and Zhang Yaqi. Therefore, they both knew the reason behind it, and their expressions were now filled with astonishment and uncertainty.
How did that ferocious beast ambush you?
The Divine Tree Ancestor gave a wry smile and gestured. Suddenly, a small hole appeared in the massive tree trunk, and a small iron rod flew out from inside the trunk and onto the round table among the group.
"This is... the Spirit of Gold?" Xiao Wenbing was greatly surprised. Although its appearance and style were completely different from the Spirit of Gold given by the old tortoise god, his divine sense search revealed that the two were very similar.
"Young man, you have a keen eye." Ancestor Shenmu sighed, "Back then, it was that ferocious beast that nailed this thing into my body. Then it set up an array and even brought the Dark God here, trying to force two things out of me."
What is it?
"The Spirit of Wood and the Spirit of Fire. Hundreds of thousands of years ago, when I was at the peak of my energy and about to separate the Spirit of Wood, this group of people somehow got wind of it and managed to block my way. They forced me to hand over the two Spirits of Heaven and Earth."
"The spirits of the five elements? They're collecting the spirits of the five elements?" Xiao Wenbing exclaimed in surprise. So, those guys had the same goal as him.
"Exactly."
"How did the Spirit of Fire end up in your hands?"
The Divine Tree Ancestor laughed heartily, unable to conceal the smugness in his voice: "That was also a stroke of luck. Back then, our Flame Realm was fortunate enough to discover a glimmer of fire spirit within a dying star. I was eager to help, so I lent it a hand. After the child gained some consciousness, it hid in another star, diligently cultivating, while maintaining constant contact with me."
"You said the Fire Spirit was cultivated by frivolity."
"Yes, the Fire Spirit is extremely rare. It would have been impossible for it to be formed without the full assistance of the Divine Tree Ancestor of that realm."
"How many have you bred?"
"Of course there is only one. Do you think everyone can be as lucky as me? To be able to find a Fire Spirit in its budding stage is a true stroke of luck. I guarantee that not even one in a hundred million Divine Tree Ancestors will have such good fortune."
Xiao Wenbing nodded in understanding, finally grasping the true value of the Fire Spirit.
"Has your Earth Spirit been captured by them?"
Ancestor Shenmu was taken aback and asked, "Why don't you ask about the Spirit of Fire?"
Xiao Wenbing rolled his eyes helplessly and said, "Look at Quini."
After observing him for a while, the Divine Tree Ancestor asked, "What's wrong with him?"
"He came from the Immortal Realm and encountered the Fire Spirit of this Realm, which is why he possesses Immortal Fire. Are you satisfied with this answer, sir?"
Only then did the Divine Tree Ancestor understand that the Fire Spirit had already reached the Immortal Realm and could still help those who came after it to cultivate, so it was impossible for it to be captured. He smiled with relief, putting aside his greatest worry. The old man said, "No, the Fire Spirit must have escaped to the Immortal Realm on its own later, while the Wood Spirit became the nourishment to prolong my life, which is why I was able to persist for so many years even after I lost the source of life."
"Absorb the source of life? What is that?"
"The source of life is the seawater in the Sea of the Underworld. It was because I lost my divine consciousness and this thing blocked my passage that I was unable to replenish my energy."
Xiao Wenbing and the others suddenly realized why every ancient tree had a passage leading to the underworld at its root.
Upon hearing that the Fire and Wood spirits had not fallen into that person's hands, Xiao Wenbing and the others breathed a sigh of relief.
Picking up the remnant of the Golden Flame Spirit Core from the table, Xiao Wenbing asked, "Can this thing really trap you, sir?"
The Divine Tree Ancestor smiled wryly and said, "All things in nature are mutually reinforcing and mutually restraining. Metal can restrain wood. As long as it is used properly, it is not impossible."
Feng Baiyi suddenly asked, "If we had the same method, could we bind the Divine Tree Ancestor from other planes?"
"If we are completely unprepared, then of course we can."
"This is bad!" Xiao Wenbing exclaimed in alarm, "That ferocious beast's purpose in going to the cultivation world..."
Feng Baiyi nodded slowly and said, "It must be for the Spirit of Wood."
Xiao Wenbing flicked his finger, and the flying sword message was sent out casually. After a while, a small sword of the same brilliance appeared in his hand. He unfolded it and said, "The Divine Tree Ancestor of the cultivation world has not been disturbed."
"Fellow Daoist Xiao, is it permissible to send messages across realms?" Quini asked with great curiosity. Although sending messages by flying sword is not limited by space and time, traversing planes is a method possessed only by immortals.
"No, I only inquired with the Venerable Shenmu, and they have a special spiritual connection with the Ancestor Shenmu."
"oh."
Feng Baiyi sighed softly and said, "Fortunately, the Wood Spirit of the cultivation world was born three thousand years ahead of schedule and has moved into the Qiankun Circle. Otherwise, our Divine Wood Ancestor of the cultivation world would have been doomed this time."
Everyone understood her meaning. Since this ferocious beast had appeared in the cultivation world, it must have come for the spirit of wood. However, seeing that the Divine Wood Ancestor no longer had the spirit of wood, it did not stay any longer and returned to the Immortal Realm.
"This idiot, did it not calculate the time correctly?" Xiao Wenbing laughed and scolded. Fortunately, it didn't calculate the time correctly, otherwise the cultivation world would be in big trouble now.
Feng Baiyi calmly analyzed: "As long as it is a political party's Divine Tree Ancestor, it can produce a Wood Spirit approximately every hundred million years. However, there is a deviation of five million years between the beginning and end, and no one can be sure when it will appear. These people's goal is definitely the Wood Spirit, but they are a step too late."
Everyone nodded in agreement. Three thousand years might be an incredibly long time for humans, but for gods and immortals, it's merely a blink of an eye. Some gods can spend tens of thousands of years in seclusion, so they certainly wouldn't care about such a short period of time. The fact that this ferocious beast's calculation was less than three thousand years off is truly remarkable.
"In any case, the cultivation world will not have such worries within 90 million years." Xiao Wenbing shook his head and sighed, "At that time, if we can collect all five elements, we can turn the Flame Realm and the cultivation world into the Immortal Realm together, and then we will have no more worries."
Quini and the others nodded, but they were not entirely confident. The spirits of the five elements were extremely rare, and collecting them all would be no easy task.
A flash of light appeared in the space, and Quini reached out and grabbed a small flying sword, saying, "Fellow Daoist Xiao, the ancestral worship ceremony in the main hall is ready. Xiao Yan asked me if I could go and preside over it."
"Little Yan?" Xiao Wenbing was taken aback, then remembered that this was Elder Yan, and couldn't help but laugh and say, "Alright, let's go together."
Before bidding farewell to the Divine Tree Ancestor, Xiao Wenbing casually asked the old man for the remains of the Golden Spirit. Although this thing had no spirituality, it was a first-class material for refining weapons. Moreover, such spiritual objects of heaven and earth were mysterious and unpredictable, even more complex than the old tortoise's shell. Even Xiao Wenbing's pseudo-divine power could not create them out of thin air, so there was never too much of it to collect.
The Divine Tree Ancestor readily agreed to Xiao Wenbing's request. After all, Xiao Wenbing had saved his life, so he certainly couldn't be stingy with such a small thing.
A moment later, led by Quini, they arrived at the temple hall, where the largest ancestral worship ceremony in the history of the Flame Realm officially began.
Volume 6 Scams and Deceptions, Chapter 17 Bad News
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The ancestral worship ceremony of the Flame Realm was the largest of the three that Xiao Wenbing had experienced. Compared with it, the ceremony of the Heavenly Dao Sect with thousands of people was simply child's play. As for the ancestral worship ceremony of the Secret Talisman Sect with only a few people, Xiao Wenbing blushed. It was hard to believe that two immortal artifacts could be obtained from the worship of nine people.
Standing atop the temple, Xiao Wenbing looked up and saw a dense, endless crowd stretching as far as the eye could see. Even the distant mountain ranges were teeming with people; heaven knows how many the temple had gathered. Aside from the three main avenues in the center of the plaza, the rest of the area was packed with people shoulder to shoulder, the level of congestion unprecedented.
Of course, the vast majority of these people were ordinary folks. It was unexpected that the actions of cultivators would involve so many mortals. On Earth, this would be unimaginable. But here, it all seemed perfectly natural.
The square and the mountains were filled with dense crowds. But what caught the eye most were the many large cauldrons scattered among the crowd, from which wisps of smoke rose. The people around the cauldrons spontaneously maintained a certain distance.
Although there were quite a few people surrounding the main hall, everything was well-organized, demonstrating the organizer's competence.
"Ronaldo, there are so many people here," Xiao Wenbing said casually.
Ronald, standing beside him, respectfully replied, "Yes, Master. Even outer disciples from most of the nearby planets have done their best to come. The number of them is naturally considerable."
"Oh...you mean, the people on these mountains are all outer sect disciples, not ordinary people?"
"Yes, Master."
Ever since Xiao Wenbing agreed to heal the Tree of Life in the Flame Realm, Ronald sincerely sought to become his disciple again. Although Xiao Wenbing repeatedly declined due to his age, Ronald consistently maintained the proper respect due to a disciple. After several attempts, Xiao Wenbing finally accepted, unable to refuse any longer. However, having a disciple who was even older than himself made him feel somewhat uneasy.