“Of course not,” Shabir shook his head and said.
Quinni and the others were even more puzzled. If that's not the case, then what are you happy about?
With a slight smile, Shabir had whetted their appetites, and finally, when the flame in Quini's eyes reached its limit, he explained, "The formation drawn by Fellow Daoist Xiao is the opposite of that one."
"on the contrary?"
"Indeed, do you remember that after the previous Venerables studied that formation, they took some of its essence and set up a small, opposite formation?"
Quini and the others nodded repeatedly. Of course, they would not forget this matter. It was because of that opposite formation that they were able to convert the immortal energy into life energy.
"Then you should not forget..." Shabir's smile grew even brighter, as if a flower had suddenly bloomed: "The second method that Fellow Daoist Xiao mentioned earlier is to collect enough energy and convert it into life energy."
"Ah..." The three immortals, including Quini, immediately had their eyes light up, filled with hope, and looked at Xiao Wenbing with extreme eagerness.
Although Elder Yan and the others couldn't understand what the second method that Shabir mentioned was, they knew from their expressions that there was really hope this time.
The radiance in the eyes of these Venerable Ones was extremely rare; even they had only witnessed it once before. That was when, after the sacrifice of countless Venerable Ones' lives, the Universe Ring was retrieved from the thundercloud storm, and all the Venerable Ones' eyes were filled with such joy and delight.
Volume 4, The Divine Artifacts, Chapter 323: Withered Tree Returns to Spring
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Three whole days passed. When Xiao Wenbing made the final stroke and woke up from his deep thought, he was surprised to find that everyone's eyes were fixed on him.
Touching his nose, Xiao Wenbing gave an awkward smile. Although it was Mirror God's idea to draw on the ground just now, Xiao Wenbing was still deeply attracted by this formation.
Having received numerous lessons from the Mirror God, Xiao Wenbing's understanding was now vastly different from before. Although, given his current level, he certainly couldn't comprehend the true meaning of this formation, unlike Quini and the others, Xiao Wenbing had a good teacher—a teacher who fully understood all the variations of this formation.
Under the guidance of the Mirror God, he focused all his energy and spirit on this formation for the past three days. With each stroke he drew and each wisp of divine power he left behind, he would ask endless questions, and the Mirror God would patiently explain without the slightest impatience.
As a result, although Xiao Wenbing learned a lot, his speed in setting up the formation was significantly delayed. What a Nascent Soul cultivator could complete in a few hours took him a full three days.
However, even after spending three days, Xiao Wenbing was still not satisfied. The profoundness of this formation was far beyond his imagination. There were many parts that he could not understand, but even the little bit he learned was enough to benefit him greatly.
This array was actually set up by the deity who imprisoned the Dark God. Since it originated from the divine realm, it was naturally beyond the complete understanding of immortals like Quini. However, in the eyes of the Mirror God, while this array was decent, it was merely decent. Compared to those grand arrays that could even be neutralized by gods, this array seemed extremely childish.
Therefore, after observing the Tree of Life for a while, the Mirror God began to have Xiao Wenbing set up the formation. If this formation didn't require divine power to operate, the Mirror God wouldn't have made Xiao Wenbing work alone for so long.
Seeing that Xiao Wenbing had completed the layout of the entire formation, Quini immediately stepped forward and bowed deeply.
Xiao Wenbing was greatly surprised, unable to fathom his meaning. He quickly stepped aside and asked, "What is the meaning of this, Immortal Master Kuini?"
"Fellow Daoist Xiao possesses such divine skills; I, Quini, was blind to his abilities. Please forgive my offense." Quini sighed, feeling deeply ashamed as he recalled the evaluation he had given him upon their first meeting.
Xiao Wenbing immediately understood. Quini had once said that his magic weapon was quite good, but he had been dismissive of Xiao Wenbing's cultivation level. He guessed that Quini had become arrogant and then obsequious now that he had seen Xiao Wenbing set up this great divine realm formation all by himself.
Upon closer inspection, unlike the previous submissive demeanor when he needed something from others, Queenie's eyes now held undisguised admiration and respect.
With a slight smile, Xiao Wenbing felt that although he was a little tired, it was absolutely worth it. It wasn't just because he had mastered an unprecedented super formation. Of course, although he only understood a little about its principles, it was enough to earn him the respect of others.
Just like now, the expressions on Quini and the others' faces were more effective than a thousand words of flattery. At this moment, they had placed Xiao Wenbing on an equal footing and would no longer harbor any contempt for him because of their superior cultivation.
"I dare not accept such praise," Xiao Wenbing said modestly. "Immortal Kuini, are you aware that the Tree of Life in the Flame Realm has reached its limit?"
Quinni nodded sadly. If it weren't for that, he wouldn't have gone all in with the idea of attacking the Earth Spirit.
"I originally thought the Tree of Life in the Flame Realm could hold on for a while longer, but now it seems that if we delay any longer, even if we collect enough materials, we won't be able to save it."
Quini trembled slightly. He looked up at Xiao Wenbing, then suddenly bent his knees and bowed deeply, touching his head to the ground. He said, "Fellow Daoist, you have mercy."
Xiao Wenbing was taken aback. Although he was telling the truth and knew that Quini and the others had sacrificed too much for the future of the Flame Realm, he still did not expect that Quini would kneel down to him, and in such a high degree of respect as prostrating himself.
“Senior…” Xiao Wenbing exclaimed, reaching out to pull him up, but his strength had no effect on Quini.
"Fellow Daoist, you are merciful."
Almost in unison, behind Quini, all the demons, led by Shabir, whether they were critically injured and barely clinging to life or the proud Elder Yan, bowed down and paid the highest respect to Xiao Wenbing.
Xiao Wenbing's heart trembled. Looking at this group of top experts whose cultivation was no less than that of Long Feng, he was overwhelmed with mixed feelings. He looked up at Long Shi, the dragon clan elder who hated the demons to the bone, whose face was now pale.
Strangely, the hatred in his eyes as he looked at these demons had lessened, replaced by pity and a hint of respect that even he himself was unaware of.
A fire seemed to be burning fiercely in his chest. Xiao Wenbing took a deep breath and said, "Alright, Immortal Queenie, I promise you, I will save it..."
Carefully placing the small golden talisman in the center of the formation, Xiao Wenbing directed Quini and the others to retreat a hundred feet.
At this moment, his orders were more effective than imperial edicts; once he uttered a single word, no one dared to raise the slightest objection.
After Xiao Wenbing completed this array from the divine realm on his own, he not only won the respect of everyone, but also the trust of the demons.
Sitting cross-legged in the very center of the formation, Xiao Wenbing secretly contacted the Mirror God: "Are you sure that the energy of this small golden talisman can save the Tree of Life?"
"Yes, don't worry. The divine power of the little golden talisman is extraordinary. Once the Tree of Life absorbs it, it can extend its lifespan by at least a hundred years."
“A hundred years…” Xiao Wenbing looked up at the sky, and after a long while, he sighed and said, “That should be enough!”
"Yes, collecting the five elements materials is difficult, but with Quini and the others, it's much easier."
Xiao Wenbing nodded almost imperceptibly. Seeing this, Quini and the others in the distance couldn't help but admire Xiao Wenbing's elegant demeanor and extraordinary bearing...
After Xiao Wenbing agreed to extend the life of the Tree of Life, in the eyes of Quini and the others, he had already been upgraded from a fellow Daoist to a great hero.
A few golden ripples, shimmering with dazzling light, slowly seeped into the great formation beneath their feet. The divine power within the small golden talisman flowed gently downwards through Xiao Wenbing's body.
Like waves, golden energy flowed back and forth within the formation, and after a moment, the entire formation emitted the same dazzling and brilliant light.
However, to the surprise of Quini, Long Shi, and the others watching from afar, this energy, which was clearly divine power, did not exert much pressure on them.
Many experts in the Flame Realm have spent countless years with the Dark God and are naturally familiar with the characteristics of divine power. That omnipresent, suffocating pressure is the greatest feature of divine power.
The divine power emanating from Xiao Wenbing at this moment completely overturned their preconceived notions. That serene golden energy, though equally powerful, brought them a gentle, tender feeling. It lacked any sharp killing intent, yet gave them an unexpected sense of warmth.
Quini and the others had dazed looks in their eyes. Being enveloped by this strange energy, even the minds of these immortals were greatly shocked and somewhat deranged.
A continuous stream of divine power flowed through Xiao Wenbing's body into the great formation. As the divine power condensed, the light within the formation grew increasingly intense, seemingly about to overflow at any moment. However, the onlookers were unexpectedly struck by a strange thought: this formation was extremely sturdy; despite the immense power of the gods, it couldn't be loosened in the slightest.
Indeed, the energy contained in this grand array meticulously set up by the Mirror God far exceeded the divine power within the small golden talisman. Therefore, even after Xiao Wenbing had squeezed all the energy out of him, he still seemed to have plenty of energy.
With a sudden, loud bang, an opening appeared at the front of the great formation. The divine power within the formation, like a river trapped in a dam finally finding a way to flow, surged forth along its predetermined path towards the Tree of Life.
Gradually, golden light shone brightly in the sky, and the enormous, seemingly boundless Tree of Life underwent a visible change.
A new life force flowed through the Tree of Life, a pale gold hue spreading across its trunk and extending upwards. Even the withered leaves showed subtle changes; the drooping branches seemed to have gained new strength, beginning to bloom with vibrant flowers once more.
After receiving a massive influx of new life energy, the Flame Realm... that tenacious life force once again radiated new vitality.
The signs of decay and death gradually faded away, replaced by a thriving and vibrant scene.
"oh……"
The first cheer emanated from the temple's teleportation array, instantly spreading in all directions as if it had sprouted wings. Moments later, the entire holy mountain transformed into a sea of jubilation.
The clarion call of life began in the temple and, within a few short days, spread throughout the Holy Mountain, the Holy Star, and every corner of the Flame Realm where life exists.
Several days later, Xiao Wenbing emerged from the great formation, exhausted, and arrived at the Holy Temple via the teleportation array.
He gazed into the distance, and the blood-red sky had been replaced by a vibrant blue filled with laughter and joy...
Volume 4, The Divine Artifacts, Chapter 324: The Idea
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The ancient and solid stone walls are the most admirable part of the Flame Realm Palace. The practical and unpretentious architecture represents the frugality of the Flame Realm people, but it also reveals their deep sense of helplessness.
Sitting upright in this place, which is said to be the best residence in the Flame Realm, Xiao Wenbing looked around and saw nothing but stones.
All gems and exotic plants are precious. In the Flame Realm, there are no fancy things, because they have no reason to exist, and no one has the romantic sentiment to study the so-called realm of art.
Here, the beds are stone beds, the tables are stone tables, there are no elaborate carvings of flowers, birds, fish and insects, no epic tales; everything is about simplicity and practicality.
Lying on the hard bed, I unexpectedly missed the luxurious guest room at the Jade Cauldron Sect.
In the cultivation world, all cultivators with great supernatural powers decorate their residences in a magnificent and beautiful way. Even though Master Xianyun and Sect Master Tianyi only have a bed, a table and a chair in their bedrooms, the mountain gate is still like spring all year round, with hundreds of flowers blooming, just like a fairy's abode.
The more renowned a sect is, the more luxurious and extravagant its furnishings will be. It is common for pavilions to be made of gold and tables to be made of white jade.
This custom has existed since ancient times, passed down through generations, and has endured.
Cultivators possess abilities far surpassing those of mortals, and thus naturally enjoy privileges unattainable by ordinary people. Even on Earth, a place where cultivation is not well-developed, sacred cultivation sites like the Heavenly Dao Sect receive numerous conveniences from the state. Before these powerful cultivators, mortals actually have very little say.
Enjoying the offerings of mortals at will seems to have become a habit of every sect for billions of years. Wherever mortals and cultivators coexist, the same trick plays out.
But the Flame Realm is different. Whether mortal or cultivator, everyone is like an equal member of a big family. No one has any material privileges. The only difference is that everyone has a different role.
If this were told to my master and others in the cultivation world, they would probably find it hard to believe.
Suddenly, a series of light footsteps came from outside the door, heading straight for the room. Xiao Wenbing smiled slightly; the newcomer was indeed a thoughtful person. He knew that everyone here was a master, and landing silently was practically an instinctive habit.
Although this person concealed their presence, their footsteps still made a slight noise. It was clearly announcing...I've arrived. A thought struck him; someone with such intentions, coming specifically for him, must be Queenie.
Sure enough, a knock came soon after. Xiao Wenbing waved his hand, and an invisible force pulled the door open.
Looking up, he felt ashamed. It turned out that there was not one person outside the door, but the two Venerables of the Flame Realm, Quini and Shabir.
Glancing at Shabir, who was shrouded in smoke, it would be strange if he made a sound.
"Fellow Daoist Xiao." Quini and the other person bowed respectfully. All the Earth Venerables admired Xiao Wenbing from the bottom of their hearts for revitalizing the Tree of Life with his own power.
"You flatter me. What brings you two immortal masters here?" Xiao Wenbing returned the greeting and asked directly, "If it is within my power, I will certainly do my utmost."
These two individuals hold special identities and wield significant influence within the Flame Realm. It can be said that once they make a decision, there will be no dissenting voices within the Flame Realm.
Now that the Tree of Life has regained its vitality and the environment is rapidly improving, most people in the temple are extremely busy. There are so many things waiting for them to make decisions; these two are definitely among the busiest of the busiest.
But at this moment, they put down everything they were doing to come find him. Although he didn't know why, Xiao Wenbing understood perfectly well that they definitely weren't there to chat or joke around.
However, having guessed that the matter they were discussing with him was of great importance, Xiao Wenbing naturally dared not agree easily. Whatever their requests, he could simply decline with a statement that it was beyond his capabilities.
Quini was taken aback. Even the life extension of the Flame Realm Tree of Life this time was done by Xiao Wenbing. How could he dare to be so presumptuous? He smiled wryly and said, "I dare not give orders. But Quini has a question to ask you."
"May I ask for your guidance?" Xiao Wenbing was greatly surprised. He was just a Nascent Soul cultivator, while Quini and the other two were immortals who had even traveled around the Immortal Realm. After hesitating for a moment, he really doubted whether he had misheard.