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Chapter 72 - 72: Thirty Thousand Years Ago, I Planted a Tree
Chapter 72 - 72: Thirty Thousand Years Ago, I Planted a Tree
Chapter 72: Thirty Thousand Years Ago, I Planted a Tree
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
As the saying goes, “Take one’s money, undertake their troubles.”
The scattered cultivators present were hired by Yushou An from the market at a high price.
With the emergence of the portal in the dragon whale’s mouth, it became clear to everyone that Yushou An’s ancestor’s tomb was likely hidden within the whale’s body.
The mutated Qingxin Wood, towering a thousand Zhang high and with thousands of branches, drawing sustenance from the dragon whale’s essence, was obviously a formidable entity.
Now was the time for them to earn their keep and escort their employer through this peril.
“Let’s go,” a tall scattered cultivator called out.
The others, gripping their mystical artifacts and some wielding talismans, prepared for battle.
Yushou An, a core disciple from his clan with substantial resources, had been generous. He promised to cover all costs incurred in the battle, including treatment for any injuries, along with a substantial consolation prize. With such rewards, the scattered cultivators viewed the daunting tree as if it were a treasure trove.
Cheng Lingzhu drew her Phoenix Blood Sword.
The sword vibrated slightly, emitting a buzzing sound. It was the sword spirit, excited for battle.
After being reforged in the Divine Weapon Pavilion by Wan Zuchang, the previously dormant sword spirit was reawakened by the nourishment of the sword.
This was its first battle since seeing daylight again.
It was also Cheng Lingzhu’s first battle since her memory had been awakened.
She wanted to test whether her combat skills, honed in the past, had dulled.
Lu Xuan’s waist-sheathed white jade sword also vibrated in anticipation, floating beside him.
Lu Xuan pushed the eager sword back into its sheath.
“Why use a sledgehammer to crack a nut?”
The sword spirit, feeling slighted, communicated its protest to Lu Xuan.
Lu Xuan sighed.
“Alright, alright, you can join in, but remember to hold back. And… Don’t unsheathe.”
The sword spirit immediately brightened up, transmitting a burst of joyous emotions.
With different thoughts in their minds, the cultivators, led by Yushou An, charged towards the dragon whale’s corpse.
Eastern Sea.
A black warship tore through the raging winds, cutting through the waves. Atop its mast fluttered a dark red flag, emanating a dense, bloodthirsty aura.
A towering man stood at the prow. Clad in black armor with a fierce mask on his face, he gripped a pitch-black spear in his hand.
Behind him were three thousand pirates, dressed in short garments with scarves around their heads. Each wore a short dagger at their waist, their faces and exposed skin adorned with water-patterned tattoos.
These three thousand pirates each possessed their own cultivation. However, an eerie silence prevailed on the warship, with not a single word spoken.
“Remember your current identities!” the man in black armor turned and declared loudly.
“You are now ruthless pirates, committing every imaginable atrocity! Check your belongings one last time. During the operation, do not reveal your true identities!”
“Understood!”
The collective response of the pirates merged into a formidable force, soaring skyward, scattering the distant seagulls.
On an island at sea, a young man in a blue robe sat cross-legged, meditating.
“It’s almost time,” an old voice echoed in his mind.
The young man opened his eyes, revealing a bright and serene gaze, carrying an air of youthful grace.
He took off a miniature clay figurine from his waist. The figurine, about the length of a finger, was grayish-white and had an ancient design.
Placing it respectfully on a large stone before him, the youth asked, “Elder
Qing, what should I do?”
“A portal will open soon,” the old voice responded. “When it does, recite the mantra I taught you to enter it. We will use this portal to directly reach the ruins.”
“Elder Qing, about the power inside you…”
The young man looked concerned, communicating with the clay figurine. “Don’t worry,” the voice reassured him. “Opening a portal is within my power, thanks to the energy I’ve accumulated.”
The youth bit his lip, saying hesitantly, “Elder Qing, you mentioned your spirit is unstable. If this harms you, I’d rather not enter the ruins!”
“Nonsense!” the old man chided. “As cultivators, we must be brave and diligent. Hesitation and weakness are unbecoming! Jiang, if you continue with this temperament, it will hinder your path to enlightenment!”
“Yes,” the youth replied, bowing his head, not objecting further.
The old man sighed, “Fenghuo, I don’t mean to blame you. You come from a mundane background and are new to the world of cultivation. You must understand that cultivation is like rowing against the current; there’s no room for hesitation or softness. You must keep moving forward, even if it means losing much along the way.”
He was originally from a common family in a small kingdom in the Eastern Barren Wastelands, orphaned from a young age and bullied by his peers. An accident led him to the clay figurine.
The figurine housed a consciousness named Qingyu, who taught him the ways of cultivation and opened a new world for Jiang Fenghuo.
To Jiang Fenghuo, Elder Qing was a figure shrouded in mystery, possessing extensive knowledge about cultivation and imparting an unnamed immortal scripture that set him on the path of cultivation.
Although Elder Qing had yet to formally accept him as a disciple, Jiang Fenghuo already regarded him as his mentor.
“Moreover, the legacy within that ruin is extraordinary, related to the ancient Heavenly Emperor Xu… Yes, nowadays, you call such ruins a heavenly realm,” Qingyu’s voice continued.
“Three thousand years ago, I accidentally entered it and found that this heavenly realm had not yet opened. So I planted a Qingxin Wood from the sea clan to weaken the ruin’s power, hoping it would emerge sooner. Yet, even with external forces, Xu’s Heavenly Realm only reappeared after thirty thousand years.
The Heavenly Emperor Xu was immensely powerful, and its legacy will attract major sects and schools. Fortunately, no one else knows about this besides me…
Jiang, whatever it takes, you must secure the treasures within this heavenly realm!”
“Understood!” Jiang Fenghuo nodded earnestly.
After a moment, he couldn’t help but ask, “Elder Qing, is there something inside Xu’s Heavenly Realm that can help you rebuild your physical body?”
“…Perhaps.”
Qingyu paused before responding, “Xu’s heavenly realm, wielding the power of creation and destruction, should contain something to restore my spiritual power… We’ll search for it once we’re inside.”
“That’s great,” Jiang Fenghuo smiled, relieved. “Don’t worry, Elder Qing, I will secure the legacy within this secret realm!”
Qingyu fell silent.
Inside the clay figurine, a translucent soul sighed softly.
He hadn’t expected Jiang Fenghuo to be so pure-hearted…
With a sigh, Qingyu reflected on his reluctance to possess such a kind-hearted young man..