Building a long-lasting family lineage starting with genealogy

Chapter 289 The Ten-Thousand-Year-Old Awakening Tree, and the Deal with the Mo Family Ancestor (Seeking Monthly Tickets!)

"True Lord Ku Rong, you've come too."

When the Yan family patriarch saw Xu Chuan, he immediately stepped forward to greet him, saying, "I knew that the Mo family would definitely invite you to the Jade Bamboo Secret Realm this time."

"Fellow Daoist Yan."

"True Lord of Withering and Flourishing".

Many Golden Core cultivators gathered around to greet them.

Xu Chuan responded to each question one by one.

Besides Golden Core cultivators, there are also quite a few Foundation Establishment cultivators at the peak of their cultivation.

Most of the Foundation Establishment geniuses who previously participated in the Gathering of Prodigies can be seen, such as Yan Kuangtu, Yan Han, Liu Yue, Cang Daoling, Xi Tianqing, Lei Chaojian, and so on.

Foundation Establishment prodigies usually come with Golden Core cultivators.

"True Lord Ku Rong, have neither Ye Fan nor Fairy Han Yue arrived?" Luo Yunshan of the Luo family asked.

He is one of the younger Golden Core cultivators in the Luo family of Xinshu City.

I've seen him before.

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

After learning about the situation in the Jade Bamboo Secret Realm, Xu Chuan decided not to let them come, as their reputation was already good enough.

What needs to be done now is to cultivate oneself quietly and gradually fade from public view.

Xu Chuan was curious about the ancient inheritance within the secret realm, which is why he came to take a look.

"They are in seclusion for spiritual practice and are not available for the time being."

"That's true. Compared to Core Formation, the opportunities in the Jade Bamboo Secret Realm are negligible to them, and your Xu family doesn't lack a few third-tier resources."

“How could we not lack third-tier resources? That’s why I’m here.” Xu Chuan chuckled.

At this moment, a Foundation Establishment cultivator dressed in light blue robes with a green jade bamboo tattoo on his chest came over and bowed to Xu Chuan, saying, "Senior True Monarch Ku Rong, my Mo family ancestor invites you to come over for a chat."

Xu Chuan's heart stirred, and he said to the people around him, "Fellow Daoists, the Mo family patriarch has invited me, so I will go and pay him a visit. Please make yourselves at home."

"As it should be."

Xu Chuan followed the Mo family member away.

Luo Wanshan asked, "Fellow Daoist Yan, why do you think the Mo family patriarch invited True Monarch Ku Rong?"

"What else could it be but asking for his help? He's at the early stage of the Golden Core realm, and he's already mastered a great divine power. His combat strength is astonishing."

He is probably the person with the best chance of passing the assessment and entering the inheritance ground in our Tiancang Prefecture for thousands of years.

It is said that the Mo family ancestor became famous in Tiancang Prefecture because of this opportunity, but the inheritance he received was probably incomplete, or rather, only a small part of it.

Initially, the Mo family kept the existence of the Jade Bamboo Secret Realm a secret until more than 500 years ago, when they invited the Tiancang Mansion forces to conquer it together.

Unfortunately, the requirements for inheriting this secret realm are too high. After two or three attempts, not a single person was able to meet the requirements.

"Can't even get past the first hurdle."

The patriarch of the Yan family sighed slightly.

"With the True Lord of Withering and Flourishing here, it seems that this is the closest the Mo family has ever come to success."

"That seems to be the case."

As Xu Chuan followed the Mo family members out of the side gate of the mansion, they were immediately greeted by a refreshing expanse of lush greenery.

Beneath your feet are winding bluestone steps, with dense bamboo branches on both sides. Dappled sunlight filters through the bamboo leaves, weaving dappled light and shadow on the stone slabs.

A gentle breeze rustles the bamboo leaves, as if a spiritual energy is flowing through them. Even your breath carries a faint bamboo fragrance, instantly bringing peace to your mind.

As you slowly walk along the steps, the bamboo forest becomes increasingly secluded.

Looking around, the mountains and fields are covered with Solomon's seal bamboo, each one tall and slender, the tallest reaching more than ten feet. The bamboo has distinct joints and its body is as smooth as jade, gleaming with a warm luster under the sunlight.

The Mo family member introduced, "Please look, True Lord. Those jade bamboos, which are bright green and carved like jade, are all several decades old and can be called first-grade spiritual bamboos."

Xu Chuan scanned the area with his divine sense and discovered some of the jade bamboo that appeared grayish-green. He asked, "Those grayish-green jade bamboo should be second-tier spirit bamboo, right?"

"A true sage's discerning eye."

"Why are there no Tier 3 spirit bamboos? I've searched the area for miles around and haven't seen any."

"The third-tier spirit bamboo is dark black, like it has been forged from black jade. It is rare and was transplanted to one place by the Mo family for easy care."

"That's true. Third-tier spirit bamboo is precious, and it will probably need to be protected by a large array."

The Mo family members smiled slightly and said nothing more.

The fact that the Mo family can occupy such a sacred land of jade bamboo shows that their strength is definitely not weak, and their foundation should be even deeper than that of the three sects.

Xu Chuan thought to himself.

After a stick of incense.

Xu Chuan and his companion passed through a mist and arrived at a black jade bamboo forest.

Although there are not many black jade bamboos here, there are still several hundred plants.

If a single piece of black jade bamboo is used for crafting, and it succeeds every time, it is enough to craft more than ten second-tier magic weapons. If it is combined with some other third-tier materials, it can be crafted into a magic treasure.

This foundation alone surpasses that of the Xu family.

"As expected of a top-tier Golden Core family with a thousand-year history!"

According to the information Xu Chuan obtained, the Mo family has been in power for over 1,500 years, 300 years earlier than the Lei family of Baiyun Mountain.

Families with such profound heritage are all likely to become Nascent Soul families.

"At the last Gathering of Prodigies, the Lei family produced Lei Chaojian, but no one from the Mo family participated. Is it true that they have no talented disciples?"

It's still because they keep a low profile.

If it's the latter, then the Mo family is probably not far from becoming a Nascent Soul family, so they don't want to attract too much attention.

The Xu family was the same; before he reached the Core Formation stage, they kept a very low profile.

Only after the supernatural power is fully formed can it begin to expand.

"Although the Cang family has existed for a longer time, it is on the decline and its overall strength may not be as good as the Mo family."

A bamboo house suddenly came into view.

All are made of jade bamboo. The bamboo walls are polished smooth and have a dull luster. The roof is covered with bamboo tiles and the eaves are slightly upturned, exuding a touch of elegance.

Three purple-gold wind chimes hang under the eaves in front of the house, their bodies carved with lotus scroll patterns.

The wind rustles the bells, producing a clear "ding-a-ling" sound that is not harsh but adds to the tranquility, seemingly able to cleanse the mind of worries.

To the left of the bamboo house, there is a pool of water, the water of which is crystal clear and reflects the shadow of the black jade bamboo.

The bottom of the pool is covered with fine blue stones, and occasionally a few spirit fish swim by, stirring up ripples.

Several unknown medicinal herbs grew by the pool, their leaves emerald green, adding a touch of elegance to the scene.

In the open space in front of the house, there is a blue stone table with a smooth and flat surface, as if polished by the years. Next to it stand two or three stone benches with warm and smooth surfaces, covered with a patina.

"This place is shrouded in mist for miles around, preventing divine sense from probing it, and it is also protected by array light screens. It should be the core area of ​​the Mo family."

“True Lord, the Ancestor is inside, so this junior will not go in and will wait outside the formation.”

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

When I reached the door, the bamboo house door opened automatically.

"Fellow Daoist Kurong's arrival truly brings glory to my humble bamboo hut."

This sounds familiar.

Xu Chuan entered the bamboo house and saw a white-haired young man sitting cross-legged on a gray futon by the window in the east corner.

There was a tea table in front of them, with two black jade teacups on it.

The lamp opposite was clearly prepared for Xu Chuan.

"Greetings, Fellow Daoist Mo."

Xu Chuan clasped his hands in greeting, then secretly released his divine sense to investigate, but he couldn't see through the other party's cultivation level.

"Fellow Daoist Kurong, please have a seat. I have been waiting for you for a long time."

"Thank you."

Xu Chuan didn't stand on ceremony and sat down generously on the futon opposite him.

"Fellow Daoist Kurong, you have truly had a great opportunity. Even Golden Core cultivators who have achieved the Divine Power Core Formation stage don't have such a foundation as you."

If we really want to find someone to compare them to, we'd probably have to look to the legendary geniuses of ancient times.

"What do you mean by this, Fellow Daoist Mo? How dare I compare myself to the ancient geniuses? I was just lucky enough to comprehend the supernatural powers that were easy for me to understand, which is why I was fortunate enough to achieve mastery of the supernatural powers."

The white-haired youth's eyes revealed the vicissitudes of life. He smiled faintly and said, "This tea is quite good. Fellow Daoist Ku Rong, why don't you try it?"

Xu Chuan picked up the teacup, took a small sip, and his eyes lit up. "Good tea, with a faint bamboo fragrance."

"This is made by soaking the morning dew from this black jade bamboo forest and the tenderest bamboo leaves at the top of the black jade spirit bamboo."

Each drop of dew contains a wisp of the purple aura of the rising sun; it takes ten years to collect enough for one cup.

The tender new leaves at the top of the bamboo, each plant only produces one leaf every thirty years, containing pure spiritual energy.

"Fellow Daoist Mo, you've treated me to such precious spiritual tea; it seems your request is quite substantial," Xu Chuan said calmly, setting down his teacup.

"For you, fellow Daoist, it's just a matter of course."

"Fellow Daoist Mo, please speak frankly. No matter how much you praise me, I will enjoy it, but some things are simply impossible if they cannot be done."

"There is a ten-thousand-year-old Awakening Tree in the Jade Bamboo Secret Realm. I wish to borrow the heartwood of this tree. I hope Fellow Daoist Ku Rong can help me."

"Awakening Tree?! There's such a rare spiritual tree in this secret realm?" Xu Chuan exclaimed in surprise. "Even in ancient times, this tree was extremely rare."

Not to mention the heartwood of the ancient Awakening Tree!

After a moment's thought, he continued, "Such a spiritual wood must be quite challenging to test."

"It is difficult, but I think Fellow Daoist Ku Rong has a good chance. You know the purpose of this spiritual wood. If you obtain it, its ownership will naturally remain with you."

I am merely borrowing it.

"If you agree, I can tell you everything I know about this secret realm."

"Compared to information about the secret realm, I'd rather know what realm Fellow Daoist Mo is at right now?"

Upon hearing that the other party wanted to borrow the heart of the Awakening Tree, he had a guess.

"With your intelligence, Fellow Daoist Kurong, how could you not have guessed it?"

The white-haired youth was calm and detached, giving people a sense of profound mystery.

"It is said that Tiancang Prefecture is weak, with only one True Monarch who has achieved great success in supernatural powers in Tiancang Sect. However, I never expected that the Mo family would be so low-key, with a True Monarch-level expert who can break through to the Nascent Soul stage at any time."

"If you, senior, are willing to show your face, the strength and foundation of the Mo family could easily double."

"Fellow Daoist Kurong, do you think this is a good time?"

The white-haired youth looked calmly at Xu Chuan and said, "Being high-profile can certainly bring great benefits, but the potential risks that come with it may not be something that you or your family can bear."

"Let me tell you a story."

"He was a young man who accidentally embarked on the path of cultivation, joined a sect, but eventually left to become a rogue cultivator. He had received a fortuitous inheritance."

His own aptitude was also quite good, so he cultivated diligently for over a hundred years and finally achieved supernatural powers and formed his core.

He established a renowned reputation.

He married, had children, and expanded his family.

Over the course of two or three hundred years, the family has grown and become more vibrant, producing two Golden Core stage cultivators in succession.

Another century has passed.

He had achieved great supernatural powers and reached the perfection of the Golden Core stage. Tens of thousands of cultivators came to pay homage to him, and his reputation was unparalleled. He was hailed as the most likely person in this region to advance to the Nascent Soul stage.

Soon after, he learned from a friend that there were items in a certain secret realm that could help one form a Nascent Soul, so he immediately went there with his friend.

Fellow Daoist Ku Rong, do you know what happened to this person afterwards?

Xu Chuan pondered for a moment, then said, "If Fellow Daoist Mo says so, he must have perished."

"That's right. In the secret realm, that friend bared his fangs and ambushed him, severely injuring him. He then conspired with others to kill him."

"That person was my Mo family's ancestor, and the other person was the Xi family's ancestor, and today is the Cangzong Supreme Elder."

The white-haired youth said, "Although the current situation of your Xu family is different from that of my Mo family back then, it is also extremely similar."

With you, the True Lord of Withering and Flourishing, in charge, and with the "Phoenix Feather" Fairy, and the background of the Heavenly Casting Sect.

If the Xu family continues to develop steadily, it is highly likely that they will surpass the Tiancang Sect.

Although the number of offspring is small now, in a hundred or two hundred years, it will surely produce many talented people and become the most outstanding Golden Core force in Tiancang Prefecture.

Do you think the Heavenly Azure Sect would tolerate your Xu family?

Xu Chuan remained silent.

The white-haired youth paused and then said, "Of course, but the situation in Cangfu is different today. With the Greedy Wolf Sect eyeing it covetously, the Heavenly Cang Sect will not destroy its own walls and force its potentially important future fighting force to turn against itself."

However, if one day this threat disappears, then your Xu family will have to be careful.

"Thank you for reminding me, Fellow Daoist Mo. I understand this point. But whether the Heavenly Cang Sect is in power or the Greedy Wolf Sect is in charge in another dynasty, our aristocratic families will always be oppressed."

"It's good that Fellow Daoist Kurong has figured it out."

"However, what is it that Fellow Daoist Mo wants to say so frankly?"
It seems highly unlikely that a mere "borrowing" or "helping" would lead Xu to participate in such a potentially dangerous assessment.

"If Fellow Daoist Ku Rong obtains the heart of the Ten-Thousand-Year Awakening Spirit Tree and lends it to me to overcome my tribulation, I am willing to protect the Xu family three times within my capabilities if I successfully overcome my tribulation in the future."

If the Xu family were to face extinction in the future, this could preserve the family line.

What kind of inheritance is found in the Jade Bamboo Secret Realm?

"It is called the Myriad Manifestations Puppet Sect. It is also a top sect in ancient times, second only to the Holy Land. It specializes in the way of puppets and the puppets it refines have countless forms and endless mysteries."

However, it is extremely difficult, with three stages in total. With your advanced supernatural abilities at the early stage of the Golden Core realm, you might be able to pass two stages and obtain a portion of the inheritance.

"Fellow Daoist Mo knows so much detail, could it be that you have also passed a test?"

"To be honest, fellow Daoist, it is true that the cave for the inheritance assessment is not difficult to find. If you wish to try, you can simply ask a few questions. I will not say any more."

If there are any other questions, I can answer them all.

No matter how kind the Mo family patriarch may appear, it's hard to guarantee that people's hearts are not filled with evil.

After all, he needed my help at this moment.

Even if it means humbly bowing one's head, if it can be exchanged for everyone becoming a Nascent Soul cultivator, probably no one would be unwilling.

The core of the Ten-Thousand-Year Awakening Tree should have an effect comparable to that of a mid-grade Calamity-Crossing Pill in resisting inner demons.

This is naturally very important to the future of the Xu family, and Xu Chuan must not let this opportunity pass.

The materials for the Crossing Calamity Pill are almost extinct, and even top Nascent Soul forces have difficulty gathering them.

However, if one obtains a complete Awakening Tree, then there is an endless supply of Awakening Tree cores.

In the hands of others, the tree heart can only be used once, but Xu Chuan controls the Dao of Life and Death. As long as the tree heart is not completely removed, he can guarantee that it will not die.

Then, with proper care at "Xu's Grotto," one can gradually recover to full health.

With the secret techniques of the "Five Elements Creation Scripture" and the heartwood of the Ten-Thousand-Year Awakening Spirit Tree, at least 15% of the Xu family's descendants will achieve Nascent Soul stage in the future.

This is already a Nascent Soul formation probability that many top sect disciples dream of.

Even among the top geniuses who participate in the Gathering of Prodigies, the chance of them forming a Nascent Soul in the future is only 0.5% to 10%. Being able to increase it by 0.5% would be a great opportunity.

As for the complete secret techniques in the "Five Elements Creation Scripture," only those with innate Five Elements spiritual bodies can cultivate them, ensuring a 30% chance of reaching the Nascent Soul stage. According to the family genealogy, as long as the Xu family continues to develop, there is a possibility that a genius with this kind of aptitude will be born in a future generation, bringing the "Five Elements Creation Scripture" to its fullest potential.

If this physique were born in ancient times, it would surely be a candidate for the Holy Son of the Holy Land.

After pondering for a moment, Xu Chuan raised his head and looked at the Mo family patriarch, saying, "Fellow Daoist Mo, the conditions you have proposed are not enough. If I, Xu, really obtain the heart of the Ten-Thousand-Year Awakening Spirit Tree, you must swear that you will not take the initiative to attack my Xu family after you have formed your Nascent Soul."

The information about the Awakening Tree's core will not be leaked from now on.

As for the protection, Xu wants to change it to three favors: to do three things for the Xu family free of charge, provided that it does not harm the Mo family or endanger his own life.

Of course, if you feel it is unreasonable, you can refuse, but you cannot refuse intentionally, otherwise you will be haunted by inner demons and your cultivation will be difficult to advance any further.

There's no need to protect my Xu family's lineage in the end.

"If the Xu family ever faces the threat of extermination, I have a backup plan."

Upon hearing this, the Mo family patriarch fell into deep thought. After a moment of consideration, he finally nodded and said, "Alright, I can make an oath now, but unless you hand over the heart of the Ten Thousand Year Awakening Tree to me, the oath will not be valid."

"Of course!"

The two then took an oath together.

If Xu Chuan's conditions are too demanding, the Mo family patriarch would probably find it difficult to agree.

Even if one reluctantly agrees, resentment will remain in their heart, which will be detrimental to the future.

"Then I'll leave this to Fellow Daoist Xu."

Xu Chuan nodded and then asked, "Is there anyone else who knows about the Ten-Thousand-Year Awakening Tree?"

The Mo family patriarch smiled faintly, "Fellow Daoist Kurong, rest assured, only I know about this. No one in the clan knows about it unless he has the opportunity to obtain this tree."

"Then I can rest assured. If someone already knew about it, then all those who knew must swear an oath before I can feel a little at ease. Otherwise, I will definitely have trouble sleeping and eating."

After all, if the news leaks, my Xu family will be in grave danger.

"I understand Fellow Daoist Kurong's concerns. I share the same concerns, which is why I haven't informed anyone in my clan."

In this day and age, unlike in ancient times, forming a baby is no longer simple.

To seize this opportunity to reach the Nascent Soul stage, all the powerful old monsters in the Northwest region would go crazy.

"Fellow Daoist Mo is prudent in his actions. It seems we will have many common topics to discuss in the future."

"Haha, I think so too." The Mo family patriarch said, "I had heard of your reputation before, and I thought you were an eccentric and arrogant person."

Now that I see it, I realize it was indeed my own prejudice.

The reminder I just gave was clearly unnecessary.

The Mo family patriarch glanced out the window and continued, "Fellow Daoist Kurong, it's getting late. In another half hour, it will be time to open the secret realm."

This is the inner disciple token of the Myriad Manifestations Puppet Mansion. Presenting this token will allow the guardian puppet to take you to the location of the Ten Thousand Year Awakening Tree.

Otherwise, it's almost impossible to find it on your own.

"Thank you, then I shall take my leave." Xu Chuan finished the spirit tea in one gulp and said with a faint smile, "This tea is quite good."

"Is that so? Then see you next time. I'll give you ten catties to take with you."

"You're too kind, Fellow Daoist."

Xu Chuan turned and left the bamboo house, following the Mo family disciples.

"He is quite a remarkable person. If no major changes occur, the Xu family, under his leadership, has a good chance of becoming the most powerful family in Tiancang Prefecture."

I hope this time will be fruitful, because there won't be another hundred years for me to wait.

Whether he succeeds or not, the Mo family patriarch will definitely attempt to break through to the Nascent Soul stage within the next ten years.

It's not just about lifespan, but also about the current situation in Tiancang Prefecture.

The Mo family patriarch withdrew his gaze, closed his eyes, and silently meditated.

Back to the mansion.

Both the Yan family patriarch and Luo Yunshan inquired about Xu Chuan's situation.

"The Mo family patriarch stopped seeing outsiders two hundred years ago. True Monarch Ku Rong is indeed a genius who has achieved great supernatural powers at the early stage of the Golden Core realm. Even the Mo family patriarch couldn't help but want to meet him," the Yan family patriarch said with a smile, stroking his beard.

"Fellow Daoist Yan is too kind. It was just a casual tea gathering."

With Xu Chuan saying this, the Yan family patriarch and Luo Yunshan naturally couldn't delve any further.

After all, they were only nodding acquaintances.

As for the ordinary tea-drinking upon meeting, no Golden Core cultivator would think that way.

If it were a regular Golden Core cultivator, one might think the same way under other circumstances.

Apart from newly promoted Golden Core cultivators like Xu Chuan, how could other Golden Core cultivators not know about the situation in the Jade Bamboo Secret Realm?

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

Half an hour later.

A late-stage Golden Core cultivator from the Mo family led everyone to the location of the secret realm, then took out a token to activate it.

This token must also be related to the Myriad Manifestations Puppet Palace, otherwise it would be impossible to sense the location of the secret realm.

If one has higher privileges, one might not even need to wait a hundred years to enter.

As the entrance to the secret realm opened, the late-stage Golden Core cultivator from the Mo family scanned the crowd and said, "Although most of you here have entered before, I still want to give you some more instructions."

This secret realm is only open for seven days. If you get what you want, leave as soon as possible.

If you exceed this limit, the entrance to the secret realm will close, and you will likely never have another chance to leave, at least that's what happened to those who came before.”

"Alright, that's all I have to say. Please enter the secret realm."

One after another, Golden Core cultivators rushed into the dark entrance, several meters wide and tall, in mid-air, followed by Foundation Establishment cultivators.

For them, entering the secret realm was purely for the purpose of harvesting spirit wood.

Foundation Establishment geniuses are testing their own combat strength and trying their luck.

There was a sudden spin.

Xu Chuan appeared in an open space surrounded by many people, unlike the random teleportation rules of the Azure Dragon Secret Realm.

"True Lord Kuru, the challenge of the Inheritance Cave is in the east, but to obtain the Spirit Wood, you must go to the west," the Yan family patriarch reminded him. "Which place do you plan to go to first, True Lord?"

"Let's go check on the spirit tree first," Xu Chuan said.

"Why don't we go together? On the way, I'll explain the rules for obtaining spirit wood to the True Lord."

"Thank you for your trouble, Fellow Daoist Yan."

The two soared into the air and immediately transformed into two streaks of light, heading west.

The rest of the people went either east or west.

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

"By the way, Fellow Daoist Yan, I'm curious, you only mentioned that the east and west are where the secret realms and opportunities are located, what about the south and north?"

"There is a Black Mountain to the north, heavily fortified, and no one has been able to cross it to this day. The south, however, is accessible; it is a vast forest with many medicinal herbs."

However, there are also quite a few monsters of the mid-stage of the third tier or higher.

If we were to encounter such an event, let alone those at the Foundation Establishment stage, even we would likely be in grave danger.

However, those monsters won't rush out of the forest, so as long as you don't go in and provoke them, there's no problem.

"I see," Xu Chuan nodded. "Fellow Daoist Yan, may I ask how to obtain the spirit wood from the west?"

"The west side is also a vast forest, but unlike the south side, the entire forest is shrouded in a mist that isolates divine sense, making it impossible to explore over a wide area."

Among them are many rare spirit trees, most of which are protected by restrictions. Simply touching them will teleport you to a certain space. After passing the Battle Capital's assessment, you can return and take the spirit tree.

If you encounter a spirit tree without any restrictions, you may take it away at will.

Of course, they weren't very valuable; they were all first-tier spirit wood or very ordinary second-tier spirit wood.

"So that's how it is," Xu Chuan said in a low voice.

"As for the inheritance cave, we only need to fly east from where we were just teleported in. At our speed, we can see a huge mountain thousands of feet high in just one incense stick's time."

The mountain is surrounded by a no-fly zone, making it impossible to go up.

At the foot of the mountain lies the Inheritance Cave, built on the mountainside, with guards stationed at the entrance.

Once you step into a certain area, the guards will awaken and pull you into a combat-like space. Only after passing through this space can you enter the cave.

The test at the entrance of the cave is not dangerous; you can admit defeat. But the test inside the cave must be a life-or-death struggle. It is said that no one who has entered has ever come out alive.

"True Lord of Withering and Flourishing, you should carefully consider this matter."

Xu Chuan nodded slightly.

"By the way, speaking of guards, there are also in the West. They are beings comparable to Nascent Soul cultivators. True Lord, please remember not to provoke them."

"I understand."

The two continued flying, and after an incense stick's time, they finally saw the forest shrouded in mist.

A guard, about ten feet tall and clad in thick armor, stood before the forest, sword in both hands.

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

This area is also off-limits to air traffic; only foot traffic is permitted.

"Fellow Daoist Yan, thank you for clearing up my doubts on this trip. Let's part ways from now on, as I have personal matters to attend to and it is inconvenient for me to travel with others."

"clear."

The patriarch of the Yan family stroked his white beard, smiled slightly, and then entered the Misty Forest alone.

After waiting for a while and seeing that there was no one within dozens of miles, Xu Chuan went to the armored guard and showed him the inner disciple token of the "Myriad Manifestations Puppet Mansion".

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

The armored guards, standing like statues, turned to look at Xu Chuan.

next moment.

With a flick of his wrist, a lifelike spotted dog, over two feet tall, appeared out of thin air in his enormous palm.

The spotted dog jumped to the ground, stuck out its tongue at Xu Chuan, and wagged its tail.

“Follow him, and you will find it.” A voice echoed in Xu Chuan’s mind.

"Thank you."

Xu Chuan clasped his hands in greeting to the armored guards.

Then they followed the spotted dog into the forest.

"The puppetry techniques of the Myriad Manifestations Puppet Mansion are truly profound, almost like living things. If I could obtain the puppet-making inheritance, it might help me with some of the tasks of cultivating spiritual herbs, or even more."

Xu Chuan recalled the various practical applications of puppetry.

"After obtaining the Awakening Tree, I will go to the Inheritance Cave to take a look. If the Mo family patriarch was able to pass the first test, I should be fine too. The rest depends on how difficult the first test is."

Xu Chuan followed the spotted dog deeper and deeper.

Two hours later, the spotted dog suddenly let out a howl.

Xu Chuan looked closely and saw the faint mist dissipate in the distance, revealing a tree that was five or six zhang tall and required several people to encircle it.

Upon arriving under the tree, the scent it emitted instantly refreshed Xu Chuan's mind and spirit.

My mind gradually cleared, as if all the gloom had been swept away.

"The Ten-Thousand-Year Awakening Tree." A hint of fervor flashed in Xu Chuan's eyes.

He raised his palm, hesitated for a moment, and finally touched the restrictions around the Awakening Tree.

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

When it reappears, it is in a closed, square space.

This place is several miles in circumference and hundreds of meters high.

A semi-transparent pale yellow light curtain was faintly visible at the edge.

Russian qing.

A mechanical voice rang out in mid-air.

The challenger possesses an inner disciple token of the Myriad Manifestations Puppet Sect; therefore, the challenge will be conducted according to the inner disciple challenge standards.

Upon hearing this, Xu Chuan felt a sense of unease.

Shouldn't there be benefits for disciples?

Why are they raising the standards even further?!

The challenge level is the fifth level. After ten breaths, a silver-level puppet comparable to the seventh level of the Golden Core stage will be dispatched. This puppet is powerful, its body defense is comparable to a low-grade magic weapon, and it can instantly cast a top-tier first-level fire spell.

Challengers, get ready!
9, 8, 7

"I'm fucking..."

Xu Chuan felt as if a hundred thousand alpacas were stampeding through his mind, and he didn't know what to say.

Without an inner disciple token, it is very difficult to find the Ten Thousand Year Awakening Tree within seven days by relying on luck, while having a disciple token will increase the difficulty of the challenge.

Xu Chuan exhaled a long breath, and a flash of green light appeared in his hand, revealing a magic weapon shaped like a short staff, covered with dark gold dragon patterns.

It was the Azure Dragon Umbrella, a top-grade magic weapon that had been refined just a few months ago!

With a wave of his hand, the Azure Dragon Umbrella opened, resembling an imperial canopy, exuding a magnificent aura.

The umbrella is made of silkworm silk mixed with dragon scales, and is dark blue in color. Thirty-six black jade beads hang from the eaves.

When attacked, the black jade bead can emit a blue light, and a phantom image of a blue dragon will condense and surround it.

The twenty-eight umbrella ribs, all silver-white, are actually twenty-eight unique magical flying swords, each about three feet long. They can be activated by hand seals, causing silver rainbows to dance and form the "Azure Dragon Sword Formation".

Once the sword formation is complete, the dragon's might permeates the air, and the sword energy crisscrosses, possessing immense power.

However, it consumes a great deal of magical power, and it is difficult to activate unless one has reached the Golden Core stage. It is also impossible to use freely unless one has a strong spiritual sense and is skilled in controlling multiple spiritual senses.

Xu Chuan felt that with his magical power, he would have to wait until his cultivation reached the late Golden Core stage before he could support the "Azure Dragon Sword Formation" to launch an attack.

One must break through to the Nascent Soul level to easily control and freely control one's divine sense.

According to the "Wood Emperor Scripture", if the power of this magic weapon is brought to its fullest potential, it can be comparable to the attack of a Nascent Soul cultivator in the early stages.

Of course, it can only hold out for a while at most.

When their magical power wanes, they are no match for Nascent Soul cultivators.

Three, two, one

The countdown stopped.

A flash of white light appeared, and a humanoid puppet about ten feet tall suddenly materialized a hundred meters away.

Its body was crafted from an unknown pale silver spirit wood, appearing from a distance as if draped in silver armor, its entire body gleaming with a cold luster.

The surface of the body is covered with fine lines, and one can faintly feel the flow of spiritual energy.

The moment the puppet appeared, it seemed to lock onto Xu Chuan, clenching its fists tightly, a crisp "click" sound coming from its joints.

The next second, his figure transformed into a silver arrow, carrying a sharp whistling sound as it hurtled through the air, heading straight for Xu Chuan's face.
"Such speed! It's in no way inferior to a late-stage Golden Core cultivator!"

Xu Chuan's eyes narrowed, and he gently spun the Azure Dragon Umbrella in his hand.

The dark blue umbrella surface emitted a blue light, and thirty-six black jade beads lit up simultaneously, forming a thick protective shield. A phantom image of a blue dragon appeared, emitting a roaring sound wave.

(End of this chapter)