Battle Through the Heavens: He possesses extraordinary comprehension and is born a Battle Emperor!

Chapter 98 The Heart of the Wutong Tree.

Xiao Chong smiled slightly, sheathed his sword, and said, "It's also thanks to your skillful control that this attack would have been difficult to land."

After the worm disappeared, the two met again in front of the giant mirror.

Zi Yan smiled slightly, her eyes gleaming with disbelief: "Just now in the illusion, I encountered the 'Spirit of Sand and Wind,' which told me that the 'Essence of Sand' is hidden in the Heart of the Wutong Tree, but we must pass the final test."

"The Heart of the Wutong Tree..." Xiao Chong pondered for a moment, "It seems that it is far from over."

Sunlight filters through layers of green leaves, casting dappled shadows and adding a touch of dreamlike color to this mysterious heart of the sycamore.

The air is filled with the faint fragrance of flowers and the aroma of earth, making one unconsciously take a deep breath and feel this rare purity and tranquility.

However, this tranquility did not last long.

"Zi Yan, watch out!" Xiao Chong keenly sensed the disturbance. Before he finished speaking, several thick tree roots, like agile giant pythons, suddenly shot out from the ground and pounced straight at the two of them. Zi Yan lightly leaped away, dodging the attack, a hint of surprise flashing in her emerald green eyes.

"Are the trees here so full of life?" she murmured, a flash of light appearing in her hand as a delicate dagger appeared in her palm, shimmering as if resonating with the life force around her.

Xiao Chong drew his longsword from his back, its blade gleaming with a pale blue light, intertwining with the roots of the giant trees. Each strike was accompanied by a thunderous roar, displaying his power and determination. "We can't force our way through; we must find a way," he reminded Zi Yan, panting.

Just then, a gentle and ancient voice resounded in their hearts: "Traveler from afar, this is the Heart of the Wutong Tree, the resting place of the soul of a thousand-year-old tree. To obtain the 'Essence of Sand,' you must prove your respect for and determination to protect life."

Zi Yan and Xiao Chong exchanged a glance, their doubts and wariness lessening slightly. They understood that this was a trial for the Heart of the Wutong Tree.

Zi Yan asked softly, "Noble spirit of the phoenix tree, how should we prove ourselves?"

"You must guide them with your hearts and prove your strength. Lead these lost creatures back to their rightful place and calm their inner turmoil." The voice gradually faded away, and the atmosphere around them seemed to soften considerably.

Xiao Chong pondered for a moment, gazing at the restless giant trees, and made a plan. He said to Zi Yan, "Let's split up. I'll be responsible for clearing away the tree roots corrupted by the dark aura, while you use your abilities to soothe the souls of these giant trees."

Zi Yan nodded, her figure transforming into a green shadow as she gracefully traversed the forest. At each stop, she would gently touch a tree trunk, whispering soothing words. Strangely, under her touch, the once raging giant trees gradually calmed their branches and leaves, as if sensing some kind of comfort.

Meanwhile, Xiao Chongzheng was battling the tree roots with astonishing speed and strength. His swordsmanship was precise yet gentle, each strike avoiding vital points, aiming to disperse rather than destroy them. Sweat streamed down his forehead, but the determination in his eyes never wavered.

After much hard work, the heart of the parasol tree has finally regained its former tranquility.

The giant trees slowly lowered their branches, as if to thank the two of them.

At this moment, a dazzling bead slowly floated down from the central sycamore tree and landed in Xiao Chong's outstretched palm, radiating a warm and soft light—this was the "Soul of the Leaf".

Xiao Chong looked down at the "Soul of the Leaf" in his palm, its warm light seemingly resonating with his heartbeat.

Beside her, Zi Yan was also amazed, and said softly, "This...is this the power of the Heart of the Wutong Tree? It's so astonishing."

"Yes, I never expected that the 'Soul of the Leaf' could contain such powerful life force."

Xiao Chong slowly stood up, the beads in his hand reflecting his resolute face. "We need to find the next condition quickly—'Water Breath.' According to the sandworm, it is hidden at the bottom of the dark and deep Biquan Valley."

Zi Yan frowned slightly and asked with concern, "Azure Spring Valley? That place is said to be extremely dangerous, and even experienced explorers dare not venture there easily. Are you sure we want to go there?"

"To restore hope for my people, I must face any danger, no matter how great." Xiao Chong's tone was firm, and his eyes shone with an indomitable light.

The two then embarked on a new journey, traversing lush forests and crossing rushing rivers, finally arriving at the entrance to Azure Spring Valley. The valley entrance was shrouded in a layer of mist, like a natural barrier isolating it from the world, making it appear mysterious and unpredictable.

"This...is Biquan Valley." Zi Yan tightened her grip on her weapon and looked around warily.

Xiao Chong nodded, took out an ancient compass from his backpack, and the compass needle spun wildly the moment he stepped into the valley, eventually stabilizing and pointing deep into the valley. "Follow the compass, 'Water Breath' should be in that direction."

They cautiously entered the valley, where the surroundings gradually became damp and cold. Occasionally, the low, rumbling sound of water echoed through the deep valley, adding to the mystery and unease. As they ventured deeper, a silver waterfall came into view, cascading down like a galaxy, rushing straight to the valley floor, its steam creating a halo of seven colors.

"Look, there's light behind that waterfall!" Zi Yan pointed to the dazzling light and shadow, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes.

The two slowly approached the waterfall along the slippery rocks, and with the help of each other's arms, they finally passed through the curtain of water and arrived at a hidden cave. Inside the cave, a clear spring lay quietly, its surface rippling gently and emitting a faint blue light; this was the location of "Water Breath".

Just then, a cold wind suddenly swept by, and a dark shadow silently descended from the top of the cave, standing in front of the spring and blocking the two people's way.

"Hmph, someone actually found this place. You should know that the 'Breath of Water' is not something that just anyone can take." The newcomer was a mysterious figure draped in black robes, whose voice carried an undeniable air of authority.

Xiao Chong gripped his sword tightly, his gaze sharp: "No matter who you are, nothing can stop my determination to bring hope back to my people."

"Courage is commendable, but strength is insufficient." The mysterious man smiled contemptuously, then his figure flashed, moving with lightning speed, and he pounced on Xiao Chong.

Just as a crisis was about to erupt, a gentle yet firm force pushed Xiao Chong aside. It was Zi Yan who acted in time, using her superb archery skills to shoot an arrow with a binding spell, which entangled the mysterious man's movements.

"Run, your strength is not enough to challenge us," Zi Yan said coldly, the light on the arrow growing brighter, forcing the mysterious man to retreat.

The mysterious figure vanished into the darkness, leaving behind only the words: "Remember, strength is not everything; the real test is yet to come..."

Looking in the direction the mysterious man had left, Xiao Chong and Zi Yan exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with unwavering confidence in the future and mutual trust.

(End of this chapter)