In the depths of the Ancient Wasteland Region, beneath the Bodhisattva Ancient Tree, over forty figures had gathered. Every single one of them was a powerhouse above the Dou Zun realm — the type of figures revered as pillars of the Central Plains.
Moments ago, they had all been pulled into the Bodhisattva Ancient Tree's illusion together, only to be expelled together. Once they regained their senses, they understood that it must have been the tree's test — and that being expelled meant they had failed.
They didn't know the truth — that they hadn't failed at all. It was merely because of a certain handsome troublemaker's offhanded comment that they had been kicked out early.
If everyone had failed equally, that would've been one thing. But clearly, one person had succeeded — and even received a treasure from the Bodhisattva Ancient Tree.
At that moment, hearts began to change.
Even Hun Yu's expression grew ugly. Glancing at the ancient tree exuding gentle waves of pure energy, he recalled the bizarre illusion earlier. Just thinking about it made his heart tremble, and he dared not harbor even the faintest thought of defiance.
Then, his demeanor shifted. His face softened into that of a refined gentleman, his voice smooth and courteous as he said, "As expected of the Bodhisattva Ancient Tree — truly divine. Without even realizing it, we were all drawn into its illusion."
"Who would've thought Brother Xiao Yan could escape such a test? I must admit, I am deeply impressed. Tell me, Brother Xiao Yan, could that treasure in your hand be the legendary Bodhisattva Seed — the kind that helps one ascend to the Half Saint realm?"
Boom!
The crowd erupted in an uproar. Among those who came seeking the Bodhisattva Ancient Tree, the greatest goal was, of course, the Bodhisattva Heart that could grant sainthood. But the next best thing — the Bodhisattva Seed — could help one break through to Half Saint.
And now, one such seed was clearly in Xiao Yan's possession.
Xiao Yan's expression darkened. Surrounded by countless pairs of greedy eyes, he knew today's situation would not end peacefully.
In truth, he himself was confused. He had no idea why a Bodhisattva Seed had appeared in his hand — one that had cleared his mind within the illusion.
Could it be that the Bodhisattva Ancient Tree had chosen him, gifting him the seed directly? The thought sent a surge of excitement through him. Whatever the reason, what was in his hand now was his — and he had no intention of letting it go.
Frowning, Xiao Yan glanced toward Gu Xun'er. Without her protection, he knew he couldn't keep this seed on his own.
Gu Xun'er met his gaze and gave a faint nod — subtle but certain. Her feelings toward him were complicated. Though she had been disappointed by him in recent years, her first love was something she couldn't simply erase.
Some attachments were carved too deep to forget.
Seeing her nod, Xiao Yan felt an odd sense of calm. He knew if he didn't speak now, Hun Yu's trap would close in completely.
"So what if it is? So what if it isn't?" he said coldly. "The Bodhisattva Ancient Tree stands right before us — why fixate on a single seed when the Bodhisattva Heart lies within reach?"
His words had the desired effect. Compared to the Bodhisattva Heart, a Bodhisattva Seed was indeed insignificant. Yet, to seize the Bodhisattva Heart… after what they had just experienced in the illusion, few dared imagine the risk.
Still, greed always found a way.
"The Bodhisattva Heart is mine!" someone roared, his voice filled with frenzy.
A peak Dou Zun, brimming with confidence, shot toward the tree. The thought of obtaining a treasure that could make one a Dou Saint was enough to drive him mad.
One moved — and then ten more followed.
They unleashed their movement Dou Techniques, moving like lightning toward the radiant glow atop the Bodhisattva Ancient Tree.
Boom! Boom!
Even as they flew, they sabotaged one another, blasting out strikes and shockwaves. Some evaded; others weren't so lucky and were struck midair.
The first to reach the divine glow reached out — only for countless vine-like tendrils to lash out from the Bodhisattva Ancient Tree like thunderbolts.
Pa! Pa! Pa!
A series of sharp cracks echoed, followed by agonized screams.
The Bodhisattva Ancient Tree rarely killed — it only punished. But against its vines, even these Dou Zuns were utterly powerless. The whips tore through their defenses, leaving their bodies bloodied and their pride shattered.
One by one, they stumbled back, covered in wounds, eyes filled with terror. Their Dou Qi was mighty, but before this ancient being, they were as helpless as children provoking a giant.
The scene silenced the crowd. None dared move again. Clearly, seizing the Bodhisattva Heart by force was futile. And so, all eyes turned back toward Xiao Yan.
The deputy master of the Profound Sky Sect, Liu Cang, stepped forward, voice dripping with venom.
"Xiao Yan, you vile schemer. You knew the Bodhisattva Ancient Tree's power, yet you provoked us to challenge it — clearly to see us destroyed! You must have a secret way to communicate with it. So, either give us that Bodhisattva Seed, or… humph."
The killing intent in his eyes was unmistakable. His vast Dou Qi surged, and everyone could tell he was a hair's breadth from striking.
The others exchanged glances — their meaning was obvious.
Either give us the method… or give us the seed.
Xiao Yan's expression turned grim. Surrounded by dozens of predatory gazes, even his spine felt cold. These people weren't bluffing — if he didn't comply, they'd tear him apart.
But he was equally frustrated. If he could communicate with the tree, why would he have needed the seed in the first place?
Then, Jiu Feng of the Heaven Demon Phoenix Tribe stepped forward, his multicolored pupils gleaming. "Let's be fair. We all braved death to reach this place. It would be… unfortunate to leave empty-handed. Brother Xiao Yan, if you know anything, tell us. We'll owe you a favor."
Hun Yu, Liu Cang, and Jiu Feng tightened their circle, pressing Xiao Yan from every side.
But Xiao Yan said nothing. His brow furrowed; his jaw clenched. He truly didn't know what to say.
Above them, the Bodhisattva Ancient Tree shimmered with tranquil radiance. Streams of pure energy coiled around its branches like mist, filling the air with serenity.
Below, however, the atmosphere was tense and suffocating. The Dou Qi of dozens of experts intertwined like chains, forming a cage that locked Xiao Yan and his companions in place.
Hun Yu, Jiu Feng, Liu Cang — and many hidden powerhouses — all waited. Everyone wanted the seed.
The members of the Falling Star Pavilion looked uneasy, while those of the Gu Clan wore grim expressions.
"Miss," said Gu Qingyang through clenched teeth, "Xiao Yan has provoked everyone. If he truly possesses a way to communicate with the tree, the Gu Clan can protect him — but if not…"
Gu Xun'er's calm eyes swept the field, her tone soft but resolute. "Today, Xiao Yan will be protected by my Gu Clan."
As if to echo her words, the heavens trembled.
A vast spatial tunnel opened in midair — its appearance heralding that the storm of conflict had only just begun.
(End of Chapter)
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