SFS Chapter 289 The Fruit of the Spirit Tree
Chapter 289 The Fruit of the Spirit Tree
The next moment, Lin Changsheng flew to the lakeside.
On the spirit tree planted by the lake, a greenish-blue fruit the size of a washbasin has condensed, continuously absorbing the pure wood-attribute spiritual energy within the spirit tree, giving birth to a rich and ever-renewing wood aura.
There was an underlying sense of closeness between us.
The spirit tree has a huge, well-developed, and dense root system that is deeply rooted in the ground, striving to absorb the spiritual energy emanating from the spiritual veins to nourish its fruit.
Although Lin Changsheng did not know what the fruit was, since it grew on a spirit tree and was closely related to his own cultivation technique, it must not be an ordinary thing.
Thinking of this, he activated the Everlasting Spring Technique, and slowly channeled his powerful Golden Core level magic power into the spirit tree.
The power of the Changchun Gong technique and the spiritual tree share the same origin, so there is naturally no rejection reaction.
With Lin Changsheng's magical power, the wood-attribute aura within the tree fruit became increasingly intense.
This continued for almost half a day, and the life force within the fruit became increasingly concentrated, thus increasing its rate of absorbing spiritual energy.
Even with Lin Changsheng's current Golden Core True Person level, he gradually felt a bit strained.
Clearly, he underestimated the fruit's 'appetite'.
"I want to see what kind of fruit it will bear."
Lin Changsheng was filled with curiosity.
He casually produced a handful of spirit stones in his hand to replenish the mana he had consumed.
But he soon discovered that spirit stones alone could not keep up with the rate at which mana was being consumed.
So he took out the fourth-tier treasure, the Myriad Wood Spirit Glue, and used its near-instantaneous mana recovery to quickly replenish the mana depletion.
This process lasted for seven or eight days.
Finally, I sensed that the spiritual tree's need for the spiritual energy of heaven and earth was decreasing.
The solidified fruit showed signs of saturation in its life force.
A few more days passed.
The fruit that was firmly growing on the spirit tree suddenly began to move strangely.
Under Lin Changsheng's watchful gaze.
With a 'snap', it detached itself and slowly fell to the ground.
In the lake below, the carp had long been drawn by this life force, their mouths opening and closing as they eagerly awaited the fruit to fall.
Just then, a gentle magical force lifted the fruit and placed it steadily in Lin Changsheng's hand.
Below, the carp's eyes blinked, looking eager and pleading, splashing water in an attempt to get its owner's attention.
But Lin Changsheng's mind was entirely on the fruit. The next moment, he picked up the fruit and flew directly into the cave.
Hua Li immediately wanted to follow, but out of the corner of her eye she saw the Snow Demon Wolf staring intently at her by the lake, drool dripping from the corner of its mouth.
The carp instantly became docile and stayed obediently in the water.
……
Dongfuzhong.
After a moment's thought, Lin Changsheng took out a second-grade high-quality spirit wood tray, carefully placed the fruit on it, and after observing it for a long time to confirm that there was no change, he withdrew his magic power and examined it carefully.
Unaware of the fruit's variety, Lin Changsheng dared not store it arbitrarily; a wooden tray was the safest option.
In his memory, some rare high-level spiritual fruits have a pure aura. Once they come into contact with metal, iron, water, earth, or other attributes, their efficacy may be reduced or even completely destroyed. Only when they come into contact with wood-attribute objects can their efficacy be preserved to the greatest extent.
Lin Changsheng reached out and gently stroked the strange fruit.
The surface luster has softened, emitting a soft green glow, like a piece of emerald green jade.
But soon, a faint smell of decay suddenly emanated from the inside of the fruit, and it shriveled and withered rapidly at a speed visible to the naked eye.
Before long, the once vibrant fruit changed its aura drastically, resembling an old fruit that had been withered and dried up for many years, exuding a desolate aura and devoid of any vitality.
Immediately afterwards, dried fruit pulp fragments peeled off the fruit and fell to the ground.
Then a slender, brown, withered branch appeared, hovering quietly in mid-air, and a faint aura of desolation emanated from it.
The second-tier spirit wood tray below was affected by this desolate aura, and the wood-attribute spiritual energy contained within it slowly dissipated, seemingly showing signs of turning into rotten wood.
"This is... a magical artifact?"
Lin Changsheng was shocked and looked surprised.
The slender, withered branch was about three inches long, with one end thin and sharp, like a thorn.
Surprisingly, besides the aura of decay and desolation, he also faintly sensed the aura of a magical artifact on this withered branch.
An absurd and strange thought arose in Lin Changsheng's mind.
Could it be that the changes in the spirit tree after advancing to the Golden Core stage resulted in the formation of this magical treasure?
Looking at the withered branch, Lin Changsheng felt curious and subconsciously wanted to reach out and touch it.
Unexpectedly, the moment he had a thought, the withered branch seemed to sense his idea, trembled slightly, and then emitted a buzzing sound.
It instantly transformed into a brownish luster, appearing in front of Lin Changsheng with a 'whoosh,' floating up and down.
After hesitating for a moment, he did not sense any signs of danger. Perhaps out of instinct, Lin Changsheng gently reached out and grasped it.
As expected, this aura of annihilation had no effect on him.
On the contrary, the moment I touched the withered branch, a feeling of spiritual connection came over me.
It was as if this withered branch was part of my consciousness, or even an extension of my body, limbs, and so on.
He tried to loosen his grip and relax.
Driven by his will, the withered branches swirled and danced lightly around him.
As the power of the Changchun Gong technique was channeled into it, a faint aura of desolation emanated from it.
Seeing this, Lin Changsheng seemed to understand something. He immediately took out a second-grade mid-level golden sword magic weapon and then urged the withered branch to stab the magic weapon fiercely!
With a soft 'ding' sound, the sharp end of the withered branch effortlessly pierced through the golden knife magic weapon.
Lin Changsheng was slightly taken aback, and quickly summoned the golden sword magic weapon into his hand to examine it.
On the back of the blade, a hole the size of a soybean appeared, with a trace of desolation lingering around it, slowly eroding and destroying the magical artifact's spiritual power.
Looking at the magical artifact in his hand that had lost its spiritual power, Lin Changsheng felt no heartache, but rather a look of surprise and delight.
Three days later.
A pale green streak of light descended upon the calm waters of Yunmengze.
Lin Changsheng appeared here.
His gaze was deep, as if it could penetrate the deepest waters.
He quickly located a body of water and propelled the Water Cloud Boat into the water.
About a hundred feet below the surface, a translucent shrimp-like monster, about ten feet long, was motionless, sensing the movement above the water.
"Late stage of Tier 2, 'Ghost White Shrimp' monster."
Lin Changsheng, who had dived underwater, recognized the origin of the monster.
Second-tier late-stage demonic beasts already possess considerable intelligence.
Sensing the aura of a Golden Core cultivator, panic flashed in its dark eyes. It immediately abandoned the territory it had occupied for so long and fled in the opposite direction.
Upon seeing this, Lin Changsheng's eyes flashed with a cold light, and the sharp, withered branch shot out, trailing a long brown spiritual light.
Even though the 'Ghost White Shrimp' was a water monster known for its speed, it was still pierced by this brown spiritual light in a matter of moments.
A dozen or so breaths later, the Water Cloud Boat leaped out of the water with a splash.
Several miles away, a 'ghost white shrimp' about ten feet long slowly floated up.
On the back of the dead 'ghost white shrimp', there was a large area of necrotic flesh.
"It seems that the desolate aura contained within the 'Wood God Thorn' can affect not only magical artifacts, but also the bodies of demonic beasts or humans."
"However, although it has the added desolation effect and is hard in texture, it is still essentially a light magic weapon. It is not suitable for head-on collision with heavy magic weapons. On the contrary, it has an unexpected effect in sneak attacks or breaking shields."
Looking at the dead 'ghost white shrimp', Lin Changsheng pondered and analyzed the pros and cons.
Based on the characteristics and shape of the withered branches, it was named 'Wood God Thorn'.
Furthermore, he made up his mind to use the 'Wood God Thorn' as the first natal magic weapon he would nurture after advancing to the Golden Core stage.
Firstly, the 'Wood God Thorn' is a pure wood-attribute magic weapon, perfectly compatible with one's own cultivation techniques and aura.
Secondly, Lin Changsheng has experienced firsthand the many wonderful uses of the "Evergreen Tree Technique" he has practiced for many years.
Since it is a magical treasure nurtured within the spirit tree, it cannot be inferior.
……
Flowers bloom, flowers bloom.
time flies.
That year, Lin Changsheng turned 150.
Since obtaining the magic weapon 'Wood God Thorn' a few years ago, he has officially begun to cultivate and nurture it in seclusion.
Now, besides his natal magic weapon 'Wood God Thorn'...
Lin Changsheng also refined all the magical artifacts, including the Vajra Bracelet, the Black Iron Ruler, the Blood Sword, and the Ancient Lamp.
As for the Azure Wood Spirit Cauldron, although it reacted more to Lin Changsheng's current magical power aura, it still could not be completely refined into its own magic weapon.
In addition, Lin Changsheng refined some of the Myriad Wood Spirit Glue again, and with the help of the fourth-tier spiritual object, his cultivation level improved slightly.
"Now only one-third of the original amount of the Myriad Wood Spirit Glue remains, but fortunately, this treasure is compatible with the attributes of my cultivation technique. If I use it all for cultivation, along with some third-tier pills, I expect to reach the peak of the early Golden Core stage within thirty years."
Lin Changsheng looked thoughtful, and couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
Currently, the spiritual vein level of the Mingling Peak Dojo is the third-grade low level, which is sufficient for his current cultivation level.
With the assistance of the fourth-tier spiritual item, the Myriad Wood Spiritual Glue, it fully meets the needs of early-stage Golden Core cultivation, and the cultivation speed does not slow down as the realm increases.
At this point, the advantages of honing one's foundation during the Qi Condensation and Foundation Establishment stages gradually became apparent.
At least at the current Golden Core stage, Lin Changsheng did not feel any strain in the process of increasing his cultivation.
Outside the cave, the fourth disciple, He Dawei, triggered the restriction.
"Master, it's almost time."
As he's gotten older, He Dawei has grown quite a bit taller and his physique has become more proportionate. He doesn't look as fat at first glance, but his eyes still reveal a cleverness.
"Instruct the disciples inside the peak to form a battle formation and wait outside."
From within the cave came Lin Changsheng's calm yet authoritative voice.
"Yes."
He Dawei bowed respectfully in response and withdrew.
Currently, He Dawei's cultivation level is at the peak of the sixth level of Qi Condensation. A few days ago, he tried to break through to the seventh level of Qi Condensation, but failed.
Logically speaking, it's already quite impressive that someone could reach the sixth level of Qi Condensation perfection in just ten years after entering the Netherworld Peak.
However, compared to the eldest brother Hao Chi and the second sister Han Jiuying, he is slightly inferior.
Half a year ago, Hao Chi, the senior disciple who cultivated the secret technique, saw his cultivation level rise rapidly. He became the first disciple of Mingling Peak to advance to the seventh level of Qi Condensation, thus upholding the title of senior disciple.
Just a few days later, her second senior sister, Han Jiuying, also broke through to the seventh level of Qi Condensation.
Although the third senior brother, Lu Ming, was also at the sixth level of Qi Condensation, the puppet ghost he raised was extremely powerful. It was said that it had advanced to the late stage of the first rank a year ago, and its strength was unfathomable.
This put He Dawei under immense pressure.
Half an hour later, the disciples of Mingling Peak assembled as instructed.
Before long, Lin Changsheng piloted the Water Cloud Boat out of Mingling Peak, followed by a huge quasi-third-tier spirit crane carrying a group of disciples.
The disciples' faces showed a variety of expressions, mostly curiosity, longing, nervousness, and anticipation.
These past few days have been the days for the small competition among the disciples of the various peaks of the Ghost Valley Sect. Elder Zhang Meng has already announced that those who achieve excellent results in the small competition will be richly rewarded.
Only the four people standing at the very front of the puppet crane had indifferent and aloof expressions, which occasionally drew envious glances from the other disciples on the peak.
……
When he arrived at Tiangui Peak with his disciples, the elders of the other major lineages arrived at almost the same time.
At Tiangui Peak, ten huge arenas have been prepared in advance, with Foundation Establishment cultivators assigned to guard each arena.
After setting his disciple down, Lin Changsheng flew to the viewing platform where the elders were gathered.
Besides Master Tan, Mo Guang, Zi You, Wan Ku, Yin Shi, and Shen Wenyao are also among them.
Upon seeing Lin Changsheng arrive, Master Tan greeted him with a cheerful smile.
"Junior brother, I was in seclusion and my cultivation took some time. I'm sorry to have kept you waiting, senior brother."
Lin Changsheng's words carried a hint of apology.
"Hehe, not too early, not too late, junior brother, you've arrived just in time. Please take a seat."
Master Tan greeted them warmly, showing no sign of blaming them.
Master Wanku snorted coldly, muttering discontentedly, "Hmph, our Sixth Elder has become quite arrogant since advancing to the Golden Core stage..."
Lin Changsheng ignored this, and after glancing around, he sat down in the empty space between Shen Wenyao and the Yin Corpse Master.
"Sixth Brother, you've only been at the Golden Core stage for less than ten years, yet your cultivation has already made significant progress. It's truly enviable. Congratulations!"
The Yin Corpse Master's gaze fell on Lin Changsheng, and he paused slightly, revealing a hint of surprise. He then offered his congratulations with a touch of sourness.
Cultivating to the Golden Core stage is already extremely difficult for most cultivators.
Yin Shi Zhenren remembered clearly that it took him more than twenty years to go from entering the Golden Core stage to stabilizing his realm.
Zhang Meng, surprisingly, not only stabilized his realm in just seven or eight years, but even made slight progress.
"Hehe, my cultivation is still very shallow and far behind that of the elders. Fifth Elder is too kind."
Lin Changsheng saw his expression, smiled faintly, and said modestly.
On the other side, Shen Wenyao didn't speak, but simply raised her eyes and smiled gently.
Lin Changsheng responded by clasping his hands in a fist salute.
Next, Senior Brother Tan summoned the hundreds of newly initiated immortal talents.
As the Guigu Sect's influence grew and its reputation spread, in addition to the mortal immortals they searched for, more and more families in the vicinity were willing to send their members into the sect.
Therefore, this batch of seedlings not only far exceeds the quantity of previous batches, but also has a significantly improved quality.
Not only are there seven or eight top-grade spiritual root seedlings, but there is also a 'earth spiritual root' seedling with aptitude surpassing that of top-grade spiritual roots.
The elders reacted indifferently upon hearing this, without much of a reaction.
The Demon Light Master, positioned at the front, remained calm and as taciturn as ever.
Master Wanku and Master Yinshi would bicker and argue from time to time, which made them both so angry that they would puff out their beards and glare at each other. In the end, they would directly wager on the result of a competition between their respective disciples.
The Third Elder, True Person Ziyou, also had a calm expression, but her gaze would occasionally drift to Shen Wenyao in the last seat, her clear eyes filled with a hint of amazement and envy.
As a woman herself, Master Ziyou was quite beautiful.
But compared to a pure and beautiful fairy like Shen Wenyao, she paled in comparison.