Fairy, Don't Be Afraid, I Am Blind

Chapter 173 - 129: Connected Branches with the Three Elders

The reason cultivators of the Void Realm can undergo such a transformation is because they fuse with their own life-bound artifact.

Life-bound artifacts are taken from heaven and earth, and refining them signifies the beginning of a person’s integration with the vast cosmos. Once one breaks into the Void Realm, it signifies that the cultivator has truly transcended the realm of ’man’ and become an Immortal capable of controlling a domain.

Of course, finding one’s life-bound artifact is like searching for a needle in a haystack, and fusing and refining it is even more challenging.

The Heavenly Dao does not easily accept those Immortals who attempt to rival it. During the long refining process, countless celestial tribulations arise, causing many prodigies to fall.

Thus, every Void Realm cultivator, no matter their special constitutions, must overcome countless obstacles and defy the heavens to reach the summit.

For this reason, You Su absolutely cannot allow his Master to lose her realm because of him.

"Only me?"

You Su was slightly taken aback. Although he was determined to repay his Master, he hadn’t thought these matters would fall solely on him.

Senior Sister was a prodigious Feather Transformation Realm cultivator, and both the Third Elder and Master were also in the Void Realm. Could his role be greater than theirs?

"Yes, only you."

The Third Elder took a small sip, seemingly aware of You Su’s doubts, and continued:

"Do you know what the Ling Sheng Fu Di is?"

You Su shook his head.

"Ling Sheng is born from the condensation of Qi; Fu Di is a place of blessing. Ling Sheng Fu Di is a mystical cultivation land where Profound Qi naturally converges. There are eleven known Ling Sheng Fu Di locations on the Zhongyuan Continent, featuring famous mountains, vast lakes, mysterious caves, and beautiful forests, and Jade Ring Pool is one of them. It is worth mentioning that the Five Divine Mountains are each continent’s largest Ling Sheng Fu Di. However, as you can see, the Henggao Divine Mountain is filled with Immortal Sect establishments and has strict hierarchies; those who intrude without permission face severe consequences. Other Ling Sheng Fu Di are the same, with Immortal Families occupying them; outsiders must overcome many obstacles to enter. Although entry is difficult, it is not impossible, yet the Jade Ring Pool is peculiar in this regard."

"Until fifty-four years ago, Jade Ring Pool was the most open to external cultivators among the eleven Ling Sheng Fu Di. Many could admire its beauty and even gain their own fortunes there. But then, it suddenly sealed all entrances, activated an ancient Pool Protection Array, and became the most inaccessible, nearly severing all external ties. Except for going in person, there is no way to communicate with the Jade Ring Pool cultivators. Particularly against high-realm cultivators, for whatever reason, simply getting close could provoke threats or attacks from local Jade Ring Pool cultivators. It is said this is because the Profound Qi within the pool has dried up, forcing them to isolate themselves. Outsiders see it as a land of blessing, but to them, it’s their ancestral home, so it’s understandable why they’ve made such a choice."

The Third Elder spoke softly and sipped some Immortal Brew to clear her throat.

"Even the Third Elder can’t enter?"

"For these fifty-four years, no one above the Condensed Water Realm has been able to enter Jade Ring Pool. There have been exceptions: they extended an invitation to the Lotus Sword Venerable, your Master, inviting him to become a member of the Jade Ring Pool’s Immortal Family, which he declined. Other high-level cultivators who have received great benefits from the pool have also received such invitations. It has been noticed that those who have gained fortune from the Jade Ring Pool can bypass its Pool Protection Array. This is why I said currently only you can enter the Jade Ring Pool."

You Su, being quick-witted, soon figured out the reason—though he hadn’t received any opportunity from the Jade Ring Pool, his Master had, and the Lotus Immortal Seed, in essence, belonged to his Master, even though it was extracted and planted in him.

"I understand. How do I obtain the Lotus Heart at the Jade Ring Pool?"

This item was obviously extraordinary; if the Jade Ring Pool was as rumoredly struggling to sustain itself, how could it afford to hand over such a crucial item?

Unless... one could offer a treasure even more valuable than the Lotus Heart!

The Third Elder sighed faintly, lightly turned her delicate hand, and in it appeared a piece of crystal-clear amber, inside which lay a rare tree branch exuding mysterious radiant light.

You Su, without seeing its form, could sense with his Divine Sense the rich vitality emanating from the branch.

"This is the seed of the Ancient Divine Tree Emperor’s House Tree, possibly the last evidence of its existence today."

The Third Elder looked at this precious seed in her slender fingers with unspeakable melancholy and reluctance.

This tree seed had accompanied her three hundred years of cultivation, providing countless benefits. Shining Through the Ages is the Third Elder’s life-bound artifact, and this Emperor’s House Tree seed was treated almost as a second life-bound artifact.

But ultimately, it wasn’t one. The Third Elder pursed her lips and continued:

"The Lotus Heart is an exceptionally rare treasure born innately beneath the Jade Ring Pool, and such treasures cannot be valued by ordinary means. But compared to the uniqueness of the Emperor’s House Tree seed, the Lotus Heart is somewhat lesser. At least as long as Jade Ring Pool remains, Lotus Hearts will continue being produced, whereas there exists only one Emperor’s House Tree seed. If you are willing to go to Jade Ring Pool, I will give this seed to you. Show it to the Venerables of the Jade Ring Pool, and exchange it for a Lotus Heart; they will agree."

You Su had studied the Joyful Union Skill’s earth volume, which contains ancient records of natural and earthly treasures. While the Lotus Heart is not listed, the Emperor’s House Tree is among the top.