novelraw Chapter 587: The Bamboo Sovereign Pays a Visit
Chapter 587: The Bamboo Sovereign Pays a Visit
In Qinghai, on Ice Island, Ning Fan took the Solid Void Pill. After adjusting his breath for several days, with the help of the expensive pills, he completely stabilized his Absolute Void Stage.
Once the stage was fully stabilized, his figure flickered, his escape light reaching the speed of the Absolute Void Stage, and after summoning the Eight Black Burning Wings, his escape speed approached the Return to Origin Grand Void Realm, enabling his escape light to cover 500,000 li in a single bound.
Ning Fan transformed into a black flame escape light, swiftly traveling across Qinghai, his demeanor becoming more restrained.
This time, after breaking through the Absolute Void Stage, he opened the first Divine Aperture of the Fiendgods, cultivated the Royal Clan’s Divine Blood, and self-inflicted a heart cut of 100,000 years.
After experiencing the heart-cutting pain of 100,000 years, the resilience of his spirit sense was unimaginable to ordinary people.
He transformed into an escape light and sped all the way back to the Hancang Kingdom.
Upon his return to the Hancang Kingdom, only one-third of the formation array of the Siluo Bamboo Sea had been laid.
Outside the bamboo sea, the eight ancestors of the remaining eight clans of the Hancang Eight Clans awaited long outside the bamboo sea.
With the extermination of the four clans, including the Cedar Clan, there were still eight clans left of the original Hancang Twelve Clans.
Among the eight clans, only three ancestors were at the Absolute Void Stage, while the remaining five ancestors were merely at the Void Refinement Realm.
Among the eight ancestors were Ancestor Wei Feng of the Weizi Clan and the Great Elder Qin Shuangzi of the Qinnan Clan.
The eight of them showed respectful expressions, came without hostility or weapons, merely to foster good relations with the Min Luo Race and discuss some matters.
They had waited here to meet Ning Fan, having been waiting for several days.
Ning Fan was not in the bamboo sea, so he naturally did not meet them, and they dared not break into the bamboo sea recklessly.
"This Lu Bei is merely a Void Inquiry cultivator. Even if he could single-handedly destroy the four Cedar Clans, his combat power would at most reach the Return to Origin Grand Void Stage... his airs are a bit too much, aren’t they? We eight ancestor patriarchs who seek an audience with him, and he avoids us, leaving us here for days!"
Among the Hancang Eight Clans, Jade Tower Ancestor from the Jade Tree Clan snorted in dissatisfaction, being at the Absolute Void Stage.
"Fellow Daoist Jade Tower, be cautious with your words, for speaking too much invites trouble." Qin Shuangzi gently reminded him with a smile.
"That Lu Bei’s divine skills are not comparable to an ordinary Return to Origin Grand Void cultivator. Since you haven’t seen him personally, it’s natural you aren’t afraid." Ancestor Wei Feng shook his head, disapproving of Jade Tower Ancestor’s attitude.
Jade Tower Ancestor, wary of Ning Fan’s reputation, dared not speak further.
At this moment, a direction of escape light flew from outside the bamboo sea, growing closer until it transformed into the figure of a young man in white landing on the ground, none other than Ning Fan.
Upon seeing the eight elders standing outside the bamboo sea, Ning Fan’s gaze remained unchanged. Sweeping his eyes over them, he immediately discerned their identities from the clan emblems embroidered on their attire of the Hancang Eight Clans.
"Lu Bei of the Min Luo, greetings to the fellow Daoists of the Hancang Kingdom." His words held no arrogance, nor humility, only a calm tone.
Though the tone was calm, a faint Absolute Void aura subtly emanated from him.
Sensing this Absolute Void aura, Ancestor Wei Feng, Qin Shuangzi, and the other eight ancestors were immediately shocked, each reflecting secretly.
"Wasn’t this Lu Bei just a Void Inquiry cultivator? Since when did he become an Absolute Void cultivator..."
"So this person is an old monster of the Absolute Void Stage. No wonder he could single-handedly wipe out the four Cedar Clans. It seems he is not far from succeeding at Return to Origin."
Jade Tower Ancestor’s gaze showed a few traces of shock.
After detecting Ning Fan’s Absolute Void aura, he quickly extended his spirit sense, attempting to probe Ning Fan’s background further.
His spirit sense was particularly strong, three times greater than ordinary Absolute Void, but upon scanning Ning Fan, it vanished without a trace, like a stone sinking into the ocean.
Jade Tower Ancestor’s gaze trembled, saying nothing further, but his look at Ning Fan no longer held any dissatisfaction, only courtesy.
"Fellow Daoist Lu, no need for formalities. All of us ancestors from the eight clans have come to discuss some matters with you." Wei Feng politely clasped his fist in salute.
"I see. Since you wish to discuss something with me, let’s move to Siluo City and talk further there." Ning Fan replied.
"That is excellent."
The eight ancestors followed Ning Fan into the bamboo sea, entering Siluo City.
The matter they wished to discuss was the power division in Hancang Kingdom for tens of thousands of years to come.
With the fall of the four clans of Cedar, only the eight strong clans of the Void Refinement Realm remained in Hancang, and the Min Luo Race, under the protection of Ning Fan, undoubtedly qualified to be a major clan of Hancang.
With the fall of the four clans and the rise of the Min Luo, the shift in power in Hancang was naturally significant, calling for renegotiation.
Ning Fan had long decided to take the entire Siluo Bamboo Sea away, and naturally, he would take the entire Min Luo Race back to the Rain Immortal World.
Thus, he didn’t particularly care for the future power divisions within the Hancang Kingdom.
He raised no objection to any suggestions the eight ancestral patriarchs had for dividing the Hancang Kingdom.
Having single-handedly eliminated the four Cedar Clans, the territories of these clans naturally fell into the pocket of the Min Luo Race.
The eight ancestral patriarchs wanted to spend a certain price to gain some vassal powers and territories of the four Cedar Clans from Ning Fan.
Such demands, Ning Fan agreed upon, even selling all the vassal forces and territories of the four Cedar Clans to the eight clans.
Since he wouldn’t remain in the Hancang Kingdom, what use did he have for them?
After one transaction, the eight clans jointly paid Ning Fan 50 billion immortal jade and 8,000 Dao Crystals.
Afterwards, the eight ancestors stayed in Siluo City for several days, exchanging cultivation insights with Ning Fan before leaving contentedly.
After seeing off the eight clan ancestors, Ning Fan’s spirit sense probed into his storage pouch, quietly estimating the number of Dao Crystals within, he sighed softly.
Now, the number of Dao Crystals on him was roughly 30,000 pieces, equivalent to 1.5 trillion immortal jade.
Dao Crystals serve as currency above the four heavens, but they also have another use...
Ning Fan had once acquired the Rain Ancestor’s Return to Origin Formula at the Rain Palace, along with several other Return to Origin Formulas of different kinds.
All the Return to Origin Formulas shared a common point...
To return to origin, a massive amount of Dao Crystals must be consumed...
The reason a Return to Origin Grand Void is stronger than a regular Absolute Void is due to its ability to convert magic power back to Yuanhui.
This so-called Return to Origin refers to absorbing the power of Dao Crystals to transform Jiazi magic power into Yuanhui magic power.
Theoretically, an ordinary Absolute Void cultivator could begin magic power return upon reaching 36 million units of Jiazi Magic Power.
And after a successful return to origin, they could start breaking through the Void Fragmentation.
After returning to origin, the more Yuanhui Magic Power possessed, the higher the chance of breaking through Void Fragmentation.
A massive amount of Dao Crystals is needed for returning to origin, with each Dao Crystal equivalent to a return of a thousand Jia of magic power.
If a cultivator having 36 million units of Jiazi Magic Power wanted to succeed in returning to origin, they need to consume 36,000 Dao Crystals, which equates to 1.8 trillion immortal jade...
And a Grand Void with 36 million Jia Magic Power is merely the weakest kind...
A Grand Void with more robust magic power would consume even more Dao Crystals.
Returning to origin is a crucial step in breaking through Void Fragmentation, extremely money-consuming. Generally, only a well-resourced large force has sufficient financial capacity to cultivate a Return to Origin Grand Void...
Ning Fan appeared thoughtful. Having just broken through to Absolute Void, he now had 21.1 million units of Jia Magic Power, not meeting the criteria for returning to origin yet.
According to his plan, he intended to start the return to origin only after having at least 70 to 80 million units of Jia Magic Power before aiming for the bottleneck of Void Fragmentation.
Should this be the case, at least 70,000 to 80,000 Dao Crystals would need to be prepared for consumption.
From today on, he could no longer squander Dao Crystals lightly.
He summoned seven Mingluo Priests, including Qingdai, to inform them of the plan to take the entire Siluo Bamboo Sea away.
Qingdai, having heard from Master that Ning Fan intended to take the entire Siluo Bamboo Sea, wasn’t surprised.
However, Gu Luo, Xuluo, and the other six priests, upon hearing this stunning news for the first time, all showed deep astonishment but didn’t express any objections.
The large formation was still being meticulously set up.
Following his agreement with Guang Hanzi, after successfully repairing the Puppets of Zhi Huo and Zi Dian, Ning Fan erased their memories and set them free.
Then, Ning Fan personally instructed the Min Luo people in setting up the grand formation light that covered the Siluo Bamboo Sea.
Half a month later, the formation was successfully arranged.
Night fell; this was Ning Fan’s last night in Hancang Kingdom, as well as the Min Luo people’s last night there.
The formation was wood-based and its power was affected by sunlight. Tomorrow at noon, when the sun was at its peak, would be the moment to take away the entire Siluo Bamboo Sea.
On this night, Ning Fan walked alone through the four million mile territory of Siluo Bamboo Sea, inspecting for the last time whether each formation’s eye and pattern had been set up correctly.
He walked through the bamboo forest under the moon, suddenly stopping as his gaze slightly focused.
A person emerged from behind a row of Xiangfei Bamboo in front of him, a middle-aged man clad in bamboo armor.
This man’s appearance was extraordinarily imposing, his gaze incredibly sharp, carrying a concealed emperor’s might.
His aura was not overt, yet deep like the ocean.
A gentle but powerful bamboo intent surrounded him, reaching Second Grade!
Ning Fan scrutinized this man, secretly assessing that this man’s aura was comparable to the Rain Sovereign’s, most likely a cultivator at the Fifth Heavenly Layer of the Void Fragmentation Realm.
From numerous clues, the identity of this man was obvious.
"Min Luo Lu Bei, greets the Bamboo Sovereign. I wonder what brings the Bamboo Sovereign to Hancang Kingdom?"
Ning Fan’s tone was neither servile nor overbearing, exuding a hidden emperor’s might that perfectly countered the middle-aged man’s emperor’s might.
He silently guessed the Bamboo Sovereign’s intentions, but showed no fear.
Currently, he carried the Five Elements Puppets, had the help of Teng Xianrou and Luo You, and even received assistance from the five sword spirits, allowing him to freely wield Emperor Xia’s Sword.
Even when facing the Bamboo Sovereign of the Fifth Heavenly Layer of the Void Fragmentation Realm, Ning Fan might not defeat him, but he had ample power to protect himself and escape.
He feared no harm from the Bamboo Sovereign, and the Bamboo Sovereign had shown no hostility.
"Your perception is impressive. I am indeed the ruler of Eastern Tree Ocean. I came looking for you today because I have a few questions." The Bamboo Sovereign’s expression was cold and stern, as if he never smiled.
"The first question, are you a cultivator from the Rain World?"
Hearing this question, Ning Fan realized that the Bamboo Sovereign likely saw through his identity, so he didn’t fake it and answered directly.
"Yes, indeed."
The Bamboo Sovereign nodded, continuing his questioning.
"The second question, what is your purpose for entering the Tree World?"
"I entered the Tree World originally to go to the Fire Tree Clan and soak in the Zhu Rong Spring. However, now I have another purpose: to collect Tree Ancestor Fruit and advance my Rain Intent." This question required no concealment from Ning Fan.
He had always intended to acquire some Tree Ancestor Fruit from the Bamboo Hall, and this was worth mentioning upon meeting the Bamboo Sovereign.
"I see... You originally planned to go to the Fire Tree Clan in the Western Sea but ended up offending the Vine Emperor, hence you turned away from the Fire Tree Clan and came to Eastern Tree Ocean to start searching for Tree Spirit Fruit to enhance your Rain Intent. Now that your Rain Intent is Third Grade, you’re seeking Tree Ancestor Fruit... Judging by your motivations, you pose no threat to my Eastern Tree Ocean."
"As long as you bear no threat to Eastern Tree Ocean, I shall not take action against you. As for the Tree Ancestor Fruit, it is a precious treasure of Bamboo Hall, and its quantity isn’t abundant. Breaking through to First Grade Divine Intent is extremely difficult, requiring more Tree Ancestor Fruit than you can imagine. As you can see, even I haven’t broken through to First Grade Divine Intent because the remaining Tree Ancestor Fruit in Bamboo Hall is insufficient... However, if you are willing to help me with certain matters, I can give you enough Tree Ancestor Fruit to assist your Rain Intent breakthrough to Second Grade... We shall discuss this after I have more questions to ask you!"
The Bamboo Sovereign’s words left Ning Fan somewhat disappointed.
Ning Fan had hoped to leverage the Tree Ancestor Fruit from Bamboo Hall to break through to First Grade Rain Intent, but it appeared this wish would not be fulfilled.
The Second Grade Rain Intent could be anticipated, but he would need to find another way for First Grade Rain Intent...
"The third question, are you planning to take Youhuang Ancestral Spirit to the Rain World?"
The Bamboo Sovereign’s gaze suddenly became solemn.
Ning Fan offending the Vine Emperor didn’t concern him, so he could ignore it.
Ning Fan’s destruction of the Snow Cedar Four Clans was also overlooked, as their plight was self-inflicted.
But Ning Fan’s attempt to take the ancestral remnant soul from Bamboo Hall, this matter was something the Bamboo Sovereign could not ignore emotionally or logically!
The Bamboo Sovereign had come to Hancang Kingdom specifically to prevent Ning Fan from taking away Youhuang.
Ning Fan’s gaze grew solemn as well; he intended to take Youhuang only to reunite Mu Luo and Youhuang.
If the Bamboo Sovereign interfered, just a casual wave could destroy the formation, preventing Ning Fan from taking Youhuang.
"Indeed, I plan to bring Senior Youhuang to the Rain World, but this is with Senior Youhuang’s consent, and it fulfills a lifelong wish of Senior Youhuang..."
"Is this the will of Ancestral Youhuang?"
The Bamboo Sovereign’s solemn gaze gradually dispersed.
Amidst the moonlit bamboo sea, a green-clad beautiful woman gradually materialized before the Bamboo Sovereign; it was Youhuang.
"Indeed, it is my own desire; I requested Lu Bei to take me to the Rain World. As your ancestor, going to the Rain World is my wish, do you intend to stop me?" Youhuang’s eyes carried a sharp inquisitive intent.
"If the ancestor wishes to go to the Rain World, I dare not obstruct!"
The Bamboo Sovereign, showing no unnecessary expression when facing Ning Fan, displayed sincere respect and saluted the presence of Youhuang.
Returning to one’s roots, never forgetting one’s ancestors... Although he stood tall as the Bamboo Sovereign, he dared not defy the ancestor.
He initially wanted to prevent Ning Fan from taking Youhuang but if it was Youhuang’s own wish, he wouldn’t dare to stop it.
"Very well. At noon tomorrow, I will leave Hancang with Lu Bei. Until then, I do not wish for any unforeseen incidents." As Youhuang’s commanding voice faded, her phantom presence slowly merged into the bamboo grove and disappeared.
After Youhuang’s departure, the Bamboo Sovereign displayed a complex expression, deeply looking at Ning Fan and said,
"If you wish for Tree Ancestor Fruit, come to Muye Kingdom. The Ancestral Bamboo Tree, which grows there, has fallen ill mysteriously. I am preparing to issue a wide invitation to high-level Alchemists of the Tree World to resolve the issue. The Tree Ancestor Fruit grows from the divine tree, the Ancestral Bamboo Tree."
"From what I observe, your Medicine Soul is strong; you should be a Six Revolution Pill Master. Six Revolution Pill Masters are not many in the Tree World, only 15 exist, and I am unsure how many would answer the call... If you can come to Muye Kingdom and assist in curing the tree’s ailment, I will provide enough Tree Ancestor Fruit for your Rain Intent to break through to Second Grade."
Muye Kingdom is the central hub of Eastern Tree Ocean, the location of Bamboo Hall.
After speaking, the Bamboo Sovereign turned away, and his silhouette gradually faded into the dim night.
Ning Fan gazed in the direction of the Bamboo Sovereign’s departure, lost in thought.
At noon the next day, harnessing the power of the grand formation, Ning Fan incorporated the entire Min Luo Bamboo Sea into the blood umbrella.
A few days later, the sudden disappearance of Min Luo Bamboo Sea shocked the entire Hancang Kingdom.
The Hancang Eight Clans, startled, immediately reported the matter to Bamboo Hall.
The ancestral elders of the Eight Clans understood that Min Luo Bamboo Sea had significant origins and had been under Bamboo Hall’s protection for countless years, hence they dared not take it lightly.
The news traveled to Bamboo Hall, stirring massive waves, with many requesting to investigate the matter, but all were vetoed by the Bamboo Sovereign.
"This matter cannot be discussed further!"
No one dared to countermand the Bamboo Sovereign’s orders.
The affair of Min Luo Bamboo Sea’s disappearance thus ended unresolved...
...
Ten days later, Ning Fan appeared in the Wei region of Eastern Tree Ocean within Muye Kingdom.
As soon as he entered the borders, he sensed someone tailing him...
And the one tailing him belonged to the Baili Clan of Muye Kingdom! (To be continued. If you like this work, feel free to vote for it at Qidian (qidian.com) with recommendation votes and monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)