Chapter 1706: The Wanderer Also Fulfills Lofty Aspirations, The Deities Thrice Engage in Breezy Banter

“Xing Bao, you need to slow down.”

In a corner of the Xing Realm, Jin Ren pulled the Spirit of the Dragon Apricot aside for a private conversation:

“Jiu Ji Gui’s main body is now with you. There’s plenty of time in the future.”

“As the old saying goes, ‘a graceful tree maiden is sought after by a noble gentleman.’ But Gui Liu has now also become a World Tree, so you must be careful not to rush things.”

The Spirit of the Dragon Apricot looked hateful: “I told you, no Gui Liu, no Gui Liu!”

“No, no, no…”

Jin Ren shook his head: “Gui Liu is a must, because for the Xing Realm to develop, it cannot do without his power. But my attitude towards him and towards you is completely different.”

With a sincere expression, Jin Ren spread his hands and continued:

“No matter what happens in the future, I will undoubtedly stand entirely on your side. There’s no need to elaborate; their relationship with me came later, and there’s no emotional bond.”

“You are different. We started from humble beginnings, sharing a common goal. I want to surpass the Ten Revered Seats, and you want to surpass Shen Bai Liu and become the head of the Ancestor Trees, right?”

The Spirit of the Dragon Apricot opened its mouth, thinking that it actually didn't want to surpass anyone, just wanted to sleep. But in this situation…

If it didn't surpass, Jiu Ji Gui might very well be taken by Shen Bai Liu.

After all, looking at their state, it seemed like Jiu Ji Gui might even be a little sister in front of big brother Shen Bai Liu.

Pressure!

Immense pressure!

The Spirit of the Dragon Apricot, who always preferred to live in quiet contentment, was rarely stirred to fight, but quickly became dejected again:

“Difficult.”

It didn't specify what was difficult.

Jin Ren understood; everything was difficult.

But I’m sorry, Xing Bao, the Xing Realm truly cannot become your place of extravagance and indulgence. That would be too unfair to everyone still striving in the Xing Realm. You just need a little stimulation!

“Shen Bai Liu is by no means an ordinary being. You must guard against him. If you have any questions, ask me anytime. Li Fugui is also a good choice; he is very clever.”

“Of course!”

The Spirit of the Dragon Apricot was about to speak when Jin Ren waved him off, continuing:

“I know you don’t like communicating with others, only me because I am the Lord of the Xing Realm.”

“But the situation is different now. You can take a closer look at Li Fugui and ask him more questions.”

“The Xing Realm is in a once-in-a-millennium period of vigorous development. Anyone can try to stop it, but none of us must be the one to stop it. The wave cannot be reversed!”

The Spirit of the Dragon Apricot hesitated, stopped, then wanted to speak again, finally letting out a deep sigh.

Xu Xiaoshou was right.

He was the one with the bigger picture.

Shen Bai Liu becoming a World Tree, setting aside personal emotions, brought enormous benefits to the Xing Realm.

However…

Just thinking about Jiu Ji Gui being caught between two trees, with the possibility of leaning towards the other, made the Spirit of the Dragon Apricot very unhappy.

It liked to gain without effort.

It wanted to skip the process of pursuing.

Although Gui Liu was sinister, his evaluation of its character was extremely pertinent: lazy!

Jin Ren had already poked at the Spirit of the Dragon Apricot’s laziness, so it was impossible for him to just leave. Of course, he had to offer a sweet reward.

He changed the subject, put an arm around the Dragon Apricot’s head, and whispered:

“Have you ever seen a Di Ying Sheng Zhu?”

The Spirit of the Dragon Apricot was startled, and the image of that voluptuous dark tree mother appeared in its mind, as if some enchanting, alluring sounds echoed in its ears.

If Jiu Ji Gui was a saintess, Di Ying Sheng Zhu was undoubtedly a demoness, and an extreme one at that!

It shivered: “I wouldn’t dare.”

Jin Ren was bewildered.

I asked, “Have you seen one?”

What question are you answering with “I wouldn’t dare”?

Jin Ren thought the Dragon Apricot’s negative response meant it “hadn’t seen one,” and chuckled: “The reason you are so infatuated with Jiu Ji Gui might be because your vision is narrow, and you’ve only seen this type…”

“I know Di Ying Sheng Zhu,” the Spirit of the Dragon Apricot stated firmly.

Now Jin Ren understood its meaning.

You don’t even dare to imagine Di Ying?

“No, you’re too cowardly, aren’t you?” Jin Ren couldn’t help but say.

I’m helping you pursue Jiu Ji Gui, practically spoon-feeding you, and you only move a little.

Di Ying Sheng Zhu, you don’t even dare to think about it?

No wonder Gui Liu looks down on you. I’m starting to look down on you a bit too, brother!

The Spirit of the Dragon Apricot looked a bit sheepish, unable to speak for a long time.

Jin Ren didn’t bother to say more to it, and simply stated, “In the Divine Relic, Di Ying Sheng Zhu’s consciousness was shattered, and its spiritual body is now being reshaped.”

In a flash, the Spirit of the Dragon Apricot’s eyes lit up, and Jin Ren could only sigh at the sight:

“I intend to bring Di Ying Sheng Zhu into the Xing Realm.”

“Bring it! Bring it!”

“I intend to merge the Divine Relic with the Xing Realm.”

“Merge! Merge!”

“Can you do it?”

“Yes… uh, no.”

“So, this still requires Shen Bai Liu, but I guarantee he cannot usurp your position. However, in the future, you must work hard, otherwise Jiu Ji Gui and Di Ying Sheng Zhu might all turn to him, leading to you being sidelined.”

“…Okay!”

“Can you really do it?”

“Yes!”

Jin Ren nodded, gave the Spirit of the Dragon Apricot a deep look, and turned to leave.

He had thought many times before about urging the Dragon Apricot to fight, to display the might of an Ancestor Tree, to exhibit the power of a Saint Emperor, but to no avail.

Only now did he understand that the factor that made a lazy tree strive was actually having two beautiful ones nearby.

Indeed, human and tree minds are not interchangeable.

The tree circle is truly chaotic.

“Yes!”

“But it will take time; I will do my best.”

Back in the Shennong Medicine Garden, Shen Bai Liu gave an affirmative answer to the idea of merging the Xing Realm with the Divine Relic.

Upon hearing this, Jin Ren looked up at the sky and sighed deeply.

Xing Bao, if not for our acquaintance in humble beginnings, and my desire to help you.

If I were a bit more ruthless, after this Xing Realm grew, there might not even be a place for you to exist. You would only be fit to become nourishment for the various fierce tigers and hungry wolves that would later inhabit this realm!

But then again…

If the Dragon Apricot weren't lazy, it wouldn't have stayed hidden in the Shennong Medicine Garden.

If the Dragon Apricot weren't useless, it wouldn't have remained unexcavated by the Sacred Temple or others for so many years.

From this perspective, if the Dragon Apricot hadn't developed a greedy desire for Jiu Ji Gui, its existence and way of life would have fully embraced the way of sacred objects concealing themselves. Becoming a god or an ancestor would be out of the question, but it could definitely live long.

And if not for this, Xu Xiaoshou would not have met the Dragon Apricot, nor would he have upgraded the Yuan Mansion into the Xing Realm, gaining such great convenience.

Just for this point, Xu Xiaoshou would not abandon the Dragon Apricot.

When drinking water, one should not forget the well-digger. Of course, Cheng Xingchu was also one of the heroes and deserved to enjoy the Crystal Palace, but sadly he died young.

“Young Master Xu, if you are fully prepared, I can now connect with the Divine Relic.”

Intelligent people learn quickly, and intelligent trees are no different.

Shen Bai Liu had gradually grown accustomed to the way and rhythm of the conversations between the Dragon Apricot and Xu Xiaoshou; he proactively integrated himself.

Yes, only proactive integration!

Gui Zhe’s gentle sanctuary and Yu Jing’s heroic tomb reflected the pervasive extravagance of the entire Central Region’s Sacred Heavenly realm.

This was very un-Shen Bai Liu.

Shen Bai Liu’s essence was wild.

But this also made Shen Bai Liu addicted; after all, who doesn't like being worshipped by thousands?

Previously, on Gui Zhe Sacred Mountain, even when his tree body was cut down, he still received due respect, including from Dao Qiongcang, Ai Cangsheng, and Hua Changdeng.

The Xing Realm was different.

Apart from the Dragon Apricot, due to Xu Xiaoshou’s presence, the entire Xing Realm exuded a vigorous, upward-striving ambition!

If pledging allegiance was a last resort.

In fact, to be completely frank, Xu Xiaoshou was a perfect match for Shen Bai Liu, at least Shen Bai Liu thought so.

Dao Xuanji was actually similar, otherwise she wouldn’t have been able to lend her power before.

However, there was a fundamental difference between the two: the latter lacked sufficient ability, far from enough!

“Connect.”

Jin Ren flipped his hand, taking out the Heavenly Realm Core.

Just as Shen Bai Liu was about to act, he smiled and said, “…Of course we will connect, but before that, I want to introduce someone to you all.”

In the Shennong Medicine Garden, the several-zhang-tall Jiu Ji Gui, Dragon Apricot, and Shen Bai Liu stood side by side.

At this moment, Jiu Ji Gui had also "voluntarily" completed the contract process, becoming one of the World Trees and beginning to gather fortune.

The three World Trees, like three giant deities, stood in the very center of the Shennong Medicine Garden behind the Crystal Palace in Yu Jing City, exuding an imposing aura.

And in front of the three trees stood two diminutive humans.

“Come here.”

Jin Ren beckoned.

Wearing a black python robe, with a purple cloud collar, and a black-and-red cloak draped over his left shoulder, exuding the aura of a superior, Li Fugui, outwardly calm but with a storm brewing inside, suppressed his excited heart and trembling hands as he stepped forward.

He nodded to each of the three World Trees, carefully controlling himself to avoid any gestures that might seem overly obsequious, like cupping his hands or bowing. His composure was so strong that without even needing Young Master Xu’s introduction, he calmly spoke, enduring the terrifying pressure of being stared at by the three Ancestor Trees simultaneously:

“Greetings to the three of you. I am Li Fugui.”

Li Fugui smiled slightly, then raised his head, looking straight ahead, his eyes shining brightly.

Ancestor Trees!

These were Ancestor Trees!

The ancients said: “When chaos first opened, heaven and earth were born of themselves, waking at the right time, reviving when encountered. From ancient times until now, their number has always been nine, unwavering in the struggle for the Dao, unchanging with worldly shifts. These are the ‘Nine Great Ancestor Trees’.”

Young Master Xu has gathered three of them!

And I heard there's a fourth one on the way!

And the first person these three saw after becoming World Trees in the Xing Realm, besides the Lord of the Xing Realm, was me.

Who am I?

I am Li Fugui.

Is “Li Fugui” such a world-renowned name, comparable to the likes of “Ba Zun An,” “Dao Qiongcang,” or “Ai Cangsheng”?

No!

Li Fugui is merely Li Fugui, nothing more.

Li Fugui was born into humble beginnings, small in stature as a child, and plain in appearance, so much so that even hooligans passing by in the streets could casually kick him.

If not for some extraordinary fortune, when he was desperate and on the verge of destruction, he was casually picked up by someone, drawn into a dark organization, and then into the Refinement Realm.

Li Fugui would have been gone long ago.

In dark forces, there were plenty of riffraff with such backgrounds, all kinds of monsters and devils.

Intelligence forces were the hardest to survive in, full of intrigue, fighting to the death, killing all their own people and those who betrayed them, emerging only after all humanity had been extinguished.

Li Fugui was still nothing.

What does a solitary person possess?

Fortune was cleverly, wonderfully born. Although Li Fugui entered the Refinement Realm relying on his fortune that allowed for spiritual refinement, his talent was mediocre.

He barely managed to stand out through various calculations, not even the most outstanding among his peers, merely considered above average.

But a tree that stands out in the forest will be destroyed by the wind.

Those stronger than me died; those more excellent than me perished.

In the end, I, Li Fugui, am the one who knows how to survive the best?

If the path of refinement is difficult, then slowly take elixirs, step by step raising your realm; if the path of intelligence is difficult, then be cautious, step by step climbing higher.

Li Fugui never thought about what he wanted to gain.

Nor did he ever fantasize about one day achieving “dreams” or “reaching the pinnacle,” which only great figures might speak of.

Suddenly, looking back.

A great cloak draped over me.

Those below the mountain all call me… Lord Li!

The Flower and Grass Pavilion paved the way for me, the Void Island created my dreams, but it was by following Young Master Xu that I truly made miracles a reality!

This is not Illusionary Sword Art.

Nor is it a Second World.

The three great Ancestor Trees are looking at me now, seriously staring, carefully observing…

They have seen countless feasts, their eyes accustomed to only Saints and Emperors; even Ancestor Gods have worshipped one of them.

They do not recognize the common folk as ants; how could they know that the Void is not empty, and one day they would have to look upon them with favor?

In their eyes, who am I?

What is Young Master Xu’s intention in bringing me here?

Li Fugui was born with an ordinary appearance and common looks, but he possessed an exquisite heart. He naturally knew that Young Master Xu, at this moment, did not need a lapdog who would only wag its tail at the Ancestor Trees.

Yet, under the gaze of the three great Ancestor Trees, a mere Taixu, without the power of the Ancestor Source, dared to remain so calm…

He was more important than Di Ying Sheng Zhu.

He was prioritized over the Divine Relic.

He even appeared when Shen Bai Liu, the head of the Ancestor Trees, was about to make his move.

He was so unremarkable that one glance would tell you this child must have a special talent. Such a person is the most precious, the only one in heaven and earth.

Could I, Li Fugui, also become the only one?

Standing beneath the trees, holding back the surging waves in his heart, Li Fugui saw a prolonged silence ahead. He smiled calmly and repeated softly:

“Greetings to the three of you. I am Li Fugui!”

Humble, composed, polite, neither servile nor overbearing… Shen Bai Liu waited ten breaths without speaking.

He knew that no Taixu could maintain composure under such high pressure before him; even a Half-Saint would find it difficult.

Moreover, standing before this Taixu were three great Ancestor Trees!

“Taixu…”

Indeed, this was merely a Taixu.

Without the power of the Ancestor Source, without complete divine consciousness, without Saint power, without anything else.

He was utterly unadorned.

The only thing unseen was his talent.

He must have talent, otherwise Xu Xiaoshou would not have introduced him.

The only thing Shen Bai Liu couldn’t understand was why most of the people who followed Xu Xiaoshou were as low in realm as he was, yet as extraordinary in temperament?

A dragon is not a creature of the pond.

Those who follow a dragon are like the clouds in the sky.

When Li Fugui repeated his name for the second time, even if the name sounded childish, Shen Bai Liu no longer dared to be presumptuous.

He was about to speak…

Beside him, Young Master Xu dug his ear, seemingly joking: “Our Lord Li of the Xing Realm greets you. Are you all deaf? Didn’t you hear?”

Jiu Ji Gui’s spiritual body materialized in a flash, and she was the first to proactively release goodwill:

“Little friend Li Fugui, greetings to you too, greetings…”

Shen Bai Liu also materialized his spiritual body, Gui Liu, but merely nodded slightly in greeting, still remaining silent.

Jin Ren wasted no words. In front of the two trees, Gui and Liu, he solemnly handed the Xing Realm Master Seal, representing the will of the Lord of the Xing Realm, to Li Fugui:

“From now on, if I am not present, Lord Li will represent me fully.”

“His will is my will, equivalent to the Dao Hall Master, equivalent to being above the Heavenly Ladder, no questions asked.”

Li Fugui almost cried out.

He had waited for this, not in front of the Dragon Apricot, but in front of the external trees, he had waited for Young Master Xu’s promise.

This meant that he had truly, genuinely become the second-in-command of the Xing Realm. Zhu Yike, you are too late!

Jiu Ji Gui’s spiritual body had wanted to exchange a few more pleasantries, perhaps ask “why,” but hearing this, she closed her mouth and nodded silently.

Shen Bai Liu showed a slight surprise.

He indeed did not ask why.

But he was clearly also a stubborn tree, intent on knowing the extent to which Li Fugui could represent Xu Xiaoshou, what was the limit:

“Not a curse, unrelated to anything else, just a slight hypothesis, if Young Master Xu were to fall outside…”

Jin Ren looked at him, uncharacteristically not refuting, but saying casually:

“There will not be a second Lord of the Xing Realm.”

“But Li Fugui will find an opportunity, at any cost, to revive me.”

Gui Liu gazed deeply at Young Master Xu, not continuing to inquire about “trust,” “betrayal,” or similar questions, with no explanation given.

Finally, his gaze shifted, glancing at Li Fugui.

At the same time, Shen Bai Liu in the Shennong Medicine Garden seemed to shed its disguise, its hanging branches suddenly turning from tender green to dark and sinister.

It became entirely ghostly green, almost translucent, emitting an extremely eerie quality, as if in the next second, its branches would pierce Li Fugui’s soul body, lifting him into the air and devouring his power until he died.

“Since you see Shen Bai Liu, why do you not bow?”

“Since you see Shen Bai Liu, how dare you not bow!”

“Since you see Shen Bai Liu…”

*Boom!* Just eye contact, and a demonic wave exploded in Li Fugui’s mind.

The Xing Realm was gone, replaced by extreme scenes of all heavens worshipping Gui Liu, sacrificing endless beings as offerings.

Shen Bai Liu’s willow branches hung over myriad realms, each one more magnificent and colossal than even the extreme forms of other Ancestor Trees within the Xing Realm or other places.

This was the head of the Ancestor Trees!

The pain was unbearable, almost making him collapse to the ground.

Li Fugui was just a small Taixu; he simply couldn't withstand such a mental attack, nearly having his soul dispersed and becoming a human puppet in an instant.

Just then, the large seal he held tightly in his arms faintly glowed with golden light.

The Dragon Apricot had acted!

With a jolt, Li Fugui returned from the illusion.

He skillfully controlled his nearly buckling legs at the first moment.

Even with a splitting headache at this moment, he didn't even frown, and his eyes showed no trace of killing intent, still calmly gazing at Gui Liu.

Only, in his eyes, there was a hint of confusion, as if questioning:

What do you want to do?

“You!”

The Dragon Apricot was furious, nearly attacking.

He had become close to Li Fugui recently.

Although he still looked down on this human, it was okay for him to bully his own people, but not others!

But before he could move, Jiu Ji Gui’s spiritual body reached out and stopped him, frowning and remaining silent, only shaking her head slightly.

The Dragon Apricot was puzzled but stopped his actions, then abruptly glanced elsewhere.

Xu Xiaoshou didn't act?

How could he tolerate this?!

Gui Liu naturally saw the question in Li Fugui’s eyes, but did not answer, instead asking back:

“Young Master Xu answered me, trusting you. What about you?”

It wasn't even a question!

Just a simple “What about you?”!

How could one answer such a question?

Gui Liu, you are too arrogant!

The Spirit of the Dragon Apricot’s fury was practically bursting from its eyes, but when it looked at Li Fugui, it calmed down.

Li Fugui was too calm.

As if a sacred mountain had collapsed before him and his expression remained unchanged.

Facing Gui Liu’s death glare, he simply smiled faintly, returning the gaze and the words:

“No exaggeration, nothing else, just two simple statements… The Xing Realm is not destroyed, Young Master Xu does not die.”

Under the terrifying pressure of the three great Ancestor Trees, Li Fugui, holding the Xing Realm Master Seal, slowly raised his head.

The Xing Realm seemed to brighten.

Shen Bai Liu shed its Gui Liu form, returning to its previous appearance of tender willows welcoming spring.

Its spiritual body, Gui Liu, smiled similarly, nodding slightly.

This time, however, it no longer remained silent, but spoke with a playful tone, half-joking and half-serious:

“Greetings to Lord Li.”