Chapter 224: Seeking Treasure in Daofeng Mountain, Gathering of the Powerful Before Dongtian Gate

Effective immediately, entry and exit from the Ten Suns Grotto-Heaven will be strictly controlled. All military personnel entering or leaving the Ten Suns Grotto-Heaven must report to the Military Realm. Within the Ten Suns Grotto-Heaven, all members, except for exploration envoys, are forbidden from leaving Yang City without permission. Exploration envoys must also hand over any treasures they acquire. The Grotto-Heaven is transforming into a Blessed Land, bringing with it numerous dangers. All exploration envoys are advised to proceed with caution.

Zhao Xing frowned as he read the series of prohibitions and rules displayed on the ground mirror. "How did these restrictions appear in just ten days? That's earlier than I expected." He recalled that in his previous life, the spiritual energy eruption in the Ten Suns Grotto-Heaven began in the latter half of the month. Furthermore, the Military Realm's initial response wasn't so swift; the prohibitions were only issued after many people had already entered. The confirmation of the Grotto-Heaven transforming into a Blessed Land was also more cautious then. But now, it's happened earlier, and it seems they were already prepared.

"Experience from my previous life cannot be taken as a complete guide," Zhao Xing mused. "Fortunately, I have Old Liu's help and made preparations early, otherwise, I'd just be standing by helplessly now."

"Zhao Xing, did you see the message?!" A figure flew from a distance, landing on the Qilin Flying Boat. It was Xia Jing and Chen Shijie. This was the Inverted Peak Mountain Range, where the surrounding peaks floated upside down in the sky. Zhao Xing and his four companions had arrived at the Inverted Peak Mountain Range in advance, under the pretext of 'exploring the celestial phenomena of the Inverted Peak Mountain Range'. This research mission was submitted by Zhao Xing himself.

"I saw it." With the prohibitions issued and strange phenomena appearing frequently, everyone would pay attention.

"I never thought the Ten Suns Grotto-Heaven would be upgraded! From the looks of it, a large-scale outpouring of natural spiritual energy and great treasures are about to appear!" Xia Jing exclaimed excitedly. Chen Shijie was also beaming with joy; he couldn't have imagined encountering such a stroke of luck.

"Don't celebrate too soon," Zhao Xing said. "With the Grotto-Heaven's upgrade, there will undoubtedly be drastic changes in the world. We must constantly guard against dangers during this process. Where are Brother Ji and Long Xiao?"

"They're on their way back," Xia Jing replied. They weren't here for tourism; upon arrival, they naturally searched everywhere for treasures. However, as soon as the strange phenomena appeared, Zhao Xing messaged them to return quickly. This was because the early stages of a Grotto-Heaven's upgrade were also accompanied by unknown dangers; it was better to explore extensively once things had stabilized. Zhao Xing was clear about this, so he had Xia Jing and Chen Shijie explore together. A martial artist and a spellcaster would greatly enhance their ability to handle sudden incidents. Ji Ziyun was a sorcerer, and Long Xiao was a sword cultivator; the same principle applied to them.

"Alright, once they return..." Before he could finish speaking, a tremendous roar echoed.

"Boom-crack!" Twenty miles away, a sudden clap of thunder reverberated in the sky! "Crack, crack, crack!" The lightning bolt was so thick it exceeded twenty meters in diameter, appearing like a pillar of thunder! It instantly split open a floating peak below.

"Rumble!" The peak split open, then the entire mountain began to burn, rapidly deforming and compressing. Ultimately, it astonishingly transformed into a floating active volcano in the sky! "Rumble!" A terrifying pressure brewed in the sky.

"Which direction are they in?!" Zhao Xing abruptly grabbed Xia Jing. "Is it that way?"

"Yes." Xia Jing's voice trembled slightly. It was too late to notify them now; they could only hope Ji Ziyun and Long Xiao had already found cover.

"Go!" Zhao Xing immediately activated the Qilin Flying Boat, deploying its barrier, and sped wildly in the opposite direction of the airborne volcano.

"Boom!" They had expected a volcanic eruption, but unexpectedly, a quarter of an hour after flying away, the entire peak directly exploded! "Boom!" First, a circular shockwave swiftly swept through the surroundings, shattering many peaks. Immediately after, a mushroom cloud rose, and numerous flaming rocks splattered in all directions. "Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!" Giant rocks, twenty to thirty meters in diameter, shot outwards with flames, possessing terrifying power; each boulder was comparable to a full-force strike from a fifth-rank expert.

Zhao Xing and the others had already hidden behind several peaks, shielded by the sky, thus avoiding the blast. However, this phenomenon still left the three of them utterly stunned.

"I've never witnessed such terrifying might from the heavens," Xia Jing said, his eyes filled with shock.

"Lightning splitting mountains, mountains exploding to tear the sky – truly beyond human capability," Chen Shijie remarked, his feelings even deeper.

Zhao Xing, however, closed his eyes and sat cross-legged on the ground.

Xia Jing glanced at him: "What are you doing?"

Chen Shijie replied, "He's gaining enlightenment. A Sīnóng naturally wields the power of heaven and earth, so witnessing such divine might firsthand would certainly evoke profound insights."

Xia Jing nodded, then asked, "Then why didn't you..." As soon as he uttered the question, Xia Jing realized he had spoken inappropriately.

Chen Shijie also looked somewhat melancholic: "I'm not as talented as him; I only felt a slight impression."

"Ahem... my apologies," Xia Jing said, a bit awkwardly.

"It's fine, one should know one's own limitations," Chen Shijie said. "However, this truly is a great opportunity. If I observe it a few more times, perhaps I'll have a breakthrough."

Just then, Long Xiao arrived, guided by the given coordinates.

"Holy cow, did you guys see that? What a huge lightning bolt, it blew up the mountain!" Long Xiao exclaimed, descending on his sword. "Good thing we ran fast, otherwise you'd be getting your funerals ready."

"Long Xiao, where's my cousin?" Xia Jing asked.

"Oh, Prince Ji, he's in another direction; he'll be back soon, no need to worry about him." Long Xiao walked over, looking at Zhao Xing who was sitting cross-legged on the ground with curiosity. "Old Chen, what's he doing?"

"He's gaining enlightenment," Chen Shijie explained. "A Sīnóng naturally wields the power of heaven and earth. He observed just now and gained some insight. I estimate he's likely comprehending either volcano or lightning magic."

"Oh, then why didn't you gain enlightenment on one?" Long Xiao asked with an innocent expression.

"Ahem..." Xia Jing almost choked. Chen Shijie was speechless. Old Chen was speechless. Xia Jing had just delivered a jab, and now you're delivering another?

"I'm not as talented as him, alright?"

"Hahahaha, I'm sorry..." Long Xiao laughed heartily to cover his embarrassment.

Hearing the hearty laughter, Ji Ziyun, who was looking for a spot above the peak, immediately descended. "Cousin, General Chen, General Long, are you alright?"

"We're fine."

"That's good." Ji Ziyun's gaze fell to the ground. Seeing Zhao Xing with his eyes closed and brows furrowed, he thought something was wrong and immediately asked, "What's wrong with Brother Zhao?"

Chen Shijie was speechless. Xia Jing was speechless.

"I'll go observe the surroundings," Chen Shijie said, his mouth twitching, and stood up to leave. Ji Ziyun was full of questions. What exactly was going on?

"He's fine, everyone's fine." Xia Jing changed the subject. "Cousin, did you and Long Xiao find any peculiar places?"

Ji Ziyun thought for a moment and said, "At first, we saw nothing, but after the celestial phenomena appeared, strange sights were everywhere. There was a group of strange beasts with grass growing on their heads, leaping between the floating peaks. There was fire flowing in water, and also fruit trees covered with infant-like fruits. Long Xiao and I split up precisely because we pursued these unique phenomena separately."

"Infant trees?" Xia Jing asked, puzzled. "What kind of strange plant is that? I've never heard of it. Cousin, did you find anything?"

"No," Ji Ziyun said regretfully. "As I approached, I felt the lightning strike the mountain, and immediately after, that strange tree withered instantly, turning into a pile of yellow withered vines."

"What Brother Ji saw might have been a sixth-rank plant, the 'Illusion Demon Vine'," Zhao Xing said, opening his eyes and standing up. "The Illusion Demon Vine can emit a fragrance that causes various hallucinations, usually reflecting one's deepest desires and cravings. Perhaps Brother Ji saw a 'Ginseng Fruit Tree,' an item that can extend lifespan. This illusion might have stemmed from not having had the chance to see an elder for the last time."

Ji Ziyun exclaimed in surprise, "Such a plant exists? The Ten Suns Grotto-Heaven is truly miraculous."

Zhao Xing said, "Human martial artists, when ascending from the Earth Fiend Realm to the Heavenly Gang Realm, must temper their bodies with the Nine Heavens' Violent Wind. During the breakthrough, the violent wind rages for hundreds of miles, and one's vital energy roars like dragons and tigers. If a human's cultivation upgrade causes such a commotion, how much more so for a Grotto-Heaven's upgrade? Next, we will encounter all sorts of miraculous occurrences, both good and bad. We must proceed with caution."

Xia Jing and Ji Ziyun nodded. Chen Shijie walked over at this point: "What did you comprehend?"

Zhao Xing replied, "My Volcano Art has made slight progress, reaching the sixth rotation. As for Lightning Art... why do you look a bit pale?"

Chen Shijie walked away expressionlessly: "I'm annoyed."

Zhao Xing was full of questions, wondering what was up with his friend. Just as he was about to ask, Long Xiao's shouting voice came from behind: "Everyone, come quick! There's treasure!"

"Oh?" Zhao Xing's spirit lifted. Chen Shijie, Xia Jing, and Ji Ziyun immediately took flight as well, heading towards a patch of forest. After flying three kilometers, they saw Long Xiao and Proud Heaven Cat crouching in front of a fallen large tree. While waiting for Zhao Xing to awaken from his enlightenment, Long Xiao, bored, took Proud Heaven Cat for a stroll around this nameless peak. They hadn't strayed far from the flying boat when they saw a towering tree lying on the ground. It emanated a faint purple glow. Even fallen, it stood five or six meters high and stretched for a thousand meters. Its trunk bore many purple Ganoderma lucidum, and emerald green saplings had sprouted from it, bearing vibrant fruits.

"Meow!" Proud Heaven Cat, seeing Zhao Xing approach, wagged its tail to claim credit. "I found this first!"

"What kind of tree is this?" Ji Ziyun and Xia Jing looked at Chen Shijie and Zhao Xing. There were countless rare flowers, exotic plants, divine woods, and immortal branches in the world; they couldn't possibly recognize them all. This matter had to be asked of professionals.

"It's a Giant Spirit Tree!" "A Nurturing Life Tree!" Chen Shijie and Zhao Xing spoke almost simultaneously. The others were perplexed. Xia Jing asked, "So what kind of tree is it, really?"

Chen Shijie laughed, "There's no difference. I used its scientific name, and Zhao Xing used its common name. The Giant Spirit Tree's common name is the Nurturing Life Tree."

Zhao Xing said, "You are indeed more precise."

Long Xiao didn't care for such details: "Don't talk so much. I just want to know if the small tree fruits and Ganoderma lucidum on this tree are edible?"

"Yes," Chen Shijie replied. "The Giant Spirit Tree itself doesn't bear fruit and isn't of much use during its lifetime. It only becomes useful after death. After death, a Giant Spirit Tree remains standing for a thousand years. Once fallen, it becomes a fertile ground for rare flowers and exotic fruits. Any seed that drifts onto its trunk at this time will rapidly blossom and bear fruit, breaking through growth limitations and completing a metamorphosis. Most of the Ganoderma lucidum and fruit trees growing on it are edible. Consuming them extends lifespan, increases vital energy, and strengthens blood, qi, and bones."

Long Xiao realized: "So it's a utility tree."

"You're not wrong in saying that," Zhao Xing said, surveying the surroundings. "The drastic changes in the world have accelerated the Giant Spirit Tree's growth, causing this particular tree to quickly enter its death phase. There are at least two kinds of beneficial edible items growing on it. However, quite a few are poisonous, monopolizing a lot of nutrients. Old Chen, the effects of this Giant Spirit Tree have been accelerated, but there's at least one more day we can utilize it. Let's quickly remove the poisonous growths to maximize our gains."

"Alright," Chen Shijie immediately flew out. One person moved from the tree's crown, and another from its base. "Whoosh!" The two swiftly cut away the poisonous growths from the trunk, leaving only the beneficial plants. The Giant Spirit Tree was a sixth-rank entity, but the nurturing effect of its trunk after death far surpassed Zhao Xing's 'Momentary Genesis' technique. This was because despite being a sixth-rank entity itself, it could cultivate sixth-rank rare flowers and exotic plants in an extremely short time!

After an hour of work, the two stopped. They waited for another two hours. Chen Shijie and Zhao Xing then harvested the ripe fruits and Ganoderma lucidum, returning to the middle of the trunk. Ultimately, they obtained six purple Ganoderma lucidum and eighteen fruits. Since the Giant Spirit Tree nurtured items that broke through their original species' limitations, Zhao Xing didn't know the names of these items. He could only use the Five Elements Observation Heaven's Eye technique to roughly determine their effects.

"Meow!" Proud Heaven Cat, seeing the good stuff, sniffed its nose and tried to eat, but Long Xiao promptly pulled it back.

"Zhao Xing, you distribute them," Long Xiao said. Before setting out, it had been agreed that Zhao Xing would distribute all benefits, and he would have priority in choosing.

"Brother Xia, you go first and test for poison," Zhao Xing said with a smile, picking up a purple fruit and handing it to Xia Jing. Xia Jing practiced the Gluttonous Devouring Art, giving him incredibly high poison resistance. This was also a role of martial artists among exploration envoys: testing for poison. By observing Xia Jing's refining process, Zhao Xing could activate the Five Elements Observation technique to further determine the fruit's effects.

"Alright, it's fitting that I eat it," Xia Jing said without hesitation. He immediately took the fist-sized fruit and devoured it in a few bites, leaving no core. This was because for some fruits, the skin and core were the essence; it was hard to say. Anyway, his Gluttonous Devouring Art was already at the fourth layer, so he wasn't afraid at all.

After eating, Xia Jing's eyes lit up. "This is good stuff! My vital energy has greatly increased, and a section of bone in my left arm has transformed into gold bone."

Zhao Xing had been watching Xia Jing closely, observing his internal state, and noticed that a bone in Xia Jing's left arm, originally of silver bone grade, had now transformed into a light gold.

"No discomfort?"

"None."

"I'll take the second one." Zhao Xing immediately ate a fruit. He had a system panel and could also perceive the effects. Of course, for something unknown like this, it was better to let Xia Jing test the waters first.

[You have consumed an 'Unknown Fruit' (Sixth-Rank). Your Vital Energy Condensation has increased by one rank, and your lifespan has increased by 3 years.][The bone in your right index finger, 'Iron Bone Mastery', has transformed into 'Silver Bone Incipient Stage'.]

Two records appeared on the panel. "One fruit can increase a rank and extend lifespan by three years? And also cause bone transformation?" The effects were unexpectedly good. It should be noted that Zhao Xing was already in the Heavenly Gang Realm, and the increase in his Vital Energy Condensation rank was gradually slowing down. Increasing from the forty-third to the forty-fourth rank of Vital Energy Condensation was several times harder than advancing from the first to the forty-third rank. Lifespan followed the same principle. Zhao Xing's additional lifespan had now increased to 160 years. The increase in lifespan also enhanced his fated destiny in the ethereal realm. For this fruit to add three years was already quite potent.

The third effect was also excellent. A Sīnóng was a spellcaster, and their physical constitution, at the same rank, was inferior to that of a martial artist. For instance, Xia Jing was also sixth-rank, but his physique was 'half golden bone, half silver bone,' with vital energy as vast as the sea, circulating endlessly. His poison resistance, endurance, and recovery capabilities were far stronger than those of other professions. For someone like a Sīnóng, without special training, it would normally take until the fifth rank to possess the physique of a sixth-rank martial artist. Therefore, Zhao Xing currently only had 'Bronze Skin and Iron Bones', a physique that Xia Jing had already possessed during his reserve training. Why such a difference? Because Zhao Xing cultivated secret manuals like the 'Seasonal Decree' and 'Return to Houtu'. Xia Jing, on the other hand, cultivated secret manuals such as 'Gluttonous Devouring Art', 'Azure Dragon Body Forging Technique', and 'Seven Souls Primordial Chaos Art'. Although both used vital energy, different cultivation methods led different professions down different paths.

"No poison. Everyone eat one first," Zhao Xing said. "Let me observe the effects after you've eaten." Upon hearing this, Chen Shijie, Long Xiao, and Ji Ziyun immediately consumed the nameless sixth-rank fruits one after another. A short while later, all three had finished consuming them and looked at Zhao Xing.

"Brother Ji, the effect on you was the weakest. This is likely because you've previously consumed many similar treasures, and your cultivation art seems to conflict with this fruit. So, you won't eat a second one. When we find treasures in the next round, if there's something suitable for you, I'll give you more. Is that acceptable?"

Ji Ziyun nodded: "Alright. Since its effect on me is weak, I won't waste it. I'll follow your lead."

"Xia Jing, eat the second one and let me see." Xia Jing complied and ate a second fruit. This fruit had a good effect on martial artists; Xia Jing's second fruit still transformed another section of his bone into gold. Zhao Xing had his Heaven's Eye activated; he could see Xia Jing's pillar of luck faintly shifting, indicating an increase in his destiny as well.

Afterward, Zhao Xing consumed his second fruit, followed by Long Xiao and Chen Shijie. After three rounds, Xia Jing's effects weakened, and he stopped after consuming the third fruit, no longer taking any more. Long Xiao and Chen Shijie, however, ate a fourth. This was because these two had not had good lives when they were young, and their foundations were weaker than Xia Jing's. Thus, the effects only weakened after their fourth fruit. Zhao Xing also ate four fruits; the effects weakened with the fourth one. His Vital Energy Condensation rank didn't increase, and his lifespan only added 0.5 years, but a section of his thigh bone underwent transformation.

"Precisely sixteen fruits consumed, maximizing the effects," Zhao Xing smiled slightly.

"Meow!" Proud Heaven Cat looked wronged. "How could you forget me?"

"Good boy, let your uncles eat first. There are plenty of treasures this time," Long Xiao said, stroking Proud Heaven Cat's head.

Zhao Xing said, "Don't be sad. There are still some fifth-rank fruits on the tree; I'll go gather some for you to fill your belly." Zhao Xing and his group had high standards. With this spiritual energy eruption in the Grotto-Heaven, they intended to only consume sixth-rank items. There were still a bunch of fifth-rank items, but they wanted to avoid accumulating any resistance or toxins in their bodies.

"I'll go," Chen Shijie said. "You distribute the Ganoderma lucidum."

"Alright."

Just as Zhao Xing's group was enthusiastically searching for treasures, large numbers of flying boats and warships had gathered at all entrances to the Ten Suns Grotto-Heaven.

"What? We're not allowed in?!"

"Do you know who my father is?" A corpulent man in luxurious robes, standing at the bow of his boat, angrily shouted at the guarding soldiers: "My father is Marquis Wucheng! He was enfeoffed in the 325th year of the Dingxin Calendar. How dare you block *this* Prince from entering a mere Ten Suns Grotto-Heaven?!" The portly man in luxurious robes yelled, "Open the profound gate, or don't blame me for being impolite!"

The guarding soldiers, wearing visored helmets that concealed their expressions, simply pointed their sharp long spears forward. When the man in luxurious robes stepped forward, the squad of armored soldiers immediately condensed their vital energy into a combat formation, mercilessly thrusting their spears at him.

"What?!" Behind the man in luxurious robes, a spellcaster quickly pulled him back. Once they retreated to a safe distance, the vital energy spears stopped advancing and withdrew.

"Scoundrels! Scoundrels!" The man in luxurious robes was badly frightened, falling to the ground. "You scoundrels, you dogs!"

"Prince, stop cursing," the spellcaster behind him said, helping the dissolute young man up. "They formed a formation at the slightest disagreement, without even explaining. This prohibition must be of a very high rank. We should first gather information before proceeding."

"I came all the way from Yangtai Commandery, only to be denied entry?!" The young man in luxurious robes was still furious. "Find out who issued this order!"

With so many noble families and aristocrats present, gathering information was naturally easy. Soon, the son of Marquis Wucheng learned the origin of the prohibition.

"Prince, it's been clarified. The prohibition was jointly issued by King Rahu, King Lingde, and King Tianyan of the Military Realm. All nine entrances to the Ten Suns Grotto-Heaven are heavily guarded, with strict entry and exit controls. Many people are currently being blocked outside," the nearby steward reported.

"What? Three Kings ordered it?" The Marquis Wucheng's son finally sobered up a bit. King Lingde was one thing, but King Rahu's reputation was immense! King Tianyan was even more mysterious. Even if a Martial Marquis arrived in person, it would likely be difficult to intervene now.

"What do we do? Is there a way to get in?" The Marquis Wucheng's son grew anxious. His father didn't have many years left to live. In this era, lifespans were generally calculable; there was a fixed number of years one could live at each rank. His father, Marquis Wucheng, had already lived over five hundred years, and his lifespan was estimated to end within the next twenty to thirty years.

The Marquis Wucheng's son seemed useless, and in truth... he *was* useless. Because his father had endured hardships on the battlefield and had him late in life, he didn't want his son to suffer. Thus, this Prince only possessed the strength of the Earth Fiend Realm.

"The Marquis mentioned before we departed that if we encountered any obstruction, we could seek out Marquis Mingwu within the Ten Suns Grotto-Heaven and present him with a visiting card," the steward said.

"Why didn't you say so earlier?! You just scared me half to death!" The Marquis Wucheng's son glared at the steward.

The steward remained silent. Presenting this visiting card was no simple matter; Marquis Wucheng had paid a huge price! Pity the hearts of parents in this world. This Prince had no idea what his father had done, thinking this trip was just a casual stroll to get some benefits. But with his current demeanor, even if he got in, could he truly transform and uphold the family's foundation, as the Marquis hoped? The steward watched as the Prince ran off to a nearby pleasure boat to boast and show off, and couldn't help but sigh inwardly.