Chapter 349: A Hot Commodity

On Mount Putuo, the cliff faces glistened, Bodhi trees grew in clusters, and wisps of faint golden mist ascended.

At the mountain peak, ancient temples stood one after another, bathed in the pervasive light of Buddha, and the great bells chimed gently.

"What? Get married?!" Jiang Luoshen cried out in shock. Her long dress accentuated her proud figure, outlining undulating curves that were enchanting and seductive.

"Not marrying out, but taking a husband into our family," her mother corrected her.

Jiang Luoshen, who was on Mount Putuo cultivating her mind and spirit, was a beauty of national goddess caliber. Holding a Buddhist scripture, she exuded a unique and unconventional charm.

However, her face was now drained of color, and she was terribly startled. While she naturally yearned for love, this announcement from her family today was incredibly sudden.

"I have no feelings for him," Jiang Luoshen quickly refused.

"It's just a suggestion. You can start by being friends," a gentle female voice chuckled from the other end of the communicator.

On Mount Lao, a renowned mountain controlled by Sky-God Biotech, some people were also engaged in discussion.

"Who would have thought that Chu Feng would be so formidable? After his path of evolution was severed, he went on to study force fields and actually reached such an astonishing level. He and Nuoyi already have a good relationship, so bringing him to our Mount Lao would be safer!"

Someone urged that immediate action was necessary, or Chu Feng might be sought out and recruited by other factions.

In just a few days, the outside world was in an uproar, with events unfolding rapidly and tumultuously.

All of this was due to the journey to Mount Tai. Entering the ancient evolutionary practitioners' heaven-worshipping site and seeing the grand altar left from ancient times stirred up immense commotion.

Peaches of Immortality, nine bronze cauldrons, Ginseng Fruit…

These sacrificial offerings were world-shattering, having only appeared in myths. Yet, they were revealed in the folded space of Mount Tai, shocking people everywhere.

This was no longer a secret; too many people had gone there that day, and all parties now knew that the city-sized altar truly existed.

"Heavens, the Peaches of Immortality, the wondrous fruits of the Queen Mother of the West's banquet for immortals—such things actually exist! If I could eat one, would I ascend to the heavens in a blaze of light?!"

Countless people yearned for them, and a large number rushed to Mount Tai!

"Don't dream. Even the kings weren't blessed enough to enjoy the mythical Peaches of Immortality, let alone us," someone said. "Besides, they are just exotic fruits. Whether the Queen Mother of the West even existed in ancient times is debatable. We are all evolutionary practitioners, not immortal gods or demons."

Regardless, everywhere was in a frenzy.

All evolutionary practitioners with some ability set out. Even if they knew they wouldn't gain anything, they still wanted to visit the Fengshan sacrificial site.

Regarding this situation, the masters of Jade Void Palace and Eight-Scenery Palace had ashen faces, looking very displeased. They considered that place their private reserve, but now they couldn't stop the influx.

This was a torrent, a great tide, with the whole world watching. That place became a destination longed for by all factions.

It could be said that no single force could now exclusively occupy Mount Tai!

The master of Jade Void Palace was filled with regret. His face was gloomy; what he did that day was too extreme. Missing out on Chu Feng and losing a genius researcher in force fields was too great a loss for them!

Now, countless people were targeting Chu Feng. The journey to Mount Tai had overturned people's understanding, and everyone realized that force field researchers were more important than they had imagined.

Even if Chu Feng was crippled, he was now a strategic-level talent. Possessing him was equivalent to possessing a key to unlock famous mountains.

Who wouldn't be tempted by the offerings on that altar? Each item was a rare treasure; just obtaining one Peach of Immortality could create an unimaginable master.

And this was just the beginning. What about other famous mountains?

There were sacred mountains everywhere. If they could be opened one by one, and one could delve into mythical lands, it would undoubtedly lead to insane evolution!

In just these few days, many people were making plans, and not a few were taking action, wanting to use various means to establish a connection with Chu Feng.

Abduction was a very direct choice, simple and violent, and perhaps the quickest way to get results.

Many groups were dispatched to seek out Chu Feng's whereabouts, to find him and quietly abduct him.

They knew Chu Feng had a good relationship with the old grandmaster and had also saved several sect leaders, such as the Golden-winged Roc and the Mountain Tortoise. Therefore, it was best to carry out such a matter in secret.

If Chu Feng could truly be captured, any price would be worth paying!

Not long ago, due to animosity, some people had wanted to kill Chu Feng. But now, even former adversaries were unwilling to deliver a fatal blow; they all wanted to capture him alive, as it held greater significance.

It was only then that people realized how prescient Chu Feng was to flee directly from Mount Tai that day, not only to avoid the old Daoist priest but also to avoid being targeted by various factions.

Of course, not everyone wanted to abduct him; that was too crude and lacked finesse. In some people's view, they should weave a net to ensnare him, making him willingly cooperate, or even submit.

In the past few days, countless evolutionary practitioners had gathered on Mount Tai, a dense, dark mass filling a large area.

Unfortunately, over ninety percent of the people could not find the location of the altar. Even though Chu Feng had previously deciphered the force fields and opened a safe path, those who came now could not find it so easily.

Only those who had been there before could guide the later arrivals deep inside.

However, in the end, even this group, upon reaching the altar, still returned empty-handed, having no countermeasures whatsoever.

At this point, people realized Chu Feng's value had increased even further.

To date, only Chu Feng on Earth possessed such profound mastery of force fields. Others found it very difficult to get started; even with relevant secret manuals, they could not figure out much.

The Pre-Qin Research Institute released news, claiming they had excavated an ancient ruin and obtained a jar of mysterious medicinal fluid. Just one drop, they stated, could cure various incurable diseases.

At the same time, their tests showed this medicinal fluid was even more effective for evolutionary practitioners and could even regenerate severed limbs.

"Chu Feng is a heaven-blessed genius, and his accidental incapacitation is a loss," they stated. "We are willing to try to help him restore his path of evolution."

These were the words of a high-ranking official from the Pre-Qin Research Institute.

Subsequently, an old dragon from the East Sea, the Dragon Girl's father, spoke up. He claimed he was pursuing and competing for a Dragon Transformation Fruit, and if successful, he would give one to Chu Feng to aid his recovery.

It was reported that the Dragon Transformation Fruit was incredibly mysterious and unpredictable. Not only could it allow a python to transform into a dragon, but it could also induce intense transformation in powerful individuals and eliminate various underlying problems within their bodies.

In some people's view, even if one had faced a tribulation but not yet died, one Dragon Transformation Fruit would be enough to resolve the calamity.

"Even the East Sea Dragon Clan is getting involved!" people exclaimed. "Aren't they afraid of offending the South Sea Black Dragon lineage?!"

People exclaimed in surprise that the wolf was coming—or, more accurately, the dragon was coming. The sea races were also participating in the competition for Chu Feng, further highlighting the importance of force field researchers.

Everyone knew the East Sea Dragon Clan's objective: they wanted to open the true dragon's lair and needed to leverage Chu Feng's power!

A few days later, news of Chu Feng finally emerged. Some people confirmed that he had returned to Mount Wudang.

In an instant, all forces could no longer sit still and intended to take action.

"Yellow Ox, how are you?" On Mount Wudang, Chu Feng was contacting Yellow Ox, inquiring about its condition.

A group of great demons from Mount Kunlun had been in seclusion for some time and had not appeared until now.

"No problem. We've recovered. We are looking for extraordinary exotic fruits and preparing to break through!" Yellow Ox told Chu Feng, adding that they were all quite unwilling to lag behind.

Because, after the world underwent another rapid transformation, some latecomers had achieved rapid advancement, while they, on the other hand, had encountered hardships, their evolution was hindered, and they had wasted time.

These days, they had recovered, but they weren't rushing out. Instead, they were searching among the famous mountains in the west, aiming to evolve to the current highest level.

Currently, after terrestrial beings broke the sixth shackles, their path was cut off because no higher-level fruits had appeared yet.

They wanted to seize this opportunity to all break through to the realm of top-tier kings.

"Good!" Chu Feng nodded. He also needed to prepare. Although he felt he could break the sixth shackles on his own, what if he had the assistance of top-tier fruits? His evolution might be even more intense!

Currently, he couldn't act rashly because the small grinding disc was undergoing Nirvana, enveloped in a membrane-like substance, and might advance even further.

During this period, if he were to break the sixth shackles by himself, the turmoil of qi and blood within him would be very intense, potentially affecting the transformation of the black and white grinding disc.

"Hmm, I'll first find a sacred fruit," he mused, "and use it to directly break the sixth shackles, saving my energy and blood for later to break the seventh one myself!"

Chu Feng had made his calculations and arrangements. Perhaps by then, he would be the first supreme expert on land to break the seventh shackles!

For now, he decided to quietly make a fortune.

He had already heard rumors that major consortiums, even top Western powers, and rulers of the sea, all wanted to cooperate with him and offer gifts.

He felt that if he didn't graciously accept, he would be letting these people down, so he would accept as much as offered.

Furthermore, if any major force requested cooperation and had clues about top-tier exotic fruits, he would certainly "cooperate," helping them "digest" a few, thereby allowing himself to rapidly evolve.

Now, Mount Wudang was fortified like an impregnable fortress, with dozens of layers of force fields set up by Chu Feng. Besides the large quantity of materials obtained from consortiums, there were also rare magnetic crystals, spiritual jades, and other items dug out from Mount Tai.

These items could sustain the force fields for a long time!

In addition, some simple ancient force fields left on Mount Wudang were discovered and effectively activated by Chu Feng. Now, this place was like an iron barrel, very difficult to breach.

He was completely at ease, believing he could hold out for some time even if the major forces collectively attacked.

Besides, did they really think he was a pushover? Once he unleashed his true power and showed his real strength, it would be a scene of heads rolling everywhere, destined to shock the world.

In the past two days, Chu Feng had been studying Mount Wudang, attempting to open the mysterious space there to see if he could gain immense good fortune.

"Emperor Zhenwu, what level of evolutionary practitioner was that?"

Chu Feng wandered around Mount Wudang. According to ancient records, this was the Daoist training ground of Emperor Zhenwu.

He showed a strange expression because Emperor Zhenwu was also known as Emperor Xuanwu, and on Mount Wudang, one could see Xuanwu bronze statues depicting a tortoise entwined by a snake.

By now, Chu Feng no longer fully believed ancient myths and legends; he viewed everything from the perspective of an evolutionary practitioner.

"A Xuanwu evolving to become a top-tier mighty being," he mused. "What kind of herbs would be here? Perhaps there's a medicinal garden left by a Demon Saint-level Xuanwu."

Chu Feng pondered, greatly desiring to open the secret realm of the famous mountain and pluck sacred fruits.

Meanwhile, many people set out for him, rushing towards Mount Wudang. Some made generous offers to tempt him into close cooperation, while others simply and brutally wanted to abduct him directly.

For a time, winds and clouds stirred from all directions, converging upon Mount Wudang, which became the focal point of many people's attention.

"We need to make a decision," someone said. "I hear that old monk from Bodhi Genesis is personally setting out and might bring along the so-called national goddess to Mount Wudang."

On Mount Lao, a famous mountain occupied by Sky-God Biotech, some people were in secret discussion, deliberating countermeasures.

"That old monk is practically indestructible, with Buddhist light almost emanating from behind his head. How could he do such a thing? Does he want to be a matchmaker? Bringing Jiang Luoshen along?!"

Important members of Sky-God Biotech were greatly affected.

"Actually, we should take the initiative," someone suggested. "Not just us, even the outside world knows Nuoyi and Chu Feng were university classmates and that their relationship is unusual. Why not push things further?"

An old man spoke, his eyes gleaming.

"Don't go down the wrong path," another person warned. "Twenty-one years ago—no, it should be twenty-two years now—people descended upon Earth during that period. Although they are now dormant, do not forget what they once said. Nuoyi is not someone we can arrange; she is exceptionally valued, beyond imagination."

"That's right, let's not say such things," another agreed. "Nuoyi is destined to leave this world. What are called heaven-blessed geniuses now are still far inferior compared to the divine children from beyond this domain, and those people will descend soon."

They had also consulted the old woman, asking how people like Chu Feng fared in the outer domains. They were told that force field researchers were rare in any star-system world.

The old woman closed her eyes and did not say much more.

Because regarding Lin Nuoyi, her master had already made arrangements, and she would not speak carelessly.

"Let Nuoyi go and meet Chu Feng," someone said. "He's actually a good kid."

Mount Wudang became lively as various forces appeared one after another.