“Bodhi Ancient Tree?!” As Xiao Yan was transfixed by the enormous ancient tree in that distant place, Xuner and the others also discovered it. Immediately, a series of exclamations filled with astonishment emanated from their mouths. Even as members of an ancient race, they had never seen such a legendary thing; they could only occasionally glimpse it in some ancient texts.
“Such a large tree…” Little Healer Immortal muttered. Even though they were extremely far from the Bodhi Ancient Tree, they could still feel its enormity. Its shade spread vast and wide, like an ancient holy relic standing between heaven and earth, exuding an aura of ancient solemnity and desolation.
“The people from the Soul Clan may have already reached there. We should hurry as well,” Xiao Yan tamped down the heat in his heart, waved his hand, and swiftly led the way towards the distant giant tree. Behind him, Xuner and the others disregarded their need for rest and hurriedly followed.
As Xiao Yan and his group set off, another commotion came from the beast tide behind them. Then, several teams broke out somewhat disheveled, and finally landed in the empty area.
“Is that the Bodhi Ancient Tree?” The moment they landed, their figures still somewhat staggered, they saw the towering ancient tree between heaven and earth. Redness instantly flooded everyone’s eyes. Especially when they saw that Xiao Yan and his companions were already heading towards the Bodhi Ancient Tree, they could not contain themselves. Even Nine Phoenix, who had always appeared rather calm, frowned and, disregarding any need for rest, said deeply, “Follow them!”
“Yes!” The various strong individuals from the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan gritted their teeth and nodded. In an instant, numerous figures flashed, rushing anxiously after Xiao Yan and the others ahead.
“Those guys…” Hearing the wind-cutting sounds coming from behind, Xiao Yan sneered inwardly, but did not slow his pace. Looking up, he gazed at the increasingly massive Bodhi Ancient Tree in his sight, a faint sense of awe rising in his heart. Facing such an ancient divine entity that had existed for countless years, no one could maintain an utterly unperturbed mind.
The speed of Xiao Yan and his group was extremely fast. A few thousand feet of distance, within just a few minutes, they had arrived. But when Xiao Yan and the group reached a few hundred feet away from the Bodhi Ancient Tree, a row of figures suddenly appeared in their line of sight.
“Hun Yu?” Seeing those figures standing still, Xiao Yan and the others were surprised. These folks actually waited here for them obediently?
“Be careful…” Xiao Yan said softly, gradually slowing down and then landing smoothly a short distance behind Hun Yu and the others. Glancing briefly at the figures, he raised his gaze to the Bodhi Ancient Tree not far away.
Close-up, the view of the Bodhi Ancient Tree was undoubtedly another breathtaking scene. Its massive trunk, reaching thousands of feet, stood like a pillar connecting heaven and earth. The dense, ancient aura on the trunk, the overwhelmingly immense shade, capable of covering half a city, and the extremely dense, clear energy that spread from the Bodhi Ancient Tree, all created a magical atmosphere in the sky, causing wondrous phenomena to appear intermittently.
As the sunlight showered down at this moment, it shone on the ancient tree, and there was a faint, clear transparency, a strong vitality enough to shock Xiao Yan and the others, spreading throughout the region…
Xiao Yan’s gaze fixed on the enormous, indescribable Bodhi Ancient Tree. The clear energy gave a sense of ease and freshness. However, for some unknown reason, he felt a hint of unease. This discomfort stemmed from his ever-strengthening soul. Any danger, Xiao Yan could sense vaguely, but this particular feeling of insecurity was rather subtle. If not for a careful inspection, it would go unnoticed.
“The Bodhi Ancient Tree, being one of the top three treasures of the Dou Qi continent, is unlikely to be without danger. Adding to that, if this ancient tree has truly survived countless years, it should have long developed its own wisdom…”
Xiao Yan wore a thoughtful expression. If the Bodhi Ancient Tree could develop intelligence and cultivate, it would be one of the most terrifying lifeforms on the Dou Qi continent. With the number of people they had, they might not even be a challenge for it.
“Swish!” While Xiao Yan and the others were pondering, the sound of tearing wind approached rapidly from behind. The Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan and other teams quickly caught up, casting slightly puzzled glances at Xiao Yan and Hun Yu. They then slowly landed.
“Everyone, after finally arriving here, why stop now?” Nine Phoenix, leading the charge, smiled and asked.
Xiao Yan glanced at Nine Phoenix and didn’t respond. Instead, Hun Yu turned around, his frown easing as he said with a smile, “Hehe, you’re all here. Since our goal is the Bodhi Ancient Tree, waiting together was natural.”
Hearing this, everyone present laughed. Those who had come here were no ordinary folk. They had long detected Hun Yu’s tactics. His facade of kindness hid a ruthless, cunning nature. Those who trusted him had perished in the beast tide, becoming shredded flesh consumed by the ferocious beasts.
To the forced smiles around him, Hun Yu remained indifferent, still smiling. Pointing to the Bodhi Ancient Tree, he said, “This is our goal. Yet, though we have broken through the beast tide, the most challenging adversary remains the Bodhi Ancient Tree itself.”
“Oh?” At his words, everyone’s hearts jolted, and their gazes fell on Hun Yu.
“In an ancient text of our Soul Clan, it is recorded that one of our forefathers once encountered the Bodhi Ancient Tree. However, he disappeared without a trace. When our clansmen went to rescue him, both he and the Bodhi Ancient Tree had vanished completely,” Hun Yu smiled and continued, “Although I don’t know what happened to that ancestor, it is certain that he perished, likely at the hands of the Bodhi Ancient Tree.”
“Moreover, his strength was at the quasi-Sage level.”
“Quasi-Sage?” Xiao Yan and the others’ expressions changed. Even a quasi-Sage expert had mysteriously vanished at the hands of the Bodhi Ancient Tree?
“Therefore, do not underestimate the Bodhi Ancient Tree. It is the greatest danger on this journey,” Hun Yu said slowly.
“You are hesitating here because you dare not approach alone, right?” Gu Qingyang glanced at Hun Yu and asked.
Hun Yu merely smiled, not denying it, and walked towards the gigantic Bodhi Ancient Tree. Since everyone was here, it was time to see what mysteries the Bodhi Ancient Tree held. He wasn’t worried about the others following, lured by the allure of the Bodhi Ancient Tree.
“Be cautious,” Xiao Yan said, glancing at Hun Yu’s back and the Bodhi Ancient Tree. Then, he too stepped forward. Whether or not Hun Yu’s words were true, they couldn’t give up now after so much effort.
Everyone nodded and followed Xiao Yan, their Dou Qi secretly circulating within their bodies.
Behind Xiao Yan and his group, Nine Phoenix and the other teams, after a moment’s hesitation, followed suit. Their thoughts mirrored those of Xiao Yan and the others. After exerting so much effort, surrendering now would be bitterly regretful.
On the vast grassland, several groups maintained a small distance from each other, moving at the same pace toward the looming ancient tree.
“Master Xiao Yan, something seems amiss with this Bodhi Ancient Tree. Beneath the seemingly vibrant clear energy, there lies a somewhat cold, gray fog. This fog contains many negative emotions similar to those of humans…” As they neared the Bodhi Ancient Tree, Qing Lin said gravely.
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan paused, his eyes narrowing. He couldn’t sense such things, but Qing Lin, with her Three Flower Pupils, had a unique perception. Therefore, he didn’t doubt her, especially since he also felt the rising unease the closer they got to the Bodhi Ancient Tree.
While Xiao Yan’s vigilance heightened, the advancing figures, including Hun Yu, suddenly stopped. The shade of the Bodhi Ancient Tree now covered them, and they could feel a cold, subtle chill seeping into their bones.
Looking up, Xiao Yan focused on the enormous Bodhi Ancient Tree. About a hundred feet up its trunk, there was a bright light cluster. This orb, like a giant energy heart, emitted a powerful, rhythmic pulse.
“Bodhi Heart!” All eyes converged on the glowing orb hidden within the massive tree. Everyone’s hearts thumped wildly.
“Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!” As the name “Bodhi Heart” was uttered, the still-standing Bodhi Ancient Tree on the grassland suddenly emitted a faint rustling sound. Countless entangled branches hung down from the canopy, and as they touched the ground, they split open, revealing five emotionless figures stepping out.
With the emergence of these figures, the space around them abruptly roiled, a terrifying pressure engulfing the surroundings!
“Quasi-Sages…” Feeling this pressure, everyone’s faces turned grim. They realized that these five figures were all quasi-Sages!
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