Chapter 1203: The Seed of Dao

The ancient blood-colored ship shattered, scattering various vessels everywhere as a horde of battle spirits shrieked, fighting over the artifacts.

Under the watchful eyes and oppressive aura of the Elders from the Celestial Academy, the battle spirits were unwilling but had no choice but to flee. If they lingered, none would survive—all would be slain.

Before departing, many battle spirits fixed their gazes on Shi Hao, staring at the soul-seed within his sole Heavenly Passage. The burning desire in their eyes sent chills down one’s spine.

Yet, they dared not stay or act, vanishing into the mist.

Silence returned to the Boundary Tomb as the battle in this region ceased.

Now, all the students of the academy turned their attention to Shi Hao, eyeing his spoils. Lü Tuo, Wang Xi, and others glared with electric intensity, their unwillingness palpable.

However, since the Second Elder had already spoken, they could not contest the claim.

Envy surged among them all. The soul-seed that had fallen from the shattered blood-colored ship was beyond rare—its value immeasurable.

Shi Hao examined it as well. Within his sole Heavenly Passage, a single seed glowed softly, no larger than a fist, resembling a blue heart with a crystalline sheen.

Holding it in his hand, Shi Hao felt an immediate comfort, his divine soul nourished and his spiritual power growing steadily.

This was undoubtedly a treasure. Even if it served no other purpose, its ability to nurture the soul alone was enough to incite greed—its worth was boundless!

Yet, using it solely for soul-nourishment would be a waste. This was a seed of ancient rarity, capable of merging with one’s body to cultivate the Immortal Ancient Method.

“We came here precisely to seek Dao Seeds that suit us. Now, someone has obtained a soul-seed—this is a perfect beginning!” the Third Elder encouraged.

A soul-seed, tied to the divine soul, was undoubtedly a treasure of the highest order.

“Though it may not compare to the sapling of the World Tree or the seed of a nascent universe, it is still exceedingly rare—a glimpse of the finest Dao Seeds!” the Fifth Elder sighed, his own heart stirred.

“That’s a second-tier Immortal Seed! And someone obtained it so soon after entering the Boundary Tomb!”

“What incredible luck!”

The students of the Celestial Academy were filled with envy, and many burned with jealousy. Such treasures were fated encounters, legendary seeds beyond ordinary reach.

This harvest was an absolute delight, momentarily making them forget the earlier battle and danger, leaving them exhilarated.

“Enough. It’s time to move on,” the Fourth Elder reminded.

The group snapped back to reality, noticing the bloodstains and corpses on the silver warship. A chill ran through them—their fallen comrades were a stark reminder of the peril ahead. A single misstep could mean death and the end of their path.

The silver warship pressed forward, carrying them through the ruins of ancient realms.

“Second Elder, may I ask—how many seeds can one person fuse with?” Shi Hao inquired of the strongest among them.

The others were startled. Why would he ask such a thing? Did he intend to fuse multiple seeds into one? Such ambition was audacious.

“Ancient cultivation emphasizes focus and purity of mind. Even before beginning, you’re already thinking of merging other seeds—this is a grave taboo!” the Second Elder admonished.

Shi Hao pondered this, then nodded, deciding to store the soul-seed for now.

“Brother, if you dislike this seed, I’d be willing to trade you an Ancient Heavenly Art for it!” someone approached, whispering to Shi Hao.

Though the soul-seed couldn’t rival the World Tree or the nascent universe seed, it was still beyond the reach of ordinary cultivators—even the Eternal Clans struggled to obtain such treasures.

Some things required fate—strength alone couldn’t guarantee possession.

Onlookers recognized the man and exchanged knowing glances. Though he appeared to be a lone cultivator, he had deep ties to the Feng Clan.

“He’s just a front. In truth, he’s connected to the Feng Clan,” someone murmured.

“Does he really think he can trade for this Dao Seed? How bold!”

Even without hearing the whispered exchange, many guessed his intentions.

“Of course. He lacks the standing to possess a soul-seed or offer anything of equal value. Clearly, he’s acting on behalf of the Feng Clan,” someone concluded.

Shi Hao’s expression darkened. He despised the Feng Clan. Yuan Qing’s persecution of him—suppressing him for ten years—had been at their behest. Worse, he had slain their young prodigy, Feng Xingtian, in the Immortal Battlefield.

Now, the Feng Clan suspected him and would retaliate at any moment.

Under these circumstances, why would he ever trade the soul-seed to them?

“No deal. I’m keeping this seed for myself,” Shi Hao declared bluntly. His refusal wasn’t just out of hatred—he genuinely intended to use it.

To him, the divine soul was paramount. With such a seed, wasting it was unthinkable—he would unleash its full potential.

“Brother, it’s actually an Eternal Clan seeking this trade,” the gray-haired youth pressed, his gray-brown eyes calm.

“The Feng Clan?” Shi Hao asked coldly.

“Indeed,” the youth confirmed. Before coming, the Feng Clan had instructed him to secure any rare seeds, no matter the cost.

What he didn’t know was that Shi Hao had already killed Feng Xingtian, making him and the Feng Clan irreconcilable enemies—a fact the clan would never disclose.

Shi Hao’s icy gaze swept over him, murderous intent thick in the air. The youth shuddered, unable to speak, and hastily retreated.

The silver warship sailed on, traversing shattered lands and broken worlds, revealing ruins of prehistoric civilizations.

“What a massive head!” someone gasped, spotting a skull larger than a star, its grotesque visage floating in the dim void.

Its yellowed hair resembled rotten straw, its skin sallow and withered—its essence long drained.

Such a colossal skull terrified the students.

“That’s the third ancestor of the Golden Giant Clan. Historical records say he could split heaven and earth, his body capable of sundering the cosmos!” an Elder sighed.

Yet, even such a mighty being had fallen here, a testament to this place’s dread and mystery.

Shi Hao marveled. He had seen Golden Giants before, but none taller than a few dozen zhang. This one’s skull dwarfed stars—an incomparable difference.

“Ahead lies greater danger. We approach the land where seeds grow—all must be vigilant!” the Fourth Elder warned.

The group steeled themselves. They had come for Immortal and Dao Seeds—danger was no reason to turn back.

“Insignificant insects dare trespass here?” A thunderous roar shook the silver warship, nearly toppling them all.

The voice was domineering, dripping with disdain for the Celestial Academy’s group.

Everyone tensed. A living being lurked here, its hostility palpable. Could the Elders prevail?

“Ignore it,” the Second Elder said firmly.

“Faced with a deity, you refuse to kneel?” the voice mocked.

Rage flared among them. Who was this arrogant being?

“A prisoner, nothing more,” the Second Elder retorted coldly.

The silver warship surged forward.

Then, a shadowy black figure emerged, towering between heaven and earth. Though indistinct, its aura was terrifying.

Faintly, they could see a five-colored crown of immortal metal adorning its head, radiant yet dulled by its withered, blurred form.

In its hand, it held a wooden staff exuding ancient, regal power—like an emperor of old.

“A… royal from the Foreign Lands!” Du Gu Yun gasped, his face pale, his heart trembling at the ancient divine voice.

“Royal or not, he’s been imprisoned for ages, cut off from the world—barely clinging to life,” an Elder said.

This was a projection. Some dreadful entity was sealed here, enduring endless years, awaiting a chance to break free.

“Fools! Your ancestors once groveled at my feet!” the being sneered, its combativeness undimmed.

Without a word, the Second Elder summoned the Nine Phoenix Furnace, shielding the warship and striking at the skull.

“That artifact!” the being hissed before vanishing.

The Nine Phoenix Furnace was a legendary treasure, forged with supreme materials—a damaged but still formidable immortal artifact.

Yet, gloom settled over the group. A Foreign Royal, alive and sealed here, was a dire omen. If freed, catastrophe would follow.

They pressed on, passing shattered worlds and vast rifts leading to unknown realms.

Once, through a fissure, they glimpsed a blood-drenched dead city adrift in the void—chilling even the Elders.

“Wait—what’s that?”

Amidst a spatial storm, many cried out. A blinding golden light erupted, accompanied by surging chaos mist.

Then, they saw it—a towering golden tree, its leaves cradling stars, as if plucked from myth.

“Heavens… the World Tree?”

“And there—a World Stone! A colossal treasure beside that golden tree!”

Excitement erupted. They were witnessing legends come to life.

Shi Hao, however, was stunned. The golden tree and World Stone felt… familiar. How could they be here?