Shi Hao’s words were light and casual, not particularly solemn, which immediately caused some creatures to show strange expressions. This was truly a clash of titans!
The two had once endured the tempering of the Yin-Yang Furnace together, but no goodwill had formed between them. Chi Meng Hong had always harbored hostility, eager to kill Huang!
Now, meeting atop the Enlightenment Mountain, he had long prepared for a decisive battle. The descendants of the Red King were known for their ruthless and bloodthirsty nature, striking fear into the hearts of all clans.
At the mountain’s peak, the soil was hard, gleaming with a metallic luster. Yet, lush green grass still grew, emitting a soft emerald glow.
At that very moment, a sudden whirlwind erupted between the two, tearing through space before exploding with a deafening thunderclap.
Without even exchanging blows, the invisible force field between them had already unleashed such terrifying destructive power, making the other cultivators tremble.
From beginning to end, Chi Meng Hong had not risen from his seated position on the green grass, exuding sheer arrogance. Even when facing Huang, he remained unmoved.
His crimson eyes, red as gemstones or blood-red suns, were soul-piercing.
His long hair cascaded loosely, his youthful and heroic demeanor radiating an invincible aura. He sat there, steady and self-assured, like an insurmountable ancient demonic mountain!
Chi Meng Hong was undeniably powerful, capable of looking down upon all his peers!
Shi Hao took light steps forward, as if strolling leisurely. Yet, with each step, the mountaintop trembled, and the entire world began to resonate with him.
This was an intangible, overwhelming momentum!
Possessing such power was akin to wielding the Great Dao itself, commanding the heavens and earth.
**Boom!**
Another terrifying surge erupted between the two. This time, various phenomena manifested in the void—dragon roars, lion cries, lightning flashes, and thunderclaps!
**Crack!**
The fissures in the void multiplied, the black rifts growing larger, as if the sky itself had been shattered, threatening to connect to another realm.
“Cease! If you wish to duel, leave the central area of the mountaintop!”
A loud shout rang out. It came from the guardians of the Enlightenment Tea Tree. Beneath the tree sat several powerful elders, stationed there year-round.
This tree was of immense importance, warranting protection from all clans. To prevent theft, powerful cultivators were always stationed nearby.
Chi Meng Hong, ever arrogant and cold, did not retort. He remained seated calmly, refraining from further action.
The Enlightenment Tea Tree was too close. A battle at their level would inevitably affect the ancient tree, and even with protective formations, the risk was too great.
Chi Meng Hong did not move again. His gaze toward Shi Hao was icy, a cold smirk playing on his lips, his killing intent undiminished. Yet, he said nothing more.
“Huang, enjoy what little time you have left. Otherwise, you won’t get another chance.”
A voice spoke from behind Chi Meng Hong—a youthful face, smiling warmly, as if bathed in sunlight.
A mere servant, yet he spoke to Shi Hao with such ease, positioning himself as an equal, even offering advice.
Shi Hao frowned. How could he not be repulsed? Worse still, this servant was human, willingly embracing his subservient role with pride.
**Servility!**
The word flashed in Shi Hao’s mind. He stared coldly but refrained from responding. Arguing with a servant would only demean himself.
“Haha, Huang, you are strong, but don’t be foolish. I advise you to beg for mercy. If my young master is pleased, your fate may change,” the young servant spoke again.
Behind Chi Meng Hong stood three other servants, older and not human. They exuded a fierce battle aura, their eyes gleaming with hostility, eager to fight in their master’s stead. Suppressing Huang themselves would carry far greater significance.
Shi Hao’s gaze turned frigid. Even Chi Meng Hong’s servants dared act so boldly—proof of their usual arrogance.
**”Hmph!”**
Shi Hao’s cold snort struck the human servant like a thunderbolt, shaking his mind to the brink of collapse.
Chi Meng Hong’s eyes flashed with cold lightning. A radiant light surged behind him, shielding his servants from disaster.
Many gasped at the sight. Huang’s power was terrifying—a mere snort could annihilate countless foes.
“The time has come. Prepare to harvest the Enlightenment Tea Leaves!”
A voice announced, and the mountaintop erupted in noise. Excitement filled the air as everyone’s eyes gleamed with anticipation.
The duel between Shi Hao and Chi Meng Hong was postponed. Both now focused ahead, their attention fixed on the Enlightenment Tea Tree.
The guardians beneath the tree rose, stowing away their treasures. The protective barrier vanished, revealing the sacred tree in full.
The ancient tree was thick and gnarled, like a coiled dragon. Its branches were numerous and rugged, yet the leaves were sparse.
This was not a poor yield—the Enlightenment Tea Tree was always like this.
Though the branches were many, each bore only a single leaf, making the tree appear bare.
Yet, the tree brimmed with vitality, exuding a dense life force. As one of the world’s supreme medicinal herbs, it naturally pulsed with immortal energy.
“One, two…”
People counted, then erupted in cheers.
There were exactly three thousand leaves—no more, no less—matching the number of the Great Dao.
“Three thousand Great Daos, three thousand leaves! Haha, this is truly a bountiful year!”
The crowd rejoiced. The Enlightenment Tea Tree bore fruit only once every few centuries, sometimes yielding as few as a hundred leaves. Only in rare instances did it produce three thousand.
“Alas, with three thousand leaves this time, the next great harvest may take millennia!”
Some sighed, resigned to the long wait.
After the leaves were plucked, the tree would slowly regrow, a process taking an immense amount of time.
“Ritual!”
Before harvesting, a special ceremony was performed. The elders then began plucking the leaves with utmost care.
**Clang!**
A cold light flashed as one leaf, shaped like a divine sword, emitted a sharp resonance when touched.
**Dong!**
A deep bell toll echoed as another leaf, shaped like a great bell, glowed with earthen light.
**Whoosh!**
Flames surged from a crimson leaf shaped like a treasure furnace.
Shi Hao was astonished—this was his first time witnessing the Enlightenment Tea Tree’s wonders.
The other youths were equally amazed. Though they had heard tales, none had been alive during the last harvest.
**Roar!**
A tiger’s roar erupted from a white leaf shaped like a white tiger, lifelike and imposing.
Nearby, a five-colored leaf shone with divine light, releasing a phoenix’s cry amidst sacred flames—a leaf shaped like a phoenix!
Each of the three thousand leaves was unique, whether resembling creatures or divine weapons, all exuding their own majestic pressure.
This was the Enlightenment Tea Tree—mystical and miraculous, a treasure coveted by countless cultivators!
The harvesters worked meticulously, sealing each leaf in a small jade container.
“The tea ceremony begins!”
A guardian announced.
With all leaves plucked, the ancient tree stood bare, yet its vitality remained undiminished.
Beneath the tree stood a low but sacred earthen altar, glowing softly as it cradled the three thousand jade containers.
“Strength and fate shall determine who claims the leaves.”
“Each may take only one leaf. Only after brewing, drinking, and achieving enlightenment may they claim another.”
The elders explained the rules.
“Each leaf embodies a supreme Great Dao. The leaf you are drawn to may reveal your destined path.”
**Boom!**
Many reached out, attempting to summon a jade container with their power.
Yet most strained in vain, unable to move even a single leaf.
Finally, a few containers stirred, flying toward the crowd.
Out of the many present, only a few dozen succeeded.
One jade container flew toward Shi Hao.
He had succeeded.
Eagerly, he wondered—what shape would his leaf take? Would it reveal his destined path?
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage