“What exactly are you trying to say?” Shi Hao asked, momentarily stunned but far from truly bewildered.
“This world will cease to exist, just like the previous epoch. Everything is heading toward its end—a cycle, as it were. Even if a new epoch begins, it will inevitably tread the same path, descending into eternal darkness.” A sigh echoed from within the mist.
“Why have you sought me out?” Shi Hao inquired, his heart unsettled though his expression remained calm.
“You, me, and many others wish to survive. My reason for finding you is no different,” the Immortal Medicine replied.
“Do you think summoning me will solve anything?” Shi Hao was skeptical.
“I merely wish to forge a bond of goodwill and ask for your mercy—to spare some of the rare herbs on this island. A few have the potential to become Divine Medicines, and that is no easy feat.”
Divine Medicines were exceedingly rare, countable on one hand, and considered treasures of the world.
A gentle breeze swept by, dispersing the chaotic mist ahead and revealing the true scenery. A radiant light shone forth, and Shi Hao’s eyes widened instantly. What was that? A patch of All-Creation Soil!
He had once found a clay pot in Jun Dao’s cave, containing this priceless soil. Just that small pot had sent the little rabbit rolling on the ground in delight, claiming it would help her achieve enlightenment.
But what lay before him now was a full square zhang of such soil, each grain crystalline, drawing in the chaotic energies and the essence of heaven and earth.
“I’ve never been one for extermination. When gathering sacred herbs, I leave behind seeds and spare the roots,” Shi Hao responded, his gaze unblinking as he stared at the soil.
This was an earth-shattering opportunity! With so much All-Creation Soil, he could accomplish many miraculous feats.
Legends said this soil could nurture anything. Even an immortal lord who fell in battle, if buried within it, would remain incorruptible for eternity. After countless years, they might even revive.
How utterly heaven-defying was that?
A square zhang was enough to bury several beings. Shi Hao’s heart pounded as he stared at the soil, activating his Martial Dao Heavenly Eye to peer deeper.
Because beneath it, creatures might be slumbering!
Yet, he couldn’t see through. Wisps of chaotic mist drifted by, and immortal energy swirled, making the place appear even more sacred.
“It’s good that you have such intentions,” the voice spoke again.
*Plop!*
A sound of breaking earth came as a plant emerged from the soil—pure white, wreathed in immortal mist, shedding droplets of luminous rain. It was transcendent.
The White Turtle Bearing an Immortal!
It had been beneath the soil all along.
What else lay within this All-Creation Soil? Was it truly just this herb, or were other beings buried here? Shi Hao’s gaze deepened, itching to step forward and investigate.
But he restrained himself. If the White Turtle dared to appear so close, it surely had no fear of danger.
“Did you summon me just to say this?” Shi Hao asked.
A flash of radiant light, a gleam of silver—a beautiful figure emerged from the soil, standing atop the turtle. Her white robes fluttered as if dancing, and she regarded Shi Hao with curiosity.
Both the turtle and the woman were as white as jade. Were they not so small, one might mistake them for a true immortal astride a turtle. But this… was merely a medicinal herb!
“I also wish to ask for your help, Dao Brother. This island has been sealed for a long time—over an epoch, perhaps. It may be time for it to see the light of day again,” the White Turtle said.
This was the first time Shi Hao had observed an Immortal Medicine up close. Surprisingly, after the initial whiff of fragrance, all the luminous rain and scent retracted into the snowy-white herb, not a trace wasted.
“You said it yourself—all things wither, the entire world will fall silent. What difference does leaving here make?” Shi Hao countered.
“It’s different. Escaping offers a sliver of hope,” the White Turtle sighed. The woman on its back merely blinked her large eyes, silent throughout.
“Are you truly an Immortal Medicine, or an immortal from the previous epoch buried here?” Shi Hao asked suspiciously.
This White Turtle kept addressing him as “Dao Brother,” sounding more like a cultivator. He couldn’t help but wonder—was this an immortal corpse that had gained sentience, transforming into an undying herb?
Because such rumors had existed before!
“I am merely a herb, one that has lived long enough,” the White Turtle replied.
“Tell me, what happened in the previous epoch?” Shi Hao’s eyes gleamed, his heart filled with countless unanswered questions.
“I am just a herb, trapped on this island. Dao Brother, what could I possibly know?” The White Turtle’s gaze flickered.
Shi Hao stared at it, unconvinced. “You ask for my help yet refuse to satisfy even this small request? It costs you nothing.”
“I truly don’t know,” the White Turtle sighed, its eyes clouded with confusion. “I’ve lived long, but I feel as though I suffered a calamity midway, damaging my body and losing much of my past memories.”
“You… you couldn’t actually be an immortal lord who perished and transformed into an Immortal Medicine, could you?!” Shi Hao exclaimed in shock.
“Likely not,” the White Turtle denied, then glanced at the peerless beauty on its back. She, too, clad in snow-white robes, shook her head.
“Dao Brother, if you free this island, I can grant you a peerless treasure,” the White Turtle offered.
“Such as?” Shi Hao asked, deeply intrigued by this enigmatic herb.
“I can give you Immortal Gold,” the White Turtle said casually.
“What?!” Before Shi Hao could react, the Divine Striking Stone leaped up. That was one of the rarest treasures in the world, and it was being offered just like that? Its eyes gleamed. “Can you give World Stone or Primordial Chaos Stone?”
“No, but I have half a piece of Heaven-Mending Stone. Legend says it can patch the heavens, though I’m not sure you can chew it.” The White Turtle lifted a claw, dug into the All-Creation Soil, and kicked out a bluish stone.
It was less than a foot long, ancient and unassuming, tinged with pale blue.
“It’s yours!” The White Turtle pushed it forward.
“Roar—!” The Divine Striking Stone howled, swallowing the immortal material midair.
Shi Hao’s eyes flashed. That was indeed Heaven-Mending Stone—he’d seen it in the Yuan Heaven Secret Realm, where the Yuan Heaven Supreme’s battle armor had been forged from it.
But no one could take that stone armor away.
Watching the Divine Striking Stone, Shi Hao suddenly felt this fellow might truly develop immortal energy one day. It had devoured Primordial Chaos Stone, Ten Thousand Laws Stone, Destiny Stone… too many treasures.
“What do you think, Dao Brother?” the White Turtle asked again.
“I lack no Immortal Gold—I already possess some,” Shi Hao replied.
“Then how about I gift you an Immortal Medicine?” the White Turtle suggested.
At this, Shi Hao’s expression changed, and even the Divine Striking Stone stared in shock. Such a sacred treasure—who could resist such temptation?
Legends said consuming an Immortal Medicine granted immunity to all calamities!
“You… are serious?!” Shi Hao’s voice wavered slightly.
“Truthfully, immortality cannot be achieved through medicine alone. One must possess the corresponding cultivation. Dao Brother, do not be misled,” the White Turtle said, shrinking its neck under his intense gaze.
“Are you offering yourself to me?” Shi Hao asked.
“That’s impossible. Immortal Medicines grow too slowly. If I sever part of myself, leaving only the roots, how could I survive the world’s impending doom?” The White Turtle shook its head.
“Then how will you gift it?”
“Dao Friend, bring forth two jade jars. I’ll give you two drops of Immortal Medicine essence,” the White Turtle said.
“That’s too little!” The Divine Striking Stone protested, finding the turtle too stingy.
“It’s plenty. This is Immortal Medicine essence—not some common treasure. Even in the age of immortals, it was rare!” The White Turtle shook its head.
Without a word, Shi Hao took out two enormous jars and set them down.
The old turtle was speechless.
“Dao Brother, even if you stuffed me inside, I wouldn’t fill those jars,” the White Turtle said, baring its teeth.
Silently, Shi Hao swapped them for smaller jars. A flash of light, and the White Turtle retrieved them with a special method. Runes flickered within the All-Creation Soil.
The Divine Striking Stone shuddered—there were immortal runes and formations there. No wonder one couldn’t recklessly intrude!
The White Turtle craned its neck, inexplicably giving off a somewhat lecherous vibe. Then, it spat a drop of saliva into one jar.
Shi Hao’s forehead darkened. This turtle was asking for a beating!
Couldn’t it have extracted a drop of essence from any other part? Did it have to be saliva?!
Even knowing it was just a herb, fragrant and clean, Shi Hao still wanted to punch it.
“If you spit again for the second drop, I won’t take it!” Shi Hao glared.
“So picky,” the White Turtle grumbled, slowly turning around and presenting its rear to the other jar.
“Come here. I promise I won’t kill you!” Shi Hao said.
This turtle was utterly shameless! Earlier, it had been all solemn and sorrowful, but now it was pulling stunts like this, leaving one utterly bewildered—was this even the same turtle and herb?
“You overthink things. Why would I do something so trivial?” The White Turtle remained unruffled but still lifted its rear.
“You—”
*Plop!* It laid an egg—tiny, the size of a pigeon’s, dropping into the jade jar.
“This is… a medicinal pill. Call it a turtle pill. It’s worth two drops of Immortal Medicine essence,” the White Turtle said.
Shi Hao’s expression remained unamused. This damned turtle was truly asking for a thrashing!
“Ah, misunderstood again. In that case, I’ll compensate you with some more Immortal Gold,” the White Turtle sighed.
Behind the All-Creation Soil, the scenery became clear as the chaotic mist dissipated. There lay a small pool, barely large enough to fit a few people standing in it.
“That’s… the Fountain of Youth!” Shi Hao gasped.
He had seen it before—back in the Hundred Broken Mountains of the Lower Realm, where he’d obtained five drops. The Divine Striking Stone had appeared then, too.
Each drop could save a life, priceless beyond measure.
“I can’t give you this spring. I still need it, as does this herb garden,” the White Turtle said, pointing to a chain at the bottom of the pool.
“That’s an Immortal Gold chain. If you can sever it, it’s yours,” the White Turtle offered.
“Are you joking? That’s Immortal Gold—who could break it?” the Divine Striking Stone exclaimed.
“This Dao Brother’s sword embryo might manage it,” the White Turtle said.
Shi Hao’s expression shifted. So, during his battle with the Dark Divine Son, when space had split, this old turtle had glimpsed his sword.
“By asking me to sever this chain, do you have ulterior motives?” Shi Hao asked.
“Ah, you’ve seen through me. Indeed, this is the main reason I sought you out,” the White Turtle admitted frankly, dropping all pretense.
Shi Hao remained silent. Would this action endanger him?
“Dao Brother, I’ve always felt your sword is peculiar—but I can’t recall why. Losing fragments of memory is truly painful,” the White Turtle mused.
Shi Hao’s heart stirred. Had this herb encountered the Great Luo Immortal Sword before?
But this sword embryo… wasn’t it mined from a stone in this epoch?
“The chain in the Fountain of Youth contains Radiant White Gold. It might be useful for your sword,” the White Turtle said.
Shi Hao’s mind raced. Instead of striking, he merely placed the dull, unremarkable sword embryo atop the chain. Something bizarre happened.
The sword glowed brilliantly on its own, its blade revealing a humanoid figure shrouded in white immortal mist, accompanied by seven-colored rain of light.
“Hmm?!”
Streaks of white light flowed from the chain into the sword, coalescing around the humanoid figure’s mist, making it more tangible. A hazy, white fog emanated.
Shi Hao inhaled sharply, and even the Divine Striking Stone was dumbfounded.
This sword embryo was too eerie! Last time, it had absorbed the essence of the Fallen Divine Son’s Seven-Colored Immortal Gold dagger, dyeing its flying immortal rainbows in seven hues.
Now it was absorbing Radiant Immortal Gold’s essence, transforming it into white immortal energy.
“This sword embryo…” The White Turtle’s expression changed.
The snow-robed woman on its back spoke for the first time, her voice like celestial music: “It’s strange… yet I have no recollection of it.”
“Never mind that. Dao Brother, help me sever the Radiant Immortal Gold chain, and I’ll grant you a monumental opportunity!” the White Turtle urged.
“What opportunity?”
“I saw you summon the remnants of ten thousand flames not long ago, burning an ancient corpse…”
Shi Hao’s heart skipped. So this creature had been watching his battle with the Dark Divine Son.
“If I’m not mistaken, you sought to temper yourself with the flames of myriad Daos to cultivate a second strand of immortal energy. But this path is too perilous. Even in the Immortal Ancient Epoch, a peerless genius known as the Little Immortal King attempted it—only to be burned to ashes,” the White Turtle said, emphasizing the impossibility of success.
But it hinted at a possible remedy.
“How?” Shi Hao pressed.
“I can send you to the Immortal Hall. If you go, your fortune will be immense!” the White Turtle declared.
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