Chapter 970: Elder Kushu

“Esteemed Senior, you may not know this, but all these Heavenly Mulberry Divine Trees share the same root—they are essentially one and the same divine tree.” This wasn’t classified information, so the old man explained without hesitation.

“So that’s how it is. I’ve long heard that the Heavenly Mulberry Divine Tree ranks just below the Three Great Divine Woods, and now I finally see it for myself. Truly an eye-opener for Han.” Han Li clicked his tongue in admiration.

As Han Li followed the cultivator toward what appeared to be a grove of trees, the spiritual energy in the vicinity suddenly rippled. His vision blurred, and the scenery transformed dramatically—a small mountain several hundred zhang tall appeared before him. Centered around this mountain were numerous pavilions and towers of varying sizes, with cultivators bustling in and out.

“Disperse and attend to your duties. I alone shall escort these two Seniors,” the old man waved his hand, dismissing the other cultivators, who promptly obeyed and left.

Han Li and the puppet followed the old man straight to the mountaintop, where a large wooden hall, constructed from a massive tree, stood imposingly. Outside the hall, four cultivators clad in green armor stood motionless, each holding identical halberds.

The old man led Han Li and the puppet to the entrance, where the four armored cultivators remained expressionless, as if they were puppets themselves.

A faint smile curled at Han Li’s lips, though inwardly he was slightly surprised.

Though these four were only at the Foundation Establishment stage, the purity of their wood-attribute spiritual energy far surpassed that of ordinary cultivators of their rank. Moreover, Han Li could tell at a glance that both their armor and halberds were top-tier wood-attribute spiritual artifacts—an unusual sight indeed.

Seemingly noticing Han Li’s surprise, the old man smiled and explained, “These are the Wood Spirit Guards personally trained by my master. They cultivate a special technique empowered by the Heavenly Mulberry Divine Tree. Though their cultivation is not high, they excel in coordinated attacks. If the Senior has the opportunity, perhaps you could offer them some guidance.”

“Hmm, they are indeed quite different from ordinary cultivators,” Han Li nodded.

Seeing Han Li’s noncommittal response, the old man tactfully refrained from further comment.

The wooden hall was structurally simple, consisting only of a main hall and a side chamber. Upon entering, Han Li immediately spotted a tall figure standing with his back to them, clad in a green robe with snow-white hair.

The old man paled at the sight of this figure and immediately bowed deeply before silently stepping aside, standing respectfully with his hands clasped.

“Fellow Daoist, you must be the Venerable Bitter Bamboo?” Han Li stared unblinkingly at the figure’s back.

“Indeed, this old man is Bitter Bamboo. The two of you are unfamiliar faces—are you perhaps fellow Daoists from the inland regions? May I ask for your esteemed names?” The green-robed man laughed heartily before turning around.

Han Li narrowed his eyes. The man had rosy lips, pearly teeth, and delicate features, resembling a youth of sixteen or seventeen—except for the faint green aura shrouding his face.

Han Li was taken aback. This Venerable Bitter Bamboo, like himself, had mastered the art of preserving youthful appearance—something he hadn’t expected. He had assumed he would meet a wrinkled elder.

Though Bitter Bamboo wore a smile, a flicker of surprise flashed in his eyes as he took in Han Li’s appearance.

“Indeed, we are not from overseas. I am Han, and this is my senior brother, Li. We apologize for this abrupt visit and hope Fellow Daoist does not take offense,” Han Li said courteously.

“Not at all! Both of you are extraordinary individuals. As the master of this island, I could not be more delighted by your visit. Fellow Daoist Li’s cultivation is especially profound—I cannot even discern his realm, which truly broadens my horizons.” Bitter Bamboo chuckled after scrutinizing Han Li and the humanoid puppet, clearly mistaking the latter for a Nascent Soul cultivator practicing some esoteric technique.

“You flatter us, Fellow Daoist. The name of Venerable Bitter Bamboo has long been renowned to us,” Han Li smiled faintly.

“Hehe, please, have a seat and try this island’s unique Mulberry Wood Tea.” Bitter Bamboo gestured for them to sit.

With two crisp claps, several young female cultivators entered, carrying tea trays. They served each of the three a pot of pale green spiritual tea before respectfully withdrawing.

“Mulberry Wood Tea—does this tea have any connection to the Heavenly Mulberry Divine Tree?” Han Li examined the tea, sensing its rich wood-attribute spiritual energy, and asked with interest.

“Fellow Daoist has a keen eye. Indeed, this tea is brewed from the spiritual leaves of the Heavenly Mulberry Divine Tree, known to brighten the eyes and calm the spirit. I daresay no other place outside this island possesses such tea,” Bitter Bamboo replied with a hint of pride.

“In that case, I must truly savor it.” Han Li first scanned the tea with his spiritual sense to confirm it was safe before taking a small sip.

“Fellow Daoist Li, do you not care for this tea?” Bitter Bamboo noticed the puppet had not touched its cup and asked curiously.

“Since achieving grain avoidance, I never consume anything outside my own cave,” the puppet replied coldly, its tone devoid of courtesy.

“I see. My apologies for the oversight.” A flicker of displeasure crossed Bitter Bamboo’s eyes, but it vanished quickly.

A cultivator who dared speak so bluntly in front of their host clearly had some backing. Could this person truly be a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator? The thought made Bitter Bamboo regard the puppet with even greater wariness.

“Fellow Daoist Bitter Bamboo must have some idea of our purpose here. What do you think of the trade I proposed?” Han Li set down his cup after a few sips and asked calmly.

“To be frank, this trade puts me in a difficult position. That Black Phoenix is currently at a critical stage of advancement. Even if you offered mountains of demon cores, I would not exchange its feathers. Doing so might delay its next breakthrough indefinitely.” Bitter Bamboo frowned, his expression troubled.

“So, Fellow Daoist refuses?” Han Li pursed his lips but showed no surprise.

“Heh, if I outright refused, I doubt you two would leave empty-handed. How about this? In our world, strength speaks loudest. I propose a friendly spar. If either of you can defeat me, I will agree to the trade. If not…”

“If not, Brother Li and I will leave immediately and never mention it again,” Han Li said without hesitation.

“Good, it’s settled. It has been nearly a century since I last sparred. Which of you will take me on?” Bitter Bamboo’s gaze shifted between them, his smile ambiguous.

“If Fellow Daoist does not mind, may I have the honor?” The puppet spoke tonelessly under Han Li’s control.

“Excellent. I’ve been curious about Fellow Daoist Li’s techniques. Let us spar above the mountain. After you!” Bitter Bamboo rose, his expression solemn now that the puppet—whose cultivation he couldn’t discern—had stepped forward.

Han Li and the puppet stood as well.

The old man waiting nearby couldn’t suppress his excitement—watching Nascent Soul cultivators duel was a rare opportunity.

Moments later, Han Li hovered calmly a hundred zhang above the mountain. Several dozen zhang away, the puppet and Bitter Bamboo faced each other.

A handful of Core Formation cultivators had gathered nearby, their eyes wide as they watched the impending clash.

“Go!” Bitter Bamboo chanted lowly, forming hand seals. A dazzling burst of cold light erupted from his body as over a hundred green streaks shot forth. The streaks expanded midair, transforming into faint green flying swords that circled ominously above him in an intricate formation.

Han Li’s composed expression faltered slightly.

“A sword formation! So Bitter Bamboo truly has mastered such techniques.” Though Han Li had suspected as much, seeing it firsthand still surprised him.

“Tsk tsk, Han boy, this fellow seems quite capable. This should give the puppet a chance to show off a bit more of its abilities. Let’s start by testing its defenses,” the Great Divination Sage’s voice rang excitedly in Han Li’s mind, brimming with confidence in the puppet’s prowess.

“Understood.” Having invested so many rare materials into the puppet, Han Li was equally eager. With a thought, the puppet sprang into action.

From afar, the puppet opened its mouth and spat out a palm-sized shield, which expanded into a massive silver barrier before it. Then, forming hand seals, multicolored runes surfaced on its face, coalescing into a five-colored protective barrier that enveloped its entire body.

“Oh? Fellow Daoist, are you perhaps from the Southern Border’s Poison Sage Sect? This technique resembles their famed Spirit Rune Art,” Bitter Bamboo asked, startled.

“No,” the puppet replied flatly under Han Li’s control, though the mention piqued his interest.

“I see. My mistake. But your technique bears a striking resemblance.” Bitter Bamboo’s eyes gleamed with suspicion, his tone cooling. Clearly, he didn’t fully believe the denial.

He didn’t press further, but seeing the puppet assume a purely defensive stance—as if it had no intention of attacking—irritated him. Feeling slighted, his expression darkened as he muttered a low incantation.

The swords above him hummed in response, then trembled in unison. A hundred zhang-long sword beams shot forth, merging midair into a dazzling, deadly wave of light that surged toward the puppet.