Chapter 1004: The Celestial Spirit Tree

Found it at last!

Shi Hao was astonished, but more than that, he was overjoyed. Gazing at the ancient tree atop the towering divine mountain, his heart swelled with excitement.

Step by step, he approached. Even from a distance, he could sense the unique aura of divinity emanating from it. The golden leaves, blossoms, branches, and fruits of the ancient tree all shimmered with swirling spiritual essence.

It was tall and massive, its bark cracked like scales the size of palms, the entire tree glowing with a golden hue.

“Young one, you are fortunate to have made it here,” the ancient tree spoke.

Clearly, this Celestial Deity Tree was no ordinary herb. It was a true, powerful living being. Just its fruits alone could elevate someone to the status of a Celestial Deity, let alone the tree itself.

“Greetings, Elder!” Shi Hao replied with utmost respect.

He could already tell that this tree was far more formidable than the one he had seen in the Immortal Herb Garden. That one had suffered severe damage, its trunk nearly split apart.

This one, however, resembled a dormant golden heavenly dragon!

“Ah, the heavens are truly unfair. To see one so young already nearing the realm of a Celestial Deity, while I, after countless years of cultivation, remain unable to break through,” the ancient tree sighed.

As a Celestial Deity Tree, it could bear fruits of the Great Dao, enabling others to ascend to Celestial Deity status—how utterly heaven-defying was that?

Yet, it itself was suppressed by the natural order, struggling to cultivate. Its path had long been severed, preventing it from becoming a true supreme powerhouse. Now, it was merely at the peak of the Celestial Deity realm, with one foot barely stepping into the ranks of sect masters.

Still, compared to other divine herbs, it was relatively fortunate, possessing formidable combat strength.

It was worth noting that whether it was the Void Heaven Divine Vine, the Tribulation Transcendence Lotus, or even the supreme longevity herb like the White Turtle Bearing Immortal, none could engage in deep cultivation despite their heaven-defying medicinal properties. Their strength was limited.

“Though we mortals can cultivate, we are plagued by the cycles of life, aging, sickness, and death, unable to attain immortality. Yet you, Elder, were born a Celestial Deity, eternal since ancient times, with endless lifespan, watching generation after generation of prodigies return to the dust. Truly, you stand above it all,” Shi Hao said.

“You speak well, but my circumstances are as they are. I know my own suffering. If not for taking root in this land of tribulation, I would have long been seized and planted as a divine herb,” the golden ancient tree replied.

It stood dozens of zhang tall, its branches lush and golden, exuding a sacred aura. Its leaves glowed, parting the clouds above.

“Enough. Since you’ve come here, fate has brought us together. I shall gift you a Celestial Deity Fruit to stabilize your cultivation and elevate you to Celestial Deity status,” it declared.

Shi Hao’s heart burned with excitement. Naturally, he wished to break through as soon as possible. Time waited for no one, and the stronger he was, the better. He knew chaos was coming, and only by surpassing others in strength could he ensure his survival.

He tactfully inquired if he could obtain more fruits, as he had noticed the tree bore more than just one or two golden fruits.

“Unfortunately, only one fruit is ripe. The others are either still blossoms or too unripe to be of any use,” the golden ancient tree replied, its leaves rustling.

Shi Hao humbly asked about the wondrous effects of consuming the Celestial Deity Fruit.

“At the very least, it will make you impervious to a hundred calamities, shielding you from foul energies,” the tree explained. Beyond instantly elevating one to Celestial Deity status, it had such additional benefits.

“What does ‘impervious to a hundred calamities’ mean?” Shi Hao asked.

“It can ward off lightning strikes, resist fire tribulations, withstand water disasters…” the Celestial Deity Tree listed them one by one.

Upon hearing this, Shi Hao’s expression immediately fell. Warding off lightning tribulations? That wouldn’t do! He needed to undergo tribulations at every realm to temper himself.

“Elder, what about the lightning tribulation—”

“Ah, I forgot. In this era, lightning tribulations are rare. Whether this effect exists or not hardly matters. No need to worry,” the tree said.

“But I *need* to undergo tribulations,” Shi Hao insisted.

“What? You’ve survived heavenly tribulations?” The Celestial Deity Tree was shocked. It had assumed Shi Hao was merely a lucky outsider who had stumbled in, not someone who had endured tribulations to arrive here.

“I’ve already survived three heavenly tribulations,” Shi Hao nodded.

Instantly, he felt an overwhelming divine sense sweep over him. Then, a golden branch extended from the tree and rested on his shoulder.

“Such a formidable physique, with a soul tempered by lightning tribulations!” The Celestial Deity Tree was deeply shaken the moment it made contact.

Shi Hao didn’t resist. With strength rivaling a Celestial Deity, he could sense no hostility from the ancient tree and was confident in his ability to protect himself.

“Elder, you’ve been here so long, estranged from the outside world. Would you consider leaving with me?” Shi Hao ventured.

By now, he realized the Celestial Deity Fruit might not benefit him much, but it could aid his friends and family. This tree was undoubtedly a supreme divine treasure.

He was already on par with a Celestial Deity, so consuming the fruit wouldn’t significantly enhance him. Worse, it might prevent him from undergoing future tribulations, which would be disastrous.

Moreover, he believed cultivation was best achieved through one’s own efforts. A sudden leap to Celestial Deity status felt unreliable.

Yet, the tree still held immense allure. If he could bring it back to Stone Village, the clan elders could consume its fruits, sparing them from the ravages of aging.

Imagine if all the uncles and companions in Stone Village could eat a Celestial Deity Fruit—not only would they grow stronger, but they could also continue living together, free from watching loved ones wither and die.

As for his grandfather, the Great Demonic God, Shi Hao believed he could reach Celestial Deity status on his own. If not, he’d surely offer him a fruit.

Thus, as he stared at the tree, his eyes began to gleam with a covetous green light, as if itching to dig it up on the spot.

“Kid, what are you plotting?” The Celestial Deity Tree felt uneasy under his gaze, sensing this youth was no ordinary character.

“Elder, the outside world is on the brink of chaos. Ancient covenants, the borderlands, the vast uninhabited regions—all will erupt in turmoil. This place will no longer be a sanctuary. The space housing the Immortal Ancient Ruins is cracking, soon to merge with the outside world. You must prepare,” Shi Hao warned.

“What are you saying? What’s happening out there?” The tree’s expression turned grave as it pressed for details.

After hearing Shi Hao’s account, the ancient face formed on its trunk flickered with uncertainty.

If such events were unfolding outside, and even Immortal Ancient would cease to exist, then this secluded land would likely merge with the three thousand provinces.

“If only it could connect to the Land of Eternal Life,” the tree murmured, though it knew that was unlikely.

“Elder, I can guide you out,” Shi Hao offered eagerly.

“With you still in the Sacred Sacrifice Realm, how can you protect me? There are sect masters out there. I’d surely be seized and planted in some herb garden,” the tree retorted.

“Elder, I’m only twenty and already possess such achievements. Imagine where I’ll be in a few years. Think long-term,” Shi Hao smiled, determined to take the tree with him.

Twenty years old, rivaling a Celestial Deity—such a feat was terrifying even in the previous epoch.

Then, without hesitation, Shi Hao revealed his three strands of immortal energy, forming three faint Dao flowers above his head. The essence of sun and moon, the quintessence of heaven and earth, swirled around him, resonating with the laws of the cosmos.

The Celestial Deity Tree could no longer remain calm. It leaped up, its roots tearing from the soil, leaves shaking violently, its golden radiance blazing.

“Three strands of immortal energy! To reach this stage—even in the previous epoch, you’d be a rare young supreme!”

This revelation shocked it deeply. In an era where the world was deteriorating into the “Age of Decadent Dharma,” encountering such a prodigy was astounding.

The tree’s attitude shifted instantly. Previously indifferent, it now saw Shi Hao as a reliable powerhouse worth following.

From then on, the two conversed amiably.

The tree shook, golden leaves shedding dewdrops with a faint wine-like fragrance. It offered Shi Hao a cup.

“This won’t ward off lightning tribulations, will it?”

“Worry not. This is merely heavenly nectar I’ve fermented into wine,” the tree assured.

To Shi Hao’s surprise, his mission was proceeding smoothly. The Celestial Deity Tree was tempted and might indeed leave with him.

Yet, the tree had reservations. Its lush form would draw too much attention if it followed Shi Hao, inevitably sparking conflicts among sects.

It could shrink and hide in a spatial artifact, but that would stunt its growth, causing fruits to fall prematurely—hardly a solution.

Shi Hao frowned. “Is there no other way?”

A tree this massive would only be safe in places like the Heaven Mending Sect, Immortal Palace, or Netherworld. In his hands, it would attract envy and danger.

“If you can find the Soil of All Things, even if I shrink to a foot tall, I can thrive within it, advancing my cultivation and bearing abundant fruit.”

“I *have* the Soil of All Things!” Shi Hao exclaimed, recalling the pot of soil he’d taken from Jun Dao—though he’d already gifted it to the little rabbit.

The tree informed him that deep within this ancient land lay more of the Soil of All Things, possibly holding secrets from the previous epoch.

Determined, Shi Hao set out. If the soil was here, he could secure it and safely transport the tree without drawing attention.

The tree warned him repeatedly of the dangers ahead—even it dared not venture there, for the path was fraught with the most severe lightning tribulations.

Shi Hao laughed. He had already survived three tribulations. What others deemed fatal, he feared not.

True enough, the landscape alternated between serene, lush greenery and charred, thunder-stricken wastelands.

Frowning, Shi Hao pressed on. The deepest tribulations were terrifying, with lightning bolts crashing down and arcs morphing into ferocious beasts lunging at him.

Safe paths existed, but they could be swallowed by lightning at any moment. Only those with great fortune, powerful artifacts, or sheer strength could pass.

After days of travel, Shi Hao spotted a stone arch bridge leading to a paradise—a land of crystalline plants bathed in radiant light.

Stepping onto the bridge, he was struck by lightning, his body charred. A lesser cultivator would have been obliterated.

From afar, he glimpsed a wondrous sight within the paradise: a patch of Soil of All Things, surrounded by dazzling phenomena and sacred splendor.

“The Soil of All Things!” Shi Hao rejoiced.

Yet, he was also stunned. Within the soil, myriad visions flickered like mirrors, reflecting the silhouette of a woman.

“She seems… familiar?” Shi Hao froze, feeling as though he knew her.