Chapter 836
The Generous Bodhi Tree
Having undergone the tempering of the Bodhi Tree through countless reincarnations, Xiao Ling could clearly sense that his spiritual power had experienced a qualitative leap.
In terms of realms in the Dou Qi Continent, his soul power has reached the Great Perfection of the Heavenly Realm; converted to the realm of a Talisman Master, it is the peak of the Great Talisman Sect.
However, Xiao Ling was still unable to accurately fathom how much this sudden surge in spiritual power would add to his combat strength. He couldn't say for the time being what level of expert this powerful spiritual power could match in terms of actual combat strength.
However, based on his estimation, he believed that he could handle even an ordinary Seven-Star Battle Saint with his spiritual power alone. Even if a powerful soul force at the same Heavenly Realm Great Perfection level were to take his Yellow Springs Wrath head-on, they would suffer severe injuries, even if they did not die on the spot.
Only when facing a top-tier existence like the Heavenly Emperor of the Upper Soul, Gu Yuan, whose soul had cultivated to the Emperor Realm, did Xiao Ling feel that he had no chance of winning at all.
Seeing Hunfeng fall straight to the ground, completely stunned, Xun'er slowly stepped forward, her gaze falling on the limp figure. She turned to Xiao Ling and asked softly.
"Brother Xiao Ling, what should we do with this Soul Wind?"
Xiao Ling raised his hand to stroke his chin, his gaze slightly narrowed as he pondered for a moment, then said in a deep voice,
"Let's take this guy back to the Ancient Clan first. He is the young patriarch of the Soul Clan and his cultivation has reached the late stage of the Two-Star Dou Sheng realm. He must know a lot of Soul Clan secrets. If we can pry some useful information out of him, it will be a great help to us in dealing with the Soul Clan in the future."
After some thought, Xiao Ling had roughly figured out the key to why the Soul Clan could accurately detect his cultivation progress. The answer most likely lay with Gu Yang, the second elder of the Ancient Clan's ancestral hall.
Although Gu Yang held the position of elder of the Ancient Clan, he had actually been plotted against by the Void Devouring Flame a hundred years ago. He was merged and refined with a powerful member of the Soul Clan, becoming a hidden pawn planted by the Soul Clan within the Ancient Clan.
Because Gu Yang holds a high position in the Ancient Clan, he has passed on many secrets of the Ancient Clan to the Soul Clan over the years. It is likely that my cultivation information was leaked through him.
Even though Xiao Ling understood the cause and effect, he could not tell Gu Yuan and Xun'er directly. After all, the source of his information was inexplicable. It seemed that the most appropriate way was to reveal this secret to the public through Hun Feng in the future.
Upon hearing Xiao Ling's arrangement, Xun'er nodded slightly, but a trace of concern flashed in her eyes: "Since Brother Xiao Ling has such a plan, it is indeed a proper method. However, Hun Feng holds a very important position in the Soul Clan. If the Soul Clan finds out that his disappearance is related to us, I'm afraid they will take the opportunity to cause trouble and come to the Ancient Clan to make things difficult."
"Don't worry, we'll deal with whatever comes our way. With me here, I'll make sure nothing happens to you or the Ancient Clan. Besides, my father-in-law is a peerless expert at the peak of the Nine-Star Dou Sheng realm. Even if the Soul Emperor himself came, he would only be able to fight him to a draw. Why should our Ancient Clan be afraid of the Soul Clan? They were the ones who provoked us first. If we're really talking about who's right, in the end, they should be the ones offering compensation and coming to the Ancient Clan to redeem us."
Xiao Ling chuckled upon hearing this, raised his hand and ruffled her hair, his tone relaxed yet reassuring.
Although the Soul Clan has secretly laid many traps in the Central Continent over the years, and has hidden many high-level Dou Sheng experts within the clan, their strength should not be underestimated.
However, Xiao Ling had already made plans in his heart. His purpose in returning to the ancient clan with Xun'er this time was to start the process of reviving Ancestor Xiao Xuan.
Once Ancestor Xiao Xuan returns to his position, our side will have two top-tier experts, Gu Yuan and Xiao Xuan, both at the peak of the Nine-Star Dou Sheng realm, to oversee things. At that time, even if we face the Soul Emperor in a one-on-one situation, we might not be able to determine a winner, but in a two-on-one situation, we can easily suppress him. Dealing with the Soul Clan afterwards will be even easier.
As soon as he finished speaking, Xiao Ling suddenly changed the subject, looking at Xun'er as if he had just remembered something, and said gently,
"By the way, didn't I give you a portion of the Yellow Spring Demon Saint's essence blood before? After you return to the Ancient Clan, refine it. Once the power of the essence blood is fully integrated into your body, your cultivation will definitely advance further, and reaching the late stage of a one-star Dou Sheng will not be difficult at all."
Upon hearing Xiao Ling mention the essence blood of the Yellow Spring Demon Saint, Xun'er withdrew her gaze from the Soul Wind on the ground, a faint smile appearing between her brows and eyes.
She had originally planned to use the Bodhi Heart and the Demon Saint's essence blood to break through to the Dou Sheng realm after returning to the ancient clan. However, she did not expect that the hundred lifetimes of reincarnation of the Bodhi Ancient Tree would allow her to break through to the Dou Sheng realm directly. This precious Demon Saint's essence blood could be used as an aid for further cultivation.
After finalizing the arrangements with Xun'er, Xiao Ling walked to the ancient Bodhi tree, his gaze falling on its lush green branches, and said loudly,
"Senior, now that this matter is settled, I have also helped you clear the Dou Di resentment from your body. You promised to give me the Bodhi Seed, surely you won't go back on your word?"
As soon as the words were spoken, the ancient Bodhi tree gently swayed its branches, as if it was a beat late in understanding. Then it shook its branches heavily, giving an affirmative answer with its actions.
The next moment, layers of emerald light rippled around the ancient tree, and countless emerald light points floated out from between the branches, condensing into lustrous and plump Bodhi seeds in front of Xiao Ling, spreading out layer upon layer.
Xiao Ling glanced at the items and was slightly shocked to find that there were over two hundred of them. Even though he had searched extensively throughout the Central Plains, he had only obtained a meager amount. The Bodhi Ancient Tree's offering of over two hundred items this time was truly astonishing.
However, upon further reflection, given the ancient tree's foundation, comparable to that of a Dou Di (a powerful figure in the martial arts world), these Bodhi seeds were probably no different from plucking a hair from its roots.
Seeing this, Xiao Ling didn't hesitate. He gathered his fighting spirit at his fingertips, and a halo of light from his storage space flashed, instantly taking all two hundred-plus lustrous Bodhi seeds into his storage space with swift and decisive movements.
Just as he finished putting away the Bodhi seeds, a strange look flashed in his eyes, as if he had suddenly remembered a brilliant idea. He turned around, cupped his hands in a smile, and addressed the ancient Bodhi tree with a hint of mystery in his tone.
"Senior, I happen to have a good item here that I'd like you to try. It might help you heal the remaining injuries in your body more quickly."
These unexpected words aroused the curiosity of the ancient Bodhi tree. Its verdant branches swayed gently, and the leaves rustled softly, as if gesturing for Xiao Ling to continue, full of curiosity.
Xiao Ling didn't hesitate. With a light flip of his hand, a flash of white light appeared, and a lustrous jade bottle landed in his palm.
This jade bottle is not the real Little Green Bottle. The real Little Green Bottle is in the hands of the old apothecary. Previously, seeing that the old apothecary had some free time, Xiao Ling asked him to use the Little Green Bottle to help accelerate the growth of some high-grade medicinal herbs. However, recently the old apothecary has been busy with the affairs of the Pill Tower and Spirit Talisman Hall. He must be so busy that he doesn't know how well he is handling those logistical matters. But I don't think there will be any mistakes.
The jade bottle contained the Dew of Creation from the small green bottle, numbering about seventy or eighty drops. Xiao Ling had just had a sudden thought, wondering if this Dew of Creation could be of any use to the ancient Bodhi tree.
Xiao Ling immediately unscrewed the cap of the jade bottle. With a flick of his finger, a drop of the Dew of Creation rose from the bottle and gently dripped onto the ancient Bodhi tree's gnarled trunk. The dewdrop instantly absorbed into the tree upon contact. Xiao Ling's gaze was fixed on the ancient tree, intently observing its changes. However, after a long while, the tree seemed to remain completely still, leaving him somewhat puzzled.
Just when he thought the Dew of Creation had no effect on the Bodhi Tree, the tree's branches and leaves suddenly began to sway violently, and a clear sense of joy was transmitted through the air, which Xiao Ling accurately perceived.
The meaning behind that emotion was quite clear: the power of nature was indeed beneficial to it. Although the effect seemed minimal due to its profound foundation, it could still genuinely help it repair its injuries.
Then, the branches of the Bodhi tree swayed gently a few more times, conveying another message to Xiao Ling. It roughly described that it hoped Xiao Ling could give it more of the liquid from earlier, and it was willing to offer corresponding treasures as a reward in exchange for Xiao Ling.
After understanding the meaning of the Bodhi Ancient Tree, Xiao Ling suddenly realized. The effect of the Heavenly Creation Dew is to add a hundred years of life force to plant-like creatures. Although the Bodhi Ancient Tree is a plant, the dew drops can naturally have an effect. However, its lifespan is measured in hundreds of thousands of years, and its foundation is extremely profound. The hundred years of life force from a mere drop of Creation Dew falling on it will naturally have a negligible effect.
He secretly calculated that the Heavenly Creation Dew he possessed, plus what Yao Lao might have left, amounted to only about two hundred drops in total. Even if he gave it all to the ancient tree, this amount of life-giving energy would be nothing more than a drop in the ocean.
Besides, even if the little green bottle can continue to produce Creation Dew in the future, it's impossible for him to stay by the Bodhi Tree every day and water it immediately, right? That's obviously impractical.
Moreover, the Bodhi Ancient Tree only appears once every thousand years. Before long, it will merge back into the depths of the Dou Qi Continent, at which point it will be impossible to find it anywhere.
Since the Bodhi Tree was willing to trade, Xiao Ling naturally wouldn't stand on ceremony. Besides, the Heavenly Creation Dew was a renewable resource that Little Green Bottle could obtain, so even if he used up all of his remaining stock, he wouldn't feel any pain.
After quickly considering his options, Xiao Ling spoke aloud to the ancient Bodhi tree.
"Since you are willing to exchange this Dew of Creation with me, senior, I will naturally not be disappointed. I just wonder if you have any spare Bodhi Heart? If so, please use your Bodhi Heart to exchange for this Dew of Creation. In addition, I would like to ask you for a root of an ancient tree that contains your essence. Is that alright?"
Understanding Xiao Ling's request, the ancient Bodhi tree swayed gently under his expectant gaze. In an instant, a green light emanated from it, and five lustrous green Bodhi hearts floated out from the tree and hovered in front of Xiao Ling.
The ancient tree gently stretched out its branches, steadily holding the five Bodhi Hearts before him, clearly willing to exchange them for the Dew of Creation that reaches the heavens.
Upon seeing this, Xiao Ling's eyes widened slightly, and even Xun'er behind him couldn't hide her surprise, her mouth slightly open, revealing a rare expression of discomposure.
The Bodhi Heart is a heaven-defying treasure that can help someone break through to the Dou Sheng realm in one fell swoop. Such a precious thing, the ancient tree actually gave away five of them at once, which would shock anyone who saw them.
Xiao Ling had only hoped to obtain one, but the ancient tree was so generous that, including the one he had obtained earlier, he now had six, far exceeding his expectations.
The Bodhi tree swayed gently again, and a root brimming with vitality at its base slowly detached under its control. It was carried by the branches and floated leisurely to Xiao Ling's side, clearly agreeing to all his additional requests.
Seeing the ancient tree's imposing presence, Xiao Ling was overjoyed. Without further ado, he raised his hand and activated the jade bottle, drawing out all seventy-odd drops of the Dew of Creation, which transformed into specks of shimmering light that dripped onto the ancient tree's vigorous trunk.
With dozens of drops of Creation Dew merging into his body, Xiao Ling could clearly perceive the changes in the Bodhi Ancient Tree. Its vitality was becoming more abundant, and the halo surrounding its trunk was becoming more gentle, indicating that its condition had improved significantly.
Even the ancient Bodhi tree itself swayed gently in comfort, and as its branches and leaves rubbed against each other, an even stronger sense of joy overflowed and was clearly transmitted to Xiao Ling and the other person.
Seeing that the Bodhi Tree was very satisfied with the transaction, Xiao Ling immediately raised his hand and put the five Bodhi Hearts and the root containing the tree's essence into his storage space.
Overjoyed by this unexpected windfall, he was in high spirits. He lightly touched the air with his fingertips, already contemplating the uses of Bodhicitta.
With six Bodhi Hearts in hand, one is guaranteed to create six more Dou Sheng. Little Fairy Doctor and Qing Lin, with the essence blood of the Demon Saint and their own special physiques, should have no problem breaking through to Dou Sheng, so they naturally don't need such a treasure. However, the other women around him, without any great opportunities, will probably find it difficult to break through to Dou Sheng.
However, this matter of allocation is of great importance, so there is no need to rush it. Let's put it aside for now and consider it slowly when we have more free time later.
As for the original root of that Bodhi tree, Xiao Ling had other plans in mind. He intended to continue watering it with the Dew of Creation to see if he could cultivate it into a new Bodhi tree.
He was well aware that it would take an astronomical amount of the Dew of Creation to cultivate the new tree to the level it was now, but even so, it was still something to look forward to.
Once I ascend to the Great Thousand Worlds, if I could erect such a unique Bodhi tree within my own territory, the thought of that scene would be incredibly magnificent.
With his mind filled with anticipation for the future, Xiao Ling was in high spirits. He turned to Xun'er beside him and teased with a smile, "Xun'er, are you satisfied with what we've gained this time?"
Xun'er smiled, her eyes crinkling as she nodded, her gaze fixed on him, full of tenderness, and whispered...
"Wherever Brother Xiao Ling goes, everything goes smoothly for him, as if he is the darling of heaven and earth. In Xun'er's eyes, Brother Xiao Ling is destined to stand at the pinnacle of this continent, and his future will surely be smooth sailing."
Seeing Xun'er's heartfelt praise, Xiao Ling couldn't help but smile and shake his head. Sometimes he even felt that Xun'er's confidence in his ability to break through to the Dou Di realm was even stronger than his own, bordering on blind faith.
But what does it matter? To have such an outstanding woman by his side, with only his image reflected in her eyes, fills Xiao Ling with satisfaction, making everything worthwhile.
After bidding a final farewell to the Bodhi Tree together with Xun'er, Xiao Ling and Xun'er, along with the unconscious Hun Feng, were teleported out of this strange space by the ancient tree and embarked on their journey back to the ancient clan.
As for Xiao Yan and Feng Qing'er, Xiao Ling took advantage of Xun'er's inattention to also greet the Bodhi Tree, so presumably they won't encounter any unexpected situations afterward. (End of this chapter)