Bao Gang also succeeded, making it through.
But the three remaining immortals who hadn’t reached the ancient tree suffered.
Though they were mere steps from the endpoint, with Bao Gang’s shadows all destroyed, the thirty-six black figures now targeted them!
The three—an immortal from the Tianqian Empire and two from the Taigu Sect—were overwhelmed.
“Run!”
Surrounded by the black figures, they couldn’t hold out. Two were injured and forced to flee back to the starting point.
Fortunately, the black figures didn’t pursue once they retreated, or the three might not have survived the onslaught.
After retreating, the thirty-six figures halted.
“Damn it!”
“We… we’ve got no chance now.”
The three were either helpless or furious.
Regardless, their journey ended here, and they had to leave, cut off from what lay ahead.
Under the ancient tree.
“Phew… made it through, just barely.”
The immortals let out long sighs of relief.
It had been perilous; a slight lag, and they could’ve been among the three who failed.
“Bao Gang, thanks to you. Your technique drew their attention, or fewer of us would’ve made it,” Xin Yu from the Heavenly God Palace said.
“Exactly, Bao Gang, we owe you,” many immortals chimed in.
“You’re too kind. We’re all human,” Bao Gang said with a hint of pride.
Their gratitude clearly pleased him.
Gong Yi from Xiaoyao Tower spoke up, “Don’t just thank Bao Gang. If our team hadn’t led the charge, you wouldn’t have covered so much ground so easily. You relied on Bao Gang’s technique at the end, but we paved the way earlier. You should thank Mo Qing and Lin Yun too.”
“Absolutely, Lin Yun and Mo Qing played a crucial role,” Xin Yu agreed.
Yuan Qing from the Xingwu Empire sneered, “Who didn’t contribute? You took the lead, drawing attacks, but those of us behind held back the remaining dozen figures. Without us, your five wouldn’t have passed.”
“Enough. We’re here now, so arguing’s pointless. Let’s see what’s special about this tree,” Xin Yu cut in.
The group turned to the massive ancient tree, under which they felt tiny.
At that moment, an entrance slowly appeared on the tree.
“There must be secrets inside!”
“Let’s go!”
Xin Yu said.
He led the way toward the entrance, others hurrying behind, eager not to miss any treasures.
Inside the tree.
They entered an empty space.
A hoarse voice rang out, “Congratulations on reaching this point. Here, you may each choose one gift as a reward.”
The sudden voice startled the immortals.
“Who’s there!” Xin Yu barked.
“I am the tree spirit,” the voice replied.
The group sensed no malice. If the spirit meant harm, it could act without words, as they were inside its domain.
“Senior Tree Spirit, you said we can choose a gift? Truly? What are they?” someone asked curiously.
“Up ahead are five cushions. Take turns sitting on them to choose your reward,” the spirit answered.
Lin Yun couldn’t resist asking, “Senior Tree Spirit, who is the master of this relic?”
Though curious about the rewards, Lin Yun was more intrigued by the relic’s master and their nature.
“You’re a curious one. Others focus on rewards, but you ask about the master. I can’t tell you now. If you want to know, keep pushing forward with your own strength,” the spirit replied.
As Lin Yun spoke, Bao Gang and two immortals from the Xingwu Empire rushed to the cushions to claim rewards.
Moments later.
“Haha, excellent!”
The three stood, laughing, clearly pleased with their rewards.
“Those who’ve claimed rewards, enter the left tree hollow to continue. Greater rewards await, but so do greater dangers, including mortal peril. If you fear it, you may leave,” the spirit’s voice sounded again.
Bao Gang and the two, without hesitation, headed toward the left hollow.
Next, the remaining thirteen immortals took turns sitting on the cushions to receive rewards.
Soon, only Lin Yun, Mo Qing, Dongguo Wuji, and the two from Xiaoyao Tower remained.
“Lin Yun, you three go first,” Gong Yi gestured.
“Only five of us left, so order doesn’t matter. Alright,” Lin Yun nodded.
Lin Yun, Mo Qing, and Dongguo Wuji stepped forward, sat on the cushions, and closed their eyes.
As Lin Yun closed his eyes, his consciousness entered a misty, chaotic space.
A massive bookshelf stood before him.
“Choose your reward,” an invisible voice said.
Lin Yun approached the bookshelf and browsed.
It held numerous manuals, mostly Heavenly Dao-grade, with a wide variety.
Immortals typically cultivated such manuals, but to Lin Yun, they weren’t particularly remarkable.
“What? No manual catches your eye?” the voice asked.
“Senior, besides manuals, are there other options? Perhaps something to help break through to the Mahayana realm?” Lin Yun asked politely.
The voice chuckled, “Ambitious, aren’t you? This stage’s rewards don’t reach that level, but later stages offer such opportunities. It’s up to you to seize them.”
“Really?” Lin Yun’s eyes lit up.
Breaking through to the Mahayana realm was crucial for him!
“Thank you, Senior!” Lin Yun said gratefully.
“You’re a swordsman, right? How about I let you view a recording of the master’s sword practice? I’m making an exception for you, since you’re different from the other immortals and quite polite,” the spirit said.
