Lan Xiaobu paused before continuing, “What puzzles me is why Shi Changxing thinks the four of us can take on Di Lan and his many powerhouses?”
If there was any doubt, this was the only thing troubling Lan Xiaobu.
Mo Wuji frowned. He had barely interacted with Shi Changxing, having only met him once, and knew little about the man. After a moment, he said, “Let’s make a hypothesis. If Shi Changxing isn’t reliable, why would he tell us about the Universe Tree?”
“To pique our interest? To lure us into the scramble for Universe Dao Fruits?” Lan Xiaobu said uncertainly.
“But telling us this doesn’t help their plan to ambush us. At most, it just makes us more cautious. And another thing—how did Shi Changxing learn such a secretive matter?” Mo Wuji added.
At that moment, both Mo Wuji and Lan Xiaobu fell silent, unable to discern whether Shi Changxing was an ally or a hidden spy.
After a long pause, Mo Wuji said, “Shi Changxing and Qi Zhe Tian can’t both be allied with Di Lan. If they were, Di Lan calling Qi Zhe Tian over now would only make us suspicious.”
Lan Xiaobu nodded. After all, Shi Changxing had told them about the Universe Dao Fruits, and Di Lan summoning Qi Zhe Tian at this moment would only heighten their vigilance.
“So, Shi Changxing likely isn’t allied with Di Lan. But we must find out the source of his information and why he’s willing to team up with us, the weaker side,” Lan Xiaobu said.
—
**Anluo Tiancheng, Dao Ancestor Hall**
This time, all seven Dao Ancestors were present, including Qi Zhe Tian, who had clashed with and even fought Di Lan.
As soon as Qi Zhe Tian entered, Lin Jie fixed him with a reproachful stare. “Friend Qi Zhe Tian, we are all indispensable guardians of the Great Universe’s stability. What’s your intention, obstructing Dao Ancestor Di Lan and even attacking him?”
Qi Zhe Tian glanced at Lin Jie and said calmly, “What I do is none of your concern. Your Fanhe World is far from having the authority to meddle in my Seven-Mu Heaven affairs.”
Di Lan raised a hand. “We are all Dao Ancestors. Any misunderstandings between us are unimportant now. We should focus on the greater matters and not dwell on trivialities. You may think I’ve gathered you here to deal with Lan Xiaobu, but I assure you, that’s not the main reason—though Lan Xiaobu is indeed a threat we must eliminate…”
Qi Zhe Tian stood up. “Dao Ancestor Di Lan, you called me here saying it was about the chaos rift at the edge of the Seven-Mu Heaven universe. If this is about scheming against Lan Xiaobu, I’m out. I don’t want to hear it.”
Naturally, he couldn’t listen. If he heard plans against Lan Xiaobu, Qi Zhe Tian was certain he wouldn’t leave this Dao Ancestor Hall today.
“I’m talking about the Universe Dao Fruits, including nine-patterned ones. When the Universe Tree appears, we’ll each compete for them by our own means—whoever gets them keeps them,” Di Lan said before Qi Zhe Tian could leave.
Qi Zhe Tian’s heart jolted. Universe Dao Fruits? Nine-patterned ones were exactly what he needed. He was at the eighth step of the Great Dao, on the verge of the ninth. A nine-patterned Universe Dao Fruit would be like a gift sent in a dream…
No, he was different from other Dao Ancestors. His technique was incomplete. Even with a nine-patterned Dao Fruit, he couldn’t reach the ninth step.
If he had to choose between Universe Dao Fruits and allying with Lan Xiaobu and Mo Wuji, he’d pick the latter. First, he knew the character of these Dao Ancestors too well, especially Di Lan. On the surface, Di Lan appeared compassionate, but when his interests were at stake, he’d discard everything. Even if the Universe Tree appeared, if nine-patterned Dao Fruits were scarce, Qi Zhe Tian doubted he’d get any.
Second, allying with Lan Xiaobu and Mo Wuji could yield chaotic rule essence. Beyond that, both were cultivators of their own Great Dao. Discussing the Dao with them would undoubtedly provide critical insights.
But having come here, leaving wouldn’t be easy.
All the Dao Ancestors, hearing Di Lan’s words, exchanged surprised glances before looking back at him.
Di Lan continued, “I guarantee the Universe Tree will appear, and we can all compete for its Dao Fruits by our own merits. But let’s be clear: Universe Dao Fruits are the supreme treasures for reaching the ninth step, and the Universe Tree is the foremost tree of longevity. So, I ask everyone to make a Dao oath, or I cannot proceed.”
With that, Di Lan was the first to offer a strand of his Great Dao principle, which circled ceaselessly in the centre of the Dao Ancestor Hall.
Everyone understood Di Lan’s intent: each would offer a strand of their Great Dao principle, and the seven strands would form a Dao domain. They would then spit blood essence around this domain to make an oath. Violating it would trigger the domain’s backlash, damaging their Dao foundation and fulfilling the oath’s curse.
Following Di Lan, Quan and Lin Jie offered their Great Dao principles, then Ling Zhuzhen and Chang Yi. Xing Jia hesitated briefly before adding his own.
Qi Zhe Tian sighed. If he alone withheld his principle, he’d surely die today. With no choice, he offered his Great Dao principle.
The seven principles instantly formed a formidable Dao domain.
Di Lan, pleased, spat a mouthful of blood essence onto the domain and declared loudly, “I, Di Lan, Dao Ancestor of the Zhongshi World, join with Lin Jie of Fanhe World, Chang Yi of Xiutuo World, Ling Zhuzhen of Jisheng World, Quan of Dunyi World, Xing Jia of Moru World, and Qi Zhe Tian of Seven-Mu Heaven World, to form this Dao domain with our Great Dao principles and swear an oath. Everything spoken here is witnessed and bound by this domain. If anyone leaks or violates this, their Great Dao will shatter, their soul will perish, and they will be barred from reincarnation.”
Qi Zhe Tian’s heart sank. He regretted coming. With this oath, even if he didn’t want to turn against Lan Xiaobu and Mo Wuji, he’d be forced to side with Di Lan against them.
He knew better than anyone how extraordinary Lan Xiaobu and Mo Wuji were, having once clashed with Mo Wuji. If such people grew further, even if he reached the ninth step, he might not be their match. As he grew stronger, Lan Xiaobu and Mo Wuji would likely grow even more so. Beyond that, he preferred being friends with them over dealing with Di Lan.
He also understood why Di Lan was confident he’d comply. Beyond the power of this oath, Di Lan believed the lure of Universe Dao Fruits would leave Qi Zhe Tian no reason to refuse. After all, Di Lan didn’t know he’d decided to forge his own Great Dao and technique. No matter how impressive a Universe Dao Fruit was, could it compare to a self-created Great Dao?
As Di Lan completed his oath, the others followed, spitting blood essence and swearing.
Qi Zhe Tian, with no choice, recited the oath. He knew that even if he was unwilling, the Dao domain bound him. Unless his strength surpassed the combined power of the other six or his Great Dao exceeded their united suppression, he couldn’t escape this oath.
Once the oaths were complete, Di Lan, highly satisfied, looked at Xing Jia of Moru World. “Dao Ancestor Xing Jia, your task is heavier. After this, you must find a way to ally with Lan Xiaobu. I believe he’ll trust you. When the time comes, strike from within.”
Xing Jia didn’t hesitate, clasping his fist. “Rest assured, Dao Ancestor Di Lan, I’ll make it happen.”
As an eighth-step Great Dao cultivator, Xing Jia also coveted nine-patterned Universe Dao Fruits. And though unspoken, everyone knew the Universe Tree’s fruits might not be limited to nine patterns—ten-patterned ones were possible. As for Lan Xiaobu, Xing Jia was confident that if he approached, Lan Xiaobu would ally with him.
“Excellent. Now, about the Universe Tree—it will appear during the Longevity Conference, right above Anluo Tiancheng. By using a chaotic Dao body as a sacrifice and leveraging the Longevity Dao principles of a million powerhouses, we can surely summon the Universe Tree…” Di Lan spoke with enthusiasm, detailing the Universe Tree while thinking of chaotic rule essence. A nine-patterned Universe Dao Fruit for the ninth step? Wishful thinking. It required chaotic rule essence too, or a nine-patterned fruit would only add a cycle’s worth of cultivation.
Noticing Qi Zhe Tian’s grim expression, Di Lan transmitted, “Friend Qi Zhe Tian, don’t worry about the Seven-Mu Heaven-Opening Technique. During this Longevity Conference, unless Shi Changxing is a fool, he won’t ally with Lan Xiaobu and Mo Wuji. Once it’s over, I’ll ensure we eliminate Shi Changxing and take everything he has.”
At this, Qi Zhe Tian’s face lit up with joy, nodding without a trace of hesitation.
Di Lan smirked inwardly. He knew those words hit Qi Zhe Tian’s weak spot, ensuring his compliance, as proven now.
Qi Zhe Tian returned to their residence, feeling stifled. He knew how extraordinary Lan Xiaobu and Mo Wuji were. Even if they teamed up, they might only injure them, not kill them. Especially with Lan Xiaobu’s chaotic unicorn—a sixth-step Great Dao beast—what could stop it?
If Lan Xiaobu and Mo Wuji escaped, what would a Universe Dao Fruit mean to him? Even if they didn’t come after him, he couldn’t use it to reach the ninth step. This, Qi Zhe Tian knew better than anyone.
Unlike other Dao Ancestors with complete techniques, his was flawed. As for Di Lan’s promise to seize Shi Changxing’s possessions, he only sneered inwardly. Di Lan thought it was his weakness, unaware he’d abandoned the Seven-Mu Heaven-Opening Technique. But on the surface, he had to feign delight, or Di Lan would surely suspect him.
