A wave of Dao charm, elevating the soul, emerged from the void, and everyone frantically absorbed it. Those who had seen the Cosmic Tree knew this was undoubtedly its aura.
Di Lan quickly transmitted to the Dao Ancestors, “The plan remains unchanged, just earlier than expected.”
In the void, a sky-blue branch appeared, exuding a dense Cosmic Great Dao aura. Excited gazes fixed on it, but with so many powerhouses present, no one dared rush forward, knowing it would be a death sentence.
These cultivators were the elite of the elite, aware that seizing it now was suicidal.
The sky-blue branch grew rapidly, soon reaching dozens of zhang in thickness.
With its appearance, the void seemed to come alive. Finer branches sprouted from it, spreading across the space in moments. From afar, it looked as if these branches shrouded not just this void but even further expanses, all covered by the Cosmic Tree’s limbs.
Among the branches, azure leaves swayed gently, as if embracing all the beauty of the void.
Everyone knew each leaf and branch was a supreme treasure, yet until the Cosmic Fruits appeared, they remained calm, no one daring to act first.
“This is merely a branch of the Cosmic Tree, yet it could easily envelop our entire Central World. Don’t act rashly; the Cosmic Dao Fruits haven’t appeared yet. We’ll discuss distribution once they do,” Di Lan said preemptively, wary of someone sparking a chaotic scramble.
With over 8,000 people and more than a dozen at his level, an uncontrolled rush could spiral out of hand.
The branches continued to extend upward, and a Cosmic Tree flower slowly bloomed, revealing a black petal. Even non-cultivators could feel their Dao advancing just by gazing at it, with previously vague Dao concepts suddenly clarifying.
Tension mounted in the void, as this black Cosmic Tree flower was vastly superior to the leaves. Some cultivators itched to act, but reason restrained their desire.
A fourth-step Great Dao cultivator, entranced by the flower, unconsciously stepped off his lotus and reached for it, still hundreds of zhang away. A blade light slashed, cleaving him instantly, with no chance to resist.
Others, lost in the flower’s allure, snapped awake, regaining composure. They realised acting now was suicidal. Perhaps when the powerhouses fought for the Cosmic Dao Fruits, they could snag a leaf or two.
“Everyone, circulate your Longevity Great Dao. It aids the ripening of the Cosmic Dao Fruits and greatly benefits your cultivation,” Di Lan announced loudly.
Most were already running their Dao cycles, cultivating without his prompt.
Zhuang Xiyue, despite her many opportunities, had never cultivated under the Cosmic Tree. Now, with the tree growing and emanating Longevity Dao principles, she, as a Chaos Dao Body, circulated her Dao. In just half a day, she comprehended the fourth step of the Great Dao and crossed into it effortlessly.
Though everyone was cultivating, Zhuang Xiyue’s breakthrough was sensed, drawing gazes, some burning with envy.
A Chaos Dao Body was extraordinary, advancing to the fourth step in half a day. With sufficient resources, reaching the seventh step was almost guaranteed, and that wasn’t her limit. If they could possess her…
Some glanced at Mo Wuji instinctively.
Previously unremarkable, Mo Wuji had just crippled Lin Jie with a single finger. Who would dare touch his ally?
Calming down, attention returned to the Cosmic Tree. With the Chaos Dao Body out of reach, the Cosmic Tree was before them, its billions of leaves offering a chance to grab at least one, even if they couldn’t secure a Dao Fruit.
Second and third Cosmic Tree flowers bloomed, followed by more.
All cultivators in the Eternal Life Conference venue frantically circulated their techniques, absorbing the Cosmic Tree’s Dao charm to elevate their cultivation.
Even the Dao Ancestors absorbed the aura, but unlike others, they also monitored the flowers’ growth.
Time was meaningless to them. A hundred days passed, and the first Cosmic Tree flower wilted, revealing a snow-white Cosmic Dao Fruit.
All eyes, even those of cultivators mid-practice, locked onto it—the prize they sought.
Another hundred days later, the fruit grew to fist-size, bearing a faint Dao pattern.
Within a dozen breaths of the first pattern’s appearance, a second emerged, followed by a third after a stick of incense.
Even Mo Wuji learned for the first time that a Cosmic Fruit’s patterns formed over time, not due to age determining their number.
If nine-pattern or ten-pattern fruits existed, their rank was predetermined at formation, unrelated to external factors.
As one Cosmic Dao Fruit formed, a second and third followed…
In moments, this Cosmic Tree branch bore dozens of Cosmic Dao Fruits.
Despite the ideal cultivation setting, no one focused on practice; all eyes were on the fruits. Even one could transform their Great Dao.
Though no one moved, all were on guard. Many fruits had stopped adding patterns, with the highest being seven-patterned. Neither eight- nor nine-patterned fruits had appeared.
“Xiaobu, when we act, rush straight up,” Mo Wuji transmitted to Lan Xiaobu.
Lan Xiaobu, sharing the sentiment, replied, “Wuji, I sense nine-patterned, even ten-patterned fruits, but why can’t I see them?”
Mo Wuji responded instantly, “There are nine-patterned fruits, imperceptible to eyes or divine sense. My Divine Storage Network sensed them. Not just nine-patterned, but ten-patterned fruits exist. Eight-patterned ones are plentiful. Also, watch Xing Jia; he’s edging toward you.”
“I’ve noticed him. He’s walking to his death,” Lan Xiaobu sneered, having long spotted Xing Jia’s sneaky intent.
Di Lan stood and declared, “Friends, it’s time to claim this Cosmic Tree’s bounty. So far, only seven-patterned Cosmic Fruits have appeared, but they’re top-tier. I propose we form teams by world, harvest the fruits, and divide them fairly. Agreed?”
Many cultivators voiced support. In a free-for-all, weaker ones would get nothing. Di Lan’s plan gave them a chance at a share.
Lan Xiaobu sneered inwardly, certain Di Lan sensed nine-patterned fruits and aimed to seize them discreetly.
A voice suddenly reached Lan Xiaobu’s ear, “Friend Lan, there are not only nine-patterned but ten-patterned Cosmic Dao Fruits, hidden higher up. We need to rush to find them. I’ll block Di Lan and head up.”
Kong Xinjian? Lan Xiaobu didn’t trust his apparent goodwill.
Di Lan stepped forward, saying, “Please, Dao Ancestors of each world, join me to harvest the Cosmic Dao Fruits.”
