313 - Elasia Saga

In the grand hall of the Divine Palace, just as Fu Yan and Bai Yue Li emerged together from the Xu You Jade Mark after their dual cultivation, news finally arrived from Zi Xi Xian Zi— After nearly a decade, Chu Ling Ling was finally about to conclude her seclusion. Initially, it was believed she would be away for no more than five or six years. However, unexpectedly, Chu Ling Ling's retreat extended four or five years longer. Previously, Xue Fu Xian Zi had mentioned some unforeseen incident seemed to have happened inside. Yet, lingering an extra few years in the Divine Palace brought no significant inconvenience to Fu Yan and Bai Yue Li. During this period, their cultivation indeed yielded substantial gains. Beyond Bai Yue Li's efforts to suppress a breakthrough in her tribulation, both led a fulfilling life. Upon hearing that Chu Ling Ling might have encountered an incident during her seclusion, Fu Yan couldn't help but connect the dots to tribulation crossing. If recalled correctly, after her rebirth, Chu Ling Ling ascended earlier than Lu Xiao Wen. Hence, Fu Yan speculated that Chu Ling Ling's extended retreat might have been dedicated to enduring a tribulation. As this train of thought progressed, Fu Yan lowered her gaze, fell into deep contemplation, and was only brought back when Bai Yue Li approached from behind and called out to her. "What is it?" Bai Yue Li inquired, looking at Fu Yan. Upon hearing this, Fu Yan slowly raised her eyes, her expression returning to its usual calm as she shook her head nonchalantly and said, "Zi Xi Xian Zi mentioned that Senior Chu finally emerged from seclusion last night." Bai Yue Li paused for a moment upon hearing it. "Emerging successfully is indeed a good thing," Bai Yue Li commented with a smile, not dwelling much on it. Although she wasn't well-acquainted with Chu Ling Ling, and they had barely met a few times, the latter had been kind to Fu Yan. Hearing of any injury during Chu Ling Ling's retreat had certainly been worrying, but fortunately, there hadn't been any major misfortune. Fu Yan nodded in agreement and added, "Since Senior Chu is out, we should prepare to leave the Divine Palace as well." Bai Yue Li nodded slightly in response. Soon, there was a knock at the door. Having somewhat tidied up, Fu Yan was the first to step forward, open the door, and quickly step out, with Bai Yue Li closely following. Outside stood Zi Xi Xian Zi. "Please, come with me. The Divine Master is in the main hall," Zi Xi Xian Zi stated without much ado, clearly explaining her purpose to the pair. "Alright," Fu Yan replied respectfully and courteously with a nod. "Thank you, Zi Xi Xian Zi." After that, she and Bai Yue Li followed Zi Xi Xian Zi with ease into the Divine Palace's main hall. It looked just the same as before. As Fu Yan entered, she casually glanced at the place before quickly diverting her gaze. The hall was vast and silent. Soon, the figures of Fu Yan and Bai Yue Li were standing straight in the center. The last time Fu Yan stood here, it was to seek help from Chu Ling Ling. After decades, she was here again to fulfill her earlier promise. "Divine Master, they have arrived." Zi Xi respectfully reported to Chu Ling Ling above. With those words, Fu Yan finally raised her gaze to meet Chu Ling Ling’s eyes. The figure seated on the chair appeared stern, seemingly unchanged from before. Yet, Fu Yan sensed something amiss in Chu Ling Ling's aura, as if it hadn’t fully stabilized. Pausing slightly, Fu Yan suddenly felt her assumptions might be correct; Chu Ling Ling's long retreat was indeed likely for her tribulation. Whether successful or not was uncertain, but it seemed she had suffered considerable injuries. "You two may leave now," Chu Ling Ling spoke softly, her expression showing little emotion, to Zi Xi and Xue Fu. Without question, both lowered their heads and responded, "Yes." With that, Zi Xi Xian Zi and Xue Fu Sian Ren turned sharply and exited the grand hall, leaving behind a restored quietness. "Greetings, Senior Chu," Fu Yan walked forward and greeted politely. Hearing this, Chu Ling Ling shifted her gaze to Fu Yan, slightly surprised by the power now emanating from Fu Yan. In such a short span of decades, Fu Yan’s strength was close to matching Chu Ling Ling’s peak, which indeed was startling. "Ahem…" Perhaps due to a resurgence of her internal injuries, Chu Ling Ling gave a soft cough, though her expression remained unchanged. In the next moment, Chu Ling Ling slightly grasped the side of the chair and stood, descending step by step under the watchful eyes of Fu Yan and Bai Yue Li. In a blink, she was in front of them. Though Chu Ling Ling seemed injured, her face betrayed no signs of weakness. Fu Yan, refraining from mentioning the tribulation, composed herself and asked, "Before the Immortal Gate Ceremony, Senior Chu instructed me to fulfill a task. May I know what it is?" Hearing this, Bai Yue Li also glanced toward the two with curiosity. "Life Fruit." Chu Ling Ling, her aura now settled, uttered these three decisive words. Fu Yan paused upon hearing them. A Life Fruit? It sounded like a rare treasure, yet from the northern regions to here, Fu Yan had never heard of such a thing as a "Life Fruit." Pondering this, Fu Yan subconsciously glanced at Bai Yue Li, who mildly shook her head as well. Clearly, Bai Yue Li was unaware of the "Life Fruit" either. Chu Ling Ling, without intending to complicate the matter, continued with a calm expression, "Legend speaks of a Life Tree on this continent that blooms once every thousand years and bears fruit once every ten thousand years—a Life Fruit." Both Fu Yan and Bai Yue Li widened their eyes in surprise, evidently unfamiliar with the tale of the Life Tree. Listening to Chu Ling Ling’s explanation, Fu Yan realized just how precious the Life Fruit must be. After all, a fruit ripening once in ten millennia sounded unfathomable; without Chu Ling Ling personally stating this, she might have suspected it was a mere ruse. "Yet, neither the location of the Life Tree's growth nor the appearance of its fruit is known," Chu Ling Ling continued, unfazed by their astonishment. "It might not even truly exist." "But…" Here, Chu Ling Ling's tone shifted as she gazed back at Fu Yan, calmly stating, "I hope you can bring the Life Fruit back." Chu Ling Ling did not elaborate on why she was set on acquiring this Life Fruit. Slowly digesting the revelation about the Life Fruit, Fu Yan finally returned to her senses, furrowing her brows slightly. According to Chu Ling Ling, the Life Tree might not even exist, yet she was now tasked with retrieving the Life Fruit. It sounded as if Chu Ling Ling might be intentionally testing her; however, Fu Yan understood that the request was made in earnest. Chu Ling Ling truly needed this Life Fruit. "Over these years, I've searched across the Four Great Regions and Central Plains, but to no avail," Chu Ling Ling's gaze flickered, a hint of pain fleeting through it, though she quickly composed herself. "I've even ventured into the vast Primeval Woods, but…" She had not anticipated facing her tribulation this soon. The unusual challenge of this tribulation forced Chu Ling Ling’s rapid retreat. The reason Chu Ling Ling asked Fu Yan for help wasn't simply to have another searcher. For such rare treasures like the Life Tree, immense fortune is needed to encounter them. Chu Ling Ling could perceive Fu Yan’s great destiny; perhaps… there was a glimmer of hope. Even the slightest chance was worth all her efforts. As Chu Ling Ling's words settled, silence once again engulfed the grand hall, with the three remaining in thoughtful quietness. After an uncertain elapsed time, Fu Yan finally gathered herself. She looked at Chu Ling Ling and firmly replied, "Alright, I will do my best to help Senior Chu find the Life Fruit, though… I can't promise to succeed." After all, the existence of the Life Tree wasn't within anyone’s control. Truthfully, Fu Yan had planned to continue honing her skills, both for Bai Yue Li and herself, striving to break the chains and restraints of the Heavenly Path. Accordingly, she intended to continue her travels across the continent. The boundless Primeval Woods were already part of her plan. When thought of in this way, aiding Chu Ling Ling in her search for the Life Fruit, regardless of success, was a parallel endeavor; it wouldn't hinder her journey nor waste undue effort. "There is no deadline," Chu Ling Ling’s expression softened as she added. And thus, the matter was settled. Aware that Fu Yan and Bai Yue Li were preparing to head into the Primeval Forest, Chu Ling Ling specially gifted them a substantial amount of resources. Fu Yan didn't hesitate to accept, understanding that venturing into such an unpredictable wilderness meant it could be uncertain when they might return. Despite the forest's abundant resources, maintaining a well-stocked inventory was crucial. Thus, Fu Yan and Bai Yue Li soon departed from the Divine Palace. Initially, Fu Yan considered visiting the Demon Realm to request the Demon Lord's assistance in safeguarding Bai Yue Li through her tribulation. However, bearing in mind the capricious nature of the Heavenly Dao, Fu Yan decided against it. Without absolute certainty, she dared not risk Bai Yue Li's safety. Any harm befalling Bai Yue Li was something Fu Yan couldn’t bear to face. Bai Yue Li, on the other hand, took it lightly, not concerned overmuch. After all, her current strength was formidable, ranking among the top on the continent. She was capable of defending herself and assisting Fu Yan as well. Successfully undergoing the tribulation, she thought, wouldn't significantly impact their plans. After leaving the Divine Palace, Fu Yan and Bai Yue Li returned briefly to Shuanghua Palace. Lu Xiao Wen, heeding Fu Yan’s advice, hadn’t rushed into facing his tribulation during this time. Instead, he lived leisurely on his Wen Zhi Peak, seemingly unaffected by the outside world's events. In this decade, many cultivators faced tribulation issues. This news quickly began to circulate among cultivators of all sects. In a short span, several immortals had failed their tribulations, and even the most oblivious acknowledged the pattern. However, the specific cause remained elusive. Thus, discussions stirred fervently among the crowds. Fu Yan, for her part, paid only passing attention to the gossip, knowing that only when cultivators themselves sensed danger would they proceed with tribulation more cautiously. Blind attempts would become less common. One might say that the entire Tongxuan continent was now shrouded in a layer of darkness. During that year at Shuanghua Palace, Fu Yan and Bai Yue Li led a carefree life, occasionally instructing disciples and engaging in dual cultivation. Unlike the panic outside, they shared a unique tranquility. After merely a year of rest, they embarked once more on their journey of discovery. The sky, clear and expansive, witnessed their swift spiritual ship cutting through the heavens. In a blink, it vanished beyond a sea of clouds, leaving a long trace in its wake. On the spirit ship were Fu Yan and Bai Yue Li, who had set sail from the Southern Region. A snow-white creature settled quietly on the table, folding its delicate wings, and gazed brightly at Fu Yan. With a sigh of mild resignation, Fu Yan retrieved a spiritual herb and tossed it over. The little creature eagerly caught it and scampered off to enjoy its newfound treat, chirping in delight. Returning her attention from the little creature, Fu Yan noticed Bai Yue Li lost in thought. She paused, choosing not to interrupt, and watched Bai Yue Li quietly. After a moment, Bai Yue Li emerged from her reverie, only to find Fu Yan gazing at her. Feeling suddenly self-conscious under Fu Yan's steady gaze, Bai Yue Li's eyes darted slightly as she asked, "What are you looking at?" "You," Fu Yan replied honestly. Bai Yue Li was momentarily speechless. "I was wondering whether the Life Tree mentioned by Senior Chu truly exists on this continent," Bai Yue Li remarked, trying to maintain composure amidst Fu Yan's teasing. During that year at Shuanghua Palace, she had diligently searched through ancient texts, but her efforts bore no fruit. Fu Yan was momentarily surprised to learn Bai Yue Li was concerned about this matter. Knowing it stemmed from concern for her, Fu Yan felt a warm, tingling sensation spread through her heart. After a quiet pause, Fu Yan responded, her voice calm once again, "To Senior Chu, if she believes in its existence, then it's real." Bai Yue Li, initially startled, soon grasped the meaning. "I'm curious…" Fu Yan straightened, contemplating before continuing with a slight smile, "What purpose does the Life Fruit serve that has made Senior Chu search half the continent so fervently?" Were the Life Fruit merely for power augmentation, Chu Ling Ling wouldn’t be so intent nor would she seek Fu Yan’s assistance. Taken aback by Fu Yan’s query, Bai Yue Li shared in the bewilderment, "If it were just for power, there are better alternatives." Indeed, it did seem peculiar. Fu Yan hadn’t expected to delve deeper, but as soon as she finished speaking, a familiar figure flashed through her mind: the phantom of Ye Xi within the trials of the Shuanghua Palace Master—a wielder of the exquisite swordcraft. Stunned by the memory, Fu Yan paused. "What is it?" Bai Yue Li asked, noticing her stillness, though not pressing further. Fu Yan returned to the present, shaking her head calmly, "Nothing much, just thinking that perhaps the only fixation Senior Chu has revolves around one person." Though Bai Yue Li wasn’t deeply versed in Chu Ling Ling’s affairs, Fu Yan had shared stories about Ye Xi with her before. Upon hearing Fu Yan's words, she had a moment of realization. Silence enveloped the two as they refrained from further discussion. Time sped by, and half a month passed in the blink of an eye. The spirit ship finally traversed the eastern domain, speeding northward toward the Primeval Forest, under a sky bathed in warm sunlight. Fu Yan emerged from the vessel, her eyes taking in the expanse of a vast forest. In just a few moments, a familiar scene came into view, catching both Fu Yan and Bai Yue Li's attention. Ahead, a slightly collapsed peak sat amidst a dense forest. This was the place, decades ago, where the Dragon Resting Grounds had appeared. Peering into the depth of the forest, Fu Yan couldn’t help but comment with a smile, "I wonder how Fu Juan is faring in the Dragon Resting Grounds. As a pure-blooded dragon, she should be valued by her kind." "Chirp chirp?" At Fu Yan's mention of Fu Juan, the small creature flitted over, its big sparkling eyes glued to Fu Yan. Realizing this, Fu Yan chuckled, running a soothing hand over the creature's feathers, "So, you still remember Fu Juan's name. She did take good care of you, didn't she?" Given the creature's carefree nature, she thought it might have forgotten Fu Juan after all these years. Yet, hearing the name, it fluttered over instantly. Bai Yue Li, observing this, smiled gently and patted the small creature's head, "Looks like our little one misses Fu Juan." "Chirp chirp…" The little creature made a soft noise, its meaning unclear. Before Fu Juan entered the Dragon Resting Grounds, Bai Yue Li had lifted the master-servant bond with her, leaving them blind to her present state. However, they hoped all was well. Whether the dragon clan would allow Fu Juan to reappear was uncertain; no one could predict how things would unfold in these times. With that thought, Bai Yue Li said no more, gently comforting the small creature with silent pats. The spirit ship soared past the mountain of the Dragon Resting Grounds, heading swiftly toward the Primeval Forest. A month passed, and they finally entered the legendary forest. Oddly, the forest possessed some strange magnetic field that prevented spirit ships from flying overhead, prompting Fu Yan to collect the ship as she and Bai Yue Li ventured into the dense woods. The Primeval Forest was the largest and most mysterious realm on the Tongxuan continent, its expanse rivaling the Four Great Regions combined, filled with abundant resources and opportunities. Naturally, danger was ever-present as well. Typically, anyone brave enough to enter the forest had to be at the peak of the Great Ascension stage at minimum. Upon entering, Fu Yan tucked away the small creature, knowing she might not be able to watch over it should danger arise. The immense forest was tranquil, abundant with exotic flora. Trees of varied sizes stood steadfastly over the land. Each flower and plant seemed to add to the mysterious ambiance of the place. "Be careful, we might encounter unexpected dangers at any moment," Bai Yue Li advised, steadying herself while swiftly scanning the surroundings before addressing Fu Yan beside her. Fu Yan nodded in agreement, responding, "Understood." After speaking, Fu Yan extended her spiritual awareness to envelop the surroundings, taking the lead as she began to walk forward. Bai Yue Li, however, deliberately lagged a few steps behind, watching attentively. Their figures navigated slowly through the vast expanse of the forest. "Whoosh!" Suddenly, Fu Yan's eyes sharpened, and a blade of energy erupted into existence, slicing cleanly through the head of a venomous chameleon lurking ahead. Although small, these venomous chameleons posed a significant threat. A single bite could trouble even an immortal. Fortunately, Fu Yan's powerful spiritual senses allowed her to detect their camouflage effortlessly. As the two stepped past the chameleon's corpse, a seemingly ordinary flower beside them began to inch toward the remains, greedily consuming it. In the Primeval Forest, every plant and tree held its own hidden dangers. After wandering for half a day, Fu Yan furrowed her brows slightly and remarked, "Senior, have you noticed? We haven't encountered any large beasts along our path." This was indeed peculiar in a forest known for its swarms of beasts. Just as she spoke, Bai Yue Li abruptly raised her eyes ahead, taking her time before replying, "It's strange here, isn't it?" Ahead, a magnificent tree towered into the sky. Yet, curiously, no other trees grew within its vicinity—seemingly all vegetation around it avoided proximity. Fu Yan paused at the sight. "Rustle…" Suddenly, a faint rustling sound echoed from all around.