Searching for Treasure in Inverted Peak Mountain, Gathering the Powerful Before the Grotto Heaven Gate!

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From this day forward, entry and exit to the Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven will be strictly controlled. Any soldier entering or leaving the Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven must report to the Military Realm.

[No member of the Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven, except for the scouts, is permitted to leave Yang City without authorization.]

All treasures obtained by the explorer must be handed over.

[Grotto-Heaven blessed land is fraught with danger; all explorers are urged to proceed with extreme caution...]

Looking at the prohibitions and rules on the Earth Mirror, Zhao Xing frowned. "How come the prohibitions were issued in just ten days? It's earlier than I expected."

He remembered that the spiritual energy of the Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven in his previous life had been released, starting in the latter half of the month.

Moreover, the Military Realm's reaction was not quick at first; it took many people to enter before the ban was issued.

The Grotto-Heaven of confirming the birthplace of a blessed land is also quite cautious.

But now, it's happening a little earlier, and it seems like it was planned in advance.

"Past experiences cannot be taken as absolute truth. Fortunately, I had Old Liu's help and made preparations early on, otherwise I would be helpless now," Zhao Xing thought to himself.

"Zhao Xing, have you seen the message?!" A figure flew over from a distance and landed on the Qilin Flying Boat. It was Xia Jing and Chen Shijie.

This is the Inverted Peak Mountain Range, where the surrounding peaks appear to float upside down in the sky.

Zhao Xing group of five arrived at the Inverted Peak Mountain Range ahead of schedule, ostensibly to "explore the celestial phenomena of the Inverted Peak Mountain Range".

This research project was submitted by Zhao Xing himself.

"I saw it."

With the ban in effect and unusual phenomena occurring frequently, it's something everyone would be paying attention to.

"I never expected that the Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven would be upgraded. Judging from this, it's going to produce a large-scale Heavenly Spirit Essence and Big Treasure!" Xia Jing exclaimed excitedly.

Chen Shijie was beaming with joy; he never expected to encounter such a wonderful thing.

"Don't be too happy yet. With the advancement of this Grotto-Heaven, there will inevitably be dramatic changes in the world. We must be constantly vigilant during this process," Zhao Xing said. "Where are Brother Ji and Long Xiao?"

"We're already on our way back," Xia Jing said.

They didn't come here for tourism; once they arrived, they naturally searched everywhere to see what treasures they could find.

However, as soon as the strange phenomenon occurred, Zhao Xing sent a message to them to return quickly.

Because the initial stage of the Grotto-Heaven's ascension is also accompanied by unknown dangers, it is only after it has stabilized that it can be explored extensively.

Zhao Xing knew this matter very well, so he asked Xia Jing and Chen Shijie to explore it together. Combining a mage and a martial artist would greatly enhance their ability to handle unexpected events.

Ji Ziyun is a sorcerer, and Long Xiao is a sword cultivator; the same principle applies here.

"Okay, we'll wait for them to come back..." Before he could finish speaking, a loud bang was heard.

"Boom!"

A thunderclap suddenly resounded in the sky twenty miles away!

"Click click click~"

The lightning bolt was so thick that its diameter exceeded twenty meters; it was practically a pillar of lightning! In an instant, it split a floating mountain below in two.

"Boom!"

The mountain split open, and then the entire mountain began to burn, rapidly deforming and compressing itself.

In the end, it actually formed an active volcano that was suspended in the air!

"Boom~~~~"

A terrifying pressure was brewing in the sky.

"Which direction are they going?!" Zhao Xing suddenly grabbed Xia Jing. "Is it that way?"

"Yes." Xia Jing's voice trembled slightly. There was no time to notify them now, so he could only hope that they would get away as soon as possible.

"Walk!"

Zhao Xing immediately activated the Qilin Flying Boat, opened the barrier, and sped off in the opposite direction of the active volcano in the sky.

"Bang!"

I thought it was going to be a volcanic eruption, but to my surprise, 15 minutes after it flew out, the entire mountain exploded!

"Boom!"

First, a circular shockwave swept rapidly across the surrounding area, shattering many mountain peaks.

Immediately afterwards, a mushroom cloud rose up, and a large number of rocks burst into flames and sprayed in all directions.

"Boom boom boom boom boom boom!"

The boulders, twenty or thirty meters in diameter, were emitting flames and spraying outwards with terrifying power. Each boulder was comparable to a full-force attack from Fifth Grade.

Zhao Xing and his group had already hidden behind several mountain peaks, and with the sky obstructing their view, they were not affected.

But this phenomenon still shocked the three of them.

"I have never seen such terrifying divine power." Xia Jing's eyes were filled with shock.

"Thunder splits mountains, mountains explode and the sky is torn apart; this is truly beyond human capability." Chen Shijie felt this even more deeply.

Zhao Xing closed his eyes and sat cross-legged on the ground.

Xia Jing glanced at him. "What are you doing?"

Chen Shijie said, "He is comprehending the Dao. The Agricultural Official is in charge of the power of heaven and earth. Now that he has witnessed the power of heaven with his own eyes, he naturally has many feelings."

Xia Jing nodded, then asked, "Then how did you...?"

As soon as she asked the question, Xia Jing knew she had said the wrong thing.

Chen Shijie also felt a little melancholy. "I'm not as talented as him, I only have a slight feeling about it."

"Ahem... I'm sorry." Xia Jing somewhat awkwardly.

"It's alright, one should know one's own limitations," Chen Shijie said. "However, this is indeed a great opportunity. If I observe it a few more times, perhaps I will achieve a breakthrough."

Just then, Long Xiao arrived based on the given location.

"Holy crap, did you guys see that? A huge bolt of lightning blew up the whole mountain!" Long Xiao exclaimed as he rode down on his sword.

"Luckily you ran fast, otherwise you would have had to eat at the banquet."

"Long Xiao, where is my cousin?" Xia Jing asked.

"Oh, Prince Heir Apparent, he's in another direction. He'll be back soon, so you don't need to worry about him." Long Xiao walked over and looked at Zhao Xing, who was sitting cross-legged on the ground, and asked curiously, "Old Chen, what's he doing?"

"He is comprehending the Dao," Chen Shijie explained. "Agricultural Official is in charge of the power of heaven and earth. He just observed and had some insights. I estimate that he is comprehending the Volcano Art or the Thunder Method."

"Oh, then why didn't you figure one out?" Long Xiao asked innocently.

"Cough cough..." Xia Jing almost choked.

Chen Shijie: "..."

Old Chen was speechless. Xia Jing him once, and now you're stabbing him again?

"I'm not as talented as him, okay?"

"Hahaha, sorry..." Long Xiao laughed to cover up his embarrassment.

Hearing that hearty laughter.

Ji Ziyun, who was searching for a location above the mountain peak, immediately landed. "Cousin, General Chen, General Long, are you alright?"

"Fine."

"That's good." Ji Ziyun's gaze fell on the ground. Seeing Zhao Xing's eyes closed and his brows furrowed, she thought something was wrong and immediately asked, "Brother Zhao, what's wrong?"

Chen Shijie: "..."

Xia Jing: "..."

"I'll go check out the surroundings." Chen Shijie's lips twitched as he got up and left.

Ji Ziyun was filled with questions. What on earth was going on?

"He's fine, everyone's fine." Xia Jing changed the subject, "Cousin, did you and Long Xiao find any unusual places?"

Ji Ziyun thought for a moment and said, "At first, I didn't see anything, but later, Heaven and Earth Anomaly and then there were strange sights everywhere."

"A group of strange beasts with grass growing on their heads leaped between the floating mountain peaks."

"There were flames flowing in the water, and fruit trees that looked like babies. Long Xiao and I separated because we went our separate ways to pursue those strange phenomena."

"Baby tree?" Xia Jing asked doubtfully, "What kind of strange plant is this? Why have I never heard of it? Cousin, have you gained anything?"

"No," Ji Ziyun said regretfully. "As I got closer, I felt as if lightning had split the mountain, and then the strange tree withered instantly, turning into a pile of yellow vines."

"What Brother Ji saw might be a sixth-tier plant called the ' Illusion Demon Vine '," Zhao Xing, opening his eyes and standing up. "The Illusion Demon Vine emits a fragrance that induces various hallucinations, usually related to desires and longings."

"Brother Ji saw the ' Ginseng Fruit Tree,' which can prolong life. Perhaps you had this illusion because you did not see the elder's last moments."

Ji Ziyun exclaimed in surprise, "Such a plant actually exists? The Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven True God!"

Zhao Xing said, "Human Race warriors who advance from the Earth Fiend Realm to the Heavenly Star Realm must use the Nine Heavens Astral Wind to train their bodies."

"When breaking through, the Astral Wind raged for hundreds of miles, and the blood and qi roared like the Dragon's Cry Tiger's Roar."

"Human advancement already causes such a great commotion, let alone the ascension of Grotto-Heaven?"

"We will see all sorts of amazing things, some good and some bad, so we need to be careful."

Xia Jing and Ji Ziyun nodded. Chen Shijie then walked over and asked, "What have you realized?"

Zhao Xing said, "Your Volcano Art has made some progress, reaching the Sixth-Turn. As for Thunder Technique... why do you look a little pale?"

Chen Shijie, saying, "I was angry."

"???"

Zhao Xing was completely baffled, having no idea what was going on with this guy.

Just as he was about to ask, he heard Long Xiao shout from behind, "Come quick, everyone, there's treasure!"

"Oh?" Zhao Xing's spirits lifted, and Chen Shijie, Xia Jing, Ji Ziyun also immediately took flight, heading towards a mountain forest.

After flying three thousand meters, they saw Long Xiao and Mountain Cat squatting in front of a fallen tree.

While waiting for Zhao Xing to wake up from his enlightenment, Long Xiao, feeling bored, took Aotian Meow for a stroll around the nameless mountain.

Before they had gone far from the airship, they saw a towering tree lying on the ground.

It emitted a faint Purple Light, and after it fell, it was five or six meters tall and only a kilometer long.

Many purple Ganoderma lucidum mushrooms grew on the tree trunk, and small green trees sprouted from it, bearing some bright fruits.

"Meow~" The Mountain Cat wagged its tail proudly as it saw Zhao Xing approaching. "I was the one who spotted it first!"

"What kind of tree is this?" Ji Ziyun and Xia Jing looked at Chen Shijie and Zhao Xing. There are so many rare flowers, exotic plants, and divine trees in the world that they couldn't possibly recognize them all. They had to ask a professional.

"It's Giant Spirit Tree!" "Nourishing Life Tree!"

Chen Shijie and Zhao Xing spoke almost simultaneously.

Those around them were completely baffled. Xia Jing asked, "What kind of tree is it?"

Chen Shijie laughed and said, "There's no difference. I'm referring to the scientific name, while Zhao Xing is referring to the common name. The common name for the Giant Spirit Tree is the Nourishing Life Tree."

Zhao Xing said, "You are still more meticulous."

Long Xiao didn't care about all that. "Don't say so much, I just want to ask if the small fruits and Ganoderma lucidum on this tree are edible?"

"Yes," Chen Shijie said. "The Giant Spirit Tree itself does not bear fruit and is of little use while alive; it is only useful after it dies."

"The Giant Spirit Tree stands for a thousand years after it dies. When it falls, it becomes a breeding ground for exotic flowers and fruits. At this time, no matter what kind of seed falls on its trunk, it will quickly bloom and bear fruit, break through the shackles of growth, and complete its transformation."

"Most of the Ganoderma lucidum and fruit trees that grow on it are edible, and consuming them can prolong life, increase vital energy, and strengthen blood and bones."

Long Xiao suddenly realized. "It's a tool tree."

"What you said isn't wrong." Zhao Xing glanced around. "The dramatic changes in the world accelerated the growth of the Giant Spirit Tree Giant Spirit Tree, causing it to quickly enter its death phase. At least two kinds of edible good things grew on it."

"However, many of them are also poisonous, consuming a lot of nutrients."

"Old Chen, the effects of the Giant Spirit Tree have been accelerated, but we still have at least Heavenly Timing to use it. Let's quickly eliminate those poisonous seeds and maximize our gains."

"Okay." Chen Shijie immediately flew out, one person moving from the treetop and the other from the tree tail.

"Whoosh~" The two quickly cut off the poisonous seeds from the tree trunk, leaving only some useful plants.

The Giant Spirit Tree is a sixth-tier tree, but the nurturing effect of its trunk after death far surpasses Zhao Xing's use of the Instant Primordial.

Because the Giant Spirit Tree is at the sixth level, but it can cultivate sixth-level exotic flowers and herbs in a very short time!

After working for an hour, the two stopped.

They waited for another two hours.

Chen Shijie and Zhao Xing then harvested the ripe fruits and lingzhi mushrooms and returned to the middle of the tree trunk.

In the end, they obtained six purple Ganoderma lucidum plants and eighteen fruits.

Since the Giant Spirit Tree nurtured creatures that broke free from the constraints of their original species, Zhao Xing did not know what these creatures were called.

The general effects of these things can only be determined by the Five Elements Observation and the Heaven's Eye Art.

"Meow~" The Mountain Cat sniffed at the good stuff and wanted to eat it, but Long Xiao pulled it back.

"Zhao Xing, you divide it up," Long Xiao said.

Before they set off, it was agreed that Zhao Xing would distribute all the benefits, and Zhao Xing would have the right of first choice.

"Brother Xia, you can try the poison first." Zhao Xing smiled and picked up a purple fruit, handing it to Xia Jing.

Xia Jing practiced the Gluttony Art, which gave him extremely high poison resistance. This is also the role of martial artists among the investigators—testing for poison.

By observing Xia Jing's refining process, Zhao Xing can further assess the efficacy using the [Five Elements Observation].

"Alright, it's my turn to eat it." Xia Jing didn't hesitate and immediately took the fist-sized fruit, finishing it off in a few bites, leaving not even the pit.

Because the essence of some fruits lies in their peel and pit, it's hard to say.

Anyway, I've already reached level four of the Gluttony Art, so I'm not afraid at all.

After finishing the meal, Xia Jing's eyes lit up. "This is amazing! My qi and blood have greatly increased, and a piece of golden bone has transformed in my left arm."

Zhao Xing kept his eyes fixed on Xia Jing, penetrating his body, and discovered that a bone in Xia Jing's left arm, which was originally at the [Silver Bone] level, had now transformed into a pale gold color.

"No discomfort?"

"No."

"I'll take the second one." Zhao Xing immediately ate the fruit. He had a control panel and could also sense its effects.

Of course, it's best to let Xia Jing test the waters first, since this is something unknown.

[You have consumed the 'Unknown Fruit' (Tier 6), which has upgraded your Essence Gathering by First Tier and increased your lifespan by 3 years.]

[The bone in your right index finger has transformed from "Iron Bone Perfection" to "Silver Bone Initial Formation."]

Two records appeared on the panel.

"A single fruit can advance you to First Tier, add three years to your lifespan, and even cause your bones to transform?"

The results were surprisingly good.

It should be noted that Zhao Xing is now at the Heavenly Star Realm, and his advancement in the Essence Gathering Rank is gradually slowing down.

Advancing from the 43rd level of Essence Gathering to the 44th level is several times more difficult than advancing from the First Tier to the 43rd level.

The same principle applies to lifespan; Zhao Xing's extra lifespan has now increased to 160 years.

An increase in lifespan is an improvement in one's destiny in the unseen realm.

This fruit can last for three years, which is quite remarkable.

The third effect is also quite good. Since Agricultural Official is a mage, his physical physique is inferior to that of a martial artist at the same level.

For example, Xia Jing is also Sixth Rank, but his physique is "half golden bones and half silver bones", and his blood and qi are like the sea, circulating endlessly.

Its poison resistance, endurance, and recovery ability are much stronger than those of other classes.

Someone like Agricultural Official, without special training, would normally need to reach the Fifth Grade to possess the physique of a Sixth Rank martial artist.

Therefore, Zhao Xing is currently only "copper skin Iron Bone", while Xia Jing already possessed a copper skin Iron Bone body during his reserve training.

Why is there such a difference? Because Zhao Xing practices secret texts such as the Solar Terms Decree and the Houtu Return to Origin.

Xia Jing Jingxiu, on the other hand, studied secret manuals such as "Gluttony Art", "Azure Dragon Body Tempering Art" and "Seven Souls Primordial Chaos Art".

Although both utilize vital energy, the different cultivation methods lead different professions down different paths.

"It's non-toxic. Everyone take one first," Zhao Xing said. "Let me observe the effects after you've finished."

Upon hearing this, Chen Shijie, Long Xiao, Ji Ziyun immediately consumed the nameless sixth-tier fruit.

A short while later, all three finished taking the medicine and looked at Zhao Xing.

"Brother Ji, the effect of yours is the worst. It's probably because you've consumed too many similar treasures before, and the elemental nature of your magic seems to conflict with this fruit."

"You won't eat a second one. If you find a treasure in the next round, and it suits you, you'll get a bigger share. Is that alright?"

Ji Ziyun nodded. "Alright, since the effect of the medicine is weak, I won't waste it. I'll listen to you."

"Xia Jing, let me see you eat the second one."

Xia Jing did as instructed and ate the second fruit.

This fruit is quite effective for martial artists; Xia Jing ate a second one and transformed into a second golden bone.

Zhao Xing possessed the ability to see with his third eye; he could see that Xia Jing's pillar of fortune had subtly changed, indicating that his destiny had also been altered.

Zhao Xing then took the second pill himself, followed by Long Xiao and Chen Shijie.

After three rounds, Xia Jing's effect weakened, and she stopped taking the third pill and did not continue.

Long Xiao and Chen Shijie, however, consumed the fourth pill. Because these two hadn't had a good childhood, their foundation was weaker than Xia Jing's. Therefore, the effect only diminished after consuming the fourth pill.

Zhao Xing also ate four pills, but the effect weakened with the fourth one. His Essence Gathering level did not increase, and his lifespan only increased by 0.5 years, but his thigh bone underwent another transformation.

"Sixteen pills will be taken exactly to maximize the effect," Zhao Xing said with a smile.

"Meow~~" Aotian Meow looked aggrieved. How could you forget about me?

"Good boy, let the uncles and elders eat first. There are plenty of treasures this time." Long Xiao rubbed Aotian Meow's head.

Zhao Xing said, "Don't feel bad. There are still some fifth-tier fruits on the tree. I'll go pick some for you to eat."

Zhao Xing and his group had high standards. During this outbreak of Grotto Heaven Spiritual Wonder, they planned to only consume sixth-tier items, while still having a lot of fifth-tier items. This was to avoid accumulating any resistance or toxins in their bodies.

"I'll go, you divide the Ganoderma lucidum," Chen Shijie said.

"Alright."

While Zhao Xing was engrossed in his treasure hunt, numerous flying boats and warships gathered at various entrances to the Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven.

"What?! They won't let us in?!"

Do you know who my father is?

A bloated man in fine clothes roared at the guards at the bow of the boat, "My father, Martial Accomplishment Marquis! He was enfeoffed in the 325th year of the Renovation Era Calendar. I, the heir, dare to obstruct my Heir Apparent into a mere Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven?!"

The burly man in fine clothes shouted, "Open the Xuan Gate, or don't blame me for Guest Qi!"

The soldiers guarding the pass wore face shields, so their expressions were completely hidden; they simply pointed their sharp spears forward.

The man in fine clothes stepped forward, and the armored soldiers immediately gathered their blood energy for battle, mercilessly stabbing at him.

"What?!" Behind the man in fine clothes, a mage quickly pulled him back.

Having retreated to a safe distance, the spear formed from the blood and qi of the battle ceased its advance and was retracted.

"You bastards! You bastards!" The richly dressed man was terrified and collapsed to the ground. "You bunch of scoundrels, you dogs!"

"Heir Apparent, stop cursing." The mage behind him helped the spoiled young master to his feet. "He set up a formation without a word and didn't even explain. The level of this restriction must be very high. Let's find out more about it first."

"I've come all the way from Yangtai Commandery, and I can't even get through the gate?" The richly dressed young man was still furious. "Investigate! Who gave the order?!"

With so many Noble Families and nobles present, it was naturally easy to obtain information.

Soon, the son of Martial Accomplishment Marquis learned where the ban came from.

"Your Heir Apparent, we have found out that the ban was jointly issued by Rahu King, Ling De King, and Heaven Derivation King of the Military Realm."

"The nine entrances to the Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven are all heavily guarded, with strict entry and exit controls. Many people are currently being kept outside," the steward reported.

"What? The three kings have given an order?" The heir of Marquis Wucheng finally came to his senses.

Ling De King is nothing special, but Rahu King is extremely famous!

The Heaven Derivation King is even more mysterious.

Even if Martial Marquis himself were to arrive, it would probably be difficult for him to speak at this point.

"What should we do? Is there any way to get in?" The heir of Marquis Wucheng was anxious; his father didn't have many years left to live.

In this era, lifespan can be roughly calculated; there's a fixed number of years a person of a certain rank can live.

His father, Martial Accomplishment Marquis, had lived for over five hundred years and was only twenty or thirty years away from death.

The heir of Marquis Wucheng may seem useless, but in reality... he is also useless.

Because his father suffered on the battlefield and had a son late in life, he didn't want his son to suffer. Now, this Heir Apparent is only at the Earth Fiend Realm.

"Before setting off, the Marquis said that if he encountered any obstacles, he could send a letter of invitation to the Marquis Mingwu in the Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven," the steward said.

"Why didn't you say so sooner?! You scared me half to death!" The heir of Marquis Wucheng glared at the steward.

The steward remained silent. Delivering this visiting card was no simple matter; the Martial Accomplishment Marquis had paid a heavy price! Parents everywhere have their own hearts full of love and concern. This Heir Apparent master had no idea what his father had done; he simply thought it was a casual trip to earn some benefits.

But even if he goes in, can he really be transformed and support the family business as the Marquis hopes?

The steward watched as the Heir Apparent ran off to a nearby pleasure boat to boast and show off, and couldn't help but sigh inwardly.