Wuzhuang Temple is Indeed Interesting "Fruit"

After leaving Kunlun Mountain, Xuan Wazi was in excellent spirits. He had made a preliminary acquaintance with the Three Pure Ones, especially leaving a good impression on Tongtian. This could be considered planting a small seed for future arrangements in Zixiao Palace and even the Investiture of the Gods Tribulation.

"Next stop, Longevity Mountain, Wuzhuang Temple!" Xuan Wazi identified his direction, his form merging into the void as he headed towards the dojo of Zhen Yuanzi, who was known as "the peer of the world." Xuan Wazi was very curious about the ancestor of the Earth Immortals, who held the Innate Spiritual Root Ginseng Fruit Tree, and his good-natured friend, Old Ancestor Hong Yun. Of course, he was also salivating over the Ginseng Fruit.

Although Longevity Mountain was not as majestic and grand as Kunlun Mountain, it possessed its own immortal aura. The mountain's terrain was uniquely beautiful, the forests and springs were secluded and lovely, and the spiritual energy was abundant yet gentle, giving a sense of peace and tranquility. At the summit, a simple and ancient Taoist temple sat amidst the sea of clouds. The plaque above the entrance bore the words "Wuzhuang Temple," written with characters full of Taoist charm.

Xuan Wazi maintained his old Taoist persona of "Xuan Yunzi" and landed his escape light before the temple. Before he could even knock, the vermilion gate creaked open on its own. A young boy with clear eyes and a handsome face emerged, bowed to Xuan Wazi, and said, "Are you Senior Xuan Yunzi? My master and Uncle Hong Yun have been waiting for you in the temple for a long time."

Xuan Wazi's heart stirred. So, Zhen Yuanzi really has some skill to be able to predict my visit? It seems this ancestor of Earth Immortals is not famous for nothing.

"Thank you, young boy, for leading the way," Xuan Wazi said with a smile, following the boy into the temple.

The interior of Wuzhuang Temple was elegantly decorated, without excessive luxurious ornamentation, yet it exuded natural Taoist charm everywhere. Passing through the front courtyard and into the backyard, he saw a towering ancient tree, lush and verdant. Among its branches, fruits shaped like infants, rosy-cheeked and white, could be vaguely seen, emitting an alluring fragrance and a powerful vital essence. This was none other than the Innate Spiritual Root—the Ginseng Fruit Tree!

Beneath the tree, a stone table was set, and several Taoist priests were enjoying tea and discussing the Tao. At the head seat sat a Taoist priest with an ancient countenance, wearing a purple-gold crown and a robe depicting mountains and rivers. His aura was profound, subtly connected to the earth beneath his feet. This was Zhen Yuanzi, whose cultivation had clearly reached the late-stage Grand Unity realm. Beside him sat a Taoist priest in a red robe, with a kind face and a perpetual smile—the renowned good-natured Old Ancestor Hong Yun, whose cultivation was at the early-stage Grand Unity Golden Immortal level.

What surprised Xuan Wazi slightly was that Sect Master Tongtian was also present! It seemed he had come directly to Wuzhuang Temple after their previous meeting at Kunlun Mountain.

"Fellow Daoist Xuan Yun, my fellow Daoist Tongtian and I were just speaking of you. We didn't expect you to arrive so soon. What a coincidence," Zhen Yuanzi said, rising and warmly welcoming his guest. Hong Yun also smiled and cupped his hands in greeting.

Upon seeing Xuan Wazi, Tongtian's eyes lit up, and he laughed, "Fellow Daoist Xuan Yun, you've come at the perfect time! Just now, I was discussing your theory of 'even stubborn stones can be taught' with Brother Zhen Yuanzi, and found it quite interesting!"

Xuan Wazi chuckled inwardly but maintained a calm demeanor, performing a kowtow. "I am Xuan Yunzi. Greetings to Fellow Daoist Zhen Yuanzi, Fellow Daoist Hong Yun, and Fellow Daoist Tongtian. I apologize for this unannounced visit and for disturbing your peaceful cultivation."

"You are too kind, Fellow Daoist. Please, have a seat," Zhen Yuanzi said, leading Xuan Wazi to a seat. A young boy promptly served fragrant tea. The tea was clear and filled with spiritual energy, brewed from the leaves of the Ginseng Fruit Tree. Though not as miraculous as the Ginseng Fruit itself, it was a rare treasure for enlightenment.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the four returned to their discussion of the Tao. Zhen Yuanzi expounded on the Way of the Earth Immortal, emphasizing virtue and nurturing all things, being the peer of the world. Hong Yun spoke of the Carefree Way of Clouds, its constant change and movement according to one's will. Tongtian, as always, focused on his sharp Way of the Sword, seeking a sliver of opportunity.

Xuan Wazi listened, nodding occasionally, and sometimes offering his insights from the perspective of "stubbornness." For instance, when discussing the Way of the Earth Immortal's role in protecting the Earth Veins, he said, "Protection is indeed important, but heaven and earth also undergo constant change. Perhaps occasionally 'naughtily' guiding the Earth Veins to shift could create new areas of spiritual beauty?" Regarding the Carefree Way of Clouds, he added, "Though movement and stillness are dictated by the heart, if one only follows their whims, wouldn't they lose direction? Sometimes, a bit of 'stubborn' force is needed to push it along, perhaps leading to sights never before seen."

His pronouncements, while novel and even somewhat "heretical" to Zhen Yuanzi and Hong Yun, seemed to align with some natural principles upon deeper reflection, not entirely without merit. Hong Yun, in particular, found Xuan Wazi's idea of "pushing it along" quite resonant with his own occasional desire for change.

Tongtian, on the other hand, was thoroughly entertained, feeling that Xuan Wazi's words deeply captured the essence of his own approach to seizing opportunities and breaking conventions.

The atmosphere of their discussion was harmonious. Zhen Yuanzi, seeing Xuan Wazi's extraordinary demeanor and unique Taoist realm, felt a desire to befriend him. He stroked his beard and smiled, "Today's discussion with Fellow Daoist Xuan Yun has been most enlightening. As it happens, my Ginseng Fruits are ripening soon. I shall pick a few to share with all of you, as a toast to our gathering."

With that, he instructed a young boy to use a golden mallet to knock down four Ginseng Fruits, which were then served on a jade plate. The fruits were lifelike, resembling curled infants, and their exotic fragrance made one feel refreshed and invigorated, their magical powers stirred.

"Is this the Ginseng Fruit?" Xuan Wazi gazed at the alluring fruits on the jade plate, his heart filled with excitement, though he tried to maintain a calm, expert facade. "I've heard that this fruit takes three thousand years to bloom, three thousand years to bear fruit, and another three thousand years to ripen, taking at least ten thousand years to be edible. If one is fated, merely smelling it can extend one's life by three hundred and sixty years, and eating one can grant forty-seven thousand years of longevity. To see it today, it truly lives up to its reputation."

"You flatter me, Fellow Daoist. They are merely some wild fruits," Zhen Yuanzi said humbly, though a hint of pride flickered in his eyes. After all, such Innate Spiritual Roots were rare even in the vast Primordial Era.

The four each took a Ginseng Fruit. Xuan Wazi, following their example, carefully picked up the fruit and gently bit through its skin. Instantly, an indescribably sweet and pure juice flowed into his throat, transforming into a vast yet gentle vital essence and Innate Wood Spirit Qi, which instantly coursed through his entire body!

He felt his magical power rapidly increasing. The subtle internal injuries left from condensing the energies of metal from the lungs and earth from the spleen were completely healed. His spirit, in particular, felt as if it had been cleansed, becoming clear and lucid, and his comprehension of the laws of heaven and earth seemed to have sharpened! The bottleneck he had been stuck at in the Great Perfection of Grand Unity Golden Immortal actually showed signs of loosening!

"What a treasure! Truly a treasure!" Xuan Wazi exclaimed inwardly. The effect was far superior to the spiritual materials he had painstakingly gathered himself! No wonder the flesh of Tang Monk in later generations... cough cough, the Ginseng Fruit was so sought after.

After consuming one Ginseng Fruit each, the four closed their eyes for a moment to digest. When they reopened them, they all appeared radiant and energetic, clearly having gained much.

Old Ancestor Hong Yun, being the most straightforward, patted his belly and laughed, "Haha, that was wonderful! Fellow Daoist Xuan Yun, you are an interesting person, and your words are also interesting. Why don't you stay at Wuzhuang Temple for a few more days? We can discuss the Tao every day, wouldn't that be delightful?"

Tongtian also looked at Xuan Wazi, clearly sharing the sentiment.

Xuan Wazi's mind, however, was racing. He had eaten the Ginseng Fruit and discussed the Tao. If he stayed any longer, it might not be good if Zhen Yuanzi, this seasoned Grand Unity Golden Immortal, discovered more of his flaws. Moreover, he had "important matters" to attend to—continuing his travels through the Primordial Era to prepare for the upcoming Dao-Demon Conflict and the lectures in Zixiao Palace.

He stood up and bowed respectfully to Zhen Yuanzi and Hong Yun. "Thank you both for your generous hospitality. This discussion of the Tao and tasting of the fruit has benefited me greatly, and I am deeply grateful. However, I am accustomed to a life of freedom and wandering. I still have some lingering doubts that I need to resolve through further travel in the Primordial Era, so I cannot stay long. I hope you will forgive me."

Seeing that his resolve to leave was firm, Zhen Yuanzi did not insist. He nodded and said, "Since you have matters on your mind, Fellow Daoist, I shall not detain you. Should you have leisure in the future, you are always welcome at Wuzhuang Temple. I will surely greet you with open arms."

Hong Yun expressed some regret. "Alas, Fellow Daoist, you are leaving already? Very well, very well. The road of the Primordial Era is long. Take care, Fellow Daoist."

Tongtian, however, was more easygoing. "Fellow Daoist Xuan Yun, we will likely meet again at the Kunlun dojo! We can have a good discussion then!"

Xuan Wazi's heart stirred, but his expression remained unchanged. He smiled, "If fate allows, we shall meet again. Esteemed Fellow Daoists, farewell for now!"

After bidding farewell to Zhen Yuanzi, Hong Yun, and Tongtian, Xuan Wazi once again took to his escape light and left Longevity Mountain. This trip not only allowed him to taste the legendary Ginseng Fruit and solidify his foundation but also further deepened his connections with Zhen Yuanzi and Hong Yun. Especially with Sect Master Tongtian, his relationship had significantly improved. It was truly a trip filled with rewards.

[Ding! Host successfully pranked (by provoking Zhen Yuanzi and Hong Yun to contemplate life with peculiar remarks) at Wuzhuang Temple and tasted the Innate Spiritual Root Ginseng Fruit, consolidating his foundation. Reward: Divine Ability 'Sleeve Universe' (simplified version), a wisp of Innate Wood Spirit Qi.]

"'Sleeve Universe'? Haha, a simplified version of Zhen Yuanzi's signature skill? Not bad, not bad!" Xuan Wazi was even more pleased. "System, where should we go to cause trouble... uh, travel next?"

He stood on the clouds, overlooking the vast Primordial Era, his gaze directed towards the Solar Star and the Lunar Star. A familiar "stubborn" smile curled his lips.

"I heard that brothers Di Jun and Tai Yi are consolidating the Demon Clan and are full of ambition? And what about the two goddesses on the Lunar Star... hehe, I'll go give them some 'warmth' and 'surprises'!"

His figure flickered, and he transformed into a streak of light, heading straight towards the stars in the high heavens.