Xiao Yuan Intended to Reach the Heavens in One Step

One brother refined the Bodhi Ancient Tree itself, while the other refined the Bodhi Zi seeds. With the feedback from the Bodhi Ancient Tree, the Dou Qi within their bodies had become several times stronger than at the beginning! After an unknown amount of time, when Xiao Yan once again reached out his palm to take the Bodhi Zi, he grasped at empty air. Only then did he realize that the Bodhi Zi in front of him had already been completely refined by him.

Xiao Yan was startled when he grabbed at empty air. He turned his gaze to the Bodhi Ancient Tree behind him and saw another wisp of black energy slowly seeping out from the tree, eventually dissipating into nothingness.

The branches parted, Xiao Yuan's figure emerged from them.

"Buzz!"

As the last wisp of black energy dissipated, the Bodhi Ancient Tree, its entire body resembling jade, suddenly emitted a buzzing sound. Immediately afterward, a burst of green light shone forth, and dazzling green rays of light shot out from the tree, eventually filling the space and making the already abundant vitality here even more intense.

"Has it been completely eradicated?"

Xiao Yuan and Xiao Yan gazed at the Bodhi Ancient Tree. Compared to before, the tree was now even greener, and the faint chill that had permeated it had vanished. Only now could the Bodhi Ancient Tree give people a sense of peace, holiness, and wisdom.

"Splash!"

A branch from the ancient tree slowly extended out, eventually touching Xiao Yuan and Xiao Yan's heads like a human hand. From that branch, the two could feel an emotion called joy.

"It's cleared up now."

Xiao Yan smiled and patted the branches of the Bodhi Ancient Tree. Then, a wave of exhaustion, seemingly originating from his very soul, suddenly surged up, causing his eyes to droop and his head to slowly lower. The time spent refining the Bodhi Zi had taken a heavy toll on him. Although the Bodhi Ancient Tree could replenish his Dou Qi, the exhaustion in his soul could not be eliminated. Now that Xiao Yan had relaxed, the long-suppressed exhaustion in his soul suddenly appeared, causing him to fall into a deep sleep.

"Buzz!"

Seeing Xiao Yan droop his head and fall into a deep sleep, a strange sound came from the Bodhi Ancient Tree. Then, a burst of emerald light burst out, like countless tentacles, pulling Xiao Yan, who was sitting cross-legged on the futon, closer to the tree. The moment the two touched, the tree rippled, and Xiao Yan slowly merged into it, finally sitting cross-legged in the center of the tree like a sculpture, completely still.

"Give me some energy. I plan to break through to the Dou Sheng here."

Xiao Yuan smiled as he watched Xiao Yan being pulled into the Bodhi Ancient Tree, and then reached out to tug at a branch of the Bodhi Ancient Tree.

Upon hearing this, the canopy of the Bodhi Ancient Tree trembled slightly, then pulled Xiao Yuan to its side. A branch fell down and quickly grew beneath Xiao Yuan, transforming into a smaller Bodhi Ancient Tree that enveloped Xiao Yuan's body.

After Xiao Yuan and Xiao Yan were each pulled into the Bodhi Ancient Tree, the Bodhi Ancient Tree shook its branches again, and strange fluctuations spread out. Suddenly, the space here tore open one spatial opening after another, and from them, a group of disheveled figures were spat out. They were none other than the group that had entered the Bodhi Ancient Tree with Xiao Yuan, including Xun'er and the others.

Suddenly appearing in this strange space, everyone's expression changed, and many people's faces still showed a hint of horror, clearly realizing that everything they had experienced before was an illusion.

"What a terrifying Bodhi Ancient Tree!"

Even strong individuals like Xun'er and Gu Qingyang couldn't remain calm at this moment. Recalling the previous illusion, they couldn't help but feel a cold sweat breaking out. If it weren't for this sudden change, they would probably have stayed in the illusion for the rest of their lives.

As everyone gradually came to their senses, they slowly suppressed their shock and began to examine this strange space brimming with vitality.

"Bodhi Ancient Tree?"

This space wasn't large, so all eyes quickly converged on the ancient tree standing there, its entire body like jade. In an instant, horrified voices couldn't help but escape from some people's mouths. After the previous illusion, they were terrified of the Bodhi Ancient Tree to the extreme. Nothing was more miserable and tragic than dying in an illusion.

"Brother Xiao Yan?"

Xun'er and the others' gazes were also fixed on the Bodhi Ancient Tree, but then she saw the slender figure inside the tree, and her expression changed drastically.

"Xiao Yuan?"

As Xun'er's expression changed, Cai Lin, Yun Yun, Xiao Yi Xian, and the others also saw Xiao Yuan "trapped" in the small Bodhi Ancient Tree, and their expressions immediately changed as well.

"Xun'er, don't be impulsive! This might be a great opportunity for him!"

Gu Qingyang stopped Xun'er, who was about to rush forward, and said in a deep voice.

Hearing Gu Qingyang's words, Xun'er finally came to her senses and carefully recalled the records related to the Bodhi Ancient Tree. After a moment, she slowly nodded and then explained to her three sisters-in-law.

According to some ancient records, the Bodhi Ancient Tree has three treasures: the Bodhi Heart, the Bodhi Zi, and enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. The first two are not difficult to explain, as they are all things contained within the Bodhi Ancient Tree. However, the third one seems more ethereal. The Bodhi Ancient Tree is known as the Wisdom Reincarnation Tree. Legend has it that it has the miraculous effect of allowing people to experience Hundred Lifetimes Reincarnation, and those who have undergone such reincarnation trials possess the potential to become a Dou Di).

Although it is just a legend, countless powerful individuals still go crazy for this ethereal legend, simply because of the supreme level that also exists in legends!

In the vibrant space, everyone's gaze was focused on Xiao Yuan and Xiao Yan, who were sitting cross-legged in the ancient tree. Their eyes were filled with fervor. Those who came here had all heard of the Three Bodhi Treasures. Although the so-called enlightenment under the Bodhi tree seemed ethereal and unverifiable, the potential it could bring was enough to drive anyone crazy.

"This Bodhi Ancient Tree seems to have some affection for the two brothers, Xiao Yuan and Xiao Yan. I just don't know what happened before. Under normal circumstances, they should have also fallen into the illusion."

Gu Qingyang analyzed.

"Hmm," Xun'er nodded slightly and said, "It seems we can't get out of here. I tried before, but I couldn't tear open even the slightest Space Rift. Now, I'm afraid we can only wait for Brother Xiao Yan and Third Brother to wake up."

Gu Qingyang nodded. He had already tried it, and the space here was surprisingly solid. Even if he exerted all his strength, he couldn't create the slightest spatial fluctuation, let alone tear it apart. "Now we can only wait. However, the life force here is extremely dense, so waiting for some time shouldn't be a problem."

At this moment, Cai Lin also spoke up, saying that it was absolutely impossible for her to abandon Xiao Yuan and leave first.

In this strange space, the concept of time becomes extremely blurred. Because it is impossible to break through this space, and because everyone is still somewhat traumatized by the real illusion of the Bodhi Ancient Tree, no one dares to truly go crazy in this space. Although it is a bit stifling here, at least it is real. But when you are in an illusion, you can't even distinguish between reality and illusion. That feeling is truly terrifying.

As time passed in this space, everyone gradually entered a state of cultivation. The energy here was full of vitality, which was an excellent tonic for anyone. Moreover, this energy could be used to heal injuries and even clear some bruises hidden deep in the body. Therefore, during this tedious waiting period, everyone entered a state of cultivation one after another, and after a while, they all made considerable gains.

Under this monotonous cultivation, about a month slowly passed in this space. During the month, the Bodhi Ancient Tree did not make any movement, and Xiao Yuan and Xiao Yan, who were sitting cross-legged inside it, were as still as mosquitoes in amber. Even their auras disappeared from everyone's perception.

After waiting for seven more days, Xiao Yan slowly opened his eyes inside the Bodhi Ancient Tree!

As he opened his eyes, the space, filled with the breath of life, suddenly rippled with strange fluctuations. Everyone stared at the pair of dark eyes within the ancient tree, and for a moment, they all seemed to feel a profound sense of vicissitude that had seen through all things in the world. This vicissitude was deeply ingrained in their souls and could not be faked.

"Brother Xiao Yan."

Xun'er looked at Xiao Yan, who had opened his eyes, her beautiful eyes filled with surprise and delight.

"Xiao Yan's gaze is so eerie." Gu Qingyang and the others exchanged glances, but their feelings were quite different. In their perception, when Xiao Yan looked at them, they had the illusion that their very souls were exposed to him. This feeling made them extremely uncomfortable.

The entire space was silent, and everyone's gaze was fixed on Xiao Yan, who was inside the Bodhi Ancient Tree. They had only ever seen people who could cultivate under the Bodhi tree in ancient books, so they had no idea what changes would occur after cultivation.

Under the watchful eyes of many, Xiao Yan, nestled within the Bodhi Ancient Tree, appeared somewhat bewildered. His gaze slowly swept over everyone, finally settling on Xun'er and the others. In his eyes, filled with the marks of time, a familiar, lively light began to emerge. "Xun'er."

Xiao Yan slowly opened his mouth, and after a moment, a somewhat hoarse voice, even exuding an ancient aura, gently emanated from the Bodhi Ancient Tree. Everyone who heard his voice couldn't help but slightly change their expression, as this tone was completely different from the Xiao Yan of the past.

However, after that ancient voice rang out, the vicissitudes that filled Xiao Yan's dark eyes gradually subsided until they completely disappeared. This vicissitudes disappeared so purely that it seemed to have completely retreated into the depths of Xiao Yan's soul, making it impossible for anyone to detect.

"Call"

As the sense of vicissitude disappeared, Xiao Yan raised his head and exhaled a long breath of emerald green gas. He then stood up from the Bodhi Ancient Tree and, under the watchful eyes of everyone, slowly stepped out. When Xiao Yan's body touched the Bodhi Ancient Tree, the surface of the tree rippled, and his body, like liquid, slowly melted out of the incredibly hard Bodhi Ancient Tree.

"They're finally back."

Stepping out of the Bodhi Ancient Tree, Xiao Yan stretched dramatically, his clear laughter causing Xun'er and the others to breathe a sigh of relief. Thankfully, it was Xiao Yan's familiar voice! "Brother Xiao Yan, are you alright?"

Xun'er quickly stepped forward, her beautiful eyes scanning Xiao Yan intently as she asked with concern.

"Fine."

Xiao Yan shook his head, his hand unable to resist stroking Xun'er's soft, black hair. A trace of emotion flashed in his eyes. To outsiders, it seemed that he had only spent a month in the Bodhi Ancient Tree, but he knew that his soul had undergone a hundred cycles of reincarnation and trials within the Bodhi Ancient Tree. If it weren't for his firm will, he would probably have been lost in those cycles long ago. But fortunately, in the end, he always held firm to his original intention and walked all the way, finally returning once again.

In just one month, he had experienced too many life-and-death twists and turns, the dangers of which were no less than those of a true Dou Sheng Expert. Looking into Xiao Yan's eyes, Xun'er did not look away. Although she did not know what Xiao Yan had experienced, she was certain of one thing: his cultivation over the past month was certainly not as easy as it appeared on the surface. However, since Xiao Yan did not say, she naturally did not ask.

Thank you.

Xiao Yan turned his head, but his gaze was fixed on the Bodhi Ancient Tree behind him. He cupped his hands and smiled.

"Splash."

In response to Xiao Yan's thanks, the Bodhi Ancient Tree, which had remained silent for nearly a month, suddenly shook itself, making a rustling sound. This amazed everyone, who realized that the tree did indeed possess sentience, though it seemed to disdain to acknowledge them.

"My Third Brother brother?"

Then Xiao Yan's gaze turned to Xiao Yuan in the small Bodhi Ancient Tree beside him.

The canopy of the Bodhi Ancient Tree swayed, and a ripple emanated from it.

"Is he still going to cultivate? It seems that Third Brother is planning to ascend to the heavens in one leap this time!"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan muttered to himself thoughtfully.

"Your aura seems a bit unfathomable. Could it be that you've broken through to the Half-Saint realm?"

Gu Qingyang leaned closer and whispered, his voice filled with disbelief, because he discovered that he couldn't sense Xiao Yan's aura at all. Even some of the Half-Saint powerhouses in his clan had never given him this feeling.

"It's not that easy."

Xiao Yan shook his head. Right now, he was only at the Nine Stars Dou Zun Peak. Of course, to achieve in one month what others might not be able to do in ten years was quite astonishing. But Xiao Yan understood that what others saw as a short month was, in his perception, a hundred years!

It took a century to hone and refine his Dou Qi, repeatedly condensing it, before he could complete the Nine Revolutions Dou Qi within his body and reach the true Dou Zun Peak.

This speed was hardly fast; in fact, it was rather slow. However, Xiao Yan was always extremely cautious about power gained out of thin air. Even the energy he gained from this kind of reincarnation training was repeatedly suppressed. He dared not let his strength increase too much. He had great ambitions and did not want to give up his future prospects for a little immediate gain.

Seeing Xiao Yan shake his head, Gu Qingyang was also taken aback, and then could only smile helplessly. He couldn't even see through Xiao Yan now! "My brother is probably aiming for the Dou Sheng this time, and it will probably take a long time."

Xiao Yan knew that his three sisters-in-law were concerned about his Third Brother, so he quickly went up to explain.

"It's okay, we can just wait here."

Cai Lin waved her hand, indicating that Xiao Yan did not need to say anything more.

Xiao Yan was speechless upon hearing this.

He was naturally worried about leaving his three sisters-in-law in such a dangerous place. After all, the Bodhi Ancient Tree wouldn't stay on the ground forever. It would be too dangerous for his three sisters-in-law to stay there until the Bodhi Ancient Tree returned to the underground.

"Go back first. I will return after I finish my cultivation."

At this moment, a soul message flew out from the small Bodhi Ancient Tree and directly entered the minds of Cai Lin, Xiao Yi Xian, Yun Yun.

Immediately afterwards, the smaller Bodhi Ancient Tree trembled slightly and, enveloped in emerald light, disappeared into the ground.

At the same time, a large number of Bodhi Zi flew out from the Bodhi Ancient Tree and fell into Xiao Yan's hands.